Seamstress re-creates pioneer clothing

The pioneer era is over, but for one Salt Lake resident, it's still part of her everyday life.

Karen Gillmore created her own business, called Pioneer Designs, and now sews 19th-century clothing for those going on pioneer treks or participating in pioneer re-enactments. She sews everything from dresses to aprons to pantaloons to men's shirts and vests. She also sews bonnets and anything else from the pioneer area.

"I enjoy doing clothes not like today's clothing," she said, noting that many of the things she sews can be very intricate. "It's rewarding when you get done (with the clothing)."

Gillmore's mother was a seamstress, and as a result, she learned to sew at a very young age. One year her mother told Gillmore and her sisters that if they wanted clothes for school, they would have to make them. Her interest in sewing grew from there, but her career path took her in a different direction, and she worked in a bank for many years.

After becoming involved with pioneer re-enactments, Gillmore's interest in making clothing for that particular era grew. She started making clothes here and there, but when friend Sue Hepworth became the consignment manager for Mormon Handicraft in This Is the Place Heritage Park, her business picked up considerably.

Hepworth was well-acquainted with Gillmore's skill in making pioneer clothing and thought it might be a good idea to sell the clothing in the store.

"I decided (the store) would be a perfect outlet for her to start using her talents and sharing her talents," Hepworth said, noting that many pioneer trekkers come to Mormon Handicraft searching for pioneer clothing. "We created a line and it's something we want to keep expanding more and more."

Last year Gillmore was finally able to fulfill her dream of being a stay-at-home mom to her daughter, Mary, age 4. She quit her job at Zions Bank to do her Pioneer Designs business full time. Last summer she sold more than 500 pieces. Hepworth said the clothing sold like hotcakes.

"We couldn't keep (the clothing) in stock," she said, noting that Gillmore would bring in a set of 20 aprons and they would be sold in one day. "This is something that is popular out there. We feel we've kind of established a great relationship with her as a business and want to keep it going."