HONOKAA — There are somewhere between seven and 10 million quilters in the United States, according to the 2017 Quilting in America survey.
And today’s quilters are spending more time with their favorite hobby than ever before — adding social media and a variety of digital resources to their tools and tricks.
Helping supply the demands of Hawaii’s quilters is Topstitch, a colorful, high-quality quilting and sewing shop that moved to Honokaa in October. The store prides itself on inspiration — the kind perhaps only quilters and folks who sew understand — unfurling bolts of vibrant colors, feeling fine fabrics and lighting up with the limitless potential of new ideas by the yard.
The store’s owner and operator, Liz Kelly of Ahualoa, has run Topstitch since 2009 from its original Waimea location to the new space on Mamane Street. A knowledgeable seamstress and quilter herself, she often compares her shop to a neighborhood pub, where people come to talk about their troubles — quilting and otherwise — and get some friendly advice along with their supplies.
“The most exciting part is we are now Topstitch Fabric &Finds,” Kelly said.
In its new location, Topstitch has expanded into another booming business: the resale market. According to the National Association of Resale and Thrift Shops, some 16-18 percent of the U.S. population, over 50 million people, shop in thrift stores, secondhand venues, upcyclers and others every year.
To add dimension to Topstitch, Kelly recently teamed up with Beth Mehau of Chi Chi LaFong and Mama’s House thrift boutiques to add an ever-expanding variety of items.
“Honokaa is becoming a ‘second-hand capitol.’ We have one of the largest second-hand streets in the state,” she said. “And at Topstitch, we’ve got a vintage sewing section, Italian and Asian sections in the works, beautiful dinner dishes, all kinds of gently-used kitchen and tableware, and other interesting finds. It’s turning into a major hodgepodge, and I love it.”
On the sewing side, Topstitch still features quality selections of 100 percent cotton fabrics, including fine batiks, children’s and seasonal prints, flannels and others, ideal for quilting and other crafty projects. In addition, there’s a large selection of fabrics at $8 per yard, along with patterns, notions, books, backing, batting and gifts for folks who sew. Longarm quilting services are also available.
Fans will be glad to know that Myrna Green’s handmade stuffed animals are still among the most popular Topstitch treasures. Her seahorses, Raggedy Ann dolls, turtles, dolphins and paniolo stick horses make unique heirloom gifts for young and young at heart.
Topstitch is open Monday through Friday 9 a.m.-5 p.m. and Saturday 9 a.m.-2 p.m.
Info: Visit Topstitch Hawaii on Facebook, or call 885-4482.