MEET THE QUILTER: BHIRAVI RATHINASABATATHI

We talk to the talented Bhiravi of Strawberry Creek Quilts about her quilting journey, her inspo and what comes next…

How did you first get into quilting?

I started quilting in 2019, when I picked up Laura Preston’s book, Simple Geometric Quilting.

I made her Antelope Canyon Throw over the holidays. I’d been garment sewing for years, but this throw was my very first quilt! I kept going, making a few more of the projects from the book, and trying some Suzy Quilts and Then Came June patterns, before I finally branched off into creating my own.

What’s your favourite thing about quilting?

Playing with fabric! Quilting allows me to approach shape, colour and texture in a really playful way. I am always looking to try out new colour palettes, prints and fibers in the quilts that I make.

What’s on your quilty playlist? I’m usually listening to something folk-y and acoustic. Lately, I’ve had Joy Wiliams, Nathaniel Rateliff, and This is The Kit on heavy rotation.

You can only use prints from one fabric designer for the rest of your life… who is it?

Sarah Watts. I love the way her style has changed over time, and how natural elements make their way into most of her prints. She has a great mix of large- and small-scale prints, and a wide colour palette. I’m pretty sure I would never run out of options working with her fabric!

What’s your number one favourite quilt block?

The Log Cabin. Just varying the colour placement or block

orientation can completely change the flow of a Log Cabin quilt. When I see Log Cabin quilts that are more than a hundred years old, they still somehow always look fresh and modern. To me, this is a classic block that stands the test of time.

What fun things can we expect from you in the future?

More quilt patterns! Right now, I’m working on four patterns that are going to be released by the end of the year. The patterns will begin with the basics, and build in difficulty throughout the series. My goal is to help beginners build their skills, teach experienced quilters new techniques and create quilt patterns that are fun for everyone.

strawberrycreekquilts strawberrycreekquilts.com