I originally connected with Hailey Y. of Hailey Stitches via Instagram. Hailey's blog focuses on all things stitching for beginner quilters and beginner cross stitching. She has pages of blog posts on both of these topics as well as some awesome freebies on her website. Hailey also has a Youtube channel that provides tips and tricks as well if you prefer video learning. Read more about Hailey Stitches below and be sure to check out how you can connect with Hailey Y. at the bottom of the post!
Please explain your main creative area.
I am a quilt blogger. In addition to my blog, I have a YouTube channel where I share tips and tutorials about quilting and cross stitch.
Tell us about your business and what your favorite thing about your business is.
I started the Hailey Stitches YouTube Channel and Instagram in January 2021 as a way to share the projects I was working on. I don’t have a huge crafting community in real life, so I thought social media would be a great way to build a community online. I quickly shifted from hobby to business in April 2021 and added the blog portion to my website.
My goal with Hailey Stitches is to help people embrace their creativity through quilting and cross stitch. My content is geared towards complete beginners because I remember first learning how to quilt and cross stitch and I had one million questions about everything. I want Hailey Stitches to be a place where newbies can go and get every question answered – no question is too small!
My favorite thing has been connecting with other creatives. It’s amazing how many people out there are just like me and I would have never found them if it wasn’t for Hailey Stitches!
What has been your favorite make or creation so far?
This is a great question because I’m super proud of everything I’ve made. I would have to say my favorite quilt that I’ve made has been my Greenhouse Quilt. The quilt pattern is by Elizabeth Hartman and it was quite the challenge to put together as a beginner quilter. It turned out awesome and it currently hangs in my office!
What is one tip you'd recommend to someone just getting started in your creative area?
My number one tip for beginner bloggers is to start. Seriously, just start! Don’t get bogged down in perfecting your website or domain name. Choose something to write about and run with it.
A bonus tip is to read everything you can about keyword research as you’re getting started. It’s important to write about topics that people are searching on Google and Pinterest so your blog can be found! I know keyword research and SEO sound scary and intimidating, but it’s so vital to the success of your blog! I promise it’s not as scary as it sounds!
What are 3 words you'd use to describe your creative style?
- Uncomplicated
- Authentic
- Balanced
I’m definitely still honing in on my creative style, but these descriptors feel best and they’re the backbone of who I am as a creator.
Do you have an upcoming make, launch, or project that you are excited about?
Yes! I am currently releasing a series of free quilt patterns that feature precuts. I’m not big on scraps, so these patterns eliminate the problem of having half of a charm pack or jelly roll leftover after you’ve made a quilt. The quilt patterns in this series use the entire precut bundle, roll or pack. No more leftover strips and squares to add to your scrap bin!
What is one skill (either craft related or not) that you wish you knew how to do?
I wish I knew how to draw! I follow so many creators who draw and their work inspires me to no end! It is an amazing talent and I wish I had even the tiniest bit of artistic ability!
What would your high school superlative be? (Most likely to...)
My actual high school superlative was most school spirited, but today my superlative would be most likely to be drinking a beverage. I know that’s probably not a real superlative, but it’s real to me. My mom, sister, and I have a running joke that we all are drinking at least three beverages at a time, all the time. As I’m writing this I have a decaf coffee, water, and Raspberry Bubly in front of me. What can I say, I like to be hydrated!
What's the oddest food you've ever tried and did you like it?
I have a midwestern palate and think pepperonis are spicy so I’m very reserved with my food choices LOL. I’d have to say Lutefisk is the oddest food I’ve tried. Although it’s almost a right of passage to try it as a Minnesotan, I did not like it. I’ve also never met anyone who has liked it… so… I think I’m a part of the majority in this scenario (no offense, lutefisk lovers).
If you had to lose one of your five senses, which one would you give up and why?
This is SO hard, but I think I’d give up my ability to smell. Only on the condition that it wouldn’t affect my taste! I have a sensitive nose as it is and I wouldn’t mind never having to smell unpleasant smells again. I think I could live with that choice, even if it meant I could never smell freshly cut grass or freshly baked bread again!
Lastly, where can the readers connect with you and see more of your work?
If you want to connect, reach out on Instagram. My handle is @haileystitches and I spend a lot of time over there. If you’re looking for resources, tips, and tutorials, head over to my blog www.haileystitches.com. That’s where you can grab my free precut-friendly quilt pattern series!
IOFTA Creative Convos are bi-monthly short Q&A style blog posts that allow me, Katherine, to share other wonderful creatives and small business owners in not only the quilting space but in the creative fiber arts and textile space.
The goal is to provide a seat at the table for all types of small business creatives and to introduce my community to businesses that they may not have connected with yet.
