Hello, I'm Tara
I am a quilter, teacher and pattern designer who is passionate about always learning new things, stretching my skills and playing with color!
I started to quilt around 2001 or so, using as my guide a reprint of the 1931 edition of 101 Patchwork Patterns by Ruby Short McKim. Somewhere along the way, my love of quilting led me to school and on to a career in textile design. For many years I worked in house for Michael Miller Fabrics, Pottery Barn Kids and Riley Blake creating beautiful textile designs for the quilting and home goods market.
And then 2020 hit like a train...and though it was a tough transition, it allowed me to become a full time quilt instructor and pattern writer, and I could not be more grateful for that opportunity. I teach classes online, and create patterns for the Color Collective, a fun 6 month fabric and pattern subscription.
I draw inspiration from the simple bold geometry of antique quilts, the gorgeous bright colors from textiles around the world, and freedom and spontaneity found in unconventional and improvisationally pieced quilts. I like to use simple geometry, complex color interaction and find the line the exists somewhere between harmony and discord.
