Experience Quilts! opens; grand opening next week

Experience Quilts! has now opened in the space formerly occupied by The Quilt Crossing. Lise Ott and business partner JoEllen Wollman have been cleaning, rearranging, buying new stock and setting up ever since former owner Ardis Wraspir closed her doors in mid-December.

A grand opening is planned for March 1 and 2, and visitors will be treated to demonstrations, prizes and plenty of new stock to look at. As of this past Monday, however, quilters have already been able to have a look around or buy new fabric or notions or kits and books.

Ott, formerly a reporter, photographer and jack of all trades for The Odessa Record for about two years, has always been an avid quilter. Visitors to many Odessa events will have seen the accomplished artistry of her quilts on display, and a lucky few may have won one in a raffle at any number of fundraising events held in town throughout the year.

Wollman, too, has a long history of quilt-making for herself, her family and for fundraising events. Although she is currently employed by the Odessa School District, she will spend her free hours during the school year and her summers helping out at the quilt shop.

What’s new

The new shop will offer quilting services on the premises. Ott’s long-arm quilting machine occupies one whole corner area. Keeping up with new technology, Ott has ordered numerous gadgets that make the quilter’s life easier. A new type of ruler has also been acquired which will be demonstrated at this year’s Quilt ‘til You Wilt in March.

The “Book Nook” is another new feature of Experience Quilts! Two upholstered chairs on either side of an end table with a lamp provide a comfortable place to look through the many books and patterns carried by the shop. Many modern quilt patterns and books are also available, demonstrating the latest trend in quilting that focuses on a few pieces of color on a solid background. The selection of fabrics in the shop is intended to find appeal with most quilters. Everything from children’s flannels to sophisticated batiks will be offered.

Ott also plans to offer beginning classes in quilting, possibly during weekday evenings or on Saturdays. More advanced classes may be a possibility down the road.

The shop is receiving new merchandise every day, and Ott says she is in equal parts “excited, exhausted and terrified.” She is most excited, however, about the wonderful support of the local community. Since she put out the “open” sign on Monday, a steady stream of visitors has come through the doors. A couple of carloads of out-of-town quilters also saw the sign and came in to shop. It would appear that Odessa’s newest venture is off to a good start.