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profiles
Susan Gilman & Coni Bjelland Glacier Quilts
by Kristen Hamilton - Photo by Mike Potter
From the outside, one might think that quilting is a passive, quiet hobby reserved for the older generation. After meeting with the owners of Glacier Quilts, Susan Gilman and Coni Bjelland, I’m convinced that it is quite the opposite.
“Quilting is a very social activity,” says Susan. After 14 years in the business, they have built a community at Glacier Quilts and welcome new members with open arms. Susan and Coni are a mother/daughter business that through the years has had just about every member of their family contributing with personal areas of expertise. Even Coni’s two young children help by being stars of the bi-monthly newsletter that outlines class schedules and quilting events for their customers.
Susan’s mother taught her to sew when she was nine years old. She was involved in 4-H and generally grew up around sewing. A friend introduced her to quilting and she hasn’t looked back since. Seeing the need and following her passion of quilting, she decided to open Glacier Quilts. They started in a much smaller location with only 350 bolts. In quilting, a bolt is a long piece of fabric that’s usually wound on a flattened cardboard tube, making it easy to stack for display. They moved to Hutton Ranch four years ago to a much larger space and now have 14,000 bolts as well as a large classroom. Susan said, “I like sharing my love of fabric with the customers. It’s very satisfying when I can help them create a heirloom." At Glacier Quilts, the customers become friends and family in a happy and supportive environment.
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Coni started as the bookkeeper and over the years has taken on more and more responsibility. She learned to quilt by making a simple table-runner and has evolved her art into long-arm custom quilting. She also designs stencils that can be purchased internationally. “I love ordering the new fabric and seeing it before it’s on the shelves. I also really enjoy helping customers with the different fabrics,” she said.
Owning the business means a lot of work, but it does offer Susan and Coni flexibility in their schedule, which is very important to both of them. “It’s almost a 24/7 job and we wouldn’t work this hard for someone else,” Susan said. Thankfully, they have a great staff that comes from a wide variety of backgrounds, but the common thread is a love of sewing and helping others. Being a family-oriented business and their customer service is what sets Glacier Quilts apart from other stores.
I witnessed an example of this when a customer was able to purchase a special-sized table that Susan had purchased. Often products are added which they don’t normally carry for the benefit of their customers. It is an extra service that is appreciated.
When you walk around the store, you’ll notice beautiful quilts hanging on all the walls. Many of the display quilts are either available to purchase or the staff can help you make one for yourself. Susan said, regarding quilts, “We can teach you to make, we can make one for you, or you can get one that is already done." They offer classes throughout the month for beginners to advance quilters. With the recent downturn in the economy they are seeing a larger variety of quilters who want to learn to make a quilt
for a gift. Not only younger ladies, but even a few males, are now hooked on quilting.
Glacier Quilts are also dealers for Baby Lock and Elna sewing machines, which are the top of the line in the business. Susan’s husband, Marty Gilman is the certified repairman for these machines. Stressing the community spirit of quilting, the shows in the area are a must for Susan and Coni. They are active in the Bigfork Quilt Show in June, the Whitefish Quilt Show held every other July, the Eureka Quilt Show held every August, and the Flathead Guild Show in September.
When asked what they did in their limited free time, the answer was “sew." They did say that they also try to enjoy our wonderful area as often as they can with fishing, hiking, boating and the usual activities that bring so many of us to the Valley. Whether you are a quilter or just enjoy looking at beautiful handiwork, I encourage you to stop by Glacier Quilts and say hello to Susan, Coni and the rest of the staff!
Glacier Quilts 125 Hutton Ranch Road Kalispell, MT 59901 406-257-6966 www.glacierquilts.com
Open Monday-Friday from 10:00am-5:30pm and Saturday 10:00am-4:00pm. Please check website for monthly class schedules.