March Featured Maker and Pattern: Striped Ribbon Star by Satomi Hoar of Satomi Quilts
Spring is right around the corner, and what better way to celebrate than by introducing a new designer and pattern for your sewing pleasure. We’re so pleased to reveal March’s collaborator is Satomi Hoar of Satomi Quilts!
Satomi’s featured quilt pattern, our March pattern of the month, is Striped Ribbon Star (paper pattern or digital PDF). For the month of March, Satomi will be donating 75% of the proceeds from the pattern to K9s For Warriors. Read on for this month’s chat with Satomi about her collaboration with Modern Service Quilts!
Can you tell us a little about yourself and your quilting journey?
I am from rural northern Japan and now live in northwest Connecticut with my husband and two children. I began quilting nearly 10 years ago when my mother-in-law, an experienced quilter originally from Lancaster County, PA, offered to teach me. The first quilt I made with assistance changed my life! I’ve been making quilts and handmade items for my family and local charitable causes ever since. Aside from family, designing quilt patterns and making quilts is my greatest joy. For inspiration, I look to nature, the many places I’ve visited and lived, and the experience of meeting so many amazing people through quilting.
Why did you want to collaborate with Modern Service Quilts?
For a while, I've wanted to do something to show my appreciation for the service of military veterans. I thought there may be no more appropriate way for me to offer support than by doing something I love.
Do you have your own personal connection to the military, service members, or the tradition of making honor quilts?
My father-in-law was a pilot in the Navy, and in part, it has been his influence that has inspired me to support veterans. Before this collaboration with Modern Service Quilts, I also worked with a local quilt group in Connecticut, the Kent Quilters, to make a quilt for a local veterans' group. I machine quilted the center eagle.
Image courtesy of Satomi.
This month, we’re highlighting your Striped Ribbon Star quilt pattern. Why do you think this particular design lends itself well to becoming a modern honor quilt?
Striped Ribbon Star is my modern take on the Ribbon Star quilt block. I had worked with several other modern quilt-pattern designers on a star-block project, and this block has its roots in that effort. Although it may look simple, I had to re-design it at least 25 times to make it. Thank you to my superstar designer friends for giving me great advice on how to improve my block. Gather the patriotic theme or color fabrics and make your own Striped Ribbon Star quilt!
Do you have any other patterns you think could work well as honor quilts?
I have - so far! - designed two patriotic quilt patterns: Old Glory (paper pattern and digital PDF) and Jars & Stripes Forever (paper pattern and digital PDF).
Do you have any tips for making a quilt pattern appropriate for an honor quilt?
Add stars! They add visual appeal, but more importantly, what other symbol is more fitting to represent those who volunteer to defend the values we hold dear?
You’ve chosen to support K9s For Warriors with your Striped Ribbon Star pattern sales this month. What led you to choose that particular charity?
My family and I adopted a dog from a shelter just over two years ago. While I've had pets before, it's no exaggeration to tell you that Pepper, our Norwegian Elkhound, has completely changed our lives. She's my constant companion, my protector from wild animals on my daily walks (she's even made bears turn tail and run away!), and a member of our family. Knowing the impact a dog can have in a person's life, if I can play a small role in pairing a disabled veteran with a dog like our Pepper, I'm grateful to have the opportunity to do so.
Satomi, we’re so glad to have you on the MSQ team this month! Head to Satomi’s shop to purchase your own copy of the Striped Ribbon Star pattern (paper pattern or digital PDF) by March 31, and share your wonderful work by tagging Modern Service Quilts (@modernservicequilts, #modernservicequilts) and Satomi on social media (@satomi_quilts, #stripedribbonstarquilt). We can’t wait to see the beautiful quilts you all make.
If you need information on donating your finished quilt to a veteran, check out this page.
We’ll be back mid-month with more information on the sample quilt we made using Satomi’s pattern. Until then, be sure to follow us on Instagram for lots more photos and information and sign up for our email newsletter below.
