McKENNA RYAN

WHAT ARE THOSE POPULAR PATTERNS ALL ABOUT?

Please visit Stitches for a large selection of McKenna Ryan's patterns

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If you are a quilter, you have probably seen McKenna Ryan patterns everywhere!  She's the reigning queen as one of the hottest quilting pattern designers out there.

A little background on McKenna

As you probably know, McKenna's patterns reflect the beauty of nature more often then not.  She is inspired by her natural surroundings in her home on the edge of Glacier National Park in Montana.  She began creating nature patterns at a time that there were very few to choose from.  On her 2 1/2 hour drives through the Rocky Mountains to her grocery store, she settled on the very appropriate name of Pine Needles for her company.

McKenna's creative process begins with an idea that she sketches as an overall composition.  She will pull colors and fabrics that will contribute the feel of the quilt.  With these two elements, she begins to work out the details.  McKenna will sometimes cut as many as 25 prototypes of a leaf or animal before it makes it into the quilt pattern.

Because many quilters want their final quilts to turn out just like McKennas', she makes an effort to select fabrics readily available at quilt shops.  She enjoys using Hoffman Bali Batiks for their high thread count which prevents fraying.

Methods and techniques in McKenna's patterns

McKenna Ryan patterns are based on fusible applique.  Her method of fusible applique is truly as easy as trace, cut, iron, then add stitches.  One of her favorite tools is the Applique Pressing Sheet which allows her to assemble small overlapping pieces together before fusing them to the background.  Try Misty Fuse as a great new ultra thin fusible webbing.

Concentrate on cutting.  McKenna's patterns are known for her intricate applique pieces - but don't worry if they aren't perfect - nature isn't perfect either!

When fusing your applique pieces in place, press lightly so that you can pull them off if you need to adjust.

You don't need to prewash your fabrics before you start.  These are art quilts - they actually work better with unwashed fabrics because of the raw edge applique.

McKenna finishes her quilts with free motion quilting.  She uses a monofilament thread as the top thread and a cotton thread in the bobbin.

You don't need to use the exact fabrics that are in the quilt sample.  Feel free to explore new options and personalize with your own preferences.

If you've yet to try a McKenna Ryan pattern, give one a try.  They are fast and easy with lots of design choices.

Visit Stitches for a large assortment of McKenna Ryan patterns

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