Verna Mosquera, is a fabric and sewing/quilt pattern designer, a business owner and a busy soccer coach for her kids. Verna is well-known for her incredible hand appliqued quilts and has a large and very loyal following. Several times a year Verna hosts a retreat for her fans here in Northern California, and if you can get a spot, consider yourself incredibly lucky. Verna's work is incredibly detailed and incorporates bits of embroidery into almost every piece.

I feel lucky to call Verna a friend. She is as kind and giving as she is talented. The sewing machine embroidery above, "Sew Pink", is a free download from Verna for We Love French Knots readers. You can find the link at the end of this post. I hope you enjoy this interview as much as I did.

Bari: You are well known for your gorgeous applique quilts. How did you get started designing them? Has it always been part of your life? 

Verna: I have drawn and been an artist since childhood. I have also sewn since I was 9. Quilting is something I discovered 15 years ago. I was hooked from the very first class and just couldn't get enough. Before I knew it I was working in a quilt shop and teaching classes. The logical next step seemed to be designing. Never in a million years did I dream that my quilt designs would reach such a broad audience. Once I focused on doing what I LOVED everything else started falling into place. It seemed as though I was able to merge my art background and love for sewing. I created a wonderful niche for my designs in the quilt world.

Bari: How do you incorporate embroidery into your quilt designs? 

Verna: Often times my applique designs have very fine details. Some that are too difficult to create in fabric. These spots are perfect for embroidery. The embroidery finishes off the applique blocks beautifully. The wonderful array of threads available also add to the color palette and give additional dimension to the quilts.

Bari: Do you have any suggestions for readers who want to encorporate embroidery with applique? 

Verna: Yes, GO FOR IT! Having worked as a mixed media artist for years you realize that great work incorporates many mediums. What goes better together than fabric and thread? Find areas to use embroidery that will enhance your applique by adding just a bit more detail to each block.

Bari: Which of your patterns features some embroidery? 

Verna: Sugar Kisses, Princess Tea Party, Faded Glory, Happy Hauntings and many more. If you look closely almost all of my applique designs have embroidered touches.

Bari: Do you have a stitch that you think works best with your applique work?

Verna: I just love the stem stitch. When done well nothing is prettier. I use it often to add words and other fine details to my designs. I also enjoy making French knots.

Bari: Can you tell us a little bit about your fabric lines? 

Verna: I am really enjoying designing fabric. It is so fun to create a project from start to finish. My fabric, my design, my stitches. It truly gives a great sense of accomplishment. I am currently about to debut my fifth line for FreeSpirit, it is called October Skies and I can hardly wait to share it. I think it might just be my favorite to date. It combines all the wonderful autumn colors with beautiful romantic floral prints. It is traditional but unique and has so many possibilities. I can see it in quilts, home dec, garments etc. It will debut at Fall market, it will be wonderful to see what people do with it.

Bari: Do you have any favorite embroidery artists? 

Verna: I don't have a particular artist per say just a love for the art form. I love to find vintage pieces and rescue them from the bottom of a musty box in an antique store. I think of the maker and all the time they put into their work and feel it should be enjoyed. I often make things out of old bits of embroidered work.

Bari: Do you have any favorite embroidery books? 

Verna: I love the A-Z of Embroidery Stitches by Country Bumpkin Publications. It has step by step photos for so many beautiful stitches. A wonderful book for stitchers of all skill levels. It makes you want to learn every stitch. One of these days I'll finally get to make that crazy quilt that has been on my list for so many years and I hope to incorporate them all.

Bari: Please tell us about any news or upcoming events. 

Verna: Oh my so much to tell! I have a busy, busy Fall season coming. I am thrilled to be this year's guest artist at Quilting in the Garden in Livermore, CA in September. I'm totally looking forward to my next retreat, The Haunted Harvest in Alamo, CA. I still have spots open so we'd love to have you if you'd like to come and spend 3 wonderful days stitching with us. I will also be vending in October at the Pacific International Quilt Festival in Santa Clara, CA which is always so fun because it is like old home week. I get to see so many artists, friends and past students. I also look forward to spending time at Fall Market in Houston, TX this October. October Skies will make its formal debut and that is always a great moment when you get to share your creativity with the quilting world.

 

Click here to download Verna's adorable "Sew Pink" pattern: Download Verna_sewpink