Images via Ellen Medlock Studio
We’re so excited to announce our first Spring giveaway –from our new sponsor, Ellen Medlock Studio, in Tulsa.
In the comments section below, describe your favorite way to use fabrics in your home decor, and you could win a $50 gift card to explore Ellen Medlock’s Tulsa studio. We’ll randomly select a winner — you have until Friday, April 12 to enter!
Many of you who sew might already know Ellen — her fabrics and boutique bag kits are available in sewing stores across the U.S. and abroad. She’s a big name in the sewing and quilt communities, and shows her fabric line and products at international markets.
And the local designer recently opened a store in Tulsa – 10032 S. Sheridan Road — featuring her line of original fabrics, and fabric crafts, DIY bag hardware and more.
In 2004, Ellen started her small design company with boutique bags in mind — and a local quilt shop soon asked her to design and write patterns for them. She has created many fans in the sewing community with her Interchangeable Bag series.
Here’s our Prairie Hive Q&A with Ellen:
Prairie Hive: Tell us a little about yourself – what inspired you to get into design?
Ellen Medlock: It seems like a strong design sense and creative drive is just one of those kinds of things you are either born blessed (or cursed!?) with. One of my earliest memories is staring at my bedroom’s pink ballerina wallpaper and trying to figure out where the repeat started and stopped! Graphic designs and patterns were something I always took great notice of, and that has never changed! My degree was in interior design with a minor in art- and I have worked in interior design as well as floral design.
About 10 years ago I found myself totally intrigued at the sight of a handmade bag. It had never occurred to me that I could make my own purse! The creative wheels began turning into overdrive!
Hundreds of bag-related DIY products later, my company and I are still at it! We also produce a line of limited edition fashion bags based on my DIY designs, and we are about to debut a sixth independently produced fabric line at International Quilt Market in Portland this May. It’s been a very busy 10 years!
PH: Why are fabrics and sewing your passion?
EM: I can’t remember a time when I wasn’t interested in fabrics, needlework, and generally speaking “the making of things.” Fabric design is a true passion that has taken hold. I enjoy the marketing and business side of the company almost as much as the creative side.
PH: Why did you open a studio here in Tulsa – and what about Tulsa do you like?
EM: The creative community of Tulsa is awesome, plus Tulsa is home! This is where I grew up and I can’t imagine my studio being anywhere else. In fact, our fashion bags label says, “Ellen Medlock Studio, Tulsa.” I couldn’t resist! My company’s fabrics and sewing patterns are well represented in other parts of the country and abroad, yet it seemed we were flying under the radar in my own hometown. It was a no-brainer to use our space as a combination teaching studio, office and retail showroom.
PH: People are sometimes afraid to choose a bold pattern for a project– what’s your advice for them?
EM: Just go for it! Trust your instincts – if you love it, buy it! Not only will you love your finished project, but your home or closet will now be stamped with YOUR own personal look/taste. It is an effortless design philosophy. For a winning look, pair a bold graphic pattern on something unexpected!
PH: What are your favorite trends/designs in fabrics right now?
EM: The “Happy Chic” trend is my personal favorite. I feel like our brand embodies this refreshing look. Another trend we are seeing is slightly larger scale prints that can crossover from sewing/ quilting to fashion and home décor. LOVE the versatility!
For more about Ellen and her products and showroom, visit the Ellen Medlock Studio online.
Look for much more to come from Ellen. And don’t forget to enter below to win the gift card giveaway!
