Exploring emotion, color, and storytelling through fabric

Hi, I’m Autumn Shatto—quilter, designer, and lifelong maker with a deep passion for fabric that tells a story. I’m drawn to projects that are bold, moody, and unexpected—designs that aren’t afraid to contrast sharp geometry with softness, or vibrant color with shadow. My quilting journey is rooted in both structure and intuition: I love traditional techniques, but I’m always looking for ways to break the rules and make something that feels personal and expressive.

Over the past few years, I’ve had the privilege of working with some incredible fabric collections from the Jaftex family of brands, including FreeSpirit Fabrics, Henry Glass, Studio E Fabrics and The Blank Quilting Corp. Each collection I am chosen to work with sparks something unique in me—an emotion, a concept, a scene—and I design with that inspiration in mind.

Studio E Rough Around the Edges by Funny Girl Fabrics

These newest projects are centered around the Rough Around the Edges collection, and it’s one that speaks to the raw, authentic beauty I love to explore in my quilting and sewing. The collection’s textured prints and graphic, distressed elements invited me to lean into imperfection in the best way—to let go of polish and embrace grit. The prints were perfect for a few improv bag pieces to add to my collection (always growing) of quick makes. My blog features a deeper dive in my bag making process and can be found here.

FreeSpirit Fabrics Nocturnal Creatures by Maria Matos

One of my favorite projects to date is the quilt top I made with Nocturnal Creatures by Maria Matos. This collection was rich with gothic charm and celestial drama—exactly the kind of visual mood I love. I envisioned something dark and luminous, like a night sky full of symbolism and secrets. The result is a quilt top that feels like a window into a mystical world.

View the quilt here →

The Blank Quilting Corp Secret Garden 

With Secret Garden, I went in a vibrant, more eclectic direction. The florals and hidden whimsy of this collection inspired me to create a lush, almost storybook-like quilt that feels like it’s grown wild over time. There’s a sense of peaceful overgrowth and wonder in this project, and I loved capturing that feeling in fabric.

See the quilt →

FreeSpirit Fabrics Writing on the Wall  by Multiple Designers

This typography-driven collection felt modern and fresh in a completely different way. I paired it with the Posh Penelope pattern by Sew Kind of Wonderful, which allowed the letters and motifs to move and flow in a dynamic layout. I wanted the finished piece to feel like a statement—bold, graphic, and full of layered meaning.

View the quilt →

The Blank Quilting Corp Petra by Satin Moon Designs

This collection was such a joy to work with. Petra’s painterly textures and vivid jewel tones gave me endless freedom to play with color placement and saturation. The quilt I made with it feels vibrant and energetic, like a dance of pattern and tone.

Check it out →

FreeSpirit Fabrics Exotic Garden Palace by Denise Burkitt

Working with Exotic Garden Palace was like diving headfirst into color and chaos—in the best possible way. I used improv piecing for this project, letting the fabrics speak for themselves and following their lead without overthinking. The result is organic, layered, and free-spirited—just like the collection itself.
See the quilt →

What I’m All About

At my core, I believe quilting is about connection—between fabric and feeling, between tradition and innovation, and between the maker and their story. I don’t just sew pieces together - I layer intention, emotion, and curiosity into every stitch. My favorite projects are the ones that make people stop and look closer—not just because they’re beautiful, but because they have something to say.

I draw inspiration from moody color palettes, literature, music, and everyday beauty in the world around me. I also love pairing unexpected fabrics—mixing basics with statement prints, or balancing neutral tones with bold accents—to build contrast and depth.

As a mother, maker, and creative professional, I’m always seeking balance. Some days I need structure and routine; other days I thrive in chaos. My work reflects that duality—structured patterns softened with improv, bold ideas grounded in traditional craftsmanship.

For Other Makers

If I could give one piece of advice to fellow quilters and fabric lovers, it would be this: trust your creative gut. You don’t need permission to break the rules or try something unconventional. Use that bold print. Cut into the fabric you’ve been saving. Let your work be a reflection of you, not just what’s trending.

There’s no wrong way to make something that feels authentic. Experiment. Play. Make “mistakes” on purpose. Every quilt has a story, and the most powerful ones are the ones only you could tell.

Autumn is a Jaftex Brand Ambassador and member of the FreeSpirit Circle of Makers. Learn more and follow her here.