Last week, Jillian took us behind the scenes of Nest in Progress and gave us insight into her process. Today, we’re digging a little deeper as we get to know the maker behind the dyed apparel brand. We can’t wait to share her story and brand with you today!
Hi Jillian! Thanks for sharing your story with us today! Can you please tell us a little bit about yourself?
Hi! I’m Jillian and I run Nest in Progress. I live in Frisco with my hubby, 2 kids and Thor, our rescue pup. By day I work as an HR Business Partner for a home repair and warranty company, and in the evenings and on weekends I am working on creative projects for my business! I create dyed apparel and art pieces that are one of a kind, colorful, comfortable and made with love in North Texas.
We love your one-of-a-kind apparel! This past year has been a tough one. Can you share something good that has come out of this time?
Seeing creativity flourish for so many during the last year has been really inspiring, as well as the surge of support for small businesses. We all saw how popular tie dye became last year as a new quarantine hobby. My pieces aren’t what you would consider traditional tie dye patterns, and I think of dyed pieces as another print you should have in your wardrobe at all times!
Amen! Dyed apparel is a colorful, fun staple. Tell us about Nest in Progress! What do you make and how long have you been doing it?
I started Nest in Progress in 2018, mostly as a creative outlet during a time when I was staying home with my kiddos. The name comes from the idea that we are always changing and evolving, always in progress.
I use an ice-dyeing process for the majority of my pieces, using ice to melt powdered dye onto fabric. The results are completely different each time, even when the same colors are used. That’s what I love about it! Each piece is unique and can never be duplicated exactly as before.
I also use natural dyes for some of my pieces, and my favorite is dyeing with avocados. When you simmer avocado pits it creates a dye bath that produces really beautiful peachy/pink tones!
What a fun fact! I never would have guessed that avocado pits create a peachy/pink dye. How has your work evolved over time?
When I started this business I was focusing on dyeing pieces for gifts and wall decor. Over the past year and a half, I jumped into dyeing casual apparel pieces like robes and caftans. It’s been really fun to experiment with new color combinations and materials during this time. Most of my apparel is made from soft lightweight rayon, perfect for the Texas heat.
Lightweight and colorful is the best combination! What is your favorite part of your job?
When someone purchases apparel or wall art from me and knows that it is unique and no one else will have the same piece. I love hearing that something I created will make the perfect gift for someone special (or that someone is treating themselves!)
You’re brightening days, homes, and wardrobes with your products. If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?
My parents met in the military and were stationed in Germany when I was born. I travelled all over Europe as an infant, but I’ve never been back! I would love to travel back to Germany one day and see where we lived and how it’s changed from all the photos my family has from that time.
That would be such a fun pilgrimage! I hope you’re able to make it back there someday soon. Thank you for sharing your story with us, Jillian. We’re so glad to have you as a maker at Mosaic Makers Collective!
Want to learn more about our makers or shop Nest in Progress? Check out these additional resources:
- Visit our shop in the Bishop Arts District
- Shop Nest in Progress online
- Meet more of our Mosaic Makers on the Blog