This month’s Designer Spotlight features Kate, the creative force behind Due North Handmade. Kate’s journey from childhood quilting lessons with her grandmother to designing modern-traditional quilt patterns is truly inspiring. With a background in chemical engineering and a passion for combining tradition with contemporary style, Kate’s work reflects a love for color, versatility, and storytelling.
Join us as we delve into Kate’s quilting journey, her approach to design, and how she brings her unique vision to life. Explore her world of creativity, connection, and modern quilting!
Personal Background
Kate, as we dive into your story, could you provide a snapshot of who you are and take us on the journey that led you to where you are today?
Originally from Nebraska in the US, we moved to Minnesota for my Husband’s medical training almost 12 years ago. I’ve got a background as a chemical engineer and work part time at a firm. We love living here, even though it can get quite cold in the winter. I have a son in second grade and three wild dogs, ranging from 6 months to 11 years old keep our household busy.
Quilting Journey
When and how did you start quilting? What drew you to quilting as a form of expression?
I started quilting as a child, led by my grandmother who was a talented and prolific quilter. I really picked it up once my friends began having babies around 2010, thinking making a baby quilt would cost me less than buying them baby shower gifts (ha! I was so naive). I didn’t retain much of what my grandmother taught me and mostly learned it myself through you tube and social media, but as I learned different methods and techniques it did remind me about things that she did try to teach me.
Pattern Designing
What inspired you to start designing quilt patterns?How do you approach the creative process of designing a new pattern?
I began designing because I mostly self drafted my quilts from the beginning, and had a lot of ideas floating around that I wanted to get out. I keep a notebook nearby and jot down notes or doodle a design idea when something inspires. I also keep a very weird photo album on my phone from photos I’ve taken of things I see that I like.
Style and Aesthetics
How would you define your pattern style? Are there specific themes or elements that consistently appear in your designs?
I consider my designs to be more modern traditional. I’m heavily inspired by traditional designs but strive to give them a contemporary feel. I really love a scrappier look and write often to use fat quarter bundles as much as possible.
Color
How does color play a role in your pattern designing? Do you have a favorite color? Are there certain color combinations you find particularly appealing?
I love color – all colors. My pink and blue scrap bins tend to fill up the fastest as I use those the most often. Because I love all the colors, my overall look is a bit eclectic but full of joy.
Business Activities
Apart from designing patterns, what other activities are integral to your quilting business?
(Membership, notions, courses, etc)
Other than design, I also offer tech editing and ghostwriting services, which I love doing. In my opinion it’s a very important part of pattern writing, and all the really well written patterns have utilized tech editing.
I occasionally take on commissions (T-shirt quilts, memory quilts, vintage quilt repairs, and other quilt projects) but only as my schedule allows.
Online Presence
Where can people find your work online? (Website, social media handles, online marketplaces). How do you use online platforms to connect with your audience and fellow quilters?
My Instagram is where I am most active @duenorthhandmade. All my PDF patterns are available from my website www.duenorthhandmade.com. Shops and retailers can purchase my printed patterns wholesale either directly from me or from Brewer quilting and sewing supplies. Two of my patterns (Tinsel Wreath and Holiday at Heart) are also available to wholesale order from Moda fabrics and supplies.
Upcoming Projects
Can you provide a sneak peek into any upcoming projects or designs you’re working on? Any exciting collaborations or events?
For the rest of the year I’ll be a bit quiet as I work on some things behind the scenes. Next spring you’ll definitely see some new patterns coming!
QuiltInk Experience
How has QuiltInk contributed to your quilt pattern design business? Could you share your experience with the platform and how it has influenced your creative process and connected you with fellow quilters?
Quiltink has been incredibly helpful for me to easily color and recolor my designs and I often play around with different combinations early in my design process. I also create private rooms for my testers to color the designs so they too can play around when they test for me. I also really enjoy seeing other designs from other designers come to life.