We are thrilled to welcome the talented Sondrasa of Art Quilts by Design to the Aurifil family! A wildly creative artist and quilter, Sondrasa is known for her detailed raw edge appliqué and bold, expressive use of color. Her work captures the imagination, and her passion for the craft is electric.
This year, Sondrasa launched her epic Block of the Month (BOM), Desert Spring—a vibrant celebration of renewal and beauty, bursting with bright, springy hues. The design features the playful yet sophisticated Just Dandy fabric collection by Kate Colleran for Lumin Fabrics, brought to life with Sondrasa’s favorite thread—Aurifil’s 100% cotton 50wt.
To perfectly complement the Desert Spring BOM, Sondrasa curated her debut Aurifil thread collection: a dazzling set of 12 Large Spools in a color palette carefully selected to echo the freshness and warmth of spring. Each hue is a thoughtful reflection of her artistic vision, designed to enhance every stitch and spark creative inspiration.
We’re beyond excited to introduce this vibrant new thread set and to share some of Sondrasa’s creative journey with all of you. We can’t wait to see how you, our amazing readers and makers, bring her colors to life in your own quilting adventures!
Hi Sondrasa! Thank you so much for taking the time to chat with us today. To kick off our celebration of your debut Aurifil thread set, we’d love to introduce you to our readers! Can you tell us about your journey into the world of quilting? What first drew you to this creative medium?
Of course, thank you so much for having me! I found quilting my senior year of college, when my Mom (a long time quilter and seamstress) called me over to see the newest episode of Sewing with Nancy. There on the screen was none other than Tula Pink, showing Nancy her cornstalk quilt made with her new fabric line Pairsville. I grew up with my Mom creating play quilts and sewing clothes for myself and my two younger sisters. She would take me with her to the old school fabric shops of the 90’s to pick out fabric for her projects. Nothing I had experienced as a child had prepared me for what Tula was showing. It was bold, vibrant, and so very me! I was hooked and quilting has never let go!
When did you know that quilting—particularly art quilting—was something you wanted to pursue professionally?
There was a moment when quilting stopped being just a hobby and became a passion that I couldn’t ignore. I realized that my designs resonated with others, and I loved sharing my creative process. Once I started teaching and designing patterns, it became clear that I could turn this into a career while still staying true to my artistic voice.
Who or what has been your biggest inspiration along the way?
There are so many designers that have inspired me on this crazy journey. Of course Tula was a huge inspiration, being able to see someone so passionate being able to create and express herself so freely. As far as inspiration for my art style in general, I’d have to say that Amy Brown has had the largest impact. Amy Brown is a watercolor artist that specializes in fey creatures such as fairies and dragons.
Your quilts have such a unique and dynamic aesthetic! Can you share a bit about your signature quilting techniques?
I love playing with raw-edge appliqué and intricate layering to create depth and movement in my quilts. My designs often feature bold colors and high-contrast elements, bringing a sense of vibrancy and life to the piece. I also incorporate detailed stitching to enhance textures and create visual interest.
Do you have a favorite go-to method when approaching a new design?
I usually start with an idea or a feeling I want to capture. From there, I sketch and experiment with color palettes before moving into fabric selection. I like to work in layers, letting the design evolve as I build up details.
What role does color play in your creative process?
Color is paramount in my creative process. It sets the mood, conveys emotion, and brings the design to life. I love playing with color contrast to make a quilt really pop.
We’re so excited about your Desert Spring BOM and accompanying Aurifil thread set! What inspired the design of this quilt.
The Desert Spring Block of the Month quilt was inspired by the awakening of life in the desert during springtime. The vibrant blooms and renewed energy of the landscape. The sheer will of nature to thrive in such an arid environment.
Where can readers sign up for the BOM, and what benefits do participants receive?
The Desert Spring BOM is available through my website, Art Quilts by Design. Participants receive a carefully designed pattern, step-by-step instructions, and access to exclusive insights into my process, making it a guided experience from start to finish.
How did you go about selecting the thread colors for this collection? Was there a particular moment or element in the quilt design that guided your choices?
The thread colors were chosen to complement and enhance the Desert Spring quilt. I wanted to reflect the range of hues found in the desert—soft earth tones, rich florals, and unexpected bursts of brightness. Each color was selected to either blend seamlessly with fabrics or provide just the right amount of contrast for stitching details to pop.
Why was Aurifil 50wt such a crucial part of the process?
Aurifil 50wt is my go-to for precision and versatility. It’s fine enough to allow for detailed stitching without adding bulk, making it perfect for appliqué and intricate quilting. It also blends beautifully, which was essential for achieving the soft transitions and layered textures in Desert Spring.
How do the featured threads enhance the overall aesthetic and stitching details of the BOM quilt?
Each thread color was chosen to either highlight or blend with key design elements. The lighter shades allow for seamless appliqué, while the deeper tones add definition and texture. Using a high-quality thread like Aurifil 50wt ensures that every stitch contributes to the overall artistry of the quilt.
Do you have any go-to tips for working with Aurifil 50wt?
Yes! A few of my favorite tips:
- Use a Microtex or 80/12 needle for precise stitching.
- Reduce thread tension slightly if you’re experiencing any breakage.
- Pre-wind bobbins to match your top thread for a balanced stitch.
- If you’re appliquéing, try using a slightly longer stitch length for a cleaner edge.
How do you hope makers will use this thread set beyond the BOM quilt?
While the set is curated for Desert Spring, the colors are versatile enough to work in a variety of projects! Whether it’s floral appliqué, landscape quilts, or even garment sewing, these threads will add a beautiful, polished finish to any piece.
Are there any particular techniques where you feel Aurifil 50wt truly shines?
It’s perfect for raw-edge appliqué, free-motion quilting, and even piecing when you want those seams to lay flat. I also love using it for subtle, detailed quilting where you want the texture to enhance rather than overpower the design.
Where can we find you this year? Are there any events, workshops, or quilt shows you’re particularly excited about?
This year is packed with exciting events! I’ll be at:
- AQS QuiltWeek (Daytona Beach, Branson, & Paducah) – where Desert Spring will be on display.
- Creative Spark Live: Piecing Palooza – where I’ll be teaching how to assemble raw-edge appliqué like a pro.
- The Quilt Show – where I’ll be featured in an episode with Ricky Tims and Alex Anderson!
- I also have several workshops and online classes lined up—so there are plenty of ways to connect and learn together!
From both a professional and creative standpoint, what’s next for you?
I’m always looking for new ways to push creative boundaries! Right now, I’m expanding my pattern collection and developing more classes to help quilters master raw-edge appliqué and artistic color play.
Are there any new projects, collaborations, or ideas you’re hoping to explore in the near future?
Yes! I’m currently exploring fabric design—bringing my love of bold colors and organic shapes into prints that quilters can incorporate into their own work. I also have some exciting collaborations in the works, so stay tuned!
