Make sure to stop by at Market and visit with two of Moda’s newest designers, Amy Ellis and April Rosenthal.  They’ve each been involved with the quilting industry for years as authors, bloggers, and pattern designers and you may also know them from Quiltcast, the podcast where they share Top Five favorites, quilting tips, and general conversation about their lives and balancing quilting with family. (Both are mothers of school-age children: Amy has four and April has twins.) Though the women have a different aesthetic, they shared a similar goal: designing fabric for Moda.

April Rosenthal

For about five years, April's been designing quilt patterns and templates for her business, Prairie Grass Patterns. Her patterns also show up in multiple quilting magazines and is included in the Moda Bake Shop book Sweet Celebrations. “I’ve always loved fabric and sewing and color and knew I wanted to work with Moda from day one,” she says. “When the timing was right, I put a portfolio together and took a leap!”

Best. Day. Ever!

The result is her first line, Best. Day. Ever! The line will ship in October.

Amy Ellis is also a pattern designer. She’s published three books with Martingale since 2011, including her most recent Modern Neutrals: A Fresh Look at Neutral Quilt Patterns. Through her blog Amy's Creative Side, she also started the Bloggers’ Quilt Festival, giving quilters everywhere a chance to share their quilt and its story with a wide audience. Amy’s first fabric line is Modern Neutrals, which also ships in October.

Amy Ellis

The two were each working on their fabric design ideas long before they became friends at QuiltCon in February 2013. So while they share a friendship and a podcast, the look of their fabrics is decidedly different. But they were still able to cheer each other on during the design process. “We’re both quilters!” says Amy. “That’s a bond that bridges aesthetic differences and makes it easy to appreciate and see the beauty in someone else’s work, no matter the aesthetic.”

Modern Neutrals

Both Amy and April are looking forward to Market: sharing their fabric and pattern ideas, getting out from behind computers and sewing machines, and seeing friends. “Many of these designs and quilt patterns have been in my head for literally years, so it will be so fun to see how they’re received,” says April. “And of course, the most exciting part is getting to be a part of the magic that is Moda. Can’t wait!”