Making the Dollar: Homespun Quilts

Published 5:00 pm Wednesday, May 16, 2007

An interview with Lydia Sorenson, owner of Homespun Quilts, 108 10th Street, Astoria.

Quilt making is a time-honored American tradition. It began during colonial times and traveled West with the first pioneers. Astoria’s legacy is fishing, farming and logging, but quilting may be the most enduring pastime for this oldest permanent settlement west of the Rockies. Just one-half block from the Columbia River, Homespun Quilts continues to honor the tradition. The store is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. seven days a week. Visit the Web site at www.homespunquilt.com or call 325-3300 or (800) 298-3177.

Tell us about Homespun Quilts.

“This store was in Warrenton for two years before moving here. It was here for another two years before we bought it September of 2005. We carry all top quality fabrics from manufacturers like Moda, RJR, Andover, Michael Miller and Maywood Studio. We have notions, books and patterns. Our whole family works here. My husband, Thor, just started sewing machine repair. This is really needed in this area. He can repair most anything that has a manual, and that he can get parts for.”

Have you always wanted a quilting shop?

“Not at all! We have lived in this area for 14 years, and I worked as a veterinary technician. A friend literally talked me into taking a quilting class. I started out quilting clothing for pets. I had a booth at the Sunday Market where I sold hats, coats and all sorts of items for pets. I really got tired of setting up and taking down the booth every Sunday and knew I wanted a retail store. My move here grew from the success at Sunday Market.”

What is popular today about quilting?

“What I hear from customers is that quilting is not just about blankets. It is an art form, whether it is just a patch or an embellished wall hanging. We are starting to get more and more kids. Teenagers are getting back into decorating. We see from 20 to 50 now, coming in with their parents. Stained glass sweatshirts are becoming extremely popular. The sweatshirts have a stencil cutout showing an underlying floral or coordinating print. We started out thinking three would show up for the class, but we have had six to eight people in each of the three classes we have held.”

Tell us about your classes.

“We offer beginning sewing on May 28 to June 2 from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. The cost is $60 plus supplies. This is a basic sewing class. Learn how to read a pattern. Learn basic sewing terms and techniques while making an apron. The supply list is available at sign-up. We also have a beginning class for kids on July 16. The cost is $15 plus the kit. We will make a string pillow case. This is for 12 and up. Clothes making is becoming popular, because it is no longer taught in school. This gives folks a chance to have original, unique, high quality clothing that will last for generations. It is not just for kids. We see ages from 10 to 89. Go to our Web site for a complete list of classes offered.”

What can you tell us about the volume of business here?

“The volume here really varies. There are days when no one comes in, and days when 30 people come in. I have not seen much growth since we bought it. We are still learning and discovering what increases our volume. Our Saturday Sampler program has really helped and those days are very busy. Customers can purchase a quilt block for $5 and bring it back a month later and receive another block for free. The cruise ships help. We are right on the river walk and quilters can always find a quilt shop. We get a lot of visitors from the ships.”