Today we’d like to introduce you to Ann Skaehill.
Hi Ann, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
My medical journey and quilting journey go hand-in-hand. In 2010 I began to experience muscle, dexterity, and autoimmune issues that deteriorated to the point of me having to step down from my position on staff at a local church. For a period of time I was just about bedridden and relied on my family to care for all of our household needs. As I slowly recovered and learned how to work with my autoimmune issues, I stumbled upon my grandmother’s sewing machine I had borrowed months prior from my mom to make aprons with my neighborhood friends.
Sewing has not always been something I enjoy. Growing up, I was the kid who was always outside playing or riding my bike. My older sisters enjoyed picking out fabrics for clothing and helping our mom cut, pin and sew, while I pouted and complained about every detail that related to sewing. I was definitely the least likely to ever touch a sewing machine in my adult years.
But that day when I saw my Granny’s sewing machine in the closet, I muttered under my breath, “Pfft. I could make a quilt like Granny used to if I wanted to.” So I opened up YouTube and learned as much as I could about making a quilt while I was butchering fabrics and ignoring things that I didn’t think were important. It turns out quarter inch seams, how to wind a bobbin, and straight cuts with proper tools were in fact important.
After struggling through making my first quilt top, I finally caved and called my mom to see if she would be willing to help me. She was so kind to teach me dozens of tips and techniques for quilting. After that first quilt, I was completely hooked on quilting.
My business began unsuspectingly, as I was asked to make 2 t-shirt quilts for an event. I didn’t know how to make them but back to YouTube I went to learn whatever I could. Fast forward a few months and I had multiple people asking if I could make them t-shirt quilts as well. I soon realized I had a passion for preserving people’s memories. Crafty Moose Quilts was launched in 2011 with the primary goal of doing just that, creating a tapestry of memories from the clothing of loved ones.
As a self-taught quilter, I have learned over the years through experience, and trial and error, what supplies and quilting do and do not work with t-shirt quilts. I also found I was quite frustrated with quilt patterns I purchased. Poorly written instructions and terrible diagrams made me wish I knew how to write patterns.
After a nudge from a longtime friend, I signed up for an online course to learn how to craft professional quilt patterns and launched my first pattern in 2023. I’m currently writing my 25th and 26th patterns and have designs solidified for at least 10 more patterns.
I’ve been blessed to be part of a design group called the Nine Patch Quilt Collective and the past 3 years we have launched a community-based quilt sampler that has attracted international participation. The past two years I dove into the world of online fabric shops and have curated unique kits to support our Sweater Weather Sampler project. It’s been such a joy to connect with quilters across the U.S. as I take the guesswork out of fabric selection by providing kits to suit multiple design styles.
As you can imagine, making t-shirt quilts full time, designing patterns, and running an online quilt shop leaves little room for making quilts of my own, but it’s such a joy to see all 3 pillars of my business thriving.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Oh gosh, there have been struggles every single time Crafty Moose Quilts has grown! Building and maintaining a website is a challenge all on its own but also learning about taxes and when it’s appropriate to switch from a Sole Proprietorship to an S Corp was an expensive lesson! I have had a few mishaps with t-shirts along the way (one catastrophic cut, one melted logo, and a handful of dye bleeds) but thankfully those have been few and far between as I really do treat everyone’s irreplaceable clothing items as my own.
I think one of the hardest things about owning your own business is that you’re in charge of everything while still trying to make your business grow. You are the bookkeeper, the designer, the customer service rep, the social media marketer, the web master, the order fulfillment team, and the errand runner. It can be exhausting to run hard and wear all the hats as you’re building a business, but keeping my foot on that gas pedal has led to some incredible opportunities.
Just like anything else in life, rest is important. Admittedly, I’m still learning how to incorporate intentional rest. As Crafty Moose Quilts has grown I’ve been able to hire people for task-related assignments to help with the workload, but one of the questions I constantly have to ask myself is, “How big do I actually want this business to get?” It’s a struggle to admit when something needs to land on the “stop doing” list because I truly do love all the aspects of my business … ok maybe not the bookkeeping! (wink). A growth mindset is also important when owning a business, but it’s equally important to know your limits. My medical issues didn’t just go away when I started my business either, I continue to battle one thing or another which actually makes it a little easier to know what my limits look like. Sometimes surgery recovery or an autoimmune flare make it impossible to work, and I know from past mistakes that it’s important to heal WELL before jumping back into the things I love to do.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
Within the t-shirt quilt aspect of my business, I am most proud of my customer service. I want each customer to know that he or she is my priority while I’m working with their irreplaceable clothing items. I strive to make each quilt uniquely perfect to suit that customer’s needs and desires. I take notes, pay close attention to what the customer deems most important, and I even give the customer some design choices without overwhelming them with options. Without my customer base, my business would just be a dream. They are the bread and butter of my business and I hope they each feel my appreciation for them.
