Before the Bloom: A New Fabric Collection by Danelys Sidron

The Story Behind the Collection

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You know that feeling right before something changes? Not the change itself, just the moment before it. Everything is already moving, but nothing has settled yet.

That’s where Before the Bloom came from.

This is my third fabric collection with Riley Blake Designs, and it’s about that space in between. Spring hasn’t fully arrived yet. A decision is still waiting to be made. Something new is just about to begin. I think we’ve all found ourselves there at one point or another, and I wanted to design a collection that left room for everyone to see their own story in it.

One of the things I enjoy most about designing fabric is that once it leaves my studio, it takes on a life of its own. Every quilt tells a different story, and every maker brings something personal to the fabrics they choose. I can’t wait to see what you create with Before the Bloom.

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The Prints, the Palette, and the Vines

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The Main print was the first design I finished, and everything else grew from there. The winding vines quickly became a common element throughout the collection. They appear in the larger florals, the smaller supporting prints, and in ways I didn’t even notice until I stepped back and looked at the collection as a whole.

From there, I focused on creating a range of scales that would give quilters plenty of flexibility.

Viola is the smallest print in the collection and almost reads like a texture from a distance. Astrid is a scattered floral that works beautifully as a supporting print. Iris has a little more presence, but in a softer way than the Main. Each print has its own role, and together they create a collection that can move easily between large quilt blocks, intricate piecing, borders, bindings, and everything in between.

The palette isn’t what most people expect from a spring collection, and that was intentional.

The Indigo and Pine colorways lean into deep navy and forest green, while Cream, Blush, Gold, and Rust bring warmth to the collection. I like designing fabrics that don’t feel tied to one season. My hope is that you’ll reach for these prints just as naturally in October as you would in April.

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Designing the Collection

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I designed Before the Bloom during a period of transition in my own life. I won’t go into the details because I don’t think that’s the most important part of the story.

What interests me more is how each of us experiences those moments differently.

Sometimes they’re exciting. Sometimes they’re uncertain. Most of the time they’re a little of both.

Rather than designing around a specific event, I focused on that feeling of possibility. I wanted the collection to feel open enough that someone making a baby quilt, a wedding gift, or a quilt simply because they fell in love with the fabrics could all find something different in it.

That’s one of the reasons I love quilting so much. The same collection can become hundreds of completely different projects, each carrying its own memories and meaning.

There is still nothing quite like walking into a quilt shop and seeing my fabric on display. The first time it happened, I honestly didn’t know how to describe the feeling. Watching something that started as watercolor paintings on my desk become part of someone else’s creativity is one of the greatest privileges of my job.

And now I get to see what all of you make with it.

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Celebrate the Launch

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Launching a fabric collection is always exciting, but getting to share it with other designers makes it even better.

For Before the Bloom, I invited three talented quilt designers to create original quilt patterns using the collection.

Lisa Donnelly of Wild Plum Lane teamed up with Carrie from Lifting Limits Quilting to design a pattern together; Tamara Darragh of Remi Vail Studio and Jennifer Walters of Manderley Makes each designed one of their own.

Each pattern reflects a different quilting style and shows just how versatile a fabric collection can be. Seeing how each designer interpreted the same fabrics has been one of my favorite parts of this launch.

To celebrate, we’re giving away some wonderful prizes!

Grand Prize

• One Before the Bloom Fat Quarter Bundle from Riley Blake Designs.
• One digital quilt pattern from Lisa Donnelly & Carrie from Lifting Limits Quilting.
• One digital quilt pattern from Tamara Darragh.
• One digital quilt pattern from Jennifer Walters.

Second & Third Prize

• One digital quilt pattern from each of the three collaborating designers.

Entering is simple. Just answer one question and submit your entry.

The giveaway opens August 4 and closes August 11.

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Where to Find Before the Bloom

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Before the Bloom is now available through Riley Blake Designs and your favorite local quilt shops.

If you don’t see it at your local shop, ask if they can order it for you.

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About the Designer

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I’m Danelys Sidron, a surface pattern designer creating artwork for quilting fabric, wallpaper, stationery, home décor, and other licensed products. Before the Bloom is my third fabric collection with Riley Blake Designs, and it’s been a joy working with their team to bring it to life.

If this is your first time seeing my work, I’d love to stay connected.

Website: https://danelyssidron.com

Wallpaper Collections: https://riverpinestudio.com

Instagram: @danelyssidron

Thank you for spending a little time with me and for supporting Before the Bloom. Whether you’re planning your next quilt, adding a few favorites to your fabric stash, or simply stopping by to see the collection, I hope these prints find their way into something you’ll enjoy making.

And if you do create something with Before the Bloom, I’d love to see it. Be sure to tag @rileyblakedesigns and @danelyssidron on Instagram so we can celebrate your beautiful work.