Jenn Marks of Sewistry NC: From Handmade Business to Modern Quilt Artist - Ep. 217

What if the thing that completely changed your creative direction started with a pile of leftover triangles? Jenn Marks of Sewistry NC shares how a handmade sewing business, a pandemic, an improv quilting workshop, and some pre-cut triangles eventually led her to modern quilting and textile art. This week on Not Your Granny’s Quilt Show, I’m talking with modern quilter, pattern designer, and sewing artist Jenn Marks of Sewistry NC. Jenn has a PhD in Sociology , a background in handmade business, and a creative journey that eventually led her to the world of modern quilting and textile art. Jenn grew up watching her mother sew clothes, curtains, and dolls, but quilts weren't really part of her family's sewing story. After leaving home following high school, Jenn's mom gifted her her first personal sewing machine and Jenn kept sewing in small ways while working her way through school and raising a toddler. She ultimately earned her PhD while 8.5 months pregnant, then spent time in the workforce before making the decision to stay home with her children. That change opened up more space for creativity. Jenn became a yoga instructor, started sewing more, and in 2013 launched a handmade business creating bags, pouches, and other sewn goods. She spent years in heavy rotation on the handmade market circuit, and by 2019, she had her most profitable year yet. Then COVID changed everything. During that time, Jenn took a whole cloth quilting workshop, learned improv quilting through Sherri Lynn Wood, and began exploring quilting in a much deeper way. After making masks during the pandemic, she found herself with a pile of pre-cut triangles. Those triangles eventually became her first quilt, and from there, Jenn dove headfirst into learning everything she could about quilts, quilting, and the broader world of textile art. Since then, Jenn has continued to develop her voice as an artist. She's an alum of the Alderwood Studio Pattern Writing Academy, has exhibited her work in multiple places, and has built a strong community of fellow quilt artists who continue to challenge, encourage, and inspire her. I love Jenn's story because it is such a great reminder that creative paths aren't always linear. Sometimes the thing you think is a side project becomes the thing that changes everything. Come hear how Jenn went from sewing handmade goods to discovering modern quilting, developing her artistic practice, and finding a creative community that keeps her moving forward. Please enjoy this conversation with Jenn Marks of Sewistry NC! In this episode: • Jenn's journey from sociology PhD to textile artist • Growing up around sewing without quilts • Building a successful handmade sewing business • How COVID changed the direction of her creative practice • Discovering whole cloth and improv quilting • The unexpected origin of Jenn's first quilt • Learning to design quilt patterns • Building community with other quilt artists • Finding your creative voice and allowing your path to evolve Explore Jenn's work and Sewistry NC at her website: https://www.sewistrync.com/ Episodes are recorded, edited and produced by Amanda Oros. Logo art by Myranda Mondry. Want to see more? You can find it here: Find Podcast Merch here! nygqs.printify.me Follow along on Instagram: Podcast - https://www.instagram.com/notyourgrannysquiltshow Long-arming - https://www.instagram.com/sweetpeadesigncompany Subscribe to YouTube: https://youtube.com/@notyourgrannysquiltshow Support the show on Patreon: patreon.com/notyourgrannysquiltshow Want to be on the show? Send us a message