For our 32nd Designer Spotlight, we sat down with Belle Brunner, the maker behind Seams Sew Me, to talk quilting, community, and the winding road that led her back home.
From a pandemic hobby taught entirely through YouTube to a full pattern design business, fabric designer with Benartex, and a quilt retreat tucked into the Arkansas hills, Belle's story is full of unexpected turns.
Keep reading to find out about her path from a Psychology degree and a career consulting for non-profits, work she still does today, to a slower way of life in rural Arkansas, why traditional blocks still hold her heart, and what she has coming later this year with Benartex and ThermoWeb.
Personal Background
Belle, as we dive into your story, could you provide a snapshot of who you are and take us on the journey that led you to where you are today?
At the age of 51, I live in the Arkansas Ouachita National Forest in West Central Arkansas with my husband. I have a BA degree in Psychology, former social worker, currently own a business as a consultant for non-profits throughout the country. I left the area at 18 when went to college and lived all over the US for 30 years. Then three years ago we moved back to rural Arkansas where we opened up a small quilt retreat center and AIRBNB’s with my father.
Quilting Journey
When and how did you start quilting? What drew you to quilting as a form of expression?
I began quilting in 2020 during the pandemic via YouTube and eventually turned the hobby into a second business by becoming a quilt pattern designer and Benartex fabric designer. I was drawn to quilting consciously as an outlet for being stuck at home on Zoom for work due to the Pandemic. I think subconsciously I was drawn to it since my grandmother as a quilter. I love giving these gifts from the heart.
Pattern Designing
What inspired you to start designing quilt patterns? How do you approach the creative process of designing a new pattern?
I found that when I would buy a pattern, I would want to alter it a bit and thought it would be fun to create my own so I took a pattern writing course. My approach is simple and quick. I like to design patterns that are easy and can be made fairly fast so that I can move on to making my next quilt. I like traditional blocks and always create video tutorials to accompany my patterns so that customers can experience joy rather than frustration if they have a visual learning style.
Style and Aesthetics
How would you define your pattern style? Are there specific themes or elements that consistently appear in your designs?
Traditional blocks have my heart since those are at the root of the history of quilting. Sometimes I like to include an element of easy appliqué in my patterns.
Color
How does color play a role in your pattern designing? Do you have a favorite color? Are there certain color combinations you find particularly appealing?
I am now using my own fabric collections in my patterns and the color palettes reflect the feeling I like to invoke in myself and others. I’ll always love blue and as of this year have really come to love yellow and how happy it makes me feel. I enjoy using slightly more muted colors and ones that aren’t ‘loud’.
Business Activities
Apart from designing patterns, what other activities are integral to your quilting business? (Membership, notions, courses, etc)
My quilt retreat center is integral as I love community and hosting. Bringing quilters together to my slice of paradise here creates so much joy in my heart to see them enjoying their time with Quilty friends on our beautiful property. I also enjoy teaching my popular and unique cathedral window class.
Online Presence
Where can people find your work online? (Website, social media handles, online marketplaces). How do you use online platforms to connect with your audience and fellow quilters?
Everything can be found on my website www.SeamsSewMe.com ( IG, FB, YouTube) I share my pattern launches via my newsletter ( free pattern when you subscribe) and on Instagram. I using my YouTube channel Thread Life With Belle to educate and foster community.
Upcoming Projects
Can you provide a sneak peek into any upcoming projects or designs you’re working on? Any exciting collaborations or events?
My next pattern that releases in early August consists of double pointed Dresden plates and an optional appliqué accent. My next fabric collection with Benartex will launch this fall and will help fill a gap that exists for making quilts for the men in our lives. I am co-branding with ThermoWeb on a product for those of us who love English Paper Piecing ( or soon will love EPP because of the new product)!
QuiltInk Experience
How has QuiltInk contributed to your quilt pattern design business? Could you share your experience with the platform and how it has influenced your creative process and connected you with fellow quilters?
Not only does it give my patterns more exposure but most importantly it allows quilters to see what they can’t always visualize- the pattern in THEIR fabric choices.