Hi! I’m Sarah! And I’m a quilt pattern designer.
Welcome to my first blog post! Thank you for stopping by.
It’s fairly early here. My husband and two kids are all asleep in their beds. I enjoy quiet mornings like these to write, especially while drinking a light breakfast blend, not-too-hot cup of coffee.
For some time now I’ve wanted to start a blog to connect with others who also share a love of quilting.
Please introduce yourself and say hello in the comment section below. I’d enjoy knowing where you’re from; if we already know each other, how we met; how long you’ve been quilting; and what quilting project(s) you are currently working on.
Here’s a little bit about me.
I’m originally from a small town in Missouri. My childhood memories are filled with snapshots of country living; cattails springing from the shallows of lakes, the warm fellowship of church carry-in dinners, rows and rows of growing corn in golden fields, precious time spent with family and friends, and being creative yet perpetually pursuing organization.
I met and married my “Chiliman” in 2005 and I moved to Flagstaff, Arizona.
You can read more about me on my page: meet the designer.
Starting a quilt pattern design business had always been a dream of mine.
But it was the 2008 recession that became the catalyst I needed to simply jump into the deep end and start. I was a stay-at-home mom at the time. And as some of you might relate, I needed to do this for my family to help make extra bread and butter money. Soon after the birth of our second child that year, I started working on Marmalade & Jam, my first pattern. And in 2009, Sweet Clover Canyon was officially launched.
That’s not to say there weren’t obstacles.
I had to push aside the fear of not knowing how or what to do to start a business. Or worrying if it would be a success or a failure.
Due to the many amazing and wonderful people who helped me along the way, my little pattern line grew. In 2012, however, I had to take an unplanned sabbatical from designing to work in our family business outside our home. I had a young family, I began struggling with low energy and I simply couldn’t “do it all”. Something had to give so I put being creative aside. During this time away, I’ve been deeply appreciative for all the quilters, friends, quilt shop owners, fabric companies and distributors who have continued ordering patterns. Because of your support our little company withstood the test of time.
Seven years have passed since I last designed a quilt pattern.
I’m ready to begin . . . again. And it’s exciting!
As I mentioned above, the purpose of this blog is to connect with others who enjoy quilting. A step deeper is to inspire, encourage and give hope.
I have stories to share about my own health and how it has affected my whole world. I’ll share the decisions I made and the progress I’ve achieved. Simply taking tiny steps, and how this is beautifully interwoven with quilting and creativity. And how these steps brought me back to a place where I am excited and able to design again. I look forward to sharing fun crafting projects and funny stories too.
As our time together unfolds I hope to inspire a rediscovery of what makes you happy, encourage the pursuit of peace and joy, motivate your work on a project or provoke you to try a new technique, and share the importance of healthy living and the art of caring for yourself.
Until next time…
You are an inspiration for every quilter/seamstress out there. I’ve had the pleasure of working with you (many moons ago) and have witnessed first hand your creativity and organizational skills. I’ve also used your Marlemade and Jam pattern and was amazed at how easy your pattern was to follow. I can’t wait to see what else you dream up in the future. So excited for you. Best wishes for continued success.
Hi Brenda,
Thank you for your kind words. I really enjoyed working with you and “the gang” (many moons ago). The quilts, bags and table runners you have made are fabulous (thank goodness for FaceBook so I can follow what you are working on)! I appreciate your support and am so pleased you found M&J easy to follow. My #1 top goal as a pattern designer is to write clear directions. : ) Have a wonderful Valentine’s Day! Miss you!
XO,
Sarah
Hi Sarah, Your new site is looking great! I love your patterns and can’t wait to see what new designs you come up with next!
Hi Wendy, Thank you so much!
Sarah,
What a beautiful blog! I look forward to seeing more quilt designs and hearing more about the designer. You are truly an inspiration don’t ever give up on your dreams! Maybe this year will be the year I finally get my quilt going it’s a Dresden heart similar to The Dresden plate I’ve been saving fabric for many years to go into it. Mostly pieces of clothing that the kids have outgrown or that my grandmother made for me long ago. It’s going to be one heck of a memory quilt that’s for sure!
Hi KR,
We appreciate your positive feedback about our new blog! Your Dresden heart, by incorporating clothing from family, sounds wonderful. Please keep us updated and consider posting a photo of the completed quilt top!
How did we meet? I can’t even remember, Sarah. We have things in common, but I don’t when or where our wonderful friendship began. If you remember, send me a hint.
You are a beautiful person and have always been an inspiration to me. I’m so glad we get to spend a little time together, even if it’s only a few times a year.
Looking forward to quilting with you!
Hi Gina,
I think we decided we met at quilt guild and furthered our friendship when you invited me to teach at your “Celebrate! Quilt camp & Show” in Flagstaff, AZ. I enjoy our time together too and look forward to the fun we have quilting, eating Thai and hanging out!
You’re so inspiring! Looking forward to seeing you at the retreat this weekend!
Hi Crys, Talk about inspiring! The retreat’s “Show & Tell” is always a highlight for me. I enjoy and am blow away by everyone’s creativity! It was so good to see you and catch up with everyone.
Sarah,
Congratulations on your new blog and being able to now focus more fully on your quilting designs. I am really excited to see what pops out of your creative and sweet brain! 🤗 I want to know your inspiration for your designs and I’m also very interested to know about your health discoveries.
We were childhood friends and I know just by being around you and your family I was exposed to a world of color (orange & purple come to mind), creativity and the art of organization.
Your quilt patterns are beautiful. “Turn” is my 2nd fav after “Marmalade and Jam.” I am hoping for two new quilt patterns; one entitled “Checkers” after your beloved cat. He endured so many doll dresses and bonnets- 🥴and another named “Love Street.” How lucky you were to live on a red brick street named Love!
So I wish the best for you and your family and hope Sweet Clover Canyon blooms!
P.S. I got a new sewing machine for Christmas- I’m thinking if I start quilting, you’re the first person I’d trust to walk me through it.
Hi Julie,
Thank you so much for your comments! I appreciate you taking the time to support me in my creative journey.
As a child I remember asking my mom what could I make practically daily! Shoeboxes, scraps of fabric and sequins were what I “played” with. I believe my inspiration for quilt design comes from simply honoring my grandmother and taking that first quiltng class to an inherent God-given passion for colors, shapes, textures and wanting to create and “make stuff”. I’ll delve into my health issues in future blog posts.
“Checkers” and “Love Street” are awesome ideas for quilt patterns! I’ve actually considered a non-profit named “616 E. Love” or “Love Street” but that’s another topic for another day!
Thank you for your encouragement. A like the idea of Sweet Clover Canyon blooming : ) Enjoy your new machine!!! Quilting is fun and I’d be happy to help in any way. I often suggest a beginner quilting class from a local shop. That’s how I got started : )