BlockButler was discovered by Janet deCarteret in 2001. When Janet retired she bought a new sewing machine and serger and resurrected an old love of sewing—and a new love of quilting. With little usable wall space, Janet found herself in need of some sort of design wall.

Quite by accident, she discovered a double-sided tacky-surfaced material that adhered to all kinds of surfaces. After beta testing it on her quilting friends and on various surfaces on condition, the BlockButler was born.

The business was officially launched on January 1, 2002. Since then the business has grown steadily and the BlockButler has been getting very positive responses from quilters, quilt shops, crafters, and teachers across the industry.

Janet, and her husband John, are both retired. Janet, a Registered Nurse and retired nursing professor taught senior nursing students and graduate students at the University of Washington. John retired as a Captain in the US Coast Guard. He then spent a few years in school studying to become a CPA. Now he serves as official "Bean Counter" for BlockButler, Inc.

Janet and John live in Bellevue, Washington. They are owned by and allowed to share quarters with their two rescued cats, Ollie and Bezoar (medical term for "hairball")