Thursday, August 27, 2009

An Interview with Karen Dumont

Now and then, Quilting at the Poorhouse would like to introduce you to "movers and shakers" in the quilting world.

This morning, I’d like to introduce you to a friend of mine and fellow quilt pattern designer, Karen Dumont. She’s the creative mind behind Karie Patch Designs; a pattern company specializing in whimsical designs for the young at heart! Karen and I met at Quilt Market in 2007 and she has been an inspiration to me ever since! Karen's quilts have been featured in Harris Publications' Quilts, Quick Quilts and McCall's Quilting Magazines. Grab a cup of coffee and let’s meet Karen:

Karen, how did you get started designing quilt patterns?
I would visit the local quilt shop frequently and take my quilts to show to my friends there. The owner, Sheddy Reese encouraged me to publish patterns of my work. I did not have a clue how to go about doing that but eventually became friends with another quilter, Susan Emory, who was also a graphic designer. She was willing to do the computer work that was needed to produce the patterns. The rest is history. Susan now owns the quilt shop that Sheddy sold to her 3 years ago and I have another friend do my patterns for me.

Where do you get your inspiration for new designs?
Usually ideas pop into my head in the middle of the night, friends suggests things they would like me to make but most of the time it is the fabric that inspires me.

How would you describe your company’s style?
Bright, whimsical, and cheerful quilts that make people happy when they see them. I want my quilts to give a warm and inviting feeling to a room.

What is your favorite quilting “process”? (For example, I really like free motion quilting…)
Applique. I feel that I can express myself in my applique designs more so than pieced.

Which pattern is your current favorite?
Sweet Caroline and Dolly Claire, they run neck and neck as being my favorites. Of course, there is a reason for that. Both patterns are named after our two granddaughters, Caroline and Claire!
My daughter calls Caroline and Claire, Sass One and Sass Two so I told Caroline at dinner just this evening that my next pattern will be named Sassy Girls!

Karen, I know you teach. What do you enjoy most about teaching? Do you have a message for beginners?
I love being with others who share the same interests that I do. It is fun teaching other quilters most of the techniques and shortcuts that I have taught myself over the past 12 years.
My advice to beginners, only make the type of quilts that you find pleasure in sewing. Start out making simple things and don’t get into complicated patterns that will frustrate you because you will never finish them. Change any pattern you make to meet your likes and experiment with choosing your own fabric not the same as the pattern designer.

What would quilters like to know about you?
That I am one wild and crazy Grandma!!!!!! Seriously, I love life and like to find humor in everything I do.

Thanks so much Karen, for spending your time with us and we will be watching to see what’s new at Karie Patch Designs! Please check out Karen’s website at http://www.kariepatch.com/store/Default.asp ; you can also email Karen on her contact page there.

Happy Quilting!
-Kris

Monday, August 24, 2009

Turning Leaves Tote - Options!

Kits! We have kits!

Turning Leaves Tote fabric kits are available at the Urban-Amish website by Yolanda Fundora. What? you haven't been to her site? Why not jump over now? This is a great website if you are loofing for creative inspiration!

The Turning Leaves Tote is a truly comfortable medium sized bag that you can whip up in a day! And, I especially like the fact that you can buy a kit with all of the fabrics ready for you to sew. A little rotary cutting and you are ready to start your sewing machine humming!


Features of the Turning Leaves Tote:
  • Easy cutting - strips only;
  • Quilt as you go - this project can be as easy as you want it to be;
  • Applique options - use the leaf patterns provided or add your own;
  • Easy strap - fuse and topstitch - no turning of bulky tubes
  • Simple Zippered pocket inside - quick application!

Give this tote a try and email me a picture! I would especially like to hear from you about the zipper application - let me know what you think! Have a successful sewing day! -Kris

Wednesday, August 19, 2009

It's been such a long time....

Good morning all!

I am back! Blogging took a backseat during our vacation. I had good intentions and even had free wi-fi so I have no excuse!

We took a trip to Hershey PA this year - my husband and two boys love rollercoasters. Notice that I do not include myself in that group. I am the holder of everything not allowed on the coaster - hats, cameras, backpacks, etc. I am happy to be the holder! The picture on your right is "Fahrenheit", a rollercoaster with a 97 degree drop (not kidding)! Wouldn't you want to be the holder? Please note: I did enjoy Chocolate World!

I did go to Quilt Odyssey which was being held in Hershey. What a nice show! I had a great time admiring all of the beautiful quilts. I am showing just a section of Arabesque by Karen Kay Buckley, of Carlisle, PA. This is a stunning quilt in person. You can view this awardwinning quilt here.
Quilt shows are so inspirational - I really missed my sewing machine after attending that show!
Keep quilting! -Kris
(P.S. In case you are wondering, the post title does refer to a song by Boston!)