I’m introduced to designers in many ways—Quilt Market, other designers and also from our friends at the different fabric manufacturers that we work with. I’d like to thank Lissa Alexander, Marketing Director for Moda Fabrics for introducing me to Julie Herman. Julie is a young designer who also makes projects for the Moda Bake Shop. She’s fun and full of energy and ideas. You can find her pattern for Cornflower Fields in our March/April ’10 issue. Read about Julie and leave us a comment for a chance to win one of the 3 prizes Moda Fabrics has provided: a Jelly Roll, Honey Bun or Charm Pack from the Nature’s Notebook collection by April Cornell, the same collection used in Cornflower Fields. I’ll randomly draw 3 names next Tuesday, February 2nd around noon.
Julie Herman
If you asked me 10 years ago what my creative “thing” would be in 10 years… quilting would have been the last thing I said! I’ve always been artistic, but the quilting bug didn’t bite me until 8 years ago. Prior to quilting, I painted, sculpted with clay, worked with beads, did graphic design and even a bit of needlepoint. My mother has been sewing since well before I was born and so I naturally had no interest in doing the same thing as her! Well eventually the quilting bug bit me and I’ve never looked back. I always thought I was the first quilter in my family. Recently I learned that I’m not upon the discovery of three quilts made in the 1930’s by my great great grandmother.
My style of quilting is all over the map. I’ve made traditional to modern… detailed appliqué with hand quilting to simple and fast, no fuss. Cornflower Fields is the largest quilt I’ve made. At 96″x 96″ it may seem challenging but large pieces enable it to come together very quickly. I normally start a design without color in mind but I worked backwards with this piece. My goal was to come up with a bold design that would have a floating on-point appearance set within a standard grid. All three borders were attached at one time using the same technique I show on my blog for mitering multiple borders. Mitering borders is much easier than most people think and gives a great finish to many quilts!
Unlike many quilters I love the math involved in quilting. I find joy in calculating how big pieces should be cut and how much yardage will be needed for a project. This skill comes in handy when working at a quilt shop, attending a show, or getting a phone call from quilter friends while they are in the middle of a project. Yes this has happened! My background in design has also helped me tremendously. I attended Drexel University for design and had the pleasure of taking many great classes including one silkscreen class where I made a quilt as one of my projects out of custom fabric.
Blogging has been one of the best additions to my quilting life. It has enabled me to share my work and meet a ton of new people. In 2009 I was lucky to be able to design for the Moda Bake Shop, attend my first quilt market, as well as work and shop at 4 other shows. I’ve got a lot planned for 2010 and I hope you’ll join along on my blog, where I post “WIPs”work-in-progresses, finished pieces, my weekly stash report, as well as all kinds of things!
congrats!!!
Great article Julie! Congrats on getting published in QuiltMaker mag…. I’ll be watching for it.
I love your quilts Julie, I follow your blog daily! And Quiltmaker is one of my favorite quilting magazines!! So that’s two goodies rolled into one!!
Wonderful Julie! Looking forward to buying this issue and seeing more of your designs in print in the future! I always enjoy reading your blog.
Yea, Julie! I’ve been following her blog for a few months, and I’m excited to see her pattern in your magazine.
Julie’s a young, pretty and talented girl. I’m one of her followers, she always amazes me with her blog, so, I’m so happy for her being published in the mag, congrats!, she really deserve it!!!!
So exciting Julie! Congratuations!
I always have such a great time reading Julie’s blog! It’s fun to read about her background about how she got her start quilting.
Way to go Julie! I came across Julie’s blog, and it didnt take no time to click on the Favorites tab to get her added it.
She has been an inspiration to my quilting. And I always enjoy looking thru her photos, cause they sure cause alot of enabling!
Congrats again Julie!
Hurray Julie!
I’m so excited to see fun quilt designers like Julie featured in the magazine. Quilting isn’t just for the grandma’s anymore!
Love seeing Julie featured. She is quilt a gal. I love reading her blog.
I love seeing Julie here! I’ve been a reader of hers for a while and always enjoy her projects!
Congrats Julie!!
I follow Julie’s blog and think she does great work!
Congratulations! I love the quilt and the colors are my very favorite.
so wonderful to see one of my inspiration blogs here on your site! what a lovely quilt, congratulations julie!
yah! Another contest. Congrats to Julie.
Congratulations Julie, your quilt is beautiful. Ive also put off trying mitred borders but thanks to your great tutorial Im going to try it on my next quilt.
Congrats! I love reading everyone’s stories, and love the Moda bake shop site!
Holly
Love Julie’s blog. She can really simplify a lot of ” puzzles” in quiltmaking. I think I have all of her tutorials saved to my favorites! And I can never believe she takes the time to reply back to your comments! Priceless!
Looking forward to seeing Julie’s quilt in Quiltmaker!
I’ve been following Julie’s blog…..love the quilt.
Congrats Julie! The quilt is gorgeous!
