Today we’re excited to welcome surface and space designer Alison Glass! Many of you know from her work with Andover Fabrics, and she is here today to chat about her journey in the industry and how she balances her creative work with family time. Read on, and be sure to enter the fabulous giveaway at the end of this post!
Alison, we’re so excited to have you as a guest at Craft Buds. Can you tell us a little bit about your career background how you got started as a licensed designer with Andover?
Thanks so much! I really appreciate it.
My background is actually in education. I was an art and classroom teacher before my daughter was born. I have always loved art, fabric, sewing, creating, and especially color. I started my home dec business when my second child was three. I was doing a lot of sewing and reupholstery for clients, using beautiful fabrics from the quilting industry, and at some point in that process realized that people make the designs that get printed on fabric. I became fascinated with the idea of creating those designs, especially the repeat and color part, and just started drawing. Chalk on the dining room walls was my favorite outlet!
It was a bit of a journey designing that first collection and figuring out how to present it to manufactures, and thinking back seems so wild to just show up at Quilt Market not knowing anyone, but that’s how it happened. It’s one of the best things I have ever done, just showing up. I met with a bunch of people and after much consideration ended up with Andover, which I am thrilled about. I adore working with them and appreciate their dedication.
What is your design process like and where do you most often find inspiration?
As I reflect about what I’ve designed up to this point, I would say that I find a ton of inspiration in the details that surround me. There is so much beauty and interest in the world, making a conscious decision to see it creates a nearly endless stream of ideas and thoughts. I love the process of taking these glimpses of detail and translating them into my own ideas, colors, and patterns.
With each design I almost always start out with a sketch on paper, finalize the lines and repeat using tracing paper, then hand trace and color digitally. I like this process, and though it takes a bit longer, I feel that I have complete control over the art work and where each line is placed and how it moves. This is my favorite part of the work, the art.
There is a lot of new fabric on it’s way at this point: Sun Print, Clover Sunshine, Field Day, and some unnamed work that I hope will be super for garment sewing! I am really excited to get to see what people will make with these new designs.
I know many fabric designers do other types of creative work as well. Do you have other crafts, hobbies or business ventures that help supplement your work?
Up until the last year I ran a small, local design business designing spaces and custom home dec pieces for clients. There was about a year or more overlap when I was doing both. Then last summer we moved to a new state, so I wrapped up that local business to concentrate on surface design and the quilting industry. I am definitely still in the process of figuring this out as a business, but I feel like things are moving forward pretty well. I am very lucky in that my true interests are very tied to this work, so what I am making for work and for fun are the same.
I have recently started selling super high-quality art prints, kits, and patterns through my online shop, which is something that has been in the works for a while. I plan to expand the shop, and am so happy to have it up and running. I am especially excited about the art prints, which I’ve wanted to do for a number of years, and a number of new patterns will release in July, including embroidery! As for freelance graphic design, although it’s not official, when people ask I am happy to help! I do love the artwork part the most!
Is it hard to find a balance between your creative work and your personal or family time?
Well, the kids are just now out of school for the summer, so maybe check back with how I’m feeling about this next month! The noise-canceling headphones are helping at this particular moment! Seriously though, it’s a tricky thing, balancing work and home life.
I think good communication with the family is really important and necessary to make this sort of job work, and an honest assessment about the reality of one’s situation. If something isn’t working, you talk about it and make adjustments. Chris and I are both incredibly supportive of each other’s work and life goals, and we are also very lucky to have two fairly independent, responsible, and quiet/introverted kids. Anna is 11 and Jack is 9, so they are not so little anymore, which to me makes it easier. They have grown up watching both of us working very hard to create the life we want for us and for them. We have been very open and honest about that, and they seem to have a pretty deep understanding that to create the life you want takes a huge commitment paired with continual decisions to keep moving forward and live in the new/present with as much personal integrity as possible. “Live in the New” is a favorite phrase of mine. It’s about letting go of things that are holding you back and a deep focus on the current reality and what can be done with it.
