STORE AROUND THE CORNER: Cotton Patch Quilt Shop

An avid sewer since the sixth grade, Laura Flynn had always harbored a desire to make a quilt.

So in 1992, Flynn finally began quilting and she hasn’t stopped since.

“This is the most addictive hobby I’ve ever had,” Flynn said. “I think the fabrics have something to do with it. Now is a fabulous time to be a quilter because there are so many fabrics to choose from.”

Flynn’s love of quilting and fabrics ultimately led her to open her own quilt shop. After struggling to find the different types of fabrics she was looking for, Flynn, along with her husband, Tim, opened Cotton Patch Quilt Shop seven years ago in west Bradenton.

On June 1, Cotton Patch Quilt Shop relocated to its new East County location, 8480 Cooper Creek Blvd., University Park.

“We decided to relocate for the neighborhood and the highway,” Flynn said. “A lot of our customers live out this way; and there are a lot of families and (people) out here that fit the quilting demographic.

“It’s close to the highway, so we’re right here for people traveling through the state,” she added. “It’s kind of addictive. If they sew or quilt then wherever they want to know if there’s a quilt shop (nearby).”

Cotton Patch Quilt Shop offers a wide variety of books, patterns, supplies and fabrics, including Batiks, flannels, solids, seasonal and themed prints, among others, as well as several top name brands, including Moda and Robert Kaufmann.

In addition, Flynn also offers a variety of classes, including beginning quilting, skill building and project classes, among numerous others. Information on each of the different classes, including pricing, pictures, descriptions, dates, times and supply lists can be found on the store’s Website at www.cottonpatchquiltshop.com.

“I think it’s really good for us to create,” Flynn said. “It’s good for the senses. To be able to create something that lasts … I love the stories behind things and the symbolism that people put into it.”

The store is also currently participating in the 1 Million Pillowcase Challenge charity project for children at Sarasota Memorial Hospital and the Con Care Cancer Program. The community is invited to make a pillowcase and drop it off at the store during business hours. So far, Cotton Patch Quilt Shop has collected at least 150 pillowcases for the cause.

Additionally, in August, the store will begin another community service project where quilters and sewers can sew blocks, which will be put together to make quilts for soldiers.

Contact Jen Blanco at jblanco@yourobserver.com

BASICS

Cotton Patch Quilt Shop

Owner: Laura Flynn

Address: 8480 Cooper Creek Blvd., University Park

Phone: 941-359-3300

Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Saturday

Employees: Four

Website: www.cottonpatchquiltshop.com

What makes the business unique: I think we have a really friendly and helpful staff and fabulous fabrics,” Flynn said.