Introducing our newest Ambassador- Katie Skoog

Meet Katie Skoog of The Simple Life Pattern Company!

Katie has just joined Cotton Cuts as our newest Modern Maker box ambassador. She was selected from a long list of talented and creative sewists. The Simple Life Company specializes in quality digital pdf sewing patterns for babies, girls and women.

How long have you been sewing?

I have been sewing nearly my entire life. I really got into it though when I was pregnant with my oldest daughter 11 years ago. I started out quilting and a few years after that, I was looking for a project I could complete in a day. I needed some instant gratification. PDF patterns were still a really new thing so I figured out how to draft a peasant dress. I was hooked! I made probably 30 peasant dresses for my 2 girls at that time.

How did you learn to sew?

I learned to sew from my mom. Growing up, my mom would make us clothes and do all sorts of crafty things with us. She taught me basic sewing skills so I headed to the internet to learn how to sew/ quilt quickly, and correctly. I also watched all the sewing shows on PBS. I loved watching Elenor Burns, she taught me all the tips and tricks for quilting, which I use and bring into garment sewing.

What is your favorite thing to sew?

Oh to choose a favorite!?! That's tough. I really like to sew knit dresses for my girls because they are a "wash and wear" type garment since I don't iron any of their clothes. For "me time" I really like to make a quilt block or small project like little bags or table runners.

What is your favorite thing about sewing?

Sewing is very therapeutic for me. I love putting on an audiobook and just getting lost in my project. I love the math that is involved, love creating unique designs that you wouldn't normally see. If I had to choose my favorite thing about being a pattern designer would be creating the design and drafting it, it's always the most fun.

What is your favorite item you have ever sewn?

I started out as a quilter before really getting into garments. My favorite type of quilting is foundation paper piecing. I made the Lilly Ella FPP butterfly one day and didn't really have a plan for it. Then one night, I dreamed about putting it into a dress. The next morning I got up and used that FPP block on the bodice of one of my dresses. It was so much fun creating that dress. I also designed this super fun circle quilt, probably my favorite quilt I have made because the shape and large pieces created such a unique design (that didn't take too long to make).

Share something interesting with us?

I am the mother to 4 beautiful young girls, they have always been my inspiration behind my designs. We are a really crafty family and sometimes it gets a little chaotic and messy here! I have 2 fabric collections with Art Gallery Fabrics and a thread set through Aurifil. I have tons of hobbies besides sewing. I love making candles and soaps. We camp nearly every weekend in the summer. I hate the cold, even though I live in North Dakota. People assume I have it "together" but in reality - my house is a mess, I always have at least 10 loads of laundry to do and 10 projects on my table...

We are looking forward to seeing Katie’s creations. Check Katie out here:

Website - The Simple Life Pattern Company

Instagram - @simplelifepatterns

Facebook - Simple Life Patterns