It was happenstance research for her landscape architecture firm that led her to stumble across a beautiful quilting blog, Tallgrass Prairie Studio. At the time, Elizabeth Nelson was still a landscape architect in title, but more importantly, she was a maker. And it was following this passion that led her to the furthering of a movement here in Kansas City.
Quilting and sewing has always existed as a form of community for women. Elizabeth describes it as a common thread of enjoying what you’re doing, enjoying what you’re making with less focus on doing things a certain way, but rather an emphasis on the inspiration behind the creation. Her inspiration began as an online source but recently found a home in a modern loft space in the West Bottoms. Modern Makers finds its magic in creative collaboration, drawing on local pattern designers and small businesses. The makers come together to create and build community.
Introducing the third feature of our Kansas City Mompreneurs series, meet Elizabeth Nelson of Modern Makers, a modern sewing studio and shop offering designer quality fabrics and notions, sewing classes, as well as handmade products from a featured local designer each month.
What inspired your business?
My love of fabric and design collided with the friendships that were fostered when I joined the local Modern Quilting Guild. These talented ladies inspired me to pursue this vision I’ve been developing over the past few years. I wanted to create a space where we could join together as a community, enjoy each other’s company, share our passions with those new to the craft and learn new skills from each other. I also wanted to find a way to support all of the immensely talented local designers and artists, and help them promote their brands and find an audience for their work. And, I knew there was a need to offer more modern and high quality products that what can be found at local chain stores. There were many sources of inspiration!
Is there a story or an encounter that you can share to give us some background on the development of your business?
There is a new hashtag being used on Instagram, #quiltguildchangedmylife and this describes me completely. I attended the very first meeting of the Kansas City Modern Quilt Guild in 2010, while I was still a practicing landscape architect. I walked into the meeting and immediately felt like these women would change my life.
The guild is such an incredible source of inspiration, and the talents of the members runs deep. These women (and men!) inspired my to take a deep breath, and just go for it. Without their support, I never would have launched this business.
How do you find and maintain balance with your family and your business?
This is the ultimate struggle of every working mother! It’s difficult, and some days I succeed better than others. I do love that I am home during the week to be involved in their lives, to take them swimming and play in the backyard. To be the one who picks them up from school and be involved in special events during the day. That is the best part. The tough part is being away on the weekends, feeling depleted from work and struggling to find the energy to parent they way they deserve.
I love Modern Makers and Elizabeth has done a FABULOUS job with it! I have so many nice things to say about the shop and her that I could write a book, but I think this post and the pictures are a perfect summary.
We love Elizabeth and are so proud of her. She has risked much to become an active and supportive part of the community. It is my hope that the making community will rally around her and the shop and support it with our dollars and our presence!