Congrats Julie!! I have been a fan of her blog for a very long time now!! I love her addiction to fabrics… it makes me feel good about my own addictions!! haha!!!
Look forward to finding the new Quiltmaker magazine!!
Congratulations Julie. Beautiful quilt
what a beautiful quilt…looking forward to seeing this in the magazine…love this fabric too!
Wonderful quilt. Look forward to upcoming patterns from her!
I’ve been following Julie’s blog since I discovered a project she posted on Moda Bake Shop. Congratulations on being published! If only I had time to do all the projects I find on great sites like Quiltmaker.com!
Nice to meet you! I also like to try a variety of quilt styles. I like the math, too.
I’ve been following Julie’s blog for some time, and am such a fan! It’s so great to see her featured in Quiltmaker!
Congrats Julie! You are totally awesome and inspiring! I will be looking for the next issue to come out pronto!
Congratulations Julie! It is a beautiful quilt, and I look forward to getting my cop of the mag.
Congratulations, Julie. You are so talented. Thanks for the kind words.
What a great interview. Love the quilt and thanks for the link to her blog…
I love Julie’s quilts! And I love Nature’s Notebook! Thanks so much! :0)
Congratulations, Julie! Your Cornflower Fields is beautiful, and looks like it’s fun to make!
It’s so nice to meet new designers. Congratulations Julie!
Congrats Julie! I love reading your blog. Thanks for showcasing new designers.
Yeah Julie. Love your blog and the new quilt. Can’t wait to pick up this issue.
Congratulations, Julie! It’s great to “meet” new designers that create something for everyone; from traditional to modern.
Congrats again…and what a great introduction you gave here…I really enjoyed reading about your quilting journey…and always enjoy following along on your blog!
Thank-you for the introduction.
Congrats on having your quilt published in QM, Julie! It’s beautiful, and I look forward to getting my copy of the magazine. I discovered your blog via the Moda Bake Shop and was immediately hooked, it’s great fun to read, and I love your tutorials.
Congrats Julie! I love your work and your blog…. keep the stuff coming.
Congrats again!
Julie’s work and blog are fresh, creative and inspiring. All your hard work has paid off…congratulations.
I love Julie’s work, I also love the meet and greet for all these wonderful designers.
Congrat’s on being published Julie! Great interview.
Great article, it is always nice to see the face of our designers. ‘ll be looking forward to Cornflower Fields.
awesome, love the colors!
I have been reading Julie’s blog for a while and always come back for more! Congrats to being published – currently I am still waiting for the March/ April magazine issue to show up in my mail box. Who knows Cornflower Fields may be my next project… Thanks!
Congrats Julie! Love the quilt and can’t wait to see your next creation!
Christine
Wow that’s a great article, I can’t get your magazine so your blog really helps keep me up to date.
Congrats Julie!! LOVE the quilt!!
Congratulations Julie! I love the colors and design of your quilt. Look forward to seeing it in the magazine.
Congratulations! Super job! I love the quilt. I have been reading your blog for a while and you are a sweetheart. Best Wishes to you.
I am sooooo happy to see this magazine introducing this author – designer – quilter….she is FABULOUS!!!! Now I can go out and get this magazine…..because of JULIE. Thank you Thank you for publishing this talent. More – we want more!!!
I’m a follower of Julie’s on her blog and enjoy both her quilts and her writing. Congrats to her on being in Quiltmaker. Would love to win the Moda giveaway!
So very interesting, and I love her quilt and am so excited for such a young designer! How exciting it would be to win a Nature’s Notebook jelly roll. Thanks for the chance.
I love reading Julie’s blog and seeing her designs. I will be on the look out for the magazine issue with her quilt. Nice work, Jaybird, you rock!
The Quilting Bug found me 8 years ago too! It’s fun to read what others are doing with quilts and gather new ideas to try! I’ll be a new addition to reading Julie’s Blog. Thanks for sharing. >
I too follow Julies blog. So happy to see her here. Love her new quilt!!!
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Awesome quilt….LOVE it! It’s not too complicated but makes a grand impact IMHO! Thanks for sharing! It’s going on my “to do” list!
I just came over from Julie’s blog. Way to go Julie! A wonderful new designer that deserves to be recognized. Thanks Quiltmaker.
Julie’s blog taught me how to do binding correctly! I like following her web site—it is a bright point in my day!
Congrats Julie! I enjoy reading your blog!
How cool to find out that your Grandmother quilted! Thanks for the introdution to Julie.
Congrats on being published Julie! I didn’t realize who it was until I looked at the Cornflower pattern and saw the blog name of Jaybird Quilts. Seems like a lovely “young” designer who will bring a lot to the quilting world. Thank you for sharing her story.
I’ve enjoyed Julie’s blog and read it regularly. Congratulations on her first published quilt!!
