About Katie Jo

Katie Jo embarked on her professional journey in education, equipped with a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and a Masters degree in Education. Over the span of 21 years, she attained National Certification and dedicated herself to teaching grades 3-6 in both Kansas and Iowa.

In 1998, tragedy struck when her mother-in-law, Carol, fell victim to a drunk driver. Turning grief into solace, Katie Jo transformed Carol’s clothing into quilts and teddy bears, cherishing the memories they held. Recognizing the profound comfort these items provided, she extended her craft to offer solace to others facing loss.

Through quilting, Katie Jo unearthed a lifelong passion leading her to establish Katie Jo Quilts & Essentials. She infuses the empathy and patience cultivated in the classroom into her business. Katie Jo's website and Facebook page showcase her array of kitchen essentials, sentimental stitches, quilting, and longarm services.

Her clients attest to her talent for empathetic listening, guiding them through their quilting needs with grace and sensitivity. Whether it's crafting intricate longarm quilts or preserving cherished memories through sentimental stitches, Katie Jo's dedication knows no bounds.

During the challenges of the Covid era, Katie Jo pivoted to crafting face masks. She eventually expanded her business to include kitchen essentials. Today, she can be found at various craft and vendor markets in the region, eager to connect with her clients.

Katie Jo lives in Ely, IA with her husband David and is the proud mom of her two adult sons. Outside of her professional endeavors, she relishes spending time with family and pets, indulging in crocheting, exploring the outdoors, and actively engaging in community volunteering.