I am originally from Costa Rica, where my love of sewing began at a very young age. I was fortunate to have sewing classes in elementary school, and with the help and encouragement of my mother and grandmother, sewing quickly became an important part of my life. After moving to Wisconsin in the mid-1990s, I took my first formal quilting class and discovered another creative journey that I continue to enjoy today.

One of the things that is very important to me is that every PGT Designs pattern begins with my own original hand drawing. I do not use a computer to create my artwork. My designs begin the old-fashioned way—with pencil, paper, an idea, and usually quite a bit of erasing! From those first sketches, I develop the quilts, wool appliqué, table runners, wall hangings, and other projects that eventually become PGT Designs patterns. I love knowing that every finished design began as something I first imagined and drew by hand.

In 2013, Landauer Publishing published my book Mosaic Tile Quilts, featuring nine of my original quilt designs inspired by the beautiful mosaic tile floors found in historic buildings in Costa Rica. My Costa Rican heritage continues to be an important source of inspiration in my creative work.

In recent years, I have especially enjoyed designing with wool and hand appliqué. There is just something wonderful about slowing down at the end of the day with wool, needle, and thread and doing a little stitching by hand.

I am also very excited to be a fabric designer for Marcus Fabrics. My first fabric collection, Friends & Flakes, began shipping in May 2026, opening another wonderful chapter in my designing journey. Look for my next collection coming soon!

Teaching and sharing with other quilters are another part of what I love. I enjoy visiting quilt guilds, shops, and groups for presentations and workshops, as well as returning to Costa Rica to teach at my family's quilt shop. My designs have been displayed at the Wisconsin Museum of Quilts & Fiber Arts, regularly published in Primitive Quilts & Projects, and my quilt Shades of Blue was selected as a semifinalist in Paducah.

Most of all, I enjoy sharing my love of quilting, wool appliqué, and hand stitching with others. I hope my designs encourage you to pick up a needle and thread, enjoy the creative process, and add a little of your own personality along the way.

Many blessings,
Patricia Sanabria-Friederich
PGT Designs