So one day while pregnant and sleeping and many months of trying to name our little girl that was about to arrive I had this dream…a little girl was running through a field of wild flowers with bouncy brown curly hair and she was adorable. It was a little bit like a scene from The Sound of Music but without the music, and only one kid, maybe I had just watched that or something, anyways…. I loved the name York and this little girl was my little “Yorkpatty”….well my husband wasn’t as fond of the name as I was so my daughter became Kellyn and my other baby (my shop) became Yorkpatty.

I love to make things and always have. I took art lessons growing up and every art class available in school. My mom started to teach me to sew when I was just three years old so I have been sewing most of my life. After a few years of being pregnant constantly (seriously, I have five kids) I rediscovered my love of making things and sewing. It has become my calming place. If I am not actually making something my mind is thinking of something to create.

Right now I’m in love with repurposing things. Recycled t-shirts are one of my favorites. In my shop you will find quits (mostly hand quilted), pillows, twirly skirts, pinafores, peasant tops, yoga skirts, bibs, aprons, and beanies. Making most everything  unique and one of a kind is important to me. Mixing vintage fabrics with new, and choosing colors and patterns to put together are my favorite part of sewing. Like making wearable art.

My kids, nieces, nephews, and everything around me inspires me. I love to hear and see what kids like and try to create something to please them. Making things that I would put on my kids is more of a focus for me right now. I love simple, earthy and plain things so trying to create that for my little one in a way she will love it too is fun. I have some pretty frilly nieces so making something for them that makes them squeal and light up when they see it is a blast. I get a lot of ideas from Japanese craft and sewing books too. The simple and natural fabrics and designs are so beautiful.

You can find me at little shows here and there (posted on my website). The Seattle Square, Maple Valley Farmer’s Market, Baby Icing Boutique, trunk shows, and Etsy (www.yorkpatty.etsy.com) for the summertime and I will post on my website anything else to come.