These three that surround me are amazing individuals and truly make me want to work in a way that they will be proud of. This also means I can’t just ignore them and work all the time, which is my bent. I adore working, however even more than that my greatest desire is deep and good relationships with people, especially the ones I am with most of the time. For me, managing this is just taking things day by day and knowing that if something takes longer than I’d like, it’s probably for a good-and-larger-picture reason. I do get wound about stuff, and I’m working on getting better at letting things go.
Based on lessons you’ve learned in the industry, what is your best advice for an aspiring fabric designer?
Gosh, that’s hard, it depends so much on what someone is wondering. Generally, though I would have a two-part thought, which is a combination of diligently pursuing one’s interest in fabric design and also knowing that it’s not for the faint of heart. No one will ever know if it’s going to work or not if they don’t try, and though that sounds so obvious, it’s true. I spent longer than I should have wondering if a company would pick up my work. If anyone is serious about fabric design and wants to do it for the right kind of reasons, then it is worth trying.
That being said, it is a ton of work and time, and even more once fabric is in production. The commitment is huge, and knowing why you want to design fabric and where you want to go with it is key. If it is just kind of a fun goal for someone, that is one thing. If a person sees it as a career they are professionally pursuing, it is an entirely different commitment. I feel that overall fabric design needs to start with great artwork, repeat, and colors, and putting one’s best work forward it always key.
Giveaway!
Alison is generously giving away a prize pack of goodies that are not yet available in stores! One lucky winner will receive:
– Fat quarter bundle of the new Feathers print from the Sun Print line
– Feathers Quilt Pattern
– Embroidery Pattern – Winner’s Choice
– Alison Glass Art Print – Winner’s Choice
Enter via the Rafflecopter widget below. Good luck!
217 comments
I learned that her design process starts with pencil and paper.
I learned she sketches all of her prints and then adds color digitally.
How fabulous that Alison got started with this adventure by “showing up”. Sometimes I think we forget, I know I do, that the first step is to “show up.” Congratulations to Alison! It is awesome to follow what you love.
Thanks for the interview! Love the feathers fabric!
Great patterns – love that turtle! i learned that great artwork is key.
it was interesting to know she designs first on paper before transferring it to the computer
I am always interested in hearing how people get started in the fabric designing business!!
I like what she said about understanding your own commitment level. There is a big difference between a hobby and a career, and sometimes it’s hard to know just how far you want to go with something. I think that is a common struggle for many people in creative fields – you are doing what you love even though it can feel like “work.” sometimes we need other activities to keep as hobbies so they retain that element of pure fun and not work. anyways, good article and thanks for the giveaway 😉
I liked her discussion between a hobby and a career, I learned a lot. Great explaination.
Its clear that Allison is a natural and has such a passion for what she does and creates. I could tell it in every word that she said!
I loved hearing that you spent way to much time wondering if anyone would pick up your work. We all tend to second guess ourselves far more than we should! So happy you decided to just show up at quilt market 🙂
love that she actually sketches her art first!
I didn’t realize Alison was into embroidery, can’t wait to see the designs!
That she’s selling art prints!
Its nice to see a very realistic view on the industry and that its not for the faint hearted. The commitment needed to take it seriously to make it.
You need to love design to pursue it as a career, because it’s a huge commitment.
I loved reading more about you Alison! I didn’t know you were an elementary teacher before you go started with design. Your love of art is evident throughout your beautiful work!
We have the elementary education thing in common. I wish we had the fabric design thing in common! Thanks for sharing a bit about yourself!
Alison sounds like she has an amazing family, and that her children Anna and Jack are lucky to have such creative parents.
It’s great to hear her thoughts on being a working mom!
glad to know she sketches on paper first. not everyone does. great article. i enjoyed reading it.
Love the colors and patterns she uses.
The use of actual pencils, and chalk on the dining room walls. I love that she uses her senses too inspire and then execute her ideas.
HI! LEARNED SHE DOES ALL HER OWN SKETCHES+THEN COLORS THEM>THANKS FOR SHARING!
