WHAT IT’S LIKE TO WORK WITH ME

Anyone who has met Karen in person knows what a force of love and light she is; her generosity, deep empathy for others and passion for creative work are immediately evident from the moment you meet her. But what you might not know unless you work with her — as I have, for almost a decade — is that in addition to being both smart and generous, she has a gift for offering her incredible talent and support to other creatives. Karen has the ability to size up a project and determine how she can help you make it happen, whether that’s sewing a custom garment or grading a pattern into multiple sizes. I feel incredibly grateful to have had her as her part of my team for so long; my brand, work, and sewing patterns are 100% better for having her hand in them.- Rae Hoekstra, Owner, Made by Rae

Anyone who has met Karen in person knows what a force of love and light she is; her generosity, deep empathy for others and passion for creative work are immediately evident from the moment you meet her. But what you might not know unless you work with her — as I have, for almost a decade — is that in addition to being both smart and generous, she has a gift for offering her incredible talent and support to other creatives. Karen has the ability to size up a project and determine how she can help you make it happen, whether that’s sewing a custom garment or grading a pattern into multiple sizes. I feel incredibly grateful to have had her as her part of my team for so long; my brand, work, and sewing patterns are 100% better for having her hand in them.

- Rae Hoekstra, Owner, Made by Rae

Karen is my “fairy godmother” of sewing. She has the skills to tackle the most difficult of projects helping to give the project personal flair, and seem very doable. She’s patient, kind, and the best cheerleader for a sewing novice. I have learned so much from her. Her enthusiasm and passion is contagious.- Susan Holding, workshop weekend and private student

Karen is my “fairy godmother” of sewing. She has the skills to tackle the most difficult of projects helping to give the project personal flair, and seem very doable. She’s patient, kind, and the best cheerleader for a sewing novice. I have learned so much from her. Her enthusiasm and passion is contagious.

- Susan Holding, workshop weekend and private student

Karen is magic in a bottle–grace and sparkle incarnate. She radiates warmth and love in everything she does. I’ve had the pleasure of collaborating with Karen on garments using my textile designs for Windham Fabrics. She constructs the custom garments that we use in catalogs and as samples. Her craft is impeccable. I never understand how she transforms plain quilting cotton into something that drapes and moves around the body in such a beautiful way. She understands curves. She understands fabric. And in her heart, there is her deep love of making, mending, crafting, helping, healing, and loving. Any time I have the chance to conspire with Karen or just be near her, I pounce on it. Her joy is contagious. - Carrie Bloomston, abstract painter, author, and textile designerphoto from Jill McNamara

Karen is magic in a bottle–grace and sparkle incarnate. She radiates warmth and love in everything she does. I’ve had the pleasure of collaborating with Karen on garments using my textile designs for Windham Fabrics. She constructs the custom garments that we use in catalogs and as samples. Her craft is impeccable. I never understand how she transforms plain quilting cotton into something that drapes and moves around the body in such a beautiful way. She understands curves. She understands fabric. And in her heart, there is her deep love of making, mending, crafting, helping, healing, and loving. Any time I have the chance to conspire with Karen or just be near her, I pounce on it. Her joy is contagious.


- Carrie Bloomston, abstract painter, author, and textile designer

photo from Jill McNamara

I met Karen through a contact at Andover Fabrics. I was at Quilt Market talking with Alison Glass and her team about their fabrics and asking for help on marketing. I was told that there was a lovely person that had just moved to my area and that we should meet and was given Karen’s contact information. Karen and I met when she came to my store to look around. I think we instantly bonded, but don’t almost all fabric lovers bond at first meet? We agreed that Karen should come and teach a class for Esther’s Fabrics. I had recently bought the store and was reinstituting its teaching program. Karen came to teach the class “Make Your Favorite Tee” which is a class that has students copy a beloved t-shirt that they can’t bear to live without. The first thing that comes across in Karen’s classes is her sense of fun and of no judgement. She makes everyone feel at home and gives them the confidence to take on their first sewing project with no trepidation. In her classes you learn much about the basics of sewing, but it goes far beyond that to helping people fit the shirts to their bodies with no judgment, and much encouragement. You learn tips to make the sewing process easier and lead you to success. Whenever Karen was in the store teaching a class there is much laughter, and customers are always peaking into the classroom to see what all the fun is about. Karen is a loving and giving person and teacher and gives a lot to the sewing world.- Susan Skalak, Owner, Esther’s Fabrics, Bainbridge Island, WA

