This month, we’re thrilled to introduce Kelly, the creative force behind Steel City Quilt Co., located just outside of Kansas City. Kelly’s quilting journey began in 2020, and since then, she’s built a shop that focuses on Ruby Star Society fabrics, offering both yardage and precuts. Alongside her fabric shop, she also provides longarm quilting services and has recently ventured into pattern design.
Steel City Quilt Co. is growing with unique offerings like quilt kits and a special FPP pattern. Want to learn more about Kelly and her inspiring journey? Keep reading to discover all the exciting details!
Join us as we explore Kelly’s quilting journey, her vision for Steel City Quilt Co., and how QuiltInk has become an integral part of her shop. Discover what makes Kelly’s fabric selections unique and see how her passion fuels creativity in the quilting community!
Personal Background
Kelly, could you tell us a bit about yourself? (location, age, educational background, …) Who is behind Steel City Quilt Co?
Hi! I’m Kelly, the face behind Steel City Quilt Co. I live in our slice of heaven in the country outside of Kansas City. We’ve been here about 18 months and I love looking outside and seeing a pond, and trees, and in the late summer, sunflowers! I have three daughters (Faith, Hope, and Grace), a most supportive partner (Rob), and two cats and three guinea pigs! I dream of having alpaca some day. Professionally, I’m a nurse and work in an administrative capacity developing programs to make healthcare delivery better for everyone.
Quilting Journey
How did you first get into quilting? When did you decide to turn this passion into a business by opening your shop?
My mom was a quilter and cross-stitcher, so growing up, I was exposed to fiber arts. I was first drawn to sewing when I stumbled upon Alexander Henry fabric. I started collecting prints that I saw as art, knowing some day I would have time to make amazing things with the fabric I was amassing. I got an entry sewing machine for Mother’s Day in 2011 and dabbled with it from time to time, but didn’t seriously make anything until good ole 2020. My oldest daughter was graduating high school that May, and I wanted to make her a quilt to take to college. From there I was hooked!
I soon found Ruby Star Society fabric and realized I had such a passion for the brand that I wanted to open a shop to bring it to more makers, which then snowballed into getting into longarm quilting about a year later.
Shop Story and Style
What’s the story behind Steel City Quilt Co? When did it start, and how would you describe its personality, style, and size?
Steel City Quilt Co was born laying in bed and dreaming up what Rob’s and my future looked like. He’s a creative too and we talked about someday having a shop, or participating in art festivals with our makes. The name is an homage to his hometown, which is a very special place for us – Pueblo, Colorado. A large steel mill existed there for many years and it’s known as the Steel City, so Steel City Quilt Co was born.
The shop opened with about 20 small items available in September 2021. Ruby Star Society precuts were introduced in 2022, and the full Ruby Star Society collections of yardage were available by late 2023. I also started longarm quilting for clients in 2023.
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?
Steel City Quilt Co focuses on Ruby Star Society fabrics, offering precuts and yardage of new collections, as well as over 400 bolts from older collections. Many new collections have a sample quilt with a quilt kit available, most recently being the Ribbon Candy quilt kit featuring Eye candy.
I offer edge to edge longarm quilting with all-inclusive pricing that takes the guesswork out of budgeting for quilting.
Special Collections and Products
Are there any collections, brands, or unique products you’re especially proud to carry?
I recently released a three block FPP pattern featuring a UFO! This was my first pattern, but definitely not the last. It’s available at www.steelcityquiltco.com and it’s free!
Inspiration and Trends
What inspires you when choosing fabrics or products for your shop? Do you follow any specific trends or themes?
I am an aspiring bag maker so I carry canvas because it inspires me to continue working on developing my bag making skills. I’m hooked on Ruby Star Society and carry their products exclusively at the moment, but am watching trends for solids and would like to consider that as part of what’s next for Steel City Quilt Co.
Additional Services
Do you offer any other quilting-related services, like pattern design, long-arming, or classes?
Longarm quilting
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: www.steelcityquiltco.com
Instagram: @steelcityquiltco
Upcoming News and Projects
Are there any exciting new projects, events, or collaborations coming up that you’d like to share with the community
Animal Animal will be releasing soon and has a darling quilt kit that will be launching! Follow @steelcityquiltco on Instagram for sneak peeks and to see the quilt kit when it’s available.
QuiltInk Experience
How has QuiltInk been useful for your shop or customers? Any favorite tools or ways it’s made things easier?
We’ve worked to load Ruby Star Society fabrics into QuiltInk under the Steel City Quilt Co shop so makers can mock-up quilts using the fabrics we sell. This has been a huge benefit as makers can then send me the fabric requirements for the quilt they want to make, and I can kit it for them.
Favorite QuiltInk Options
What features or options in QuiltInk do you love the most? Anything that stands out to you or your customers?
I love being able to add custom fabric palettes and then mock up quilts using the fabrics that I love!