Interview: Katie Hanson of Modern Textiles

This month in the Longarm League, I sat down with Katie Hanson of Modern Textiles to talk about her recent job loss and pivoting to focus full-time on her own business, Modern Textiles. Katie has longarmed for several years, and also designs patterns and digital pantographs. After being laid off from a full-time corporate job, she's putting her efforts into turning her part-time business into her full-time career.

I loved discussing ideas with her about how she's moving forward and where she'll be focusing her energy.

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

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

Katie Hanson of Modern Textiles

Located: Alexandria, Minnesota
In the Longarm League: I think late 2019 or early 2020...it was just before I got my first longarm (A-1 with EZ Butler, sold that in 2023 and purchased the new to me Gammill in 2022)
Machine and software: Gammill Optimum with Statler (2006-2007 Make)

Where to find Katie
Website: https://modern-textiles.com/
Instagram: @moderntextiles
YouTube: @moderntextiles

Q&A

Tell us a little about your business and the services you provide:.
Longarm Quilting is the current bread. Sewing patterns and pantos are a light butter at the moment.

What's the best way for someone to request quilting?
Through my form on my website.

Could you tell us about a business win you've had?
Since the call with Jess, I’ve been consistently executing the marketing plan I laid out—and honestly, that feels like a big win in itself. Marketing has always been something I’ve struggled with, especially the idea of just "showing up" and sharing without feeling fake or overly salesy. But I feel like the way I’m approaching it now is really working for me.

I’ve started scheduling content in advance, so even if I don’t feel like being on social media on a given day, I’m still “showing up”—even if it’s automated.

I’m finally hitting my stride, and it feels like I’ve built a content machine where everything is working together as one cohesive unit. It makes my Type A brain happy to have clear short-term tasks and to know that all the content—videos and photos—is feeding into the blog, YouTube, Instagram/Facebook, and Pinterest.

So really, what I’m saying is: the back end of my business is finally in a really good place. And that’s going to allow me to scale everything I’ve planned much more quickly—without breaking my back. 😊

What are you most looking forward to in your business over the coming months?
I'm excited to sew through my back catalog of sewing patterns and to start adding more to my collection.

Can you tell us about a favorite recent project you've completed or worked on?
I’ve finally launched my YouTube channel!

Ever since watching the Longarm League call with Tiny Orchard Quilts, I’d been thinking about filming and getting my channel going. She made it seem so doable and approachable. I think what held me back for so long was the equipment side of things, along with figuring out the backend of YouTube—like uploading, keywords, and knowing what kind of content to film.

I’m a planner (hello, Type A personality!), and if I’m going to dive into something, I want to do it intentionally. My time—and everyone else's—should be treated like gold. I don’t like half-assing things, so I decided to whole-ass it.

Over winter break last year, I set up my computer (it has a built-in camera), bought a secondary overhead camera, and picked up a budget-friendly mic. I also took a fantastic course that covered the backend of YouTube and content planning. It gave me a real sense of direction and a clear path to follow. If you’re wondering what to post or how to get started, I highly recommend it!

Katie's affiliate link for course.

Just for fun

What are some favorite pantos you've been loving lately?
Daisy Doodles, Posy Patch and Hexi Diamonds.

What is your favorite notion for longarm quilting?
I don’t keep a lot of notions in my sewing room, but Sewtites are the one tool I’m really glad I invested in. It’s so much faster and more accurate than any other method I’ve tried.

What's your favorite part of making a quilt?
Piecing - it's so methodical and a bit meditative to have everything cut and just to sit and sew!

Favorite snack while sewing?
Gummy Nerds or Chex Mix Bold

What other hobbies do you enjoy aside from quilting?
If you follow me on IG, you'll see I'm outside year round. Snow, rain, sunshine with the dogs; but I also love to work out. Since having kids, I mainly do cardio and body weight stuff, but hope to slowly build the garage gym with Marketplace finds!

If you'd like to watch the interview with Katie, 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, Katie!