Pleased to meet you!
Emma Lea Thomas-McGinnis
I’m originally from Minnesota and have been making things all my life. Being a crafty kid led me to pursue an art degree in college. Then a new baby on the way prompted me to try quilting, which quickly turned from a way to keep the family warm to a truly expressive creative pursuit. Now I live in Urbandale, Iowa with my amazing husband and two boys, and my house is jam-packed with quilts. My kids are growing up, going to college, and now life is less about finishing quilts and more about making them. I really love to make art quilts and modern patchwork quilts and enjoy teaching friends about fun techniques, talking quilting with my mom, and sharing my inspirations.
Professionally, I’m the owner of a thriving graphic design business. Designing fabric combines my love of quilting with a finely tuned knowledge of color and design. I hope you’ll love sewing with my fabrics as much as I enjoy dreaming them up.
“Creativity is nothing but a mind set free.”
–Torrie T. Asai
resumé highlights
Surface pattern design is the perfect combination of my technical drawing & design skills paired with intimate knowledge of what makes the perfect fabric for my next quilt project. I frequent my local quilt shops, am active in quilt guilds and know what quilters want and use, because I am constantly sewing quilts myself!
Graphic design
I've been a professional graphic design for nearly 20 years. Through my marketing business, ETM Creative, I work with businesses to design marketing in print and online. I also work for Communications Squared, designing for the real estate industry in California.
Art & Illustration
I have a bachelor's degree in Art from the College of St. Benedict/St. John's University and have been an artist and illustrator all my life. I started college with the desire to be a botanical illustrator, so I double-majored in Biology and can draw very realistic flowers. I prefer a more fanciful style these days, but love to have the skill when it is needed!
Quilter
I've been quilting for a little over 20 years. I love modern quilting, scrappy quilting and frequently make it up as I go! I recently got a long arm and am constantly working on at least 10 WIPs, with countless UFOs!
Follow me on Instagram to see what projects I’m working on today!
Fabric Collections
Finch & Fern
Brand new collection coming soon to RB Studios! Features watercolor paintings of birds and leaves. Now available at quilt shops and here in the shop.
Bohemian’ Dreamin
My first collection, printed by Midwest Textiles in 2020. This colorful collection featured hand drawn mandalas, stars and diamonds, with a bohemian flair.
