White Rock artist Kat Siemens transforms vintage fabrics into quirky, hand-stitched cushions, showcased in Culture Crawl’s Kaleidoscope exhibit.
White Rock Artist Turns Old Fabric Into Fresh Art
What happens when old fabric scraps, vintage textiles, and quirky stitches come together? For White Rock artist Kat Siemens, known in the art world as La Dream Kat, the answer is: one-of-a-kind art cushions that spark conversation and brighten homes.
This fall, Siemens is showcasing her newest creations at the Kaleidoscope exhibit and sale, part of the White Rock and South Surrey Culture Crawl. Visitors can stop by the White Rock Community Centre on Saturday, Oct. 4, and Sunday, Oct. 5, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., to see her latest collection alongside dozens of other local artists.
From Paint to Fabric: A Creative Shift
Siemens has long been celebrated for her paintings and her knack for reinventing vintage and upcycled clothing. But this time, she’s leaning fully into her first love—fabrics and fibers.
“I’ve always had a passion for the feel and beauty of textiles,” she explained. “Even before I painted, I studied fashion illustration, design, and styling. Color, weave, and texture have always fascinated me.”
Cushions With Character
Her new line isn’t about flawless, factory-style perfection. Instead, Siemens creates what she calls “perfectly imperfect” cushions—quirky, slow-stitched, and full of personality.
“Your taste in them is as subjective as any art form,” she said. “They’re like accessories for your home.”
Each cushion is crafted with a mix of vintage and antique fabrics, often repaired or upcycled to give them fresh life. Some feature fabric collages; others display hand-blocked patterns. Even the tassels are made from reclaimed wool.
And at the heart of her process is Maggie—a vintage, Japanese-made sewing machine from the late 1940s. “I love sewing on Maggie,” Siemens smiled. “She helps me keep that handmade, human touch.”
Sustainability Meets Style
Beyond artistry, Siemens hopes her cushions send a bigger message.
“To me, this is about keeping beautiful fabrics out of landfills,” she said. “We consume too much, and I want to create with what we already have.”
Her philosophy draws inspiration from wabi-sabi, the Japanese tradition of finding beauty in imperfection. Faded colors, tiny flaws, and worn textures are not hidden but celebrated.
“If you love everything perfect, my cushions may not be for you,” she admitted with a laugh. “But if you want something with soul and history, then you’ll get it.”
What’s Next for La Dream Kat
Encouraged by enthusiastic buyers at past shows, Siemens is turning her cushion-making into a small cottage industry. She plans to open an online shop, ladreamkat.myshopify.com, by November.
“These cushions are not just décor,” she said. “They carry stories, energy, and a second chance at life.”
For visitors at Kaleidoscope, her work offers more than something pretty to take home. It’s an invitation to see art, sustainability, and imperfection in a whole new light.
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