Who We Are

Three Swans Studios is comprised of two sisters – Joan Bouwmeester and Debbie Bouwmeester-Fasek – who reside and work in different parts of Canada and come from quite different artistic backgrounds.

Joan lives in Ottawa, Ontario and is trained as a Visual Artist (painting & drawing). For several years, in addition to making her own art, she worked as an Heraldic Artist and Calligrapher, with numerous commissions from both public and private patrons.

Debbie is in Edmonton, Alberta, and is a Fibre Artist. In her own work, Debbie has extensive experience in the reverse appliqué quilting technique, and in the area of embroidery has focused on experimental interpretive stitching and colour applications. She has also received numerous private and public commissions.

About Our Design Process

To make the most of our diverse talents, we take a collaborative approach in designing each one of our quilt patterns. We begin by together working out the central theme and broad form of a possible new pattern. Joan takes these ideas and sketches out the initial design elements. Debbie then plays with these elements to make sure they work in fabric. We work this process, back and forth, until a quilt design that pleases us both emerges. Joan then finalizes the quilt pattern and Debbie makes the prototypes.

Next Steps & Future Plans

We have just introduced our line of appliqué patterns which come with quick-fuse instructions as well as our favorite hand-appliqué method. These designs were inspired by our gardens and our goal was to make them beautiful, fresh and timeless. Our collection of stained-glass appliqué patterns continues to grow and now includes quick-fuse appliqué instructions as well as our clear and comprehensive reverse-appliqué instructions. Our stained-glass patterns will also continue to be drafted with a central broken line in the leading lines to be used as a guide for a bias binding technique. We are also enthusiastic about other appliqué and embroidery techniques and plan to introduce a third line of patterns in the not-too-distant future. Stay tuned!

About Our Name & Tag Line

In Northern mythology, Three Swans together typically represented the unity of past, present and future. We see this unity in the designing and making of quilt patterns, where we attempt to build upon strong, past traditions, working in the present moment, with the hope of creating something that will continue to be cherished in the future. After all, for everyone an authentic and vibrant life is one that is unique and individually crafted – something alive and wonderful, something “made by hand”.

The Three Swans Studios name and logo are registered trademarks of Three Swans Studios.