I’d like to introduce you to my newest partner, Debby Carter from Culler Creations.

Debby lives way up north in Alaska and loves to sew and refashion. She designed an innovative pattern for a toasty warm Snow Skirt and has taught many people how to make their own. She now sells her pattern at Culler Creations.

There are always great stories that come with the people we meet and I was able to ask Debby a few questions about her fun story.

What a cute skirt. How did you come up with your Snow Skirt idea?

I have been living in Alaska, with my family, for 15 years and am finally
not quite so cold with my snow skirt wrapped around me! I was motivated to
create a pattern for this winter gear when I stood outside with
Kindergarten students during recess. Standing still for 25 minutes in the
cold can seem like forever!

I’ve got a few brave friends who have made the move up there. How did you end up in Alaska?

We had all lived in Pennsylvania until 1999 when we drove across the
country in a 15 passenger van to Alaska. Had not expected to do that ~ but
also would not have created a pattern for making snow skirts if we still
lived on the east coast!

You definitely found a silver lining to all that cold. Most of the people I know in Alaska are teachers. What do you do up in Alaska?

I have been working at Seams Like Home
Quilt Shoppe in Anchorage, since August 2011 and enjoy all aspects of my
job. I have been teaching a variety of classes over that time and love the
interaction between teacher and students. We continually fill my classes
for making the Snow Skirt. Every skirt that leaves the store is unique – in
a variety of colors and trims!

 Sounds like you are a busy gal. What do you like to do in your free time?

In my free time, I love watching my 2 adorable grandchildren, Ellie and Luke. I am blessed that they also live in Anchorage with their mom and dad. I have 2 college age daughters, studying and living at home and one daughter who lives in Virginia and teaches Sign Language to high school students.

One of my other favorite free time activities is perusing the used clothing
stores in town and finding items that I can re-purpose into something new
and unique. I have made mittens from old sweaters, cool tote bags from wool
shirts, grocery totes from jeans & flannel shirts, a sundress from a men’s
shirt, a cardigan from a men’s turtleneck sweater and an awesome hooded
sweater for my youngest daughter from 2 coordinated men’s sweaters. I love
when I am able to use almost all of the original garment!

 Oh yes, we are definitely cut from the same cloth, so to speak. 🙂

Who is your role model and why?

My dad is really my role model – we spent lots of time together at lumber
yards and in his workshop. He has always been a very creative and
intelligent man. Sadly, he is now struggling with Alzheimer’s Disease, but
maintaining a gracious heart and loving spirit. His name is Richard Culler
Lyman ~ for whom I have named my business ~ Culler Creations.

Wow, your dad must be a wonderful man and what a nice way to honor him. Thank you, Debby, for giving us a glimpse into your life in Alaska. Good luck with your Snow Skirt adventure and we will definitely help you spread the word about your pattern.