Brigitte Heitland applies her expertise in interior design to create fabric lines and quilt patterns. Her designs are developed with both the beginner and experienced quilter in mind.
How long have you been sewing? How did you get started quilting and designing?
I started sewing at the age of six. My grandmother, who made our children’s clothes, taught me how to use the sewing machine. However, I only discovered quilting at the age of 40, when I stumbled upon a book by Kaffe Fassett. I was instantly captivated and had to try it out.
What inspires you to create?
Creativity is like an inner compulsion. Just as athletes feel a need to move, I have a need to bring new ideas to life.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Read more about our affiliate linking policy.
When was the first time that you remember realizing that you are a creative person?
I realized it when I was very young. My grandmother did a lot of handicrafts—knitting, crocheting, sewing, and so on. That must have sparked my interest and enthusiasm.
Do you have a dedicated space for creating? If so, what does it look like?
I wasn’t always a designer—I worked for many years in an office job.
When I decided to go independent at the age of 50 and turned my hobby into my profession, I set up a dedicated space in my house. Now that my children are grown and have moved out, I have three rooms dedicated to my creative work: first, my office with a computer, where I create all my designs and store my fabric samples.
Then I have a sewing studio with a large sewing machine table and a wall where all the tools are hung. This is also where we film our courses and YouTube videos. Finally, there’s a third workspace where we edit and finalize the videos.
What is your favorite storage tip for your fabric and creative supplies?
At heart, I am definitely a scrap saver. I find it hard to throw away small fabric scraps, especially from fabrics I love. On the other hand, as a designer, I constantly receive new sample fabrics that I need to sew and showcase to my audience. So, it’s not possible for me to use all my scraps in whimsical projects. The solution? I sell my scrap fabric packs, and they usually sell out in no time.
Scraps. Saver? Or be done with them?
As mentioned, I am a scrap saver. I can’t bear to part with even the smallest pieces of fabric, but due to the constant influx of new fabrics, I have to be selective. My solution is to offer these scraps to others, which allows them to find new life in someone else’s projects.
When you travel, do you create while on planes and in waiting areas?
Yes, even when I travel, my mind is always in business mode. I often have creative flashes that I jot down, and sometimes I work on small hexagon projects on the go.
What is in your creative travel kit? How do you organize it?
I usually take a small hand-sewing project with me on the road and have small project bags prepared for this purpose.
How often do you start a new project? Do you work actively on more than one project at a time?
I sew about ten to twelve quilt models a year, and for me, it’s natural to work on several projects simultaneously.
Can you tell us about the inspiration and process of one of your works? How does a new work come about?
When designing a new quilt, I always consider my customers’ needs: can they easily source the materials (I love precut quilts), do I have something for beginners and for advanced quilters looking for a new challenge? Does the layout represent my signature style: elegant, modern, often minimalist? These considerations help me filter through the multitude of ideas and decide which ones to bring to market.
Which part of the design process is your favorite? Which part is a challenge for you?
My favorite part is definitely fabric design, particularly creating the color palette. A challenge in fabric design is sometimes finding the perfect mix of patterns within a collection, which often requires several attempts before I finalize the composition.
How does your formal design education help your work develop? Does it ever get in the way?
Studying textile design is one thing, and there are certainly important aspects like developing pattern repeats. However, my studies were 40 years ago, before computers and applications like Illustrator were common. I’ve learned these modern tools through self-study, and market demand plays a significant role in design decisions.
Is there an overarching theme that connects all of your work?
I aim to bring an element to the quilting world that connects interior design (my first field of study) with quilting. Quilts should complement a modern, cool, elegant interior style—this is what Zen Chic represents.
Where do you find your inspiration for your designs?
Pinterest, on the go, interior style magazines.
What do you do to keep yourself motivated and interested in your work?
I often look at other artists’ work, whether it’s graphic design, photography, or other creative fields, and keep an eye on trends in related design areas.
How has your creativity evolved over the years? What triggered the evolution to new media/kinds of work/ways of working?
