Episode 42: Teresa Coates - The Things That Make Me Happy
Although Teresa comes from generations of makers, she was the first to pursue quilting as a career when she, as she puts it, “stumbled into the quilting industry.” It began in 2011 when she joined the crew at the Fabric Shop Network, and then became editor of Websense magazine. Teresa started out making garments using patterns from The Big Four. From there she discovered Indie pattern makers and vintage patterns, and really started working with non-traditional fabrics like painted canvas and double chiffons, and other weird fabrics and piecing them together to make different types of quilts. After coming on board with Shannon Fabrics, she began specializing in Shannon’s Cuddle® fabrics, a 100% polyester microfiber plush fabric. Today Teresa uses these fabrics to create unique quilts, crafts, home décor and apparel. (2:12 – 11:11)
As she continues talking about her journey, she shares how a trip to Vietnam in 2007 with her children changed everything for her. After volunteering at several orphanages there, Teresa continued her outreach work. It’s a fascinating story of bringing caring and hope to young Vietnamese children, and of working with others in the sewing community to provide much- needed goods to Vietnam orphanages. Because of the profound impact it had on her, Teresa hopes to return to Vietnam within the next couple of years. (11:11 – 15:24)
Meanwhile, Teresa is travelling the US with her partner, videographer, and RV driver Hawk who is working with her to bring Shannon Fabrics’ Sew Together Tuesdays to live audiences across America. On the road ten out of the last twelve months, they’ve been to 43 states, where Teresa has taught in all kinds of beautiful and charming quilt shops, met all kinds of interesting people, and experienced countless joyful moments.
She talks about the range of different shops and fabrics and creative focuses, from heirloom sewing to embroidery, traditional quilting to modern clothes. She also shares the one thing that all of these shop owners have in common, which is their deep love for the industry. According to Teresa, her time on the road never stops being entertaining.
Her connection to the myriad of people she meets on the road continues via her Facebook group, “I Love Cuddle® Fabric.” She loves what she does so much, she plans to continue teaching, and hopes to add more pattern making into her creative endeavors. “I get to teach. I get to learn. And that’s the thing that makes me happy.” (22:07-30:04)
Be sure to listen in on our casual conversation with Teresa for inspiration, insights, and a lot of smiles. If you’d like to connect with Teresa, you can reach her at Teresa@Shannonfabrics.com or at her I Love Cuddle® Fabric Facebook page.
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