photo by Christina McFall
I’ve been obsessed with design and color all my life. As an artist born into a family of artists and craftspeople, I practically had a pencil in my hand from day one. My friends and colleagues know me as a “walking encyclopedia of design.” I am also a compulsive maker; I can often be found in my studio sketching, sewing, painting or cooking up more crafting schemes. I quilt, I knit, I embroider... the list goes on and on.I had the pleasure to work as Assistant Buyer and Creative Director at Stonemountain & Daughter Fabrics in Berkeley, California for 6 years. I enjoyed helping quilters and craftspeople with their fabric and project choices. This street-level market research gave me first-hand insight into what patterns and fabric designs real people buy, how they use them, and most importantly, what they’re looking for but not finding in today’s marketplace.
As an expert seamstress and dressmaker, I’ve done custom sewing, bridal design, and I sew most of my own wardrobe from scratch. Currently, I'm bringing my 25 years of sewing experience to my own line of patterns, Dianna LaFerry Sewing. Nothing thrills me more than making things and sharing the process of making with other sewing and crafting enthusiasts!
In addition to my own line of patterns, I am also designing and licensing my artwork for print on quilting cotton. My shift into textile and surface pattern design was a natural transition from my 17 year career in graphic design and illustration. Since 1993, I created countless tee shirt designs, logos, identity concepts, illustrations and color styles using Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop. My training also includes a BFA in Fine Art from The University of Oklahoma and 2 years of study at the California School of Professional Fabric Design, where I focused on learning textile industry techniques like repeats, coordinates, and color ways. Add to this a lifetime of watercolor training and it's not a wonder that I keep seeking outlets for my visual art!
I currently live in Northern California with my husband and three bossy cats, with whom I share my studio and my love of cooking and baking.
