My name is Lauri Ross Erenstoft. I live in northeast Georgia with my husband Mike, and our 3 fur babies. My journey into quilting (piecing) started about 10 years ago when my mother’s health began to fade. I started to work from home so I could take care of her but needed a creative outlet and something I could do and enjoy from home, outside of my corporate job. I’ve always had a love of fabrics, be it making crafts or making home décor projects like drapes, shades, pillows. So, I thought about what I could do next with my love of fabrics. Quilting! Having several friends who quilt, I decided to take a beginner quilt class at a local quilt shop. I fell in love with the shop, but more specifically, the owners. Amazing people with generous hearts. Always helpful and encouraging me along my quilt journey.  

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As such, each Saturday morning I would visit the quilt shop and take my mother when her health allowed. She always had a decorators eye and  loved to help me choose fabrics for projects. One great benefit of my Saturdays at the quilt shop was meeting and making new lifelong friends who share the same passion. I also became great friends with the owners of the quilt shop, which is where I learned the finer things about quilting – the best people ever!

From that point on, quilting became the outlet I needed to cope with everything going on during those years. And through all that, I fell hopelessly in love with Quilting.

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So, how did I venture into longarm quilting?

The quilt shop had two Gammill machines; both Statler’s. I was fascinated by these machines! Fast forward, my friends retired and long story short, I was “made an offer I could not refuse” for the Statler Classic, affectionately known as Bessie. My friends also took the time to teach me how to use the longarm, build my confidence, and still rescue me whenever I call. They both have been my absolute ROCK through this journey.

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With encouragement from my husband and dearest quilty friends ( you know who you are :-)), I started my longarm business Happy Quilter Studio LLC in early 2022 and never looked back.

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Because I still work full time, I needed to figure out how much time I could devote to my business and do it most effectively. Did some research, watched a lot of Gammill videos on YouTube to the point where I felt like I got to know the educators; sounds funny but this became part of my mentorship. I feel strongly about education, so I attended the Summit in UT in 2022, the Quilting with Confidence Tour in my local area in 2023, registered for Educator Consultation, and I continue take online classes, etc.  

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From all I learned, I got to work building the backend of my new longarm business. First, I spoke to my accountant, registered my business, created a website – happyquilterstudio.com – had business cards printed, thank you bags, began networking online and at local shops, and more.

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Most important to me was to be set up right and create an inviting and inspiring studio for my clients to bring their quilts. So, my husband and I remodeled the lower level of our home to create a longarm studio with a walk out and lovely flagstone path from the sidewalk to my studio door for my clients’ convenience. Of course, the studio is decorated with quilts!

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Today, most of my business is through referrals, which is fabulous – word of mouth is the best advertisement. And there are advantages of the internet. Without it, I would not be able to reach you to share my journey. Visiting local quilt shops and meeting potential clients is always a joy.

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My studio is my happy place, hence the name Happy Quilter Studio. I am so grateful to be part of such a wonderful community of quilters and longarmers. 

 

​For me, every quilt is a work of art, whether made as a gift or for yourself - it is a lasting memory. Venture through the Gallery to see photos of client quilts and the stitch patterns used; I am confident I have the perfect stitch pattern for your beautiful quilt.

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I love making new Quilty Friends, so please don’t hesitate to contact me (happyquilterstudio@gmail.com).