Star Photo/Joyce Bartlett
Lisa Fletcher
Why Carter County? - Fletcher’s Homemade 1. What made you choose Carter County and Elizabethton? I grew up in this area, attended Little Milligan in Butler and graduated from Hampton High. After college I moved to Washington State. It was a wonderful adventure but I always felt a tug to come back home. When I decided I wanted to open my own business, it was an easy decision that this was the only place to do it. I grew up loving the old downtown in Elizabethton and the covered bridge; it was a childhood dream to be part of it somehow. If by chance my hard work brings me any success, I want that to be a benefit to my home in East Tennessee. Quilting is a proud tradition in Appalachia and I’m honored to be a small part of this heritage. I think of this every day working in my shop. My mamaw’s quilts hang within sight to keep me grounded and focused. 2. What is the purpose of your business? Quilting is an artform. It can be old timey or modern depending on your choice of fabric and
pattern. I am obsessed with the art of quilting in all its variations and it is an honor sharing that with my community. I am very fortunate to have talented instructors like Glenda Kuelper, who teaches quilting projects; as well as Donna Horowitz, who leads classes focusing on handmade clothing and accessories. Also, I am a lifelong fabric snob, so having a shop with high quality quilting cottons and hand dyed batiks is essential for producing our artistic creations. If it’s worth our time, it’s worth using the best fabrics to bring our imagination to life. Our quilts will be around long after we are gone. 3. How long in you been in business? Fletcher’s Homemade opened up August 1, 2017. 4. What makes you different? Small independent quilt shops have a soul that is lacking in large chain fabric stores. Fletcher’s Homemade strives to be a friendly, encouraging and welcoming space for those who sew or would
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like to learn. No one person knows it all and everyone has something special to offer the group. We learn, we sew, we laugh and we have a good time here. 5. Franchise or independent? Fletcher’s Homemade is proud to be an independent quilt shop. 6. Impact on Carter County? It is the mission of Fletcher’s Homemade to enhance the appreciation of sewing arts in the community. Along with various sewing classes, we offer long arm quilting service. Unfinished quilt tops (whether made recently or many years ago) can be professionally quilted as a piece of functional art to be cherished for generations to come. Let’s keep sewing going! — Lisa Fletcher from Fletcher’s Homemade 510 East Elk Ave., Elizabethton TN www.FletchersHomemade.com
