We have to be able to grow up. Our wrinkles are our medals of the passage of life. They are what we have been through and who we want to be.
Lauren Hutton
When Stitch at the Old Mill opened in Whitefield, NH on Wednesday, June 4, 2008, I was scared to death! I had about 400 bolts of fabric, some pins, thread, and rotary cutters and rulers, 50 patterns, 20 books, 4 bookcases, a cutting table and fabric rack that John had built for me out of scrap lumber and about 300 square feet down one side of Sue’s Gallery. The day before I opened, I was teaching myself how to cut fabric! I knew about 20 people from the Coos Quilters Guild. They were the only quilters I knew! My main group of friends were Margaret, Wanda, Darlene, and Roxie from my church. Having grown up in Myra’s house, Roxie knew how to quilt. The rest of us didn’t.
Fast forward five years. The shop is in a beautiful space in Littleton, NH. I’m still scared. Someone told me that small business owners sleep like babies – 4 hours at a time and they wake up crying! Sometimes that’s true. But now I have over 1000 bolts of fabric, a whole wall full of notions, about 500 books and 1200 patterns, 30 bookcases and assorted other fixtures. I still use the cutting table John built me, the homemade rack is in the backroom. I have a backroom! And an office, and a dedicated classroom, and our own bathroom. – about 10,000 square feet. I have two employees, a host of talented teachers, and many, many friends. Margaret, Wanda, Darlene and I have all learned to quilt. Margaret and Wanda are quilters, Darlene makes quilts when she needs a window display. I’m still pretty much a wannabe, but I can figure out how much fabric you will need for your borders, backing and binding as well as cut it. You’re still on your own for sashing. I’ve come a long way, baby!
But so have you! We have had so many classes and "Social Club" activities during the last five years that I am amazed!
How many of you have been to Charm School? Strip Club? One of our retreats? All four of our retreats? So far we've been to Paris, Ireland, Australia and India! 2014 is an African Safari.
How many of you have been to Charm School? Strip Club? One of our retreats? All four of our retreats? So far we've been to Paris, Ireland, Australia and India! 2014 is an African Safari.
Our first class at Stitch was a Little Charmer II table runner. Terry Flaherty taught it. The only one I know for sure who took the class is Joan deVillafane. The table runner is made from charms and she wanted to make it to match her dining room, so I had my first experience at selecting fabrics for someone else. I bought three new bolts of blue fabric and one of pink so that I could cut four charm squares for Joan’s runner!
Many of you have attended the 1800’s Ladies Club, Handwork Club, Apparel Club, Breakfast Club, and the International Mystery series.
Many of you have attended the 1800’s Ladies Club, Handwork Club, Apparel Club, Breakfast Club, and the International Mystery series.
Some of you learned to quilt in one of our 1st Quilt Classes How many have attended Quilter’s Academy? Machine Quilting?
We’ve had more than 50 Show and Tells, our own Olympics, and two Jelly Roll races.
Did anyone come to our Beach Party? Remember Marna in her yellow polka dot bikini?
Has anyone participated in 5th Saturday Challenge? Did you come to Henpecked Quilt Camp? Made the Holiday Sparkler or the “Money Tree”?
Ever taken any other of our classes at Stitch?
See you’ve come a long way, too! I have lots of great memories of Stitch, but my very favorite thing about the last 5 years is that together we have built a community of creative women who love and support each other in sewing and quilting, but also in the ups and downs of every day life. I love each and every one of you. Thank you for coming to my party!
Ever taken any other of our classes at Stitch?
See you’ve come a long way, too! I have lots of great memories of Stitch, but my very favorite thing about the last 5 years is that together we have built a community of creative women who love and support each other in sewing and quilting, but also in the ups and downs of every day life. I love each and every one of you. Thank you for coming to my party!
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