Meet Linda DeMaris of 414 Quilts n More

This month in the Longarm League, we published a coaching call featuring Linda DeMaris of 414 Quilts n More. I sat down with her to talk about connecting with local clients through teaching and guild meetings, her longarming and memory quilt services as well as her unique memory bears that she offers.

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

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

Linda DeMaris, 414 Quilts n More

Located: Norcross, GA
In business: 2-3 years, give or take... ;)
Machine and software: HandiQuilter Amara 20 with Prostitcher
In the Longarm League: Since March 2024

Where to find Linda
Website: https://414quiltsnmore.wixsite.com/website-2
Instagram: @414quiltsnmore
Best way for someone to contact you for quilting? Through my website, or email me with any questions.

Q&A

Tell us a little about your business and the services you provide at 414 Quilts n More
Longarm E2E and light custom quilting services, binding services, memory quilts & bears, and other custom quilted creations.

Do you have any advice for someone just starting out with their business?
Research, research...and then just do it! Once I figured out I had the space and put together a basic business plan (number of years to payback my investment), I was in. I practiced at shows and rented time on a number of machines. After getting a great show price, I bought my machine and digital quilting software from a local dealer who provides installation and local service and support for free.

How did you get started longarm quilting?
I have been quilting for many years. Over the last few years I started researching and trying my hand at longarming and fell in love. My passion is to finish the quilt and bring life to the piecing by selecting the perfect quilting design.

Could you tell us about a business "win" you've had?
I got my first paying customer for quilting service after teaching a quilt class at a local sewing school (that my daughter is part owner of). She was a beginner quilter and after creating her first (simple) throw quilt in class, she took me up on my offered class price of $50 for the quilting and she was hooked! I quilted her next 4 quilts at full price with a 10% returning customer discount. I created a quilting monster! ;) 

What quilting designs have you been loving lately?
The last few I used from Longarm League - Echoed Curves, Hot Cross Buns, and Peak Blossoms. For memory quilts, I love Linda V Taylor's Puzzle time and HandiQuilter Designs Wrenchworks.

What is your favorite notion for longarm quilting?
Zipper for the back bar - it's easier for me to baste the top on the zipper and attach to the backbar leader versus pinning to the back as I don't have much room behind the machine and it's hard on my back to lean that far.

What's your favorite part of making a quilt?
The finishing!  Quilting and binding.

Favorite snack while sewing?
Diet Coke (not near the quilt)

What other hobbies do you enjoy aside from quilting?
Playing with the grans! Walking the dog, and traveling with my husband.

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