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About Jess

Hello!

My name is Jess.  I'm a software engineer by morning, day, and very late at night.  Bag and quilt maker every other second of the day. I'm a proud military brat, Mama to a heard of critters, and wife to the very best friend I could imagine.

What is OklaRoots?

I spent the most pivotal years of my life in the beautiful state of Oklahoma. It was an unexpected place to move when I was 14 years old, and a hard place to leave when I was 33.  I graduated college and graduate school there. I met my husband and we started a family as Okies. It was a place I was truly laying down some roots, which was a big deal for this move-every-4-years girl.  And even though the call of the ocean won out, I still consider my roots to be in Oklahoma.

Currently, I am living in northeast Florida and LOVING the environment. The culture is diverse and immersive, the weather allows 365 days outside fun, and the location is unbeatable. 

Time To Pivot

Shortly after starting OklaRoots on Instagram I started drafting and listing quilt patterns for sale. While I love the quilt patterns I wrote, they weren't speaking to my audience. Failing at sales is one thing, but not having the ability to inspire others with your design is a whole other level of heartbreak.  I'm sure they'll have their season with a large audience, but selling is not my strong suit.  Education, however, is something I have much more experience with. 

So the OklaRoots YouTube channel came to be! Not only do I get to share what I've learned, I also get to share simple patterns of my own design with all of you! And we have the opportunity to explore so many things. Quilts, bags, crafts, DIY..... we cover it all together! 

Lights... Camera...

The OklaRoots YouTube channel is a place where I show how to make some of my favorite things. These may be my own patterns or some from my favorite designers. Note: I do ask permission from the pattern writer to demonstrate their design, and not everyone approves. I'll keep a running list of the folks I can film for below. The channel also includes unboxings, non-sewing tutorials, and everything else that sounds like something we should all enjoy together. 

I Love Letters!

If you would like to send me a letter I would LOVE that! Below is my mailing address: 

Jess OklaRoots

PO Box 2071

Ponte Vedre Beach, FL 32004

Approved Filming Tutorials

Bag Designers:

Swoon

Bagstock Designs

Emmaline Bags 

Sewn Ideas

More Me Know

Kandou Crafts

Spencer Ogg Patterns

Noodlehead

Linds Handmade

Country Cow Designs

Justyna T Handmade 

I Think Sew 

Sallie Tomato

By Annie

Tobi Stylx

Simple Artful Stuff

Needle And Anchor Supply Co

Miss Freckles Designs

Sew Your Patterns

Hold It Right There Patterns

Diamonds and Coal

 

Embroidery Designers

Crashing Waves Embroidery

OHana Applique Embroidery

Rosebarn Embroidery

Sew Inspired By Bonnie

Creations By Connie

Off With Their Threads

Kimberbell

Hooked On Applique



Happy Sewing!

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Recent Posts

  • The Bag Maker’s Companion – An All New Sewing Book!
  • 2025 ByAnnie SewPINK Blog Hop – Making The Zip It Up 2.0
  • 2026 OklaCruise!
  • January 2025 Livestream
  • 2024 ByAnnie #SewPink Breast Cancer Awareness

Instagram

oklaroots

Comment BAG BOOK and I’ll message you where you ca Comment BAG BOOK and I’ll message you where you can find my book! Coming out April of 2027 😍

Thank you so much @countrymanpress @w.w.norton for allowing me to do this!! It’s the most special moment of my career ❤️

#oklarootstuts #sewingbook #sewing #newbook #handmade
The 2026 Summer Mega Box is here!!! This box is P The 2026 Summer Mega Box is here!!!

This box is PACKED with goodies! Tons of material, hardware and notions, as all as all kinds of extra goodies. 

The featured pattern for this back is the Andy Backpack from @uhohcreations and this is one of my favorite patterns of all time. This bag is great for schools, college, work, travel, slumber parties… you name it! It has the most clever pockets and that come together in the coolest way. It’s a more intermediate make, but I believe a confident beginner would also enjoy it. Just take your time!

I’ve also included my latest Passport Pouch pattern with this box. You should have an email with the coupon code to snag it completely free, AND the templates are included in the box 🥰. 

