INTERVIEW: Meet Lindsay, Vacilando’s Production Quilter
You may have seen me mention my production assistant on Instagram or wondered who exactly these “talented quilters handmaking our quilts in their US-based home studios” are. Vacilando hasn’t been a one-woman show for almost three years and we wouldn’t be where we are without the help of our first production quilter, Lindsay.
Lindsay has been with Vacilando since early 2018 and has been working full time since October 2018. She does most of the production on larger made-to-order quilts, so if you’ve ordered one of our quilts in the last year, chances are Lindsay made it!
I wanted you guys to get to know Lindsay a little better and see where the quilt magic happens, so I asked her a few questions…
Where is your studio?
I work out of my home studio in Cincinnati, Ohio! Also known as our dining room. Maybe someday I will have a designated studio, but it works well for now. My husband reminds me often that I have totally taken over the biggest room in the house for my “studio”.
How long have you been quilting?
I started sewing as a child. My grandmother quilted and always gave me small projects to work on while she was quilting. But it wasn’t until my early twenties that I made a quilt on my own. I worked for a bridal shop as a seamstress for a couple of years during that time also (almost 15 years ago now, man does time fly). I learned so much about garment sewing and construction. Having that foundation helps no matter what type of sewing I’m doing.
What machine do you use?
I use a Juki TL 2000 Qi. I love it for piecing, it’s a great workhorse of a machine! I didn’t know what I was missing out on when I was using my small Baby Lock for so many years.
Most valuable tool?
Hmmm, that’s a hard one, this sounds very obvious and I’m not sure this qualifies as a good answer, but can I say my cutting mat???
Favorite fabric color?
So many! If I had to choose right now I would say any vibrant purples/plums! But I also love a good gold color too!
Best sewing tip/hack?
I can’t take credit for this one but I think It’s genius. My grandmother used sandpaper when she cut out her quilt templates. Placing it sand side down on your fabric prevents the template from sliding. Just DO NOT use your good scissors to cut them out!
Squares + rectangles, triangles, or curves?
We work with a lot of curves at Vacilando and I’ve become kind of partial to them. They are challenging, but it’s super satisfying when they are done and they look impressive in a finished quilt.
What’s your favorite thing about quilting?
Every quilt is a challenge, but it is so awesome to look at a finished quilt and know that my hands made that. It’s really satisfying and I can’t help but be proud of the things I make!
What's your least favorite thing about quilting?
The dust, always the dust. It’s shocking how much dust one quilt can produce during the production process! An air purifier is a must!
Your favorite Vacilando piece?
Oh man. This is a hard question! I love all of Laura’s designs, I can’t narrow it down to one, but I do have my favorites. I have personally made so many Antwerp quilts, it holds a special place in my heart for that reason, but I also love how the pattern pulls you in, it’s just a really interesting design and I love it. I also really love the Golden Hour quilt! My most recent favorites are some of the new quilts in the soon to be released PNW collection, I’m a big fan already!
Preferred drink + snack while you’re working?
Hot tea and Kombucha are in my current work drink rotation. As for snacks (I love snacks), I usually grab some cheese, olives or fruit.
Preferred drink + snack after you’re done working?
If we’re talking just everyday, I have to admit, we’re pretty boring in this house, we are very much water drinkers. That said, once or twice a week I do grab a beer (stouts, porters & sour beers are my favorite), or cocktail if I’m feeling fancy! Evening snack is definitely popcorn, hands down... or melted chocolate eaten with a spoon, I probably shouldn’t admit that one.
What’s your most memorable travel moment?
We had the chance to go to Scotland last year and it was amazing! So much history and OH MY GOSH it is SO beautiful!!! To get a small glimpse into where some of my family lived hundreds of years ago was so interesting.
What are you up to when you aren’t making quilts?
Usually just hanging out with my husband Jeremy! We love to go hiking and spend as much time outside as possible. I also love to garden, although my “garden” consisted of a few flower pots this year, but hopefully I can get back into the swing of things next year! I would also love to learn to knit soon! Basically, I’m a 90 year old in a 36 year old body.
Where can we find you on the interwebs?
My website is https://www.lindsaykahnehandmade.com. I will be releasing a pdf quilt pattern in early 2020 that will be available for download on my website! You can find me on Instagram @lindsaykahnehandmade . Plus you can also check out my Spoonflower Shop to purchase fabric I have designed.
