Meet Katie, our new Producer!

Our team has grown again!

We are stoked to have Katie Whittle on board as our Producer.

Katie’s new to Portland via Denver, Colorado. Upon arriving here at Colette HQ, she took the BBC Harry Potter Personality Quiz. Everyone in the studio has also taken the quiz. Some of us might take it more seriously than others, but the Sorting Hat is surprisingly accurate! It placed Katie in Hufflepuff, along with Haley and me. Clearly, she’s a perfect fit for the Editorial Team.

I asked Katie some important questions, so that I can properly introduce her to you. Let’s meet Katie!

How did you learn to sew? What’s your sewing story?

I started sewing in an attempt to alter my collection of punk rock shirts to fit my tiny 13 year-old-self. After watching me struggle for a bit, my mom got me a sewing machine that year for Christmas. I spent most of my teens finding hilariously ugly items at the thrift store, altering them, and sometimes creating something better. See photo below.

A young Katie in her handmade towel blazer. Look at that fringe!

After sewing on my own for a couple of years, I heard that an indie fabric store was opening in my little town in Colorado! I left a note on their not-quite-open business’ door that read: “I am so excited about your store opening! I am happy to work for free for as long as you need, I just want to be apart of an awesome sewing community. Yay!”- A week later, I was hired. At that point, I had only sewn a couple of things and hadn’t even touched a pattern. Angela, the shop owner, took me under her wing and in no time I was teaching classes and managing the shop. Mama Said Sew motivated me to later study professional sewing, alterations, and pattern drafting.

When you’re not stitching, what do you do in your free time?

I am a big supporter of dancing, even if it’s in my living room, roller skating, and non-rugged camping.

What’s your favorite snack?

I can’t get enough fruit! Fruit, cheese, and some delicious meats, also known at my house as a “Euro-Snack.” Portland weather is very different verses Denver, everything grows! I picked blueberries, blackberries, and Rainer cherries just last weekend!

What patterns are in your sewing queue right now?

The move from Denver really put in perspective how much fabric I really do have. I am challenging myself to not buy any new fabric until I finish at least 10 garments. First on the list is a Catarina, that I plan on making from a vintage striped rayon that I’ve been hanging onto for the last 5 years.

What sewing superpower do you bring to the team?

As an expert on sewing and instructional design, I’ll be guiding and teaching new skills through in-depth tutorials, lessons, and articles on our blogs and Seamwork Magazine. You’ll be seeing me all over Colette Media, writing about and photographing all our creations and helping you successfully make your sewing dreams come true!

And the inaugural Colette Patterns question: Do you have any cats?

Of course, Toast the Tonkinese. She’s pretty and knows it. I also have a step-child named Rowan, my partner’s little orange kitten. He’s a troublemaker but is really good at snuggling.

Please welcome Katie to our team! Do you have any funny teenage sewing projects that might rival her towel coat? If not, which Hogwarts house are you in?