Sharon
Kit Specialist

Sharon came to us last year on July 23rd. We were so excited when she came by Deb hired her on the spot, and asked when she could start. Sharon began work that very same day, and took over cutting and putting together the quilt kits like a pro!

It's a big job, and she's always busy! We've got so many quilt kits that there's always another one that needs cut, and Sharon's there ... rotary cutter in hand. She pulls the fabrics for each kit, cuts the fabrics, gets everything together, and packages each one beautifully, in a basket and shrink wrap. It's not an easy task, but she tackles each one with gusto. (well, most of the time.)

Sharon's also super at putting together our pillowcase kits. She's constantly on the prowl for a new pillowcase kit, and does a wonderful job of picking out just the right fabrics. Of course, she picked out, cut, and packaged all our Western pillowcases this week. (Thanks for the inspiration, Ms. Sharon!)

On a personal note, Ms. Sharon is a pleasure to work with. Her workstation is right behind me (Trisha), and she is always smiling and happy - even in the morning! Sharon is married to Robert. They moved from the Houston area, and have just finished building a new home here in East Texas. She has 2 grown children, Christy and Chad, and 7 delightful grandchildren (all of whom are her favorite). Last, but certainly not least, she has a new puppy, Bear, who gets lots of her attention, and brings her special gifts of flowers straight from her flower pots. :)

Birthday: July 20th
Favorite Color: Yellow
Hobbies: Sewing, Reading, and Watching grandkids

Sylvia
Block of the Month Specialist

Sylvia is one of our Block of the Month specialists here at Stitchin' Heaven. So, if you get, or have gotten one of our Blocks of the Month, you can appreciate the work that Sylvia does. She stands on her feet all day, almost every day (except when she's preparing those beautiful packages!), cutting and figuring the amounts of fabric for your BOM packs. And she does such a wonderful job!

Sylvia joined our crew in February of 2007, just over 2 years now, and she's added spunk and laughter to the shop ever since! She is an absolute delight to work with, and the first to congratulate, well-wish, and even tease as you walk in the door. Ms. Sylvia is always happy (a little too happy!) and always has a smile to share. They say you can hear a smile over the phone, and I'm sure that you can see her smile in every piece of fabric that she cuts. She is contagious ... in good way. Also, I have to give her some credit for On the Lighter Side, since she sends me many of my jokes.

Sylvia has had an exciting, though busy, life. She is married to her handsome husband, Jerry, for 44 years, and they have one son and daughter-in-law, Robby and Melanie, and one grandson, Bruiser (hmmm...nickname?). As a child, she was a navy brat, and moved around, including Japan twice. Then, as a wife, she's moved around the country for her husband's job. We're certainly glad they've settled in East Texas, and she's joined our family here at Stitchin' Heaven.

Birthday: April 2nd
Favorite Color: Blue
Hobby: Sewing & Reading

Diana
Block of the Month Specialist

Diana is a fairly new member of our family here at Stitchin' Heaven, she joined us in February of this year, and is now one of our Block of the Month Specialists. She stands on her feet almost all day, every day, except when she's sitting, working diligently on making your BOM packages look so very beautiful ... like Luv 'n Texas.

Diana is always cheerful, and smiling, but she's also quiet, and very sweet. So, sorry, but I haven't got any good, juicy information ... yet. (I'll be working on that very soon.) Diana grew up not too far from here, in Ft. Worth. She moved off to Colorado and raised her 3 sons, Shane, Josh and Tyler.  She told me that she saw the verse, “Grow where you are planted” at a local church in Colorado, and knew that home wasn’t in Colorado since the ground was frozen solid. So, she moved back home where her roots could get into this wonderful, warm, Texas soil, and be near her family. 

Diana loves working outside in the warm weather, and piecing quilts for her grandchildren – 3 of them! And since she has spent most of her life working with pre-school children, it gives us hope that she has patience enough to handle our Stitchin’ Heaven crew.  She’s in good company, though, and she’s off to a great start. We've decided that we're going to keep her for a while longer.

