Karen Larsen

When asked to write a biography on myself it really took some thinking.

I was raised by my father from the age of 7 and that is what has shaped me into the person I am.

My first introduction to sewing was when I started at Intermediate School (aged 11) we had the opportunity to try cooking, sewing, woodwork and metal work.  I enjoyed the last 3 options, not cooking (I still only cook to feed myself and family)

By college I spent most of my lunch times in the sewing room and learnt that although Dad wasn’t going to buy me clothes whenever I wanted, he would buy me a pattern and fabric (they were cheap in those days).

Then I was fortunate enough to be gifted my first sewing machine by my boyfriend’s (later husband’s) sister at the age of 16.  His mum was a great sewer and encouraged me to sew anything and everything.  Straight out of school I worked in a supermarket, then into a laboratory, back to the supermarket before working in a bank until I had my first daughter. 

Eventually, I made my children’s clothes, costumes and ball dresses. Always ever so proud when they were asked “Where did you get your outfit?” the reply of “my mummy made it “ seemed to put me on a high.

I was introduced to quilting when my youngest daughter was a newborn (now 30 years old) which seems like such a long time ago.  

With only one income coming into the household, I decided to do a night class on picture framing, that became a career for 25 years. Picture framing and quilting have a lot of similarities being that adding a matt board around an image is just the same as choosing fabric for a quilt. Either way the colours can make or break the final result.

 As my quilting business Aroha Quilts grew leading to quilting shows in both Australia and New Zealand, I made the decision to give up the framing business as I was unable to keep up with the workload.

So, 20 years later, I have had some great opportunities to learn from some incredible quilters and develop my own style. I consider it a privilege to share my knowledge and encourage others to be courageous and let their own style form. I’m always available for anyone needing a sounding board or helping hand to bring your vision to life.

I believe everyone can be creative and just needs some support and encouragement and practical skills.  Being self-taught, I understand the importance of techniques to get the best results. I look forward to sharing my knowledge and experience of working with fabric and other mediums with you – let’s learn together