Designers (K-Z)

Learn more about the designers featured in Fons and Porter's magazines. Click here for Designers A-J.


	Gail Kessler Gail Kessler is a fabric designer and owner of Ladyfingers Sewing Studio in Oley, Pennsylvania. www.ladyfingerssewing.com

	Thomas Knauer Thomas holds Masters of Fine Art from both Ohio University and the Cranbrook Academy of Art. Before he started designing fabric and quilts he was a professor of art and design at Drake University and the State University of New York. He began sewing in 2010 after leaving academia due to health concerns. The first time he sat down at a sewing machine he made his wee daughter a dress. He now designs fabric with Andover Fabrics; his quilts are starting to be published in an array of magazines. He still loves making things for his wee daughter. Contact him at www.thomasknauersews.com

	Debby Kratovil Debby Kratovil is a prolific quilter, designer, and illustrator. She regularly creates new projects for her popular workshops and trunk shows. Debby lives in the Washington, DC metro area with her husband, Phil, and dog, Belle. She has three grown daughters. Contact her at: www.quilterbydesign.com

	John Kubiniec John Kubiniec has been a quilter for over ten years. He runs Big Rig Quilting-a quilt design and longarm quilting service. He was a runner-up in the 2010 McCall's Design Star Challenge. Contact him at: www.bigrigquilting.com or www.bigrigquilting.blogspot.com

	Nancy Lacey Nancy caught the quilting bug in 1992, when she finished her first quilt. She has been an active member of her local guild, and currently edits the guild newsletter and maintains their Web site. In 2008, Nancy joined the staff of Quilts for Kids, Inc., where she designs many of the patterns that are used for monthly workshops. In her spare time, she is busy making quilts for Quilts for Kids, and occasionally finds time to make one for herself or friends.

	L & L Studios Lacey J. Hill of Golden Thyme Designs and Lorraine Freed of Legacy Quilter are two freelance designers who publish their designs with www.QuiltWoman.com.

	Ann Lauer This Helena, Montana, designer is an award-winning fiber artist who has been designing quilts and fiber art pieces for over twenty years. She is the founder of Grizzly Gulch Gallery, a pattern design company featuring exciting and unusual patterns.

	Julie Letvin Julie Letvin started her quilt company, Me & My Stitches, in 2008. In addition to her foundation-pieced pincushions, she makes tiny quilt blocks and encases them in glass, creating miniature quilt jewelry. www.meandmystitches.com

	Mark Lipinski Mark has raised a son while keeping up with a busy career in TV, including being a talk show producer, the host of "Quilt Out Loud" on QNNtv.com, an outstanding lecturer, as well as a quilt and fabric designer. Contact him at www.marklipinski.com

	Toby Lischko Toby is a pattern designer and award-winning quilter who makes quilts for many fabric companies. She is the author of St. Louis Stars, published by Kansas City Star Quilts. Contact here at Gateway Quilts & Stuff, 5625 Jenny Lane Robertsville, MO 63072; tlischko@yahoo.com; or www.gatewayquiltsnstuff.com

	Christina McCourt Christina started quilting in 2001, and began designing her own quilts in 2008. She has four children, and lives in New London, Missouri. In addition to designing quilts, she is a substitute school teacher.

	Susan McDermott Susan McDermott loves to make traditional quilts with a bit of twinkle. Fabrics and antique quilts are the inspirational sparks for her quilts.

	Mary McGuire An avid fabric and quilt designer, Maary loves to create fresh nature-inspired fabrics using both traditional and digital artwork. Mary says, “I enjoy all styles of quilting and love the medium because it is a form of art where individual fabrics become my palette.”

	Norma McKinnon Designer Norma McKinnon is "living the dream." She is the owner of Hickory Hill Quilts in Hot Springs, Arkansas. Her husband, Joe, also works in the business, and three of her four daughters are quilters.

	Carol McLeod Carol McLeod is enjoying life as a pattern designer after retiring from a twenty-year career in banking. She was introduced to crafts at a young age by her mother, who always encouraged her to create. Carol's first pattern happened by chance in 2001, when she was left with an abundance of cotton clothesline after a neighborhood project. Carol's designs and patterns have evolved into her current projects using precut batik strips and batting. Contact her at: info @auntiestwo.com or www.auntiestwo.com

	Nancy McNally Nancy has been quilting for almost twenty years. In addition to creating and publishing her own patterns, she teaches quilting and is a longarm quilter. She often wonders how she could live without quilting!

