Today we are excited to bring you an interview with Kathy McGee of Hemma Designs, an independent pattern maker. Her fresh and functional patterns have been all the rage at Sewn this summer, especially her Ilsa Bike Basket, which people love to make with our widening selection of cotton laminates.
Now I’ll let Kathy take it away and tell you more about herself and her designs…
First off, tell us a little bit about yourself. (where you live, family, what you like to do when not working. etc.)
I live in Saint Paul, Minnesota with my husband and dog Denali, also known as The Spud. When I’m not working on Hemma Design patterns I’m usually working on our 1950 house (something always needs to be painted, fixed, updated), gardening, or using friends as guinea pigs for my latest cooking attempts. I’m currently obsessed with The Swedish Table by Helene Henderson. If I could choose my last meal it would include salmon, creamed new potatoes and dill.
Tell us about your sewing background. How did you get started sewing?
My grandmother and mom taught me to sew, knit, crochet, and embroider when I was a kid. I’ve always been drawn to anything involving textiles and making things. I knew in 2nd grade that I wanted to be a clothing designer when I grew up and I ended up going to the Rhode Island School of Design and studying apparel design.
How did you first make the transition from sewing into designing patterns and how did Hemma Design begin?
I worked in the apparel industry for several years designing everything from children’s clothes to women’s accessories, and home accessories. I had often thought about what it would be like to have my own business and what that would look like. Since I love to sew I wanted to share my enthusiasm with other people and maybe even inspire them. I decided to design patterns because it was a way to incorporate all the things that inspire me: Scandinavian design, Minnesota light, landscape and plants, bright & cheery colors, useful & fun accessories.
On your website, you talk about being inspired by where you live. Could you tell us more about that and any other sources for inspiration?
Oh, I guess I jumped ahead – see above!
Other influences: I love simple, graphic prints with a folk tradition like Japanese, Hawaiian, or Finnish prints. I also look to traditional, functional accessory designs for inspiration, but I like to put a modern or fun twist on it. I like accessories that make me smile.
What’s your typical work day look like as a pattern designer and small-business owner?
I usually try and get business stuff taken care of first thing in the morning so that I can work on new patterns for the rest of the day. Sometimes I’m sketching and drafting, sometimes I’m sewing samples; sometimes I’m sitting at the computer all day drawing the pattern and writing & illustrating the instructions.
(photo by Faith of Fresh Lemons Quilts)
What has been the hardest thing about starting your own design business? What has been the most satisfying?
The hardest thing has been doing everything on my own and keeping myself motivated and focused on a daily basis. It’s a lot easier when I collaborate with other people and get family and friends involved.
The most satisfying is when I meet customers and students who are as into sewing as I am. I think we all feed off of each other’s creativity and there’s something very nourishing and exciting about it.
Are you working on any new designs or exciting projects now?
Yes, I’m always thinking about what’s next. I usually work on one pattern at a time, but have a sketchbook with all sorts of ideas.
What kinds of fabrics are you most drawn to?
Any natural fibers. Right now I’m really into linen and felted wool. Also, I like oilcloth because it really lends itself to more structured accessories.
What do you carry in your bike basket? 
Veggies from the farmer’s market, library books, wallet, house keys. If my dog was smaller I’d put her in there. (Hmm… new pattern idea?)
Thanks so much Kathy! I always like to hear the stories of creative entrepreneurs like you. And if you developed a doggie basket pattern, I’m sure we would carry it.
Now we want to share the Hemma love with you! We are giving away any one of Kathy’s 7 great patterns. Just leave us a comment telling us which you would pick. We will draw a winner next Thursday, August 11 at noon, giveaway open until then.
Pictured up top: Ilsa Handlebar Basket, Karin Laundry Room Patterns, and the Sigrid Oilcloth Market Bag
Pictured farther down: Marta Studio Bin Pattern, Annika Market Bags, Lilla Handlebar Basket, and the Eva Sewing Basket.
Great interview! I would pick the large market bag pattern as I’m always looking for fun, new way to make bags!
It would be a tough choice between the Annika market bag or the Marta studio bins……
I love reading these posts. Thanks for all the inspiration as I am learning to sew. I would pick the market bag pattern!
I would have to say the sewing room bins or the sewing basket. Although the bike basket woudl be adorable for my daughter’s dog:)
I am loving that bike basket! I have been wanting ot make myself one but haven’t found the right pattern until now!! I have a basket now but you can’t grab it and go like this beauty!! Love love love it!!
