About
HI THERE, I'M FRAN!
I was born and raised in Chile, but call Washington state home. I first learned to quilt while pregnant with my oldest in 2014. However, it wasn't until 2018 when I encountered the modern quilting movement that I was hooked.
Before starting Cotton and Joy I worked 8 years as a web designer and I originally created this space as a way to share my quilty adventures. However, the designer in me couldn't help to dream up my own designs and I soon learned how to draft quilt patterns.
I love designing quilts and contributing to the long tradition of quilting. My aim is to create a fast-finishes that anyone, from inexperienced beginners to long-time quilters, can enjoy making.
FAST FACTS
- I have lived in 3 different countries (Chile, US, Germany), and 3 different states (MI, WA, TX) for a total of 14 homes.
- I am University of Washington Husky twice over with a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy and a Master in Library and Information Sciences.
- My favorite authors include Jodi Picoult, Sarah J. Maas, and Mariana Zapata.
- I can't start my day without a cup of hot tea and I live for a good taco.
- Florence and the Machine, Death Cab for Cutie, Hozier, and Foo Fighters are some of my favorite bands.
Why Cotton and Joy?
I'm often asked why I named my blog, now business, Cotton and Joy.
I've dealt with depression and anxiety most of my life, but the post-partum period was especially difficult.
Once, I read a quote along the lines of "as a mother, every thing you do gets undone" because there will always be more dishes to do, you clean and then the kids wake up from their naps and it no longer looks clean, etc. and as a new mom I often felt stuck in this never-ending undoing.
Quilting, however, provided me with something tangible I could hold up at the end of the day and say "look! I made this!" Slow progress was still progress, progress that wasn't undone. So, as I slowly I stitched quilts together I stitched myself back together.
When it came time to create a quilting Instagram (and blog), I picked the name Cotton and Joy because when I thought of quilting, those two things came to mind: there's cotton in every step of our quilting journeys–in thread, fabric, batting, it all involves cotton. And joy, because that's what quilting gave me back.
COLLABORATIONS AND PARTNERSHIPS
Riley Blake Designs
In 2021, I joined Riley Blake Designs as a licensed designer and released my first line of quilting quality cotton.
Since I have released six fabric collections with a seventh coming in December 2026, plus my first Batiks collection comingi in January 2027.
To learn more about each collection, visit my Fabric Collections page.
Janome America
I joined Janome's Maker program in 2020. Below are the machines I've used in that time:
2020 - 2023:
Janome Memory Craft 9450
Mar-Nov 2023:
Janome Continental M7
Dec 2023 - Present:
Janome Continental M8
Aurifil Threads
In 2022, I curatedJoyful Threads, an Aurifil threads box that perfectly coordinates with my fabric collections, Daybreak, South Hill, and Between the Pages.
Joyful Threads has been retired.
Media and Press
Quilt Buzz Podcast
Episode 46, December 2021
Not Your Granny's Quilt Show
Episode 24, April 2022
Love Patchwork & Quilting Magazine
Issues 110 and 112, Pattern Round Up
Issue 113, Meet the Quilter Feature
Issue 121, Sherbet Chevrons Pattern (cover quilt)
Quilts and More Magazine
Winter 2023, Scrap Lab Quilt Pattern
Exhibits
QuiltCon 2019
Category: Mini Quilts
Autumn Breeze
Quiltcon 2022
Category: Use of Negative Space
Midpoint
Quiltcon 2024
Category: Fabric Challenge
Blended
2nd Place Ribbon
Quiltcon 2025
Category: Fabric Challenge
Dream Vacation
