Today we’d like to introduce you to Jill Finley.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I have always been someone who sews–but it was mostly garments or home decor. About 25 years ago, I started making quilts. I loved it and wrote a few patterns. As time went on, I published many more patterns and had some printed in national magazines. My quilt business was born–Jillily Studio.
I always wanted to design fabric, and this opened the door for me. I was lucky enough to be approached by a fabric company at a trade show, offering me the chance. It has been such fun! Two or three times a year I come out with a new fabric collection for the quilting industry.
These collections have anywhere from 21 to 40 different coordination prints and are sold to quilt shops all over the world. I am currently designing for Riley Blake Designs. They produce my fabric collections and market them to shops. I am so grateful to them for all the work they do on my behalf, and for the opportunity, I have to use my creativity in this way. I am paid a royalty. on the sales of my designs.
In addition to the fabric designs, I have several quilting “notions” or tools that I have created for the industry under my brand, Jillily Studio. These items are sold directly to shops, or to distributors. My website also offers these items, (along with my patterns and some fabric kits) directly to the final consumer. So basically, I am an online shop, a distributor, a wholesaler, and a creator!
I am fortunate to be able to represent other brands in the quilting industry. I am a Master Designer for Aurifil Threads and represent BERNINA as a Brand Ambassador. I have authored several books on quilting, produced instructional videos as well as presented live trunk shows and lectures. I teach workshops all over to quilt guilds and at quilt shops and events.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Of course, it is not always easy–but it is usually enjoyable. Working in the quilt world is very satisfying and fun for me. There are always business concerns and sometimes things don’t work out the way I’d like, but it is rewarding for me. I am so blessed to be able to work at something I love.
The main struggle for me is time. There is so much to do, and so many projects that need my time. I have to really make an effort to make sure that I still have time to actually create. If not, I would be busy with fulfilling orders, answering emails, and all that office stuff. When I get overwhelmed with that, I step back and take the time to design something new.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am known for my applique–most of my quilt designs use a little bit of applique, and I teach my method. Applique is a sewing technique that secures fabric shapes on top of a quilt block. There are many methods, and many quilters are hesitant to try them because it seems too hard or too time-consuming.
But I help quilters get beautiful results with no raw edges and accurate, smooth applique. I use many of my products and tools as I teach “applique the Jillily Way.”
Before we go, is there anything else you can share with us?
There are many video tutorials available on my website at jillilystudio.com
Contact Info:
- Website: https://linktr.ee/jillilystudio
- Instagram: @jillilystudio
- Facebook: @jillilystudio
- Youtube: @YouTube/jillilystudio
