PARTICIPATING RETAILERS

LIST OF RETAILERS

OUR FABULOUS RETAILERS

I know it's been said before--Please support our retailers.--- However, did you know that each advertisement in Needle News, be it business card size or larger has been paid for by the retailer? I had never given it a thought until recently. But, it suddenly struck me that they are showing their support for our organization! Oh, sure, they are hoping that we will patronize their store, but we are going to do that anyway. I now understand a little better the importance of letting the retailer, whether they advertise with us or not, know that we are with ASG, and how much we appreciate them. I've run into lots of store employees and owners that did not know that there is a local chapter of ASG. But we are here, and in abundance. So, please ladies, whenever you are in a fabric store, quilt store, craft store, bead store or wherever you might be purchasing items for your project, remember to mention ASG and let them know that you appreciate their support.

Elaine Chapman, President

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March/April 2007

Kreations by Kathleen

4212 18^th St. West

Bradenton, FL 34205

941.753.9178

fabricqueen@prodigy.net

Kreations by Kathleen is an alterations and custom design clothing business owned by Kathleen Heinicke. A native of St. Petersburg, Kathleen started sewing at age five. She launched her business on a part-time basis in 1991 and was operating it full time by 1994. She admits to being self-taught; but, when you look around her store, you quickly recognize that her clothing is as beautifully designed and as solidly constructed as anyone who has been professionally trained.

Kathleen’s shop is filled with lovely pieces that she has created for her customers. To illustrate her artistry and craftsmanship, she showed me several pieces of her work:

a jacket that she had designed with silk material that someone had brought to her from China; several different kinds of stylish purses; a spectacular wearable-art vest; and several garments for weddings. (Weddings are a big part of her business.) Kathleen performs all of her activities in a well organized and cozy space that includes a wonderful fitting room.

Teaching the craft of sewing is another part of Kathleen’s business.  Recently, she obtained certification as a Home Sewing Association Certified Instructor. (The Home Sewing Association is a not-for-profit organization of businesses that are committed to encouraging people to sew by providing inspiration and education.) Kathleen now teaches sewing one-on-one in her shop and will soon be providing training in sewing at the Hancock Fabric Store on Cortez Road in Bradenton.  Currently, she is busy making sample pieces for these future classes. 

Don’t forget, Kathleen gives Sewing Guild members 10% discount on alterations.

Keep smiling, Keep sewing.

Pam Scothorn

November/December 2006

Landings Landings-Viking Sewing Center

2781 Bee Ridge Road

Sarasota, FL 34239

924 924-4409

Something exciting, informative and fun is always going on at the Landings-Viking Sewing Center. Most of you know that this is Sarasota’s Premier Viking, White and Husky Star dealership. But you may not know that you do not have to own one of these brands of sewing machines to take advantage of the many special events this store has to offer. They welcome all brands for classes and service.

For example, “Sewing Adventure” was a one-day event offered on October 19th. This seminar promised a thorough review of all the latest techniques for fashion and heirloom sewing, quilting, home decorating, and serging. A special educator was brought in for the event.

On December 9th, one of our favorite speakers, Ellen Osten, will give a class called “Quilting for the Home” which uses Sulky’s new book, “Quick and Easy Weekend Quilting with Sulky”. It’s a 2 ½ hour program full of tips, techniques, and beautiful samples.

Also, be sure to mark your calendars for the largest sewing event in Southwest Florida on March 25-28, 2007. It’s the 3rd annual S.H.A.R.E conference (Sew Happy Annual Retreat Extravaganza) with 4 days of sewing excitement and featuring some of the biggest names in the industry.

Finally, don’t forget that this store also carries beautiful specialty fabrics (for example, linens, batistes, heirloom laces, etc.), and reports to have the largest selection of threads and embroidery patterns on the Sun Coast. One adorable series of designs features baby animals with part of the purchase price going to the National Wildlife Federation. Be sure to regularly visit the store’s web site at www.landings-viking.com and look under “ Special Events” for weekly discount specials.

Keep smiling, Keep sewing.

