Business Spotlight: Emily Denkers of Sew Em Quilting

This month in the Longarm League, I sat down with Emily Denkers of Sew Em Quilting to talk about what it's been like leaving her day job to quilt full time.

Emily had her first child last year and had a goal to stay home with him full-time. I first talked with Emily back in 2023 in the early stages of her business (you can read more here), and I loved getting to hear about how she's worked to grow her business over the last couple years, and how she made her goal of quilting full time happen at the start of this year. She shared her strategies for how she approaches her work each week to make the most of her time, and also how she plans which quilts go on each machine to be most productive with her two longarms.

We covered so much ground on this call, getting into the details of Emily's arrangements with two local quilt shops that she works with where clients can drop off and pick up quilts, her streamlined pricing strategy, setting boundaries to have weekend time with her family, and more. It was so inspiring to hear how Emily has thoughtfully built a business that is fulfilling and profitable while still prioritizing time with her family. I can't wait to see how she her business continues to grow and change as she works toward her future goals.

While League members have full access to the recording of the call, we asked Emily to share a little more about herself and her business with our blog readers.

Without further ado, let's meet Emily...

Emily Denkers of Sew Em Quilting

Located: Fielding, Utah
In the Longarm League: 2.5 years
Machine and software: Innova M28 with AutoPilot & Baby Lock Crown Jewel 3 with Pro-Stitcher

Where to find Emily
Website: https://www.sewemquilting.com
Instagram: @sewemquilting
Facebook: @sewemquilting

Q&A

Tell us a little about your business and the services you provide:.
I'm based out of northern Utah and provide edge to edge quilting with budget friendly options along with semi & full custom computerized quilting. I also provide full services such as trimming, and multiple binding options if desired.

What has it been like making the shift from working a job outside the home and running your business on the side to now focusing on your business full time?
It has been very nice to be able to have time to focus on my family with now moving to full time quilting, meanwhile still able to be doing what I love for work and keeping short lead times like I like to.

What are some of the changes or things you need to account for in your daily routines with working while having a little one at home with you?
Meal times!! Haha. Personally I am really bad about remembering to stop and eat and now with a little one it is a dramatic change I've had to get used to. And little ones eat SO often!

The other thing I try to account for is scheduling out what quilts I need to do which days. It really helps me break down my work load without getting overwhelmed and then if I don't quite get as much done one day then I can work extra hours the next to make up for it.

Any business advice you have for others - from growing to full time, adding a second machine, or working with young children at home?
Give yourself some grace. Everything is about time management and kids don't make that easy. It is good to have the second machine to keep up.

Any special goals or things you're looking forward to in your business?
I'm especially excited to build a shop for my work area instead of just having my machines in my basement. But I know finance wise that will be a few years, trying to get my second machine paid off first.

Just for fun

What are some favorite pantos you've been loving lately or are excited to try?
Drift – Extended Width by Barbie Mills of The Quilting Mill.

What's your favorite sewing or quilting notion?
That's hard.... Hahaha currently other than the basic supplies. Clearly slotted trimmers for trimming blocks up.

What other hobbies do you enjoy aside from quilting?
Other hobbies with a kid you're funny.... Haha but we do enjoy going out camping and riding in the SXS when we can. .

If you'd like to watch the business spotlight call with Emily, or are interested in being a guest, we'd love to have you join us! Whether you're interested in starting your own longarm quilting business, or wanting to improve your current business, check out our Rookie Season course! You can see all the details, read about how the course has helped previous students, and get started here.

Thanks so much for talking with us this month, Emily!