About Patched Works

Welcome to Patched Works — where fabric meets friendship.

Hi there! I’m Julie Karasek, and I’m so glad you’re here.

At Patched Works, we’re more than just a quilt shop — we’re a cozy, colorful community where creativity blooms and everyone is welcome. Whether you’ve been quilting for decades or you’re just curious about how to thread a needle, you’ve got a place here with us.

Our story began in 2006, when we purchased the destination shop from the legendary Trudie Hughes, right in the heart of downtown Elm Grove, Wisconsin. Over the years, we’ve grown, stitched, and laughed our way into something truly special — a vibrant haven full of fabric, fun, and friends. What makes us tick? Helping you find your spark and bring your creative ideas to life.

We’ve got thousands of bolts of fabric (yes, really!), playful patterns, and tools that make your projects sing. But the real magic? It’s in the connections. The stories shared around the cutting table — the excitement over finding to perfect fabric, the quiet encouragement during tough times, the joy of swapping tips, patterns, and life updates — those are the threads that bind our community together just as much as any quilt ever could. 

Our team — a group of passionate, fabric-loving folks — is here to cheer you on, answer your questions, and maybe even help you fall a little more in love with quilting. We believe in kindness, color, and community. We believe handmade matters. And we believe that when you walk through our door (or click through our site), you should feel like you’re coming home.

So whether you're dropping in to browse, signing up for a program, or just need a bit of creative inspiration, know that you’re always welcome here.

Let’s stitch something beautiful together.

With warmest wishes, a big smile, and a heart full of fabric joy — Happy Quilting!

Julie Karasek

Owner, Patched Works