What trends do you anticipate in the fabric industry?

I think that anything goes as far as trends. There will always be a demand for reproduction, 1930's, florals, geometrics and textures. Quilters are using more textures where they used to use solids, and it adds another dimension to their quilts. There are regions that have their own style. The Midwest uses a lot of tans and browns, whereas west coast quilters tend toward bright clear colors. Canadians prefer clear, bluer shades and Europeans like yellower tones. We try to design collections so that there is something for everyone.

If you could offer one piece of advice for quiltmakers today, what would it be?

I have 2 bits of advice that I pass on to quilters.

#1 Use the best quality fabric that you can afford. It is easier to work with and makes the quilting experience more enjoyable. The cost of the fabric that goes into a quilt is a fraction of the value of the quilt. Don't devalue your work by using cheap fabrics.

#2 Never stop learning. I take classes and read quilting lessons in magazines every chance I get. There is always something to learn.

---Patti Carey

Browse a great collection of tips, tricks and shortcuts from Northcott/Monarch Marketing Coordinator Patti Carey in the September/October 2003 (#93) issue of Quiltmaker magazine