This is second time the sewing shop, owned by Jackie Forst, Ann Wendinger and Cindy Wendinger, has been included in the publication.

Ann Wendinger said it is “rare to be selected to be in the magazine; it is rarer still to be selected as an encore.”

When first receiving the call on being included in the magazine again, Ann was confused and needed to have the good news repeated.

One reason Sewing Seeds was chosen for an encore appearance in the magazine is because of the number of changes made to the store. The shop has undergone significant changes since 2015. Sewing Seeds’ footprint expanded in 2017. A two-level 2,400-square-foot addition was added, complete with a rear ramp for greater access to the store.

Staff photo by Clay Schuldt Sewing Seeds Quilt Company was selected to appear in Quilt Sampler magazine for a second time; a rare honor. The quilt shop has obtained encore status in Quilt Sampler. The latest issue of the magazine will include an original quilt pattern designed by the shop. The quilt design is called “Pinwheel Puzzle.”

The physical changes and the consistent quality of sewing products prompted Quilt Sampler to give the show a second look and recommend quilters do the same.

Sewing Seeds first appeared in Quilt Sampler in 2015. This selection allowed the shop to display the Quilt Sampler logo. Ann Wendinger said the logo is a mark of quality to quilters. With a second appearance, Sewing Seeds receives an Encore logo from Quilt Sampler and this puts the shop on the map for quilting enthusiasts.

Wendinger said this honor put more than the shop on the map, it put all of New Ulm on quilters’ radars. New Ulm has become a destination for quilters. Quilters will come from out of state to visit Sewing Seeds, adding tourism to New Ulm.

Forst and Ann Wendinger said Quilt Sampler’s recent article includes additional information about New Ulm including other points of interest, such as Schell’s Brewery and Hermann Monument. The owners were also asked to name their favorite restaurant in New Ulm, but could not pick one and instead recommended the entire historic downtown.

Asked what they believed was the secret to Sewing Seeds’ popularity, Forst and Ann Wendinger credited the quality of their sewing products, excellent customer service and an inviting atmosphere.

Ann Wendinger said the shop owners try to appeal to all the senses at Sewing Seeds. The quilts have a visual appeal, but scented candles and soothing music also create a relaxing environment.

Forst said many people come into the store on their lunch break to just get away. Over the last year, finding a place to get away has been important. The pandemic year has been busy for Sewing Seeds. Even during the pandemic lock-down, the store had many orders. Area quilters found extra time to work on hobbies.

“Quilting was a way to keep hands and hearts busy,” Forst said.

The spring/summer issue of Quilt Sampler officially releases Friday, May 14. To celebrate, Sewing Seeds is hosting a release celebration starting Friday and running through Wednesday, May 19. The celebration will include daily door prizes from vendors and special gifts with purchases in the shop.

Issues of the Quilt Sampler magazine will also be available. The magazine will include an exclusive quilt pattern based on an original design from Sewing Seeds. The shop will also sell quilt kits to make this quilt. The quilt is called “Pinwheel Puzzle”. Forst described it as a traditional piece quilt with red and white coloring.

Forst and Ann Wendinger thanked their family and staff for making Sewing Seeds a sought-after quilt shop, but also wanted to thank the customers. Ann said through customer support they have been allowed to grow.