We are thrilled to be a stop on the Enchanted Blog Tour with Dodi Poulsen of Two Sisters at Squirrel Hollow & Riley Blake! The last few weeks have been a gorgeous showcase of Dodi’s latest line, including some adorable girls dresses, bags, quilts, and more! We’ve loved following along and hope you have too!
Today, we have the pleasure of introducing you to Dodi’s debut thread collection for Aurifil, hand-picked to coordinate with the magical prints found in Enchanted. A lovely showcase of navy, pink, mint, and teal with a little pop of yellow & green, the collection brings to mind the delightful fairytales of our youth. It is available in both LG and SM boxes featuring our highly versatile 50wt thread.
THREAD COLLECTION DETAILS
Enchanted
12 Large Spools, 50wt (1422yds/spool), 100% Aurifil Cotton
2784 – 5007 – 2425 – 1148 – 5002 – 5006
2423 – 1135 – 2882 – 2588 – 4093 – 2515
10 Small Spools, 50wt (220yds/spool), 100% Aurifil Cotton
2784 – 5007 – 2425 – 1148 – 5002
5006 – 1135 – 2882 – 2588 – 2515
To view this info on our website, click the images above. For purchasing, please contact your local Aurifil Dealer.
THE INTERVIEW
Can you tell us a bit about yourself and how you first got started in the world of sewing and quilting?
I grew up in Northern California with a close-knit family. My love of fabric and the art of the needle came quite honestly and naturally to me. One of my favorite memories was sitting on my Grandmother’s lap as a child while I helped Nana push fabric through her treadle sewing machine. At the age of ten, with my mother’s gentle guidance, I created my first sewn garment. It didn’t take me long to realize the sewing machine and I were destined to become lifelong partners.
I started quilting over 40 years ago, while in college, when I needed a textile project. I taught myself to quilt and it has become my passion. In 2006, I launched my pattern company, Two Sisters at Squirrel Hollow and later added a children’s division, Little Londyn, which I ran with my daughter, Megan Miles.
Did you have another career prior to this one?
I received a BFA degree in Interior Design and freelanced for many years in my own company, In the Beginning Creations. Right out of college worked for an Aerospace company as a drafting engineer. I drew large templates for nuclear weapons to sit in and then sent them to Seattle for manufacturing. Once they even let me attend the nuclear testing site in Las Vegas and I watched these weapons blow up. I was 24 and I thought that was pretty fascinating and very “cool”. Later I traded jobs within the company and was brought on board to help design the Bangor Base offices in Washington. I was also a planning analyst for an Airline company and I have been a substitute teacher for K-12.
My best and forever favorite job is and will forever be a mother to 2 fabulous children, a son and a daughter, and grandmother to 8 little munchkins.
Do you remember the process of making your first quilt and how you felt once it was complete?
Ahh—you really want to know about the biggest quilting blunder in my life? I needed a textile project for a fiber arts class in college. I went a bought all types of fabric; Jean, poly cotton, cotton, rayon, linen etc. having no idea that they really shouldn’t be mixed. Imagine trying to sew these all together in a quilt…not a pretty sight! I still have this beauty in my hope chest out in the garage. It’s a reminder that I came from humble beginnings in the quilting world, much like all of us. It reminds me not to take anything for granted and that life is a gift. It’s up to you to find your way on your own life journey. Finding a passion was never my intention at that point. I just needed a good grade!
Actually, the quilt isn’t all that bad, but it uses thick batting and yarn ties, and the piecing is pretty wonky. This was way before the time of rotary cutters and wonderful tools– We’ve come a long way baby, and who knew that this experiment in the quilting world would later become my passion in life.
Who or what has been your greatest creative inspiration?
Nature always inspires me. Nature makes no mistakes and I like to take my cues for color from the world around me. I live in the Northwest, just a ferry ride from Seattle, and the beauty here is unheralded. Out my studio windows each day I am inspired by this grand world and its amazing colors. It’s an incredible backdrop for creating.
What inspired the creation of Enchanted and what did you love most about putting the collection together?
I would be lying if I did not suggest that Enchanted was inspired by my six adorable granddaughters. I often design fabric around them. I like to envision them wearing the fabrics and what that would look like in apparel. This blog tour has had an abundance of girly appeal. I can just see my littles running around in Enchanted fabrics and that gives me great joy.
