We are so happy and excited to announce the release of this special edition of BLOCK Magazine. ModBLOCK is just a modern twist on the awesome publication we have already created. Ten gorgeous, modern patterns with detailed instructions, beautiful photography and of course, no ads. We hope you love it!
For this special edition, we’ve collaborated with some amazingly talented people, so we want to introduce you to them! We have loved working with all of them!
We asked each contributor a series of questions, so you could get to know them and their style a little bit better. Check back soon because we’ll be featuring each one!
Meet Alexia Abegg.
Alexia’s project in ModBlock is ‘Noted’
What is your sewing/quilting/crafting/art background?
My mother taught me how to sew and quilt when I was young but my love for quilting really blossomed when I worked at the City Quilter in New York. I studied fashion and fine art in school and worked in production in my twenties, all of which has helped in my current work as a fabric and pattern designer.
How did you get started in this business?
I developed a few sewing patterns while working at the City Quilter and when my husband and I moved back to Nashville I opened a small sewing studio and taught classes. I also worked with Anna Maria Horner and she brought me along to my first quilt market in 2010. That cemented my desire to be a part of this amazing community of makers. My mom, Michelle Abegg, along with my husband Rob Bancroft, also a fabric designer, and I started Green Bee design & patterns together.
Tell us about your collection(s) and /or pattern style.
Most of my fabric designs begin as watercolor paintings so they have a bit of an irregular, hand drawn quality to them. My latest collection with Cotton + Steel was inspired by my childhood trips to the American southwest with my family. My dad would make up games for my sisters and I, we would collect plants and seeds and press them, and everyday we painted in our watercolor journals.
What are you inspired by?
Everything! I love learning, and trying new things, and a change of scenery or visiting a new city always inspires me.
How would you describe your style?
My style is a bit of a lot of things…mid-century vintage, grandma’s linen closet, daily sketchbook paintings, whimsical, and colorful.
What are some of your greatest challenges in your design process?
The best work happens when I’m really inspired. So I guess it’s just a constant push to stay inspired. Reading, seeing movies and traveling all get me going, so I try to do one of those things when I’m feeling spent.
Do you have an online presence on social media?
Facebook: Green Bee Design & Patterns
Pinterest: alexiastitches
Instagram: @alexiastitches
If you could learn to do anything, what would it be?
I would love to learn to fly airplanes, my grandfather was a pilot and I’ve always been intrigued!
What’s the hardest thing you’ve ever done?
Start a small business.
Who are your creative inspirations, heroes?
Mary Blair, Tammis Keefe, Andy Warhol.
Do you have a signature color? If not, what would it be?
Turquoise
What is your favorite quilting tool you use all the time?
I love my Hera marker, it’s great for making marks on fabric that don’t have to be washed to remove them!
Are there any releases or upcoming information that you’d like to share with us?
We are launching three new patterns in January, the Modern Baby Set, xoxo quilt, and the On Holiday Bag and Mesa. My new line with Cotton + Steel will be out early 15′ as well.
Thanks, Alexia! Check back often as we introduce the other contributors for ModBlock!