Business of the Week: At Piece Quiltery

It’s been said that the best hobbies are the ones that let you take a step back and see the fruits of your labor; one that you can put your hands to work and make something useful. And perhaps there’s no better example than quilting.

At Piece Quiltery in Palmer Township not only provides the necessary tools, but they can show you the ropes… or thread.

The store, which has been open since 2003, sells all sorts of fabrics, instructional books, patterns, and notions (sewing accessories like scissors, thimbles, pins, etc.). Owner Marsha Kleedorfer estimates that her store carries around 4,000 different fabrics.

But what really sets At Piece Quiltery apart is their classes, held in the back room of the store, and ranging from quilting and needlepoint to basket- and purse-making.

Four times a week, At Piece holds “open” classes, during which patrons can use the rear workroom for whatever project they happen to be doing on their own. During this time they can get tips and help from the professionals.

During their structured classes, held at least once a week, aspiring thread-heads can come in and all work on the same project, under the guidance of one of the store’s teachers, no experience necessary.

“Even if they don’t know anything [about sewing], they can learn it… that’s what [the classes] are there for,” said Kleedorfer.

The most recent class, a group of six ladies, was learning to make a table runner in a “Storm At Sea” pattern. See the accompanying photo gallery for photos of the pattern and the class.

“You don’t need much experience, but if you have a good teacher, then it’s easy,” said Judy Cosgrove, one of the women in the class. “There’s a variety of things you can learn here.”

Kathy Boushell of Bethlehem, said, “It’s so nice to have classes here, because Marsha has such a nice selection of fabrics… [and] it’s a warm environment.

Before coming to own At Piece Quiltery, Kleedorfer managed a doctors’ office for 24 years. She worked at At Piece part-time; in 2008, she purchased the store from the retiring owners.

“Quilting was just a hobby for a while,” she said. “I just happened to be in the right place at the right time.”

The first Friday of every month from 6 p.m. to midnight is the popular P.M.S. event, which stands for “Pizza, Munchies and Sewing.” Attendance is usually anywhere from eight to 14 people, and is based on RSVPs. The cost is $20 per person to attend. The next P.M.S. night is June 3.

The store is also known for carrying Thimbleberries, a popular fabric manufacturer characterized by their folksy, country style. Thimbleberries releases a new line of fabrics every year, and hosts a “Block of the Month” club that the store subscribes to.

At Piece Quiltery is located at 2210 Corriere Road in Palmer Township. They are open Monday and Thursday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.; and Sunday, noon to 4 p.m. Gift certificates are available in-store. Check them out on the web, and see the calendar of events, at http://www.atpiecequiltery.com/.