There are two versions that were available: the bold and the neutral. Both truly live up to their name. The bold is bright and vibrant, with special prints designed by Gabbi at @wondergroundfabrics . The neutral is truly neutral and great for ANYONE. 

My video tutorial for the Passport Pouch will be available on July 20th and the tutorial for the Andy Backpack will be out on July 27th. 

I hope you love this!!

#oklarootstuts #bagmakingbeesclub #uhohcreations #bagpack
We’re turning a crossbody into a backpack this wee We’re turning a crossbody into a backpack this week, using a tshirt! Ok, that’s a mouthful. But in today’s add-on tutorial I’m sharing how I twisted and converted the Mila Monster into a backpack, based off inspiration from one of you! All measurements and adjustments are listed in the description of the video. 

I hope you enjoy the hack 🥰 Comment MILA and I’ll message you a link to the video ❤️

#oklarootstuts #backpack #patternhack #sewing
Posted today: a mini tut! In the most recent Okl Posted today: a mini tut! 

In the most recent OklaRoots YouTube video I’m showing you how I prepare a tshirt to be used in a bag pattern. It’s simple, straightforward and easy. 

I now have a huge bin of tshirts waiting to be made into a bag! Enjoy!

#oklarootstuts #repurpose #tshirt #handmade #sewing
This week we’re making a larger version of one of This week we’re making a larger version of one of the most popular sling patterns out there! Today’s tutorial is for the Fielder Sling by @kandoucrafts . 

I know I know, I keep talking about travel bags. I promise I’ll move on after this! But honestly, if you’re going to a crowded area, this bag is perfect to keep all your personals safe. It has multiple front pockets, lays flat against the body and has the coolest curved pocket on the back. And it’s a quick make!

If you want to make the small version of this bag check out the Mini Travel Sling from Kandou Patterns! 

Have a great week everyone ❤️❤️
#oklarootstuts #sewing #sling #kandoupatterns
We need your London and Edinburgh shopping suggest We need your London and Edinburgh shopping suggestions! Please and Thank You ☺️ #travel #sewing
Need a quick break from the summer chaos? A lil mi Need a quick break from the summer chaos? A lil mini retreat in your sewing room? I got you 😘

This week we’re whipping up the Sun Spec Duo from @sewnideaspatterns and it’s one of those patterns you could make a DOZEN of in a day! Super scrap friendly, great for beginners, and one of the most useful gifts you could give.

This cutie can easily hold two pairs of glasses, preventing any scratching, and even has a third pocket for extras! So smart!

Have fun making this!

#oklarootstuts #sewnideas #glassesholder #summercraft #sewing
Happy Father’s Day to our most favorite person in Happy Father’s Day to our most favorite person in the whole world 😘 You take care of all of us (and Babi) all day every day without hesitation or complaint. We’re so very very lucky to have you! We love you so much Derek!
(This is also the person who takes every single OklaRoots order to the post office… every day ❤️)
The last of the cotton woven destash and it’s all The last of the cotton woven destash and it’s all CUSTOM FABRIC GROUPS 😱 Some of these prints are impossible to find anymore. And as much as I really love all of them, I just don’t use them enough. Time to stop hoarding and pass them along to someone else who will actually make something. 

These bundles (we call them the Cotton Woven Mystery Scrap Pack on @shopoklaroots ) will be added to Shop OklaRoots dot com today! Each bundle is completely random, but we did make sure to give a good distribution of themes. 

Enjoy!
Follow on Instagram

Recent Posts

  • The Bag Maker’s Companion – An All New Sewing Book!
  • 2025 ByAnnie SewPINK Blog Hop – Making The Zip It Up 2.0
  • 2026 OklaCruise!
  • January 2025 Livestream
  • 2024 ByAnnie #SewPink Breast Cancer Awareness

Instagram

oklaroots

Comment BAG BOOK and I’ll message you where you ca Comment BAG BOOK and I’ll message you where you can find my book! Coming out April of 2027 😍

Thank you so much @countrymanpress @w.w.norton for allowing me to do this!! It’s the most special moment of my career ❤️

#oklarootstuts #sewingbook #sewing #newbook #handmade
The 2026 Summer Mega Box is here!!! This box is P The 2026 Summer Mega Box is here!!!

This box is PACKED with goodies! Tons of material, hardware and notions, as all as all kinds of extra goodies. 

