Hi! My name is Holly Helgeson. I am a fabric and pattern addict! Ever since I can remember, I have been drawing and designing patterns. When I was a child, I used to impatiently wait for the “BIG” JCPenney and Sears catalogs to arrive at Christmas time so I could design dresses for the models in the books. However, my true love for fabric design came after I graduated high school and went to work for a wonderful designer, Julie Ingleman. I was privileged to work with many amazing women, all who inspired me and taught me about patterns, repeats and color. Following my design job with Julie, I went back to school and graduated with a diploma in Graphic Design.
These days I spend most of my time running after my three goofy children. They truly inspire me on a daily basis. I recently designed a line of paper dolls called “Mommy & Me” and “Miss Ruby” for my daughter Ruby. I am hoping to pass my love of paper dolls and pattern on to her. In addition, I have also challenged myself to create a new fabric design every week. Although, one design usually leads to many for me, and some very late nights.
If I am not drawing, you will typically find me with my nose in the latest fabric/pattern book, or sitting at my computer reading pattern blogs and writing for my blog. Otherwise, I will be searching out antique stores and flea markets with my hubby to see what kind of wonderful vintage fabric treasures I can find. I just can’t pass up a piece of vintage fabric. My inspiration truly comes from everything I set my eyes on. I find gorgeous textures and patterns everywhere I look.
Miss Ruby – Fat Quarter
Reykjavik – Fat Quarter
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I was very surprised to see your elimination. I had you in my top four (I hadn’t decided an order, just a group of four). I love your colors, and I think your print would work well for quilts or in home-dec projects for kids’ rooms. I thought it was a good interpretation of the theme. Your colors are very trendy, maybe they weren’t risky enough and forward-thinking enough for the judges? Gray and lime green have been in for a while, and emerald is Pantone’s color of 2013. Your print does seem like a children’s print, which I shy away from in these competitions, but maybe that’s your specialty. Quilters certainly make millions of children’s quilts, and your print could go with any dragon or princess themed quilt. Good job overall. Keep at it!
Thank you so much Linda! I really appreciate your comments! I do have younger children, so I am naturally drawn to children themed patterns. I realize my design was a bit risky in terms of theme, but I really wanted to stay true to my style and the types of designs I first submitted to the competition. I really do enjoy designing more novelty type prints which I know may not always be the preferred style. But I know there is always room for growth and improvement. It has been a wonderful experience for me and I am looking forward to the next big adventure. Thank you again for your sweet comments!
Holly