Pam Scothorn

September/October 2006

Tops Vacuum Sewing                      

2120 Bee Ridge Rd.

Sarasota, FL 34239

(941) 926-2699

Tops Vacuum & Sewing is located on Bee Ridge Road just east of the Tamiami Trail in Sarasota. They have been in the sewing and vacuum cleaner retail business for 45 years serving our area with a full line of Baby Lock and Janome sewing equipment. They feature sergers, quilting machines, and state-of-the-art embroidery machines as well as all of the accessories.

Tops’ sewing instructor, Don Bean, meets with users on Wednesdays from 3:00-5:00 pm. He demonstrates how to use the various machines and accessories and helps users understand how to set up their equipment for specific projects. Private lessons are also available. In addition to sewing machines, Tops also carries Koala sewing furniture. In the near future, they expect to add Floriani embroidery thread and Amazing Designs embroidery designs to their sewing products.

According to Jon Ritenour, Tops’ general manager, their sewing equipment, accessories, and products are competitively priced.  Jon also said that they have established a reputation for excellent service. Currently, the store is offering a $15.00 discount on all sewing machine service.

Finally, as with many other sewing retailers, Tops offers a 10% discount to Sewing Guild members.

Keep smiling.

Keep sewing.

Pam Scothorn

July/August 2006

 Featured Retailers:

Keep Me In Stitches         Couture Fabrics & Designs    Queen’s Fabrics          Fabric Land

4237 West Kennedy Blvd     1521 S. Dale Mabry         1724 S. Dale Mabry    4035 S. Dale Mabry

Tampa, FL 33609            Tampa, FL 33629            Tampa, FL 33629       Tampa, FL 33611

(813) 282-1526              (813) 254-2407              (813) 258-2805         (813) 832-4040

www.kmisinc.com                                                                                     www.fabricland.com                                                      

It’s spring and time for a great “fabric shopping road trip” to Tampa. Invite a friend or two to go with you and then enjoy a visit to four-six shops within a four mile radius. They are all located on the same two streets a few miles off interstate 275 (take exit 40A). 

Start your trip with Keep Me In Stitches located on West Kennedy Blvd. This Janome/Elna/Baby Lock dealer carries a fantastic collection of quilting fabrics as well as sewing machines, thread, cabinets, embroidery designs, etc. What is especially fun is to see their samples of projects you can sew. Aprons, placemats, napkins, and purses are all on display to stimulate your creativity. Check out their website (www.kmisinc.com) for a list of interesting summer classes. It may be a long way to go for some of us, but you might find the extra miles are worth the effort.  

Now turn the corner on to S. Dale Mabry Highway. Within a few blocks are two high quality “fashion fabric” stores with beautiful material to create that fabulous outfit for a special night out. The two stores, Couture Fabrics & Designs and Queens Fabrics, both carry bolts of fine silk, linen, and wool. Some of these fabrics are decorated with stunning beads and sequins. Queen Fabrics also has trims, costume jewelry, and handbags. Both stores have a sewing service in case you don’t want to make that outfit yourself.  

Traveling a little further south on Dale Mabry Highway is Fabric Land  (www.fabricsforless.com/fabricland.html). This very large home decorating store has designer upholstery and drapery material that we can all afford. Every bolt is only $8.99/yd!  Most of the store’s fabric is sorted by color, so coordinating different patterns is fast and easy. Discounted trims are also available to accent your valance or pillow to create that special look. 

Finally, if you’re are not completely exhausted, you can also visit the Calico Corners on West Kennedy Blvd. and Hancock Fabrics on S. Dale Mabry Highway.  

Keep smiling.

Keep sewing.

Pam Scothorn

May/June 2006

Featured Retailer: A Stitch Connection

1109 S. Tamiami Trail #4

Port Charlotte, Florida 33953

(941) 235-3555

www.astitchconnectionn.com

There is a new owner of the Husqvarna Viking sewing machine dealership in Port Charlotte. Many guild members who live in the southern part of the county are familiar with this store, but it’s well worth the effort to visit or take classes here even if you live further North.

Part of the reason is the new owner. Carol Vealey-Ellis is energetic, positive and excited about helping others learn the joy of sewing. She managed the store for two years and then purchased it this year. Carol, who has been in the sewing industry for 14 years, sees sewing as a wonderfully entertaining activity that also imparts a sense of accomplishment and pride in a project well done. Her enthusiasm is contagious and felt throughout the store.

