Kathy Phillips

how it all began…

I grew up in Dormont, a small, close-knit borough of Pittsburgh, PA. From a young age, creativity was in my blood—I was a five-year-old entrepreneur, going door to door selling my drawings of bunnies, clowns, and embroidery samples to the neighborhood ladies for just 5 cents!

My mother, Stella, was the heart of our creative household. Her endless crafting—from Fabergé eggs to seed art, cross-stitching to paper-mâché angels—filled our home with imagination and inspiration. Her mantra, “You are surrounded by great ideas; you just need to reach out and grab one!” still echoes in my mind.

Encouraged by my parents, I pursued my love for the arts. For eight years, I studied Classical Ballet, attending classes five days a week. Ballet was my introduction to the performing arts, teaching me discipline, dedication, and grace.

My passion for the arts eventually led me to earn an M.F.A. in Costume Design, where I had the privilege of learning from esteemed professors like Al Tucci and Alicia Finkel. This experience truly fed my soul and deepened my love for fashion, theatre, sewing, and painting.

For the past 25 years, I’ve immersed myself in the corporate world as a Fashion Illustrator, Graphic Designer, and Textile Designer, eventually rising to the role of Creative Director, collaborating with top retailers and fabric companies.

Now, as an empty nester, I have enter a new phase of life—reconnecting with my art and sharing my passion with others. I’m developing appliqué and quilt patterns, along with workshops and lectures for quilt guilds, shops and retailers. This journey is about reigniting my creative spirit and helping others discover theirs.