Today we’d like to introduce you to KayLa Hardy.
Thanks for sharing your story with us KayLa. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
It started with a simple book recommendation from a dear friend. She suggested I read a novel from the “Elm Creek Quilt” series. As you can imagine, it was all about quilting, and as I delved into the history and the nostalgia of quilting, it really inspired me. I suddenly remembered the beautiful hand quilted double wedding ring quilt that had been gifted to my husband and I when we got engaged. My grandmother had hand pieced and quilted it herself years ago. I’m sad to admit I had not fully appreciated that beautiful heirloom as much as I should have. At the time, it was stowed away in the cedar hope chest at the foot of our bed. With a renewed appreciation for the love and handiwork that goes into a quilt, I took it out of our hope chest and excitedly spread it out on our bed! I admired the intricate hand stitches that are unique to a handmade quilt, and from that point on, I was hooked! I wanted to read everything and anything quilting and try it myself. A few months after this I was able to go back home to New York for a visit with family. I was able to spend a morning with my grandmother who had made our quilt. She, along with two other ladies had owned their own quilt shop for years! She told me stories, shared so many suggestions, and really lit the spark in me to quilt.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
I would say it has been a road of discovery. Growing up, I never really had a hobby. I would be the occasional bookworm but it wasn’t much for doing anything with my hands. Before I really got into quilting, I had tried a bit of knitting which I enjoyed as well. But quilting became my one true love so to speak. With knitting, I could only sit still for so long. But quilting has so many different phases and aspects that I could change it up depending on my mood. One of my biggest struggles was finding my voice or style. At first, I used fabrics gifted to me or that were on clearance at chain stores. Not knowing there were better options out there, I struggled with the most drab and dark fabrics that just didn’t inspire me. Finally, I discovered the vast quilting community on Instagram. It really opened up a whole new world of possibilities for me. I began exploring my local quilt shops and even though I still can’t afford a lot of the fabric, I treat myself here and there to colors that inspire my creativity. Lately, I love earthy, natural colors.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
Seeing as I’ve only officially been in business for about a year, I’m very new to the quilting world. Initially, I started off making small baby quilts and gifting them to friends and family. But then, I started getting requests. So far, I’ve only sold a few custom quilts but have learned so much! Also, I’m extremely proud of being able to enter into the world of quilt pattern testing. Basically, when a designer has a new pattern, they will send it out to quilters to test and critique before selling it. I’ve done this a few times now and have really enjoyed it! It’s helped me to gain momentum and hone my quilting skills. As much as I would love to design my own patterns in the future, for now, I’m content to continue testing and learning.
What were you like growing up?
Growing up, I was very much a homebody, content to stay inside reading a book or doing a puzzle. I’d get lost in all the classics by Jane Austen, Charles Dickens or Wilkie Collins. I remember it seemed like pulling teeth for my poor mother to get me to go outside for a walk or hike. Now, I love the outdoors and struggle to get through a novel!
Pricing:
- For quilts, I charge hourly. Depending on the complexity it could be more, but generally $11/hr
Contact Info:
- Phone: 845-380-5288
- Email: kayhardy1987@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kayla_hardy_
Image Credit:
Anastasia Spatz Photography
Suggest a story: VoyageDallas is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
