Pink Chalk Fabrics

Today I would like to introduce you to Pink Chalk Fabrics. Pink Chalk Fabrics is found in Washington State on Bainbridge Island. Sounds to me like a beautiful setting for a quilt shop! Kathy Mack owns and operates Pink Chalk Fabrics, along with being a full time mom – let’s check in with her….

Kathy – tell us about yourself.

I’m a passionate sewist and love making quilts, bags, clothing, and colorful items for my home. I am the founder and owner of Pink Chalk Fabrics, an online fabric shop for modern sewists. I also design and publish a line of sewing patterns under the Pink Chalk Studio moniker. I live on Bainbridge Island, Washington with my two teenage daughters and two new kittens (who have to be the most photographed cats I’ve ever owned.) I’ve recently joined the board of the Modern Quilt Guild and am looking forward to contributing my skills to the group as it grows and expands. I live, breathe and eat quilting, sewing and all things fabric related.

How did you get into Quilting?

My grandmother taught me to sew as a little girl. I loved making doll clothes and learning to use the sewing machine. As I got older I started making clothing for myself. My grandmother was an avid sewist, knitter and embroiderer. I have fond memories of going to Lee Wards in St. Louis with her to shop for kits. All her quilts were from kits. She did beautiful applique work. She made me a traditional dogwood quilt that is my prized possession. She would also sit for hours on end doing cross stitched whole cloth embroidery quilt tops.

It wasn’t till my 40′s that I finally took a quilt making class. I was immediately smitten with the process and became inspired by designers like Denyse Schmidt and Kaffe Fassett. I love the crossover between traditional and modern design. It was a very liberating turn for my love of sewing.

What made you decide to open your own store?

After a stretch of staying at home with my kids I began designing and publishing sewing patterns. I realized I’d come full circle back into something I’d been passionate about all my life. Launching Pink Chalk Fabrics in 2008 was my first step toward defining a new career around doing something I loved.

What is your favorite project/quilt you have made ?

I truly enjoy the process and the journey more than the end product. I do like my Mail Sack pattern. Besides being a top seller – I get the most mail about that design. Everyone from beginning to experienced sewists have fun making it and wearing it. At the end of the day that’s why I’m in this business. Sewing and quilting are a joyful and creative part of our lives and I get enormous satisfaction sharing other’s enjoyment of the craft.

What is your favorite pattern/project in the current issue of Modern Quilts Unlimited?

It was very difficult to choose! I kept coming back to Modern Spin by Amanda Leins. I liked the use of the simple graphic spiral pattern. The selection of 3 fabrics was a fun exercise in restraint.

Which fabrics would you choose to make Modern Spin with?

I’d like to make this quilt with Kona Coal as the background fabric, Kaffe Fassett Shot Cotton Thunder for the thin stripe and Kaffe Fassett Shot Cotton Jade for the wider strip. Fun!

Thanks Kathy!! It was great getting to know you and share in your passion!!

You can find Kathy’s quilt shop online, along with our magazines, here:   Pink Chalk Fabrics