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About Us


Southwind Designs, which began in 2000, was developed to offer students unique quilting patterns that were easy, fun and could be done by any level of quilter. Owner Annette Ornelas wanted to teach quilting in a way that would put her students at ease in a relaxed atmosphere and provide a new spin on traditional patterns and quilts.

Since then, Annette has produced over one hundred patterns and two books one of which, Peeled-Back Patchwork: Curves without Piecing, was published through AQS in 2004. She also developed the Dimensional Curves technique to simplify the process of piecing curved quilt-block shapes for her students.


Meet the artist: Annette Ornelas

Southwind Designs features original designs and patterns by Annette Ornelas, a German-born quilt artist, teacher and designer. Annette lives in Fayetteville, North Carolina, with her husband and their three dogs. Most of her time is devoted to teaching and designing, or spending time outdoors, enjoying her garden. She also loves riding along on her husband’s Harley and gets inspiration from looking at the scenery they pass.

Annette conducts workshops and lectures throughout the United States. Her unique approach to quilting has led her to design numerous Dimensional Curved piecing patterns and books. Annette also enjoys making and teaching her unique free-form Textured Landscapes designs.