Quilting, an age-old pursuit, persists as a thriving art form by embracing the benefits of computer technology.
Proof was evident at the celebration of the 25th anniversary of Thimbles and Things in Severn Township on Sept. 28.
The walls of the spacious shop at 1282 Brodie Dr. were festooned with colourful quilts, some traditional and some abstract in design. Customers old and new came in to be inspired and congratulate owner Paula Trecartin.
"I always say if someone leaves my store uninspired, I’m not doing my job,” said Trecartin, who purchased the business from its founder, Sue Polera, in 2022.
Sandy McFadden, of Ramara Township, has been a customer since the store opened in 1999.
“I was one of Sue’s first clients. I made my first quilt at Thimbles and Things and I got hooked,” she said.
McFadden went on to buy three long-arm machines and ran a sewing business for approximately 20 years. Now retired, she still quilts and does top-stitching for friends.
Long-arm sewing machines are large and driven by computers. They are a labour-saving device for quilters, stitching together the top, batting and bottom, while allowing quilters to maintain full creative control of the top.
Quilting got a boost during the COVID-19 pandemic when more people took up the home craft. Polera pivoted to offering online classes and they were busier than ever.
Today, classes are offered both in the shop and online for people that can't get into the store.
Social media has brought quilting to the attention of young people, who view reels on YouTube, Instagram and other social media platforms and then get involved, Trecartin said.
Trecartin spent months working on a new website this year. Online and in-person classes are listed under their own tabs. Everything for sale is pictured including fabrics and patterns. Thimbles and Things also ships fabric and supplies all over Canada and into the United States.
There's more technology in the fabrics, too, as the range available today is "extraordinary" and there's hundreds of patterns and kits with everything makers need to create a quilt.
Quilters are a dedicated bunch.
Polera started the business in her garage in north Severn and wondered if anyone would find her.
"I was 10 minutes out of town, down a road that goes nowhere and people came," she said.
The business grew and when Polera found the Brodie Drive location, with lots of parking and interior space, she grabbed it.
"Quilting is one of those destination places. Quilters will drive anywhere to go to a quilt shop," said Polera.
Trecartin agreed, saying some customers drive from two to three hours to visit the shop. She purchased the business from Polera because, "It's my happy place."
"When you are quilting, it’s just you and your sewing machine. It’s the most therapeutic and rewarding hobby you can have,” she said.
Quilts are complex. Creators pour their heart, joy, pain, history and even symbolic messages into the fabric designs.
Quilts played a role in the Underground Railway when people escaped slavery into the northern United States and Canada. Houses would hang quilts in the window.
"If a quilt had a red square at the centre, it was a symbol that the building was a safe house," said Trecartin.
Quilters are devoted to their art.
Kathy Cray, Paula's mother, was working during the anniversary celebration. Decades ago, she worked at Evelyn's Dry Goods store in downtown Orillia.
"I often had to pay (the owner) as I spent more on fabric than I made," she joked.
Polera, who sold the store almost three years ago, still works in the shop and teaches classes — something Trecartin embraces.
"She has years and years of experience and techniques, skills and tips. There’s just so much to learn.”
“Paula has been awesome to allow me to come in and offer my two cents,” said Polera. "I still love fabric. I love to quilt and I like to connect with the customers. They’ve been champions for us. It’s been nice to stay in touch with those people."
For more information, visit thimblesandthings.com. The store is open Tuesdays to Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
