I like to quilt, A LOT. I love to share what I’ve learned and I truly believe anyone who wants to quilt can, no matter their skill level. To develop and grow our art we need the space, quality tools and time to routinely practice. It all starts with sewing two pieces of fabric together.
My teaching and quilt designs fuse the tradition rooted in my childhood with improvisational techniques and a modern aesthetic. I teach fun workshops accessible to all levels, locally and nationally.
Everyone’s approach to learning is as unique as their quilting, my adaptive instruction and small class size provide a supportive, non-prescriptive structure to develop the skills you need to refine your own distinctive quilting style. We’ll collaborate in helping you focus on play, intuition and exploring the endless possibilities quilting has to offer. Sounds like fun, doesn’t it?
I hope you’ll join me in developing your skills and finding your style in a WORKSHOP or OPEN STUDIO soon.
Here’s My Story-
I’m a maker, always been. I was the child content for hours with pompoms, goggly eyes and a bottle of glue. My mom and her posse of friends provided daily doses of creative inspiration, whether hand-stitching over a cuppa tea, quilting in our TV room or working on the latest crafting craze, they were always creating. It was just part of daily life.
After moving to Seattle I found myself purchasing a stack of fabric and true to form, with little research I just dove in. What developed were not the classic quilt designs I’d watched my mother create, but a fusing of it with my quirky way of seeing. Since then no day is complete until at least two pieces of fabric are sewn together.
I love all the steps of the process quilting offers. From the not being still, to the emerging ideas I start before the other million are finished. But most of all I love that in the end you have something that’s beautiful and everyday useful. For me, making quilts are all those happy things.
In 2015 I opened my Seattle Quilting Studio to provide a space for those interested in the art and craft of quilting. It was the realization of a long-standing dream, and another step in my creative journey.
I hope you’ll join me in developing your skills and finding your style in an open studio or workshop soon.
Background Blah Blah Blah:
Quilting can be a solitary adventure and I felt the need to surround myself with other quilters that desired company too, so in 2009 I started teaching modern and improvisational quilting workshops in Seattle. I’ve been the featured artist at multiple shows, am a founding member and former president of the Seattle Modern Quilt Guild, and my quilts have been shown and awarded at QuiltCon. In 2013 I wrote the award winning book, Quilting Modern: Techniques and Projects for Improvisational Quilts with Jacquie Gering and have since been published in American Patchwork and Quilting, Sew Mama Sew and other publications. I continue to teach modern and improvisational quilting classes accessible to all ages and levels in my Seattle Quilting Studio, locally, nationally and internationally.
Author:
Organizations/Volunteer:
- The Seattle Modern Quilt Guild, Founder and President
Exhibitor:
- Quiltcon: 2013
- Quiltcon 2015
Featured Artist:
- Island Quilter 2013,
- Tri Cities Quilt Guild 2013,
- Walla Walla Quilt Festival 2015
- Modern Domestic 2015
Awards & Shows:
- International Quilt Festival-Chicago 2017| Beauty in Pieces: Scrap Quilts for the 21st Century
- Quiltcon 2017 exhibitor
- Quiltcon 2015 /Best in Quilting Collaboration with Krista Withers
- Quiltcon 2013 exhibitor
- Bronze Medal 2013 Pubwest Design book design award for Quilting Modern
This is probably the most interesting and beautiful pouch sling I have ever seen! I can’t wait to try one with the next babe!
I havent seen a pouch sling as beautiful as these EVER. I think I am just gonna hav
I tracked you down from a comment you left at Soule Mama’s flickr page this morning (I found your flickr, but the link on your profile page didn’t work, so I ended up googling you!).
Your slings are GORGEOUS! The design looks very comfortable, but really it’s your knack for putting fabrics together that makes these look really amazing! I’m tempted, though I have my heart (and body) set on a two-shouldered carrier (do you make Mei Tais?) for my toddler. I’m definitely bookmarking your site to share with others, and for any future babies for us!
Thanks everyone!!!
Love your pouch Katie =)
Hey Katie~
My sister is lovin’ her sling. I would like to order one for myself and will be in touch with my measurement. Shoulder to Hiip right? Take Care
Taffy.
Hi, Katie. I just realized we are practically “neighbors.” I live in Hillsboro near Portland. I went to graduate school at UW and loved living in Seattle.
Joan
Hello, Thank you for stopping by my blog. I am glad my fabric box tutorial might be helpful to you. Please let me know how it turns out! I would love to see! You are welcome add it to the flickr group.
Thanks for adding the tutorial to your tutorial page!
Have a great day~
Chase
Oh Ms. Katie,
Where do you teach your classes? I’m in Edmonds and have really enjoyed seeing your work here. I’m a seasoned garment sewer, but have just now been brave enough to try quilting. Oh my, how I’m dealing with my imperfect work:). Would love to find your class.
