We recently connected with Kathy Caudill and have shared our conversation below.

Kathy, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Learning the craft is often a unique journey from every creative – we’d love to hear about your journey and if knowing what you know now, you would have done anything differently to speed up the learning process.

Learning to sew takes time and a lot of patience. Sure you can turn on the machine and stitch a straight line, but learning all of the different stitch options, needle sizes, what each of the presser feet do and why some of them look so strange, what settings you need for the material you’re working with, and what to do when you get that dreaded bobbin thread nesting under your fabric often comes with trial and error. There are many resources out there that can help speed up the learning curve on these items. Over the years, I have found valuable help through my local sewing shop, connecting with other sewists, searching online, watching videos, and joining online sewing groups. Online learning communities can really help you overcome so many sewing obstacles, but it really comes down to practice and trying things out. Knowing all of the parts of your sewing machine, what they all do, and how to maintain them is an essential first step. Learning how to keep your machine and sewing tools in good working condition will save a lot of heartache and money down the road.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers?

I’ve always had a passion for creativity and making things with my own hands. There is a special sense of accomplishment when you make something from scratch and the end result turns out amazing. My first time making a handbag was a life-changing moment. It sounds dramatic to say, but when I saw what I could create from a few pieces of fabric, I was completely hooked. After making a few bags from other designers, I thought, “what if I made it this way instead?” or “how could I make something that would have this feature.” That’s when I started designing my own sewing patterns. With my designs, I want them to be unique, fun, and useful. I don’t want something that just looks cool – I want it to look cool AND be functional. With my sewing patterns, I provide step-by-step instructions, as well as video tutorials and online sew-alongs so that anyone can feel confident that they can make the pattern. My online makers community is a space for makers to come ask questions, get support, get inspired, and show off their makes. And, for those customers who aren’t sewists, I also create custom, one-of-a-kind makes that you won’t find anywhere else.

One of the things that I’m most proud of is that I’ve been able to make my vision become reality. I really love designing sewing patterns that people want and love to see what is made with my patterns. Seeing how people interpret my patterns and what they make with them is sort of like a proud parent moment. It gives me such joy.

In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?

It’s so important to have a thriving creative market. In today’s society, it’s easy to order cheap items online. That makes it challenging for creatives when trying to promote their work. Not knowing all that went into the item before you can often times cause sticker-shock. A great way to support creatives is to learn about what they do and what all goes into their work. Talk to us and ask questions. There are also ways, in addition to purchasing a pattern or a piece of work, that you can show your support. Engage with posts on social media and then share those posts and links on your own social media. That really goes a long way in terms of helping to get the word out and it helps me to be able to continue to do what I love.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being creative in your experience?

For me, the most rewarding aspect of being a creative person is having a vision in mind and then being able to make that come to reality. Being able to make a pattern for an item I’ve been envisioning, and then have people out in the world see it, like it, want it, and make it themselves is just the greatest feeling.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.kdillhandmade.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/kdillhandmade
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/groups/kdillbagmakers
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCK37Nj8qx4pIO2oqYHY6Xfg

Image Credits
Kathy Caudill and Mary Thomas