Rachael Gander

Meet Rachael

Pellon: Where do you find inspiration for your work?
Rachael: I’m always inspired to create things that are difficult to figure out, it seems. I enjoy a good challenge, and have been working on getting some of my own patterns to the point where they might be able to be used by other people. The first pattern I made is for my madeleine bag and is available for free on my blog. I also have my first set of embroidery patterns for sale in my etsy shop.

P: What does your creative process entail?
R: My creative process usually starts with a spark of an idea that I simply can’t get out of my head.Once I think of something new that I want to try, the idea starts to take on a life of its own, and it isn’t until I work it out that it stops invading my brain 🙂

P: Why do you enjoy sewing/crafting/quilting?
R: I enjoy the feeling of accomplishment I have when I have taken an idea and turned it into something real.

P: Do you create mainly for satisfaction, gifts, art or another reason?
R: For me, the act of creating is so wrapped up in who I am and what I do, that I feel like I have no choice but to foster that… I create because I love the feeling of bringing an idea to life, of figuring out a way to make it work and making something physical out of that idea.

P: What tips or tricks learned through experience can you share?
R: The most important thing I have learned is that being careful and purposeful is always worth it. Despite my often mad scientist approach to sewing, training myself to slow down and do things right the first time has really helped me to be more accurate and successful in projects.

P: When and why did you start sewing/quilting/crafting?
R: Growing up, my mom was always sewing. She made a lot of clothing for us when my brother, sister, and I were young. I played around with her sewing machine some, but didn’t really get into sewing for myself again until about ten years ago when I got my first machine. I started sewing much more about three years ago when I made a rag doll for my daughter and people started asking me to make some for them… soon after, I had my etsy shop set up and the blog soon followed.

P: What inspires you to start a project?
R: My inspiration can come from anywhere… from a new construction technique I want to try or a piece of fabric that just begs me to make it into something.

Rachael`s Projects:

Falling Flakes Stocking

Use the ‘quilt-as-you-go’ method to create this festive stocking. This stocking is fast and fun to make.

Blast Quilt

“Blast: to make or open by or as if by explosion”. Blast Quilt is a take on the traditional Ohio Star quilt block. Use simple squares, half square triangles and quarter square triangles to create this dynamic quilt. It is perfect for showing off large scale prints. Sample used Enchanted by Cloud 9 Fabrics in Raven Moon, Zig Zag Feathers Turquoise, Tear Drop Bead Shadow, Arrows, Tear Drop Bead Sunshine, Zig Zag Feathers Coral and Seed Bead Chevron. Sample was quilted by Shelly Pagliai of Prairie Moon Quilts. Quilt measures 48” x 48”. This pattern is also available as a free cross-stitch pattern at imaginegnats.com.

The Cammy Pack

The cammy pack is the new must have accessory for all crafty photographers. Think of it as ‘fanny pack meets
camera strap’. The 3-1/2” wide, fully functional camera strap features both a lens cap pocket and a cell phone
pocket within easy reach, and keeps your valuables safe within one of two zippered pockets. The tutorial
includes instructions for sewing a full camera strap with all attachments as well as a variation for a camera strap
cover. Stitch one up and head out for your next sightseeing trip in style and comfort.

Feathered Cathedral Window Block

Block 5 of 9 in the Cathedral Window Quilt-a-Long.
Block size is 12-1/2” square unfinished.
Use a 1/4” seam allowance unless otherwise indicated.
Finished quilt will measure 36“ square.
Use Legacy™ by Pellon® 100% Natural Cotton or Soy/Cotton Blend Batting for a beautiful finish.

Cathedral window blocks are traditionally about folding and topstitching to create beautiful blocks with a lot of depth.

Raccoons in Love Throw Pillows

Bring the wild into your world with a friendly bandit on your sofa. He’s not a burglar but he will steal your heart for Valentine’s Day! This fun and simple raccoon pillow includes options for hand stitching, adding machine stitched embellishments, or even a no-sew appliqué version.

Embroidery-to-Go Bag

This bag is a collaboration between two stylish designers. Rachael Gander designed the embroidery pattern for the bag, which was completed and fully stitched by Sara Lawson. The square embroidery travel case features a zipper that goes almost all the way around the side panel and has a top handle for easy portability. The back of the case has a large pocket that will hold your 6″ or 8″ embroidery hoop. Inside is a sturdy 5-section divider that will hold all your carded embroidery floss, plus has extra room for scissors and other notions. Take your crafting on the road!

I {heart} Pellon® Stocking

Ready to dress up that mantle in style? The I {heart} Pellon® stocking with patchwork detail and optional embroidery will make any mantle Santa-ready. Sample used Cherry Christmas by Aneela Hoey for Moda, Essex Linen from Robert Kaufman in black and flax and DS Quilts for Jo-Ann in the lining.

Frippery Coasters

Use a strip piecing method to create these fast and fun coasters. Make sets for all the holidays. Fabrics used for sample are from Thomas Knauer’s Frippery distributed by Andover Fabrics. Makes 5 coasters in total.

Artisan Apron

Why not add a little fashion to your food prep? This style-savvy apron adds just the right amount of color! It’s quick and easy and comes with handy pockets! Sample uses Art Gallery Fabrics (Fresh Grass Floralism from Modernology, Oval Elements Chocolate Cherry, Rhapsodia Red Frida’s Dream, & Rhapsodia Ruby Artisan) and Bella by Moda Solids (White & Horizon Blue).

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