Karin Jordan

Karin Jordan blogs at Leigh Laurel Studios. She grew up under her architect father’s drafting table, making mini models out of the cardboard scraps that fell to the floor. At age ten she purchased her first sewing machine from a neighbor who taught her sewing basics. A former magazine editor and antique American folk art gallery director, she now loves being a blogging, stay-at-home-mom. She regularly draws upon her degree in art history for inspiration for her sewing, embroidery, craft patterns and activities with kids. Karin’s husband is remarkably patient while she does her best to balance being a full-time assistant to two children under four with her creative endeavors. Her goal? Do something creative every day.

Find Karin online:
Blog — Facebook — Pinterest — Twitter — Instagram

Meet Karin

Pellon®: Where do you find inspiration for your work?
Karin Jordan: Everywhere. Literally; I once took a flower pattern off an all-white piece of toilet paper, transferred it to fabric and embroidered it.

P: What does your creative process entail?
KJ: Depending what I’m working on, I might sketch, doodle on the kids’ magnet board, play with fabric piles, snuggle up with Pinterest or shut my eyes and wait for something to appear. 

P: Why do you enjoy sewing/crafting/quilting?
KJ: It’s challenging and relaxing at the same time. I love fabric, color and finding new ways to do things. Also, there is a great community of wonderful people who love to create. Some of my best friends are terrific crafters and we’re always back and forth with ideas.

P: Do you create mainly for satisfaction, gifts, art or another reason?
KJ: Yes. I love to make things for my friends and family. I come up with many projects that are either for the kids or to be done with them. The best things to make, in my opinion, are things that are beautiful and useful. 

P: What tips or tricks learned through experience can you share?
KJ: I love my seam ripper and am not afraid to use it. It’s okay to set something aside and come back to it later when inspiration strikes. Mistakes can be an okay thing sometimes!

P: When and why did you start sewing/quilting/crafting?
KJ: I honestly can’t remember. I’ve always liked making stuff and trying to figure out how things are put together. I’ve learned a lot from following other people’s patterns and love the design process. There’s still so much to learn.

P: What inspires you to start a project?
KJ: The kids think I can make anything. I’ll enjoy that until they wise up (any day now). I have a row of fabric piles on a cabinet, organized by project I plan to make. They’re conspicuous in my studio, so I think my subconscious works on them while I’m doing other things. Or sleeping. Color combinations and patterns sometimes come to me while I sleep.

Karin`s Projects:

Reversible Placemats

It’s a treat to be able to use favorite fabrics for placemats. This is a simple pattern that doesn’t require any hand sewing. It’s a great project for a beginning sewist; a set of these can be made in an afternoon. They can easily be made larger or smaller. Finished size is 14″ x 19″. Note: Placemats pictured are a scaled down version: 12″ x 17″. 

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Ebb and Flow Quilt

This colorful quilt is a great project for a beginner. 40 different prints repeat and create a harmonious balance. One bundle of 40 fat eights makes a twin size quilt with no fabric scraps left over. Finished size is 62” x 90”. Quilted by Melissa Kelly.

 

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Patchwork Sketchbook Cover

Mini charm squares are a great way to have an entire fabric line in one small project. This patchwork sketchbook cover is also a terrfic project for favorite fabric scraps. Sample used an Unruled Composition Notebook.

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Design Wall

A good design wall is an indispensable part of any designer’s studio. These two panels can be used together or individually, depending on the size needed and the space available. They can be easily moved around. Each finished panel measures 4‘ wide x 7’ tall, resulting in a combined finished size of 8‘ wide x 7’ tall. Design is made for 8’ ceilings and can be adjusted for other heights. Example shown uses White Cotton Batting with no scrim. For additional strength and durability, White Cotton Batting with a scrim stabilizer can be substituted.

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Sunny Crib Quilt

This is a great project for a beginning quilter with knowledge of basic quilt-making skills. A crib size quilt is
lovely for a throw. Finished size is 40” x 56”.

 

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The Laundry Ninja

This little water-resistant laundry bag is perfect to take on trips! Finished size is 10” x 12”. It can be easily enlarged if desired.

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Felt Ornaments

These easy-to-make felt tree ornaments make wonderful present toppers!

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Herringbone Table Runner

This long table runner was designed for fall, but can easily be adapted into any color scheme. It goes together quickly and would be a fun project for a beginning to intermediate quilter. Finished size is 14” x 54”.

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Key Fob Wristlet

This quick and easy project is a fun way to use up favorite fabric scraps. A handmade key fob makes a great stocking stuffer, teacher’s gift, or present for the person who has everything.

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Patchwork Doll Quilt

This is a great project for a beginning quilter with basic quilt-making skills. Finished size is 16” x 24”. The quilt is just perfect for tucking in a favorite doll at bedtime.

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