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OklaRoots

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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

  • 2025 ByAnnie SewPINK Blog Hop – Making The Zip It Up 2.0
  • 2026 OklaCruise!
  • January 2025 Livestream
  • 2024 ByAnnie #SewPink Breast Cancer Awareness
  • Itty Bitty Boxy Bag Templates – How To Use

Instagram

oklaroots

Did you catch my big mistake in today’s tutorial? Did you catch my big mistake in today’s tutorial? 🤦‍♀️ I still can’t believe I did that, so embarrassing! But it happens to all of us at some point.

This month’s @bagmakingbeesclub Bee box is GORGEOUS! The calming bonded nylon and easy to work with waterproof canvas was the perfect combo for a relaxing make. And the Mountain Saddle Bag pattern from @emmalinebags is, of course, absolutely perfect. 

This pattern comes in two sizes and I’m featuring the Mini size. It’s a perfect every day bag and can be mixed and matched in so many ways. Make sure to check the tutorial for tips on piecing the gusset and adaptions for a removable strap 👍

Happy Monday everyone! 

#oklarootstuts #bagmakingbeesclub #bagmaker #sewing #handmade
A quick project to play with your quilt cotton scr A quick project to play with your quilt cotton scraps! You can use this method on ANY appliqué design. Just grab some decovil light remnants, pretty material, a fun design and stitch it on to your bag! Easy peasy 😊

Designs used are the following:
- Small Magic Maker Appliqué stitched on the Mini Wish Tote. Both available in @shopoklaroots 

#oklarootstuts #appliquè #bagmaking #sewing #scrappy
It’s happening… I’m entering my QUILTING ERA PART It’s happening… I’m entering my QUILTING ERA PART 2! Or maybe it’s part 3….

But we’re getting back to quilting, baby! Woo! 

This has been a topic of conversation in my DMs for over a year now, and I miss quilting with you all so much. We’re tip toeing back into it, so I’m trying some new-to-me techniques before we dive into the next quilt along. 

I’ve tried Foundation Paper Piecing a couple times, and completely failed at it. I don’t know why I just couldn’t wrap my head around this method. I’m still by no means an expert, but I made this adorable Hopeful Rabbit quilt block from Snuggle Puzzle Quilt Co and it actually turned out! This is so exciting!

Follow along in this week’s YouTube tutorial to see how it came together. And yes… I’m totally hooked. There will be more FPP to come!

#oklarootstuts #fpp #quilting #paperpiecing #bagmaking
Lil sneak peak of the MINI Wish Tote coming soon! Lil sneak peak of the MINI Wish Tote coming soon! Original pattern will be updated with cut list and pattern pieces, and acrylics templates will be available 🥰 

#oklarootstuts #handmade
Thank you so much @missouriquiltco for sending ove Thank you so much @missouriquiltco for sending over these cutting tools! I cannot wait to put them to use, and I LOVE the colors 💙

#oklarootstuts #missouristarquiltco #cutting #bagmaker  #msqcpartner msqcshowandtell
This bag is SO GORGEOUS! This was another one of This bag is SO GORGEOUS!

This was another one of this “Did I actually make that?!” moments, and I’m here for it!

The Tough Love Handbag from @sewnideaspatterns is soooooo chic, even a little bougie honestly. It’s a beautiful shape and great design, and the material combinations are endless. 

Have fun!

#oklarootstuts #sewnideas #handbag #handmade
There’s something about the end of winter that rea There’s something about the end of winter that really messes with my feelings. As I look toward spring I get this intense wave of inspiration and excitement, but also feel overwhelmed and lacking. I see artists and business owners showcasing their vibrant new projects. There’s so much color and soothing pastels and brilliant ideas, and I LOVE it but also feel like maybe I’m not keeping up. I fill this notebook with ideas for projects, but then get irritated that there’s no time to get them to fruition. 

And the thing is, I AM doing a lot. I know I am. I’m working tirelessly on my own projects that won’t be seen for weeks, months, or even a year. And I know when these projects can be shared, it will THEN look like I’m doing so much. 

So if you’re feeling similar, just know you’re not alone. Sometimes the work takes awhile to pay off. Sometimes the work is never seen, but still necessary. We all feel like maybe we should be doing a little more, from time to time. Be proud of what you’ve already accomplished. It’s significant.
The cutest tote bag pattern has been UPDATED! You The cutest tote bag pattern has been UPDATED! You know how much I love to write a solid, basic foundation bag pattern. And then continuously make updates to it, sometimes so many it evolves into a whole new design 😂 (lookin at you, Picnic Pouch). 

But my quirks are your gain! Because when I update and modify a design, all previous purchases of that pattern get the update for free 😱

This update to the Totes Cute Tote pattern includes instructions for modifying the handles and adding a lining. It’s a more professional look to a very simple bag. 

And I have ooooooone more idea for those handles 🤔  Stay tuned! 

#oklarootstuts #totebag #grocerytote #pattern #bagmaking
When you ask for more neutrals, just know, this is When you ask for more neutrals, just know, this is my neutral…

👍 This girl loves color! 👍

But I will do my best to incorporate more… less fun neutrals as well 😘.