I met Karen through a contact at Andover Fabrics. I was at Quilt Market talking with Alison Glass and her team about their fabrics and asking for help on marketing. I was told that there was a lovely person that had just moved to my area and that we should meet and was given Karen’s contact information. Karen and I met when she came to my store to look around. I think we instantly bonded, but don’t almost all fabric lovers bond at first meet? We agreed that Karen should come and teach a class for Esther’s Fabrics. I had recently bought the store and was reinstituting its teaching program. Karen came to teach the class “Make Your Favorite Tee” which is a class that has students copy a beloved t-shirt that they can’t bear to live without. The first thing that comes across in Karen’s classes is her sense of fun and of no judgement. She makes everyone feel at home and gives them the confidence to take on their first sewing project with no trepidation. In her classes you learn much about the basics of sewing, but it goes far beyond that to helping people fit the shirts to their bodies with no judgment, and much encouragement. You learn tips to make the sewing process easier and lead you to success. Whenever Karen was in the store teaching a class there is much laughter, and customers are always peaking into the classroom to see what all the fun is about. Karen is a loving and giving person and teacher and gives a lot to the sewing world.

- Susan Skalak, Owner, Esther’s Fabrics, Bainbridge Island, WA

Karen is exactly what you want in a working relationship: professional, easy going, efficient, dedicated, and accessible. She is your ace in the pocket.When covid hit, and PPE shortages became dire, Karen stepped up and volunteered her valuable time to help draft a pattern for a very specialized, complex project, making PAPR (powered air purifying respirator) headcovers. The pattern is now open source and available for download at SewcialDistancing.org. Thanks to Karen’s professional pattern draft, people have access to making these headcovers.She was fast, fun, fabulous. In a few hours she has the draft done, and we were able to get more PAPRS directly to hospital ICUs.Thank you Karen for your dedication to this project.- Leah Boyan, Founder, Sewcialdistancing DIY PPE

Karen is exactly what you want in a working relationship: professional, easy going, efficient, dedicated, and accessible. She is your ace in the pocket.

When covid hit, and PPE shortages became dire, Karen stepped up and volunteered her valuable time to help draft a pattern for a very specialized, complex project, making PAPR (powered air purifying respirator) headcovers. The pattern is now open source and available for download at SewcialDistancing.org. Thanks to Karen’s professional pattern draft, people have access to making these headcovers.

She was fast, fun, fabulous. In a few hours she has the draft done, and we were able to get more PAPRS directly to hospital ICUs.

Thank you Karen for your dedication to this project.

- Leah Boyan, Founder, Sewcialdistancing DIY PPE

My interest in sewing garments started this year when I put together a capsule wardrobe and had trouble finding a couple of pieces I wanted. I took Karen’s t-shirt class as a first step into sewing, and it sparked something in me that was unexpected and wonderful! She was the best person to learn to sew from, because anything is possible and her positivity is infectious. I took the t-shirt home and added a hood and I could not love this piece more. It is unique and fits me perfectly! I’m so grateful for Karen’s support and generosity. She set me up to feel successful just by putting me in the right frame of mind, showing me simple tricks and tools that would make my life easier, and empowering me to go for it. Within the 6 months following the class, I’ve made 6 tank tops, 3 shirts, 3 dresses, 4 jackets, 2 skirts, and 2 pairs of pants for myself. I’ve also made pieces for my daughter and plan to make garments for my favorite people at Christmas.Thank you, Karen. For meeting me where I’m at, encouraging me with your kindness, and demystifying the process. You are really a sewing fairy godmother! I now feel confident to tackle most patterns and have so much fun. This was something I was really intimidated to start, and you turned it into the most empowering and wonderful thing in my year.- Michelle Anderson, class and private student