	Nancy Mahoney Author, teacher, fabric designer, and award-winning quiltmaker Nancy Mahoney has been making quilts for more than twenty years. She enjoys combining traditional blocks and updated techniques to create dazzling quilts. Nancy has authored twelve books, all published by Martingale & Company. Her latest book is Kaleidoscope Paper Piecing. Contact Nancy at www.NancyMahoney.com

	Tricia Lynn Maloney Tricia is the author of Orphan Block Quilts: Making a Home for Antique, Vintage, Collectible, and Leftover Quilt Blocks. Her work has been featured in a variety of magazines as well as several books. Tricia is currently working on a new book, expected to come out in July 2013.

	Sue Marsh Sue Marsh has sewn and crafted most of her life. Her parents encouraged her creativity and even let her paint characters on her bedroom walls! Until a few years ago, Sue worked as a software engineer but has retired to design patterns full time for her company, Whistlepig Creek Productions. She credits her husband, Bernie, and her family and friends for their support. Contact her at: wpcreek@wpcreek.com or www.wpcreek.com

	Rochelle Martin After designing and making quilts and teaching for many years, Rochelle Martin started her business, Cottage Quilt Designs, five years ago. Her book, Strangled by Wild Geese is published by Leisure Arts. Visit Rochelle's website at www.CottageQuiltDesigns.info or her blog at http://cottagequiltdesigns.info/blog/

	April Mazzoleni April Mazzoleni says, "Creativity is something that has been encouraged and handed down for generations in my family. Whether it is sewing, sketching, music, writing, or dreaming, everyone should create something every day." After relocating from southern California to Utah with her husband and three children, April began quilting to express her creativity and keep her family warm at the same time! Contact her at: aprilmaedesigns@yahoo.com

	Janet Mednick Janet Mednick is a self-taught quilter, and made her first quilt in the early 1970s. Janet teaches all types of piecework and domestic machine quilting, has had her designs published in various magazines and books, co-authored Perfect Paper Piecing in 2007, and volunteers with the Bay Area Sewing and Quilting Collaborative. When not quilting, Janet is an avid gardener, knitter, world traveler, and lawn bowler.

	Cathy Miles Cathy has great fun sewing all kinds of things—over the years she has made children’s clothes and stuffed animals, but she most enjoys being involved with quilting friends and longarm quilting at her local quilt shop.

	Kate Mitchell Kate Mitchell is a quilt designer and teacher who loves sharing her passion for quilting. Contact her at: www.KateMitchellQuilts.com

	Deb Mosa Deb is the Creative Director responsible for all fabric collections and quilt projects for Exclusively Quilters.

	Florence Moy A Human Resources professional, Florence has been quilting for nearly twenty-five years. She enjoys designing quilts, trying out new quilt gadgets, and adding to her fabric stash while traveling. She also enjoys teaching quilting classes. Contact her at calicokat8@gmail.com

	Debbie Mumm For twenty-five years, renowned quilter and artist Debbie Mumm’s charming designs and distinctive style have captured the hearts and imaginations of millions. The head of the company that bears her name, Debbie is a creative and talented designer who finds a steady stream of inspiration everywhere she looks. The author of more than 65 books on quilting and home decorating, Debbie Mumm currently partners with more than two dozen companies to create her delightful products. Visit Debbie's website at www.debbiemumm.com

	Amanda Murphy Amanda Murphy has been designing and sewing since she was a child. She has worked as a graphic designer and an art director while continuing to sketch and sew her own designs. Amanda loves quilting because it marries her passion for design and her enthusiasm for handwork. Her designs have a modern look, but they are deeply influenced by the past. Learn more about Amanda at www.Amanda Murphy Design.com or www.Amanda Murphy Design.blogspot.com

	Diane Nagle Diane Nagle designs quilts and has her own pattern company, Peddlecar Quilts. She has been quilting since the 1970s, and loves color and fabric. Diane and her husband live in Henderson, Nevada.

	Ashley Newcomb Askley lives in Vermont with her husband and their one-year-old son, Max. Her day job is in finance, but her passion is quilting, which she discovered a little over three years ago. She blogs online at Quilting Diagram www.filminthefridge.com.

	Jean Nolte Jean is the Editor of all Fons & Porter magazines and Editorial Director of "Love of Quilting" on public television. Quilting for nearly thirty years, she is always excited to try a new technique. Her fabric stash contains more yardage than she can possibly use in a lifetime, but she is having lots of fun trying. When not quilting, Jean loves to travel, knit, or spend time with her family.

	Marcie Patch Designer Marcie Patch learned her love of the needle and thread from her grandmother, who taught her how to sew and also how to "unsew." Marcie has a love of old quilts, reflected in her quilt designs which are traditional with her own twist. Marcie's pattern company is Patchalot Patterns.

