Let’s stitch

Sewing makes comeback one stitch at a time

BY MEGAN WEHRING

From protective face masks to home decor projects, sewing is back in full swing. Local fabric stores are seeing a new boom in business while more people dust off their old sewing machines.

While some businesses were hit with turmoil, the Wimberley Stitch Studio has stayed busy with the hustle and bustle of customers during the pandemic.

“We are as busy as we were before the pandemic, if not busier,” Linda Hasselberg, business owner, said. “There are so many people who are sewing now that are hungry to “We laugh about quarantine quilts. There were so many quilts finished during this time. People were pulling out their stash of fabrics, ordering what they needed to go with it and making quilt after quilt.

–Linda Hasselberg, owner of the Wimberley Stitch Studio

be creative.”

In the small town of Wimberley, nestled in western Hays County on 8.5 acres, the shop sits at about 2,500 square feet with a newly built addition.

“You feel like you are out in the middle of nothing,” Hasselberg said. “It’s so open with all of the oak trees. You

Linda Hasselberg of the Stitch Studio shows off some of their fall patterns. can see the hills across from you and the scenery is just spectacular.”

Offering about 3,000 bolts of fabric, customers have a wide selection to choose from for any project. Hasselberg said homemade face masks continue to be the sewing project of choice, especially using themed fabrics.

“I can’t tell you how many thousands of yards of elastic we sold for masks, as well as interfacing and fabric,” Hasselberg said. “Now people are coming in to pick out their own fabrics. We’ve got people coming in to pick out fabric for back to school, Halloween and Christmas.”

With 40 years of quilting experience, Hasselberg said the pandemic has encouraged her, along with many others, to polish their quilting skills now more than ever before.

“We laugh about quarantine quilts,” Hasselberg said. “There were so many quilts finished during this time. People were pulling out their stash of fabrics, ordering what they needed to go with it and making quilt after quilt. I never had so many quilts to quilt for people.”

Right behind the fabric shop lives the newly constructed Turquoise Treasure retreat. The retreat offers comfortable sleeping arrangements for up to 8 people, while still allowing visitors to perfect their craft.

Hasselberg said what started out as a pure pipe dream has now turned into a little paradise for many crafters to enjoy.

“Quilt retreats are big for quilters,” Hasselberg said. “There’s a lot of people that, several times a year, will book quilt retreats. They will come in and either have a teacher that will teach them or they will just come in and work on their own projects.”

Working from home is the new normal, thus causing many people to turn to DIY projects to keep them occupied. From gardening to constructing home decor or even sewing a quilt, Hasselberg said “throw[ing] yourself into something you love makes life easier.”

Frank Mitchell, Agent

http://TexHealthInsurance.com

TEXAS LEHIGH Sudoku Solution

Puzzle, page6

HAVING VISION PROBLEMS? IT COULD BE CATARACTS

SPECIALIZING IN:

• CataractSurgery • Premium IOLImplants • LasikSurgery • Glaucoma-

Medical and Surgical • MacularDegeneration

Schedule your visit today • 512.443.9715 www.HowertonEye.com

Kyle Office 5401 FM 1626, Ste365 Kyle, TX78640

Austin Office 2610SIH-35 Austin, TX78704

Three locations to serve you

Southwest Austin Office 5625EigerRd, Ste100 Austin, TX78735