A look inside: Creative Country Quilting and Crafts

This week we have the pleasure of introducing Melva Bradfute, owner and operator of Creative Country Quilting and Crafts! All quilts are one of a kind, custom pieces, made individually for each customer, to suit their needs and wants. No quilt is too big, small, complex, basic, thick or thin. Creative Country Quilting and Crafts is here to provide a piece of fabric art that still retains its wholesome look and feel. Check out our interview below.

Building Bridges: Tell us a little bit about you, your family, and what you like to do for fun!

Melva Bradfute: I am fifty-four years old and married to my high school sweetheart.  He is my best friend!  I have two wonderful boys, and one wonderful daughter.  I have 6 grandbabies that I love dearly.  I was born in Port Author and moved to Conroe when I was 12.  My husband and myself have a weekend home in Sargent, Texas and we both love to saltwater fish.

Building Bridges: Why did you decide to open your business? 

Melva Bradfute:  After many years working in the “office environment”, I really wanted to try something different. Quilting is something that I really enjoy as a hobby and decided to give it a try and open my own business.

Building Bridges: When did Creative Country Quilting and Crafts officially open? 

Melva Bradfute: I officially opened my business in May of 2012. I am currently working on redesigning my website to make it more customer friendly, creating a gallery to showcase my work, and adding a section for customers to submit their requests for custom orders. 

Building Bridges: Do you take custom orders?

Melva Bradfute: Yes, I absolutely LOVE custom orders! Being able to help a customer design a quilt using their imagination and my creativity really turns my job into a fun activity, instead of just a job.

Building Bridges: What is your favorite part about owning your own business? 

Melva Bradfute:  Being able to make my own hours and still have time for my family and friends.

Building Bridges: Do you have a product that you prefer to design/create over others? 

Melva Bradfute: Yes, I love working with lap blankets.

Building Bridges: Do you have any advice for other crafters who would like to start selling their creations?

Melva Bradfute: I would highly recommend for entrepreneurs to do thorough research before moving forward with their business.

Building Bridges: We love to attend craft and vendor markets - do you?  What is your favorite part and do you ever find that you are nervous, beforehand?

 Melva Bradfute: Yes, I have attended several craft markets in my local area and I find them to be just a wonderful experience! Connecting with the other vendors is especially my favorite part. I find that being nervous before a show, simply comes with territory. There is so much to do and bring that I’m always trying to stay prepared and still enjoy myself. 

Building Bridges: Did you always see yourself becoming an entrepreneur?

Melva Bradfute: Yes, I did, actually!

Building Bridges: What is your most popular product on the market and why? 

Melva Bradfute: My lap blankets and baby blankets have been a big hit especially during the winter. I have had really wonderful experiences when I attend winter markets with my lap and baby blankets.

Building Bridges: Melva thank you so much for taking time away from your quilting machine to be able to chat with us for a bit. We hope you all check out Melva’s website! She can be reached via email at creativecountryquilting@gmail.com or phone at 936-697-1780 for custom orders. Thanks again and we look forward to seeing your new and improved Website and Facebook page!