Tell us about yourself.

Hi, I'm Anni Downs, the name behind Hatched and Patched. I've been sewing and designing for as long as I can remember, and find these things to be my 'happy place' in life.

I live in Australia with my husband Pete, two dogs and one cat, and have two children (hmmm..... definitely adults now!!), one of whom still lives at home with us. I began in the patchwork arena around 30 years ago. I owned a shop for 20 of those years, which I closed not so long ago to pursue my greatest love of design (I.e...so that I could follow my original path a little more than what I had been.... word of warning, owning a patchwork shop is a LOT of work 😉).

When sewing, I am my most happy when I have a needle in hand, rather than at the sewing machine. Stitchery, applique and hand piecing are my greatest joys, with machine sewing just a means to an end. I also love the meditation of hand quilting. It is the 'journey' for me, rather than the end goal. I see sewing as a therapy, a sense of relaxation, while also creating something to share with others.

What inspires you?

I have always loved drawing and sewing, so it made sense to combine these two past-times. I love all the colours in my environment and usually draw from these.... the muted tones of the Australian bush where I live... a soft subtle palette which makes me relaxed and content.

I also like to add a little whimsy and a saying here or there just for fun, as I feel we all need to look at the joys in the world and enjoy what we have.

When I start on a new idea, there is always a subject matter in mind.... it could be wanting to share some thoughts with my daughter, or it could be a distant memory, or thinking of the vegetable patch I am trying to start, or something someone said to me.... the new subject matter stays in my head and swims around for a while.

When I have enough thoughts together, I usually do some initial drawings, which I then revise and add to until I am happy with the end result. Whilst thinking of the subject matter, I also think of the best colours to go with this... something warm and on the darker side of the spectrum, or something light and happy, for example.

It can feel like running a marathon by the time I complete a fabric range, as so much thought and planning goes into it, but I absolutely love the process and always adore the end result and seeing the creativity of what others make using it!

Tell us about your fabric.

My latest collection with Henry Glass Fabric is 'Simply Be'. This is a soft, ‘happy’ collection of fabrics with many small prints, which I love to use, not just in quilts, but in small projects such as bags, wall hangings, table runners. etc. I also created a panel in this range which I hope make people who see it smile and take something away from the little affirmations contained within. I often see what is in the world and want to turn it upside down with the belief that we would all be in a much better place if we could all just 'Simply Be'!

What advice do you have for the new maker?

All I can say is have as much fun as you can! Don't worry about the end product, or if you're better or worse than anyone else. It's your journey to enjoy and that's all that matters. Everyone has a different style, and it is about just 'giving it a go'.

My favourite quilt was one my cousin made. No two seams matched, raw edges were showing, but the enjoyment she received from making it was out of this world, and the end product was totally unique and so wonderful.

There are so many ways to create, and so many techniques to try. There are so many teachers and so many books. Just go with what fills your world.

Follow me on Facebook and Instagram @hatchedandpatched or my website www.hatchedandpatched.com.au