Heather
In January and February I will be teaching at Fabric Crush and at The Quilting Loft in Ballard in March. Privates always available. Thanks!
I met you at Fabric Crush last week and found your blog. Love you work!
Take care,
Lisa
I happened to stumble across your site and just wanted to say that your work is so incredibly fresh and inspiring. I am starting my first quilting class in 2 weeks and cannot wait to begin!
Katie,
When will your book be published?
Katie, I noticed you had some Heather Ross fabrics in your stash. I’ve have been looking for her mermaid fabrics, would you have any bits and pieces of anything to sell? Thanks Cheryl Please let me know if you do. Thanks again.
Hi there!
I was interested in the SMQG…. I live north of Seattle and was hoping to go to the meetings… Are they open to everyone? Any info would be great. I looked at the website on Shutterfly but figured I could get some good info from you too!
Thanks,
Ashley
Hello, I don’t sew at all 🙁 but I am collecting fabric, I want to sew a it’s a small world quilt for my little girl and boy 🙂
But I also buy quilts… Love love quilts.
Do you happen to sell any?
I kind of came across your site while searching for fabric. Love you site 🙂
Hello Katie! I love your quilts! I found this site quite by accident.
I live in Ellensburg, WA and have had a wonderful quilting/sewing store for about 4 1/2 years or so. I don’t know if you even get out this way (I90), but you seem to love contemporary fabrics.
I am in the 2nd stage of liquidating my inventory so I can go online and get rid of all my high expenses. Anyway, I have great fabrics from the best designers plus lots of organics. Most of the store’s inventory will go to 50% off starting on Tuesday, August 2nd. Please contact me if you are interested in coming out.
I have a website that you can check too…..SewingCorral.com
I too love fabrics and sewing! Its a wonderful and creative thing to do!
Take care,
Amy
Owner of The Sewing Corral
Did you pouch pattern ever make it to print? Is there still a plan for that in the future? I’d love to make some pouch slings as baby shower gifts and your pattern is the perfect way to meld several beautiful fabrics together.
Thanks!
Took the first of two scheduled classes with Katie for her “coin quilt”. She’s a great instructor .. patient, inspiring, and a lot of fun.
Thanks Laura! Can’t wait to see your finished quilt. So far it was turning out great.
Hi Katie,
Your quilts are inspiring. I hope with practice I can make some treasured memories. Thanks for sharing.
Kay
(Beginner Quilter)
Thanks Kay. You’ll do it!
Beautiful pic of you, sister! You are one hot lady! I visit here to get your chicken chili recipe, but I really do need to follow. You have good stuff here!
You are too sweet and right back at ya hot stuff.
Hi~. I like that latest improv quilt. I was wondering if you know of a quilting group (for charity) that meets in n. Seattle. I am in Wallingford. Thanks 🙂
You inspire me with your beautiful quilts, just my colours – but tel me, your surname name Pedersen is danish, I guess. Its my husbonds surname. As we say in danish: Pedersen with soft d! many people has the surname Petersen here in Denmark
Hi Anni. My husband is Norwegian, as are a large proportion of the population here in Seattle.
Hi Katie!
I just stumbled upon your blog, and you had me from the get go, because I love sewing, my name is Katie, I live outside of Seattle (Kent/Covington), and yes, my nickname has always been “Katydid”!
I’ve sewn all my life, but I’ve really only taken up quilting in the past 5 years or so. I now sell my wares online at GracefulArts.ArtFire.com.
You can bet that I’ll be back soon!
Do you have a “follow link”? I’d like to know when you make new posts.
Thanks!
Cathy
I was throughly taken with the tutorial on the pillow making with using an invisible zipper. You made it fool proof. I was wondering were you obtained the fabric for the project ? I live in Indiana and have not been able to find fabric with those colors and design. I’m hoping you sell it in your store, if not, I was wondering were I might obtain it.
Hi, Katie! I’ve nominated you for a Kreativ Blogging award!
http://mybakingempire.wordpress.com/2012/03/12/kreativ-blogger-awards/
Hi Katie
I really love your work and I was wondering if your book will be making it over to us across the Atlantic when it is published next month. I am intrigued by different quilting techniques as I would love to give it a go again. I have had many a past nightmare but I am determined to put past experience behind me. I have to say it is your blog that has inspired me.
Thank you
Mags
Thanks Mags! It will certainly be available internationally and on Amazon. Can’t wait to see what you make!
Hi there! I just wanted you to know that I think your quilts are beautiful and I nominated you for the Versatile Blogger Award! You can check out what it’s about at: http://lostdododesigns.wordpress.com/2012/03/29/the-versatile-blogger-award/.
Hi Katie!
I wanted to stop by and thank you for your blog. I absolutely love it. Your modern improv design is so amazing, I really want to learn how to do this.
