Karen Hewer started sewing garments before discovering quilting. She made traditional quilts for about ten years. A bronze statue of a girl sparked an idea for an art quilt. Now, most of her quilts feature people and tell stories of a moment in someone’s life.
How did you get started designing quilts? Always an artist, or was there a “moment”?
In my teens and twenties I was a seamstress and made my own clothes. After moving to Oregon in 2003 I noticed a lot of people making traditional quilts.
In 2007 I was looking for a Christmas gift for my mum when I came across a rag quilt. I loved it but didn’t want to pay the price so I decided to break out the sewing machine and make my own. I made the quilt for my mum and she loved it, although it wasn’t much cheaper! I then moved on to traditional quilts and made those for about ten years.
In 2017, my husband and I took a trip to Santa Fe, New Mexico, where I saw a bronze statue of a girl. I thought it would make a great quilt, so I came home and designed a quilt. That was my first art quilt. I haven’t looked back since.
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Where do you find your inspiration for your designs?
I love having people and nature in my work. I often take photographs when I’m out and about.
I’m currently making a piece of a woman I saw fishing in the river. She looked like a character, and I’m hopeful I can capture that.
Some inspiration came from beachgoers on the Oregon coast. I made a quilt that depicts people with a wide range of attire for the cool weather. Some wearing sweats rolled up for wading, a beanie hat with shorts, wellies (or galoshes as you may say), and raincoats. It’s a much different scene than beaches in warmer climates.
What different creative media do you use in your work?
I’m pretty traditional and don’t use a lot of different media. I’ll use whatever I can to create the image I’m looking for.
Once I used ink to stain cheesecloth to create sand; on a hood, I used faux fur, but I’m not very adventurous as far as medias go.
When it comes to creating, are you more of a planner or an improviser?
I’m a bit of both, actually. I try to be a planner, but I usually don’t plan well enough and then end up improvising. On my current piece, I’ve really tried to plan better and solve problems in the design phase rather than saying “I’ll just fix it later”. Then later comes, and I usually have a bigger problem on my hands to solve.
Do you have a dedicated space for creating? If so, what does it look like?
I have a room we can call a studio, but sometimes that feels like too grand a term. Initially, the room was a bonus room with a ping pong table. Then, when I started doing quilts, I commandeered the room. The ping pong table stayed, which I use for cutting and designing.
Around the table is an ironing station, a cutting machine, cutting mats, and a light table. Then I have a custom table for my sewing machine. I have a lot of storage, but never enough. My husband made me a 5’ x 6’ design wall. I have an old stereo system, a TV and a couch. Whatever I call it, I love my room.
Scraps. Saver? Or be done with them?
I save scraps. My fabrics are organized in tubs by color and tone. My scraps are in separate tubs by color. You just never know when that little scrap of fabric will be just the right color for a project.
Do you use a sketchbook, journal, or technology to plan or keep track of ideas? How does that help your work develop?
I have recently started a sketchbook so it’s too early to say if it helps. I do have a binder with vinyl pockets where I write about each quilt, how I made it, the challenges, etc., and to store small patterns or drawings. It helps sometimes to look back and see how I achieve a certain look.
How often do you start a new project? Do you work actively on more than one project at a time?
At the moment I don’t have as much spare time as I used to so I tend to start a project when I have a deadline. I am definitely a one project at a time kind of gal. I like to finish things before I start on something else.
Last year, I took an online class, so I did end up doing multiple things at once. It got a little overwhelming. As much as I loved the class, I’m happy to be back to one project at a time.
Does your work have stories to tell?
Yes, there is always a story. Recently, I finished a piece I’ve titled “Humanity Weeps”. It is about the devastation and human suffering in war. I think, whatever your politics or religion, we are all human and we should care about anyone who is suffering. Most of my quilts depict a moment in someone’s life.
Can you tell us about the inspiration and process of one of your works? How does a new work come about?
My most recent project came about after watching the news on Gaza and Israel. In Humanity Weeps, I explore the profound human cost of conflict through portraits and figures.
I was compelled to make this work because innocent people, especially children, have no way to escape the violence. Their lives, dreams, and futures are trapped in circumstances they did not choose.
Through the slow, deliberate act of stitching, I seek to honor their humanity, suffering, and resilience, and I hope to remind us that even in the darkest moments, the threads of our shared humanity remain. Inspiration comes from many avenues.
Which part of the design process is your favorite? Which part is a challenge for you?
I always love designing the people. I’ll often take photographs of myself in certain positions to get the effect I’m looking for. Sometimes I find the backgrounds a little tedious.
Is there an overarching theme that connects all of your work?
A friend once described my work as memorable moments. I think that is pretty apt, and I like the description.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve received?
I’ve struggled over the years finding my voice, and someone told me to just do what I love doing. So that’s what I do.
How has your work evolved over the years? Is there a common thread (pun intended!) across the years?
From the first art quilt, I’ve been drawn to people. I’ve tried branching out to other areas, such as abstract, but I’m just not as successful in that area. As much as I admire other people’s abstract work, it’s not really my thing. I see myself continuing to depict people in my work.
Where can people see your work?
I don’t have a social media presence, so only when I submit work to a show.
Interview posted June 2025
Browse through more inspiring art quilts on Create Whimsy.