Learn from Kelly Smith, a sassy military wife with hair to match. Kelly became interested in sewing in 2011 after discovering how modern a quilt could look. She promptly took to YouTube and taught herself how to make her own.
For someone who opened her own store, Off-Quilter, only two years ago, Kelly is a force in the quilting world. She has won national awards and her work has been showcased in magazines. And quit making that face, quilting isn’t just for your great aunt Gertrude who makes you the same cat sweater every Christmas. Like macrame, the art is gaining a new, young following.
Kelly’s husband Andy (above), an Army soldier, does all the embroidery and their four kids have various jobs around the shop. Her oldest, Austin, teaches quilting classes when he’s not busy at Sandhills Community College.
If you want to learn more, Off-Quilter offers classes from beginner to expert, with new courses starting this month.
More into sewing with friends while you complain about your co-workers? Let off some steam with the Worker Bees, a monthly sewing bee held at Off Quilter every third Tuesday night in conjunction with the Sandhills Quilters Guild.