Hello!
I’m so glad you’re here! What started out as a small hobby when I was a teenager has blossomed into this—and I’m so excited to start this new journey with you. It’s taken me a few years to get this off the ground, but here we are! As I’ve worked to get everything going, I’ve often felt like Creed from “The Office” when he had a brief stint as manager. A little bit of crazy and a whole lot of bad spelling. I’m not ashamed to admit that I have to check where the “i” goes in business every time I spell it.
Anyway, let me make a quick introduction! My name is Alyssa and I am originally from Utah. I made my first quilt when I was 12 or 13 (a quilt kit from my mom for Christmas) and was hooked! She generously let me use her sewing machine for the next decade or so and then gifted me my own Bernina when I graduated college. I wept! I was not expecting it at all and it is still the sweetest reminder of my cute parents every time I turn it on.
I love hiking, eating, sewing (obvs), time with family, The Office, and good books.
The idea of starting a quilting biz had never crossed my mind before my husband mentioned it one afternoon a few years ago. It all started with a quest to make a successful batch of macarons (hang tight, we’ll get back to quilts, I promise).
We’d just gotten married three months prior and I was still looking for a new job since I’d just moved to Seattle from Salt Lake City. I spent my extra time during the day learning how to make french macarons. I’d only eaten a few in my life but I was obsessed with their bright colors and wide array of flavor possibilities. I created a spreadsheet and mapped out my progress.
After finally achieving a few successful batches (thank you to Martha Stewart for her Basic French Macaron Recipe! It was the perfect ratio of ingredients for me), I mentioned to my husband Stefan that I might try selling these cute cookies on the side if I can keep my winning streak up. He thought that was awesome but suggested I try to sell quilts instead. He insisted that I was a better quilter than cook (accurate but ouch), and that fabrics were easier inventory to deal with than perishable goods.
*brief intermission for some unglamorous photos of my macarons*
I spent the next two years following quilters online and learning more quilting skills. Here we are today! At the very beginning. I don’t know much about starting a business, but I do know a few things about quilting and that’s what I’m here to share!
The name (“Hark”) comes from my maiden name, Harkness. I loved my last name as a kid and since I learned how to quilt in my youth, I figure I’d name the biz after it. Stick around for free quilting tutorials, helpful tips and tricks, quilt patterns with modern vibes, and (my personal fav) quilting on a budget!
Follow along on Instagram here, on Pinterest here, and on TikTok here! Thanks for following!
