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.

Day Job & Your Passion - Terry

We want to showcase the day jobs that our members have and still keep up with their sewing. We are looking for more people if you want to be interviewed. There is a post in the team discussions on Etsy.

Terry from Terry Aske Art Quilts graciously offered to be the first interviewee. Here is how Terry spends a good portion of her week.

What is your day job?

I'm an an accountant by education, and have worked most of my career in the Canadian credit union system in finance and administration roles. I'm currently working 3 days a week at a small credit union in Vancouver which provides financial services for co-operatives, community businesses and the non-profit sector. My title is Manager, Administration and Business Development, but my duties run the gamut from ordering office supplies to preparing financial statements, supporting our banking system, covering for other managers and support staff.

Favorite part about your job?

With a total staff complement of 15 people, we're a very small organization, and in addition to my regular duties, I have the opportunity to be involved in almost every aspect of the organization. It makes the job really interesting! My other favorite part is my schedule of 3 days a week, which gives me time to quilt!

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

In 2005, after working full-time for many years, I had the opportunity to retire with a good severance package. For about 6 months, I was quilting full-time. That was great, but I found I missed the daily contact and challenge of my day job. So when the part-time position was offered to me, I jumped at it. I'm really happy with the balance I have now between working and quilting and personal time.

How long have you been quilting?

I've been sewing clothes since I was 13 years old, and dabbling in many crafts since kindergarten. But I wasn't really aware of quilting until 1998, when a friend invited me to a one day quilting course. I loved the concept of creating with fabric, and very quickly started designing my own art quilts.

Show off one of your favorite creations.

This is one of my most recent art quilts, in honor of the Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival. See below.

What is your favorite tool or notion?

I love using Steam-a-Seam Lite for appliqued portraits.

What is your favorite fabric line or designer?

I couldn't possibly narrow it down to just one. I buy whatever ever fabric appeals to me, often just to add to my stash.

Anything else we should know?

Even when I am working on one project, I am usually daydreaming about possibilities for the next project. Having the Etsy shop motivates me to keep creating and to finish each project I start. It provides me with a forum where I can show my creativity to a wide audience. www.terryaskeartquilts.com I also enter my quilts in juried shows. I have had quilts accepted at the Canadian Quilters’ Association National Juried Show and the International Quilt Festival.