The Teacher Behind My Dyeing Journey
People often ask me how I learned to dye, and how I even got into this, the answer always brings me back to Karen.
Years before Dye on the Side was even an idea, I was lucky enough to learn from her. I spent time as both her student and her assistant, soaking up everything I could not just about dyeing, but about organizing, experimenting, and sewing.
Karen Skoglund has spent decades teaching others, sewing incredible garments, creating her own patterns, and collecting Folkwear patterns to say the least. Her repertoire goes far beyond the universe. If you've ever seen her library & Folkwear collection, it's something SEW special. It's such a reflection of who she is ….curious and always learning.
Recently, Folkwear celebrated its 50th anniversary by inviting makers to share their collections, and Karen reached out to me to help. Now i’ve been lucky to see this collection myself and its amazing!! Listening to Karen talk about her collection of patterns, each with its own story, reminded me that she's not simply collected them…she's lived them.
One of the greatest gifts Karen has given me wasn't just teaching me how to sew and dye. She taught me how to teach.
She showed me how to break down techniques and recipes so they feel approachable for all abilities. She taught me that a workshop isn't just about making something beautiful, it's about creating an experience where every person feels welcome, capable, and inspired. I've watched her lead large events while somehow making each person feel seen, and it's something I still strive for every time I teach.
She also taught me what it looks like to build a business with heart. As a fellow woman owned business, she showed me that you don't have to choose between kindness and success. She reminds me to ask for help when I need it, to trust my instincts, and perhaps one of the best pieces of business advice I've ever received: know your worth... and then multiply it by 2.5 :)
Karen has also been incredibly generous over the years. A few of the Folkwear patterns she gifted me became so much more than patterns. They helped me build my portfolio and ultimately opened the door to a job that became an important stepping stone in my career. WOW looking back, it's amazing how one thoughtful gift can create a ripple effect that changes the direction of someone's life!!
Lately, I've had the joy of helping Karen share more of her work online. Like so many creative teachers, she's happiest making and teaching rather than promoting herself. I think we can all understand that!
It has been so rewarding to help her tell the stories behind them, and encourage her to share the incredible knowledge she's spent decades learning.
I hope more people discover her purple gemness because it's not only the beautiful garments she creates, but the generosity with which she teaches is truly memorable.
If you'd like to see Karen's incredible Folkwear collection, inspirational travels, sewing adventures, and her cute pets! I highly recommend following her on Instagram at @purplekarenskreations and reading her beautiful feature on the Folkwear blog HERE. Her work is an inspiration for anyone who loves sewing, fiber arts, and all things sunshine purple!
As I teach my own workshops today, I often think about how much of what I do started beside Karen's classes and studio. Every workshop I lead carries a huge piece of what she shared with me.
So thank you, Karen, for believing in me before I fully believed in myself. Thank you for sharing your knowledge so generously. Thank you for showing me that teaching is just as much about creating connection as it is about sharing skills.
You have shaped not only the way I create, but the way I teach, the way I run my business, and the way I hope to encourage others.
Oh and also to always measure, measure, measure….this piece of advice has helped me in more than just sewing and dyeing :)
Read Karen's feature on the Folkwear 50th Anniversary Blog HERE
Follow Karen on Instagram: @purplekarenskreations
Karen’s Website www.karenkreations.com