I do a great deal of quilting for them and others as well so I design my fabrics for the quilter and the sewist alike.
Do you have a favorite project made with the new fabrics & threads?
I would have to say the 2 quilts that I made for Fons and Porter magazines. They will appear in Love of Quilting and Easy Cut issues this Spring and Fall. It will have to be a secret until then!!
I also have loved using the new Aurifloss that was sent to match my threads. They are amazing to work with and my Mama Said project, on the tour today, was really fun to create. I can’t wait to hang it in my studio.
When did you first discover Aurifil threads and what do you love most about them?
I discovered Aurifil about 6 or 7 years ago; my sister and I like to compare notes on products and she suggested I try them. After that I was hooked. They sew like butter and the feel of them is incredible.
The threads give a soft luster to each project and I love the way the threads enhance a project. Whether it’s applique, embroidery or quilting, there is an Aurifil thread for you.
Do you have a favorite color/weight and why?
My favorite is Aurifil 50-weight. It’s my go-to thread for piecing. Some say that it’s too thin, but I disagree. I love the way my pieced blocks lie flatter with thinner thread and it will be just as durable as a 40 -weight thread. My favorite color? Well that’s like asking which is your favorite grandchild…I love them ALL.
How did you go about selecting threads for your latest Aurifil collection?
I am all about saturated color and many of the colors in my collection reflect that. When I open my box of threads I can’t help but SMILE each time! They are just simply beautiful. I choose them to go with the Enchanted fabric colors and their values are working out fantastically.
What’s in store for 2017? Where can we find you this year?
Whew… I think the question is: Where won’t you find me this year?
2016 was my craziest and busiest year ever as I taught classes around the world and in the states. I leave for the Caribbean at the end of the month to teach on my final Quilt Camp at Sea cruise after 9 years of teaching with them. After this, I am going to come home and take a breath. It’s been a terrific experience, but this little woman is tired.
You will find me happily creating in my studio at home and visiting family; Taking time to smell the roses and refilling my cup so I can create more lovely things ahead.
GIVEAWAY
To enter-to-win 1 Large Enchanted Thread Collection and one bundle of assorted Enchated fabrics, 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 Sunday, February 12. Winner will be randomly selected and announced here on Monday, February 13. Giveaway is open to our international friends! Good luck!
*Please note that Enchanted fabrics received may be different than those shown.
UPDATE: This giveaway is now closed. Congratulations to our winner, Kelly Thibeault!
In addition to our giveaway, you could also win a bundle of Enchanted fabric by visiting Dodi’s blog, Loose Threads (www.sashgals.com) and leaving a comment. One entry per blog post, per day of the Blog Tour, right there on Loose Threads! Enter every day to increase your chance of winning!!!
BLOG HOP SCHEDULE
Love the projects showcased above? Don’t miss a single post! Check out the posts, both past and upcoming via the schedule below:)
Monday, Jan 23rd – Little Londyn
Tuesday, Jan 24th – Jedi Craft Girl
Wednesday, Jan 25th – Loose Threads
Thursday, Jan 26th – Meags and Me
Friday, Jan 27th – Pretty by Hand
Monday, Jan 30th – Tie Dye Diva
Tuesday, Jan 31st – Two Sisters as Squirrel Hallow
Wednesday, Feb 1st – Striped Swallow Designs
Thursday, Feb 2nd – Izzy and Ivy
Friday, Feb 3rd – Ellis and Higgs
Monday, Feb 6th – Aurifil (YOU ARE HERE!)
Tuesday, Feb 7th – The Crafty Quilter
Wednesday, Feb 8th – Two Sisters at Squirrel Hallow
Thursday, Feb 9th – Jina Barney Designz
Friday, Feb 10th – Riley Blake
ABOUT DODI
Blog — Instagram — Pinterest
Dodi Lee Poulsen designs and creates wonderful patterns to be enjoyed by quilters of all skill levels. Her patterns and designs have been featured in numerous Quilting magazines. She currently designs fabric for Riley Blake Designs. She has been a quilt instructor for over twenty five years and she teaches and lectures throughout the country. Together with her sister, Heidi Fisher, Dodi launched her pattern company, Two Sisters at Squirrel Hollow in 2006. Dodi added their children’s division, Little Londyn Patterns, with her daughter Megan Miles. Dodi is the author of 5 books. She and her husband live in the state of Washington and are the proud grandparents of 8 grandchildren.
