Meet Loren, our wonderful associate and teacher.
A highly accomplished sewist and knitter, Loren is an absolute joy to everyone at Lakes Makerie. We are so lucky to have her positivity, style, love of brown tones, and teaching skills! Here, Loren shares a bit about herself and her creative process.
Your style in five words:
Laura Ingles goes to Copenhagen.
Is there a (sewing) mistake that you’re happy you made?
Every project, I make a mistake in it. And you learn more from the mistakes than if you made it perfectly. It can be disappointing if the vision in your head doesn’t come to fruition, but because I’ve never been taught What past you likes about present you how to do any of this, every
Not everything will be a win. When you go into each project, you have to have the mindset that it might not turn out the way you
What does past you think about current you?
Past me likes that current me is just delusional enough that I think I can do just about any craft if I watch enough YouTube videos. Past me probably also thought that, but now I have the confidence to do that.
Any current favorite recipe?
Marry Me Chicken. It’s a creamy, Tuscan sauce that you put a pan fried chicken over rice. I always make it with green beans or asparagus. I used to be a vegetarian, so it’s fun to learn how to cook meat.
That quote or mantra or lyrics that your inner voice tells you sometimes:
“Just try!”
An unexpected compliment:
That I’m organized, because I’m not.
My therapist thought I should do stand up comedy. Which is my nightmare. I would never.
Any unique or ridiculous niches?
In terms of crafting, I think either being able to see a pattern (knitting or sewing) and very confidently know what type of material I want to make it out of that will suit me. In my mind’s eye being able to see the finished garment in that type of material. This can be hard to do, but I think I’m pretty good at it.
Outside of crafting, I’m really good at training my dog. I taught him a lot of cute tricks. They’re useless, but adorable. He knows how to catch a kiss. He knows his left and right. He’s really good at barking.
“I love your outfit!” Your response:
“Thanks! I made everything but my underwear!”
A way you're finding joy right now:
When I am working on a project, I'm allowing myself to be fully present and in that project--not feeling guilt about not doing something that’s “more productive.” I want to be more present and happy in the moment. Giving myself more grace and space to be present with what I’m doing right now. Not feeling bad about doing something “more important” because it IS important.
That one make that you're incredibly proud of:
I made a Red Work embroidery quilt. I made 12 different vignettes, some I found online and others I made myself. I wrote part of my favorite poem around the outside. It has sat on our couch for the past three years and I love it.
I got all the materials here at Lakes Makerie. I was proud of starting it, having a vision, and finishing it.
Why is Lakes Makerie a happy place?
When I first came into Lakes Makerie, I was new to the city and new to sewing garments. I met Bailey and, right off the bat, I saw this as a very open and welcoming place. I saw a place that is open to helping everyone without any expectations met you where you were.
When I was looking to find another job, I always had this place in the back of my mind and always thought that it would be such a dream. Who wouldn’t want to work in a place where everyone is excited to be creative? It was really serendipitous. I was looking for a spool of thread and Bailey asked me if I was still looking for a job.
And the customers! What a vibe.
Favorites at Lakes Makerie:
- Brussels washer linen rayon blends
- Laundered linen from Merchant & Mills
- Honey dress from Merchant & Mills
- Vintage wools (Find them in the shop!)
- Tulip sashiko needles for any sashiko
- Clover chaco liner pen