Thanks, Sewn! I would love to win the pattern for the Annika Market Bag! They are stylish and look so functional! I could see myself making many for different uses: reuseable shopping bags, sleepover bags for my kids, a school bag for myself (since I’m always toting multiple books, student papers, lesson plan book, etc.). I’ll be keeping my fingers crossed! :0)
I can’t decide between the small and large bicycle handlebar baskets. I have an 8-year-old daughter who’d love the smaller one, and I’d love the larger one. What great designs!
The Annika Market Bag pattern is soooo cute!!
Definitely the Annika market bag. And I must find time to get to the store since I only live on the other side of the river!
I was down recently and stopped in your shop. I loved it!! I got some Cloud 9 fabric to make a Messenger Bag for my husband. I hope to be down again soon!!
Melissa
The handlebar basket pattern! I would love to surprise my sweet daughter with one.
I like so many of them, but I’ve had my eye on Ilsa there for awhile now. Would love to win!!
I love all these patterns but would probably pick the Lilla Handlebar Basket for my bike!
I love the handlebar basket pattern….so cute!
Wowee what a fantastic lady! My 4yr old daughter has just this week learnt to ride her bike – it is so exciting, but she is bugging me for a basket for her bike! So I would definitely choose the Lilla Handlebar Basket pattern, although I am so tempted by the Ilsa basket for me!
thanks for a superb giveaway.
I love the IIsa handlebar basket! Great patterns! thank you!
I love the Ilsa Handlebar Basket. I saw it on Fresh Lemons Quilts blog and just had to head over here to find out more about it. Her other patterns look awesome as well. I see them making their way to my sewing room soon.
I would definitely pick that awesome bike basket and make it for my best friend. She has been so good to me, and I’d love to give her a handmade basket for her bike this year for Christmas!
Lots of great patterns, and I love creating with oil cloth! I think I could practically use the Eva Sewing Basket Pattern though, very creative and unique design!
Thanks for the fun!
I would love to win the oilcloth market tote pattern. It’s just darling! All the hemma patterns are really cute, it was hard to choose.
Kathy, l love your designs! Best wishes with your business. The studio bins are my favorite. And l would like to preorder 3 dog baskets:0)
loving the bike basket, thanks for the chance to win
The bike basket is so cute! That would have to be my pick. Hope to visit next time I make it to Cincinnati from Columbus.
Love all the patterns and inspiration! I would pick the bike basket but can’t decide between the two – I would love the Handlebar basket and I have 3 little girls that would love the Lilla basket on their bikes!
Rhw bicycle bag for sure- it is so cool.
so cute! i think i like the laundry room patterns the most:)
The handlebar basket, of course!
super cute patterns!
I love the Ilsa bike basket and the Eva Sewing basket … If I win one I’ll have to buy the other … or just buy both … Thanks for the giveaway!
I love that flower on the Lila basket! thanks for the great give away!
I think I’d pick the Market Day bags & make them as gifts for friends/family – but I love all of them!! Thanks for the chance to have one of the patterns FREE!!
I would definitely choose the Ilsa handlebar basket! I *think* I had seen this pattern made up recently out in the blogisphere and had saved a link….then my computer died and I lost the link. I’m just so happy to be able to find it again!
Can’t wait to come see your store! I would pick the Handlebar basket.
I love the Annika Market Bag. I would love to make that one! Along with the Eva Sewing bag. But the Market bag wins!!
Just found your blog. I think I would really like the market bags. I love to make my own bags for shopping and errands. Love all your projects.
I love the bike bag, but it was very hard just picking one. They are great patterns! Thanks so much for the great giveaway!
Oh how cute!! I would choose the handlebar basket pattern for sure—that might even make me get my lazy fanny on my bike again!
I love the Lisa handlebar basket, that would have to be my pick… They are all swell, thanks so much for sharing!
That bike basket pattern would be fantastic!
Great interview..it is always good to learn about new designers. Kathy’s patterns are all lovely, so it is hard to pick just one. I cannot choose between the Eva sewing bag or the Ilsa bike bag or the Market bag….if I am lucky enough I win…choose one for me….I love surprises….LindaB
I’d get the Annika Market Bag Pattern! So cute!
I would really love to win the bike basket pattern!
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