Military Mom Finds Business Niche Sewing Custom Quilts, Clothes

DEARBORN — Ever since she was a young girl, Maureen VanHooser loved making handmade gifts for family and friends.

"There is comfort in the comforting of others," she said. "I like seeing the smiles when I make something special for someone."

VanHooser learned the art of crocheting and embroidering from her grandmother and honed her skills while traveling the world as a military wife, making gifts for nieces and nephews.

After moving back to Michigan in 1988 and recently retiring from an electrical engineering firm in the Detroit area, VanHooser decided to sell some of her jewelry and invest in a sewing machine. She has spent the past year making and selling items online through her website, Fibers by Maureen, on Etsy.com.

"Throughout the years, friends have encouraged me to create an LLC and sell my items," she explained. "Through Etsy, I have the best of both worlds. I don't have to travel to craft shows, and I can make items out of my home at my leisure."

VanHooser said the venture has brought moderate success, with clients ordering custom quilts, pillowcases, aprons and doll clothing, among other items.

"Everything I sell has a story behind it," she said.

For example, a baby quilt available with custom embroidery was inspired by a friend, whose son was injured in the military. The son didn't think he would walk again, but currently serves as a firefighter.

"His wife lost her baby, and I wanted to make something special to help the healing," VanHooser said.

Another of VanHooser's friends worked in the food service industry and was known as a "superwoman" by colleagues. The expression stuck, and it inspired VanHooser to create the "Superwoman" apron, featuring patterns of various DC comic book characters.

She is currently working on a custom baby quilt with cherry blossoms for a woman from China who commissioned the design hoping it would help with her fertility.

"I'm not afraid to try anything," she said. "The ideas are limitless. If I think there is a market for something, or if I think I can sell to a particular niche group, I will make it."

Since joining Etsy in October 2012, VanHooser said she has sold roughly $550 in products.

"The pace is manageable for me," she said. "I don't want the orders to get to the point where I can't keep up."

And while everything on the site is handmade, she said she is also mindful of the economy and tries to price items fairly.

"I try to use a formula where I can make something that is high quality but not too costly," she said. "When I've been given something that was handmade, I understand the time and patience that went into creating it. If I can make something for someone else, and they understand the value of the work, then I am happy.

Each gift even comes wrapped in tissue paper with a handwritten 'thank you' note.

"I like to think about what I would expect if I were receiving a package," she said. "For me its about giving pleasure and enjoying what I do."

VanHooser said she plans to change out the available items on her site to match the seasons, so many of her summer products will not be available beginning in September.

"I tell people if you see something you like, order it now before it's too late," she laughed.

For more information, visit Fibers by Maureen.