A Song to Sing: A Journey to Authenticity

Let nothing drown out the sound of your own soul song, especially the voices that make you doubt it.

While the previous could be just some cool quote I stumbled upon somewhere online whilst seeking meaningful phrases for the text print of my new fabric collection, it’s not. Ironically enough, it was the sound of my own soul song speaking up to remind me to stay focused on hearing it.

A Song to Sing isn’t just the name of my first quilt fabric collection with Andover Fabrics arriving in shops this November, it’s a declaration of authenticity. It’s a tribute to the journey of tuning into my inner voice and, ultimately, expressing that voice through every design. Creating this collection was a process of self-discovery and a deep reminder that the stories we tell—whether through fabric, art, or any form of creativity—are our most truthful expressions of who we are.

A Childhood of Music and Finding My Voice

Growing up, I often felt a bit awkward about the music I loved. It wasn’t what my peers were into, and I sometimes felt disconnected, as though my tastes were too “different.” The songs I gravitated toward were often folk music, songs with simple, raw stories, and melodies that resonated with me on a deeper level. But at the time, I wasn’t sure how to explain it. It felt like I was the only one who could hear the meaning in the quiet, unassuming tunes.

Everything changed when I became a mom. Raising my children opened up a new perspective on my relationship with music. I started playing those same folk songs for them—songs that had once felt solitary and almost secret as I protected them from becoming fodder for teasing as I grew up, I now shared with my little ones in the car, on lazy afternoons, or even as lullabies. The music became a bridge. It was familiar, comforting, and—most importantly—it was me.

Above: Our three boys, three girls, and four pups who all grew up far too quickly, along with their amazing dad. The music, you ask? A mixture of lots of the oldies from Peter, Paul, and Mary and Harry Chapin, to John Denver and (I’ll just say it out loud, because that’s what this post is all about) The Carpenters. In particular – Sing, happens to be my all time favorite.

In sharing these songs, I began to realize something profound: My love for this music didn’t need to be explained or justified. My children accepted it for what it was, and through their eyes, I began to accept it too. They loved the music because they loved me, and that was enough. It wasn’t about fitting into any mold or following trends. It was just about being who I truly was—and in that space, there was no room for doubt.

Creating a Reflection of Myself Through My Designs

The fabrics in A Song to Sing are a manifestation of this journey of self-acceptance. They’re a reflection of joyful energy, which I call my happy art and it’s meant to be playful and uplifting because in this life, there’s enough of the opposite. Throughout the prints, there are bright, cheery pops of color and also plenty of smooth, soulful backgrounds scattered about, intended to balance each other.

Above: The Blissful Blooms in Buttercup, Carnation, Lake and Tomato.

Just as I learned to embrace the music that defined me, I’m hopeful this collections reflects that same authenticity. Every design was born from a place of pure, unfiltered inspiration—a desire to stay true to my own voice, to create something that wasn’t dictated by trends or outside expectations. And much like the songs I once sang with my children, these fabrics carry a sense of comfort, familiarity, and unspoken connection.

The Doodle Suns (above) in Flamingo, Fog, and Mustard.

The Challenge of Authenticity in Design

Staying true to myself throughout the design process wasn’t always easy. There were moments of doubt. There were times when I questioned whether the fabrics I was creating would connect with others or if they were “enough.” But each time I faced those doubts, I found myself returning to that quiet voice, the sound of my soul song, reminding me that authenticity is never “too much” or “too little”—it just is.

Elipsy Dizz (above) in Grass and Oxford.

This collection is a reflection of that truth. It’s a call to creators and makers everywhere to trust their inner voices. To design from a place of genuine inspiration, rather than from the need to please others or follow trends. Because, in the end, the most meaningful creations come from the purest forms of self-expression.

Above: The Eucalyptus Fizzes in Carrot, Putty, Citrine and Orchid.

Why A Song to Sing ?

A Song to Sing is not just a name. It’s a reminder. A reminder to stay true to our own voices, even when the world tries to drown them out. A reminder that the most powerful creations come from within. And above all, a reminder that you have your own song to sing—so don’t be afraid to let it be heard.

The Fairy Curtains (above) in Calamine, Tortilla and Ecru.

Sunny Side Up in French Grey, Daiquiri, and Sky.

While all the designs above do indeed speak intrinsically to the inner workings of the designer (me!), the last two designs in A Song to Sing (below) are special. First up: The Widdershins Wrens, in Tea Green, Coral, Coconut and Eggplant…

Note above that almost all of the wrens are facing to the right, which was my initial design plan, until my inner ME voice reminded me that approximately 10% of the world population is left-handed, including me. So you see, 10% of the wrens are facing to the left. Furthermore, the word Widdershins is a very old word which means the other way, opposite or even to the left, depending upon the translation. That felt fitting and I especially love my little wrens!

Finally, my Soul Speak text print in Sand, Water, Selenite, Cherry and Tea Rose:

The above text print was actually a collaborative effort with the incredible team in the art department at Andover Fabrics. The phrases are specific; not just words or a pretty font with my little sprigs in between. They’re meant to be uplifting for whomever encounters them. That mattered deeply to me as we were working together to lay them all out so they fit comfortably into a repeated pattern. Notably, some of the quotes actually come from > in here < , while others are things I’ve heard or read that give me comfort and feel inspiring to me. I hope they do the same for you.

I do have some quilt designs I’ll be sharing in the coming days in another post too, especially as my sample fabric arrives, but for now – just this:

For those who feel so moved to create with these fabrics once they arrive in shops, whether in quilts, apparel, or other projects, I hope they inspires you to create without limitations, to follow your own path, and to celebrate the beauty of authenticity. Every stitch you sew is another note in the song of your creative journey.

Thank you for joining me on this adventure. I can’t wait share more with you and especially – to see how you bring A Song to Sing to life in your own unique way! Please remember to tag me at Instagram , Facebook and TikTok or feel free to send me an email too at pam@pamselkirkdesigns.com, so I can rave about your wonderments too!

With Love and Cheeries from my Soul,

Pam