Cherokee Chronicle Times

Local quilting business thrives



Janette Woodall uses this cutting table to organized pieces which will go together to form hangings and other items to be quilter by her. Note the whimsical cat banner. She is enjoying her new shop set up nearby their home in Marcus. Photo by Nancy Hohbach
 

 

MARCUS -It doesn’t get any better than to create a thriving business from a hobby that you love doing. Working at what you love to do, makes going to work very enjoyable. Janette Woodall of Marcus will quickly verify that statement as her business, Janette Woodall & Custom Quilts & Long-arm Quilting, is in it’s 10th year of stitching for others.

She started off with a basic Gammill machine for the first five years. As word spread, so her customer list grew. Five-years later, Woodall upgraded her machine so it guaranteed all of the stitches be even, the same length, on a 12 foot table. Then in 2009, she made a great leap going with a 14 foot table which accommodates all size quilts including king-size plus a computerized, top of the line Statler Stitches used by professional quilters. The software allows her to be creative and do much for her customers. She also has a PFAFF sewing machine and a Elna embroidery machine.

 

 

“I feel it is my obligation to enhanced the handiwork of my customer by letting their quilting stand-out to the beholder of the quilt. Their handiwork is foremost. I do not want the observer to be drawn to the quilting stitches but to how the quilter used fabric to create a beautiful object. It’s my job to embrace the quality of quilting by the customer. Only then I can feel my work is a success,” explained Woodall.

Woodall has attended quilt festivals at many locations including Houston and Chicago. She picks up many ideas by seeing what others have done.

Using the free arm –
Janette Woodall makes great use out of this free arm 14 foot quilting table which is run by a computer to set the size and placement of stitches that professionals use. The wall hanging in back won her top prize recently. There are several pieces on display. Photo by Nancy Hohbach

Many may remember Woodall from craft shows when she created many original table runners, placemats, smaller wall hangings and other decorative home items for all seasons of the year. Like every other person who likes to quilt, she has an abundant amount of fabric stashed away with thread and so forth.

Every quilter who is successful at their craft, becomes an artist through the medium of fabric and their paint brush is the needle and thread. It is their ability to choose the right blend of fabric color and motifs, cutting right size and placement of fabric along with stitching to make their creation an object of beauty to behold. That is what Woodall excels in. Many seek to own items she has created to buy special gifts for friends and loved ones.

The customer area has grown into all surrounding counties and extends from there. Many are repeat customers. She shared the following story, “I was standing in a line to purchase some fabric when another customer observed I was going to buy quite a bit of material and commented that I must also quilt. Of course, I acknowledge that information and briefly mentioned I long-arm quilt too, that led to her wanting my business card if I had one, She was from Sioux City and I thought I’d never hear from her. But I did. In fact I have done several quilts for her, I developed quite a following from lakes area as well. It is a great way to meet people who have the same interests,” said Woodall.

Throughout her business and home, a visitor will find Woodalls talent on display. She is an artist in every sense.

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