While my beginnings were perhaps somewhat naïve and innocent, I’ve learned through experience and mistakes. Business orientation now plays a more significant role in my design decisions.
Who or what are your main influences and inspirations?
People like Denise Schmidt or Carolyn Friedlander inspire me, as well as modern architecture and interior design.
What’s the best piece of advice you received along your creative journey?
Stay true to yourself. This is the best thing you can offer others.
Tell us about your blog and/or website. What do you hope people will gain by visiting
www.brigitteheitland.de — Visitors will explore a new approach to quilting. It’s no longer just about sewing pieces together for fun; it’s about creating quilts with style that complement a modern interior. This is my role in the quilting world: the aesthetic evolution of modern quilts by Brigitte Heitland of Zen Chic.
More about Brigitte and Zen Chic:
In the following section, we delve into what sets Zen Chic apart in the quilting world and explore how the brand uniquely contributes to the modern quilting scene.
The Aesthetic Evolution of Modern Quilts by Brigitte Heitland of Zen Chic.
Quilting has long been seen as a traditional craft, but Brigitte Heitland of Zen Chic has redefined what quilting can be. By merging contemporary design principles with classic quilting techniques, Heitland has created a unique aesthetic that has garnered attention from the quilting community and beyond.
What Makes Zen Chic Quilts Stand Out?
Brigitte Heitland’s quilts are not your grandmother’s quilts. While they are deeply rooted in traditional quilting methods, what sets them apart is their modern, minimalist aesthetic. Heitland’s work features clean lines, geometric patterns, and a sophisticated use of color that speaks to contemporary tastes. This fresh approach to quilting has resonated with a new generation of quilters and design enthusiasts.
The Power of Minimalism in Heitland’s Work
One of the hallmarks of Zen Chic’s quilts is their minimalist design. Minimalism in quilting is about stripping down a design to its essential elements, allowing the materials and craftsmanship to shine. Heitland’s quilts often feature large expanses of negative space, which creates a calming effect and allows the intricate quilting to take center stage. The simplicity of her designs also makes them incredibly versatile, fitting seamlessly into a variety of modern interiors.
Geometric Patterns and Their Impact
Geometric patterns are a key component of the Zen Chic aesthetic. Heitland uses shapes like triangles, squares, and circles in unexpected ways to create bold, eye-catching designs. These patterns are often inspired by architecture and modern art, giving the quilts a contemporary feel. The precision required to create these patterns speaks to Heitland’s technical expertise, but it’s the creativity in her designs that truly sets them apart.
The Role of Color in Zen Chic Quilts
Color is another critical element in Heitland’s quilts. While traditional quilts often feature a riot of colors and patterns, Zen Chic quilts are more restrained. Heitland uses a carefully curated palette, often working in shades of gray, white, and black, with pops of bright, bold colors like mustard yellow or deep teal. This controlled use of color adds to the modern feel of the quilts and ensures they remain timeless.
Bridging Tradition and Innovation
What makes Brigitte Heitland’s work truly special is how she bridges the gap between tradition and innovation. She respects the history of quilting while pushing the boundaries of what a quilt can be. By doing so, she has opened up the world of quilting to a new audience, including younger generations who may not have previously considered quilting as a creative outlet.
The influence of Zen Chic on Modern Quilting
Zen Chic has had a profound impact on the world of modern quilting. Heitland’s designs have inspired countless quilters to explore modern aesthetics in their own work. Her influence extends beyond individual quilts; she has helped to shape the direction of modern quilting as a whole. Zen Chic’s patterns, fabric collections, and finished quilts have become a staple in the quilting community, setting trends and encouraging innovation.
Conclusion
Brigitte Heitland of Zen Chic has truly revolutionized the quilting world. Her modern, minimalist approach has brought quilting into the 21st century, making it more relevant and accessible than ever before. For those looking to explore modern quilting, Heitland’s work serves as both an inspiration and a benchmark. Whether you’re a seasoned quilter or just beginning, the Zen Chic aesthetic offers endless possibilities for creativity.
Interview posted September 2024
Browse through more inspiring modern quilts on Create Whimsy.