A closer look at Billy Reue and his new collection

Billy Reue is an architect, artist, and quilter whose creative pursuits explore the intersection between abstraction and the built environment. He maintains an architecture practice in New York City, and he is known for his thoughtful projects that marry creativity with pragmatism. Billy’s award-winning architectural work has been recognized by the American Institute of Architects and published in Architectural Record, Elle Décor, World Architecture CHINA, and The Wall Street Journal.

Billy’s interest in quilting and fabric design was sparked when he attended a free quilting workshop with his sister, Yvonne, at her local library in Victoria, Texas. He was intrigued by how simple fabrication techniques were used to create compositions of rich geometric complexity and profound meaning. He was instantly hooked, and he bought his first sewing machine immediately upon returning to New York City. Billy’s architecture office in the Flatiron District of Manhattan transformed at night into a quilting studio where friends and clients would often stop by to examine his latest design experiments.  

Ever wonder how a designer comes up with their designs? Freespirit gives a series of School House sessions at Quilt Market. A couple of years ago, Billy gave a talk on his inspirations and it's fascinating. He talks architecture, colours and inspiration. Ever added a song to a building - he has.  Well worth a watch. Here he is talking a bit more on his previous collections and inspiration... Quilt Market School House Session.

I've been drawn to his rich colours for some time. I love how the striking colours blend and warp around strong shapes and designs. His latest collection Mosaic is a mix of turquoises, ambers and magentas, with some amazing stripes. If ever there was a time to invest is some stripes, this is it. The fussy cutting potential is incredible.

Here's what billy has to say about Mosaic,

"MOSAIC was inspired by complex constellations of shape and color found in stained glass windows, historic architectural tilework, and other decorative building motifs. The collection includes dramatic geometric prints balanced with subtle blenders, providing a broad range of scale and visual texture. Each design is rendered in deeply saturated, earthy tones, creating a beautiful color harmony throughout the collection."

Would you like to see more? Find the whole collection here, and here's some of my favourite Billy Reue bundles, kits and perfect coordinates.