Quilting Business Success 55 – Sandy Kuhl
Interview Summary: Sandy Kuhl
Introduction: A Passion for Quilting and Business
Sandy Kuhl, a dedicated quilter and entrepreneur, shares her journey from quilting as a hobby to turning it into a successful business. With a love for fabric, patterns, and the creative process, Sandy has built a thriving quilting business that allows her to express her artistry while serving her clients.
Finding a Love for Quilting
Like many quilters, Sandy’s journey began with a simple love for sewing. “I’ve always loved working with fabric, and once I discovered quilting, I was hooked,” she shared. Over time, her interest grew into a passion, and she began perfecting her skills through practice and learning from fellow quilters.
From Hobby to Business
What started as a personal creative outlet quickly turned into a business opportunity. “Friends and family started asking me to quilt for them, and before I knew it, I had more requests than I could handle,” Sandy recalled. Encouraged by the demand, she made the leap to turn her passion into a full-time business.
Choosing the Right Quilting Machine
In the early days, Sandy worked with a different longarm machine but soon realized it wasn’t meeting her needs. “It was constantly in the shop, and I spent more time troubleshooting than quilting,” she admitted. Frustrated, she decided to invest in a Gammill machine.
“When I got my Statler, everything changed. The reliability, precision, and ease of use were game-changers for my business,” she said. The transition to Gammill allowed her to increase productivity and take on more complex projects with confidence.
Building a Successful Quilting Business
With a dependable machine and a growing client base, Sandy structured her business to provide high-quality quilting services. “Gammill’s Creative Studio software makes custom quilting so much easier and more efficient,” she explained. This innovation allowed her to offer both intricate custom designs and quick turnaround edge-to-edge quilting.
Overcoming Challenges in the Industry
Like any business owner, Sandy faced her share of obstacles. “Pricing was a challenge at first—I had to learn to value my time and expertise appropriately,” she said. She also had to build a reputation, which she did through word-of-mouth, social media, and consistently delivering outstanding work.
Advice for Aspiring Quilters
For those looking to start a quilting business, Sandy offers invaluable advice: “Invest in the right equipment from the beginning. Don’t make the mistake of buying a machine that won’t meet your long-term needs.” She also emphasizes the importance of networking and continuous learning.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Sandy’s Quilting Business
With a thriving business and a passion for her craft, Sandy continues to push creative boundaries. She is exploring new quilting techniques and considering offering classes to share her expertise with the next generation of quilters.
Conclusion: A Story of Dedication and Success
Sandy Kuhl’s journey from hobbyist to professional quilter highlights the importance of passion, perseverance, and investing in quality tools. Her story serves as an inspiration for anyone looking to turn their love of quilting into a successful career.
Interview Q&A: Sandy Kuhl
Q: Can you tell us a little about how you got started in quilting?
A: Absolutely! I started quilting as a hobby, just for fun, and it quickly became a passion. I’ve always loved working with fabric, and once I made my first quilt, I knew I wanted to keep going. It wasn’t long before friends and family were asking me to make quilts for them, and from there, it just grew.
Q: What made you decide to turn quilting into a business?
A: It happened gradually. I was making quilts for people I knew, and then word started spreading. People began asking if I took commissions, and I realized there was a real demand. That’s when I decided to invest in a longarm machine and take the next step.
Q: What was your experience like with your first longarm machine?
A: Honestly, it was frustrating. “It was constantly in the shop, and I spent more time troubleshooting than actually quilting.” I needed something reliable, and that’s when I started looking into Gammill.
Q: What led you to choose a Gammill machine?
A: I did a lot of research and tried several machines at different shows. “When I got my Statler, everything changed. The reliability, precision, and ease of use were game-changers for my business.” The Creative Studio software also made a huge difference in what I could offer my clients.
Q: How has Gammill helped you grow your business?
A: It’s been a complete transformation. “Gammill’s Creative Studio software makes custom quilting so much easier and more efficient.” I can take on more intricate designs with confidence, and the reliability means I don’t have to worry about downtime.
Q: What challenges have you faced in running your quilting business?
A: Pricing was a big challenge at first. It’s tough figuring out how to charge for your time and expertise. I also had to build my reputation, which took time and a lot of effort in networking and marketing.
Q: What advice would you give to someone looking to start their own quilting business?
A: “Invest in the right equipment from the beginning. Don’t make the mistake of buying a machine that won’t meet your long-term needs.” Also, take the time to learn and grow. Connect with other quilters, take classes, and never stop improving.
Q: What’s next for you in your quilting journey?
A: I’m always looking for ways to expand. Teaching might be the next step, and I’d love to explore new quilting techniques and creative designs.