Birthday: Sept. 24th
Hobby: Sewing, Being outside, and working with children
Favorite Color: Blue

Lydia
Inventory Specialist

Ok, girls! Ms. Lydia is our Inventory Specialist. She does all our ordering - a HUGE job, by the way. She has to keep up with many different lists of who wants what, from where, why, and how soon. Not an easy task for Stitchin' Heaven, but she does it, and does it very well. (With a song and a smile!)

She also receives and checks in all incoming inventory. A very cool job! She gets to see all the new stuff first, as she tears into those giant boxes. Of course, then, she'll send it back to me to add it online, and I always give her a hard time, even threatening. But she insists that I get it online, and continues to return ... daily ... with more items, so I guess she isn't taking it too personally. :)

What to tell you about Ms. Lydia ... She is a delight! She's as quiet as a church mouse, and would nurse one back to health if she found one ailing. She has a deep love and appreciation for all animals, and gladly takes on any strays that wander through the parking lot. Ms. Lydia has (and cares for daily) lots of cows, several dogs, many cats, a parrot who tears the buttons off of jeans ... and the patience of Job.

She is a very busy woman! On top of everything, Lydia also takes college courses, and is working on her Bachelor's Degree in Accounting. I have also heard that her son, who is a police officer in the Dallas area is getting married. Talk about burning the candle at both ends! In short, Ms. Lydia is wonderful. We love her, and value her greatly.

Birthday: July 13th
Favorite Color: Green
Hobbies: She enjoys sewing, but currently, her hobby is homework.

Analiese
Customer Service Specialist

Analiese joined us back in March of 2008, knowing nothing about quilting! She began working as a customer service specialist, answering phones and e-mails. Today, she is johnny-on-the-spot, and can answer almost any question, or knows right where to get the answer. She caught on fast, and she's grrr-eat with customers.

We are glad to say that she joined our Internet Department in July of 2009, and now handles all our internet orders; getting them from the website each morning (Monday - Friday), pulling and cuting everything needed to fill the orders, contacts you, the customer, keeps up with all the back orders and substitutions, packaging, postage, and mailing.

Analiese is a very busy gal! You often see her, phone hanging off her back pocket and Diet Dr. Pepper in hand, running through the shop on yet, another mission. She does! When I put something online, Analiese goes thru it with a fine-toothed comb. She does her best to come up with all the questions that YOU will be asking her, and finds all my typos. Then, she bugs me relentlessly until it's fixed.

Here at the shop, Analiese is surrounded by all us women, but at home ... well, it's a totally different story! Analiese and Jeff, her husband of 12 years, have 4 adorable boys: Cody (11), Mason (7), and twins, Blake and Bryan, who are 6 years old. Trust me, if anyone is tough enough to handle that pack, it's Analiese. No wonder she stays so skinny! Even with all those Red Hots she eats all day! She's pretty proud of her boys, and who can blame her ... they're soooo cute!

I must say, we're pretty proud of Analiese, too. We dread the days she isn't here, and pray that she never takes another vacation. (She just got back from Mexico with a nice tan!) So, when you call in just remember that Analiese is here, and will do her best to help with whatever your need is ... with a friendly, southern voice and a smile to make your day better. Thanks, Analiese!

Favorite Color: Khaki
Birthday: October 4th
Hobby: Chasing boys (since she didn't give me anything better)

Mandy
Internet Billing Specialist

Ahhh, Mandy! Let me tell you about Mandy. She began here 3 years ago last February, as a cutter in our Kit/BOM department. By the way, one of her favorite jobs was cutting the Affairs of the Heart Block of the month - but don't tell her that. Then, she moved on, and became our Internet Billing Specialist. Now, Mandy bills out all the block of the month programs and the internet orders. She keeps up with who gets what and how often on the BOM's, and keeps it all in order.

Mandy shares the back room with Teri and I. So, we get to hear her as she talks to herself ... and sometimes, answers back! But, that's to be expected, I guess. All our crazy antics ... including ransoming some poor, employee's desk knickknacks. (Shhh! Don't tell anyone it was us!) We always seem to be getting ourselves into some kind of trouble - especially Mandy. (Hmmm...the Three Stooges, maybe?) To make it short, we have lots of fun back here.

