FriYAY Friends: An Interview with Corey Yoder of Coriander Quilts
Corey's quilt pattern, "Backroads"
Happy Fri-YAY, Everyone!
We're still trying to get rid of the ugly lingerings of a cold virus over here-- ugh! Since I feel like I should acknowledge the US elections from this week, but I'm not really sure what to say, I'm just going to give all y'all virtual hugs. It's been a long week for everyone following this political season, and I think we all need hugs.
But let's focus on the good stuff-- it's time to introduce a new FriYAY Friend! I've been following Corey from Coriander Quilts on Instagram for a little while now, and I love her refreshing style of fabric and quilts. Corey is a quilter, quilt designer, and a fabric designer for Moda. I heard an interview with her on Sit and Sew Radio recently, loved what she had to share, and wanted to know more. Plus, when she mentioned on Instagram that she has Amish heritage, I just HAD to know how that informs her beautiful work. Enjoy!
Corey (Isn't this the cutest selfie ever??)
1) Tell us a little about yourself-- your family, your quilting, other creative interests, etc. My name is Corey Yoder--I have been married to my husband, Ryan for 19 years today(November 8). I was telling my daughters this morning that today was our anniversary and my youngest daughter said: "You got married on election day?!?" :) Speaking of daughters, we have two, Chloe is our 11 year old and Elonie(pronounced like Melanie with no "m") is 8. I grew up in a quilty background--generations back on both sides of the family. In addition to quilting I enjoy a lot of other hand work; embroidery, crochet, hand quilting(as long as it's big stitch--my mom is an exquisite traditional hand quilter but I never got into the finer type of hand quilting that is traditionally thought of). I also really enjoy reading but most times I don't allow myself to. When I sit down to read a book I get so sucked in that I don't stop until the book is finished. And, if it's a series of books it's even worse. Because I know this about myself, I have to plan very carefully when I can start a book!
Corey's delicious Spring Market booth where she presented her Sundrops fabric line
2) You mentioned on Instagram recently that you and your husband both have Amish heritage. Can you share with us about the quilting culture that you grew up in and how it influences your work now? Yes, on my side of the family my dad's mom was Amish as a child(so my grandma) & my husband's father was Amish as a child as well. Combined with the community that I grew up in and still live in which is an Amish community, I was surrounded by fabrics and quilts my whole life. My mom as a quilter was quite involved in hand quilting quilts for our missionaries at the church we went to. We had a special room, called the Missionary corner, where items were collected for our missionaries when they visited--some were more practical items but there were also quilts in that room that they would take as needed. So, there was always a quilt in, at the church, and once or twice a month the ladies would get together for lunch and quilting at the church. My mom also has quilting frames of her own and often had a quilt in at our house and we'd have quiltings where aunts and cousins would come and quilt and chat--share a meal. I have good memories of those times.
Quilts quilts quilts!
The quilts that I saw when I was younger were very traditional. And it wasn't until after I was married that I realized there was more to the quilting world than traditional quilts. Interestingly, it wasn't until after I was married that I began sewing and only after stumbling across so many beautiful, colorful, less traditional quilts online. I find myself very drawn to traditional quilt blocks, I thoroughly enjoy piecing blocks but tend to change up the fabrics to bring a lightness to the quilt.
Yellows and grey from two of Corey's lines, Sundrops and Lulu Lane
3) What inspires your fabric design? Can you share about the design process? You will always find a floral component to my designs. And often a polka dot of some sort and definitely some stripes. I usually start with a sketch of an idea and then take the sketch into the computer and complete the design work from there. Sometimes the finished work is very similar to what I start with sketch-wise and sometimes it takes some turns. Simple designs, I often do completely in the computer--drawing things out as I go.
Corey's #quilttops as part of #patchworkparty on Instagram
4) How is creative community important to your work? I am really appreciative of all of the opportunities that have come my way as a result of being a part the online community of quilters. Additionally, my in person community is just as important--without quilt shops, guilds and customers there would be no need for the work I do!
An extra touch-- a little hand quilting
5) What advice to you have for quilters and designers along their creative journey? I pretty firmly believe that you can accomplish anything that you want to accomplish. I think we, too often, talk ourselves out of trying something because it seems daunting. The reality is that everyone starts at square 1 and goes from there. And the path is not the same for everyone. What one person accomplishes with degrees and qualifications, another person accomplishes with a passion to create.
Corey's yummy sewing room
Thanks for sharing with us, Corey-- your work is so beautiful! Y'all can find Corey (and more beautiful pictures like these) on her Instagram or on Etsy (where you can purchase her beautiful patterns).
You can find me @stringandstory on Instagram and Facebook, and I'd love to hear from you! Do you have a favorite artist or designer that you'd like me to consider interviewing for the blog? Send me their Instagram handle, and I'll see what I can do!
Happy making this weekend, folks!
HollyAnne