That its ok to show up not knowing anyone and to just believe in your style 🙂 Thanks!!!
Love the new collection Allison. They are all fabulous. Great to learn more about you and your family and artistic processes.
My favorite part from the article that I learned–
Chalk on the dining room walls was Allison’s favorite outlet!
Sounds like Allison is my kinda girl. Keep up the amazing work Allison. I look forward to seeing more beautiful designs from you.
I learned she sketches all of her prints and then adds color digitally.
I learned I am so not ready to be a fabric designer!
An interesting and inspiring lady! I’ve been meaning to dabble in a bit of fabric design myself when I couldn’t find what I wanted, so it’s interesting to read the process Alison uses to achieve her designs.
Nice to know someone else draws out her designs first.
That feathers fabric print is amazing!
And I learned she sells embroidery designs!!
With all the new fabrics coming out, it’s really opened my eyes to designing your own fabric, and not relying solely upon what commercial manufacturers want you to use.
It takes commitment to succeed as a fabric designer
Would love a chance to win that fabric!
I learned that Alison was a teacher and that she has two kids.
She was a teacher
Great fabric and great embroidery designs.
Thanks for the giveaway!
Such pretty fabric! She’s so creative.
I learned that she is doing embroidery as well as fabric. I am checking out if it is machine embroidery or not.
Thanks!
LOVE, LOVE, LOVE your fresh new designs!!So excited to find them : )
I was fascinated to learn that Alison’s background is in education!
Beautiful fabric! I learned that Alison was an elementary art teacher to start with. I also learned that it takes a lot of hard work to be a designer.
Lovely fabric and an inspiring post
Beautiful designs. I can’t wait to get my hands on some.
Thank you so much for all your in-depth answers. They really shed a light on the perseverance and dedication it takes to be a designer and still have a personal life. Alison is an amazing woman and talented artist. I strive to be known like that some day. 🙂
embroidery designs for sale? Awesome, learn something new every day!
I learned that Alison has a great, supportive family! So important.
I’m so crushing on that feathers fabric… so stash-worthy! Just love it!
yes, big difference b/w hobby and career. LOVE her work!
Fabric designing is not for the faint of heart! It takes a lot of work, but worth it in the end… Thanks for the Q&A!
I learned that she sells art prints and patterns on her website and love that she starts out by sketching her designs first.
Before this, I didn’t know Alison was a teacher like me!
I learned that communication, support and a deep understanding within her family helps her to continue to create amazing fabric
Love these fabrics! And giveaways are so much fun!
Love the colors!!!
I learned that Alison has a great outlook on letting go of what is not important. And seems she is teaching her kids the same thing. Great advice from a talented lady!
I learned about her awesome embroidery. Thanks!
I learned she loves her family and she loves doing her art and I love it also. Thanks for the giveaway!
(smjohns63 at yahoo dot com)
“so what I am making for work and for fun are the same”
Probably her big secret for a so hard work
It is possible to have a career and family, if you know where the ultimate priorities lie. I like that you can have one interest that leads you into a variety of opportunities, not just stuck in one .. be versatile
I love the feather fabric and quilt pattern. Must Have!
That she has more than one line coming out soon here! I’m doing the fabric club for all the sun prints through Intrepid Thread, looks like I’ll be buying some Clover Sunshine too!
It was interesting to hear her process from starting with a drawing and translating it to a fabric design. I always wondered how fabric designs get created.
LOVE the feathers quilt pattern!
I learned that I need to invest in noise canceling headphones! 😉 That turtle embroidery is gorgeous!
I learned that I HAVE TO HAVE her next slew of fabrics – those feathers and texty stuff is TO DIE FOR!
What a great giveaway- I adore that feathers pattern!
Great interview and such beautiful photos! Looking forward to getting my hands on this collection.
i love that she is selling art prints!
I like the fact that even though work is her bent, she still takes important time with her family and other relationships 🙂
Btw, the feathers are absolutely gorgeous!
