Meet the Team

Heather

Modern Quilter & Pattern Designer

Hi! I’m Heather Akerberg (a.k.a. Glad Hand Sews), a pattern designer, ribbon-winning modern quilter and member of the Omaha Modern Quilt Guild.

Besides quilting, my favorite things include my pets (lots of pets!), Korean food, chocolate and learning about the creative process (art, architecture, typography design, you name it).

Notable Accomplishments:

Multitudes, Honorable Mention, QuiltFest Greenville, 2024
Color Connection, 1st Place Innovative, QuiltFest New England 2022
Color Connection, 1st Place Modern, Minnesota Quilters Show 2022
Color Connection, Best Sewing Machine Craftsmanship, QuiltFest Greensville 2022
Follow Your Path, quilt pattern featured in McCall’s Quilting, May/June 2022
Aster, 2nd Place - 2021 QuiltCon Fabric Challenge

Shelly

Sister a.k.a. “Studio Manager”

Even though she's only paid in appreciation and snacks, my sister Shelly is an indispensable member of my quilt team. She is my sounding board, my creative pal, the person who encourages me to keep going and who gives me honest feedback. I’m grateful for her input which, often, pushes me in new and unexpected directions.

Moira

Chief Quilting Assistant (CQA)

Self-appointed quilt inspector and all-around quilty sidekick, Moira came into my life in October 2020. She showed up at my backdoor when she was about 4 weeks old. She quickly made her way into my heart and my sewing space. If I'm sewing, you'll find Moira on my sewing table "helping" me.

(Lint rollers be damned.)