Jennifer Marks found quilting at exactly the right time. Her bold, modern quilts are full of color, movement, and playful surprises, showing that the best creative journeys often begin by saying “yes” to curiosity and seeing where it leads.
Your mom taught you to sew on her vintage Singer machine. What are your favorite memories of learning to sew together?
This is particularly poignant in light of the loss of JoAnn fabrics, but I have really fond memories of trips to the fabric store (it was usually Piece Goods or Sew-Fro) and going through the whole process together with my mom: looking through those big heavy pattern books, flipping through the giant filing cabinets to get the pattern in my size, and then picking out the fabrics for a project.
Then it always felt like such a drag to have to prewash the fabrics before we could get started! This is one of the many things I love about quilting – optional prewashing!
Sewing has been part of your family for generations. What lessons from your mom or grandmother do you still carry with you today?
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A big lesson is just an understanding of fit and construction quality, and of the amount of work that goes into a finished item. My mom did a lot of home dec construction when I was growing up (she built and upholstered at least one couch), so there’s definitely a “why not give it a try” ethos that runs in my blood!
During the pandemic, improv quilting found you at just the right time. Why do you think quilting clicked when it did?
It was really a convergence of factors, all at just the right time, that led me to quilting.
I was selling handmade (non-quilty) items at local craft markets and was starting to get burned out by making the same things over and over, and not feeling like any of it really scratched the creative “itch.”
I stumbled across Sherri Lynn Wood’s book on modern improv quilting at the library, and it blew my mind: modern quilts, the organic shapes, and the idea that the only rules were the ones I decided.
Having a sewing background removed a lot of fear from the equation; I wasn’t scared of curved piecing or partial seams…and I also already had quite a stash! So I’d say improv kicked the door open and then more traditional piecing sneaked its way in. Now I love to do just about anything…except EPP.
You have said quilting feels like part of your purpose. What does that mean to you?
I can’t explain it other than deep inside me, there is a resounding, “YES, THIS.” It’s a way to access a flow state.
Your quilts feel modern, bold, and full of movement. How would you describe your creative style?
Definitely modern. Quirky? Maybe unexpected? I don’t like to be pinned down by categories – so maybe: authentically varied.
Describe your creative space. Is your studio neat and organized, or is it a happy, creative mess?
Ooof, it’s NOT very neat, it IS in a perpetual half-organized state, and it’s definitely a mess. But it is generally my happy creative place! I always know it’s time to buckle down & sort/clean/tidy when it starts to not feel happy, or when I have misplaced all my Fons & Porter chalk pencils, even the secret backup ones.
It’s a spare bedroom in my home – I know I’m really fortunate to have the dedicated space! – that houses a vintage disco ball, my office, and my machines. My “daily driver” is a Juki TL-18 straight stitch , and I’ve got a serger for the occasional garment sewing. I was just recently gifted a Featherweight that I’m thrilled with and can’t wait to get to playing on!
Is there one studio habit that helps you stay creative?
I try not to overthink or push anything. I always have multiple projects at varying stages of completion, so if I’m not feeling super creative, maybe I’ll pull out a quilt top that’s been waiting to be quilted for – look, we don’t need to get into numbers, ok?
Or if I’m tired of piecing, I’ll do some design work on the computer – BUT the only “AI” I use is Adobe Illustrator.
Are you someone who plans every step, or do you leave room for surprises?
Always leave room! I like to have a loose structure & the freedom to play within those confines.
Where do new quilt ideas usually begin for you? A shape, a color, a fabric, or something else?
It really varies. Sometimes it’s as simple as realizing that my green scraps have gotten out of hand, and I’ll be off on a scrappy green project, totally improv.
Sometimes there are those fabrics that just MUST be featured in a project…those tend to marinate for a while until the right idea surfaces, though.
I’m also inspired to challenge myself with techniques periodically. Maybe I’ve just wrapped up a big improv project, so I’ll do some FPP or try out some really persnickety blocks (Nine Times Blue is an example) for a change of pace.
You’re a designer, teacher, pattern writer, and quilter. How do you balance wearing so many creative hats?
Balance is an illusion!
There are only so many hours in a day, and I struggle with being more reactive than proactive when it comes to giving all those things time.
I’m also a mom to humans (and a dog who’s far more needy) and I am a yoga teacher.
I generally just try to trust the ebb and flow – some months are really full with my own creative work, and others are split between students and clients. I always have a notepad handy so I can jot down ideas that come up!
Creative businesses often have lots of behind-the-scenes work. What surprises people most about your job?
Honestly the most surprise I get from people is that quilt pattern writing exists as a career! It is awfully niche. Probably next in line would be that I may go days or even weeks without sewing when I’m in the writing or editing phase.
What has quilting taught you about yourself?
It’s given me a lot of self-confidence, not just as an “artist” but overall. Also, I’ve learned just how rewarding it is to be part of creative communities.
What would you tell someone who wants to design their own quilts but isn’t sure where to begin?
I think there’s often sort of a writer’s block situation – the idea of a blank slate can be really intimidating!
Responding to a prompt or challenge, like the Pantone Color of the Year challenges or the QuiltCon special exhibit challenges, can be great springboards for ideas with some guardrails in place (apologies for mixing metaphors).
What’s one piece of advice you wish someone had given you earlier in your creative journey?
Don’t have a chip on your shoulder about not having gone to art school; trust in what you know and have to say. (I also still have to tell myself this.)
Is there a technique, idea, or dream project you’re excited to explore next?
A long-held idea is a community-participation project involving those little foam pads that never stay in place in women’s sports bras & swimwear.
Where can people see your work?
On Instagram at @sewistry_nc or my website, www.SewistryNC.com I’m always applying to shows all over, and I do post those on Instagram!
Rapid-Fire Fun
- Scrappy quilts or limited palettes? Scrappy quilts IN limited palettes! See photos…
- Curves or straight lines? Curves! Without my sewing machine’s flanged foot, I don’t think I could sew 2″ straight.
- One quilting tool you can’t live without? Aforementioned flanged 1/4″ foot
- One word that describes your creative life today? Overflowing!
- What’s bringing you joy right now? Right now, the prospect of sewing on my Featherweight! I’ve named her Mrs. Roper, and I really think I need to sew a caftan with her in honor of her namesake.
Interview posted August 2026
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