Love the colors and think I would use the fabric to make a lap quilt for a special little girl.
Beautiful line of fabrics and as always wonderful Aurifil thread. I would make a quilt for my great granddaughter with it.
Oh I would love to make a quilt with these lovely fabrics!
Enchanted is lovely. I would like to make a full size bed quilt with Enchanted.
I would make a quilt for my granddaughter. Love these prints!
I would love to make a nice little girl quilt!!
I would make a charity quilt for a young girl at David’s House in NH.
I think this would make an awesome dresden plate quilt.
These fabrics would become a baby quilt using a lot of HST’s and a few Flying geese!
Beautiful bright colors. I would make a quilt. Thank you!
I love the fabrics and the collection of thread. I also have granddaughters and can imagine making all sorts of things with these. A little disappointed that you can’t enter the give-away if you don’t have an Instagram account. Which I don’t. Oh well, I’m sure that when I see the fabric in my lqs, I will certainly grab some.
The fabrics are beautiful, I would make a dress for my granddaughter and a baby quilt, thanks for the giveaway!
I have a great niece due in June. This would be lovely for a baby quilt for a little girl
My current favorite color combination. Teal and pink 😁
And ide make a lovely lap quilt for the couch.
Beautiful fabric, make Great Granddaughers dresses, quilts, anything.
Love the colors and the prints.
Cute fabrics–perfect for a sweet quilt!
I might make something for my granddaughter.
I need to make some baby gifts. Perfect for crib quilts. Thanks!
I’d make a sweet baby quilt!
I would like to make a lap quilt and maybe a tote.
This is a beautiful collection! I’d like to make a table runner with matching placemats for my dining table. It would really brighten it up!
This is such a bright cheerful collection, I think I would like to make some lap quilts for some little girls.
Love this line! So playful! Baby’s quilt would be lovely in this!
Lovely fabrics! I would make some pillows for my sister.
Loved the interview. Can’t wait to use the new line of fabric and thread. Riley Blake is one of my favorites.
Lovely fabrics!
I would make a quilt for my granddaughter!
Thank you.
JUST LOVELY! THANKS FOR SHARING!
Working on a pink quilt – this would make a lovely addition to it!
Lovely!! Bright! Cheerful! So Colorful!! I really like this line. It is what it says … Enchanted!
Forgot to say I would make a maxi-dress (to show it off) and a quilt~
Super cute fabric and yummy thread collection. I definitely want to make a pillow with that whale applique’, but I’d also like to make a modern style lap quilt too!
QuiltShopGal
http://www.quiltshopgal.com
Stunning! Who can pick a specific thing!!!??? I’d do a mini-quilt likely.
I love all the textures in this lovely fabric line. Also love the colors. Think I’d make a modern improv quilt of some kind and use scraps for pouches. Would pick the neutral color to use after I actually see the fabric up close.
This fabric would make a great child’s quilt!
I am into my quilting days-as a beginner, these would help to finish a quilt top! Lots of practice still to be had on my FMQ-my grandbabies are all grown now, your patterns are too cute! Thank you, Susan
I would make a charity quilt for our quilt guild.
Adorable for girly-girls!
Beautiful fabric and thread😊
Wonderful visit. I enjoyed the projects. Thank you.
Bright and cute fabrics and I so enjoy learning about the quilter behind the great designs.
Mama said…SEW. I love that! Love this collection of prints – they do enchant me. 🙂
Adorable fabrics! I would definitely make a quilt for a deserving young lady out of these fabrics.
Such pretty colors
and I would like to
make some totes.
Carla from Utah
I would have to make some dresses for my granddaughter & her sister that will be here in April. Matching ones would be so cute! I also would have to make them dolly quilts to match.
This fabric would make some great Spring bags for a few young girls I know!
lstangl482 at aol dot com
Such gorgeous fabrics. I have four granddaughters, so I know what I would do with this collection.
