by Carolyn Gavin
Carolyn Gavin has created a wonderful fantasy town filled with cheerful homes, chirping birds and lots of flowering trees. We asked Carolyn where she got her inspiration for the collection.
“It all stemmed from the (main) tree farm design… simple flowers, trees, flowers in trees, birds, butterflies, house. House became houses. Houses grew into a tiny village and the village grew into a more populated town.”
We asked Carolyn to describe her work space, which sounds like it might have been inspirational as well.
“I have a little studio at the back of our
house on the 2nd floor. It has a gorgeous view of old trees and a tiny park
where dogs play and kids hang out. It’s a very conducive space in which to
create.”
Carolyn says she started drawing and painting when she was 4 or 5.
“I took various classes through elementary school and pottery, and then focused on painting at the age of about 11 or 12. I took wonderful painting instruction from artist/teacher Nina Campbell-Quine, who taught me a method I still use today. A carved end of a found stick is used to draw your subject in black ink on paper. You then apply these beautiful vivid dyes with large brushes to the drawing. The water catches the black ink lines haphazardly and gives it a soft blurry effect… it’s fabulous and very free!”
We asked Carolyn about her own sewing adventures.
“I just purchased a small machine for my daughter,
who is learning to sew. We are learning together and we have made a few small
things using my fabric; some doll clothes, pillows and an apron. It’s a fun,
creative process that I find needs lots of patience.”
Lots of quilters have been enjoying Carolyn’s fabrics as well. Here are two quilts made with the collection, both available as free downloads on our web site.
“Urban Village” is by Corey Yoder
click on the quilt to donwload free pattern
“Town Square” is by Nancy Mahoney
click on the quilt to donwload free pattern
Sandy Lueth of Totes by Sandy, www.totesbysandy.com has also had some fun with Carolyn’s collection.
Finally, we asked
Carolyn what artistic plans she has for the future.
“I would love to see some of my designs on bedding… for kids and adults. There are so many things still to learn and do creatively, it never really ends. I really LOVE what I do and find it extremely rewarding. It has been a journey learning so much along the way. I hope to be fulfilled this way for many years to come!”
