Diana Fitzgerald has always enjoyed tinkering, experimenting, and creating things. She loves trying different techniques and using her scraps to see what she can create. Now she designs patterns for her projects.
When did you first realize you are a creative person?
I think I’ve been this way since I was a kid, although I would never have called myself “creative” at that point. Growing up together, my brother and I always enjoyed tinkering, experimenting, and generally creating new things.
I also feel strongly that being creative isn’t purely visual. It’s everywhere in our lives. There’s always an opportunity to do something differently. Do something creative.
What techniques do you use in your work?
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I have to admit I’m pretty bad at knowing terminology. There can be a lot of overlap between techniques. My main tools are the straight stitch on my sewing machine and also slow-stitching.
I recently became interested in English Paper Piecing and Foundation Paper Piecing. I love to try different techniques and then smush them together.
Tell us more about your journey to become a pattern designer and teacher? Which came first?
My journey began with my love of “making things”. From there, I realized I couldn’t keep up with making all the things! I realized that selling the pattern for the things was the direction I should go. Teaching has been a joy for me even in my previous career. I’m excited about what I do, and I love to help others learn something new and become just as excited as I am.
Where do you find inspiration for your designs?
I try to pull inspiration from places that aren’t in the sewing world. I often notice shapes first and the relationship of those shapes to each other. I am inspired color-wise by clothing and the outfits I see on other people. Color inspiration can come from anywhere!
When it comes to creating, are you more of a planner or an improviser?
I’m very much a planner! Sketching ideas and applying measurements to bring them to life is my favorite part of my work.
I also incorporate ways to improvise. I really love to sit down with a pile of scraps and start sewing them together without a plan. The results are always surprising!
Do you have a dedicated space for creating? If so, what does it look like?
Thankfully, I do have a dedicated sewing room now. It hasn’t always been that way. At one point I was sewing and working out of a closet.
My favorite part of my sewing room is a large window that lets in a lot of sunlight and has a view of the trees in my backyard. The birds and squirrels are very distracting!
Scraps. Saver? Or be done with them?
Always save them!! Oh, sorry if that was a bit loud…Most of my work revolves around using scraps with an eye on sustainability. But, also simply trying to use what I have on hand instead of buying what I “think” I need. It helps me be more creative.
Do you use a sketchbook, journal, or technology to plan or keep track of ideas? How does that help your work develop?
I wish I had a better system for this! I have a list on my phone to which I add new ideas when I’m not at home. For the most part, I will sketch and flesh out a new project with a pencil and a piece of copy paper. Then those papers go together in a file drawer. That’s what is SUPPOSED to happen…
How often do you start a new project? Do you work actively on more than one project at a time?
I do work on more than one project at a time. I will say that I have to intentionally limit active projects because too many will cause my brain to freeze up. As mentioned earlier, I try to jot down or sketch and idea when I have it, but then put it away until I have more time.
Which part of the design process is your favorite? Which part is a challenge for you?
My favorite part is the beginning. Having the idea, making some sketches to figure out exactly how I want it to look. Then, putting numbers to the sketch so that I have a detailed technical drawing that can be used to create the pattern.
My biggest challenge comes when the pattern is finished, released, and I need to continue making new samples for the pattern! It’s a mental challenge for me to make the same thing over and over again. I don’t think I’m supposed to say that, but it’s true!
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve received?
Over time, I’ve realized that I have to really think about the benefits of asking opinions before I ask for them.
I try to run through this thought experiment before asking an opinion: If the person I’m speaking with tells me something that is not what I originally wanted to do…would it change my mind? If it wouldn’t, there’s no benefit to asking for the opinion, and it may actually deter me from my original goal. New ideas can easily be crushed before they even start!
I apply this idea to decisions as small as picking out a fabric, to larger, more consequential decisions. We love to share; that’s one of the great things about the sewing community. I would encourage people to follow through with their new ideas first before asking for opinions.
Where can people see your work?
You can find me at banjoflannel.com, Instagram, and Facebook. Also, in my new book published by C&T Publishing, “Patchwork Sashiko: Transform Your Scraps // 14 Slow-Stitched Projects” releasing in December 2025.
Interview posted July 2025
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