Quilting co-op has something for all

It’s not exactly what you’d expect to find in the semi-industrial area off East Trent Avenue, but there it is: The Log Cabin quilt store.

Until late last year it was operated by legendary quilter Pam Clark, who still owns the building. When Clark decided to close the retail outlet, her employee Pam Poindexter saw an opportunity and grabbed it.

“I approached her with the idea and we opened on January 19,” said Poindexter. “My original idea was to focus back on quilting and sewing, but now we have 21 vendors here.”

Quilting and sewing is still the main focus of the store, but Poindexter opened the building to crafters of all sorts running it much like an antique mall: everyone has their own little individual area – together they draw customers for each other.

“We have ‘the fairy gal’ and ‘doll gal’ and we have some second-hand things too,” said Poindexter, while showing off the two-story store. Handmade purses and cards are lined up next to Christmas ornaments and hand-painted signs.

Upstairs there is a classroom and The Log Cabin just began offering classes this month.

“We aim for something that’s needle or fabric related,” she said about the classes. “But we are always looking for teachers. Fabric can be used for many things, and we are open to ideas – we’re just not set up for glass blowing or something like that.”

Poindexter recruited her vendors from craft shows throughout the area last fall.

“It was perfect timing, really. That’s when all the good shows are,” she said.

The Log Cabin features a huge collection of vintage quilts and vintage fabric which, Poindexter said, is used to repair old quilts that have been passed down through generations.

“This way you can find fabric to repair the quilt you got from your grandma, and the fabric will blend right in,” said Poindexter.

There’s also a display of Clark’s collection of sewing related memorabilia such as pincushions and other sewing gear.

And there is, of course, fabric: stripes, flowers, checkers and solids, any pattern and color combination imaginable line the shelves, along with thread and other quilting needs.

“I think it’s all come together very well,” said Poindexter. “It’s just been a short time and we already have that many vendors here – I think it’s been a great success.”