My interest in sewing garments started this year when I put together a capsule wardrobe and had trouble finding a couple of pieces I wanted. I took Karen’s t-shirt class as a first step into sewing, and it sparked something in me that was unexpected and wonderful! She was the best person to learn to sew from, because anything is possible and her positivity is infectious. I took the t-shirt home and added a hood and I could not love this piece more. It is unique and fits me perfectly! I’m so grateful for Karen’s support and generosity. She set me up to feel successful just by putting me in the right frame of mind, showing me simple tricks and tools that would make my life easier, and empowering me to go for it. Within the 6 months following the class, I’ve made 6 tank tops, 3 shirts, 3 dresses, 4 jackets, 2 skirts, and 2 pairs of pants for myself. I’ve also made pieces for my daughter and plan to make garments for my favorite people at Christmas.

Thank you, Karen. For meeting me where I’m at, encouraging me with your kindness, and demystifying the process. You are really a sewing fairy godmother! I now feel confident to tackle most patterns and have so much fun. This was something I was really intimidated to start, and you turned it into the most empowering and wonderful thing in my year.

- Michelle Anderson, class and private student

Collaborating with Karen LePage is like spending quality time with your favorite teacher, best pal and life coach all at once! She is such a delight to work with. A consummate sewn trade professional, Karen’s attention to detail is unparalleled, which results in the highest quality product regardless of the medium.Our team leans on Karen for product engineering, pattern making, grading, marking and all the hands-on training we need to serve our customers.I’m constantly dreaming up new ideas to share with Karen in hopes that she’ll have time in her schedule to work with us!- Jennifer Porter, Founder, Satsuma Uniform + Board Chair, Refugee Artisan Initiative

Collaborating with Karen LePage is like spending quality time with your favorite teacher, best pal and life coach all at once! She is such a delight to work with. A consummate sewn trade professional, Karen’s attention to detail is unparalleled, which results in the highest quality product regardless of the medium.

Our team leans on Karen for product engineering, pattern making, grading, marking and all the hands-on training we need to serve our customers.

I’m constantly dreaming up new ideas to share with Karen in hopes that she’ll have time in her schedule to work with us!

- Jennifer Porter, Founder, Satsuma Uniform + Board Chair, Refugee Artisan Initiative

Karen is an exceptional teacher. She's able to take the most difficult sewing patterns with the confusing "sew speak" and turn it into understandable instructions that any sewing novice can follow. Her knowledge and experience in thesewing world with all of it's new techniques are boundless. I am in awe of her kindness, patience, talent and her true sense of happiness that shines through in everything she does. What an honor to have been her student.- Kim Sperl workshop and private student

Karen is an exceptional teacher. She's able to take the most difficult sewing patterns with the confusing "sew speak" and turn it into understandable instructions that any sewing novice can follow. Her knowledge and experience in the

sewing world with all of it's new techniques are boundless. I am in awe of her kindness, patience, talent and her true sense of happiness that shines through in everything she does. What an honor to have been her student.

- Kim Sperl workshop and private student

I had the best experience working with Karen Lepage this past year. As a patternmaker and sewist myself, I find that my expectations are high when it comes to garment grading and patternmaking, however, Karen did not disappoint. I also hired Karen to tutor me in a digital patternmaking and grading program and found that not only does she have so much experience in her craft, she is also kind, patient, informative, creative and fun to be around. I am impressed by how much she has helped others in the apparel and sewing related industries with her knowledge and passion. - Peggy Mead, Owner, Sew House Seven

I had the best experience working with Karen Lepage this past year. As a patternmaker and sewist myself, I find that my expectations are high when it comes to garment grading and patternmaking, however, Karen did not disappoint. I also hired Karen to tutor me in a digital patternmaking and grading program and found that not only does she have so much experience in her craft, she is also kind, patient, informative, creative and fun to be around. I am impressed by how much she has helped others in the apparel and sewing related industries with her knowledge and passion.


