Quilter's Haven is a cozy little place tucked into a corner on the south end of Highland Avenue near Route 17. It's a classroom, a social hall, and an art exhibit all rolled into one. Technique instruction, open sews, and biannual retreats are all part of the offerings there. Spirits were high when I visited a class on Saturday afternoon, where about 10 or so ladies were laughing and joking as much as they were learning how to sew gorgeous quilts and turning out their creations. The shop is owned by husband and wife team Jill and Butch. Jill is a no-nonsense kind of person, taking her work seriously, while seriously having fun. Jill has been sewing since she was 16 years old. She taught herself how to quilt because it was just something that appealed to her and she always wanted to do it. She also taught her husband Butch how to quilt too. Jill and Butch's passion for quilting continued to grow and eventually it grew into Quilter's Haven, which is now coming up on a decade in business. Jill opened Quilter's Haven because she felt that there was a need for a place in Middletown where people could come together and work on their projects and meet other people who have a common interest. Jill says she still takes classes herself sometimes, as “You can never stop learning.” She loves all aspects of quilting, “the fabric selection, picking the pattern, cutting the pieces, sewing them, quilting, then binding. The social and creative aspect of it go hand in hand; quilters are giving and friendly. We all are open to help anyone who needs a hand, be it material or other things”
Quilting has an incredibly long and rich history. The American Folk Art Museum (AFAM) in New York City has declared 2011 the Year of The Quilt.
