As we step into 2024, I am excited to share that SparkleStash will now be Kate Brown Quilts. This is a change I've been contemplating for a long time. Here's why:
Authenticity in 2024
In a world saturated with content and choices, it's easy to feel pressure to be the same as everyone else. When I was originally naming my account, I was surrounded by bright colors, contemporary fabrics, and upbeat voices in the online space. And those are all great things that I genuinely like. So I picked a name that reflected those things. But also a name that I thought was simple and in line with what people "wanted." It was about offering the internet the part of myself that it felt like people would "buy."
But quilting and pattern design are, at their core, art. And interesting art comes from an internal place of passion and enthusiasm. Over time I found that my passions and enthusiasm were much broader than that bright, one-note "brand" that I had crafted. In 2024, I want to pursue my passions and share them—wherever they take me. Hence Kate Brown Quilts: a name that makes me feel free to follow my heart, not the crowd.
More Flexibility Across Aesthetics:
One of the key motivations behind the rebrand was the desire for a brand that could adapt to the diverse facets of my creative expression. From bright, modern quilts and fabrics to traditional designs, my artistic journey is dynamic and ever-evolving. SparkleStash, with its connotations of glitter and sparkle, felt restrictive when I wanted to explore the depth and breadth of quilt design.
Putting a Face to the Name:
Sharing my face, even if it means stepping in front of the camera (which I'm not a huge fan of), is a testament to my commitment to authenticity. I want my audience to know the person behind the quilts, to see the passion, dedication, and love that goes into every design. The new name is an invitation to connect with me as an individual so we can build a community around our shared enthusiasm for the art of quilting. I want to see YOU, and talk to YOU, and quilt with YOU.
A Focus on Collaboration:
I LOVE to collaborate. It felt hard to do that from behind a name other than my own. I want to foster a space where creativity and passion can thrive collectively. And I want to do that as myself.
A Fresh Start and Excitement:
A rebrand is more than just a change in name; it represents a fresh start and a renewed sense of excitement. I left my 'day job' at the end of 2023 to jump into pattern design full time, and I am looking forward to a year of growth, resilience, and the pursuit of new adventures.
Conclusion:
The transition from SparkleStash to Kate Brown Quilts marks a pivotal moment in my journey as a quilt pattern designer. Thank you for being a part of this transformative chapter, and I look forward to sharing many more quilting adventures with you.
xoxo, Kate