Bits ’n Pieces

June 14, 2013
For three decades, owners Julie and John Hale have been in the quilt shop business, outgrowing two locations. Their Michigan quilt institution has seen quilting come around, and continues to throw quilters new curves.
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Quilting in the Round

Their unique 10-sided building houses a quilting continuum from past to present. The space is much bigger than it appears, giving customers a remarkable shopping experience and endless inspiration.

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Meet the Staff

From left:

Nancy Meyer, Sharon E. Turley, Karen Johnson, Kathleen Connor, Susan McConnell, Sarah Kaiser, Connee Morris, Julie Hale (co-owner), and John Hale (co-owner).

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Interesting Interior

The building's shape creates interesting challenges for display. But clever hanging of quilts near companion fabrics simplifies shopping. "We try to offer a variety," Julie says.

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Center of the Class

The center of the building houses the shop's classroom. They offer embroidery, serger instruction, and basic quilting method classes. The Sewing Machine Club, Serger Club, and Saturday Sampler group meet monthly, offering quilters an escape from their fast-paced lifestyles.

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Themed for Success

Quilts, fabrics, and wearables are colorfully clustered in themed groupings. Whether Americana, batik, bright, or floral prints, the shop's fabrics find their way into quilted samples, providing a kaleidoscope of ideas.

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Past and Present

This modern day tote made with traditional fabrics shows how old and new come together at Bits 'n Pieces. "One quilt store can't have it all-no matter how big they are-but we try to offer something for everyone," Julie says.

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Giving Back

The Americana theme continues to be popular at Bits ‘'n Pieces. For one year, beginning September 12, 2001, the shop donated 100 percent of the proceeds from its Old Glory pattern, hanging over the cupboard, to the American Red Cross.

For more information about Bits 'n Pieces, visit www.bitsnpieces.net.

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