Five years ago, Syracuse area teacher Renee Patterson never thought she would also own a small business. Now, she operates a mini tufting empire out of her basement called Tufty & Co.
Patterson had been a knitter for over 20 years, but had never heard of tufting until a couple years ago. As a lover of all fiber arts, she did some tufting research and decided to try it.
Using a tool called a tufting gun, Patterson creates intricate patterns and eclectic designs on a base material (usually fabric or mesh), attached to a large frame.
Inserting yarn in various directions, Patterson creates texture to form a hangable art piece that looks like a rug. She then alters the design by shearing (trimming the yarn to an even height) or dyeing the piece.
Patterson’s husband showed immediate support and built her a wooden tufting frame. Since then, Patterson hasn’t turned back.
She started posting her work on Instagram and received immediate, positive responses from the Syracuse art community.
“People who organize art markets were like, ‘There’s nothing like this anywhere,‘” said Patterson.
The success of Tufty & Co. pleasantly surprised Patterson.
“I’m an English teacher and a mom,” she said. “A lot of it has just been surreal to me.”
Stepping out of her comfort zone (once again), Patterson decided to try being a vendor in art markets.
She learned how to craft an entire market inventory. She tufted designs of hyper-realistic foods, like nostalgic strawberry candies and even Hinerwadel’s Famous Original Salt Potatoes.
During her first summer as a vendor, Patterson lined up five art markets. At each one, Patterson’s booth was mobbed with people in awe of her work.
“People were coming to me like, ‘I’ve been waiting so long for this market; I’m so excited to buy one of your pieces,‘” Patterson said.
Patterson still teaches full-time. She has taught ELA at Onondaga Central Schools since 2004.
Tufty & Co. is just getting started but for Patterson, her business goal has already been reached.
“My boys… my goal was for them to see me try something and give it my all,” she said.
Currently, Patterson’s work is carried at Manlius Supply Co. at 209 E. Seneca St. in Manlius. Customers can inquire about custom orders by emailing renee@tuftyco.com.