- Peggy Mead, Owner, Sew House Seven

Karen LePage is a lovely person and a joy to work with. Her giving spirit and ability to see others infuses love into everything she does. She is diligent, detail focused, and a great listener.Karen is a true expert in each of the various facets of her work. I am thankful for our beautiful collaboration, The Essential Garment Series, which exists because of Karen’s depth of knowledge, skills, and effort. - Alison Glass, textile designer and owner, Alison Glass

Karen LePage is a lovely person and a joy to work with. Her giving spirit and ability to see others infuses love into everything she does. She is diligent, detail focused, and a great listener.

Karen is a true expert in each of the various facets of her work. I am thankful for our beautiful collaboration, The Essential Garment Series, which exists because of Karen’s depth of knowledge, skills, and effort.


- Alison Glass, textile designer and owner, Alison Glass

Karen is a delight to work with! The multiple workshops she taught at the public library I work at were accessible for both those new to sewing, as well as experienced sewers. She greeted whatever challenge came her way with a smile. Her knowledge and experience, and professionalism and positivity make Karen a dream to work with.- Amanda Schott, Library Technician, Ann Arbor District Library

Karen is a delight to work with! The multiple workshops she taught at the public library I work at were accessible for both those new to sewing, as well as experienced sewers. She greeted whatever challenge came her way with a smile. Her knowledge and experience, and professionalism and positivity make Karen a dream to work with.

- Amanda Schott, Library Technician, Ann Arbor District Library

I had the luck of meeting Karen when she taught a class at my local sewing store. She passed out her business cards during class, and let us know to reach out to her whenever we needed support. Most people offer this support as a nicety, knowing the odds are low someone will follow-up. I asked Karen to validate she really meant it; she said she did. With the green light, I contacted my sewing fairy godmother in the days, weeks, and months following the class. Sewing fairy godmother is not a hyperbole—among other examples, Karen visited my office to counsel me on my first semi-solo forward shoulder adjustment. She genuinely enjoys teaching. I value her expertise, advice, and am even more thankful for her positive support giving me the confidence to take on any sewing related project or business idea I put my mind to.- Emily Barrows, student

I had the luck of meeting Karen when she taught a class at my local sewing store. She passed out her business cards during class, and let us know to reach out to her whenever we needed support. Most people offer this support as a nicety, knowing the odds are low someone will follow-up. I asked Karen to validate she really meant it; she said she did. With the green light, I contacted my sewing fairy godmother in the days, weeks, and months following the class. Sewing fairy godmother is not a hyperbole—among other examples, Karen visited my office to counsel me on my first semi-solo forward shoulder adjustment. She genuinely enjoys teaching. I value her expertise, advice, and am even more thankful for her positive support giving me the confidence to take on any sewing related project or business idea I put my mind to.

- Emily Barrows, student

Dream big, design sustainably, and let Karen LePage breathe life into your ideas. When developing a clothing collection, publishing a book, or seeking more technical design implementation in garments - I count on Karen to help do the heavy lifting. It can be hard to share your concepts or special ideas but this is a testament that you can lean in fully and trust the process with her on your side to deliver the highest quality project on time.- Jenelle Montilone, Author, The Upcycled T-Shirt

Dream big, design sustainably, and let Karen LePage breathe life into your ideas. When developing a clothing collection, publishing a book, or seeking more technical design implementation in garments - I count on Karen to help do the heavy lifting. It can be hard to share your concepts or special ideas but this is a testament that you can lean in fully and trust the process with her on your side to deliver the highest quality project on time.

- Jenelle Montilone, Author, The Upcycled T-Shirt