Shannon Fraser is a modern quilt pattern designer and teacher based in Montreal, Canada. Having discounted quilting as something she’d never be into, she’s now on a mission to encourage quilters at all levels to connect with their creative instincts through the art of quilting.
How long have you been quilting and designing quilt patterns? How did you get started?
I like to call myself the accidental quilter as I’d discounted quilting as something I’d be interested in. It wasn’t until I stumbled upon a YouTube video on how to make half square triangles (or HSTs as I’ve lovingly come to know them by), that I got curious and made one, then another, and another, and before I knew it, I was well on my way to making my first quilt (https://shannonfraserdesigns.ca/2016/10/14/my-first-quilt-study-in-half-square/). That was over 9 years ago, and I’ve been hooked since!
In terms of designing and sharing quilt patterns, that evolved for a couple of reasons. First, I wanted to be able to figure out my own quilt math! I love the freedom of creating my own designs, and that required a big deep dive on how patterns are written, how to calculate yardage, and how to design on paper, and later digitally. Along the way, I also received inquiries for both custom quilts and requests for my quilt patterns.
All of that led to me deciding to participate in the 2016 New Quilt Bloggers Blog Hop. One of the opportunities was to design a free quilt block pattern, which is how the Medallion Squared quilt block pattern (https://shannonfraserdesigns.ca/2016/09/14/medallion-squared-free-quilt-block-and/) came to be.
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That was one of the best and most challenging experiences – ha! But it set me off on designing quilt patterns and later led to the release of the Winter Star Quilt Pattern (https://shannonfraserdesigns.com/collections/quilt-patterns/products/winter-star-quilt-pattern-pdf), which was my first listing in my shop.
When was the first time that you remember realizing that you are a creative person?
I don’t think I ever put a name to it, but I’ve always been creative. As far back as I can remember, I’ve always enjoyed creative pursuits (colouring, cooking, jewelry making, art classes, etc.) and even won an art award in high school 😉 Do you remember the Polka Dot Door? It was a kid’s TV program, and they usually had a craft segment, which was 100% my fave!
Do you feel that you chose your “passion,” or did it choose you?
What an interesting way of framing that question – I would say that it chose me.
One of my goals is to never stagnate and to be perpetually learning, evolving, exploring, and along the way I discover what captivates my interest.
One of the things that I try and remember is that our interests change. I honestly never thought quilting would be something I’d want to do, and now look at me – ha! Which is why I’m so thankful that I stayed curious and didn’t stick with my original impression that I wouldn’t enjoy the process.
In fact, the very qualities that I didn’t think I’d enjoy – slowing down, the repetition, the detailed work, the longer time commitment – are all the qualities that I now cherish. Funny how that happens, right?!
Where do you find your inspiration for your designs?
This might sound strange, but most of my designs stem from an internal search. No doubt the fact that I enjoy architecture, nature, fashion, colour and art surely sneaks their inspiration into my designs, but when I sit down to create something new, it’s always based on internal sparks of creativity that lead me to a final design.
Do you prefer the kind of project that is challenging and requires attention, or the kind where you get in your meditative zone and enjoy the process?
Both! I think that speaks to me trying to access both my right and left-brain activity! I love the challenge of designing a quilt pattern. It’s very detailed, very specific, and very structured. This can be super enjoyable to be in the zone, and always feels like an accomplishment once done.
That said, I love the freedom that comes with improv quilting. Normally, after working on a patterned project, I then switch to an improv one. It’s like a palate cleanser, even though I’m normally working with the scraps leftover from the quilt pattern. It’s a great way of maximizing your fabric dollars. I share more about this process in my Improv Through Pattern Project Scraps Lecture (https://shannonfraserdesigns.com/pages/lectures).
Are you a “finisher”? How many UFOs do you think you have?
For the most part, I’m a finisher! But I definitely have my fair share of UFOs hanging around the studio. Most of those stems from having to put them to the side while I work on a deadline. I haven’t counted, but I’d say at least 10+. One of which has been a WIP for 8+ years – I’m looking at you Blue Dresden!
