Hello! I'm Karen - the creator, designer, and webmaster here at SpriteLight!
Visit me on MySpace and say 'hello!' by clicking here... http://www.myspace.com/spritelight

Location: Shelby Township, Michigan - Kalamazoo, Michigan. Yes, there really is a KALAMAZOO!

Education/Work: I am a recent graduate of Western Michigan University where I studied Family and Consumer Science (Home Economics) and Environmental Studies. I currently teach Sewing, Interior Design, Human Relations, Consumer Education, and Independent Living at Chippewa Valley High School in Clinton Township, Michigan.

SpriteLight Products: The majority of the items seen here are made from a wide range of materials purchased from various fabric stores, resale shops, and even retail stores. I have somewhat of a thrifty shopping addiction, so I'm always checking out local resale shops and garage sales. If I sense an item with any future refurbishing potential, I simply can't help myself! I have boxes full of these little treasures (all of which will eventually become fabulous creations one day... or so I tell myself to justify the need to save everything.)

One of a kind: The best thing about purchasing SpriteLight items is the fact that they are truly UNIQUE and one of a kind. No two items are ever exactly duplicated. I take great pride in every item I make and if you're not happy, I'm not happy. My goal here is to construct UNIQUE and QUALITY items that are functional and comfortable, yet stylish.

Quality: I absolutely LOVE playing with fabrics, shapes, and color combinations. I take great pride in every garment I make and if you're not happy, I'm not happy. All of my handmade garments are NEVER mass produced. Many hours go into the construction of each item. All fabrics are machine washed and dried beforehand to prevent any shrinkage. Most seams are sewn and serged and topstitched where necessary. Pockets and bodices are always lined and topstitched. Drawstring waists are topstitched and grommet reinforcers are usually attached to the casing for a durable and professional finish. All appliques are hand drawn or traced, then cut, fused and tightly satin stitched over a stabilizer. Why? Because clothing isn't meant to be worn and then fall apart. SpriteLight handcrafted goods are just that... HANDCRAFTED. That means great attention to details and most importantly, durability.

Machines and Methods : All of my work is done on my Elna sewing machine and my hefty Brother serger. I have been sewing for almost 10 years now and these two machines have worked like champs all the while! All seams are serged and then reinforced with an extra straight-stitch at the seam's edge and/or a top-stitch where necessary. All hems are finished and typcially double-rolled for a nice even finish. All garments are ironed throughout the construction process and once again upon completion.

Consignment: If you're interested in selling SpriteLight goods, please contact me with your requests.

Thank you! for supporting independent artists like myself. It is because of YOU that I am able to share my visions and creativity through wearable works of art. Please feel free to email me with questions or suggestions... I'd love to hear from you so if you've got an idea to share or just want to say HELLO drop me a line! (Email me.)