Four Quilt Designers’ Sewing Studios

June 14, 2013
Get a sneak peek into the sewing rooms of quilt designers Jean Wells, Tonye Belinda Phillips, Valori Wells, and Betsy Rickles.
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Jean Wells’ Studio

When Jean Wells and her husband were building their new, eco-friendly home in Sisters, Oregon, Jean wanted to create a simple space for her sewing studio.

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Jean Wells’ Studio

Jean suggests that you take your time and look for ways to maximize your space when planning a sewing room.

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Jean Wells’ Studio

Jean cuts all her fabrics into strips approximately 4-1/2 to 5 inches wide to begin her design process. She stores any extras in a box lid, sorted by color for future use.

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Jean Wells’ Studio

Jean stores her in-progress projects on sheet pans on an aluminum baker's rack.

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Tonye Belinda Phillips’ Studio

A 500-square foot cabin built in the eastern foothills of Oregon's Cascade mountains serves as Tonye's sewing studio.

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Tonye Belinda Phillips’ Studio

Tonye suggests to find any kind of space and make it yours by adding artwork you love.

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Tonye Belinda Phillips’ Studio

An inspiration board hangs in Tonye's work area and displays samples, postcards, buttons, and a small basket wall hanging.

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Tonye Belinda Phillips’ Studio

Fabrics appliquéd on a bright background add pizzazz to Posey Pot wall hanging in Tonye's sewing studio.

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Valori Wells’ Studio

Valori's studio is located above her two-car garage in Sisters, Oregon. She has room to partake in many of her creative endeavors, including quilting, painting, and developing photos.

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Valori Wells’ Studio

Valori's studio is able to interact with her family because of the size and layout of her studio. Her daughters have room to play with fabric, stamp, paint, and play at their own art table.

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Valori Wells’ Studio

Valori's daughters play with fabric scraps and help clean up by putting their scraps into the drawers.

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Valori Wells’ Studio

Valori's favorite things hang from a long inspiration wall above the cutting area.

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Valori Wells’ Studio

See the beginnings of a new quilt showcasing Valori's current favorite motif: birds. She plans placement and color for each block by laying fabrics out before sewing.

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Valori Wells’ Studio

Valori is able to paint her fabric designs while overlooking Squaw Creek Canyon.

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Betsy Rickles’ Studio

Betsy Rickles's studio is located in the walk-out basement of her home in Portland, Oregon.

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Betsy Rickles’ Studio

Betsy suggests that you put your heart and personality into your sewing space.

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Betsy Rickles’ Studio

She stays organized by keeping in-progress blocks with notes in a decorative box.

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Betsy Rickles’ Studio

Betsy made a mini-quilt for her mom, an accomplished fisherwoman.

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Betsy Rickles’ Studio

Betsy uses a collapsible hand-quilting frame that was inspired and adapted from those made by the Mennonite men for their wives. The frame was made by Wes McNeil, a local carpenter (541/280-6127).

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