The bright, airy facility provides many exciting classes covering embroidery, quilting, home decorating, clothing construction and serging. To obtain more information, access their web site at www.astitchconnection.com, where you will find a class schedule, map, and special discounts, or write or phone the address above. One upcoming, fun class will be on making a broomstick skirt which is a very popular fashion item this year.

Two events will take place for Vealey-Ellis this year which are worth noting. Early this fall she will be moving to a new location that is two and a half miles south of the current store. The 4,000 plus square foot facility will have many parking places, two large teaching rooms, and a kitchen. If groups need a place to meet, there will be no charge. In addition, the store will carry an extensive selection of yard goods which will include quilting material, silks, and good quality t-shirt fabric.

The second event in June is the opening of a satellite location in Jo Anns in Naples.

As with most Viking dealerships, guild members receive a 10% discount on purchased goods. Also, anyone can use store machines at no charge for classes or bring their own machine even if it’s not a Viking. Just be sure to bring your owners manual.

Keep smiling.

Keep sewing.

Pam Scothorn                                                                                                     

March/April 2006

January/February 2006 

       There’s a new bead store in town!  Beading Elements, Inc. opened in September at 4785 Swift Road in Sarasota.  It’s in the shopping center at the corner of Swift and Proctor Roads.  They carry a wide selection of imported beads of all sizes, styles and prices.  The selection includes gemstones, metals, glass, dichroics, Swarovski crystals and pearls, findings, stringing material, tools and books.  The owners, Brenda Hinesley and Karen Davidian also carry some of their own creations, which make excellent gifts, as well as inspire imagination.

       The classes that are offered include basic bead stringing, straps and fringes, and basic peyote.  They plan to start project classes in January as well as a bead club.  You can call for a list of classes or to get on the mailing list.  Stop in to see all the beautiful beads and unique jewelry.

Happy Sewing, Annette

November / December 2005

       If there is anything you’d like to know about quilts, talk to Ella at Alma Sue’s Quilts.  The store started as a place to restore and repair quilts.  The Amish women are there everyday in the winter months to hand quilt.  Ella tells many stories of old quilts that have been brought in to be repaired.  One quilt from the 1850’s came in two pieces.  Two people in a family wanted the quilt so it was cut in half.  Right now they are so busy that they are not accepting any more work until January.

       You’ll find lots of fabric here.  Many of the bolts are fabric styles from the 1920’s and 1930’s.  Oriental fabrics and batiks are new this year.  You can also buy handmade quilts, order a custom quilt, or have your pieced top hand quilted.  They sell dolls and other handmade items.  You can have your quilts hand-washed or sell them on consignment.  A schedule of classes can be found on their web site.  Ella even offers free advice and will help estimate the age of your old quilts.  Visit Alma Sue’s at 3667 Bahia Vista St. for new quilts, old quilts, or just to talk about quilts!

Annette Alberter

July / August 2005 

       Fabric Warehouse is a lot more than just fabric!  First, they carry all the Viking sewing machines.  Viking is coming out with a brand new quilting machine with “cruise control”.  The frame for this machine will adjust from 5 feet to 10 feet so that it can be used in less space.  They have all the notions and accessories that you could need.  There was a program recently called, “Notions Commotion” to highlight new items.

       You’ll find patterns, books, magazines, threads, notions, and, of course, fabric at Fabric Warehouse.  They have lots of cotton quilting fabrics including all the fruits and vegetables from RJR—that’s their “produce” section!  They have home dec fabric as well as classes to teach you how to use it.  There are many classes and a very large classroom that can be divided into two rooms.  They can even provide lunch for bus trips that visit.  You can E-mail them at fwarehouse@tampabay.rr.com for a list of available classes.

       A week-long Kids Camp is offered several times this summer.  They taught over 90 kids to sew last summer.  They schedule seminars and educators throughout the year and have many different clubs meeting there.  There is even a UFO club to inspire procrastinators.  The Quilters Shop Hop stops in spring and fall.

       Fabric Warehouse is easy to find.  From I-4, take exit 32 south for less than a half mile.  Turn left onto Griffin and continue .4 mile to N. Florida Ave.  Fabric Warehouse is on the right.

