What if the funding to grow your quilting business was already sitting in your local community, waiting for someone like you to apply for it?

In this episode of the Craft To Career Podcast, I'm talking with Eva Saunders of Gingerly Quilt Co. about the unique way she has grown her quilting business: by applying for and receiving local grants for small creative businesses.

These grants have helped Eva develop online quilting courses, invest in her ideas, and grow Gingerly Quilt Co. without relying only on pattern sales. Her story is such a good reminder that there are creative ways to fund a quilting business, and sometimes the resources you need may be closer than you think.

Eva has also created a beautiful and memorable niche as a quilt pattern designer. With her background and love for art history, she designs quilts inspired by famous works of art and artistic movements. From a Starry Night quilt inspired by Van Gogh to Art Deco quilt patterns, Eva brings fine art into quilting in a way that feels fresh, meaningful, and completely her own.

In this episode, we will talk about:

How Eva discovered grant opportunities in her local community

What the grant application process looked like for her creative business

Why niching down into art history quilts helped her stand out as a pattern designer

How she turns famous artwork into quiltable designs

The unique construction methods behind her art quilts

How turning quilt patterns into online quilting courses opened up new revenue streams

What it looks like to build a quilting business around your personal interests and expertise

Listen to this episode if you:

Are a quilt pattern designer looking for new ways to fund your business

Have wondered if grants for small creative businesses could help you grow

Want to create more unique and memorable quilt patterns

Are interested in art quilts, art history quilts, or fine-art-inspired quilting

Feel like you need help finding a niche that feels true to you

Want to learn how online quilting courses can become another revenue stream

Eva's story is full of practical insight and creative inspiration. Whether you are dreaming of applying for a grant, creating a course, or developing a niche pattern design style of your own, this conversation will give you so much to think about.

About Eva Saunders

Eva Saunders is the quilt pattern designer behind Gingerly Quilt Co. Her work blends quilting, art history, and creative construction methods to create patterns that feel like works of art. Through Gingerly Quilt Co., Eva creates art-inspired quilt patterns and online quilting courses that help quilters bring famous artwork and beautiful design movements into their own quilts.