My wife is a quilter. Quilters are a special bunch, enamored by good selections of fabric, and will roam long distances to visit one they like, or one they've never been to before. With my wife, going with her to a quilt store is like bringing a child to a candy store. It's a pleasant feeling to see her so happy, and her excitement is infectious. We've been to many in Texas, and will probably venture to see more.
One of her favorites, and one we've been to many times, closes its doors at 3:00 pm today. The owners are retiring, and it appears nobody wants to take on the store. After forty years in business, I'm thinking many, like my wife, will miss it. Multiple generations of quilters were steady customers.
In a way, it was a landmark for quilters in the Houston area. The owners offered a huge selection of fabrics, and Charlie was an expert on the repair, and maintenance, of the Jenome sewing machines they sold. During the annual Quilt Festival, hoards of quilters would visit to wander through another shop, and take advantage of sales. Before we met, my wife would drive about 100 miles to visit.
So good bye "Painted Pony". Quilters will miss the store, and my wife has some melancholy due to losing a store she loved to visit over the last three decades.
As we 'age out', so do those familiar places...
ReplyDeleteAt one time, it looked like one of their children would take over the shop. They didn't, which I can understand. The quilting market has stiff competition from online shopping. That, and Houston has many other good shops.
DeleteQuilters are, indeed, special people. They appreciate craft, history
ReplyDeleteand tradition. Condolences to your wife on losing an important piece of her heart.
Each develops their own style, and some of the winners in the Quilt Festival introduce almost mind boggling detail in their quilting.
DeleteMy wife will miss the store, but the quest for others will lead to another store. We do have a very good shop nearby, but like any menu, variety is best.
Some quilters have amazing skills . . .
ReplyDeleteIt's a tedious task, and something I could never do.
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