Artistic Life Thrives in Local Quilt Shops, including Maryland!

When Joann Fabrics filed for bankruptcy, went out of business, and closed all its doors across the country in May of 2025, for fiber artists and other crafters, it was a massive blow to where we could get supplies. Sure, there is a huge online presence, but say that I ran out of black thread and needed it to finish my project, a quick run to Joann’s to pick up one spool of thread was easy...and local. And say, I needed navy blue quilting cotton for another project coming up, there is NOTHING like touching fabric with tried and true tactile fingers in person to select the best option for the quilt, in addition to buying a measly spool of thread.

Those days are not over yet!

In my area, two local quilt shops opened up! The shop in Crofton changed ownership from Vicki Bozik’s Tomorrow’s Treasures (which began in 1997) to Tracy’s at The Quilting Parlour in 2025.

Buy Local is the cry, amiright?

My NeedleOnFull Quilting business is local for many of my customers (but I’ve also created quilts for people in 12 states and one from Bordeaux, France!). Sew, I’m thrilled with the two new shops!

Another shop, Cottonwood in Severna Park, Maryland, has opened a quaint shop in the last two years. The owners, Julie and DJ Antinucci, have curated a special shop for quilters, artists, and antiquers (especially looking for antique quilts). Creativity reigns supreme when you cross the threshold into the engaging shop filled with vintage items, fabrics, sewing notions, gifts, home decor, and more.

When Julie was our featured quilt guild speaker this month, I asked her if the shop carried orange flannel (kind of an odd ask, but I need it for one of the T-shirt quilts I’m currently creating), and she said, “Yes, because it’s my favorite color!” Her trunk show was spectacular - showing and telling about 100 vintage quilts, many for sale in the shop. Julie not only revealed all the antique quilts, but also a spectacular one she made herself, which hung at the Houston International Quilt Show a few years ago (first photo below). She is amazing, as well as her shop! If local or in Maryland, check out Cottonwood and all it has to offer for just about everyone.

There’s no doubt that Maryland’s artistic life will continue to thrive when local gals and families open up shops of creativity and possibility. If you’re reading this post from another state, please check out the local shops in the other 49 states! The communities are genuine for beginners and “masters” alike, and you won’t regret it. There are many ways in fiber arts to Manufacture Sunshine!

Julie on the left; Janet Frietag, Program Co-Chair, on the right

The above quilts are from the antique and vintage collection at the shop.

bSoleille!

Terri