Sew Unique Opens in Whitehall on Briggs Lane

If there's one thing Wendy Turner knows, it's quilting. That's why she's excited to open Sew Unique Custom Quilting and Retreat just outside of Whitehall on Briggs Lane.

Turner, who is the daughter of Wayne and Sherrie Turner, opened the custom-built space in September after closing her shop in Philipsburg due to rental increases.

"It's good to be home," she said, smiling at her mother.

Turner got her love of the art form from her mother and grandmother, quilting in 4H was she was around seven years old, then taking Home Ec classes in high school. Now she has 2 years of long arm quilting under her belt and makes pieces of art that hang both on the wall or can adorn a bed.

The shop holds a little bit of everything, from custom hardwood gifts, quilting basics and notions, battiks, wools, flannels, wildlife prints, cotton, precuts, and more. Gift cards are also available. The shop employs two others besides Turner - Sherrie and Amy French, who is also an avid quilter.

"It was a natural progression," Turner said, speaking about turning her love of the art into a business. Currently, Turner does not do custom-made and does not do piecing. However, her longarm skills are quite extraordinary.

"Her longarm quilting is really a work of art," said French, referring to the blue and white quilt pictured.

The unique aspect of this shop is the retreat feature. The property comes equipped not only with the shop for all your quilting needs, but also a separate space to quilt, as well as lodging accommodations for a max of ten quilters at a time.

"Our minimum is four and our max ten. Bring your food, bring your projects, and just enjoy the space," Turner said, adding that the property is also open to those who just want to get away for a while - booking a quilting session is not required.

"Everyone is welcome - guys as well - though they may be scared of!" Turner said with a laugh. She did note that she has several customers whose husbands do the piecing for them, or vice versa, so male attendees at the retreat are not unheard of.

Workshops, Turner said, will eventually begin as the shop gets more settled in, as well as teaching items outside of just quilting.

"I want people to feel welcomed here, to know that we are happy to help you in any way we can," Turner added.

Sew Unique Custom Quilting and Retreat is open Monday through Friday 10 AM to 5 PM, and Saturdays 10 AM - 2 PM. The shop will be closed most holidays. Longarm quilting done by Turner is by project and time availability.

Sew Unique is located at 120 Briggs Lane in Whitehall and can be reached at 406-491-3308. Visit sewuniquecustomquilting.com or email wendy@sewuniquecustomquilting.com for more information.