Creative Outlet Spotlight: Lindsey Jeter
at SV Design whose thoughtful, detail-oriented work has contributed to a range of commercial and mixed-use projects in Nashville, including Clarksville Pike, Silo Studios, and Concept Technology. Beyond her role at SV Design, Lindsey spends her time sewing, quilting, and diving into DIY projects. A true hobbyist with the inherited “how hard could it be?” mindset, she’s always looking for ways to problem-solve creatively and put things together from the ground up. In the third edition of SV Design’s Creative Outlet Spotlight, we’ll explore Lindsey’s passion for hands-on creativity inspired by generations of makers in her family. Get a closer look at how her approach to design is shaped by the same curiosity and craftsmanship that drive her life outside of work.
Q: WE KNOW LINDSEY AT WORK, BUT WHO IS LINDSEY OUTSIDE THE OFFICE?
My husband, Vincent, and I got married in 2021. We have a dog named Piper, who is basically our child and the mediator in our arguments. We enjoy traveling and spending time with friends and family. Travel provides so much inspiration for design, crafts, and my other creative outlets.
Q: HOW DID YOU FIRST GET INTO CRAFTING?
I come from a family full of crafters. My dad is a jack of all trades and can make anything, from woodworking to quilting, so I definitely inherited the ‘how hard could it be’ gene. He taught me a love for figuring out how things are put together and visualizing something before it’s implemented. We speak the same ‘design’ language when we do projects together, and I think that’s why I enjoy the process of creating so much. I like figuring out how all the pieces fit together. I spent my childhood doing any craft I could get my hands on (drawing, clay, jewelry making, etc.). My grandmother used to make suits for my dad and grandfather, and she is the one who taught me how to sew. I got into quilting through her, and I think it’s a great place to start learning. I tend to prefer crafts and hobbies with parameters and restrictions because they feel less overwhelming when you have a starting point. It also forces you to think outside the box to use materials in a new way. Staring at a blank page is daunting, but finding a fabric that I love and want to use gives me a launching point to create. I like taking a classic pattern and using color and textures to make something different. I find it very similar to interior design in that way. There are codes, clearances, and existing conditions, and you have to use all of that to find a creative solution for a great design.
Q: WHAT KIND OF SEWING PROJECTS DO YOU WORK ON?
Most of my projects are quilts, and I take a lot of inspiration from the ones that have been passed down to me. I even have quilt blocks from my great-grandmother that I’m finishing into a full quilt. Beyond quilting, I’ve made dolls for friends’ kids, hot water bottle covers, pot holders, and pillow covers. This year, I want to explore making clothes, starting with a quilted robe that sounds perfect for next winter!
Q: TELL ME ABOUT YOUR QUILTING…
My favorite way to quilt is piecing the top together by machine and hand-quilting the rest. It’s a creative, low-stakes way to unwind in the evenings while Vincent and I watch a movie. Hand-quilting keeps me from spending too much time at my machine, which can get tedious. Right now, I’m hand-quilting a throw for myself, piecing a quilt top for Vincent, and slowly finishing the blocks from my great-grandmother as inspiration strikes.
Q: ARE THERE ANY HOBBIES OR CRAFTS YOU FIND YOURSELF PICKING UP MORE DURING CERTAIN TIMES OF THE YEAR?
I love switching up my projects to keep things interesting. In the winter, Vincent and I do puzzles and Legos, and I always have a book nearby. I also love DIY projects, from painting furniture to designing lamps. The ‘how hard could it be’ gene always kicks in, so this summer I’m planning to paint our kitchen cabinets and start a small container garden. Basically, I’m trying to live in a Nancy Meyers movie!
