Quilt House owners Janet and Gary Pierce stand under the “House Warming” quilt that was featured in the 2004 edition of Better Homes Magazine’s Quilt Sampler. The shop is celebrating 25 years.
Photo by Sarah Drinkwine.
The Pierces didn’t know it at the time, but that one handmade quilt over 50 years was the piece of fabric that tied together 25 years of quiltmaking at the Quilt House.
Established in 1999, owners Janet and Gary Pierce thanked their customers and staff for “experiencing the fun” with them during their 25-year anniversary celebration happening throughout May.
“We thank our customers for being part of our success throughout the years,” said the Pierces. “We have many regular and dedicated customers and we have wonderful staff who take good care of our customers.”
Janet said it all started with the handmade quilt gifted to her by Gary’s mother, Ruth in 1970 that got her interested in quilting.
“It was a beautiful quilt and I wanted to do it myself, but the thought of quiltmaking was a lot of work,” said Janet.
Back then, Janet said fabric was cut with scissors and it was a tedious craft, that is until the rotary cutter became a quilter’s must have tool.
“It made things so much more precise, more accurate cuts, and it made things easier,” said Janet.
Then in 1989, she took a six-session quilting class with a friend and was hooked.
“It’s a fun business,” she said. “What’s not to love about colors and fabric.”
Soon after moving to Gardnerville, Janet began working at a local quilt shop in the Raley’s shopping center and in 1999 the opportunity to purchase that shop arose for the Pierces. In 2003, the Quilt House moved to its current location in the Park Place Center.
The couple credit each other for different aspects of the establishment, he the visioner and business man and she the talent.
“Janet has an eye for matching color and she’s good at it,” said Gary. “Many customers ask for her help on projects or ask how she created that look and that’s what prompted the kits we have.”
Gary built much of the design seen throughout the store, including to display for quilts hanging from the ceiling.
“It’s a full-time business for both of us and we work well together,” said Gary.
Aside from its reputation for being a one-stop for various projects, including pre-designed kits, books, sewing machines, gifts and accessories, The Quilt House was featured in the Better Homes and Gardens Quilt Sample magazine in September 2004 and in their premiere issue of Best of Quilt Sampler in March 2007.
Janet said the features were a high honor, as only 10 shops across the U.S. were selected.
“We have people come from all over,” said Gary. “Sometimes busloads. We’ve grown into a well-known establishment over the years.”
The Quilt House carries motr than 3,500 bolts of fabric including Moda, Hoffman, and Henry Glass and are an authorized dealer for Bernina Sewing, Koala Studios sewing cabinets, and Heavenly Seating sewing chairs.
Throughout May, customers can find storewide specials and enjoy drawings, including a chance for a Bernette Sewing Machine.
The Quilt House is located in the Park Place center since March 2003. Visit https://thequilthousestore.com/ for more information or follow The Quilt House Store on Facebook.