I learned about the importance of paying attention to the world around me as an inspiration for design.
I love the phrase “Live in the New” and will have to adapt that to my daily life.
Alison is very lucky to have the support of her family. She obviously loves what she does.
She has at least 3 new lines coming soon — and they all seem to share a similar color palette. Love them! Thanks for the chance!
What a fabulous and inspiring story!
I am so inspired by her courage to just show up at a trade show! Gorgeous designs as well. 🙂
I learned about Alison. I hadn’t heard of her before, and I LOVE her design aesthetic! I agree that “overall fabric design needs to start with great artwork, repeat, and colors”.
I think the feathers are great. A new idea.
Love the fabric
I love how she still starts on paper for her designs
Love your colors!
I love the Feathers. Can’t wait to see what she comes up with next.
I learned that inspiration comes from your surroundings. Which is also true for me!
I love the feathers and the turtles are just gorgeous
Interesting to learn that she started out as a teacher. Thanks.
Very creative, love the feather fabric.
I enjoyed reading her thoughts on fabric design. Thanks for the chance to win.
That fabric is so beautiful!
I learned that she finds her inspiration in the details that surround her. A great place to look, you just have to know that and she does.
I love to learn about how fabric designers got into the business and how they balance that with their family!
I learned that fabric design is a big time commitment, and that there’s more work after it’s produced than before! Which I suppose I knew at some level but never really thought about!
I loved hearing about her design process.
I learned that she has a background in education.
I love that she was an educator, as I was and her commitment to her family, art, and balancing it as she “just shows up”. What a great inspiration.
She feels one of the best things she’s done is showing up at Quilt Market even though she knew no one beforehand!
Would have so much fun with this!!
Thanks for the giveaway! I learned about juggling family life while working!
What fun fabrics!
I didn’t know that she started with paper and had a lot of steps prior to the digitial step.
It was great to read the story how Alison become fabric designer! I love love love the quilt shown on the first photo!
I didn’t know she was a teacher!
Very interesting story on how you started. So glad you took the step to go to market and make your dream come true. Looking forward to seeing more fabric collections
She ahs some new fabric coming out: Sun Print, Clover Sunshine, Field Day
I just adore the Feathers Quilt! How beautiful!
LOVE reading your store, very inspiring ♥
I learned she is creative
I learned you dont need an expensive program to draw up designs. Pencil and paper are the way to go
I learned that she starts with chalk drawings on the dining room walls.
Wonderful designs!
She finds insperation in the things around her. 🙂
So good to get to know you a bit! Thanks so much for the giveaway! Hoping I win my first giveaway 😉
“Live in the New” — that’s a new phrase for me. I’ll have to think on it! Hopefully that wasn’t a typo for “Live in the Now” — because it’s much more thought-provoking the new way.
It’s ‘Live in the New’ and a true favorite of mine! 🙂
ALOT of great bloggers,designers, quilters are graphic or design educated, or in the busy and then they pick up a craft
I’ve been eagerly awaiting the release of this line and can’t wait to incorporate it into the projects I have in mind!
Ive learned that if u want to pursue a career (and not just in this industry) u have to be willing to dedicate A LOT of time into it and just go for it! I love how she said that the best decision she made was to just show up!
I learned that to design fabric professionally, a person must be committed to the process. Successful fabric design begins with great artwork, repeat patterns, that work well with the colors chosen.
I love the idea of finding design inspiration in the details!
Know the differences between your hobby and your career
Excited to learn about her online sales of art prints!
I liked learning about how she started in designing fabric! Amazing! Love your designs! If only I had that imagination to create! Thanks for your giveaway!
I like how she says you’ll never know unless you try.
So very true!
I did not know that she had an online shop where she sells art prints! So fun and their fabulous of course!
Designing is a huge amount of work so you have to love it to make it your career.
