A detail of Shards, a quilt for my second book, The Applique Book that is also featured in Thomas Knauer's Why We Quilt (Storey Publishing, 2019). Rather than a traditional pattern, the quilt is made using an improvisational applique method that I created and popularized.
Focus on Quilting
I launched Casey York Design in May 2012, the day after graduating with my Ph.D. from New York University.
My aim was to build a career that satisfied both my love and knowledge of art history with my passion for creation and design.
Within the first four years, I had published two books and established a national reputation as a designer, lecturer, and workshop instructor. In 2017, I pivoted to producing one-of-a-kind home textiles for retail sale.
Modern Applique Illusions
My first book, published by Stash Books in 2014, featured minimalist quilts that conveyed a sense of three-dimensional depth. It was based upon the success of my award-winning design, Onwards, which was based on a seventeenth-century painting.
I launched Casey York Design with a series of five self-published modern applique patterns that have been carried by independent quilt retailers nationwide.
Patterns
In addition to my self-published patterns and books, I designed and wrote numerous patterns for leading quilting publications and to promote new fabric lines by fabric manufacturers and quilt retailers.
Onwards
My second book was a compilation of modern applique projects and interviews with contemporary quiltmakers. Project management included selecting the contributors, directing and revising their work, writing instructions and creating technical illustrations, conducting and writing interviews, and managing deadlines and image permissions, in addition to developing three new applique quilt patterns in a variety of techniques.
The Applique Book
In my fabric designs, I sought to translate historical motifs into a modern idiom that would resonate with contemporary quilters and harmonize with their home decor. I mastered Adobe Illustrator to create original vector graphics and seamlessly repeating patterns from my own photographs and historical sources.
Fabric Collections
I pursued fabric licensing as a way of sharing my love of historic art and architectural motifs with a broader audience. Drawing inspiration from 17th century gardens to the International Style of the mid-20th century culminated in the release of Fine|Spun from Marcus Brothers Textiles in 2017.
A Day In Spain was inspired by my graduate research in Andalucia and the vibrant culture. This collection became the foundation of my first manufactured line
A Day in Spain
In 2017, I expanded Casey York Design to offer a line of one-of-a-kind quilts and pillows made using a color-fast hand-painting technique that I developed. The line also included limited edition prints based on my most popular applique patterns.
I drew on my experience as a quilter to develop home textiles that would stand the test of time, even with daily use. I handled all of the publicity, including designing and placing online and print ads, hosting trunk shows and pop-up shops, and appearing on a local television program.
Modern Heirlooms
I developed a unique stenciling technique to allow me to efficiently create applique-style designs with watercolor textures.
Graphic Pillow
West Elm Local
I participated in national retailer West Elm's program spotlighting local makers, hosting a popup shop at their St. Louis store.
Quilts and pillows featured seasonal palettes, and could also be custom made to coordinate with clients' interiors.
Product Photo
To view the more of my work for Casey York Design,
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Click here to learn more about my fabric collection.