Artist Studio Sneak – with Katie Trott of Katie Jean
Please help me in sending a warm welcome to Katie Trott of Katie Jean for our first Artist Studio Sneak.
Hi Katie and welcome to Vintage Indie. We are excited to learn more about Katie Jean and your studio. Can you tell us a little about what we see in your studio/workspace photo?
Katie : My studio is actually my living room.
I was interested in redecorating this room in my new home. And I asked
myself why can’t this be my work room? After a trip to IKEA I was
set! I use a drop leaf table for cutting fabric and sewing.
Gabreial: This is a great idea Katie! I hope someone else sees this and knows that you don’t always have to have a specific room for creating.
Katie : I
also bought an open storage unit that has baskets. It all worked out
perfect for me!
Katie : I also use a very large secretary for
storage/organization. My parents bought it in England when my Dad was
stationed there with the Air Force. When I was growing up my sisters
and I called it "the monster" because it was so big and we were so
little!
At katie jean I love making things for baby and the home. I
always have a few dresses made using handkerchiefs and tablecloths. I
also do gift sets of onesies and burpcloths. For the home I make
fabric coasters, and I love to decoupage vintage images.
I grew up sewing with my mom. She even made my senior ball
dress! OMG! Much later when I had my own little girl I really started
sewing again. I had an idea in my mind to make something using vintage
handkerchiefs. I wasn’t sure what it would be. So after a lot of day
dreaming, I made my first three handkerchief dresses. A local shop
bought them from me. The shop owner was so encouraging and loved what
I had made for her that I knew I was onto something.
Do you use any vintage materials? If so, what do you like about creating with vintage components?
I love using my vintage fabrics. And I really do use them
whenever possible. The pieces that I buy to use in my creations really
do have a history in them. Whether they were used in daily life, or
stored away for that special holiday, they were part of family
life. The embroidered pieces that were just sitting on a shelf are now
a pillow or a dress. Instead of being forgotten, that too small
tablecloth is now made into an eyeglass case.
My designs are simple. I like the child to be seen as an
innocent. The clothing does not overpower the wearer. Often the fabric
itself is the inspiration for whatever I make. If I see fabric that I
love, I buy it. Especially the vintage pieces that make my heart
just beat faster!
inspire me. Go to thrift shops, antique shops, the library, travel,
talking to my sisters and girlfriends. All these things inspire me and
motivate me to grow and do more.
My intention is to create pieces that will have an emotional
response in the recipient. That they will smile when they see it, and
maybe even remind them of some little happy moment from their
childhood. It feels like I am passing something on to my customers,
giving them a real gift from me.
To purchase from Katie Jean visit their website under shop and view all the items they offer. Contact Katie for purchasing information.
I love your studio it is so fresh and clean!
You should come and help me organize mond sometime.
I love your attitude and inspiration! Keep up the good work!
Mary