Connie Kauffman is a quilt designer, author, teacher with 6 books and numerous patterns published in many books and magazines including, most recently, Love of Quilting, American Quilter, Quiltmaker, McCall’s Quilting and more. Connie has been an Island Batik Ambassador for 9 years since the program began! She finds the Island Batik’s rich colors and intricate designs a constant source of inspiration and joy.

As usual, we asked Connie a few questions about her creative process and that’s what she told us:

Island Batik: Who taught you how to sew?

Connie:  My mother taught me to sew and I began sewing things for dolls and later my own clothes.

How do you store your UFOs?

I try not to have any! One thing the Ambassador program has instilled in me is to start and FINISH projects! Unfortunately, I still find some lurking here and there…

What block or pattern could you make over and over again and not get tired of it?

I could do Log Cabins over and over. There are so many variations that you can make with log cabin blocks.

What inspires your design process?

Fabrics and colors. The Ambassador program is so great because I’m sent fabrics so that I can see and work with them. It is wonderful to have the fabrics and be able to see which colors work well together, and be inspired by new colors and collections!

What were your beginner mistakes in quilting?

It took me awhile to learn how to miter bindings.

Do you have a favorite quilt that you have made?

Naming a favorite quilt is like saying you have a favorite child! Every quilt- especially the one I’m presently working on is a favorite. I do have to say that the cover quilts to my book first book Piecefully Amish and my last book Little Gems and cover quilts to various magazines are pretty special.

What’s your favorite part of quilting, and why? Least favorite?

My favorite part is designing and piecing. Least favorite is basting and quilting.

Where do you sew?

I sew in part of our family room. The family has been very accommodating and has gotten used to the sound of the sewing machine. Our kids have left home, so I’ve been able to expand a bit, but still have a nice room for family to gather.

What are your other hobbies?

Watercolor painting and flower gardening.

Do you pre-wash your fabrics?

Rarely. Only if I think the color might bleed. Who has time to prewash everything!

Be sure to follow Connie on Instagram and subscribe to her blog to see what she makes with Island Batik fabric this year!

To see the 2023 Island Batik Ambassador team, please visit: https://islandbatik.com/2023-ambassadors/

Stay tuned as we introduce you to more talented Island Batik Ambassadors and let us know in the comments below what else you want to ask Connie!