Pat Sloan is a quilt designer, running her own company Pat Sloan & Company, along with her husband Gregg, from Fairfax County, Virginia. Pat is passionate about being creative, especially when it comes to designing new quilt designs. She has been quilting now for over 20 years and even writes books and hosts radio shows in order to share her experience. Pat also loves to travel the country teaching others how to quilt. So we are proud to bring you the Designer Insights of Pat Sloan.
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1) In your own words describe your unique style and creative aesthetic?
I'm a quote loving, clear colors, fresh contemporary, folk art quilt maker. Using large simple applique and patchwork shapes, I let the fabric paint in the quilt's details.
2) When starting a new project, what is your creative process?
I start with a theme and then words to support that. Vacation time is toes in the sand, beach bag, summer nights. Then I sketch and eventually a quilt or fabric appears.
3) Out of the creative people you have worked with, who is it that you respect and admire the most?
Working in the Quilt industry I'm constantly thrilled and excited to collaborate with fellow designers. We are a small niche industry and mostly made up of one or two person businesses. That means we often don't have anyone to bounce ideas off of, or to share experiences with. Whenever I have a chance to work with other quilt designers via my podcast or a collaboration I learn so much.
4) When looking for inspiration is there a particular thing you do to get inspired?
When I'm doing a lot of writing, not much new creativity happens. Letting myself look at interesting colors and shapes let's me absorb beauty and will kick start my creative side.
5) What has brought you to this point in your career? And what is your advice for people looking to follow in your footsteps?
After 20 years in computers, I just quit 15 years ago to try my hand at the quilt design industry. My Advice to those wanted to start a creative venture is to not overthink it. We often sabotage our efforts by not having it perfect, just start and you'll figure it out as you go!
