The very capable staff includes Laura, Jody, Michelle, Amanda, Brianna, and Devin. Diane teaches the Wednesday clinic and Jane teaches the clinic on Saturdays. Northfield Yarn goes beyond knitting and crocheting, to include table-top looms, spinning wheels and fibers (to a limited degree), and some supplies for crafts, sewing, felting, and embroidery. Perhaps the store’s niche is that it houses good sweater yarns, and a few traditional wools, used in stranded colorwork; such as Rauma’s wool from Norway, Jameison & Smith’s 2-ply Jumper Weight from Shetland, and Lett Lopi, which is Icelandic wool. In general, you are likely to find a better selection here if you are looking for a toothy tweed, rather than something with glitter in it (there is have some glitter available, but maybe just not as much). “We are all about bringing people together over a common love of fiber-crafts. As far as instruction goes, we offer a full class schedule, plus private lessons, and a drop-in clinic twice a week. To get people together for fun, we host open stitch times, knit-alongs, yarn tastings, finishing frenzies, and whatever else comes time mind,” explained Gilbertson. A jaunt to Northfield Yarn is well worth the trip. When you add to the mix the fact that Northfield is an adorable historic river town, with two colleges, lots of art, history, shopping, and great places to have lunch, it makes even more sense to pay them a visit. Keep in touch with NY on Instagram, Facebook, or visit the website: northfieldyarn. com.
double time as we also change out most of the shop samples at this same pace,” said Marcia. PNQS is the perfect place to come for inspiration, new projects, classes, events, and many on-going clubs; with something for everyone, from beginner to advanced. There are machines for every budget as well, from simple, sturdy entry-level all the way to the top of the line; with projection cameras, built-in software, unlimited stitch combinations for sewing quilting and embroidery. They are also leaders in the area for Bernina professional long-arm sales and service; for those that want to start their own business or just finish the stack of quilts ready to be quilted. They have state-of-the-art systems with stitch regulators, automated and hand driven systems. Rounding out the shop are plenty of threads, notions and general sewing supplies. Just about everyone that works in the shop are experts in sewing, or top-notch embroidery consultants that can help you with just about anything your heart desires. The gals have over 16 years’ experience and place a huge emphasis on education. While people can buy a machine elsewhere, they pride themselves on making sure all of their owners know what every button and touch screen function is for and how to use them. Mastery classes are included with any machine purchase, and they also offer more intermediate and advanced classes, including bringing in national sewing and embroidery celebrities to the shop at moderate prices throughout the year. On-going clubs and classes offer new tips and techniques with a touch of friendly socialization as well. “We are so looking forward to late spring/summer 2020, as we will be expanding to about twice the size. We will have a new and bigger classroom, a more spacious sales floor, and so much more to look forward to. PNQS is getting bigger and better with more to inspire,” Marcia said.
CREEK WATER MEMORIES Creek Water Memories, and Owner Mary McReynolds, have been nestled in downtown Jordan Minnesota since September of 2009. The staff includes Heather; advertising, sales, teaches classes and the like; and Kari, part-time salesperson. “Our store is a craft store. We have scrapbooking supplies, along with mixed media supplies. We cater to mostly card makers, scrapbookers and those that like to work with mixed media and the likes. We carry a wide verity of papers, stamps, dies, and inks,” said McReynolds. Creek Water provides a wide verity of cardmaking classes, scrapbooking classes, mixed media classes, a once a month Journal/planner class, as well as many more, depending on what is going on in the scrapbooking community. Mary also hosts several events a year. “We have what we call card blitz on black Friday, where folks make 35 cards. We also celebrate National Scrapbook Day with a weekendlong crop. We conduct two garage sales; one in the spring and one in the fall. We have weekly card club,” Mary added. CWM carries a wide verity of papers that are not available in local stores, like Walmart, Michaels, and Joanne’s. Mary orders-in the whole line so it’s easy to plan a project. The staff loves to answer questions and help where they can, assuring customers feel that they came to the right place. Hours of operations are Mon., Tue. and Thurs., 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.; Wed. and Fri., 10 a.m. - 8 p.m.; and Sat., 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.; phone: 952-406-8732.
PINE NEEDLES QUILT & SEW Owned by mother/daughter team Marcia Nagel & Suzie Nagel, Pine Needles Quilt & Sew has been a going concern since 2012. Long-time shop manager Joy Inglett is at the helm. Additionally, there are 15 other staff members, including two inshop technicians. PNQS is a full-service sewing, embroidery and quilt shop, featuring Bernina and Babylock machines. The Nagels curate the shop to have the newest selection of fabric collections from many popular vendors. It is the ladies’ mantra that nothing has a birthday in the shop, so they move fabrics in and out at a rapid pace, thus affording them the opportunity to always have new and fresh merchandise. “We have several new collections coming in each week, which makes it very exciting for customers and staff alike. Our machines do
GINNY’S FINE FABRICS Ginny’s Fine Fabrics is directed by owner Ginny Smith, a most personable and knowledgeable woman, who has spent 44 years in the business. Ginny is a firm believer in offering quality products. “Our fabrics are most suitable for fashion sewing, but they can also be used for home-décor and art quilting,” said Smith. A complete “full-service” fabric store, Ginny’s offers fabric and button sampling, bridal planning, style consultation, and private (one-on-one or group) classes. She is always looking for new fabrics and pays attention to what’s fresh on the scene. The shop is adorable, the fabrics are wonderful, the staff is friendly, and they cater to all ages and skilllevels. If you have been searching for just that right fabric, you WILL find it here or it isn’t possible. GFF has a full selection of woolens, including many in cashmere, alpaca, and mohair, both woven and knits. She also has the largest collection of pure, silk fabrics anywhere, in both solids and prints, many from US and European designers. “My linen collection is vast, as well, including solids in many weights and digital prints which are very artistic and unique. I stock a large collection of denims, washable knits and wovens,” Ginny added. Ginny’s “support group” mentality offers technical help and fitting assistance to even the most recent beginner. The store is an unpretentious milieu, but it is a seamstress’ fantasy. Ginny has it all, including good prices! Easily accessible at 12 South Broadway, Ginny’s is open 9:30 - 5:30, Tue. – Sat. and Mon. by appointment; (507) 285-9134; www.ginnysfinefabrics.com. SMS
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