Sharing our love of quilting and sewing with our customers is the best part about owning a quilt shop, and everyone on the Thimbles team plays an important part in creating a welcoming space for everyone who shares our passion.
In our previous Staff Spotlights, we’ve interviewed resident Kimberbell expert Joyce Beenes and Sales Manager Extraordinaire Kara Harris. Today, get to know Char, a longtime staffer who has been with us since 2005!
Q: When did you learn how to sew?
A: I learned from my mother and grandmother. When I was little I used to trace my dolls and sew clothes for them. Then, I took sewing classes in grade school and into high school. I worked at SoFro Fabrics and then JoAnn Fabrics. In 1999, I got a job at a quilt shop, Threadneedle Street in Orland Park, and have been quilting ever since.
Q: Which machine do you sew on at home?
A: I sew on my BERNINA 590 and my BERNINA 635. It’s hard to decide on my favorite feature, but if I had to pick just one it would be the Dual Feed.
Q: In the shop, what's your specialty?
A: Climbing ladders (and other heights) and selling Koala Cabinets! Also, dumpster diving is not out of the question.
Q: Why do you love Koala Cabinets?
A: They are so well made! I have an original cabinet that was shipped from Australia, which I’ve had since 2000 - now they are made nearby, in West Chicago!
Q: What do you do in your free time?
A: I love to go riding on the motorcycle with my husband, Randy, and traveling with my sisters. But at the top of my list is spending time with my grandbabies, Celena and Graham. LOVE those little guys!
Q: What is one of your favorite projects that you’ve made?
A: Truthfully, any of my quilts that I have finished is considered a favorite, but if I had to pick one, it would be a quilt from 2012, called Leaf Collage.
Char is always happy to answer your burning questions about Koala Cabinets, or any other quilting questions you may have. You can contact us online, give us a call at (815) 836-8735, or stop by the shop - we’re open 7 days a week for all of your quilting needs.
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