Michelle Bartholomew is a photographer and a technical writer turned modern quilter. She is the editor of Half-Square Headlines, a modern quilting newsletter, in which she interviews quilters about their inspirations, recent finishes, and upcoming projects. Michelle is also a designer and pattern-writer with the team from Quilt Theory, a line of simple and modern quilt patterns that each fit on a handy one-page PDF. In addition to her work with Quilt Theory, you can look for her patterns in the upcoming book from Martingale: Table-Runner Roundup, and in Love, Patchwork & Quilting Magazine. Michelle lives in the Cascade mountains of Washington State with her husband and their three-year old daughter. Welcome, Michelle!
Michelle working on an English paper piecing project. Image courtesy of Michelle Bartholomew.
How would you describe your quilting style/aesthetic?
Michelle: Geometric, structured, simple, and colorful. I prefer very neutral colors in my wardrobe and home decor, but for some reason, color just explodes out of me when I’m designing quilts. I definitely associate with the modern quilting movement, but my work feels like it falls more towards the modern-traditional side rather than the ultra-modern.
Corner Crest. Image courtesy of Michelle Bartholomew.
How would you describe the creative environment in your home as a child?
Michelle: My dad is an artist and I would watch him spend hours and hours working on his illustrations and submitting them for publication. Although I didn’t realize it at the time, that set a creative tone in our house and also gave me a realistic view of a life of an artist. I think because of that, I tried to keep my career ambitions away from the arts, but creating things was such a passion, I couldn’t help myself. Most of my creative projects as a kid/young adult were weaving, crochet, collage, and embroidery. We didn’t have a sewing machine in our house and no one in my family was interested in sewing or quilting. I didn’t start quilting until about 5 years ago.
What artists and makers do you most admire or have an influence on your work?
Michelle: Although I don’t think they have a reflection in my work (maybe they should!), I’m drawn to artists and makers who have a quirkiness or element of whimsy in what they do. I also really admire makers who reuse and upcycle materials. I would like to incorporate more of that into my work.
Scrappy Geese. Image courtesy of Michelle Bartholomew.
Do you consider yourself a “quilter”, an artist, or some combination of both?
Michelle: I consider myself a designer who quilts. It is kind of hard to explain, but I feel like what is in my brain translates best to quilts. There are so many unique things about creating a design through fabric, and that entire process really speaks to me. I love the additional layer of design and texture that quilting adds to the pieced top; I think that is something that is unique to quilts. I also love that quilts I’ve designed are something that can be useful and functional when they are completed.
How would you define “making with intention”?
Michelle: I have very little time to work on projects, so in my life, “making with intention” is focusing on the projects that have meaning to me and letting go of other whims that cross my path (at least in this season). This year especially, I’ve been feeling a stronger pull to slow down and spend more time thinking through all parts of my quilt making process and producing pieces that are more a reflection of who I am and what I believe.
Rosewood. Image courtesy of Michelle Bartholomew.
Do you think that having a craft makes us more compassionate? If so, then how?
Michelle: Having a craft and sharing it in an online space has definitely opened up a new world of people to engage with. I think meeting people who share a similar interest, but might be so different in other ways, helps makes us more compassionate. I also think that quilting is something that can be shared in many ways and can open many doors to collaborate and explore new ideas with others.
Image courtesy of Michelle Bartholomew.
How does creating feed your soul/spiritual purpose?
Michelle: I feel an intense need to create and to feel like I’m fulfilling part of my purpose when I’m doing it. When I cut that part out of my life, I feel that missing piece and there isn’t a good replacement for it. Creating finds a way to creep deep into my thoughts, even when I’m distracted or feel too busy to take the time. I do think there is a spiritual element to it but I haven’t really been able to define what that is. Maybe it’s not meant to be defined.
Mini-quilt. Image courtesy of Michelle Bartholomew.
Are there any rituals that you perform to prepare/ground yourself in your work?
Michelle: In my dream world, I’d love to have a ritual where I go into my perfectly clean sewing space with a cup of cocoa and some soft music and ease into a day of creating. In reality, my space is always messy and my cocoa is cold, leftover from breakfast. I have less than an hour at nap time to work, so I jump right in and get as much done as I can. I try to spend a few minutes the night before planning and prepping things so I can get started quickly the next day.
Image courtesy of Love, Patchwork & Quilting Magazine.
What is the support system you have in place for creating your work?
Michelle: My little sister is my biggest supporter. She sews clothing and had her own fabric printing company, so she is a great person to talk to about the ups and downs of being in a creative business. A while ago, I was feeling frustrated with my work and a new sewing machine appeared on my doorstep (a surprise gift from her)! It was such a boost to know she was wanted to invest in me and support what I do!
In addition, my husband is very patient with me having my quilting space in our loft/bedroom and constantly having fabric and thread thrown about everywhere. I’ve also finally figured out that I can convince him to hold quilts for me to photograph — if it’s accompanied by a hike somewhere. Win win! 🙂
Quilt and Tiny House Pillow. Image courtesy of Michelle Bartholomew.
How do you deal with comparison to / envy of others? Can you describe a time when you used comparison/envy/admiration to push yourself in your own work and self-discovery?
Michelle: Most of my envy of others comes by looking at Instagram and seeing how much people are able to get done (and usually in less time than I have!). I am such a slow worker, so it is easy to get jealous when people can whip up things in seemingly no time at all. And of course, it is so easy to start making comparisons to others when you are constantly seeing amazing work appear on your screen daily. I make a conscious effort to be excited and supportive of other people’s work and successes. Their achievements are not my failures and their successes do not limit my own. I also remind myself to stay true to my vision and to understand that we are each on our own path. If I lose sight of those things, I force myself to take social media breaks until I feel like I’m back in my own groove again.
A baby quilt Michelle made for her daughter. Image courtesy of Michelle Bartholomew.
What was the most challenging thing you ever made?
Michelle: Can I say every quilt I’ve designed!? Designing a pattern is such a fun puzzle, until you find that a piece is missing or doesn’t fit where you think it should go. Every quilt has its own struggle of figuring out how to express your vision and to make it something that can be repeatable and easily explained. Then about halfway through making, I feel ready to move on to the next thing because I solved the puzzle and am ready for a new challenge. But of course, it is always so rewarding to see your initial sketch become a reality. And truly the most amazing experience is to see when someone else makes one of your designs and puts their own creative voice into it. It is so special!
How do you see your current work in the context of quilting history?
Michelle: I still consider myself a very new quilter and not sure if I can put my work in context yet. I fell in love with quilting when I saw modern examples from the very first QuiltCon. That totally changed my conception of what this medium can be. I’d love to be one of the many voices involved in inspiring future makers, including my own children. All I can say for now is that I’m excited to continue creating and see to where that journey takes me.
Thank you, Michelle! Your pictures are gorgeous and your work is so bright, clean and graphic! Perfect for beginning quilters, but still complex enough to interest an advanced quilter as well! To learn more about Michelle’s work, visit her website. You can sign up for the Half-Square Headlines newsletter here. And you can connect with Michelle on social media through Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest and Twitter.
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Yvonne @Quilting Jetgirl
March 30, 2018 at 9:34 amIt really is amazingly special as a designer to have others make your work!
lelandavestudios@gmail.com
April 6, 2018 at 9:57 amI can imagine that is a very special feeling! To see someone else get joy from a design that you conceptualized — amazing!