Rumpled Quilt Skins

Website:
Rumpled Quilt Skins

What do you create?
I design stuffed animals from hand-painted cotton fabrics, and then sell the patterns to small boutique quilt shops around the country.

How did you come up with your company name?
I'm very proud of my name, Rumpled Quilt Skins, and just how well it fits with what I do. From the very beginning, I knew that I loved creating old, rumpled quilt textures in my designs. I remember one day, while out on a walk, linking the word "rumpled" and "quilt" together, and the "skins" just fell into place. I loved how it sounded, how it related to animals, and had an old storybook quality too. I still remember the smile on my husband's face when I first shared it with him. I knew then it was a keeper.

When and why did you decide to start your business?
Actually, an interested quilt shop clerk played a part in this. I was purchasing some fabric from my favorite shop, and was asked what I had planned to do with it. After my description, the clerk said it sounded like something that would make a good pattern. Up until then, that thought had never occured to me. It helped that I had computer graphic experience so the actual pattern production was never an issue.

Where do you get your inspiration for your projects?
I like to search for photos on the internet to see wide variety of animal colors, patterns and poses before I start to sew any of my prototypes.



What is your main goal for this year?
To add a cat and a dog pattern before January 2007.

What advice would you give to someone starting a creative business?
Pay attention to what sells. It's tempting to get caught up with your own favorites, but if you really want to make a living, you have to try to look at what people are willing to part money for.

Which of the tools you use is your favorite?
The hand-painted fabrics that I use constantly inspire me just by their rich color and textures, and by the variety that my favorite manufacturer offers. They are handmade in Bali, and I've found the quality cannot be beat.

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Little Extras

Where are you located?
Studio City, CA

What's your favorite quote?
I've found these two great questions somewhere on the internet, but can't remember where. I've saved them to my desktop to hopefully stay a little less self-absorbed when things get busy.
1.“Did I do something today to achieve my purpose in this world?
2. Did I extend myself beyond my immediate circle of responsibility?”

What's your favorite book?
Care of the Soul by Thomas Moore

What's your favorite food?
Just about anything that is homemade. There's nothing better than smelling food cooking and baking before you get to eat it.