Deborah C. Vollbracht

Meet Deborah

Pellon: Where do you find inspiration for your work?
Deborah: Inspiration for a project, for me, comes from the fabric itself. The print, color, and value of a print will speak to me—begging a whimsical tote or a traditional style quilt. I usually buy fabric I like, then formulate a use later by blending other favorites with the original pick.

P: What does your creative process entail?
D: Once I choose a “star of the show” and decide what sort of project I want to make, I begin the auditioning process. I choose fabrics that not only will blend, but also want accent fabric(s). After I have chosen all fabrics I think I will want/need, I arrange themas much as possible into a mock-up or layout—not cutting fabrics, just arranging them side by side. Then I take a photo with my digital camera to see how they look. The camera often reveals to me changes that need to be made to enhance the fabric choices.

P: Why do you enjoy sewing/crafting/quilting?
D: Creating with fabric satisfies the craving to make something with my hands, and no matter how small the project,there is always a feeling of accomplishment when a project is completed.

P: Do you create mainly for satisfaction, gifts, art or another reason?
D: I realize that all 3 of these ideas are reasons I create, but in addition, I love the extra quality and style that you can create when you sew and quilt for yourself and loved ones.

P: What tips or tricks learned through experience can you share?
D: The most important tip I can pass along for beginners is to cut, sew, and press accurately and conscientiously.  The attention to detail does matter greatly in the final outcome of any project.

P: When and why did you start sewing/quilting/crafting?
D: I started sewing when I was 9 years old and received a packet of pre-cut doll dresses to sew, which I did by hand. I was totally fascinated to open the package and see the colorful calicoes brighten my world.

P: What inspires you to start a project?
D: It’s almost always the fabric itself that inspires the beginning of a project. I do have a small notebook with sketches I’ll jot down over time. But fabric itself is the catalyst that signals the search for the right design to feature it.