Meet Jodie Stewart | Maker

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jodie Stewart and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jodie, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
The motivation for starting Stewart Handmade comes from my personal passion for quilting. As a quilter, I know firsthand how much time and effort goes into creating each vintage quilt. My admiration for their intricate handwork is what inspired me. It saddened me to see these beautiful items of the past being set aside on dusty shelves or even worse hidden away in a closet. I knew I had to do something to give these quilts a new lease on life. By repurposing them, I feel like I’m paying homage to their heritage and showcasing their inherent beauty. At Stewart Handmade, not only are you stepping into a world of nostalgia but you’re also experiencing the delight of recycling well-loved vintage quilts into distinctive tote bags and accessories. Our expertise doesn’t end with vintage quilts! We also excel in creating small batches of exclusive totes, purses, and bag accessories. We use only the finest quilt fabrics, cork, and wax canvas materials to ensure that each piece is truly exceptional.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
The inspiration behind my art is a desire to create. I discovered my passion for sewing through my love for quilting fabrics and vintage quilts. The simple act of sewing every day brings me immense joy and my studio serves as my personal sanctuary. Though running a small business can be daunting at times, I find solace in the process of creating and in the way that my creations make me feel about myself and the world around me. The fabric serves as my guide, and the colors and textures that pass through my hands and sewing machine bring a sense of inner calm. Whether I’m making a quilt or a bag, the final product brings me great joy – and sharing that joy with others is even better. I strongly believe that good vibes can be passed along through the items I make, and I strive to infuse each piece I make with positivity and love.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Things to Do: Nature walk at the Edith L. Moore Bird Sanctuary, Tour the Menil Collection, Picnic at the Eastern Glades in Memorial Park, See the Cityscape on the roof at POST HTX

Local Quilt Shops: Clothyard Fabrics in Friendswood, Sew Special Quilts in Katy, Cupcake Quilts in Spring, Tea Time Quilting in Houston

Favorite Eats: Impero Italiano in Memorial/Energy Corridor, Ninfa’s on Memorial, Bacaro Kitchen and Wine Bar

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I would like to give a special shoutout to several people who have played a significant role in supporting my business. Firstly, I want to thank my loyal customers and fellow vendor mentors who have been an integral part of my business’s success, especially Andrea Rivera from Hide and Chic. Secondly, I would like to express my gratitude to Christina Terry from Vibe Artisan Markets and Somya Gupta from Mala Market for providing a platform for small businesses to learn and grow. And last but not least, I want to extend my heartfelt appreciation to my friends and family for their unwavering support and encouragement they have given me throughout my entrepreneurial journey.

Website: www.stewarthandmade.com

Instagram: @stewarthandmade

Facebook: Stewart Handmade Merchandise

Image Credits
Stewart Handmade Merchandise