Greetings, my name is Celeste Lowndes and I just retired from Wolfpack Outfitters, NC State Student Stores after 30 years. It was easy to plan for my retirement as my true passion in life has been sewing.
I started sewing at age 9 while being active in 4-H. Learning to sew my own clothing led to designing my wedding dress. My first real job was with a fabric store, which turned into a store manager for 6 years before I moved to NC.
My passion for sewing evolved, and I was inspired by my mother-in-law’s creativity as a weaver and an art quilter. In my free time, I taught myself art quilting and entered my work in quilting contests. People who know me were always asking what I was sewing. Through word of mouth, I took on quilting projects from various co-workers, friends and neighbors.
I’ve developed my quilting skills with each new idea, designing T-shirt quilts, necktie quilts, custom quilted pillows and small plush items. Eventually, my part-time hobby became something I wanted to spend more time pursuing. I purchased a long arm quilting machine–which is how the concept of “Sew What Celeste” came about.
My dream is to learn free-motion quilting on my long arm, to create my own designs on quilt tops and to continue making T-shirt quilts. If you have an idea, I will work closely with clients to customize their projects. I welcome projects of any size or complexity, I love taking on challenges.
Please enjoy this website which contains all past and current projects!
I believe every quilt tells a story and yours should be at the heart of it. I want every quilt I make to reflect your vision. You can be involved as much (or as little) as you’d like in the process. We can stay in contact throughout the entire project. Whether you want to pick fabrics, help arrange the layout, or simply share your ideas and let me bring them to life, I’ll make sure your quilt turns out exactly the way you imagined.
Turn your favorite shirts, jerseys, and memories into a cozy, meaningful quilt. Perfect for graduations, sports collections, or celebrating life’s journeys, T-shirt quilts are a beautiful way to preserve what matters most.
From classic patchwork to modern patterns, I create high-quality quilts designed for comfort, beauty, and everyday use. Whether you prefer bold colors or subtle tones, I work with your style to craft a quilt made just for you.
Art quilts combine texture, color, and creativity to transform fabric into visual expression. These unique pieces are perfect for wall displays, exhibitions, or anyone who wants a quilt that doubles as artwork.
Soft, sweet, and made to last baby quilts make the perfect newborn gift or keepsake. Each one is crafted with gentle materials and colors that bring warmth and comfort to any nursery.
Memorabilia quilts turn cherished items like baby clothes, uniforms, fabric keepsakes, and more into a meaningful heirloom. These quilts help preserve memories in a beautiful, lasting way.
Your words inspire me and help others see the heart behind Sew What Celeste. Hearing from my customers is one of the best parts of quilting. I love reading the stories of how my quilts have brought comfort, joy, and memories to your homes. Your kind words inspire me and help others see the care that go into every piece I make.
"I came to Celeste for help making a t-shirt quilt. Throughout high school, I had accumulated t-shirts, and now, as a college student, I wanted to turn these memories into something new. Celeste helped me so much in coming up with a fun, creative design for my shirts. In my quilt, I wanted an ombre mosaic design using the differing colors of my shirts. Celeste immediately understood my vision and was very communicative throughout the process, sending me pictures and regular updates. She also helped me design the layout, made the pattern interesting, and ensured the t-shirt designs and colors complemented each other. The backing fabric and batting are high-quality, and the finished quilt feels soft and flexible. The turnaround time for the quilt was very fast! I would highly recommend Celeste to anyone looking to preserve their t-shirts!" - Sarah Mitchell
All quilts shown on this website are examples of my past work and are not for sale.
Every quilt is custom and made on demand.