It would make a great quilt. Thanks for the chance to win this wonderful giveaway.
I would make a quilt for a kid at the shrinersame hospital
This would make such a cute little girl quilt, that’s what I’d make
Nice
The first thing I want to make is that adorable whale tote! Then a quilt would be next.
I want to try a dresden plate, then maybe a longstanding?
Caltexgal@aol.com
I will make a beautiful throw for my niece with this lovely Enchanted fabric!
I would make some dresses for my daughter!
I would make a quilt! Those colors are luscious.
Love the fabrics and the projects displayed. I’m sure my lucky niece will be happy with a quilt made from these fabrics.
The fabrics are just awesome. I think my niece would love a blanket or maybe something special for her doll
We have a new grandbaby and Enchanted would make an adorable quilt for her!
Beautiful! My niece comes to mind…gosh it’s been a year since the last quilt!
Pretty fabrics along with my favorite thread, Aurifil! I would make a soft, cuddly quilt! 😊
The fabrics and threads in the line are gorgeous! I would love to make a quilt for my granddaughter using them!
I’d love to make my granddaughter a ruffly skirt and vest with this delightful fabric and thread. Thanks for the chance to win!
I would LOVE to make a quilt with these fabrics!!! So cute!
Am soooooo disappointed..when went to Rafflecopter to enter…first thing is Follow on Instagram 🙁 I do not do Instagram, Face Book, etc stuff… Please know I am not the only one out here that doesn’t… many of us followers won’t be able to Enter now.
Thanks for letting me vent…. :/
The fabric is beautiful. Love making quilts with Riley Blake!! It’s yummy!
Love the fabric, and the thread colors are delicious looking!! Can’t wait to sew some cute little girl dresses!!
I have 2 great-nieces who would love dresses or quilts with this sweet collection.
I’d love to make a quilt for my niece with this sweet fabric.
I would be making wall quilts for each little great niece and nephew. It’s so refreshing!
I would make a quilt for a new baby cousin.
I have no small grandchildren, so would probably make a quilt for our guild’s Caring and Sharing program.
My oldest granddaughter loves blues and pinks. This would make a fantastic quilt!
I love this fabric, I’d like to make a baby quilt!
Love the fabric and thread collection. Such pretty colors! Would love to make a quilt with it.
I’d make a girl’s quilt if I was lucky enough to win fabric and a Aurifil thread set from this Enchanted line! It’s gorgeous, and your thread is simply the best!
Susie
I’m teaching my granddaughter to sew. She would love this bright, fun fabric to make a throw quilt for her bed.
So pretty!
I would love to make pillowcases and pillow covers from this beautiful line!
This would be perfect for a quilt for my granddaughter’s room. Thanks so much for the chance to win 🙂
Debby E
samtaylorcjsmimi at yahoo dot com
What a beautiful collection — love the color combination and especially those plaids. I think I might make a bag with the denim/plaid collection.
A couple pouches.
Love the colors. I would make a quilt for my bed.
This collection is all about the girls! I would make at least one sweet outfit for my grandniece, Evelyn.
I would either use the fabric in a quilt or to make some type of bag.
I would make summer tops for my two granddaughters.
I would make a Quilt for my granddaughters!
I’ll make adorable tote bags!! Such cuteness here! Thank you!
Lovely!! I would use this to make a top for my daughter. Or a tote bag for her dance class shoes.
Awesome – excited to see more!
I would make a quilt for silent auction for a teacher going through breast cancer treatment. Thanks for the chance.
I would make a quilt!
What a beautiful collection! Thank you for the opportunity!
I would love to make an adorable quilt for my 1 month old granddaughter “Iva Jane” whom I haven’t met due to being 3 states apart.
Beautiful colors !!! I would make an enchanted quilt for my sweet daughter
Very cute!
I love the colors. I might just grab a fat quarter bundle and wait for the right pattern. 🙂
I would use this fabric for a quilt for my granddaughter.
I’d make a dresden quilt. Thanks for the chance to win!
I would like to make room accessories for my niece, like a pillow, valances, message board, etc… Thanks for the chance to win!
A beautiful quilt for a little granddaughter.
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