The featured pattern for this back is the Andy Backpack from @uhohcreations and this is one of my favorite patterns of all time. This bag is great for schools, college, work, travel, slumber parties… you name it! It has the most clever pockets and that come together in the coolest way. It’s a more intermediate make, but I believe a confident beginner would also enjoy it. Just take your time!

I’ve also included my latest Passport Pouch pattern with this box. You should have an email with the coupon code to snag it completely free, AND the templates are included in the box 🥰. 

There are two versions that were available: the bold and the neutral. Both truly live up to their name. The bold is bright and vibrant, with special prints designed by Gabbi at @wondergroundfabrics . The neutral is truly neutral and great for ANYONE. 

My video tutorial for the Passport Pouch will be available on July 20th and the tutorial for the Andy Backpack will be out on July 27th. 

I hope you love this!!

#oklarootstuts #bagmakingbeesclub #uhohcreations #bagpack
We’re turning a crossbody into a backpack this wee We’re turning a crossbody into a backpack this week, using a tshirt! Ok, that’s a mouthful. But in today’s add-on tutorial I’m sharing how I twisted and converted the Mila Monster into a backpack, based off inspiration from one of you! All measurements and adjustments are listed in the description of the video. 

I hope you enjoy the hack 🥰 Comment MILA and I’ll message you a link to the video ❤️

#oklarootstuts #backpack #patternhack #sewing
Posted today: a mini tut! In the most recent Okl Posted today: a mini tut! 

In the most recent OklaRoots YouTube video I’m showing you how I prepare a tshirt to be used in a bag pattern. It’s simple, straightforward and easy. 

I now have a huge bin of tshirts waiting to be made into a bag! Enjoy!

#oklarootstuts #repurpose #tshirt #handmade #sewing
This week we’re making a larger version of one of This week we’re making a larger version of one of the most popular sling patterns out there! Today’s tutorial is for the Fielder Sling by @kandoucrafts . 

I know I know, I keep talking about travel bags. I promise I’ll move on after this! But honestly, if you’re going to a crowded area, this bag is perfect to keep all your personals safe. It has multiple front pockets, lays flat against the body and has the coolest curved pocket on the back. And it’s a quick make!

If you want to make the small version of this bag check out the Mini Travel Sling from Kandou Patterns! 

Have a great week everyone ❤️❤️
#oklarootstuts #sewing #sling #kandoupatterns
We need your London and Edinburgh shopping suggest We need your London and Edinburgh shopping suggestions! Please and Thank You ☺️ #travel #sewing
Need a quick break from the summer chaos? A lil mi Need a quick break from the summer chaos? A lil mini retreat in your sewing room? I got you 😘

This week we’re whipping up the Sun Spec Duo from @sewnideaspatterns and it’s one of those patterns you could make a DOZEN of in a day! Super scrap friendly, great for beginners, and one of the most useful gifts you could give.

This cutie can easily hold two pairs of glasses, preventing any scratching, and even has a third pocket for extras! So smart!

Have fun making this!

#oklarootstuts #sewnideas #glassesholder #summercraft #sewing
Happy Father’s Day to our most favorite person in Happy Father’s Day to our most favorite person in the whole world 😘 You take care of all of us (and Babi) all day every day without hesitation or complaint. We’re so very very lucky to have you! We love you so much Derek!
(This is also the person who takes every single OklaRoots order to the post office… every day ❤️)
The last of the cotton woven destash and it’s all The last of the cotton woven destash and it’s all CUSTOM FABRIC GROUPS 😱 Some of these prints are impossible to find anymore. And as much as I really love all of them, I just don’t use them enough. Time to stop hoarding and pass them along to someone else who will actually make something. 

These bundles (we call them the Cotton Woven Mystery Scrap Pack on @shopoklaroots ) will be added to Shop OklaRoots dot com today! Each bundle is completely random, but we did make sure to give a good distribution of themes. 

Enjoy!
Follow on Instagram

Recent Posts

  • The Bag Maker’s Companion – An All New Sewing Book!
  • 2025 ByAnnie SewPINK Blog Hop – Making The Zip It Up 2.0
  • 2026 OklaCruise!
  • January 2025 Livestream
  • 2024 ByAnnie #SewPink Breast Cancer Awareness

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