    One more stop.  The Bead Room in Port Charlotte is open for business in a new location.  Hurricane Charley destroyed the old store, so Gail moved to the Murdock Shopping Center, between Perkins restaurant and Ci Ci’s Pizza.  She offers many different classes, and has books and many different types of beads.  There are 500 different colors of Delica seed beads.  Stop in to see all the different things you can do with beads.

    Annette

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BRADENTON-SARASOTA AREA  

Alma Sue's Quilts (941)330-0993

3667 Bahia Vista Street, Sarasota, FL 34232 

Boca Bargoons of Sarasota (941)366-1331

130 N. Orange Ave, Sarasota FL 34236

Bradenton Sewing Center (941) 755-6161

629 Cortez Rd. W. Bradenton, Fl 34207

Jo Ann Fabrics & Crafts

   1.   6040 14th St. (941) 758-0080

         Bradenton, Fl 34207

   2.   4934 Tamiami Trail (941) 926-1402

         Sarasota, Fl 34231

      Kelly Vac & Sew (941) 792-8048

5753 Manatee Ave. W. 

Bradenton, Fl 34209

Kreations by Kathleen (941) 753-9178

4212 18th Street West 

Bradenton, FL

Landings Viking Sewing Center

    2781 Bee Ridge Rd. (941) 924-4409

          Sarasota, Fl 34239

Sew Worth It! (941)924-5600

5567 Palmer Crossing Circle

Sarasota, FL 34238

Tops Vacuum & Sewing

2120 Bee Ridge Road (941)926-2699

Sarasota, FL 34239

        5761 Manatee Ave. W. (941)792-8048
Bradenton 34209   

Value Storage (941)358-7715

5150 University Parkway

Sarasota, FL 34243

       VENICE - PORT CHARLOTTE

A Stitch Connection (941)235-3555

2421 Tamiami Trail, Port Charlotte, FL 33952

Boone Decorative Fabrics, Inc. (941)918-1508

1254 S. Tamiami Trail, Osprey, Fl

Calico Corners (941) 966-2117

1 N. Tamiami Trail, Osprey, Fl 34229

Jo Ann Fabrics & Crafts (941)497-3446

4143 S. Tamiami Trail, Venice, FL 

 Jo Ann Fabrics & Crafts (941)764-7100

4265 Tamiami Trail, Port Charlotte, Fl

   FORT MYERS

Sewing Boutique (239)656-4489

4150 Hancock Bridge Parkway #17, N. Fort Myers 33903

   ST. PETERSBURG         

Buttons, Bangles and Beads (727)363-4332

409 Corey Ave., St. Petersburg Beach, FL 33706

Cameron Sewing Machines (727) 321-9344

2535 28th St. N., St Petersburg, Fl 33707

Jay’s Fabric Center (727) 381-6600

801 Pasadena Ave., St Petersburg, Fl 33707

Sue's Bay Area Sewing Machines (727)527-7005

5150 66th Street N., St. Petersburg, FL 33709

TAMPA AREA        

Couture Fabrics & Designs (813) 254-2407

1521 S. Dale Mabry

Tampa, FL 33629

Keep Me in Stitches - A Specialty Sewing Center www.kmisinc.com mail@kmisinc.com 

    1.    4237 W. Kennedy Blvd., Phone or Fax (813)282-1526

            Tampa, FL 33609

    2.    14833 N. Dale Mabry Hwy. Phone (813)908-3889, Fax (813)908-3898

            Tampa, FL 33618  

Tampa Bay Sewing Centers (located inside the Jo Ann ETC stores)   

    1. 11215 Causeway Blvd. (813)651-0495

        (Lakes of Brandon Ctr), Brandon, Fl

    2. The Plaza at Citrus Park, (813) 792-1855 

        Veterans Hwy ~ Gunn Hwy), Tampa, Fl

 LAKELAND

The Fabric Warehouse

    1.  3032 N. Florida Blvd., Lakeland, Fl 33805 (863) 680-1325

    2.  4241 U.S. Hwy 98 (North of Hwy 4), Lakeland, Fl 33805 (863)859-0886  Inside J0 Ann’s Fabric’s