Day Job Blog Series - Jerimi

Hi everyone, meet Jerimi of Three Cat, one of our wonderful team members.  Sorry it's been a bit, but work has shut down all of my technology and have limited time in the mornings.  



What is your day job? Do you have a photo to share?

To make financial ends meet, I wear a lot of hats. I think that's pretty common right now. I petsit, I sell on Etsy, I go to craft shows, and I take on odd jobs that I find on Craigslist. My main bread-and-butter, though, is computer consulting and website development. Computers have been my livelihood for a long time, and I've worked on some crusty old servers. I wish I had a photo of the old HP300 I used to work with, but maybe this will do?



Favorite part about your job?

I love my day job, which I think is very lucky. Starting a website feels a lot like starting a new craft project. There's the same sense of anticipation and excitement before I begin, and the same "can't take my eyes off it" satisfaction when the project is done.

My favorite part about my job is its flexibility of hours. Yes, I still have to get all my work done, and sometimes that means working 12 hours a day, several days in a row. But if I need to make an emergency trip to the vet, I can.

I haven't always loved my job. While I was working in the IT department for a large company, the stress and demand actually landed me in the ER. The stress took such a toll on one of my co-workers that he went blind in one eye. I don't care how much money a job is paying - nothing is worth that. I'm extremely grateful for the opportunity to leave the cubicle world and work for myself. I do hope that I'll be able to get my website and Etsy businesses ramped up to where I won't need to continue to take odd jobs, though.

What would it take for you to quit your day job and sew/quilt full time?

It would take quite a nest egg for me to feel safe enough to do that. I don't have the flair for brilliance I see in other's quilts, so it will probably remain a side job. I did have the opportunity to take a longarm for a test drive, and now I'm pining for one. What's more funny is my husband also gave one a try. Every couple of weeks he comes up with a reason why we should get one. He's a gadget fiend, and it doesn't matter what kind of gadget it is. It's one of the many things I like about him.

How long have you been quilting?

I've been quilting since 2008, but it's only been in the last year or so that I've gotten serious about it. It's kind of funny. I didn't realize I was keeping myself from trying some things, until I recently taught a friend how to sew. She asked why I didn't bind any of my quilts. I told her I thought it would be too advanced for me, but she convinced me otherwise. Now I bind EVERYTHING. I've also come to recognize that my control-freak tendencies get in my way. A lot. To counter this I've tried to focus on making improv-pieced quilts. Improv quilts make my inner control-freak absolutely batty.

Show off one of your favorite creations.

I had so much fun participating in the Bottled Rainbow Quilt Along.  I think this is my favorite quilt of all time.



What is your favorite tool or notion?

I've just discovered what a difference a lump of beeswax can make. I run it over my thread when I'm hand-sewing. It makes all the difference when it comes to threading a tiny needle.

What is your favorite fabric line or designer?

I have a crush on both Amy Butler and Robert Kaufman. The colors they use make my brain spark. I'm also starting to get into the independent designers on Spoonflower.com. I'm itching to buy some Doctor Who fabric.



Anything else we should know?

The Quiltsy team is amazing. When I have a question, people are generous with their time and knowledge. I love being a part of the team.