The Quilt House has added 2,500 square feet to its Gardnerville location by taking over a neighboring space formerly occupied by Cooks Pantry.
Owners Gary and Janet Pierce started The Quilt House in 1999 in the Raley's shopping center. In 2003, they designed and built their own shop in the Park Place Plaza behind AM/PM.
The expansion allows the Pierces to display more of their fabrics, quilting kits, sewing machines, antiques and other accessories.
"We are bringing in some new products as well as expanding our classrooms," Gary Pierce said.
Pierce said the shop's Saturday Sampler class, held once a month, draws 100 people.
"People-wise, we are steady," he said.
Janet Pierce said quilters are devoted customers who visit as many quilt shops as possible.
"Quilt stores are really destination shops," she said.
However, Gary Pierce said they are not immune to the economic recession.
"We're in the same boat as everybody else," he said. "We've been counting pennies and looking for great deals for our customers. We want to give our customers the best deals we can, and stay competitive, so that they'll keep coming back."
Pierce said during the holidays, their bigger ticket items start coming off the shelves, including their Bernina sewing machines, Heavenly Sewing Chairs and Horn sewing cabinets.
"People start a lot of quilting projects for Christmas," he said.
Janet Pierce said in rough times, people turn to quilting for comfort.
"It's nice to make something for your home," she said. "There is a sense of accomplishment and satisfactions that comes with it."
The Quilt House is located at 1328 Highway 395, Suite 105 and is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday.
Call 782-8845 for more information.