When I get overwhelmed with my schedule, my husband is quick to remind me how many tears have been shed at our kitchen table. He reminds me that I am uniquely positioned to minister to the hurting by giving my full undivided attention while being trusted to craft a special keepsake. I have sat with grieving widows, grieving widowers, and grieving parents. Grieving parents are always the hardest for me, in fact I can think of 5 families right off the top of my head whose stories I will never forget. I still pray for them when they come to my mind.
No matter if the quilt is to celebrate joy, to celebrate a life, or to capture a season of a student’s life, I don’t take any encounters with my customers lightly. Each special project, hurting heart, or occasion for celebration is unique and deserving of my full attention.
On the design side of my business, I am proud to have launched my quilt patterns into the world after having learned how to use Adobe products. The older we get, the harder it can be to learn new things but I’m living proof that it can be done! I try to listen when customers say, “I wish quilt patterns had this” and I assess my work to see if it’s something I should begin to incorporate. I am a visual learner so all of my patterns are filled with helpful diagrams. But I have some customers who prefer succinctly written text, which has pushed me to grow in that area.
It has been quite the ride to dive into having an online fabric shop with inventory, wholesale ordering, shipping conundrums, etc. I have learned that complete attention to detail is necessary both in listing new products and in order fulfilment. I’ve also learned to give myself grace when something doesn’t quite go as planned. But again, I have the best customers! I once accidentally listed bed-sized quilt kits at my cost. It was my mistake and I honored the price for the customer who purchased them, but she just about arm wrestled me over wanting to pay me the difference.
When I think of the legacy I want to leave for my son, I hope he can see that I didn’t let my ongoing medical issues define my life. There is so much more to me than my pain. I pray that he can see that people matter over profits, even while they both hold important value. I try to remember that everyone is going through something and treating people how I would want to be treated is always the best choice.
The Lord has provided in ways I didn’t think possible, and I believe in my seasons of rest He has given me opportunities to be still long enough to stop and count my blessings. I have so many blessings! As I mentioned previously, I would still just be dreaming if it weren’t for my customers. My gratitude for each of them is truly more than I can articulate, and when I try I’m simply moved to tears. For 14 years now my t-shirt quilt customers have placed their trust in me and I am honored beyond words.
In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
The quilting industry is changing for sure as more brick-and-mortar shops close due to high overhead costs. Especially with the closure of JoAnn stores, many quilters are turning toward online shopping and digital pattern purchases. Another thing that I see changing within physical quilt shops that are thriving, is their ability to pivot and bring in more items that fill the gap JoAnn’s departure has left. I believe the physical quilt shops that are going to be around for the foreseeable future are the shops who are embracing community. Quilting can be an isolating hobby as we all sew by ourselves at home but knowing there is a community of quilters at a nearby shop can bring heartwarming conversation and some excitement while sharing projects. My favorite shop is Downtown Dry Goods in downtown McKinney on the square. Ginger Hayes and her team offer such warmth and acceptance to every quilter who walks in their doors.
I hope Quilt Guilds continue to grow within local communities. I’ve had the privilege of speaking to several local quilt guilds, and I’m always amazed by their dedication to community service. The Garland Quilt Guild makes quilts that are specifically sized to be compatible with wheelchairs. The McKinney Modern Quilt Guild has been known to make items to support kids involved in CASA and seniors at a local residential center. There is also a non-profit called Project Linus who collects and distributes child-sized quilts for kids in hospitals. I have personally donated to Project Linus, and I know several long arm quilters who have donated their time and supplies to quilt donated quilt tops. What a special thing to know that these donated quilts could bring a smile to a child facing unimaginable hardship, or to a senior who might feel forgotten or alone.
One thing I believe will always stay the same in the quilting industry is the joy of crafting and gifting. I don’t know a single quilter who hasn’t been busting at the seams with excitement to gift a special quilt to someone in need, someone they love, or even someone they have never met. It feels much the same for me when I show my t-shirt quilt customers their completed quilts. It’s exhilarating and deeply touching to see their emotions come to the surface as I unfold their finish quilts.
The quilting community shares the common threads of loving people well through the treasure of a handmade gift. I truly don’t think that will ever change because there is always more good in the world than there is bad, especially within the hearts of quilters.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.craftymoosequilts.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/craftymoose_quilts/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CraftyMooseQuilts/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@craftymoosequilts
Image Credits
Stephanie Allam Photography
