From the outside this looks like two shops, but it is really one. Located just about ten minutes from Thursday’s shop in Mary Esther, Florida, this is a shop in transition. Owner Sheri Easom has been serving the area from this location for the past 25 years, and will continue to do so as a long arm operator as she eases into retirement.
As of January 2022, Brandy Hetto and Debra Jacobs, long time store employees, will be the new shop owners. 2021 has been a transition year, with the new and current owners working together to make sure the change of ownership is seamless for their customers.
This was a fun shop to visit – lots of fabric, and a machine I’d never seen that brought out the Manufacturing Engineer in me that I’ll talk about a bit later. First the fabric. Over 2,000 bolts, with a lot of Maywood Studio, as well as Kimberbell fabrics (Yes, Kimberbell has a fabric line!) and patterns. There are solids and blenders, small and large prints, and batiks. Grunge is represented in plain and dots. Wool is available. Jelly Rolls, Charm Packs, Layer cakes, and fat quarters are on hand and ready to come home with you. There is cuddle and a great selection of wide backings.
Kimberbell!
About that machine… This is a way to cut fabric quickly and easily. It can cut by yards or inches. Want a custom jelly roll, but with the pieces 3″ wide instead of 2 1/2″ wide? With this machine, you can select how long (inches or yards), how many pieces, load the bolt, and the machine does it – and prints a receipt! I could get into a LOT of trouble with this gadget! Shop making kits? That works too!
Quilt kits are available. The shop also provides custom quilt design, either as memory quilts or special gifts. T-Shirt quilts are one option; others are available. Please make an appointment to meet with the staff to discuss your dream design, costs, and lead times. Restoration of heirloom quilts is also available. There are seven – yes, seven – Block of the Month Clubs currently in process, so you can definitely find one you like!
This is just one of the many beautiful samples hung throughout the shop. Make sure to check these out while you’re visiting. Long arm services are also available; please contact the shop for pricing and lead times.
The shop is a licensed dealer for Brother and Husqvarna Viking machines. Machine repair is also available, handled by the current owners son in law, with machines dropped off and picked up at the shop.
Plan to spend at least 30 minutes here – I spent over an hour!
| The Sewing Center Around the Block Quilting | Hours: Tue – Fri 10-6 Sat 10-3 |
| 913-F N. Beal Parkway | Phone: (850) 243-8261 |
| Ft. Walton Beach, FL 32547 | info@sewitbetter.com |
| www.sewitbetter.com | Mail Order: Yes Fabric Online: Yes |
Stop back on Thursday and see where the North American Shop Hop is visiting next!