Hello! My name is April Rosenthal, and I'm the gal behind Prairie Grass Patterns. I'm excited to tell you a little bit about my quilting patterns, and some exciting things I have coming up for fall market, and beyond!

I started my pattern company in the fall of 2010, and have released 17 patterns since then. Though I do have a few exceptions, a large majority of my patterns are for quilts--and large ones at that. I really gravitate toward making quilts that are bed-sized, because I love simplicity and usefulness. If I'm going to make something, I want to be able to use it every day. To love it, to use it up.

My most recent patterns, released in May of this year, include best-seller Big City--a really breathtaking--but simple quilt that has two size options: large queen/king and twin. This quilt is stellar for showing off large scale prints because the pieces are quite large themselves. One block finishes at 18" square!

Also included in last spring's releases was a full/queen size (86" x 86") quilt, Parcheesi. A gorgeous heirloom in any fabric line, Parcheesi really shines with smaller scale prints, to show off the detailed piecing.

Finally, there is Sweetie Pie--a great beginning applique pattern with no piecing, just a wholecloth background and a few borders, Summer Crush--a beautiful throw that is a great quilt for an intermediate quilter who would like a little challenge, and Two for the Show--two lickety-split baby quilts from one Layer Cake!

Coming up for fall, I'm excited to release a follow-up to my most popular pattern, Russian Rubix, with Rubix Too--a beautiful variation on the original pattern, with size options ranging from Crib to California King.  Shops who have carried Russian Rubix know what a fun pattern it is--I hear all the time that it's hard to keep in stock, and that it sells really well with a kit. Also, look forward to 5 additional patterns--4 with size options--several of which have been in my sketchbook for ages! I hope you'll love them as much as I do.

An exciting thing on the horizon for 2013, I'll be doing my first block of the month pattern--free on my blog. Each month a downloadable PDF will be available to print and copy as you like. This fun block of the month will be a simple, seasonal block that will be a perfect way to introduce newer sewers to monthly programs, basic raw edge applique, and simple embroidery. Details will be announced later this year, so be sure to follow along!

I can't wait to show you everything! Happy fall!

xoxo

April

I(Debbie Outlaw aka - Outlaw) had asked April a few questions & she graciously answered them.  Here are the questions & her answers.

What is your one guilty pleasure in life? I'm a sucker for Heath Klondike ice cream bars. Nearly every time my husband goes to the store for me, he brings them back as a surprise. That man knows how to earn his brownie points.

Where do you do your best thinking? I think best when I'm at home, and my husband and children are occupied with something quiet. I love to open my windows up so I can hear the breeze through the leaves. There's something incredibly soothing and inspiring about that for me. Plus, the fresh air keeps me alert and innovative.

What do you listen to while you work? Sometimes I keep it quiet. I spent many years before designing quilt patterns working in banks and investment houses. Often I was alone or in quiet for several hours a day. When I do listen to music, it really runs the gamut--I love Pandora radio. I listen to anything from Lady Antebellum to Lenka, and Alanis Morisette to Mozart. Every now and then, I even end up with toddler classics like The Farmer in the Dell--usually when I'm trying to keep my twin 4-year-olds entertained long enough to get something finished up.