Sew into History

Baraboo, WI

Kathleen LaCombe

Sewist, Quilt Maker

45 years working with custom vintage and historical garments, leatherwork and quilt repair. Inside Back Door Antiques.

Artist Statement:

I spent my childhood learning a variety of craft and sewing techniques from family, Girl Scouts, and school. This soon evolved from a hobby to a livelihood when I secured a job at a leather garment shop, where each seamstress built five or six fashion jackets a day. These skills were a stepping stone to beginning my own business, constructing leather garments and accessories from design to pattern-making to finished product. After 25 years in the leather industry, I applied for a seamstress position at the Henry Ford Museum and Greenfield Village in Michigan, where I was hired immediately into the Period Clothing Department because I knew my way around a garment. I would have paid them to learn what I learned at the Henry Ford. The skills acquired through my lifelong experience came together in this position making historical clothing and accessories; I became a time-traveler, creating period clothing ranging from colonial era all the way to the 1930s.

My walks through the Greenfield Village 250 acre historical landmark on my lunchtime inspired me to seek a quieter way of life. We found this in Baraboo, where my husband and I were drawn to the bluffs, prairies, rivers and rolling hills. After vacationing there for 15 years, we decided to make the beautiful countryside, historical setting, and inspirational landscape our home. Life in Baraboo afforded me both the historical setting that I found fulfilling as well as the opportunity to expand my business as an artist.

Currently, I enjoy my membership in Gem City Quilt Club, where I can share my joy of and appreciation of this craft.  I have a studio in Back Door Antiques in downtown Baraboo where I create projects that put my craft maker skills to the test.  I consider myself a precise and fussy sewer and hold the highest standard for my work. I continue to create custom historical garments, quilts, and accessories. I resourcefully use scraps leftover from my cloth creations and quilting.  I believe in sustainable sewing and strive to “use it up, wear it out”. I consider my artistic philosophy to be “Life is P.I.E.: Present, Invite and Engage.”  I welcome the opportunity to engage with you soon.

Sew Into History

Kathleen LaCombe
Baraboo WI 53913
Cell Phone: 608.477.1622
Phone: 608.356.2611
Email: sewintohistorybaraboo@yahoo.com
Website: Sew Into History

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