Business Spotlight: Rebecca Moyer of Purple Bobbin

This month in the Longarm League, I sat down with Rebecca Moyer of Purple Bobbin to talk about growing her business; she recently added retail space and longarm rentals in addition to her longarming services.

Rebecca's recently moved to a new state, purchased a shop and additional longarm machines, and added fabrics and classes in her new shop. I loved getting to talk with her about her journey so far, her perspective on pursuing your dreams, and her plans moving forward.  

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

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

Rebecca Moyer of Purple Bobbin

Located: Hendersonville, NC
In the Longarm League: Since 2020, I joined Rookie Season before my longarm was even in my house!
Machine and software: APQS and IntelliQuilter(IQ). I have 4 different models of APQS Machines.

Where to find Rebecca
Website: https://www.purplebobbin.com
Instagram: @purplebobbin
tiktok: @purplebobbin

Q&A

Tell us a little about your business and the services you provide:.
I am now an online and brick and mortar quilt shop! I have fabrics, patterns, quilty tshirts and all the goodies. But I also provide longarm services and a rental program for those who want to finish their own quilts.

What's been the most exciting part of becoming a shop owner?
Getting to build a community! Having a shop has given me access to connect with even more people than just longarming from my house. I now have other longarm quilters in the area that come for supplies and classes and even just to connect. It's been a really welcoming experience.

What are some of the changes or things you need to account for in your daily routines with your new business structure?
It's really difficult for me to estimate how long my turnaround time is on longarming now. Yes, I have three machines that technically I can run all the time and get through the quilts that come in. But the variables of rentals and retail traffic are completely unknown at this point. And those things obviously slow down my longarming. I'll get a better handle of this in time. But right now, I overestimate my turnaround time just to be safe. And everyone has been really happy with getting their quilts faster than expected.

Any exciting projects, classes, or plans in the near future you're looking forward to?
Yes! I'm having a 6 month celebration of being in the shop the week of June 16th (2025). I'm going to have discounts on all retail, giveaways and my local Moda Rep is coming that Saturday to preview lines and give away some goodies. I've also partnered with some local businesses for all the treats and refreshments that will be in the shop!

What's the process if someone is interested in renting time on a longarm at your shop?
They need to sign up for the certification class on my website. I go over how the program works and show them a bit of everything on the machine during class. Once the class is over, they can schedule time with me (I still haven't digitized this) and get quilting. My classes are currently sold out, but I will be adding more classes for the fall soon!

Do you have any advice for someone just starting out with their business or those looking to grow their existing business?
Be open to anything and never doubt in your own capabilities. I look around all the time and wonder how this all happened; why me? But really, why not me! Take the time to learn your machine, grow your skills and develop your own style. Have patience in the process, it doesn't happen overnight. But as you grow in your abilities, be confident in what you know and never stop learning from everyone around you.

Just for fun

What are some favorite pantos you've been loving lately or are excited to try?
I'm really excited to try the latest Longarm League pattern Verdance!  And my current go to for good movement and texture is Bellini by Patricia Ritter.

What's your favorite part of making a quilt?
That's tough, I have so many favorites! As a longarmer though, my favorite part is giving a finished quilt back to a newer quilter and getting to see their amazement at the transformation that quilting can make on their top.

What other hobbies do you enjoy aside from quilting?
I'm a big hiker, which was a big reason I chose the Asheville area. But I love reading, yoga, and swimming as well.

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