Ok, down to the basics, Mandy has 2 children, Cory (16) and Kimberly (14) who keep her busy. She's always looking forward to the next time she gets to go fishing with her parents, and we never tire of those 'fish stories' she comes back with. She's taken up quilting, and she rocks! She's made some very impressive quilts to be a beginner. All-in-all, Mandy's pretty special. At least to us!

Birthday: May 24th
Favorite Color: Blue
Hobbies: Fishing, Quilting & Collecting Cows

Lucy
Customer Service Specialist

I love Lucy! Ms. Lucy works up front, in the store. She's the friendly face when you walk in off the street. She's also a great teacher, and teaches quite a few of our quilting classes here in the store. If you've got a question, Lucy knows the answer. She's been sewing since she was 12 years old, (just a few years) and, in 1991, she took up quilting, too. Since, she's had several of her quilts published in magazines, and many hang on the walls of Stitchin' Heaven.

Lucy joined our little family several years ago just after moving here all the way from Georgia. Being an avid quilter, she said once that she was disappointed to learn she was moving to this tiny town ... then she learned about Stitchin' Heaven. So, she called (I even took one of those calls), to let us know she was moving here, and willing (begging?) to teach or make samples for the shop. Little did she know we'd having her working full time - day and night!

Lucy is one of the most wonderful people in the world. She is kind, caring, and always ready to go out of her way to help. All-in-all, Ms. Lucy is a 'quilter'. In her spare time (?) Lucy quilts. She pieces and quilts many of our store samples, and also does long arm quilting for the public. She quilts into the wee hours of many mornings, and is still here at 9:30 to help open up shop. If you've got a quilt that needs quilting, you can contact Lucy at lucyquilts@yahoo.com for information.

Lucy and her husband of 42 years, Mr. Dennis, raised 6 children; Kerrie and Kellie (twins), Matthew, Michael, Kristie, and Kimberlie, and have 13 grandchildren. Kimberlie is a story by herself, and I'll have to tell you about her later -- but we LOVE her! Oh, and I have to mention ... the little yellow bug! Lucy proudly struts her stuff around town in her trademark yellow Volkswagen Bug - a very appropriate car for her, cute, bright, and makes you smile.

Birthday: November 30th
Favorite Color: Pink
Hobby: Quilting, of course!

Michelle
Customer Service Specialist

This week, as I strolled around the shop to find this weeks' chosen one, I stopped, standing with my camera and notepad in front of Michelle, and I could feel the excitement. Not!

Michelle has been with us for just over a year now, since Spring of 2008. She works in the front store with Lucy, and greets you as you walk in with a warm and welcoming smile. Michelle is quiet, sweet, and the picture of calm, even when you know she's having a terrible day, and nothing is going right, or when you put her 'on the spot', and make her nervous.

Michelle has been quilting for 34 years ... since she was 13! She can tell you all the ins and outs, and get you back on the right track, and by the time you leave, Michelle will have you calm, and comfortable, believing that you are a master of quilting with no worries on this latest masterpiece.

Michelle is married to Dean, and has 6 children; Patrick, Jessica, Summer, Amanda, James and Jenna. She is a Texas gal, born and raised. She also does long arm quilting in her spare time (what?) for the public, and does some absolutely wonderful work. If you are looking for a quilter, and are interested, you can send an e-mail to cottncapers@aol.com for details.

This Fall, Michelle will be beginning nursing school. Congratulations! We are so excited for her! I know that calm-on-the-outside facade will be put to the test then, so we do hope her all the best. All-in-all, Michelle is a wonderful person, and a delight to have in our family.

Birthday: October 30
Favorite Color: Forest Green
Hobbies: Quilting, Antiquing, and Gardening

Gloria
BOM & Kit Specialist

Gloria is our all-around helper here at the shop. She folds and arranges the fabrics for kits and those never ending fat quarters. She cuts Dear Jane, and pitches in to help out wherever she is needed. She has been with us for about 6 years, maybe more, and has become a staple we just can't live without.

