Pat Morrow – You have to start somewhere

Cozy in her oversized 2-car garage/shop in Evergreen, Colorado, Pat Morrow can’t explain what inspired her to take up woodworking. “It was just the path I ended up taking.” I followed his infectious laugh and bright blue eyes around the workshop and through his house to the basement, where he showed me his current project: a contemporary 1920s-style cherry wood masterpiece. This was far superior to the first. chair he designed (see below).

Everyone starts somewhere~

Pat grew up in Des Moines, Iowa. She received a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the University of Kansas, worked as a photographer for the Kansas City Star after college, and then moved to Chicago, where she worked successfully as a producer/director for big shows. industrial business.

The decision to move to Colorado was not planned. He decided to retire from production and devote himself to “art” himself. What “art” was that, she didn’t know. “I’ve always loved designing interiors and would redo every place I lived in, whether I owned it or rented it.” She tossed a bunch of geographic locations into a pile. Her long-time friend in Littleton made her promise that she would visit Evergreen, Colorado before she made her decision. Once in Colorado, there was no turning back.

After moving to Colorado, Pat took a few carpentry classes at Red Rocks Community College. He began to imagine eclectic furniture and the challenge was to figure out how to make it. Pat says that “the hardest part of the process is finishing the piece: the energy and stamina to finish it, say ‘this piece is done,’ and send it out the door. My goal for my work is to have each and every piece exceeds not only the customer’s expectations but mine as well.”

The most important part of woodworking is having the right tools. “A quality, reliable tool makes all the difference to me. My savior is Rick Peil at the ToolKing store in Lakewood. He guides me in the right direction and teaches me which tools are better than others. I trust him a lot,” he says Pat.

Pat continues to learn how to reach people and network. An important part of the process, as an artist, you are more critical of your own material. What’s hard is feeling like you haven’t quite done it perfectly and you can’t wait to do the next piece so you can take what you’ve learned and improve your craft. So you can look at that earlier piece a year later and think, you know, that piece is really good! Did I do that?” Talking to other woodworkers and artists helps Pat get through the “process.” And yet, his favorite part of it is moving on to create the next piece.

Pat’s next adventure will take her to Anderson Ranch, where she will study with famed carpenter Michael Cullen. She goes on a scholarship that Sam Maloof generously awarded her. She returns home alone to pack up her furniture and head to the Milwaukee Fine Furniture Show.

Pat’s Top Ten Woodworking Tools:

1. Delta Unisaw: “This is absolutely my favorite part because of its accuracy and reliability. It’s nice to have a machine that does exactly what you want it to do. I used to struggle with a Powermatic and the difference is with the Delta there is no fight.”

2. Makita Hand Grinder/Sander: “This is my second favorite tool. Once I cut a piece of wood with the band saw, I can carve and polish it with the band saw. It’s responsive and easy to use.”

3. MultiRouter: “Rick at ToolKing insisted I get this and even ordered it especially for me. I wasn’t sure I wanted it, but now that I have it, I wouldn’t trade it for the world. I’ve done over 200 mortises in two days.” with this tool.

4. Jet Bandsaw: “This power tool is like having a jigsaw on it. It’s a machine that does what it’s supposed to do so I can create what I want.”

5. Delta Drill Press: Everyone needs one of these at least once in their life.

6. Delta Grinder: Unlike the Makita hand grinder, this one is permanently attached.

7. Delta 2 Speed ​​Planer: “A great workhorse for the money.”

8. JET Dust Collection System: “You absolutely must have some kind of dust collection system setup. With mine, all the hoses run all over the floor. I’d like to hang them somehow, but I’d rather hire someone.” to do it and then try to tackle it myself.

9. Makita palm sander: a must for any woodworking shop

10. Lots of hand carving/cutting/sanding tools: Often you just need that hand touch.

To interview: If someone asked you how they could get started in carpentry, what would you suggest?

Pat: Just do it. Take a woodworking class at your community college. Red Rocks in Lakewood, Colorado has a great program. Everything is a process of discovery: if you can dream it, then you can do it. Just follow where your path leads you.

Pat has his shop in his huge 2-car garage in the beautiful mountains of Evergreen, Colorado. To contact her visit: www.trailmixstudio.com