Today we’d like to introduce you to Amy Thorland.
Hi Amy, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
My business began when I was asked to start teaching sewing classes to kids through the Community Education. I then moved the classed to my home studio. I added the Bernina Q24 and began offering longarm quilting services and I needed more space. The Downtown Red Wing Restaurant and retail challenge started and I decided to go for it. I entered the challenge and during that process I did a lot of research and realized that there was a great need for a local quilt shop. I was awarded grant money which allowed me to work with the property owner and contractors to renovate the space at 409 W. 3rd Street which had been a beloved jewelry store for 50 years. I went to Quilt Market and took many business classes, met fabric and pattern designers and company representatives as well as other shop owners and others in the industry. All of these connections and experiences have been vital in opening this shop.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It certainly wasn’t smooth. I took on a lot all at once, my son graduated from high school in May, I entered the challenge in May or June and bought, assembled, and learned how to operate the Bernina longarm with QMatic in July. I also took a trip to Hamilton Missouri the home of Missouri Star Quilt Company to take it all in and get inspired. I had a lot to learn that summer. By last August or Early September I learned that I had been awarded grant money and on October 1 I got the key to the building and we began work that day. Shortly after that I went to Quilt Market in Houston Texas and took as many business classes as I could fit into a day. While I was gone the work continued fast and furious with removing and repairing walls and floors, and all kinds of demo work. When I returned I started placing orders for the shop. I traveled all over Minnesota and Wisconsin obtaining items for the shop. I had a deadline in mind of being open for the Holiday Stroll and we opened up that week.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
North Star Stitching Studio is a quilt shop where quilters can take their quilting ideas from fabric to finished without leaving town. The shop offers high qualtiy quilting fabric, notions, classes and longarm quilting service all under one roof. The space is welcoming and bright. I have a large selection of Moda grunge fabric and 108″ wide back fabric. I took the “Blind date with a book” concept and applied it to quilting and created “Blind Date with a Sewing Machine”. That has been a lot of fun and has caused excitement in the local quilting world. I carry a great sticker collection, much of which I have custom made locally at Rivertown Games. The classes are amazing here. I have 8 educators that teach hightly sought after classes like, quilted tote bags, quilt coat, paper piecing, jelly roll rugs and quilted shoes and soon to be added this summer is sewing 101 and quilting 101 great classes for those very new to sewing. My longarm quilting service as been very busy. I have a nice assortment of designs and a reasonable lead time.
How do you think about luck?
I have had amazing luck. Very wonderful people have offered their time and talents to help me be successful in life and in business. I have the most incredible family and friends and without their help, guidance and encouragement I would not have even attempted starting this business.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.northstarstitching.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/north_star_stitching_studio/
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/@northstarstitchingstudio