I’m a fan of Julie’s already- great blog and lovely projects! This is wonderful for her to be published at such a young age- I’m so impressed by all the young designers who really have so much opportunity because of blogging and social media. Great work Julie!
Beautiful AND inspiring! Congrats!
I read Julie’s blog and always enjoy hearing about quilting from someone close to my own age. Will pick up a copy of the mag and try out that pattern!
Congratulatons Julie! You are an inspiration to me and I look forward to all of your future projects.
Congratulations Julie! I have really enjoyed reading your blog over the past year!
Congrats to Julie! (Jaybird!)
Your quilt is gorgeous!!
SheilaC
i really enjoy Julie’s blog!
Lovely quilt. I am a blue and yellow fan so this really speaks to me. And I love the large graphic quality of the design. Well done and congratulations.
I love reading your blog
Nice article!
There are so many young designers making an impact on the quilting world. It’s truly inspirational!
I’m always just in awe of all the wonderful ideas you designers come up with! I love this pattern and can’t wait for my new QM. Looks like it could be scaled down to make a great tabletopper, and I’m in the market for a quick topper, this could just be it!
I am a new a new reader to Julie’s blog—but am so glad I found her. Julie, big quilts, with big pieces are my favorite. I will definitely get the mag when it comes out—in fact I think I will subscribe right now!
I found Julie’s blog quite a while ago and really enjoyed it! Thanks for the intro to her and for the giveaway.
julie,
congrats on your wonderful accomplishments! i enjoyed your article- its great you’re good at the mathmatics part of quilting (all of us need eachothers inspirations, right?). the quilmaker mag. issue looks good. i’ll have to check it out.
Congrats! Love the blues in this quilt!
Love this! Looking forward to seeing more of Julie’s designs.
Julie – Congrads! I have been admiring this fabric line since yellow & blue are my favorites together. Since March/April is the first issue of Quiltmaker on my Christmas gift subscription I think I am going to have to make it!
Love the Cornflower Blues quilt!
Congratulations to Julie!! I have admired her work for a while . It is exciting to see younger women enjoy sewing. The Natures Notebook fabric is just beautiful, I have been looking at it for a while, I would love to have it come live here!
Just love Julie’s blog and her energy! Keep up the great work Julie and I really look forward to 2010 and seeing what you’ve got up your sleeve!
It is very inspiring to me to read and follow Julie’s blog – she’s a young mom like me and I’m so happy for her to be published in Quiltmaker. Congrats Julie!
Love from Texas! ~bonnie
Congratulations Julie on the article. I read your blog all the time, keep up the good work.
Lovely quilt! Great use of colors.
Wonderful! Way to go!!
Great article. Congratulations Julie!
Julie is awesome and I read her blog all the time! She’s super-talented and I’ve noticed that she makes a point to respond to peoples comments even if it’s only one line!
Awesome interview Julie and I can’t wait to see your pattern in the magazine!
I have been following Julie’s blog for months and I love her stuff!!!
Julie ~ Thanks for the glimps into your life of quilting. You truly are an amazing gal. Loved your tutorial on mietered borders.
Congrats!!! You are one talented quilter!!!
Just lovely JayBird! I am soo happy for you! I recently found your blog and love reading it, it’ one of the first I check (as often as I can) to see what you’re up to now! You have been accomplishing so much and it is so inspriring!!! P.S. Your nephew is such a cutie pie <3, and it is so sweet that you post about him so much that people think he's your son! lol
Congrats Julie! I have my issue, great quilt.
My father always said, “If you do what you love you’ll never work a day in your life.”
Congratulations on finding your love!
I’ve enjoyed following her and it is nice to see her highlighted.
I love Julie’s blog and looked forward to seeing additional projects from her.
Congratulations to Julie! I follow her blog, but this article was so fun to read and learn more about her. How fun!
Congrats to Julie! and congrats to the mag for selecting her!
She’s obviously a fav and I’m pleased to see her work featured!
Julie has a great blog and it is so exciting to read and see all the new ideas that she shares with us all. I have recently begun sewing and quilting again after a 5 year drought. Thanks for inspiring me again.
I love reading Julie’s blog. I get lots of great ideas there and can’t wait to see the quilt featured in the magazine. It’s great to see talented new designers.
I’ve been following Julie’s blog for a while now and it is great to see her introduction here. I love the colors of the fabric for Julie’s quilt, too.
Great article. Congratulation to Julie for making it into Quiltmaker. I’ve been following Julie for a while now, she is has fresh ideas, a positive attitude which come across in her writing as well as her designs I look forward to what she will come up with next.
Hey Julie I am so proud of you and your designs, keep going! I can’t wait to see your first book! Congratulations!
you are great
i love following your blog
good luck!!
Congratulations, Julie! I love the quilt.
I read an interview of Julie’s in a magazine, and been a “fan” ever since! We’re the same age and began quilting about the same time, although I don’t make patterns of my own, and probably far fewer quilts. Her blog & quilts are inspiring! Keep up the good work, Julie!