Hey there, can you introduce yourself?

Hi there! I'm Lydia Nelson, author of Dreamy Quilts with Stash Publishing. I have 3 boys and 1 sweet husband. My life revolves around being a mother and wife while pursuing my artistic endeavors. I love naps, a good mystery book, my husband's cooking, reading to my boys, cabernet, and yoga.

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Tell us a bit about the book?

This book is made for those who might bypass the art of quilting because it seems as frumpy as a holiday sweater: busy, dated, and overly ornate. This book shows readers otherwise. That quilting can be as elegant and beautiful as you want. It doesn't require a million prints, patterns, and colors to get the full effect of the quilting experience. Neutral color palettes, vintage linens, and lace trim can give your quilt a timeless, shabby-chic look. This book has 14 projects from children's quilts and a quilted duvet cover to a dog bed. Something for everyone!

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What was the inspiration behind it?

My inspiration for this book came from the clean, simple, soft, and natural styles you might find on your Pinterest page. Neutral decor and a few choice decorations really make a room pop just like a quilt. A well decorated room or quilt doesn't require every decorative element under the sun to be stunning.

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Which is your favourite project?

Hmmmm...it is probably Greta Goose or The Quilted Duvet Cover. Greta Goose because it is timeless and incorporates vintage linens, which I love. The Quilted Duvet Cover because it makes the most sense for my life: this project is a way to combine my love for down comforters and quilting into one.

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What is your craft space like?

This has changed many, many times throughout my life. My husband was in the Army for 12 years so we moved constantly. My craft space has been many things: the dining room table, a spare bedroom, a corner in the kids' playroom, and now that we've finally settled and bought our forever home my sewing room is what was once a garage converted into a daycare. It is everything I've ever wanted: spacious, full of natural light, right next to the kitchen & laundry so I can multi-task, and right near the playroom so I can keep an eye out for mischievous behavior. And it is messy, messy, messy. I am not good at cleaning up after a mad sewing session!

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Have you always been creative?

Not exactly. I was always doing fun projects as a kid like building a birdhouse with my dad, making bracelets, and rearranging my room but I figured this was all typical kid stuff: not foreshadowing into my future career. I was always convinced I would be a lawyer. However, after graduating from college and marrying a military man, that career got further and further out of reach. I fell in love with everything involving making a beautiful home for my family and realized the importance of this for my children, husband, and even the community.

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When did you first start crafting?

I keep going back to that birdhouse I made with my dad but that can't be the first thing I ever made! I remember a field trip to Greenfield Village in Dearborn, Michigan. It's an amazing place where there are all kinds of buildings that are a significant part of history in one spot. Our class learned all about the loom and its role in history. I remember making a mini potholder. It was great.

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Who are your crafty heroes?

I love that Martha Stewart turned homemaking into an art, because that's truly what it is. I admire her a lot for that.

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Where do you find inspiration?

Nature. When I'm creating a new quilt pattern I look to flowers and other elements of nature for inspiration. Even in my book the "Hydrangea" quilt is inspired by my favorite flower, and "Signs of Spring" is inspired by my favorite time of year.

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What's next for you?

Designing fabric. I would love, love to design fabric. I would also love to illustrate a children's book someday!

Transform your living space into a relaxing retreat when you stitch up soft, simple, and naturally beautiful quilts. These fourteen low volume, easy-to-sew projects range from quilts and throw pillows to a pretty patchwork dog bed. Author and designer Lydia Loretta Nelson's soothing, handmade touches lend a touch of warmth to every room in your home―including all the spaces where memories are made. Fold a quilt over the nursery rocker or drape a patchwork throw over the sofa to personalize your house, apartment, or dorm room. Quilters of all skill levels will appreciate Lydia's fresh designs and timeless, calming color palettes.