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It’s Here! Melody Miller’s newest collection for Cotton + Steel, Playful, has arrived and we are beyond excited!  I love Melody Miller’s vintage style and brilliant use of bright colors and unique prints.  I was fortunate enough to have the opportunity to pick at Melody’s creative mind and learn about her journey as designer.  Take a look at our interview to find out Melody’s background story and inspiration behind her stunning creations.

Q: What got you interested in becoming a designer?

A: I used to have an Etsy shop where I sold small sewn goods, like tooth cushions.  They got some nice media attention, and sold pretty well.  So well, if fact, that I actually got a herniated disc from all the sewing!  Quick change of plans: I began brainstorming, and though I might like to design a line of baby bedding (that was manufactured elsewhere) and though the most authentic way to do it was to use fabric that I designed.  After looking into fabric printing options and realizing the expense involved, I decided to shop my portfolio around Quilt Market to see if I could find someone else to print my fabric.  None of the American companies went for my designs, but I got a call back from Kokka two weeks later.

Q:  How many collections have you designed?

A:  Six for Kokka, two for Cotton + Steel that have been introduced, and several more that are upcoming 🙂

Q:  What would you consider your style to be with the fabrics you have created?

A:  In a nutshell: vintage modern.  I also have lots of influences from artists on the edge of the pop art movement like Robert Rauschenberg, James Rosenquist, and Jasper Johns.

Q:  Is there an overarching theme with your different collections?

A:  There’s not a specific theme, but i do lean heavily on fashion and design influences from the 1960’s and 70’s.  I love vintage objects, and color, and pushing the boundaries of our printing techniques.

Q: How do you find inspiration for your next collection?

A:  Often by shopping in flea markets, antique stores, and estate sales.

Q:  What was your inspiration for your current collection and or your previous collection?

A: My inspiration for my first Cotton+Steel collection, Mustang, was the fact that I had tried something very scary in my career, and succeeded.  I was trying to bridge the gap between my former life with Kokka, and my future with Cotton+Steel.  I included references to my old fabrics, but tried lots of new things because I was able to print on quilting cotton for the first time.  My inspiration for my second collection, Playful, is vintage games and toys.

Q:  What is the most rewarding part of being a designer?

A:  For me, helping to run Cotton+Steel.  I have a strong creative vision that I get to exercise both in my own artwork, and as I do my work as a creative director of Cotton+Steel.  I love working and collaborating with the other designers.  I’m also business-minded, and get to flex my strategic thinking and problem solving muscles on a daily basis.  I feel very lucky that I get to use both sides of my brain in my job 🙂