Our 33rd Designer Spotlight takes us to Ogden, Utah, where Lisa Lund runs Shadow Valley Quilts, a business that started as a way to pay off a longarm machine and turned into something she had not seen coming. She made her first quilt as a teenager, forty years ago now, and she still has it.
Keep reading to find out why traditional quilt blocks still hold her attention, which color combination she has to talk herself out of using in every single design, and what she has coming this September and beyond.
Personal Background
Lisa, as we dive into your story, could you provide a snapshot of who you are and take us on the journey that led you to where you are today?
I'm 56, and I live in Ogden, UT, with my husband and two dogs. We're the empty-nester parents of one daughter and three sons, all married. Family time with our kids and grandson is our greatest joy. My husband's job as a physician brought us to Ogden, and we've loved its beautiful surroundings, proximity to outdoor activities, and diverse community.
Quilting Journey
When and how did you start quilting? What drew you to quilting as a form of expression?
I made my first quilt as a teen (40 years ago!) and I still have it. I've always sewn, but I didn't return to quilting until I wanted to make something special for my kids as they graduated from high school and college. For me, a quilt is the perfect gift for a special occasion - sentimental, always appreciated, and useful.
Pattern Designing
What inspired you to start designing quilt patterns? How do you approach the creative process of designing a new pattern?
About 4 years ago, I decided to open a longarming business as a way to pay for my new longarm machine. In order to gain more longarming experience before taking on client quilts, I started making a LOT of quilts to practice on. The more quilts I made, the more I felt the pull to design my own patterns. In January 2024, I officially opened my business, Shadow Valley Quilts, as a combination longarming and pattern design company. Pattern design quickly became my passion. I still take in a few longarming quilts, but I spend 90% of my time on pattern design.
Style and Aesthetics
How would you define your pattern style? Are there specific themes or elements that consistently appear in your designs?
I love traditional quilt blocks and their connection to the past. I like to use traditional elements in fresh and modern ways. I find myself using themes from either the natural world around me or from family holiday traditions in the majority of my quilt designs.
Color
How does color play a role in your pattern designing? Do you have a favorite color? Are there certain color combinations you find particularly appealing?
I love the colors coral and sage together. I also love using teal. You would laugh if you saw how many of my designs started off in those colors before I forced myself to recolor them.
Business Activities
Apart from designing patterns, what other activities are integral to your quilting business? (Membership, notions, courses, etc)
I sell fabric kits for several of my patterns, we have a line of square quilting rulers and acrylic templates, and we make and sell the most beautiful wood and fabric laser-cut quilt block ornaments. In the coming year I'll be adding online courses to my website. I also continue to quilt for my longarm clients.
Online Presence
Where can people find your work online? (Website, social media handles, online marketplaces). How do you use online platforms to connect with your audience and fellow quilters?
The place to start is shadowvalleyquilts.com, where you'll find my patterns, kits, rulers and templates all together.
From there, I'm @shadowvalleyquilts everywhere else, on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, TikTok and Pinterest.
Upcoming Projects
Can you provide a sneak peek into any upcoming projects or designs you’re working on? Any exciting collaborations or events?
I have a new quilt pattern, Holly Beary, releasing on September 14. I'll have a booth at the Garden of Quilts in September, and I'm presenting in the Quilters' Paradise Fall Summit, also in September. I'll be hosting my first Block of the Month in 2027.
QuiltInk Experience
How has QuiltInk contributed to your quilt pattern design business? Could you share your experience with the platform and how it has influenced your creative process and connected you with fellow quilters?
I personally love trying out different fabric lines in my patterns. My pattern testers really appreciate it, too, and always request that I post my patterns before their release date so they can design their test quilts. As a designer, it's so satisfying to see other people express their creativity using my patterns.