Tell us about yourself.

My name is Debbie Busby. I was born and raised in the Pacific Northwest, moving every summer between Oregon and Washington as I grew up based on my father’s job transfers. I was surrounded by sewing from a young age by my grandmother and mother. With a house full of girls (I have three sisters) my mother sewed us matching dresses throughout the years while my grand- mothers worked on making us boxes full of barbie doll clothes and quilts. One of my fondest memories when visiting my great aunt was seeing her quilts on a wooden frame, resting on wooden saw horses, being hand quilted, and then seeing it raised up to the ceiling by ropes on pullies to be stored while we had family gathering underneath it. We settled in Oregon during my junior high year, and I began my sewing journey in home economics. There I learned all the basics about fabrics, straight of grain, selvages, cutting, sewing and creating!

Upon marriage to my husband Jeff in 1976, our first purchase was a Sears Kenmore machine, which I put many miles on, stitching and sewing clothes for myself, my children, and family. Later on, I began sewing crafts. I sewed with my mother to sell at Craft Bazaars, and it was during that time that my mother encouraged me to venture out on my own and begin to design.

What inspires you?

My designing debut was in 2002 in Portland, Oregon at the International Quilt Market under the name Wooden Spool Designs, featuring patterns in wool applique designs. From the encouragement of my mother, over the years I have traveled to many wholesale and retail shows showing my designs, teaching, and getting inspiration along the way just by being around others who love the same things. Wool applique on cotton is my favorite at this time. I like to switch it up and with different techniques and use an assortment of threads and stitches. I love the richness in the hand-dyed wool and for years dyed my own wool.

Tell us about your fabric.

My love for wool applique continues, and I have had the privilege to take those designs and work them into fabric collections for Henry Glass. My first line was My Red Wooly Wagon which was inspired from my childhood memories of my red wagon. I made 8 quilts from it for each of my grandchildren.

This last summer my S is for Sew collection came out and was inspired from my love for sewing and antique sewing notions. It has been great to see others make so many projects from the fabric such as bags, wall hangings, quilts, and it would be great fabric to make pillow cases for everyone at your next sewing retreat!

What advice do you have for the new maker?

My advice for a new maker is to be brave. Step out of your box and believe in yourself. Surround yourself with people who bring out the best in you. Keep going, keep trying, and never give up! I always try and encourage those I teach that there is no wrong way...just so many great different ways!