What an inspiration love that she sells prints
i learned she just started selling online.
i am in awe of the talent and inspiration of designers. reading about them and seeing their designs makes you appreciate the talent they are blessed with. [email protected]
goes to show that a lot of are artistic, but only a few manage to make a career of art. I am a closet artist, if I were to sell something, then it would become work and no longer fun for me. Love this line of fabric.
I loved hearing that she just showed up to quilt market with her designs and made it happen. It’s a real testament to having faith in your work and being willing to share it.
She paints them digitally, but sketches them by hand? Neat!
I am so thankful for creative people like her to make such pretty fabric for me!
Alison is one of the most talented artists in surface design today. I loved learning about her family and how they help each other make dreams come true.
As an art teacher-turned-stay at home mom I absolutely LOVE Alison’s story! Thanks for the lovely giveaway and the fantastic interview 🙂
I just learned about her here.
I learned the design process is more complicated than I thought it was.
I learned that one’s background (education, in Alison’s case) can just be a stepping point to doing something that you love!
I learned that she draws the design first. I love the giveaway, it’s so generous of you!
Great interview. I liked learning about her process from paper to digital.
Definitely learned that designing fabric isn’t as easy as I may have thought it to be..
You can take a God given gift (art) and combine it with education (Art Teacher) and with hard work and major commitment can make a very satisfying career.
It’s cool that Allison decided to ‘just show up’ to quilt market. Knowing the first step and having the courage to take it is imparative in making a dream a reality.
I didn’t know about the embroidery patterns! Thanks for the chance!
There is so much beauty and interest in the world, making a conscious decision to see it creates a nearly endless stream of ideas and thoughts
It’s great to hear that Alison has a shop of her own and some of her thoughts on fabric design. I just adore those Feathers prints!
I learned that Alison thinks communication is important in balancing work and family – this interests me a lot as I am planning to set up a home business and I am wondering about how I will juggle being a mum and a boss!
I learned how Alison started in designing fabric! Thanks for your giveaway!
I love Alison’s fabrics!
I like that she starts to design with pencil and paper!
How bold just to show up at the quilt market without nowing anyone. Great that Alison did! I love her fabrics very much!
I really LOVE the fabrics!!
What a great interview. She is one talented lady. Thanks for the chance to win these great prizes.
I love her “live in the new” philosophy! I’ve never quite heard it expressed that way before and I think I’m going to adopt it!! Thanks Alison 🙂
The balance between work and family is always something that has to evaluated and re-evaluated as kids grow and dynamics change. What a great model in teaching your two kids (both of you) the good work ethic as well as creativity. Great interview.
I learnt how utterly muchly I love that feathers print!
Wow! There are so many interesting things about Alison that I’ve learned today… I love the idea how she would draw with chalk on the dining room walls! That would be neat to see!
Thanks for the interview. I was the “just go for it attitude” was great. Just going to Quilt Market with an idea and hope, and now Alison is here! Love the feathers. Thanks for the chance to win.
Wow what a great interview…all things still start with paper and pencil, very interesting. Could I be so lucky as to win….Have a great holiday.
Alison Glass is inspirational – she identified what she is good at and what she loves. After that, it seems it was a matter of finding the time to put in the necessary work and still maintain her personal life. I envy her bravery in just showing up; she must have had the confidence that she was bringing the right stuff to the table. Love that feather print!
She sells high quality art prints in her shop.
I appreciate that she values her husband and kids and their importance I her life and creative ability.
I like her philosophy of “live in the new”. I’m going to work on adopting that mindset! Thanks for sharing with us!
ellen(at)myerly(dot)net
It all starts with an idea, then a sketch. Must be interesting work. Love the feather fabric. Thanks for the chance to win some.
I’m a Craft Buds fan on facebook! Love looking at all the new fabrics.
I learned that if I’m going to get my sewing business started that I just need to “show up”…in other words just do it. Don’t be afraid to pursue what your passionate about.
I learned how extensive her design process is!! Thanks for the opportunity to win some of this gorgeous fabric.
love the thoughts on hobby vs. career.
I’m excited to read that she’s releasing embroidery kits. That was news for me!
