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Get To Know - Stacy Iest Hsu

Get To Know - Stacy Iest Hsu

Written by: 
Samantha Beck

Stacy Iest Hsu has been designing for almost 20 years.

CT GTK Stacy Iest Hsu

She grew up on her parents farm in California's Central Valley where she sketched and painted, and dreamed of being a designer.  After college, Stacy decided to move to San Francisco to try and make her mark as a designer.  

CT GTK Stacy Iest Hsu - Lil Red Panel

The panel from Stacy's first Moda collection, Lil Red.

Unsure what area of design to pursue, Stacy enrolled in a local school that focused on textile and surface design.  It didn't take long for her to realize that this was what she was meant to do.  She eventually worked for various companies, including Janie and Jack, Baby Gap, and Tiny Prints.  

While her design portfolio includes rugs, stationery and fabric for the garment industry, Stacy believes she has finally gotten to where she was always meant to be, designing fabric for Moda.  It was a lifelong dream. 

CT GTK Stacy Iest Hsu - Lil Red

It has been a dream for Moda too as Stacy's next collection, ABC...xyz, will be her twenty-ninth.  (All in the space of seven years!)

As a mother of three, designing projects for makers of all ages is one of her passions, leading to many creative, original Cut-and-Sew panels for her collections.  With that inspiration, Stacy's designs for Moda are often whimsical and perfect for kids - she particularly loves designing novelty prints.   

CT GTK Stacy Iest Hsu - ABC...xyz Panel

The large Alphabet Panel print from ABC...xyz. (SKU 20811 11.). Measuring 36" x 44" with blocks that are approximately 6½" x 6½", this can be quilted for a wall-hanging, or cut up and used in a quilt.  (Stacy has two quilt patterns for this panel - shown below.)

CT GTK Stacy Iest Hsu - ABC Softie Book

Every collection includes a panel for a soft-book and some kind of softie, ABC...xyz has a book and two finger-puppets.  (The SKU is 20810 11.)

Now settled in the San Francisco Bay Area, Stacy is married, and has three children that keep her very busy.  She loves spending time with them and is constantly inspired by their amazing talents.

What is your favorite color?

Kelly Green.  (It might have been in a few collections.)

CT GTK Stacy Iest Hsu - Sampler Spree Green 

Stacy used some of the green prints from Jungle Paradise for Moda's Sampler Spree quilt-along in 2021.

What is your favorite season and why?

Spring!. I love when the flowers are in full bloom and all the leaves are on the trees.

Are you a morning person or a night owl?

I am a morning person through and through. By 4pm, I don’t allow myself to start any new projects because my brain is just not at 100%.

CT GTK Stacy Iest Hsu - ABC...xyz Collection

The ABC...xyz collection - arriving in shops this fall.

When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?

Designer. I loved creating at a very young age.

CT GTK Stacy Iest Hsu - Alphabet Log Cabin 

Alphabet Log Cabin - made with the ABC...xyz Alphabet Panel and yardage.  Alphabet Log Cabin finishes at 66" x 66", and it is SIH074.

What inspires you daily?

I’m inspired by my three kids. So much of what I create is because of them, as well as when I was a child. The way they play, interpret, and create themselves is so inspiring.

CT GTK Stacy Iest Hsu - Joyful Joyful 

Joyful Joyful.  Inspired by one of Stacy's favorite childhood memories, this Christmas collection will be in shops in August 2022.

What is your favorite food?

I love food from all countries. The beauty of living in the Bay Area is that it is so diverse, and we are exposed to so many cuisines. I honestly can’t pick a favorite, but I would have to say that Japanese and French food are at the top of the list.

CT GTK Stacy Iest Hsu - Poinsettia Parade

Poinsettia Parade features nine large blocks and sashing to make a quilt that finishes at 81" x 81".  The pattern is SIH070.

Where was your best vacation?

My all-time best vacation so far was going to Egypt before I got married. It was such a wonderful experience. The food, history and people were just spectacular.

CT GTK Stacy Iest Hsu - The Nativity 

The Nativity is a sampler-style quilt with a variety of blocks inspired by a nativity.  It finishes at 57" x 67", and it is SIH069.

What is your favorite movie? Actress or Actor?

I love all movies by Wes Anderson. He is a creative genius and the visuals are just breathtaking. It is absolute art, and so inspiring.

CT GTK Stacy Iest Hsu - The Sea And Me 

The Sea and Me - this collection is in shops now.

CT GTK Stacy Iest Hsu - The Sea And Me Quilts 1

Sea Sampler - SIH064 / Underwater Garden - SIH066

CT GTK Stacy Iest Hsu - The Sea And Me Quilts 2

Lil Whale - SIH068 / Fish Tales - SIH067 / Deep Blue Sea - SIH065

What are the words you live by?

Every person is special and has a story. Listen and learn.

And finally, what are your Top Five Notions?

Thank you!  

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For more with Stacy: