By BRIDGET COOK
AT just 25 years old, Amy Kallissa bucks the trend when it comes to quilter connotations.
However the Cranbourne East woman is carving out a successful career for herself in the patchwork and crafting scene, with her modern and playful designs.
This month she will exhibit and share her passion with others at the Melbourne Craft and Quilt Fair in the hope of inspiring fellow Gen-Ys with the patchwork bug.
Ms Kallissa first picked up a needle and thread at the age of two under the guidance of her mother. Even then she was an old hand, having attended patchwork meetings since she was just six days old.
She said it was these early lessons that inspired her life-long passion, which led her to start her own business when she was 21 years old, called ‘pretty. chic. handmade’.
Ms Kallissa previously studied at the Melbourne Institute of Fashion and is now a graphic design student by day and textile aficionado by night.
Ms Kallissa said she had carved out a crafting career in original patchwork and stitchery designs and drew her inspiration from her mum and the Japanese ‘Zakka’ style.
She said she had designed four new patterns that would be released and on sale at the Melbourne Craft and Quilt Fair.
“I sell the patterns for the things I design,” she said.
“I also put ready-to-make patchwork kits together that have everything you need in them to make the item.
“For this fair, my four new designs include two large quilts. The inspiration behind them is old Amish style, which I’ve modernised.
“I’m also releasing designs for a Zakka style baby quilt and Zakka style vintage table runner.”
Ms Kallissa will also have some hot-water bottle covers and iPad and laptop covers at the fair.
The Melbourne Craft and Quilt Fair will run from Thursday 26 to Sunday 29 June at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre.
Show admission tickets can be purchased on the day or online at www.craftevents.com.au.
To view Ms Kallissa’s work, visit www.amykallissa.com.
