How 25 Years of Marriage Led to the Birth of a Quilt Shop

It was the summer of 2010. My husband and I were anticipating our 25th wedding anniversary. 

How should we celebrate?

Going on a vacation was not in the budget. And we are not big sentimental gift people like some folks. Personally, I have always appreciated his simple handwritten notes, or his specially made "coupons" good for house chores, shopping trips, or a hanging basket of flowers.

Still, as we thought more about how to celebrate our anniversary, I got an idea.

How about a new bedding quilt set for our room?

We were currently using a special quilt that I had made, but we were ready for a change. I also thought my handmade quilt would be better preserved if it was not being used every day.

And before I tell you more about our anniversary gift, I have to pause and honor the story of the handmade quilt that I would soon fold up and treasure away.

My Seven-Year Quilt

My handmade quilt was special and incredibly memorable to me for various reasons. 

I call this quilt my seven-year quilt.

I had started making this quilt in the midst of having babies, so the process was very slow. After many years, I decided it was time to get it finished. I have so many fond memories of quilting with my family and friends, so I knew I wanted to invite them into the process somehow.

My oldest daughter was seven at the time. As curious as most young children are, she wanted to join in with what mom was doing. She delighted in helping me piece the blocks together. She even sat patiently watching and learning from me so that she could do some of the actual quilting.

To this day, she recalls memories of sitting in our living room with her grandma and others, feeling proud to be old enough to be a part of this special project. 

Quilt scrapbooking page

This is the picture of the scrapbook page I created later to capture some special moments.

I included some of the actual fabric scraps and a few cherished photos. Pictured here are just a few of those who were able to contribute to the many hours of needle work needed to finish a queen size quilt.

The center picture is the younger version of me, working hard at my seven-year quilt. We moved that lamp around the room various times to offer the proper lighting. I invited ladies from my church to add to the quilt too.

I loved that they were able to bring years of experience and expertise to my "little" project.

One of my favorite shots is this one below.

Family quilting

My mother, my grandmother, and two of my daughters. Four generations of love working hard side by side.

What a beautiful vision.

This is a perfect example of the tangible, hands-on love and support I have always had from my family.

In the back, my grandma is patiently explaining to my middle daughter how to work the needle. My mom is working across from my oldest daughter as they diligently help me reach my quilting goals.

Together, with love and hard work from dear friends and family, we finally completed my quilt. It looked beautiful in our bedroom and I was so proud of how it turned out.

What About Walls

Did I mention we had a mural on our bedroom wall?

Knowing we were going to be putting the handmade quilt away made me consider if this was a good time to paint over our mural.

Several years prior, I had spent a lot of time painting a flower garden mural on our wall. I enjoy creating art and working in our flower gardens outside, so this was a very fun way to bring in the beauty of both together.

However, perhaps it was time for a change.

Step Into My Mural

Let me tell you about this mural so you can share in our joy. 

In the flower garden mural, I had painted stone walls and an iron gate. The iron gate appeared like a headboard since we didn't have any physical headboard for our bed.

I had so much fun creating trees and sweeping branches, bundles of flowers draping down over the stone wall, a familiar trellis with climbing leaves, and bushes of green foliage ready to bloom. I enjoyed every part, from the details in the front of the scene to the dirt path that leads you somewhere distant.

When I first started this project, I remember pulling out my old high school painting box.

Instantly, a flood of memories came rushing back with the stale smell of those oil paints.

The project took me about a month in all. Painting layers of paint, adding various colors, bringing new objects to the garden scene.

Mural left side

 

Mural right side

A few old pictures of the mural headboard scene to give you an idea. 

Needless to say, there was much debate in the family on whether or not I should paint over the mural. While they had some valid reasons for encouraging me to keep it, we all eventually agree that it was time to let it go.

Just like the quilt, it was great to display for a time. But we were excited to bring a fresh new look into the room again.

My Love For Creating

Ever since I can remember I have loved to create.

Can you tell? The mural and quilt are just two examples.

I have been making and selling things since I was in elementary school. It all started with macrame bracelets. My dad saw the bracelets and necklaces I was making and suggested that we try to sell them through a little boutique in a nearby town. It worked!

That was just the beginning.

Since then, I have sold my various crafts and creations through several different avenues: consignment, wholesale, and craft shows. I think it was my sister who suggested that I try to sell my items online. I started selling on eBay, and I soon had sales as far away as Australia!

The next step was to consider my own website, but I had no idea what all that truly meant. I began experimenting with a do-it-yourself website. After a lot of research, and a lot of trial and error, I did it! My first successful website, Hearthside Collection, was live and going strong.

Finding a Brand that Fit Us

OK. Back to our anniversary story.

My husband and I love antiques. And our home is over 125 years old. We knew we wanted to find something for our bedroom that "looked like grandma had made it."

I set out looking for a patchwork quilt and discovered the Kettle Grove collection made by Victorian Heart Collection(VHC) Brands.

I absolutely loved it!

The mix of black with warmer cremes and various golden tans looked beautiful as it was patched together in various plaid, stripe and vintage prints. The perfect simple country quilt!

We purchased the Kettle Grove quilt, bed skirt, curtains and some throw pillows. I was so pleased with the quality of this bedding collection that I knew I had to offer these amazing quilts to customers.

And that is exactly when we began creating and launching Primitive Star Quilt Shop.

Fast forward to today, and the quilt shop has grown and expanded multiple times since 2010.

We have over 3,500 quality products.

We have 9 cherished and valued employees.

We have shared our products with over 40,000 satisfied customers.

We are truly so grateful. And we look forward to what Primitive Star Quilt Shop can continue to bring to you, your home, and your loved ones who gather there.

I thank the Lord for bringing my husband into my life and for allowing us even more than 25 years together. Not only do we have an amazing story, but that 25th anniversary year also brought us something extra special - the birth of the Quilt Shop.

We Love Helping Others Decorate

Are you looking for a new quilt?

The Kettle Grove collection remains a very popular collection. This quilt was the perfect celebration gift for our 25th anniversary.

Do you want a change for your bedroom, but don't know where to start?

We have put together a very helpful tool with free worksheets - How to Create a Primitive Country Bedroom Makeover in 6 Easy Steps.

Primitive Star Quilt Shop would love to be a resource for you as you plan your next bedroom makeover.