Gloria is always happy! I don't think her face can make a frown, which is good, because she has a beautiful smile -- one that is highly contagious. She is sweet as candy, quiet as a church mouse, and wonderful as, well, Gloria. Both her, and her husband of 12 years, Bart, come from large families, and they have 3 delightful children: Melissa, 14 (who is looking forward to a Quinceañera soon!), Lorena, 10, and Oscar, 6. When I asked about hobbies, she didn't really have much for me, but she did tell me about being dragged out by the kids to play volley ball. She enjoys playing with the kids, and spending what little spare time she has with them and her husband. Gloria loves her family, some of whom are still in Mexico, but always on her mind. Hmmm...I think maybe family is why she's always happy.

All-in-all, Gloria is an absolutely delightful member of our family. She keeps us going with our daily bits of Spanish to English lessons (and vice versa), then, politely blushes, and lets us know when our Tex-Mex blend of Spanish will get us into trouble. Ahh, the laughs we've had.

Birthday: April 27th
Hobbies: Playing with the kids & Taking walks
Favorite Color: Pink

Ginni
Customer Service Specialist

We are excited to introduce to you, Ginni, who joined our family just this week. She will be taking over Analiese's duties on the phone, and pitching in to help out the store. So, when you call in, or send an e-mail to info@stitchinheaven.com, be sure to give her a hearty hello, and welcome.

I sat down with Ginni, and we had a nice little chat today. I found out that just 2 1/2 years ago, she lived in Maryland! She and her husband of 14 years, John, came to East Texas to visit friends, and those wonderful friends, knowing how she loves quilting, brought her to Stitchin' Heaven. Well, she was so smitten with us, and our wonderful shop, that 2 months later, they bought a home in the area, and moved here! (at least that's the story as I interpreted it.)

Ginni has a son, Chris, a daughter-in-law, Christine, and their son, Christopher, in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. She also has three step children, Jennie, John, Jr., and Jeffrey. Ginni took up sewing in Junior High, and has loved it ever since.

Birthday: January 5th
Hobby: Sewing
Favorite Color: Red

Linda
Block of the Month Specialist

Linda joined our family just a month and a half ago, and has become a vital part of our block of the month cutting crew. If you are a member of Applique Affair, A Kitten's Tale, Playtime, or the Hop To It block of the month programs, you have seen her beautiful work.

Unfortunately, I don't know much about her, so we'll have to stick to the facts (yeah, right!). Linda grew up right here in East Texas, and has stayed close to home. She told me that she loves cats, she has six, and even feeds the strays in the area. She is married to JP (a stray? Nah.), and they have just celebrated their 29th anniversary last week! Congratulations! They have two grown children, Steven and Melissa. Steven is married to Stacy, and they have one son, Cody, who will be 4 very soon. (Grandma was slightly excited.) Linda enjoys sewing and quilting, and comes from a long line of quilters, including her wonderful mother who lives with her.

Linda also told me that last September, she was diagnosed with breast cancer. She has undergone surgery and radiation, and just finished her treatments earlier this year, in February. She proudly explained that she is a breast cancer survivor. So, once again, Congratulations! (Insert standing ovation here.)

Ok, well, there's a little about Linda. Not much, but I think you get the idea. She's a really good person who is doing a great job. We are very proud of her and the work she is doing for Stitchin' Heaven. Welcome to our family, Linda!

Birthday: January 12th
Hobbies: Sewing, quilting, hand embroidery
Favorite Color: Blue

Sandra
BOM Manager

Have you ever met Super Woman? We have! Her name is Sandra. She joined our family back in July of 2006 after much begging and pleading from Debby. She had worked for 8 years at another quilt shop near here. The shop had closed, and she was working at Lowe's when Debby found her.

Sandra began working in the store, but her limitless talents were needed elsewhere, and she is now our Block of the Month Manager. Sandra is the one who helps find many of our BOM quilts. She oversees the cutting and preparing for all our BOM programs. She makes sure that we have the right fabrics, patterns, and everything needed so that each package seems like a monthly Christmas gift in your mailbox. She does all this (not a small task, either!) with the greatest of ease. Sandra can make you feel good about your worst mistake, and she is the picture of calm in the midst a fabric crisis. Did I mention that she's a wonderful teacher? She will tell you what a great job your doing ... while she rips out the stitches you just did wrong. (Ahh, the memories!)

