1. Where are you from and/or where do you live?
My parents were both Scots, and while as a child I followed my father round with the RAF, I consider myself still a Scot. I now live far from home as a ex-patriot, in the South of England, perched almost on top of the North Downs in Kent, opposite a cherry orchard half way between London and Dover.
2. What was the 1st thing you made? How did you start sewing?
I have no idea! Lost in the mists of time… The oldest surviving bit of my sewing is an embroidery made for may grandmother when I was about five. I first ‘sewed’ with my maternal grandmother, standing between her feet at her grandmother’s treadle machine in the kitchen in Kirkcaldy, pumping the treadle with one foot and being steered by Granny’s hands on top of my own.
3. What role does sewing play in your life?
It’s essential. A day without sewing of some sort is incomplete.
4. What is your favorite and what is your least favorite thing about sewing?
I suppose my least favorite thing must be unpicking! Especially if it is of a mistake I have made… My favorite thing is seeing a completed project I have designed go to a delighted customer.
5. If you could make something for anyone who would it be and what would you make?
I’m already making it: a poppy red wedding gown for the daughter of a close friend. The only thing that might delight me more would be to make one for my Goddaughter, or, eventually (please God, many years from now!) for a future daughter in law.
6. What are you looking for on our site? What do you think should be improved and what do you really like?
Information about things new to me, and a way to pass on the knowledge I have accumulated.
The forums are seriously unintuative to navigate and to post pictures to. And the method used to upload patterns is dreadful! Both need considerable improvement for the end user: the members.
7. What is your motto?
Keep sewing: it’s fun!
Check out Kate’s amazing historically inspired creations. Learn more about Kate on her blog.
Sep 10, 2010, 05.38 PMby katexxxxxx
Thank you all for your lovely comments. I’d have got back sooner, but I’m buried in poppy red silk, making that wedding gown!
In the picture, I’;mm fussing with the pleats on a gown I’m making with a friend. It’s a lovely silk, and a copy of one Mme De Pompadour is wearing in a portrait.
Sep 5, 2010, 10.23 AMby micbrown
It;s great that you’ve been featured Kate. I love your blog and you sewing machine gallery. Thanks for sharing your experience and knowledge.
Sep 3, 2010, 12.10 AMby loyl8
Yeah!!! SO glad you are a featured member!! Thanks for the tips and tricks!! Congrats!!! :)
Sep 2, 2010, 07.01 PMby mlssfshn
Kate, I don’t mind unpicking but I do mind hemming sheers, as you current status states fun it is not! Glad to see you finally featured. Keep sharing your knowledge.
Sep 2, 2010, 10.12 AMby magdamagda
Kate thanks for the all the helpful advice you generously leave in disscusions forum, you are a real treasure for this site! wishing you many happy sewing and sharing days!
Sep 2, 2010, 07.38 AMby nessys
Kate you are a talented, generous and lovely lady. I always enjoy your projects and the knowledge and passion you pass on to us all! I still get a chuckle when I think of you sewing and listening to “The Red Hot Chili Pipers!”. The picture you painted in point 2 above, touched my heart – what a lovely sewing heritage you possess.
Sep 2, 2010, 03.55 AMby judeb
How lovely to get to know you better, I regularly read all your advice you give people, you have a stunning wealth of knowledge in this field and I regularly learn something new, thankyou for sharing.
Sep 1, 2010, 11.03 PMby gedwoods
Another MUST profile, it’s great to see the Burda team finally got around to profiling you. I don’t think there’s a single other member who offers as much information as you do to help out, beginners and advanced alike. And always timely as well. It was great reading more about your Scottish heritage, to go along with that brogue I heard when we met in the summer!
Sep 1, 2010, 07.56 PMby sunintheclouds
Kate….#2 made me cry a little…. a wonderful memory that is simply lovely.
Sep 1, 2010, 11.49 AMby anajan
Nice to meet you Kate! I think what’s missing in this introduction is that you’re a source of wisdom and practical knowledge that has helped many members of this site to overcome their sewing obstacles.
Sep 1, 2010, 08.32 AMby thecuriouskiwi
Great to read about you Kate, about time the featured you :) I agree with you on the unpicking, it’s like extra punishment for making the mistake and love your motto xx