Carpenter's Daughter Quilt Shop opens in Helena
HELENA - Rachel Meinke first laid her hands on a sewing machine in a Lakota High School home economics class. Her first assignment, to make a pair of boxer shorts, was supposed to take two weeks. Instead, it took her two days. She and her teacher discovered that Meinke had a natural talent and passion for sewing.
“You know how some teachers love you and some teachers tolerate you? My home ec teacher, Mrs. House, loved me. She took me under her wing,” Meinke said.
With her project completed early, Meinke faced several days with nothing to do in home economics class. Her teacher told her to spend the time helping her classmates.
“That was super fun for me,” Meinke said. “It was my first chance to teach and help with sewing.”
Meinke discovered she also had a natural talent and passion for teaching. Throughout the years, Meinke taught many people to sew and quilt, including dozens of children.
“I really like kids. We’ve lost a lot of kids to technology, so when a kid shows interest, I’m on it,” she said.
With years of experience and a passion for helping others, it was natural for Meinke to open a quilt shop — although she didn’t initially realize it. Meinke, who worked for years as a contractor, and her husband, an electrician, purchased a downtown Helena building with no immediate plans for it.
Quilt shop is Meinke's next adventure
In July, she opened Carpenter’s Daughter Quilt Shop in the building.
“My husband suggested I open a quilt shop here. I thought it was crazy, but he was right. It was God’s next adventure for me,” she said.
Carpenter’s Daughter Quilt Shop sells quilters’ quality fabric, notions, quilt supplies and sewing supplies. Inexpensive Take-N-Make kits allow customers of all skill levels to create projects like No-Sew Quilted Ornaments and Quilted Mini Baskets that don’t take long to make.
“I love the beginner quilters. I have a heart for them, and this gives people a taste of quilting,” Meike said. “But experienced quilters like them, too. People make them for presents, and it only takes a couple hours.”
Meinke also offers automated longarm services for quilters at the shop.
“It’s computerized. It’s like CAD for quilts,” she said.
Shop owner to offer classes this winter
Later this winter, Meinke will step back into her beloved teaching role as she begins to offer classes. At one of her first classes, she will teach students how to make a T-shirt quilt.
“I’ll offer quilting classes and sewing classes for all skill levels, and this summer, I may offer a barn quilt painting class,” she said.
For now, beginners can learn mini lessons through weekly online instructional posts on the Carpenter’s Daughter Facebook page.
“I teach tips and tricks. Recently, I showed how to use a ruler and cutting mat and rotating cutter together because people get overwhelmed by it. Last week, I taught how to make a quilted trivet,” she said. “They’re fun videos. People love them.”
People like her shop, too. Deb Bateson from Green Springs had been watching Meinke’s video tutorials and made her first visit to the shop on Jan. 16. She left with an armload of quilting supplies.
“I’m so glad this is here so close. All the other quilt shops are far away,” Bateson said. “Rachel is so informative and pleasant, and I love the MODA fabrics she’s been posting on Facebook.”
Carpenter’s Daughter Quilt Shop is at 242 Main St., Helena. For more information, call 419-208-9401 or visit the Carpenter’s Daughter Quilt Shop Facebook page.
Contact correspondent Sheri Trusty at sheritrusty4@gmail.com.
This article originally appeared on Fremont News-Messenger: Carpenter's Daughter Quilt Shop opens in Helena
