Meet Althea Greer | Quilter & Small Business Owner

We had the good fortune of connecting with Althea Greer and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Althea, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
Nemo & Stitch, my micro business, sells one of a kind, handmade quilts, bags and other items made by me here in Denver.

The first dreams of Nemo & Stitch came from a strong sense of creativity and a desire to be in management of my own life. I have always been a creatively independent person and I love getting to build my own routines, so business ownership felt like a natural space to eventually find myself in. For as long as I can remember, it was always a back burner idea for me, like “hey, why not start a business one day?”

Once I got serious about business ownership, I knew that my artistic aspirations would have to be a part of it. Sewing was just a pastime and hobby at first that slowly over time grew into something bigger. I remember about five years ago looking at all of the bags, pouches and quilts I’d made and realizing that this was the business I’d been thinking about all of this time. I finally had the vision for a product, a message and the desire to create it. Within a few months I had the beginnings of what would eventually become Nemo & Stitch!

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Nemo & Stitch Quilt Co is a small online business where I sell handmade quilts and sewn gifts that are high quality, durable and beautiful. I also take on a couple of commissions each month, ranging from travel makeup bags to quilts. I operate online most of the time through my website, Instagram and Tik Tok. Each item is pieced and sewn by me.

The handmade process is something that I deeply care about and find makes the difference in the quality, longevity, and sentiment of a handmade gift. Handmade quilts especially have such an important value. A quilt is a timely process of love and effort that brings to life something as functional as it is comforting. It is a gift that lasts for generations and providing that feels so special.

At first, Nemo & Stitch was primarily a bag and pouch business. I created bags as they were ordered using a large catalogue of fabric. I loved designing with the customer and offering the opportunity to customize. As I took on more custom orders, I found I loved being challenged by new possibilities and sewing techniques.

Now, Nemo & Stitch is focused primarily on quilts and custom orders. I have a collection of baby quilts available on my website made with vintage fabrics and more traditional designs and a small collection of bags for sale at Sun Market in Denver. I view each order as an opportunity to stretch my skills and explore. My quilts meld together traditional, familiar patterns with modern aesthetics. I am constantly inspired by quilt pattern designers and will make a few newly designed quilts each year.

The name of my business was inspired by my cat, Nemo!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I would take them to a local coffee shop first; Denver has so many amazing options! Torpedo Coffee and Pablo’s are two of my favorites. Then, we’d spend some time at the Botanic Gardens. I love exploring in the tropical conservatory, especially during the wintertime. I’d also want to take them into the mountains to Beau Jo’s and the Soap Shop in Idaho Springs.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I am so very thankful for my family and partner, and I want to dedicate this shoutout to them. You guys are so loving and kind and giving. Whether it’s chatting over coffee or helping me with my business, you always come through and it means a lot. I feel so lucky to be close and to spend so much time together. You guys motivate me more than you know.

To my Grandma Jean, I miss you every day. Your art is some of the most beautiful I’ve ever seen and I’m so lucky to have been taught by you. I feel like we get to meet again every time I am creating at the sewing machine.

To Marianne, thank you for your love and support over these years. I have so much to thank you for. Please google her and read her wonderful creative non-fiction, she is a weaver of words and such an inspiration. My favorite work of hers so far is called “Rupture,” published in Seventh Wave Magazine.

Website: nemoandstitch.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nemostitchquilts/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nemostitchquilts

Other: Tik Tok: @nemostitchquiltco

Image Credits
Althea Greer