#oklarootstuts #color #fabric #quilt
Follow on Instagram

Recent Posts

  • 2025 ByAnnie SewPINK Blog Hop – Making The Zip It Up 2.0
  • 2026 OklaCruise!
  • January 2025 Livestream
  • 2024 ByAnnie #SewPink Breast Cancer Awareness
  • Itty Bitty Boxy Bag Templates – How To Use

Instagram

oklaroots

Did you catch my big mistake in today’s tutorial? Did you catch my big mistake in today’s tutorial? 🤦‍♀️ I still can’t believe I did that, so embarrassing! But it happens to all of us at some point.

This month’s @bagmakingbeesclub Bee box is GORGEOUS! The calming bonded nylon and easy to work with waterproof canvas was the perfect combo for a relaxing make. And the Mountain Saddle Bag pattern from @emmalinebags is, of course, absolutely perfect. 

This pattern comes in two sizes and I’m featuring the Mini size. It’s a perfect every day bag and can be mixed and matched in so many ways. Make sure to check the tutorial for tips on piecing the gusset and adaptions for a removable strap 👍

Happy Monday everyone! 

#oklarootstuts #bagmakingbeesclub #bagmaker #sewing #handmade
A quick project to play with your quilt cotton scr A quick project to play with your quilt cotton scraps! You can use this method on ANY appliqué design. Just grab some decovil light remnants, pretty material, a fun design and stitch it on to your bag! Easy peasy 😊

Designs used are the following:
- Small Magic Maker Appliqué stitched on the Mini Wish Tote. Both available in @shopoklaroots 

#oklarootstuts #appliquè #bagmaking #sewing #scrappy
It’s happening… I’m entering my QUILTING ERA PART It’s happening… I’m entering my QUILTING ERA PART 2! Or maybe it’s part 3….

But we’re getting back to quilting, baby! Woo! 

This has been a topic of conversation in my DMs for over a year now, and I miss quilting with you all so much. We’re tip toeing back into it, so I’m trying some new-to-me techniques before we dive into the next quilt along. 

I’ve tried Foundation Paper Piecing a couple times, and completely failed at it. I don’t know why I just couldn’t wrap my head around this method. I’m still by no means an expert, but I made this adorable Hopeful Rabbit quilt block from Snuggle Puzzle Quilt Co and it actually turned out! This is so exciting!

Follow along in this week’s YouTube tutorial to see how it came together. And yes… I’m totally hooked. There will be more FPP to come!

#oklarootstuts #fpp #quilting #paperpiecing #bagmaking
Lil sneak peak of the MINI Wish Tote coming soon! Lil sneak peak of the MINI Wish Tote coming soon! Original pattern will be updated with cut list and pattern pieces, and acrylics templates will be available 🥰 

#oklarootstuts #handmade
Thank you so much @missouriquiltco for sending ove Thank you so much @missouriquiltco for sending over these cutting tools! I cannot wait to put them to use, and I LOVE the colors 💙

#oklarootstuts #missouristarquiltco #cutting #bagmaker  #msqcpartner msqcshowandtell
This bag is SO GORGEOUS! This was another one of This bag is SO GORGEOUS!

This was another one of this “Did I actually make that?!” moments, and I’m here for it!

The Tough Love Handbag from @sewnideaspatterns is soooooo chic, even a little bougie honestly. It’s a beautiful shape and great design, and the material combinations are endless. 

Have fun!

#oklarootstuts #sewnideas #handbag #handmade
There’s something about the end of winter that rea There’s something about the end of winter that really messes with my feelings. As I look toward spring I get this intense wave of inspiration and excitement, but also feel overwhelmed and lacking. I see artists and business owners showcasing their vibrant new projects. There’s so much color and soothing pastels and brilliant ideas, and I LOVE it but also feel like maybe I’m not keeping up. I fill this notebook with ideas for projects, but then get irritated that there’s no time to get them to fruition. 

And the thing is, I AM doing a lot. I know I am. I’m working tirelessly on my own projects that won’t be seen for weeks, months, or even a year. And I know when these projects can be shared, it will THEN look like I’m doing so much. 

So if you’re feeling similar, just know you’re not alone. Sometimes the work takes awhile to pay off. Sometimes the work is never seen, but still necessary. We all feel like maybe we should be doing a little more, from time to time. Be proud of what you’ve already accomplished. It’s significant.
The cutest tote bag pattern has been UPDATED! You The cutest tote bag pattern has been UPDATED! You know how much I love to write a solid, basic foundation bag pattern. And then continuously make updates to it, sometimes so many it evolves into a whole new design 😂 (lookin at you, Picnic Pouch). 

But my quirks are your gain! Because when I update and modify a design, all previous purchases of that pattern get the update for free 😱

This update to the Totes Cute Tote pattern includes instructions for modifying the handles and adding a lining. It’s a more professional look to a very simple bag. 

And I have ooooooone more idea for those handles 🤔  Stay tuned! 

#oklarootstuts #totebag #grocerytote #pattern #bagmaking
When you ask for more neutrals, just know, this is When you ask for more neutrals, just know, this is my neutral…

👍 This girl loves color! 👍

But I will do my best to incorporate more… less fun neutrals as well 😘.

#oklarootstuts #color #fabric #quilt
Follow on Instagram

Recent Posts

  • 2025 ByAnnie SewPINK Blog Hop – Making The Zip It Up 2.0
  • 2026 OklaCruise!
  • January 2025 Livestream
  • 2024 ByAnnie #SewPink Breast Cancer Awareness
  • Itty Bitty Boxy Bag Templates – How To Use

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