Today we’d like to introduce you to Jill Finley.
Hi Jill, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I was always a seamstress and eventually became interested in quilting. I started by writing and selling a few quilt patterns. I wanted to start a business selling my patterns, and I hoped to be able to design fabric. I have no special training for this but I enjoyed it, so I thought I would try it. I didn’t know what I didn’t know, so I set out to start a business. I applied to be a vendor at International Quilt Market–a wholesale trade show for shop owners and buyers in the quilt industry. That’s how it all started, and my business has been growing ever since.
I try to collaborate with other companies within the quilting industry to dual-label items with my branding, or to act as an “ambassador” for supporting brands. This gives exposure to both of our brands. I also act as a designer to curate collections of threads and other notions.
I now have a catalog of over 100 Jillily Studio patterns, dozens of Jillily Studio quilting notions, and new fabric collections several times per year. I
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Of course it is not always easy, and there were so many things to learn along the way. And plenty of bumps. I wanted to design fabric, but I didn’t have any idea how to do it. I had to teach myself.
I got a contract from a fabric company, and then I set out to figure out how to do it. Fabric designers are paid for their artwork in royalties. Then the fabrics are produced and sold by the company.
Part of my job was to promote my fabrics by using them and designing quilts for them. This was all. new to me. I learned as I went along.
As time went on, new technology requires new methods and a new learning curve. I had to learn new software to digitize my artwork and put it into repeating patterns. This was a challenge for me. You are never “DONE” learning–there is always something new and more to master.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I design several fabric “collections” per year. A collection is a group of prints that coordinate together with pattern and color. They work beautifully when arranged in quilt designs. My fabric designs are a just a portion of my business. I license my artwork to a fabric manufacturer, who produces and sells it.
I design many new quilt or bag patterns with each fabric collection. These patterns help to sell the fabric as well as the patterns. Sometimes I design new projects for special events or where I may be teaching. I also host several “retreats” each year. Quilters come from all over to spend a few days together learning new techniques and sewing together with friends old and new.
Over the years, I have developed a love for applique. It is a quilting technique that some people deem as advanced or difficult. I have developed many techniques that make it easy even for beginners to have beautiful results in applique. Along with these techniques, I have developed several quilting notions or tools for use in applique. I sell my notions to shops and quilters all over through my website and distributors.
To support these products, I teach workshops and classes at events, festivals, shops and guilds. I love teaching and seeing the success that others can have as they learn the new techniques. I also offer virtual classes on my website and have many instructional tutorials on my YouTube channel and website.
i have written several books on quilting and applique. My designs have been featured in several quilting publications or magazines. This is another way for my brand to reach a quilting audience.
If we knew you growing up, how would we have described you?
I always enjoyed art and creative pursuits. But I also enjoyed many sports and especially competitive swimming. I spent many years training twice a day and traveling to swim meets all over the country. I love a good competition, and seeing the results that can come from hard work.
I grew up in a big, close family. I have 4 sisters and two brothers. We were all very supportive of each other. Our Mother taught us so many things, among them, to sew and cook. Which lead eventually to my business.
And our Dad was the best example of charity and love and so much fun! He had an amazing sense of humor and was an awesome leader. I was taught that I could be successful at whatever I wanted. My parents gave me the confidence and courage to try.
My family is everything to me. My life revolves around them. My husband and children support me and cheer me on. I have been blessed with 7 amazing children and 18 sweet grandchildren. They are often the inspiration for new designs in fabric, patterns, or books.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://jillilystudio.com
- Instagram: @jillilystudio
- Facebook: @jillilystudio
- Youtube: Jillily Studio
