Denise Bates and Linda Murray, owners of The Quilt Box in downtown Kewanee, consider themselves lucky to have been part of the community, but after over two decades, the business will be soon closing its doors.
Bates, and her original business partner, April Shultz, started the shop in 2003, supplying the area with bolts of beautiful fabric and all things quilting. When Shultz left five years later, Linda Murray jumped at the chance to come on board.
Bates, a native Iowan, was a teacher, daycare provider, and seed company researcher before she turned her love of sewing into a business. She came to the Kewanee area for a good reason.
“I married a Kewanee guy and here I am,” she said.
She and her husband settled outside of Cambridge, where he farms. Murray worked with her father at Tucker’s Sales and Service in nearby Lafayette while she professionally quilted in her Kewanee home.
Looking back on their years as store owners, they both spoke of all the classes and workshops they provided for customers. With titles such as “Jane’s Creative Club” and “Sit and Sew” the classes kept the shop busy and a destination for many handy with a needle and thread.
Bates said that their “Block a Month Club allowed quilters to construct a quilt over time, making it more affordable and less of a time challenge. “It was likely our most popular class.”
Their customer base, Murray said, has reached as far as the Chicago suburbs and covered much of the northern half of the State.
“Our local customer base has always been tremendous,” she said, adding that “many local shoppers became our best friends over the years.”
Bates was quick to point out that in all the years they have been open, they’ve had but one disagreeable customer.
“Those that cross into our shop are the best – always happy and patient,” she said.
Before the couple announced the store closing, they had 2,000 plus bolts of colorful fabric available for sale. All types of fabric still line the shelves, with quilting tools, patterns, kits, buttons, storage containers, and other notions for purchase.
“We used to sell sewing machines but discontinued that when Covid hit,” said Bates.
The lockdown slowed sales, but when restrictions were eased, customers could visit in small numbers.
“We met a lot of customers at the door with their orders, and when inside, no one balked at wearing a mask or keeping their distance from others,” she said.
Many of the quilts that hang in the store are on consignment. Bates estimated that, over the years, they showcased close to 600 quilt samples and table runners, noting that while some customers chose to make towels, aprons, baby items, and cross stitch, roughly 75 percent of purchases were by quilters.
“We tried to have a variety of items for anyone who sews,” said Bates.
Holiday designs have been some of the most popular items, with Halloween at the top of the list.
“We always encouraged customers to purchase holiday fabric at least six months in advance,” said Murray. “Once a fabric pattern is gone, it’s almost impossible to get it again.”
Both women agree that there’s no favorite fabric among customers. Having a varied supply helped them find what they needed year-round. Harder-to-find items such as wool, linen, and flannel have been good sellers. Backing for quilts and runners is a popular necessity.
Bates said that she always enjoyed coming to work. “It’s both a hobby and a job and you can’t beat that.” Murray added, “When we lock the door behind us it will be leaving a job that wasn’t a job.”
Both have plans to spend more time with family – especially their grandchildren. Bates is looking forward to having the time and energy to do more things at home. Another venture is not out of the question, but for now, she hopes to relax.
Murray is moving to Burlington, Iowa to be near her son and his family. As with her partner, it’s doubtful that she will stay idle very long.
Sue and Will Sagmoen own the building that houses the Quilt Box, and plans for its use will be announced later. In the meantime, sales are in progress, with discounts of 40% or more on most items. The target date for closing is the end of October.
Building repairs require that customers use the east-side entrance.
“We’ve had a great run,” says Bates. “We owe it to our customers who are so appreciated and thank them all for a wonderful run.”
