Summer Lovin’ is Susan Emory‘s debut Aurifil thread collection. Selected to coordinate with her new fabric collection for Michael Miller Fabrics, the box features a range of 6 colors, 1 each in both 50wt & 12wt, perfect for piecing and hand-stitching. Bold & bright, these collections are sure to inspire some fabulous Summer sewing!
THREAD COLLECTION DETAILS
Summer Lovin’
100% Aurifil Cotton, 12 Large Spools
Colors included:
1135 – 1320 – 2250 – 2730 – 2860 – 5004 (50 WT)
1135 – 1320 – 2250 – 2730 – 2860 – 5004 (12 WT)
To view this info on our website, click here. For purchasing, please contact your local Aurifil Dealer.
THE INTERVIEW
As a fifth generation quilter, who was it that first taught you how to sew?
I learned from both my mother and grandmother. They were both so proficient that they made it look easy so I was never intimidated.
What was the first item that you made completely on your own and what did you love most about it?
Oh gosh, I’m not sure. About 20 years ago, I made a king-size bargello quilt that was way above my skill level – and I survived! LOL
Who has been your biggest creative influence?
I’m not sure of a single person who has been my biggest influence, but I find creative inspiration in everything. I look at everything from quilts to logos to menus and consider what I would do to put my own spin on it. I’m very inspired by the emotions and lyrics in music (I may still be living in the 80’s).
What inspired your very first pattern?
Necessity. I owned a quilt shop and needed to find ways to sell more fabric so I started designing patterns that work with large-scale, directional prints.
Can you give us a sneak peek at what it’s like to put together a fabric collection?
I’m usually working on three lines at a time. Releasing my current line, while working on art for my next line, while thinking about and warm-up sketching the next collection. With Summer Lovin’ I knew I wanted to do something that was nostalgic of my childhood so I began with flowers that reminded me of the art classes I would take in the summer at the library.
I typically draw, then scan and manipulate my designs. Once I have several designs together I submit them to the design department at Michael Miller Fabrics. Then we go back and forth on what to leave in and what to take out, tweaking the colors, etc. Once we start to narrow it down I submit project ideas to support the prints. It’s a long process and by the time the fabric is released I’ve been looking at it for a long time. I love every step of the way!
Do you have a favorite project that was created with your Summer Lovin’ collection?
I love the Sweet Summertime quilt that has hand embroidery. It’s a five-month block of the month and each month you make one hand embroidered block and three pieced blocks. I love to draw and do hand work, so embroidery is a great fit for me. I think people new to hand embroidery will be able to finish these designs and more experience embroiderers will enjoy it also.
My second choice would be Flower Power. Having the threads match the fabrics for applique was wonderful for this quilt.
How did you first hear about Aurifil threads?
I bought my first Aurifil at Kelly Ann’s Quilting in Warrenton, VA. I was just getting back into hand embroidery and signed up for a block of the month (or several. LOL). Aurifil’s social media presence has been wonderful for links for inspiration and tutorials.
Do you have a favorite color/weight?
I use a ton of 50 wt. for all my sewing, applique and quilting. I buy A LOT of white and gray. I love how lint-free the thread is and, it might be in my head, but my bobbin seems to last longer.
How do you go about putting your thread collection, Summer Lovin’, together?
I had drawings of my hand embroideries and computer prints of my Summer Lovin’ line. Once I had final strike-offs and exact colors I just had to confirm that the colors I chose would match. I’m thrilled with how it all looks together.
THE GIVEAWAY
To enter-to-win 1 Summer Lovin’ Aurifil Thread Collection and one Fat Quarter Bundle of Summer Lovin’ by Susan Emory for Michael Miller, click here to head to the Rafflecopter entry page, or simply click on the image above. You do not have to complete all the options to be entered but the more options you choose, the more entries you have! Entries will be accepted from now through 11:59pm Eastern Time on Tuesday, June 28! Winner will be randomly selected and announced here on Wednesday, June 29. Good luck!
Update (6/29): This giveaway is now closed. Congratulations to Kathy Cummings!
ABOUT SUSAN
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