blocks designed by Michelle Thompson
click on the image for the pattern
The next up in the Guest Designer Spotlight is Michelle Thompson.
I met Michelle through hp_paperpiecing, where she has shared many photos of her finished blocks as well as her own beautiful Harry Potter inspired patterns.
First name and where you’re from: Michelle, Sydney Australia
Website/blog/online store or other place where your patterns or photos of your work can be found? just livejournal at the moment and there isn’t much there at the moment although I am working on that.
How long have you been paper piecing and/or quilting? since 1997
What do you use own your blocks for? quilts for my family (extended family included)
When did you start designing? about 2000 I started designing my own quilts using other peoples ideas. The first design of all my own was much more recent last year or the year before.
Was there a particular inspiration to draw your first pattern? usual reason – couldn’t find a pattern for what I wanted.
Do you remember what your first design was? Hagrid
Do you have a favorite among your own designs? my new patterns – the portrait series – i am really excited about them they turned out much better than I thought they would.
How has the online community changed the way you craft/quilt/design, etc.? its great for inspiration, ideas and of course the wonderful support and validation it enables.
What do you use to design your patterns? Paper and pencil, a specific software, etc. I start off with pen and paper, then i use quilt assistant – very basic. I probably wouldn’t use any programs if i wasn’t sharing – pencil and paper work just fine.
Anything else you’d like to add? I don’t nearly have enough time for quilting (what a surprise) and it also eats into my other passion cross-stitch, which I lament hasn’t had much of my time lately. I have been trying to finish existing projects – I only have two quilts to go. I have decided I hate quilting and it is not nearly as exciting as making the quilt top so I am looking to outsource the quilting process so I can make more quilts.
I have been sewing all my life. I got my first sewing machine at age 8 and have done dressmaking and pattern making courses in my late teens. Most of my sewing involved making clothes for myself and my children. However my greatest joy now is making quilts and dress up costumes for my children. If anyone is interested I can post some on my journal. I get lots of grief from other mothers. My latest costume was the stay-puft marshmallow man for a ghostbusters band night for my son.
Find more of Michelle’s patterns on the sewhooked Guest Designer Page
Happy Crafting!
Sewhooked 
Hehe, that Stay Puft Marshmallowman costume is HILARIOUS!!
1) i heart your portraits
2) that is a marvelous picture of you. the lighting is really nice.
3) why would other mothers give you grief?
4) love the stay puff dude. he looks really pleased :0D