About

The Pumpkin Patch Story

My name is Beatrice Rieske, and I am a longarm quilter and pattern designer based in Chilliwack, BC. I enjoy working with colors, textures, and designs, and I believe every quilt will “tell” you how it wants to be quilted — you just need to “listen.” This takes some experience and practice, and many quilters aren’t always confident making this decision on their own. If you need help or encouragement, I’d be happy to assist.

I was born and raised in Germany, where I worked as a pharmacist and later managed my husband’s law office. In 2013, we moved to Canada, where I began working at a local quilt shop. I have always loved creating, and crafting has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember.

I was knitting in the 1980s along with everybody else and moved on to embroidery in the 1990s until I came across a book on patchwork and quilts in 1998.

At the time, I could barely sew and had no idea how to use a sewing machine, but I was very intrigued by the possibilities. I enlisted my mother’s help, as she has always been an avid seamstress, although she had never heard of quilting before. (This might seem unusual, but duvets are common for bedding in Germany, and the word “quilt” is almost unknown — most people associate it with “kilts.”) My mother read the book, decided it was manageable, then let me borrow her sewing machine and taught me the basics.

I was hooked immediately. I drafted my first pattern, bought basic materials and fabrics, and made my first quilt — a gift for my best friend, who was expecting a baby at the time. For my next birthday, my parents gave me my own sewing machine. A few years later, I traded it in for a more advanced, computerized model and explored nearly every technique I came across.

I pieced by hand and by machine, explored foundation piecing and English paper piecing, and tried appliqué both by hand and machine using various techniques. I experimented with different embellishments, worked with wool, lace, organza, and tulle, ventured into garment construction and tailoring for a time, and eventually returned to quilting.

As much as I love all aspects of making a quilt, I love free motion quilting the most. I believe that quilting makes the quilt, and I always strive to create unique custom designs for my projects. I have pushed many quilts under my domestic sewing machine for years, and it was inevitable that I would eventually acquire a longarm machine. I am now the proud owner of an APQS Millie, which makes the quilting process much easier and even more enjoyable!

The Patterns

A book on patchwork inspired me to start quilting, but I drafted my own patterns from the very first quilt I made. I had seen a design I liked, but it was just a picture; I did not have a pattern or instructions. So, I began drawing on graph paper and figured out the math myself with the help of that first patchwork book. It never occurred to me to make a quilt from the book first and then draw my own design later. I have bought patterns since then, but I rarely read the instructions.

In 2000, I purchased Electric Quilt Software, marking a significant milestone for me. I have not made a quilt without it since then. In 2003, after struggling with a poorly written pattern, I decided that this could be done better and began writing instructions for my own designs. I aim to provide detailed instructions with many pictures to accommodate all skill levels. The name “Pumpkin Patch Patterns” popped into my head one day; I liked the alliteration and the play on words with “pumpkin patch” and “patchwork” patterns. I even designed the logo back then. When I finally decided to start my own business, I knew exactly what it would be called.

My patterns are available in English/Imperial and German/Metric formats as PDF files.

Contact me

Gallery

Here is a small selection of the quilts that I have made over the years. Click on the images for a larger view.