	June Pease June Pease began quilting in 1978, after dabbling in arts and crafts for many years. She has taught quilting in her home and quilt shops, and is now a fabric designer. June enjoys all aspects of quilting, but her greatest passion is hand appliqué.

	Anita Peluso Anita Peluso has been sewing since she was eight years old. Twenty-five years after making her first 4-H sewing project, the transition from sewing clothing to quilting was a natural process. She now works in a quilt shop, teaching and designing quilt patterns. Her work is influenced by vintage textiles and old architecture. www.BloominWorkshop.com

	Kristine Peterson Kristine is the Technical Writer for all Fons & Porter titles. She is an active member of Rather Bee Quilters (because they'd rather be quilting) in Des Moines, Iowa. Expert at machine appliqué, she enjoys learning new techniques and piecing quilts that look complex, but aren't.

	Kristine Poor Kristine is a quilter and designer who enjoys sharing her love of sewing, quilting, and fabric with others. Her project ideas are based on her view that quilters can develop skills with smaller projects that encourage experimentation with color and technique. Kristine lives in southern New Hampshire with her husband and two sons.

	Kimberly Purdy A a fabricaholic with a passion for quilting, Kimberly is constantly working to expand and use her stash. She enjoys designing patterns for her company, Lilac Cottage Designs. She loves bright colors with a modern flair, but her work as a professional interior designer has taught her an appreciation for all colors and styles.

	Linda Rainwater Linda is the National Training Manager for Baby Lock USA. An avid seamstress, Linda gets much of her inspiration from the bright colors and fabrics that delight her seven-year-old daughter, Elaina. When she’s not on the job teaching people how to use their Baby Lock machines, she’s lost in the inspiration that can easily occur when surrounded with more sewing machines than anyone could ever keep running all at the same time.

	Virginia Robertson Virginia Robertson has been working in the fabric industry for thirty years. Virginia has designed thousands of fabrics for different fabric companies. She has been the art director for Bali Fabrics for the last five years. She and husband, Lynn have a publishing company of fine books and patterns and a history of opening interesting quilt shops in unlikely places. Contact her at: www.virginiarobertsondesigns.com

	Madeleine Roberg Madeleine is the co-founder of ThePrintedBolt.com, a Web site that hosts national fabric design competitions on its blog. Madeleine enjoys playing with fabric and designing modern quilts.

	Siobhan Rogers Based in Sydney, Australia, Siobhan comes from a photography background. She is currently teaching patchwork and quilting, and designs quilts for publication.

	Gerald Roy Collector and certified quilt appraiser Gerald E. Roy is also a quilter, painter, and antique dealer. Contact him at pilgrimroy@tds.net

	McKenna Ryan A quilt pattern and fabric designer, McKenna is loved the world over for her nature inspired themes. She began her company, Pine Needles, in 1995, and has consistently delighted her fans over the years with hundreds of Simply Beautiful, Beautifully Simple quilt designs.

	Anna Schumacher began quilting eleven years ago and, in 2005, published her first quilt design. She loves bright colors and enjoys experimenting with her own handdyed fabrics.

	Michele Scott Michele is a teacher, lecturer, fabric designer, and award-winning quilter. She has just published her first book, Bobbin' Quiltin' & Fusin' Fun! Michele lives in Deptford, New Jersey with her husband, Tom, and her dog, Lucy. Contact her at www.piecefulquilter.com

	Pat Sloan After trying her hand at quilting in 1989, Pat never looked back. While working her day job, she started her design business in the evenings and on weekends. In 2000, she transitioned to working full-time in her quilting business. A self proclaimed “geek,” Pat has built blogs, quilting groups, and facebook communities, and loves to connect with quilters across the world. Look for Pat in your area— she and husband Gregg travel all over the world to visit quilters and play with fabric!

	Amy Smart Amy Smart is a wife, mother, blogger, and quilter from Utah. She creates to stay sane and blogs to avoid her hermit tendencies.

