Meet Jenelle
Pellon: Where do you find inspiration for your work?
Jenelle: I find inspiration in many different places; from nature, from interesting images and art, and particularly from the area in which I live. I have found inspiration in the most mundane things, like the cracks in the sidewalk, to the most spectacular, like a sunset or a beautifully woven rug.
P: What does your creative process entail?
J: When quilting and sewing, I usually start with a color palette in mind(sometimes even a particular stack of fabric) and then I sketch in my notebook until I work out the design . If the design is particularly complex, I’ll make a digital mock-up using PhotoShop with samples of the actual fabric or colors thrown. I then cut, sew, and evaluate to see how it’s shaping up, making adjustments as I go.
P: Why do you enjoy sewing/crafting/quilting?
J: I love having the opportunity to design and create while also making something functional and beautiful. Combining color, pattern, and texture in my sewing is infinitely interesting to me. Having a finished quilt to wrap up in doesn’t hurt either.
P: Do you create mainly for satisfaction, gifts, art or another reason?
J: I would say that I design and sew mainly for the art and expression of it. I also do love to make gifts and have nice things to use in my own home.
P: What tips or tricks learned through experience can you share?
J: Use starch often! That is probably my best quilting tip. I am also a big proponent for not cutting corners in sewing. Interfacing is important for a reason. 🙂
P: When and why did you start sewing/quilting/crafting?
J: I have been crafting since I was a kid and have always been creative. I began sewing in college really from the perspective of a studio artist, making fabric panel installations with printed images. I quickly realized that there were a lot of fun things you could make with a sewing machine and began branching out into sewing bags, home goods, and quilts.
P: What inspires you to start a project?
J: After I’ve drawn a design or spotted a really beautiful fabric collection, the wheels really start moving. Sometimes I start projects simply because there’s a need for it, like making soft storage cubes for organization. Other times I’m making a special gift, like a wedding quilt.