Do you have a dedicated space for creating? If so, what does it look like?
Well, I guess I have a dedicated space given that I’ve taken over the dining room – ha! We have a separate eating area, so it’s not like we’re left standing to eat. I then have storage for all my fabric and notions in another room.
Scraps. Saver? Or be done with them?
I love scraps! I just can’t part with them. This is where 99% of my improv play stems from. There is so much potential sitting in our scrap bins! If you haven’t tried it, I highly encourage you to give it a go!
Do you use a sketchbook or journal? How does that help your work develop?
I have both. Actually, I also have a third where I combined both my daily art with a journal check in. It was a really fun way to both create and check in with myself personally and creatively.
Fun fact, the upcoming Mouse Trap Quilt Pattern is based on my morning art practice. I sat and drew out different motifs, not necessarily intending it to be quilt blocks. It was fun to take my drawings and convert them into quilt blocks.
How often do you start a new project? Do you work actively on more than one project at a time?
I’m not really sure how often I start a new project, I think it depends on the type of projects I have on the go. And there definitely is usually more than one on the go at a time. I love having projects at different stages of the quilt making process. It gives me flexibility to switch between them based on my mood 😉
Which part of the design process is your favorite? Which part is a challenge for you?
I love coming up with new quilt layouts. I love the colour play and seeing the possibilities that the pattern/colour combination offers.
The most challenging part is writing the quilt pattern – ha! The main reason being that there’s normally a few ways I can relay the information, and I’m always looking for the one that will resonate the most with you!
So, sometimes I’ll have created the graphics and then decide there’s a better way to share the details and I’ll re-do them. And then question whether that was better or not.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve received?
Create before you consume! It’s a saying by Marie Forleo and I remind myself of it all the time. Cheryl Arkison has a similar concept with her ‘morning makes’, which I absolutely adore. Both speak to the importance of prioritizing your own creations before you’re distracted/influenced by others.
What do you do to keep yourself motivated and interested in your work?
Anytime I’m feeling like I’ve lost my sewjo I either dive into some improv or I settle in for some hand stitching. Both of those help me slow down and reconnect with my creative instincts.
What do you learn about who you are through your creative endeavors?
Oh, gosh, what don’t I learn! Quilting has become my catchall. It doesn’t matter what emotions I’m feeling, quilting has a way of helping me process them. I’ve learned just how creative I am, that I love to challenge myself, that I like to try something new with each project I take on, that even the quiet meditative stitches can help me just be in the moment, and that colour will forever be an inspiration.
Where can people see your work?
Thank you so much for inviting me to share a little more about my quilting and creative habits! I hope you’ve enjoyed learning a little more about what goes on behind the scenes of my creations. You can see more of my work on my website www.ShannonFraserDesigns.com
Website: https://shannonfraserdesigns.com/
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Links to patterns mentioned in the interview:
Etched Diamond Quilt x Hovea Coat Pattern Extension: Etched Diamond Quilt X Hovea Coat Pattern Extension (PDF) – Shannon Fraser Designs
Shattered Star Pillow Pattern: Shattered Star Pillow Pattern (PDF) – Shannon Fraser Designs
Little Forest Quilt Pattern: Little Forest Block of the Month Pattern (PDF) – Shannon Fraser Designs
30-Days of Improv Blog post: Modern improv play the final composition – Shannon Fraser Designs
Cloud Surfing Improv Blog post: Cloud Surfing Improv Quilted Wall Hanging – Fiber Art for Your Walls – Shannon Fraser Designs
Cloud Surfing Quilt Pattern: Cloud Surfing Quilt Pattern (PDF) – Shannon Fraser Designs
Modern Aztec Pattern: Modern Aztec Quilt Pattern (PDF) – Shannon Fraser Designs
Interview posted October 2024
Browse through more modern quilt projects and inspiration on Create Whimsy.