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Sew a Giant Chevron Quilt with Sew Sisters in Toronto, Canada.
How did you get started?
In 2000, I made an "I spy" quilt for my son that required almost 500 different pieces of fabric. I had to do a lot of shopping, trading and searching to amass the collection and when it was finished, I had both a lovely quilt and a massive amount of leftovers!
Figuring that other people making I Spy quilts would have the same problems I had finding enough fabric, I decided to sell packets of my leftover fabric online. The fabric square kits did very well, so much so that I began to think about continuing to make and sell them. I did so, and as the square packets became more popular, my sister joined me. Karen took over the shipping end of the business and soon we were able to expand the number of products we carried.
After many successful sales, we realized that our hobby had grown into a business! We registered a name, got a tax number and hired someone to do our books - our Dad, a retired accountant. Local quilt shops became interested in our square packets so we started supplying them as well. Soon we started selling at local guild shows and larger craft shows such as the Creativ Festival. Each year we continued to dramatically expand our product line until eventually we outgrew our house.
In September 2007, we opened a retail store at 3961 Chesswood Drive in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Our shop is loaded with fabric, notions, patterns and books that inspire quilters to create quilts to treasure. We are constantly growing and stretching to provide our customers with a larger selection, more projects and greater service. My passion for quilting and serving the public know no bounds and we aspire to provide the best customer service and the best prices possible in the market place!
Where are you located?
Sew Sisters Quilt Shop is located in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Toronto is the fourth largest city in North America behind Mexico City, New York, and Los Angeles.
Which products do you specialise in?
We specialize in high quality quilting fabric, notions, patterns and books. Everything you need to make your own unique quilts!
Do you have a particular favorite product that you sell?
It's hard to pick a favorite! Right now we are very excited about the Creativ Grids Stripology Ruler by Gudrun Erla. This ruler reduces rotary cutting time by 75% and increases accuracy! Cutting strips has never been this easy - even the skinny ones!
Go here to check it out: http://store.sew-sisters.com/stores_app/Browse_Item_Details.asp?Store_id=807&page_id=23&Item_ID=15177
What's on the stereo?
Mostly Classical in the store. Sometimes Light Jazz.
Where else should we visit in your area?
While in Toronto be sure to visit the Textile Museum, the first Canadian museum dedicated to the collection, exhibition, and documentation of textiles, enjoy our beautiful waterfront, and take a trip up the CN Tower for the best view of our wonderful city!
Do you host any workshops, classes or special events?
Yes we do! We have regular classes in the Fall & Winter, Sit & Sews every Thursday, and scheduled sewing days for Quilts of Valour. Our Saturday Morning Clubs are very popular and a lot of fun!
Is there anything else you'd like us to know?
Sew Sisters is committed to supporting and promoting Canadian quilters. We host an annual blog hop - Blogathon Canada - that turns the spotlight on Canadian quilting bloggers showcasing their tremendous talent, skill and passion for quilting.
Do you have a favorite craft, art or supply shop in your town that we should feature? Send us a message!
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