Please say hi to one of this year’s new Island Batik Ambassadors – Solomae Stoycoff at Cuddle Cat Quiltworks! Solomae has been sewing since she received her first sewing machine for her 16th birthday, but it wasn’t until 2014 that she discovered her passion for quilting. In 2020, she began designing and publishing her own patterns, and today she loves guiding new quilters as they create their own quilts, build confidence, and sharpen their skills.She believes quilting is a universal medium that brings people together through the joy of sharing beautiful fabric and creations!
Time for a Q&A with Solomae!
Island Batik: What inspired you to start sewing or quilting, and how has your passion evolved over time?
Solomae: I started sewing when my father gave me a Singer sewing machine for my 16th birthday. Quilting didn’t come until many years later. I’d say I’ve been inspired by the feeling of creating something beautiful and useful and the pleasure of learning how to do that myself.
When creating a new project, how do you decide on the design or patterns you use?
When I just love a fabric line, I envision different patterns that I think would look great using it. I usually just go with what “feels right” as I audition different design options. I almost aways start with the fabric, then the pattern comes, rather than the other way around.
What is the most meaningful or memorable quilt you’ve ever made, and what makes it special to you?
My pattern/quilt entitled One Nation is special to me as I was inspired to create a patriotic quilt pattern that symbolized unifying our country. It is special to me because it represents One Nation Under God, where we are a united country without division.
How do you balance creativity and precision when working on intricate quilting projects?
I try to focus on enjoying the process, rather than on the outcome. I try to stay in “the flow” of creativity, where it feels fun, rather than feeling like work and that seems to bring a good balance.
Have you ever incorporated personal or cultural stories into your work? If so, how do you convey them through fabric?
My quilt/pattern Coffee Cats came about because we lost a very special cat last year. Josh had been with us 16 years and was truly a member of the family. He was a black cat with such a huge heart and personality to match! Some months after this loss, we adopted kittens (brothers) who are also black. In the Coffee Cats quilt, I depicted black cats popping their heads out of coffee cups…a reminder of Josh as well as our new fur babies.
What do you think sewing or quilting teaches about patience, resilience, or self-expression?
Know thyself! All of our endeavors teach us more about ourselves. Quilting has taught me I can do so much more than I think I can! We learn patience through perseverance. If something doesn’t work one way, I try it another way.
How do you approach the process of choosing fabrics, colors, and textures for your projects?
I don’t have any sort of mental checklist or structured method. I go with my gut feeling, or how something makes me feel. I don’t like to feel hemmed in or held to an outside standard. If something “feels right” and it just “clicks”, that’s what I go with.
What challenges or mistakes have you encountered during your work, and how have they shaped your skills or perspective?
My tendency is to underestimate myself. I used to think, “oh, I can’t do that”. I’ve found that if I try, and keep trying, I can! Some of my favorite patterns have been those that were the hardest to get “just right” during the design or testing process.
How do you feel when you complete a piece—do you see it as the end of a journey, the start of a new one, or both?
By the time I’m finishing up a project, I’ve already got the next two planned! So I suppose I consider it both! I’m always eager to get onto the next one.
If you could pass on one lesson or piece of advice to someone just starting to sew or quilt, what would it be and why?
Have fun! Don’t worry so much about “doing it right”. Instead, enjoy the process of learning something new and allow yourself to have fun. Everyone knows there are no quilt police!
Be sure to follow Solomae on Instagram, Pinterest, YouTube and Facebook and subscribe to her blog to see what she’s working on right now!
To see the whole 2025 Island Batik Ambassador team, please visit: https://islandbatik.com/2025-ambassadors/
Is there anything else you want to ask Solomae? Leave us a comment below!