About Us
Hi, I'm Karen.
I've been making quilts for over 40 years and my greatest joy is to share them with family and friends. There's nothing quite like giving a bespoke handmade gift, crafted from scratch and received with love. I'm so excited to now be able to share my patterns with other like-minded quilters.
We live on a small rural farm in Benalla in North East Victoria (Australia) on the banks of the Broken River with one dog and five chickens.
The paddocks, river and surrounding tress are home to some amazing native wildlife. We often find echidnas roaming around in the grass, platypus nesting in the banks of the river and a constant chorus of wonderful birds.
I am often asked about my business name, Broken River Quilts and in particular usage of the word ‘broken’.
The simple answer is that my business name, Broken River Quilts, references the river that meanders behind our property. Like many waterways, the river experiences fluctuations in its water levels, especially during times of drought. When water levels decrease, the river is known to break up into smaller pools.
On another level, I love the way that it also symbolises a deeper philosophy about embracing imperfection and finding beauty in the flawed. This is particularly important in a craft that should embrace quilters of every skill level, creating a warm community where we can all learn, share, and uplift each other on our unique quilting adventures.
In the world of quilting, as in life, imperfections are inevitable. No matter how skilled a quilter may be, there will always be seams that don't perfectly align, corners that aren't precisely squared, or stitches that wander off course. However, it's in these imperfections that the true character and charm of a quilt often emerges.
By embracing imperfection, we acknowledge that perfection is not the goal; rather, it's the journey of creation and the expression of creativity that truly matters. Each quilt tells a unique story, woven with love, passion, and a willingness to accept the imperfect.
In a world that often seeks flawless beauty, I love the opportunity to celebrate the imperfect, finding joy in the quirks, and discovering the beauty that lies within the broken. Because sometimes, it's the imperfections that make life—and quilting—truly beautiful.
