Meet Paula Melendrez of Doodle And Stitch Studio

This month in the Longarm League, we published a coaching call featuring Paula Melendrez of Doodle And Stitch Studio. I sat down with her to talk about finishing the final pieces to fully launch her business, honing in on the client base she's looking to serve, and how embracing the take imperfect action mantra has helped with making progress on her business while still working full-time.

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

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

Paula Melendrez, Doodle And Stitch Studio

Located: Poway, CA
In business: 1 year
Machine and software: Innova M28 Longarm Machine with the AutoPilot Computerized Quilting System on a 12ft frame
In the Longarm League: 3 years

Where to find Paula
Website: Coming soon!
Best way for someone to contact you for quilting? The fastest way to get ahold of me is to call me: 858-442-8463

Q&A

Tell us a little about your business and the services you provide at Doodle And Stitch Studio
I provide edge-to-edge quilting and binding services.

Do you have any advice for someone just starting out with their business?
Don't give up!

How did you get started longarm quilting?
I had a long journey before I started longarm quilting. I first began quilting my own quilt tops on a domestic sewing machine, carefully maneuvering my rolled-up quilt below the needle with the feed-dogs down, creating a free-motion stipple all over.

As I sought more precision, I experimented with programmed edge-to-edge designs on my embroidery machine, but quickly found that this method was also too cumbersome—especially for larger quilts. Then three years ago, I invested in a longarm machine with a five-foot table, but it didn’t take long to realize that I needed more space and capability to bring my quilting visions to life.

Now, with my Innova M28 on a 12-foot quilting table, I have the perfect setup to offer high-quality longarm quilting services, ensuring every quilt is finished with the care and artistry it deserves!

Could you tell us about a business "win" you've had?
To me, my biggest win is simply owning a full sized longarm machine. I still have to pinch myself! Pushing the boundaries of what I can do on my machine and getting out of my comfort zone on a regular basis are also "wins" to me.

What quilting designs have you been loving lately?
Raindrops On Water, Moulin Rouge, Surf b2b, Midnight Sparkle.

What is your favorite notion for longarm quilting?
My electric screw driver.

What's your favorite part of making a quilt?
That's a hard question to answer, because I love all of it! But I suppose shopping for fabric and completing the quilt top are at the top of the list.

Favorite snack while sewing?
Oddly, I don't snack while I sew!

What other hobbies do you enjoy aside from quilting?
When I'm not sewing or quilting, I'm hanging out with my husband and our dogs, or I'm trying to beat my high score on my treadmill!

If you'd like to watch the business spotlight call with Paula, 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, Paula!