Sandra is a master of quilting. Not only can she piece the most beautiful quilt tops, but she works magic with her new longarm machine. During her spare time, she quilts for family, friends, herself, and even some of our store samples.

Ms. Sandra grew up right here in East Texas. She is married to Mr. Don; she has a daughter, two sons, and five grandchildren (who she is VERY proud of). Her daughter, Cynthia, is married to Mike. Cynthia has two lovely daughters, Brittney and Emily, and they live near Lufkin, Texas. Her son, Esker, is married to Louise, and has a new adorable baby, Laura Sandra Lee, and they live in Alaska. And, her son, Tarn is married to Adrianne, and have two sons, Wyatt and George, who also live in Alaska. Sandra and her husband, Don lived in Alaska for 24 years, so she has some great stories about fighting off the wild critters. She can keep the attention of our simple, East Texas minds with her adventurous stories of bears in the garden and attacking moose. (We love those stories!)

Can she leap tall fabric stashes in a single bound? Hmmm.... probably, but that's a whole other story. Sandra is a very special person. We adore her, and we are thankful that she is part of our family.

Birthday: June 21st
Hobbies: Gardening & Quilting
Favorite Color: Blue

Linda
Store Manager

Linda has been around Stitchin' Heaven almost since the beginning in some capacity, or another. She has been a teacher, a salesperson, and, since 2005, she has been the Store Manager.

Linda not only watches over the day-to-day happenings in the store, but she also helps coordinate our quilting retreats like Sew 'n Spa, schedules special teachers, organizes in-store events, and much more.

Ms. Linda grew up in California, and moved here to Texas where she met her husband, Mr. Barry. They have 3 sons, David, Andrew, and Luke. In her spare time, Ms. Linda makes beautiful, wire jewelry (she's wearing one of her heart necklaces!). She also has several cats, who she loves dearly, and always has a story to tell about her 'babies'.

Ms. Linda is a very talented, and generous lady. No only does she make beautiful jewelry, but she has made elaborate church banners, and gorgeous quilts, and even clothes! If you are interested in her jewelry, she can be contacted at linda@stitchinheaven.com. She is always bringing in something new whether it's a new blouse she's made, or a whole quilt. She has even been known to clean out her closet ... and my closet loves it when she does!

We are proud to say that Linda is a part of our Stitchin' Heaven family. It just wouldn't be Stitchin' Heaven without her.

Birthday: January 2nd
Favorite Color: Pink
Hobby: Quilting, Making jewelry, Collecting Dreamsicles

Carol
Director of Finance

Ms. Carol joined our family in January of 2006. She showed up for a job fair Stitchin' Heaven held, and was hoping just to cut fabric, when Debby realized that she was a bookkeeper! It was love at first site, and we've been in love with her ever since.

Ms. Carol is our bookkeeper/inventory/finance person. She spends many hours toiling away at her desk, and when she comes around the corner looking at you, all you can say is "Did I do it? I didn't mean to!" She is the first to quietly scream when a bolt of fabric has gone missing, and is always on our case about making sure we match up those barcodes with the correct bolt of fabric. She has a big job keeping all of us in line (including Debby), but she does it with a smile ... and a hug. By the way, did I mention that she has the BEST hugs ever?!

Carol is the most kind-hearted, loving person. She is always there if you need something, and will do whatever she can to help. She has one daughter, Annette, and spends every Sunday afternoon with her Dad, who is 94-years-old. She has 4 grandchildren, and 3 great-grandchildren, who she absolutely adores.

She is active in the community, in charity organizations, and garage sales. She sings in the church choir, and even plays the bells (beautifully, I might add). She also enjoys "giving back to the community" in the form of her garage sale habit - if there is a garage sale, she's been there, or she'll be there at lunch. Then, she spreads kindness through her "little finds" that she leaves on your desk.

As if I even have to tell you, Ms. Carol is loved dearly by her many friends and family. We are honored to have her as a part of our Stitchin' Heaven family.

Birthday: October 16th
Hobbies: Reading and Garage Sales
Favorite Color: Blue