On today’s episode of the Craft Industry Alliance podcast we’re talking about building a career as a modern quilter with my guest, Jen Carlton Bailly. Jen is a founder of the Portland Modern Quilt Guild, the largest modern quilt guild in the world. She had a career in retail before becoming a mother and modern quilter and carries many of lessons she learned in those years over to her current work.
In this conversation we talk about discovering a craft community online and in person. Jen explains how modern quilters first connected online via Flickr and then came together in her local community to form a guild.
The Hive by Jen Carlton Bailly. Jen is especially well-known for quilts with curves.
Jen’s blog is called Betty Crocker Ass and we discuss what it’s like to have such a standout name for your website. She explains her mixed feelings over the years about possibly changing it, and why in the end she chose to keep it.
Jen has a line of quilting templates out and she talks about creating and selling a signature product and the challenges with scaling the business. She also beginning to sell patterns and discusses what that decision entailed.
Jen’s first PDF quilt pattern, Scandinavian Flower Garden, is now available.
Jen grew up in a Mormon household and talks a bit about how being part of the Mormon church led her to learn to sew, craft, and be resourceful.
And, of course, I ask Jen to recommend great stuff she’s enjoying right now. Jen recommends:
- Quilt Canvas for designing quilts
- a spinning cutting mat (affiliate link)
- and staying off the internet when you are in a slump
Keep up with Jen on Instagram and on her blog.
+++++
This episode is sponsored by Yount Street Glass. Kay and her partner, Cindy, at Yount Street Glass make jewelry and accessories from recycled wine bottles. Located in the heart of Napa Valley, Yount Street Glass is perfectly situated to upcycle the beautiful glass that cradled beautiful wines. Check out YountStreetGlass.com to learn more about Yount Street Glass and their hand crafted eco-friendly products. Be sure to enter promo code NAP for a 15% discount on your next order.
+++++
You can listen to this episode by clicking on the green arrow below, or subscribe to the Craft Industry Alliance podcast in iTunes or on Stitcher so you never miss an episode. If you enjoy the show, tell a friend about it! Thank you so much.
Another great episode Abby. Really enjoyed learning about Jen’s origins and first introduction to quilting. Thank you so much for all your hard work, you do to bring us this great content.
Thank you for listening to the show, Jodie.
Abby, she mentioned Amanda James’ blog? I didn’t see a link. Does it still exist or some link to a website, FB or instagram out of curiosity?
Gosh, I don’t know. I think you could contact Jen on Instagram and ask her directly. That might be the most efficient way to find out!