Are you subscribed to Freemotion by the River blog? Then you should know Connie Kresin Campbell, a self-taught quilter and published pattern designer who loves sharing fast and easy quilt tutorials and patterns with others on her website. She enjoys sharing stories about her rescue dogs, wildlife and her five house moves in five years which has included five quilt studios. As one of the original Island Batik Brand Ambassadors, we’re thrilled to have Connie on our team again this year!
Time for a Q&A with Connie!
Island Batik: What sparked your interest in quilting, and how did your journey begin? Was there a particular quilt or moment that ignited your passion?
Connie: When I was in high school, I had a friend whose mother made baby quilts using square cardboard templates cut from cereal boxes. She drew around each piece with a pencil and cut them out with scissors. I couldn’t wait to do this and any extra fabric from my sewing was made into quilts. At that time I finished them the same way she had using flannel for the back and yarn to tie the quilt.
Can you describe your creative process from concept to completion? How do you decide on colors, patterns, and fabrics?
Most of the time I create based on the fabrics I am going to work with including my scrap stash. I challenge myself to work with the amount of fabric I have. I also use Electric Quilt 8 to design and try out different colors and fabrics in a design.
How do your quilts reflect your personal emotions or experiences? Do you find that quilting helps you process or express these emotions?
I love to create and quilting is one of my creative outlets.
What is the most challenging quilt you’ve ever made, and how did you overcome those challenges? What did you learn from that experience?
Recently I designed a foundation paper pieced quilt called Harvest Hues (see below) as my Island Batik ambassador challenge. It was challenging to get all the points perfect. I learned to take my time with each block and make sure to cut the fabric big enough for each piece I was covering.
How does your cultural background or heritage influence your quilting? Are there specific traditions or techniques you incorporate into your work?
My mother sewed clothes but never quilted. She taught me to use a sewing machine and I made almost all of my clothes.
How has your quilting style evolved over the years? Can you identify key moments or pieces that marked significant changes in your approach?
I don’t really think my quilting style has evolved over the years. I still enjoy it just as much.
If you could have any superpower to assist you in your quilting, what would it be and why?
A superpower – I never get tired of making quilt projects and I wish I could create all of the quilts that I think about making.
If you could collaborate with any artist, living or dead, on a quilt project, who would it be and what kind of quilt would you create together?
Nancy Zieman, I used to watch all of her Sewing with Nancy shows while I made clothing and then transitioned to quilting. Creating a landscape quilt with her would have been wonderful.
What are your future goals or dreams for your quilting? Are there new techniques, themes, or projects you’re excited to explore?
I always enjoy sharing tutorials and inspiring others to quilt. I am very fortunate to have a beautiful quilt studio and can’t wait to start the next quilt project and I’m very happy at this stage of my life.
Be sure to follow Connie on Instagram, Pinterest and Facebook and subscribe to her blog to see what she’s working on right now!
To see the whole 2024 Island Batik Ambassador team, please visit: https://islandbatik.com/2024-ambassadors/
Is there anything else you want to ask Connie? Leave us a comment below!