Trillium: (n) tril·li·um | \ ˈtri-lē-əm \ a plant with a solitary three-petaled flower above a whorl of three leaves, native to North American and Asia.
When friends, quilters, and business partners, Dee and Pam, set out to begin a quilt supplies business, they chose as their business name a feature of their community. Living in the Pacific Northwest, the trillium flower represents the first sign of Spring and hope. They had hope that their business would be successful—and that hope has been fulfilled!!
Pam has since left the business, and Dee’s best friend, Robin, has joined her, expanding the original business model to include primitive rug hooking and raw edge Batik applique.
What sets The Quilted Trillium apart in the world of applique is the technique they use. “It is a gift to our customers.” Because of technology, they are able to offer a technique that incorporates a fusible (they only use one brand), and a little glue. Pattern pieces are first finger pressed on, then ironed. There is absolutely no tracing involved!! Robin and Dee call it Raw Applique, a form of handwork that requires some cutting, some ironing, and a little sewing after all the pieces are in place. “It’s like painting by numbers.” It took them a couple of years to develop their process and then to design their own patterns.
What is The Quilted Trillium’s favorite tool to use with their special technique? Kai Scissors Omnigrid 4″ Needlecraft Scissors. “They are the best on the planet.”
Besides Road to California, The Quilted Trillium only visits 5 -6 regional quilting shows a year. They attribute their big following of customers to coming to visit them in their booth at these shows.
Their “cozy, little cabin” is always a fan favorite. Coming up with the idea for their booth has been “life changing” for The Quilted Trillium. Their booth is small enough to feel comfortable and is the perfect size for displaying their kits, patterns, fabric and tools.
People are always telling The Quilted Trillium that they sought them out specifically to see the cabin and experience the “Art Gallery” feel. Then they stay for the demonstrations.
Robin and Dee also hear a lot of comments how much customers like the “squishy” floor of the booth.
Road to California 2020-25th Anniversary Show will be the third time The Quilted Trillium will be at the show. For Robin who grew up in the San Fernando Valley of Southern California, Road “feels like coming home.”
To learn more about The Quilting Trillium, please visit their website.