Jude Smock deploys just five simple words to explain her passion for sewing and for life: “I love what I do.”

“I am a very creative person and I love people,” said the entrepreneurial and creative force behind Just Jude’s Creations, 819 Derby St. “I spend a lot of time trying to figure out what people need in their life to make them happy and successful with sewing.”

Just Jude’s Creations calls itself a place “Where Quilters Become Long-Lasting Friends.” It is a friendly and creative haven for enthusiasts of all skill levels. Hundreds of bolts of colorful fabrics of all kinds and patterns line the walls, along with sewing and embroidery supplies and sewing kits. A granddaughter’s colorful mural embellishes one wall.

The 2,800 sq. ft. building on Derby — Jude’s third location in Pekin going back to 1980 — includes a room dedicated to nursery quilts and baby items, a spacious classroom, and a “whatever room” that can be rented for meetings or for groups that want to spend time sewing together.

Jude’s passion for sewing is rooted in her childhood in White Hall, IL, where her seamstress mother taught young ladies to do “piece work” sewing for a New York clothier. She said her mother was “quite professional” and found innovative ways to improve the efficiency of the sewing operation.

“I learned techniques from my mother that you still won’t find in any books,” said Jude. “I try to teach others everything I know to make their venture through sewing easier and the results more professional looking.”

Pekin has been Jude’s home since 1969, when she and her husband, Dan, moved here after Dan served in Vietnam and got a job at Caterpillar. They met at North Green Community High School and married when Jude was 17. At that time, a married woman was not allowed to attend high school classes, so she finished her diploma outside of the classroom, turning in her assignments directly to her teachers.

The Smocks raised two sons in their 48 years of marriage. One is the superintendent of a nearby school district, and the other works in the aerospace industry in Rockford. There are five grandchildren who have all received quilts from Grandma reflecting their interests and personalities. Dan passed away in 2015.

“We loved each other and loved living in Pekin and raising our children here,” Jude said. “He was the most wonderful person I have ever known, always ready to help others.”

Before sewing, Jude traveled around the country teaching machine knitting. She created more than 500 knitting patterns that customers can still incorporate into their projects. She has also taught machine quilting in Springfield, Peoria, Jacksonville, Galesburg, and other locations.

Jude’s positive attitude and outgoing personality have both contributed greatly to her success in business and as a teacher. She believes her faith is also a key, especially in finding and purchasing her current location.

She said she had made the decision to move from her previous shop on Fourth Street, but hadn’t thought much about a new storefront. Although she rarely drove down Derby Street, something told her to take that route home one day. There she saw a real estate sign at 819 Derby. By the end of the day, her offer for the property had been accepted.

“The Lord works in mysterious ways,” Jude said. “When you’re a believer and a constant Christian, he works things out for you.”

At 74, Jude shows no signs of slowing down or retiring. “I will continue to teach the world to sew until I can’t do it anymore.”

She is reflective when speaking of her long career and leadership in the area business community.

“It’s not all about making money,” Jude said. “It’s about getting someone involved in something they love and helping them get the opportunity to do it. I think that’s how you should live your life.”