	Betsy Smith Betsy has been quilting for eleven years. She started out with hand quilting, but now quilts exclusively by machine. She has been a longarm quilter for three years. Betsy is married and has three grown sons. Contact here at BetsySmith001@gmail.com

	Lori Smith Lori Smith lives in Minnesota and is an artist, designer, author and quilting instructor. She combines hand appliqué with machine piecing to create her stunning designs. Contact her at: www.frommyhearttoyourhands.com

	Wendy Sheppard Wendy Sheppard, originally from Southeast Asia, trained and worked as a chemical engineer. Currently she resides in northern Virginia with her family. In her spare time she loves to do hand applique, heirloom needlework, and smocking. Her popular quilt designs have been published internationally. Contact her at: www.wendysheppard.net or www.ivoryspring.wordpress.com

	Christine Stainbrook Designing and making quilts for more than 25 years, Christine also has been teaching classes for five years. She likes using traditional blocks and patterns, modifying them to show off current fabrics. Contact her at www.projecthouse360.com

	Dawn Stewart Dawn Stewart's quilting life began more than twenty years ago when she made a crib quilt for her daughter. Now she teaches, and loves to start beginners on their quilting journey. Contact her at www.springwaterdesigns.com

	Marinda Stewart Marinda Stewart is a designer, writer, and teacher. Her work has been published in many books and magazines, and she has been featured in museum and gallery exhibitions.

	Tailormade by Design Sisters Joanie Holton and Melanie Gresseth design quilts to highlight new fabrics. Their business, Tailormade by Design, provides them the opportunity to do what they love and to work with fabulous people every day. Contact them at: www.sewquiltcraft.com

	Calli Taylor Calli’s popular blog called Make it Do, shares quilting, sewing, cooking, and cleaning projects and tips. She writes about being resourceful and finding happiness in simple, everyday activities.

	Diane Tomlinson Assistant Editor of Love of Quilting, Diane enjoys designing quilts on her computer, changing blocks and colors until she has a pattern she loves. She likes to make intricate quilts with lots of small pieces, and is always busy designing her next quilt.

	Deb Tucker Designer Deb Tucker has been an avid quiltmaker since 1981, and describes herself as a "Machine Piecing Efficiency Expert." (We agree!) She has developed numerous streamlined construction techniques and tools to ensure high quality success for quilters of all skill levels. Deb and her husband, Jeff, reside in north central Pennsylvania.

	Alison Tudor Alison just can’t sit still! She is driven by a passion for transforming beautiful and unique geometric images into colorful quilts. When not quilting she enjoys gardening, cooking, rockhounding, and home improvement projects. Alison lives in San Marcos, Texas. Contact her at www.sewandtellquilts.com.

	Jane Vaughan Jane Vaughan began quilting in 1993. In 2007, she was given the opportunity to design a mystery quilt for Mill House Quilts in Waunakee, Wisconsin. Since that time she has designed over thirty mystery quilts and patterns under the Thornberry Quilts name. She teaches classes and is president of the Mad City Quilt Guild in Madison, Wisconsin. Contact her at: ThornberryQuilts@yahoo.com

	Jean Wells Jean is the owner of The Stitchin' Post in Sisters, Oregon, founder of Sisters Outdoor Quilt Show, and author of twenty-seven quilting books with C&T Publishing. Her last book was Intuitive Color and Design and her new one, due to be released this summer, is Journey to Inspired Art Quilting. Contact her at: www.stitchinpost.com

	Kathleen Whiting Kathleen loves designing and sewing. Read the blog she and her daughter write at www.PieceAndQuilt.com.

	DeElda Wittmack Dee Wittmack has been designing in all the areas of the needlearts for many years. Seven years ago she turned her graphic needlepoint designs into an applique quilt and she has been quilting ever since. DeElda's designs are a cheerful blend of whimsy and folk art that will surely bring a little sunshine into any day. Contact her at dwittmack@aol.com

	Karen Witt Karen has been interested in historical fabrics and quilts for many years. In 2005, she started Reproduction Quilts to market her original designs. Karen also sells fabrics and notions for replicating quilts from the eighteenth and ninteenth centuries.

	Jamie Wood This country girl has been an artist from the time she could hold a pencil. She is a wife and mother of two rambunctious little boys. Jamie is currently a fabric designer with a focus on designing collections that are boy friendly and boy approved.

	Corey Yoder Corey is a quilt designer residing in Ohio with her husband and two young daughters. Her love of fabric led her to quilt design, and she has been merrily creating ever since.

	Evelyn Young Evelyn Young has always loved fabric and sewing, but never expected to be a quilter. She made her first quilt when she became an empty nester in 1998 and has made hundreds of quilts since then. She is a "controlled" scrap quilter who is equally fond of piecing, machine appliqué, and machine quilting. She loves reproduction fabrics, including African Shweshwe. Contact her at: MarulaDesigns@gmail.com

	Darlene Zimmerman Darlene Zimmerman is a fabric designer specializing in reproduction prints. She has also designed many quilting tools for EZ Quilting, is the author of a variety of books, and designs individual patterns. Darlene teaches and lectures nationally and internationally. Visit Darlene's website at www.feedsacklady.com

	Designers A-J