Tuesday morning was rainy, icy and cold… pouring freezing rain here in the 514… the kind of day where you wake up and just want to pull the duvet up and around you and snuggle in even more…

While the outside world was unwelcoming, I journeyed to the Katrin Leblond studio for the warm and creative shelter you seek when everything around you feels bleak and gray.  A haven where you are surrounded by colors, sunny people… a place where things make you feel all warm and fuzzy inside while being right at home.  That is exactly how the studio feels to me – a welcome retreat that holds familiar sights, sounds, memories and thoughts.  I say this as I started at the Katrin Leblond studio as an intern many moons ago and worked there for about a year.  I know the inner workings and daily rituals that make this place such a calm and imaginative mecca.

There are many unconventional habits that make this place unique.  Maybe it’s the fact that you can chose to work with or without shoes on, or that recycling both paper and fabrics is an absolute… maybe it’s that a cat may occasionally cross your path, that Paul Simon tracks are adored and played on repeat, that paper weights are stones from far away travels or coffee is offered upon 9am arrival… just little things that make work days inspiring, less stressful and thought provoking.

There is a small team behind the Katrin Leblond brand.  Ladies who are completely devoted to making the most beautiful, quality individual pieces for the world to own, love and enjoy.  There are no set rules or itineraries for the construction of a skirt, dress or shirt – Swatches are picked and matched according to vote of what the team feels is aesthetically pleasing to each of their individual styles.  It really is a beautiful process as although the team is headed by Kat, everyone’s opinion counts and goes into the construction process.  Every garment is made completely by hand from start to finish by these few people.  They see that all details, appliques and trims are properly applied with care and precision – this is harder than it looks folks!

Thread in the KL studio is not only used to sew garments together… it is an embellishment in itself!  Doubled up thread creates the beautiful vine designs and quilted look that is so popular with so many of Katrin’s creations.  This is all done by sewing machine, but the work, time and precision required to get the desired effect can prove to be quite a challenge!  Another beautiful aspect of these colorful spools?  They are all bought locally.

Patterns are all made by hand and graded old school style – no computer program or printing.  I think that was one of my favorite things about working in the studio, as I find too much on-computer design can distract from the craft of creating something from scratch with your own two hands.  Very rewarding and a great form of instant gratification!

Recognize this piece?

I am just as excited about these new buttons as Kat is.  Just close your eyes for a minute (after reading this of course) and imagine a sweater sleeve trimmed with real pressed flowers set in resin.  Magical!

These will really make something incredibly special!

Ahhhhh… the scrapbook!  The collages of beauty and inspiration all plastered into two books… the holy bible if you want to get a bit into Katrin’s design mind!  I have abducted these from the studio for scanning and will be posting them sometime next week… stay tuned for the unlocking of these sacred anthologies!

I’m not sure if it’s the color contrast or just because I made an extension cord look so damn cool, but I really adore this pic!

Kitty!

The lovely Katharina adding leaf ribbon trim to skirts.

Beads, sequins and various trinkets are never out of the question when Kat creates… everything, no matter how big or small eventually finds its true home.

The lady of the hour…

Oh if only you could see the entire fabric collection that Katrin houses underneath the cutting table!  Polka dots, silk chiffons, vivid prints, intruging textures and forms… it really is a playground for the mind.  Another tidbit of good news… the fabric is local too!  The best part I haven’t even mentioned yet though…

… nothing is wasted!  Every scrap finds residency in this big excess fabric bin (big and small pieces) and is eventually used to create rosettes, fleurettes, scarfettes and adornments for the boutique, studio and clothing.  Love it… so eco-chic!

Of course here and there if you pay close attention you will notice a tutu peeking out from a shelf, drawer or rolling rack… hidden ballerinas all around…

Morning snacks!

Hope you enjoyed this mini photo tour of the KL studio… hang tight, more in-studio activity to come… alongside an exclusive look around Katrin’s home!

Have a beautiful day!

xox