I originally connected with Michelle of Quilted Elephant Studio on Instagram shortly after moving to Kentucky. Michelle actually lives about 30 minutes away from me, which is a dream come true having a long arm quilter so close that I don't have to mail quilts. Michelle began her business in February 2021 and shares the background of why she got started below. Read more about Quilted Elephant Studio below and be sure to check out how you can connect with Michelle M. at the bottom of the post!
Please explain your main creative area.
Primarily, Quilted Elephant Studio does long arm quilting and quilt finishing. We do take on a few commissioned quilts throughout the year.
Tell us about your business and what your favorite thing about your business is.
I started Quilted Elephant Studio because I was struggling to find a long arm quilter in my area and really wanted to help other people get their quilts finished. I decided on Quilted Elephant because I love quilts and I really like elephants. It wasn’t until a few months later that I realized my long arm could resemble an elephant. My favorite thing about this business is watching people when they see their quilt finished. They have so much work in these quilts and often so many memories. It’s a wonderful thing to have a small part in the process of their quilts.
What has been your favorite make or creation so far?
That’s a hard question. I think it is the full size scrappy postage stamp quilt that is on the guest bed in my quilting studio. It took more time than I could even say and it is filled with so many memories. Most of the fabric is from other quilts that I made. Other fabrics are scraps from clothing that my aunt made for myself and family. The same aunt also made a similar quilt at the same time as myself, so that made it pretty special.
What is one tip you'd recommend to someone just getting started in your creative area?
Do not expect perfection. Make the mistake. Finish the quilt. Notice the progress in your next quilt. A finished quilt is better than a perfect one.
What are 3 words you'd use to describe your creative style?
- Colorful
- Playful
- Modern
Do you have an upcoming make, launch, or project that you are excited about?
Yes! I am really excited about an IOFAT quilt along that’s coming up. I had the chance to quilt Katherine’s quilt and I wanted to keep it. I’m ready to make my own!
(She is referring to the Scrap Dash QAL that kicked off March 7th 🎉Learn more about this QAL here and you can see my rainbow Scrap Dash Quilt Below! Michelle used the Baptist Hearts pantograph.)
What is one skill (either craft related or not) that you wish you knew how to do?
I would love to paint. I have taken classes and have brushes and instructional books, but it’s just not for me. I have 4 crafty hobbies that I rotate through but that’s not one of them.
What would your high school superlative be? (Most likely to...)
Most likely to stay home and craft.
What's the oddest food you've ever tried and did you like it?
I love most seafood so I tried mussels recently. I liked the first one but the rest were terrible.
If you had to lose one of your five senses, which one would you give up and why?
I would give up smell if taste was still working.
Lastly, where can the readers connect with you and see more of your work?
I am on FaceBook and Instagram as Quilted Elephant Studio. I’m much more active on Instagram. My website is www.quiltedelephantstudio.com
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.
