Susan Westbury

Tiny Stitches Staff Member

I began quilting in 2019 right before the Pandemic by watching YouTube. I used to cross stitch as a young girl, so sewing had been in my brain for a long time. I was looking for something to do that brought me joy and kept my hands busy, and maybe make some money doing it. Crazy dream? I stumbled into quilting, and I believe things do happen for a reason! My first quilt was with Walmart fabrics, and the Fat Quarter Shop’s Beginner Quilt pattern. I had been to Tiny Stitches a few times before as I got more involved and excited about sewing. I remember thinking this place has everything you need! And so many fabrics! My first purchased bundle was Tilda’s, Woodland Creatures. Maetha helped me find a coordinating fabric to sew with it. I love the quilt I made! One particular day in February of 2020 I headed to the store to buy some supplies, and when I walked in it I realized that I was the only person in the store that morning. I didn’t see any workers either. I then saw one of the owners, Henry, come up the stairs and say “I’m sorry we’re closed.” Tiny Stitches had just closed the store that day due to Covid and so many employees being sick. Henry had hung a sign on the door saying so, which I didn’t see, and I came in anyway. I apologized saying I didn’t see the sign on the door and said I would leave, but with the nature of quilters, feeling completely welcomed then and Henry telling me I should go ahead and stay and shop since I was already there, I settled in and picked out a few things. Then Maetha came upstairs, and I had the whole store and both owners to myself, things quickly turned into an informational, gossiping, complaining, and educational visit with soon to be new friends. We totally hit it off and commiserated about all things in life during the height of Pandemic. By the end of my fabric haul and conversation, Maetha and I decided that I needed a job there and should come in soon for an interview. That was two years ago! I love my Tiny Stitches family for all the quilty things I’ve learned, and the friends I have made!