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Guest Blog: Quilting Inspirations, The Artistic Journey of Textile Designer Kate Owen
Welcome to our latest guest blog, where we’re excited to share an inspiring conversation with Kate Owen, a talented textile designer who has truly embraced the art of creating beautiful, meaningful pieces. Kate’s journey from an art-filled childhood to earning her degree at Central St Martins and becoming a fabric buyer is a testament to her dedication and love for textile design.
Despite the challenges of balancing a full-time career and her creative aspirations, Kate always found time to nurture her passion for quilting. Today, she shares her creative process, inspiration, and the joys of working with colours and patterns that reflect her unique vision.
Join us as we delve into Kate’s world of design, where rustic influences, folk art, and a commitment to sustainability all play a central role. From clever sewing hacks to the influence of technology on her craft, Kate offers invaluable insights and advice for aspiring designers. Whether you’re a seasoned maker or just starting on your own creative path, Kate’s story is sure to inspire and encourage you to explore the endless possibilities of textile design.
Can you share your journey into the world of textile design? What drew you to this career and inspired your passion for it?
I was given a lot of time to create and play when I was growing up and studied all the art subjects in school, culminating in a degree in Textile Design from Central St Martins. When I graduated, I got a job as a Fabric Buyer with the idea of my day job helping to fund my own design business. It’s not easy working full time and finding time to do your own design work, but I still always made quilts and taught quilt classes on the side. Redundancy and motherhood meant I was finally able to devote a bigger chunk of my time to my own design work, whilst finding a balance with family life.
I was given a lot of time to create and play when I was growing up and studied all the art subjects in school, culminating in a degree in Textile Design from Central St Martins. When I graduated, I got a job as a Fabric Buyer with the idea of my day job helping to fund my own design business. It’s not easy working full time and finding time to do your own design work, but I still always made quilts and taught quilt classes on the side. Redundancy and motherhood meant I was finally able to devote a bigger chunk of my time to my own design work, whilst finding a balance with family life.
Could you walk us through your creative process? How do you take a concept or idea and turn it into a finished textile piece?
For my patchwork designs, shapes and colours are my starting points. I have a keen eye and very strong opinions about colours. I worked as a fabric buyer for 10 years and during this time had to make sure that colours were consistent across different fabric bases, matched their chosen lab dips and fitted in with the collection as a whole. I look at the depths and nuances of different shades, what reds actually have a fair bit of blue in them, what blues have a tint of yellow to them that helps lift them up, what shades of white are warm and what shades are cool. I choose the colours for my work very carefully, and then build up patterns that I think have balance, interest and symmetry to them.
What are your main sources of inspiration for your designs? Are there particular places, people, or experiences that consistently spark your creativity?
I love fairly rustic and traditional designs and interiors. I love folk art, made by real people for their love of colour and pattern to adorn their everyday lives.
I love fairly rustic and traditional designs and interiors. I love folk art, made by real people for their love of colour and pattern to adorn their everyday lives.
What are some of the biggest challenges you’ve encountered as an independant designer, and how have you overcome them?
I think one of the biggest challenges for any independent designer is pricing your work. The amount of time that goes into something warrants a price that reflects that, but it’s easy to feel worried that you are pricing yourself out of the market. Have the confidence to know what you are worth.
How do you incorporate sustainability into your designs and production processes? What steps do you take to ensure your work is eco-friendly?
I only use natural materials in my work and try to cut my fabric efficiently and use up every scrap of fabric I can. Everything I make is designed for a lifetime of use, and I believe in making timeless designs.
What advice would you give to aspiring textile designers who are just starting out in the industry?
Reach out to other designers to talk about their own work and creative journey and offer to help them. I love talking about quilting, and would never say no to someone who wanted to talk about textiles, especially if they could help me a little with something like fabric cutting.
How has technology influenced the way you design, and what impact has it had on the textile industry? Are there any tools or innovations that you find particularly useful?
I do the majority of my design work on my computer, which is so helpful because I can mock things up quickly, see what they would look like in a larger repeat or smaller scale, and even work out the measurements of what I will need to cut if I’ve made the CAD to scale. Apart from that my work is very hands-on, though I did invest in a high-end sewing machine last year that threads my needle automatically and cuts my tails for me. To me this feels like a lavish level of technology.
Do you have any sewing tips or tricks that have improved your methods?
When I made my first ‘proper’ quilt (a log cabin pattern in entirely Liberty prints to fit a double bed, not your average beginner's project!) I was marking in pencil and cutting the fabric pieces with scissors. I could tell there must be a better way and soon discovered the joy of rotary cutters, quilters rulers and cutting mats. These three items are my invaluable tools that I simply could not sew without. I also have a foot for my sewing machine that guides a ¼” seam for me. I did live without this for 14 years, but now that I have it I’m never looking back!
Kate Owen’s journey into the world of textile design and quilting is not only inspiring but also a testament to the creativity and passion that can transform fabric into art.
For those of you eager to explore your own entry into quilting, Kate’s insights and practical tips provide a great starting point. Whether it's mastering the use of essential tools like rotary cutters, experimenting with color, or embracing the joy of handmade designs, quilting offers endless possibilities for creativity. Remember, the key is to start small, be patient, and let your love for fabric and patterns guide your way. Happy quilting!
Have you read our other guest blogs? Read more about our inspiring guest bloggers Poppy Treffry, Corinne Young and Suzie Smart.