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