As QuiltInk celebrates its 5th birthday, we couldn’t imagine a better way to mark this milestone than by welcoming another inspiring fabric shop into our Meet the Fabric Shops series.
This month, we’re thrilled to introduce Olive & Elle Quilt Co, a vibrant and heartfelt quilt shop based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, founded by Danae. What began as quiet afternoons sewing with friends has grown into a creative space that celebrates family, storytelling, and the joy of making.
Named after her daughters, Olivia and Elle, Danae brings their bold spirits into every quilt kit, fabric selection, and design she creates. With a focus on curated quilt kits and high-quality fabrics, Olive & Elle makes quilting approachable, inspiring makers to dive in confidently and enjoy the creative journey.
From her beginnings as a hobbyist quilter to building a welcoming online and local community, Danae shares her passion, inspirations, and upcoming projects in this month’s Meet the Fabric Shops feature.
Read the full interview to discover her story, insights, and tips for fellow quilters!
Personal Background
Could you tell us a bit about yourself? (location, age, educational background, …) Who is behind Olive & Elle Quilt Co?
Hi there! I’m Danae, the face behind Olive & Elle Quilt Co. I live in Pittsburgh with my husband and our five kids, where life is full, creative, and wonderfully busy. Quilting started as a quiet hobby tucked into the margins of motherhood, but it’s grown into a meaningful part of how I tell stories and mark the seasons of our lives. Outside the sewing room, I love reading, skiing, traveling, and gathering with family and friends.
Quilting Journey
How did you first get into quilting? When did you decide to turn this passion into a business by opening your shop?
It all began with two dear friends who offered to teach me after I mentioned I was curious about quilting. What started as a simple lesson turned into a weekly ritual. For over a year we gathered to sew, talk, and build friendship alongside our skills. Somewhere in those afternoons, I fell in love with fabric and texture, and with the quiet satisfaction of turning small pieces into something beautiful.
Quilting remained a cherished hobby through the busy years of raising five children. As my kids have grown and begun leaving the house, I felt ready for a new season and something meaningful to pour myself into beyond full-time motherhood. Opening a quilt shop felt like a natural next step. It blends creativity and community, and it allows me to create the same welcoming space my friends once created for me.
Shop Story and Style
What’s the story behind Sew Margabo? When did it start, and how would you describe its personality, style, and size?
The name is especially meaningful to me. Olive and Elle is named after my two daughters, Olivia and Elle. They inspire me endlessly. Watching them grow into strong, thoughtful young women has been one of the greatest gifts of my life.
They inspire me daily with their big dreams, bold ideas, and willingness to go all in. I always thought I was the one teaching them about confidence and chasing their goals, but the truth is they have taught me even more. They remind me to reach higher, try the brave thing, and not overthink it.
Naming the shop after them felt like bringing their spark and spirit into every bolt of fabric and every quilt that leaves my table.
Product Offerings
What types of fabrics do you focus on? How do you offer them to customers—by the yard, as kits, or with custom options?
Our shop focuses primarily on curated quilt kits designed to take the stress out of choosing fabrics. I know how overwhelming it can feel to stand in front of endless bolts and second-guess every decision. Quilt kits simplify that process so makers can skip the hesitation and move straight to the joy of sewing.
My goal is to help quilters feel confident from the very first cut, knowing their fabrics work beautifully together and that they can simply enjoy the creative process.
Special Collections and Products
Are there any collections, brands, or unique products you’re especially proud to carry?
We’ve built our reputation on the exceptional quality of Art Gallery Fabrics, which remains our core offering. However, we’re entering an exciting new chapter! Over the next few months, we’re diversifying our inventory to offer a broader range of textures and styles, giving our customers even more creative versatility
Inspiration and Trends
Are there any collections, brands, or unique products you’re especially proud to carry?
I’m constantly inspired by the makers in our community. I look at current design trends in home decor and fashion and then find fabrics that bridge that gap. I love finding those unique pieces like the specific colors or textures that help my customers take their quilting to the next level.
Online Presence
Where can people find your shop online? (Website, social media handles, online marketplaces). How do you use online platforms to connect with your audience and fellow quilters?
Website: oliveandellequiltco.com
Instagram: oliveandellequiltco
Pinterest: Olive & Elle Quilt Co
Upcoming News and Projects
Are there any exciting new projects, events, or collaborations coming up that you’d like to share with the community
I am actually working on something very close to my heart right now which is my very first original pattern! It has been such an incredible process to move from quilting with these beautiful fabrics to designing the blueprints for them. My goal is to create something that really speaks to the makers in our community and I can’t wait to share more of that journey with everyone soon.
QuiltInk Experience
How has QuiltInk been useful for your shop or customers? Any favorite tools or ways it’s made things easier?
What I love most about Quilt Ink is how it empowers our community. It is such a helpful tool for visualizing a quilt before the first cut is even made. We use it to share a much larger variety of color way options than we ever could with physical samples alone, which gives our customers the creative freedom to find a look that perfectly matches their personal style.