CHRISTOPHER THOMPSON
Christopher Thompson, aka The Tattooed Quilter, has been taking the quilting community by storm with his fabric collections and perfect patterns. We caught up with him to find out more
We daresay the answer is an obvious one… but what made you go by the name
The Tattooed Quilter?
Haha, I blame it on the tattoos. I wanted to pay homage to my quilting roots and did so with two tattoos: the scissors on my left arm and the pincushion on my right. I discovered the modern quilting movement shortly after and decided to start blogging about my quilting adventures. My roommate at the time, Evita, gave me the best advice, to start with a name and a logo. And after tossing around a few, we decided The Tattooed Quilter was the best fit.
How does your day job as a fashion professional at the Gap contrast to the world of quilting? It’s vastly different, but I love it. Fashion is fast paced and sometimes very uncreative (if you can believe that), so quilting has given me the chance to be creative and to unwind from my day-to-day routine. Don’t get me wrong, being a fashion professional is very exciting, with never a dull moment. I get to see the latest trends 6–8 months before they hit the market. Can you describe what it was like growing up in a traditional quilting family (with three generations of award-winning quilters!)?
I honestly wished I could go back in time and absorb more from them. The passion these ladies had for the art of quilting was extraordinary. I can’t remember a time when they weren’t doing something with their hands. From quilting and sewing to crochet and embroidery, these
CLEAN LINES AND COLOURS WITH A SPLASH OF PRINT ARE WHAT APPEAL TO ME MOST
ladies did it all. I know they’d be so proud of what I’ve accomplished.
What was it about modern quilting that appealed to you so much? The clean lines, negative space and solid colours with a splash of print are what appeal to me most. I’m also a rule breaker, so to take what I learned from my traditional family and mix it up is exciting!
How did you go about launching your debut collection, Blue Carolina, for Riley Blake Designs?
I never thought I’d have a fabric collection, let alone two (Hello Baby! arrives in early spring). After speaking with a few fabric companies, Riley Blake Designs was the right choice.
When I approached them, it was familiar, warm and inviting. They felt like family and the right choice for my aesthetic. Many people don’t know this about me, but I’m a bit of a romantic. While my quilt designs sway more modern, graphic and unassuming, my taste in prints is more sweet and feminine.
Can you take us through your design process?
Working in the fashion industry definitely inspires me. I start with the colour palette, pulling inspiration from the runway, then I move on to designing the main print. After that, I design the coordinating prints. I love to have a balance of scale, giving the collection depth. I also think it’s important to include a text and or a novelty design. The novelty design is usually something personal, like the Edie design from Blue Carolina.
What drew you to the blue colour palette of Blue Carolina? Originally, Blue Carolina wasn’t blue at all. Collaborating with Holly, the Design Director for Riley Blake Designs, we thought a blue colour palette would be more representative of my daily uniform: a blue shirt and blue or black denim. Not to mention, I work for the Gap, which is known for being America’s favourite denim. So, we went back to the designs and altered the colour to blue. And I’m so happy we did, it’s gorgeous!
What inspired your latest collection, Hello Baby!, and why the focus on children?
Working for GapKids and babyGap certainly influenced Hello Baby! I also wanted to design a novelty, gender neutral baby collection. There might be a slight hint to baby fever in there too. Can we talk about the bib panel? Bandana bibs are on
ORIGINALLY BLUE CAROLINA WASN'T BLUE… WE WENT BACK AND ALTERED THE COLOUR
trend right now, they're quick and easy to sew up too!
You managed to work Edie into Blue Carolina, are there any hints of bitterness that she’s been left out of the latest collection? Haha, nah. She makes an appearance in my new branded notions with Riley Blake Designs, coming out this spring. Edie washi tape… I mean! Too cute!
How does it feel seeing projects that other quilters have made with your fabrics?
It’s so exciting and I’m honoured that people love the collection, it’s honestly very humbling. There are so many talented people and it's fun seeing their talents shine with Blue Carolina – very inspiring. thetattooedquilter.com