Seam Of Life owner Morgan Kurz Feels the Love of the Steamboat Community
A community that is active in all sorts of outdoor recreation necessitates a wide selection of high-quality, durable outdoor clothing.
While there is no shortage of locations in the Yampa Valley to purchase such apparel, there is one Steamboat resident who is doing all that she can to ensure that local handmade and sustainable activewear options are available.
Seam of Life owner Morgan Kurz’s career as an artisan of fine merino wool products began in 2016 when she began working with a friend who ran a handmade clothing business. This experience allowed her to learn the process of how to sew and create garments in small batches.
Courtesy Photo/Morgan Kurz
“I didn’t have any sewing experience,” explained Kurz. “So, I basically worked as an apprentice with her for a year and learned the very basic fundamentals of garment construction.”
Kurz moved to Steamboat in 2020 and quickly gained a reputation within the community as a seamstress and garment maker.
Seam of Life places a focus on naturally-dyed, one of a kind pieces which are designed for an active lifestyle, which makes them perfect for active individuals and groups of the Yampa Valley. Kurz takes immense pride in her work as she creates high-quality, durable products for both summer and winter sports.
“I am very grateful to be back in Steamboat,” she said. “I love everything about the region, it has a little of everything that I enjoy.”
Kurz credits the local communities in part for the growth of her business. As a location where there are boundless opportunities for outdoor recreation “right out the front door”, she believes that has in turn led to increased interest in her hand-made products.
“They want high-quality gear that is going to last, but they also want something that is unique, which is basically what I like to make,” she said. “I like to make stuff that is designed for a very active lifestyle but is also going to hold up, be durable and last you for years to come.”
As she extends her energy and labor to support the outdoor sports community in the area, she has felt the returns of her work as more individuals and businesses support Seam of Life.
In 2024, her business began to have its products offered at local stores and shops including West Lyfe, Straightline Sports and Ski Haus.
Current products that are being offered in Steamboat Springs retail locations, as well as through the Seam of Life website, include razor-back tank tops, mini-skirts, helmet liners, reversible merino wool neck gaiters and other unique garments.
Courtesy Photo/Morgan Kurz
“The community has been very supportive of what I am doing,” said Kurz. “They have been genuinely super stoked to support hand-made and hand-sewn technical apparel. I am very grateful and very excited to keep that momentum going.”
The holiday season represents an important time of year for Kurz, and other local grassroots businesses throughout the area, as it represents a large portion of annual sales. In order to prepare for the season, Kurz has been “sewing like mad” to stockpile inventory as she prepares for events such as the Holidays in the Rockies, which is being hosted by Steamboat Creates at The Depot Art Center on December 7th, 14th and 21st.
“I am hoping that my local community shows up and wants to continue to support my handmade, wearable art,” said Kurz. “Functional fashion is the way that I like to look at the things that I make.”
Kurz plans for the future revolve around remaining in the Yampa Valley. She views it as a vital component of her, as well as others, ability to continue to create art to the functional benefit of the communities in the area.
“It’s a super special place geographically but also it’s a very special place as far as the community goes,” said Kurz. “Everyone in Steamboat gets after it and everyone seems to genuinely care about the earth and the environment and supporting sustainable businesses.”
As Seam of Life continues to grow, Kurz hopes to transition to being a full-time seamstress as she continues to produce garments for the community that has sustained her growth thus far.
In December, Steamboat Locals’ writer John Camponeschi will debut a four-part series spotlighting local, handmade, and sustainable gift options—offering creative ideas to impress your friends and family while supporting the community.
Read Part Two: Hayden Hidden Treasures
Read Part Three: Harvest Skis
This series of stories is proudly presented to you by Jon Wade and The Steamboat Group as a continuation of their commitment to “Keep Steamboat Special” by supporting people and organizations that promote a positive and ever-improving Steamboat lifestyle! You can also support their efforts simply by making a request on the Steamboat Locals Choice for Music. For every song request made in the month of December, The Steamboat Group will donate $2 to a local non-profit organization, up to $500 total!