Laura Martell is a pattern designer, teacher, and lecturer from Raleigh, NC. Owner and Designer of The Creative Thimble, fabric and sewing have been a part of Laura’s life from the moment she set eyes on her Grandmother’s Singer treadle sewing machine as a child in Connecticut.

Inspiration for Laura’s first pattern struck in 1990 when she was coveting all the things she couldn’t afford in an expensive magazine. She saw a tote bag made from beautiful decorator fabric instead of standard utilitarian canvas and decided to make herself a tote that was elegant, but also strong and solid. Ever since that first bag, Laura has been designing beautiful handbags and totes with an eye for function, utility, and organization. The Creative Thimble patterns she creates are known for their thorough, easy-to-follow instructions and diagrams; most notably the best-selling Professional Tote.

When Laura is not designing bags or teaching, she travels the country with her husband Mike (AKA Mr. Laura) to trade shows and craft shows, enjoys crafting and quilting with her friends, and snuggles with her Granddaughter.