Interview with Diana Richards
Posted by Deirdre Quirk on Dec 22nd 2016
Just in time for Christmas, we have an exclusive interview with Diana Richards, one of the authors of Windy City Christmas. Read on to learn about Diana's inspiration, favorite colors, sewing journey, and more!
Where do you find your quilting or sewing inspiration?
Everywhere! I see it in architecture, gardens, vintage clothing, antique and salvage shops, postcards, and a vivid imagination.
Who has inspired your creativity?
My husband and daughter, and earlier in life my parents and grandmother. My quilting friends always rev up my quilting metabolism whenever we gather.
How do you stay up-to-date on new trends?
Guilds, shows, magazines, books and the Internet.
What is something we might not know about you?
I did not know how to sew at all until I was 38. I had a daughter who always wanted to be literary characters (Laura Ingalls Wilder, Scarlett O'Hara, Pierrot, etc) for Halloween. These were not to be found at Walmart! So I bought a used machine and patterns and questioned every woman that I thought knew how to sew. (This was long before the Internet and YouTube.) I still have all of those costumes. Who knew what they would lead to???
What was your favorite part of the book writing or production process?
The day I got the call that my book was going to be published!
What are your go-to colors?
I am an autumn gal. Love the rusts, plums, and greens.
What projects are you working on right now?
My next book!
What’s your favorite project that you’ve made?
My daughter's wedding quilt. A king-sized paper-pieced quilt of giant Mariner's Stars done in batiks on a dark navy background. She was married at Disney World and I wanted something that looked like the fireworks over the castle.
Where do you shop for fabric?
I love to visit quilt shops whenever we travel.
Can you share with us one quilting or sewing tip?
Never rush the process. If you get frustrated, stop for a while or a day. When you come back, hopefully after a bit of chocolate or wine, you'll find a new mojo.
How did you come up with the idea for your book?
I wanted to make an elegant, hand-embroidered Christmas quilt for my daughter and could not find an acceptable pattern anywhere. After listening to me complain, my husband told me to just design my own from my favorite Christmas memories...it was a lightbulb moment.
What is the one tool or notion you can’t live without?
My seam ripper and a good audio book.
