Page 68 - CA 2019 Final(3)

Fabric fun Southwet Harbo Quilt N’ Fabric
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feature & phot s by Susan Dewey

As you come down the hill into Southwest Harbor, turn left just before the gas station. There, in the little strip mall, you will find
an oasis of color and design called Quilt N’ Fabric. Its hostess and owner, Ruth Davis, will be welcoming you from behind her cut-
ting table. You might be distracted by angular prints in earth tones from Australia, polished flower panels from Japan, and batik jewel
tones from Malaysia. Nautical prints and metallics add sparkle and pop to the displays. Soft yarns provide a
backdrop for a comfy seating area that invites people to sit and chat for a bit while they let their eyes wander and dream of the next
project.

Eight years ago, Ruth realized she wanted to reboot her life. With 35 years experience as a quilter and seamstress she knew fabrics
and had a stash. She had owned a small shop on Frenchboro years before and, once her children were grown, she drew on that experi-
ence to start Quilt N’ Fabric. At the same time, a local yarn shop was closing. “There are three quilting shops in the area,” said Ruth.
“We all support each other, and we each have one or two additional specialties that the others don’t carry. Mine is yarn. Another does
scrapbooking and one specializes in notions.”
Ruth specializes in outreach, too. She acts as a mentor for Mount Desert Island High School graduation projects, teaching students
about fabric arts and business. Ruth also donates some of her exquisitely finished items to local charity auctions. She has some of her
own work for sale in the shop and sells quilts, runners, and other items for other local crafters. “I try keep up with the new trends in
quilting,” she said.
A view of the gallery
In her back room are five sewing machines. These are used for sewing classes for students of all ages. She welcomes groups that
include both parents and kids as young as age 5. “Some of the summer residents look forward to a new project each year. Other folks
sign up to use a machine for an hour or two to finish a project they brought along on vacation,” Ruth said.

“We do piecing here,” Ruth said. “That’s the top part of a quilt, and what my classes focus on. “But I’m in contact with several
quilters who can help finish the whole project. A ‘quilt’ is a three layer affair – two pieces of fabric with a third layer in between for
warmth and stability, which is then sewn (top stitched). Most of the quilts I make are the pieced top and a backing fabric which is
then sent to a person who has a long arm quilting machine. This part of the process is an art by itself. I will sometimes quilt small
pieces, but I’ve learned the hard way that the large quilts are much better done by an expert.

Quilt N’ Fabric is located at 11 Seal Cove Rd., Southwest Harbor (207) 244-1233

Ruth Davis, owner of the Quilt N’ Fabric in Southwest Harbor, displays a maritime One of the numerous sewing
quilted piece. machines used by students
of all ages at Quilt N’ Fabric.

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