Quilt Designer News

Diane Dixon
Metro Quiltworks, www.MetroQuiltworks.com

Q:  Please tell us more about yourself!

A:  Metro Quiltwork’s owner Diane Dixon has been involved with the creative arts world for over twenty-five years and has a Fine Arts bachelor’s degree in Painting.

For the past nine years, Diane has been focusing on quilting and most recently is designing her own applique quilt patterns for Metro Quiltworks. She is also a member of The American Quilter’s Society and The National Quilting Association.

Most recently, Metro Quiltworks was proud to be the sponsor for the Quilt Jersey Fresh category at the NJ State Fair in 2009!

The quilts were judged on which quilt best reflects the category theme of Quilt Jersey Fresh combined with the quality of the quilt workmanship. Pictures and more information about the NJ State Fair and Diane’s applique quilt patterns can be seen at the website, www.metroquiltworks.com.

Diane Dixon
Metro Quiltworks, www.MetroQuiltworks.com

Q:  Is there a special time of the day, day of the week or emotion that you find yourself in when you sit down to design a quilt block or quilt?  Can you tell us about it?

A:  I do my best work towards the end of the day. I always get excited about starting a new design because it’s so interesting how you may have an idea or a sketch in mind, but somehow the designs evolve into something else. The original idea is still there, but the final design is boiled down to a simpler form. It’s also a great feeling when I receive positive feedback from quilters and non-quilters alike – it keeps the excitement there…and it’s fun!

“Simple Floral Elegance” designed by Diane Dixon, Metro Quiltworks

Diane Dixon
Metro Quiltworks, www.MetroQuiltworks.com

Q:  If you could pick any ONE quilt block (old or new) that you’ve either made or designed that exemplifies how you feel toward quilting, what block would that be – please name it and show us a picture (drawing or photograph) of it.

A:  Flying geese blocks are featured in a couple of my designs – for example Frozen Forest wall quilt and Partridge in a Winter Pear Tree table runner. Flying geese can have great graphic impact and are very versatile.

“Frozen Forest” by Diane Dixon, Metro Quiltworks

“Partridge in a Winter Pear Tree” designed by Diane Dixon, Metro Quiltworks

Diane Dixon
Metro Quiltworks, www.MetroQuiltworks.com

Q:  If you were to describe your quilt designing style by comparing it to food, what “recipe” would you say your quilt designing is made up of?

A:  My design recipe is based on something simple but visually satifying. Add a couple of spoonfuls of applique….

“Buy Fresh & Local Banner” designed by Diane Dixon, Metro Quiltworks

Diane Dixon
Metro Quiltworks, www.MetroQuiltworks.com

Q:  Please tell us a little about yourself … your name, your website, some of the names of your recent quilt designs.

A:  My name is Diane Dixon of Metro Quiltworks.  I’ve been designing for my company Metro Quiltworks for about four years. I have been focusing on more contemporary applique quilt patterns – quilts that have visual impact that are fun to make, but also pay attention to detail. I like a modern look that isn’t too far out there.

My most recent design is the Buy Fresh & Local Banner. It started off as a new quilt pattern, but then the design took on a life of it’s own. It has evolved from the pattern into a design that now is placed on grocery tote bags and note cards that my husband & I are selling through a new design company called Smoochy Smoochy www.smoochy-smoochy.com.