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