I began sewing quilts for the first time in December, and have been hooked since. I love it so much and I really love talking about it! I think my friends and family have heard it all! So I decided to create a blog so others could hear about my projects as well. Today I launched my very own blog called Pile O’ Fabric. Not sure what to expect, but I am super excited. I wanted to let you know that I have chosen to put you on my List of Inspiration, because that is exactly what your blog has been to me inspiration! Thank you so much.
I would love it if you stopped by and checked out “The Pile”. Any feedback would be sooo helpful. Do you have any advice for a new blogger? I hope one day I can be an inspiration to others, just as you have to me!
http://pileofabric.com/
Thanks 🙂
Alyssa
Hi Katy
I am doing a post on modern quilting styles for our Auckland (NZ) Modern Quilt Guild and would love to use a couple of your photos as examples of straight and straight-ish line quilting – may I use your pics of Modern Snippets Coin and HST Love on our website? (www.aucklandmodernquiltguild.co.nz) Obviously, I will acknowldge you as the source and link them back to your site.
Thanks
Karyn
Of course Karyn. Thanks for letting me know and will you send me the link when you post? Thanks!
You are an inspiration. Where did you find the grid laminate that you roll up in your design wall? I’ve been coveting it for several posts.
I bought it years ago at a quilt shop. I don’t use the lines much except to see if I squared a quilt up well, and that sometimes doesn’t work so well.
My book finally arrived and I love it. Congratulations! Swirling medallion is my fav. I also love your psychedelic baby quilt. I want to ‘try’ to make something similar. Before I start, I wanted to ask your permission to enter it quilt shows, giving you full credit of course.
I was just in Seattle a few weeks ago, we sailed out of Seattle to Alaska. I went to one quilt shop near the market. Would have loved to visit others. Thank you!
So So So happy to get a chance to connect in person. You had me so inspired to expand my quilting knowledge. Thanks for the inspiring meeting yesterday and I can’t wait to see you soon. 🙂 Monica
Right back at ya lady!
Hi Katie. Thanks for your comment on my blog. I tried to reply but it said no reply blogger : (
Have a great day
I’ve nominated you for the Reader Appreciation Award! http://fibercrush.wordpress.com/2012/10/01/reader-appreciation-award/ I like how you are able to be so creative with a simple design wall in your living room. Although it’s nice to have, you are proof one can accomplish great things without a fancy studio!
Really lovely work! Have a look also at mines from Italy on
tiricamo.wordpress.com
I would love to make the illusions quilt! Do you sell a pattern for that one?
I’m not sure which quilt you are referring to, can you send me a link?
I nominated you for the Versatile Blogger Award because your blog has inspired me. Thank you! 🙂 Check back at my blog for a badge if you would like to accept. If not, I completely understand that some people have already gotten this and some are just too busy. Thank you for inspiring me anyway!
So glad I found your blog…i love your tag line especially!!!
thanks!
Hello,
I love your blog. I want to get into Modern Quilting. Please visit my blog and follow my friend and I in the quilting experiences.
http://www.thecraftdivas.com
Thanks,
Dana
Thanks Dana!
Hi Katie,
Thanks for commenting on my blog about my Echo quilt. I have been following your blog for a while and was so flattered! I have your book and find your posts informative and inspiring. Thanks so much for sharing.
All the best,
Corey Taylor
counterpane.squarespace.com
Katie,
i took a class from you at the Islander and am signed up for your class at the Quilting Loft on 6/29. I am considering working with Osnaberg fabric as my main background. Do you recommend washing it first? and if so, wash the other fabrics I am going to be inserting?
Hi Sharon!
I’m a washer, but you’ll be fine either way.
See you soon!
Hi, Katie. I’m a fairly new quilter and just recently found your site and would love to know if you have instructions for the HST Love in your book or even for sale as a pattern? I live in Boise and, even though I would love to, cannot attend your classes.
Nice quilts…would love to email you a question…possible?
of course.
Just wanted to let you know that I nominated you for the One Lovely Blog Award.
You’ve been doing an awesome job and I truly enjoy your thoughtful and fun posts!
Betti
crochetably.com
aw, thanks!
i manage in french more than englishh…………… i really appreciated your design, good inspiration ………………. happy new year
Happy New Year to you;)
Hello Katie! I’ve decided to read and follow 15 interesting and new blogs a day every day for the first month of 2015, and yours is today’s #1! Feel free to come visit me when you can at http://www.thatssojacob.wordpress.com, and follow if you like what you read. Happy new year and happy blogging!
Lindo seus trabalhos!!! me inspirou ainda mais, parabéns e sucesso
What beautiful things you make…. I can ‘t stop looking at them. Great. I could never Do that. Greetings from Germany. Betty
Thanks Betty. You can do it!
Do you think so? Lg
Hi Katie, awesome stuff here. I also love to sew and stitch and tried my hand on my first baby’s clothes. I would love to try out stuff from your tutorial. Brilliant. Cheers.