Rainey Opens ‘Garden of Stitches’
Shop Especially for Quilters
By Mary Anderson

A new business has opened just outside of Bethel on Route 107 in Royalton. Garden of Stitches is dedicated to providing fabric to quilters, and currently stocks 950 bolts of cottons, as well as a collection of wool fabric suitable for rug hooking, braiding and appliqué.

Owner Diane Rainey wants the community to know that she also has gift items, books, patterns, craft kits and more. She expects to add to her inventory once she hears what patrons’ needs are.

Although it opened its doors the second week of October, the grand opening will be held the weekend of November 8-11. Currently the store is open from 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Wednesday through Saturday. Evening hours will be added after the grand opening.

Rainey, who used to own a craft and dried flower store in Bridgewater, said the inspiration for the store grew out of a conversation she had with her friend Cheryl Schenker, a long time quilter. The two were thinking about exhibiting items at a craft fair when they started kicking around the idea of opening a store instead. Rainey said "It hit us on August 1 that it could happen and now we’re open. It happened very fast." Both women are often found in the store and are available to help with quilting questions.

Rainey grew up in Windsor and her family has long-time ties to Barnard, where she currently lives. She believes that "with today’s stress and everything moving so fast, people need an outlet." For the past year and a half, Rainey has found quilting to be her "great stress reliever" and said she feels it’s a shame that people in this area have to drive so far to get supplies. She is convinced that there are many quilters in surrounding towns and hopes to make it easier for them to ply their trade.

Rainey believes strongly in the value of creativity and encourages people to teach quilting and other crafts to their children. She expects to start quilting classes after the first of the year and hopes that other quilters and crafters will consider using her store to teach classes as well. Those interested can stop by the store or call her there at 234-9965.

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