A common thread in textile artist, designer and author Annabel Wrigley quilt designs is joyful, playful color. This busy mom designs quilts, writes books, publishes patterns, designs fabric and teaches children to sew. Whew! Read on to learn how this former RN has built her creative practice.
How did you find yourself on a creative path? Always there? Lightbulb moment? Dragged kicking and screaming? Evolving?
I have always been a maker. Making things has always been a way to happiness for me. I never knew the path that that would take me on. Before my kids were born, I was working as an RN in the mental health field. On the weekends I would take any opportunity to get crafty.
After my son was born, I decided that I wanted to learn to sew so that I would be able to make him cute little accessories. My mother-in-law showed me how to sew the cutest little hat and that was it! I never looked back and have been sewing ever since.
What inspires you to create?
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The biggest inspiration to me is color. It has the power to create so many feelings of joy!
It’s a big move from Australia to Virginia. How has that change worked out for you creatively?
It was definitely difficult at first. I moved with 2 small children, and as much as I wanted to sew and create, my priority was getting them through those young years. We have no family here which made it difficult to have that creative time. Now they are older, I have the time to work and its like all that creativity that was bottled up totally exploded from me. It’s been a wonderful journey.
Teaching children to sew is not for everyone. How did you come to do that, and why do you enjoy it so much?
I started teaching children after my daughter (she was 6 at the time) expressed an interest in sewing after watching me. I started teaching her and then fell into teaching some of her friends. It definitely grew from there. To be honest, I never imagined that I would teach children and was convinced that I wouldn’t have the patience for it but I have to say, it is one of the most rewarding things I have ever done.
How did you get into designing fabric? Did you seek it out, or did the opportunity come to you?
I always knew that I wanted to try it but wasn’t sure how to go about it. I learned a lot from Heather Ross’s fabric design book and took one of her digital fabric design classes. Heather introduced me to the folks at Wyndham fabrics and it took off from there. My proudest collection is the Ruby and Bee solids collection that I designed with Heather. We have 55 colors now and I love working with them every day.
Do you feel that you chose your “passion,” or did it choose you?
I think a little bit of both! I never realized that I could have such a physical feeling of joy working with fabric. Career-wise, I wasn’t sure where I was going, and I knew after my kids were born that I didn’t want to go back to nursing. When I started sewing for them it all clicked and it became my passion.
What is the most important takeaway you want readers to gain from your books, especially your new title, Sewing for Beginners Handy Pocket Guide?
I want people to read it and to realize that everyone can sew. The number of times people have told me that they would never be able to do it is staggering. I just want everyone to realize that with a little direction and learning, they are capable of a great sewing future.
When it comes to creating, are you more of a planner or an improviser?
I am definitely an improviser. I love the freedom to break the rules and make things in a moment with very little planning. The colors guide me for sure! There is a place for planning, too, especially when I am working on quilt patterns, but improvisational quilting is my one true love.
Do you have a dedicated space for creating? If so, what does it look like?
Yes, I do! I am lucky to have a beautiful sewing studio here in Richmond. I feel so much more productive keeping my home life and work-life separated.
What are the indispensable tools and materials in your studio? How do they improve your work?
The most important tools and materials are my sewing machines – I am a Janome ambassador which allows me to work on a phenomenal machine, I feel so grateful for that. Also having all of my solids available at my fingertips makes things always feel creative.
Do you use a sketchbook or journal? How does that help your work develop?
I would love to be someone who uses a sketchbook! Since I work on many improvised pieces, I sketch my design on tracing paper and go from there. There is zero planning, and I just like to go where the fabric takes me. When I am making a more traditional quilt pattern, I love to use EQ8. It gives me great freedom to play with design and color.
What plays in the background while you work? Silence? Music, audiobooks, podcasts, movies? If so, what kind?
It really depends on my mood. I have a hard time concentrating on podcasts so it is usually music. There is a playlist on Spotify called lush and atmospheric. That is my go-to playlist. I also watch a lot of trashy reality TV; I can listen but don’t have to focus too much. Since there are several artists all working in studios around me, it can get quite noisy so TV and music – plus a pair of noise-canceling headphones – really help to transport me into the work zone.
When you have time to create for yourself, what kinds of projects do you make?
I love working on my raw edge appliqué wall quilts. It’s a way to express myself through color and they genuinely make me happy.
Do you think that creativity comes naturally to people, or do you think creativity is a skill that people can learn?
I think it can definitely take time to find your creative place but I do think that everyone can access that if they want to. I am a strong believer in that!
How can people overcome the challenges they feel to their creative ability?
When I feel creatively lacking, I take time to relax, change my scenery and take a break. The pressure to create like other people will only make you less confident in yourself. In this Instagram and Pinterest world we live in, it’s difficult to not compare yourself with others. Find your niche and stick with it. It sounds cheesy to say follow your heart, but I really do believe it’s true.
Tell us about your website. What do you hope people will gain by visiting?
My website is a place you can go to purchase my solids, other fabrics as well as other products that are custom printed with my work. They can also take a look at some simple tips and techniques blog posts.
How can students/organizers get in touch with you to schedule a learning event?
I can be found on Instagram @littlepincushionstudio or by email at [email protected]
What do you hope the next year will bring?
I am really hoping for a little more time to spend on my own creative practice and definitely to release a few more quilt patterns.
Interview posted November 2021
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