If you look near the barcodes of Ellie Mae Designs patterns, you will see the words Kwik Sew–as in Kwik Sew patterns–and that leads us to the story of Kerstin Martensson.

According to an article about her published in the Winter 2007 issue of ASG Notions, the publication of the American Sewing Guild, Kerstin Martensson was born in Gothenburg, Sweden in 1938. She studied clothing construction, pattern design, and fashion in both Sweden and England before going to work in the ready-to-wear industry where she focused her efforts on reducing labor costs by developing easy to sew patterns.

Eventually Kerstin took a job developing patterns for the Swedish-based Viking Sewing Machine company. In the mid-1960’s she became a representative for the company to the United States. Around this same time Viking was developing stretch stitch capability. Viking’s machines were not selling well in the U.S. because people didn’t know what to do with this new technology. Kerstin was called upon to develop demonstration patterns. Before long, both the patterns and the new machines were a hit and home sewers wanted more.

The stress of commuting between Sweden and the U.S. while also developing patterns was taking its toll. In 1967, Kerstin formed the Sew Knit & Stretch Company in Minneapolis, MN and published her first book, How to Sew Knit and Stretch Fabric. In 1974, she changed the name of her company to Kwik Sew. Kerstin died in 2002 and in 2006 was inducted posthumously into the American Sewing Guild Hall of Fame. Kerstin’s son led Kwik Sew until McCall’s purchased the company in 2011. If you Google Kerstin Martensson, you will turn up a slew of results. Kerstin’s books and her original patterns are coveted because of their easy-to-follow directions and the accuracy of the markings on the tissue.

Missouri Star is happy to bring you a bit of Kerstin’s legacy in the form of Kwik Sew patterns that we think you will enjoy.

If you or a loved one is a healthcare provider, we think you will love the Kwik Sew scrub sewing pattern. This medical scrub sewing pattern is signed by Kerstin Martensson and its number indicates that it was published before McCall’s purchased Kwik Sew. The scrub sewing pattern includes four pieces–a straight leg pant; a jogger pant; a short sleeve, pullover shirt; and a long-sleeve, snap-up, shirt-jacket. Any healthcare worker or veterinary worker will be ready for action in clothing made from this nursing scrub sewing pattern in fabrics that you choose.

As mentioned above, Ellie Mae Designs is a division of Kwik Sew that specializes in kids & baby patterns. We carry adorable Ellie Mae Designs patterns for matching adult, child, and doll aprons. We also have a pattern for Ellie Mae pillow pals that any child would love for napping, lounging, reading, or TV watching.

Kwik Sew is known for patterns that are quick and easy to sew. We hope you will enjoy using these Ellie Mae Designs patterns to create useful items in fun fabrics for yourself and your loved ones.