Three Swans Studios adds three new stunners to quilt pattern line

May, 2001 If you liked our introductory quilt patterns, you’re going to just love our three new designs – the Phoenix, Starfire Banner and Knotwork I. Like our initial Dragon and New Dawn (Angel) patterns, the Phoenix is a powerful and vibrant mythological symbol, in this case of transformation and renewal. With the Starfire Banner we continue our investigation of lavish geometric images begun with our Crystals, North Star and Quartet designs, where simple changes in the coloured fabric pieces can totally transform the look and mood of the finished quilt. Knotwork I takes us in a new direction where we explore the rich and fascinating traditions of interlaced motifs.

Three Swans Studios now offers more than a dozen bold and imaginative designs and we will be introducing several new designs by the fall. Our line of patterns is created in the stained glass, reverse appliqué quilting technique – but with a difference. Each pattern has been drawn with a broken line down the center of the stained glass leading lines which can be used as a guide for a bias binding appliqué technique. Of course, they can also be used as designs for traditional hand appliqué.

Some of our patterns – like the Christmas stocking and the tea cozy & hot mat combinations – have a distinctive functional bent, but are still, we believe, absolutely gorgeous designs. Our naturalistic designs – like the Sunflower, Vineyard and Woodland Orchid – are uniquely stylized but true to their subject matter. Other of our patterns – like the Dragon, the Crystals, and the three new ones – are quite large and elaborate. These will provide a welcome challenge for more experienced quilt makers. That said, all of our patterns come with fully illustrated, step-by-step instructions on the stained-glass reverse appliqué technique which will walk even raw beginners through the entire process. Detailed instructions for the construction and attachment of straight-cut or mitered corner borders, binding, and dowel pockets where the pattern is for a wall hanging, are also included.

About Three Swans Studios

Three Swans Studios is comprised of two sisters — Joan Bouwmeester and Debbie Bouwmeester–Fasek — who are situated 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 the past several years, in addition to making her own art, she has 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 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. We formed Three Swans Studios to pool our diverse talents to bring you only the most delightful and imaginative quilt patterns.