Q &A
Maureen
CRACKNELL
“I AM MOST INSPIRED BY MY SURROUNDINGS” 1. Garden dreamer is all about beautiful blooms and botanical memories. What is your most vivid garden memory? My dear friend Leslie and I used to work together or just simply sit and enjoy her garden while our children played together. She had the most beautiful perennial flower garden in town, and I was so incredibly lucky to have met her. She taught me most of what I know about flowers -- the names of so many, which ones love the sun and which prefer the shade. Those few Summers that we spent watching our littles play amongst her flowers are some of my most favorite memories of all. 2. If you had to describe this collection in three words what would they be? Happy, Colorful, Dreamy. 3. The “Love Garden” panel consists of delicate flowers coming together to create a heart. What kind of projects do you envision with the panel? The first thing I had to do was back a quilt with
it! I’ve wanted to create a panel since I first started designing fabrics and I’m so excited this particular print is my first. I envision it being used for quilt backing, garments, table runners and tablecloths, even curtains would be amazing. I really want to cut away the inside of the heart, using a reverse applique technique to pair with a second Garden Dreamer print. I think I’ll try that idea out on a pillow soon! 4.Did the town you live in inspire you in any way? Are there specific flower fields or botanical gardens you visited while creating this collection? I am most inspired by my surroundings when it comes to my fabric designs, whether I’m outdoors taking in the beauty of the different seasons or indoors surrounded by the things I’ve collected and love so much. Much of this Garden Dreamer collection was inspired by and created to honor my friend Leslie who I mentioned above in my first question. She passed away from cancer several years ago, just a few months before I started sewing and she would be so thrilled by all of this. 5. Since this collection is a beautiful nature study of flowers, what’s your favorite flower? Isn’t there a saying, “I’ve never met a flower that I didn’t love”? This is so true as far as I’m concerned! I will share that my favorite flower bouquets will always be the ones my children pick for me. I hope that never ends!