I learned that fabric design begins with great artwork!
Love this fabric and the patterns! Thank you for this great giveaway! Great interview, very inspiring! It is all matter of getting out there and doing what you want to do. Along with talent, love, and support.
Have a super great sewing and stitching day!!
I was inspired by “just showing up” and the level of commitment required to proceed.
It is so interesting to learn her design style
I didn’t know that she starts her designs with a paper and pencil. I had always assumed she did everything via her computer. I love Alison. She’s not only talented but very sweet.
I learned a lot about her, like her background is in education.
I so agree with balancing family and work. And yes communication so so very key in keeping things running smoothly.
Thanks for this chance.
Its interesting to hear how people start their career- thats what I learned.
Balancing work and family is hard to do
What a fun blog! I loved hearing about Alison’s thoughts about designing and being a mother and wife. She is very inspiring.
I enjoyed reading about her design inspiration: there is so much beauty and interest in the world, and deciding to see it brings ideas (paraphrased). I like the idea of consciously deciding to see the beauty around us!
I love reading about how women balance their dreams and careers along with raising their family. It is such a difficult position to be in but oh what an adventure it can be!
I like that she sketches by hand on paper first. And that it’s a fine line to balance work & non-work. 🙂
I didn’t know she made art prints, thanks for the giveaway
I learned that she designs some fun embroidery patterns!
I also learned that Allison is selling Art Prints – gorgeous!!!
way cool turtle….have a great day!!!
I had no idea that she was selling art prints. If I am not the lucky winner, I’ll be window-shopping at her online store for awhile, I’m sure of it.
I learned that she has an education background.
What a very pretty quilt and the Sunshine fabric is so fun!
I would consider myself very lucky to win this prize! I’m a big fan.
Love the fabric, the turtle and her interview.
I learnt that Alison is selling her art prints in her online shop, I’m heading over there now to check them out! Thanks for a great interview (love reading about a designer’s creative process) & for the awesome giveaway!
I’m delighted to learn that Alison sells prints…
Commitment to your gift! Thank you for going forward
to learn the industry. Love your sense of design and color.
i learned about her… im so excited i found another designer to follow because her work is amazing!
Oh love the feather quilt pattern and the turtle!
I enjoyed reading about her design process.
Such fantastic designs – I really love her stuff.
Alison loves the art part of fabric design the most!
I love that she pointed out that there is a difference with someone pursuing designing fabric as a fun goal and as a professional thing. Great advice!
Thanks for the opportunity, Alison! I am looking forward to seeing sunprints in my store soon!
I found Alison’s thoughts on “living in the new” really struck a chord with me. Thanks for something to consider.
I liked her artistic method, paper, tracing paper, then tracing again and digital colouring… I start on paper as well. I’d love to see photos of each of her steps, how the designs change from concept to finished digital image.
Amazing giveaway, thanks!!
She is excited about her prints.
I learned that Alison Glass used to make home dec pieces. I wish I could see them!
I always find a person’s design process interesting.
These are great designs!
That there is even more work once a fabric is in production
I learned that the world around me is an important source of inspiration and constantly offers new ideas! It’s important for me to push myself “outside of the box” of my ideas that I constantly use and I know work well.
Ethics.
Interesting to know she began creating designs by – ‘chalking on the dining room walls as her favorite outlet!’
I think it’s interesting that quilters and designers come from every walk of life so I enjoyed learning about her background as a teacher. I’ll bet she inspired many kids when she was teaching!
Love her design style!
What a lovely giveaway….hope i win.
Love the way she designs fabric and then traces and digitally colors it.
Sonalee
Big fan of Alisons work! Great interview and even better giveaway, thanks!!!
Amazing giveaway, beautiful designs.
I didn’t realize she had a family! I loved this interview! Thanks for posting!
I have just found Alison Glass’s site. Really enjoying it!
Loved learning about her design process starting with pencil and paper sketching. Great interview. Thank you for a great giveaway. 🙂