Sew & So...

Lynn Schmitt - Risk Taker, Rule Breaker - Living in the World of Why Not

Episode Summary

Join us for an energetic and inspiring conversation with Lynn Schmitt, the fearless owner of A Different Box of Crayons in Glen Ellyn, IL. Discover how her journey from commercial interior designer to pattern and quilt kit creator took unexpected twists. Learn how Lynn's bold approach to art and design has led her to embrace innovation and take risks in the world of quilting—proof that there's no limit to where creativity can take you.

Episode Notes

Lynn Schmitt’s journey began in Chicago, where she cultivated her love for art. After attending Bradley University as a Fine Arts major, she went on to graduate from the Chicago Academy of Fine Arts and Roosevelt University with a BFA in Interior Design. For 30 years, Lynn thrived as a commercial interior designer, contributing to high-profile projects like O’Hare Airport’s Delta Concourse (now Terminal 3), international endeavors in Kuwait and Egypt, and numerous commercial spaces across Chicago.

In 2005, while working at A Touch of Amish, a quilt shop in Barrington, IL, Lynn shifted gears. Her first quilt pattern was published in Fons & Porter’s magazine in 2006, and in 2010, she launched her own studio, A Different Box of Crayons. Lynn quickly became known for her fresh approach to quilting, blending unexpected fabrics and techniques to push the boundaries of traditional design. Her work has appeared in multiple quilt publications, and she’s contributed to several quilt books, including projects for Needl’love.

When Lynn isn’t designing, she enjoys an active lifestyle, embracing everything from knitting and kayaking to cross-country skiing with her husband, Gerry Gallagher. She’s also eager to dive back into her early love of painting through upcoming mixed media art classes. Today, she calls Glen Ellyn, IL home, where her creative spirit continues to inspire those around her.

Episode Highlights:

(2:27) Early Beginnings: Growing up in Chicago, Lynn discovered her love of sewing early on. She reflects on how taking risks from a young age laid the foundation for her future success.
(4:24) Interior Design to Quilting: Lynn shares stories from her career as an interior designer, including favorite projects in the corporate world and abroad. Listen as she describes a cheeky encounter where a newspaper purposely omitted her name from a major article!
(11:14) The Name Behind the Studio: Ever wondered about the inspiration behind A Different Box of Crayons? Lynn reveals how her mother used a box of crayons to calm her childhood exuberance.
(12:46) From Design to Retail: Hear why Lynn made the leap from commercial interior design to owning her own quilt shop. Plus, get the inside scoop on her 1890 farmhouse. Oh, if those walls could talk!
(19:34) Creating an Atmosphere: Visiting A Different Box of Crayons is like stepping into Lynn’s home—warm, inviting, and full of character. She shares her secret to creating this cozy atmosphere and explains why she humorously calls herself “the world’s worst retailer!”
(22:38) Planning a Visit? If you find yourself near Glen Ellyn, IL, don’t miss the chance to visit Lynn at 439 Pennsylvania Ave.
(22:50) Inside the Studio: Step into Lynn’s world of “eclectic textiles,” where fabrics are chosen to “dance” together in perfect harmony.
(27:45) No Boundaries: Lynn discusses her latest fabric combinations and how her fearless approach to mixing materials can work for any quilter. Listen to her fascinating take on Victorian-era “crazy quilts” and how they inspire her modern designs.
(31:09) Living Like a Leaf in the Wind: Lynn describes her life philosophy—being flexible, open to new ideas, and willing to let life take her where it will.
(33:22) The Best Part of Her Day: What does Lynn cherish most about her day-to-day life? There’s no one answer!
(34:24) What’s Next? From dreaming big to pondering her next creative endeavor, Lynn is always thinking ahead.
(37:02) The One Question: What question did Lynn wish we had asked? It’s all about her greatest joy—her family, which remains at the core of who she is.

Contact Information:
You can reach Lynn Schmitt through her website at www.adifferentboxofcrayons.com or email her directly at lynn@adifferentboxofcrayons.com. Be sure to let her know you heard her story on Sew & So!

Know someone with an inspiring story? Reach out to us at meg@sew&sewpodcast.com or submit your nomination on our website.

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