About Us
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Quilting By The Sea was established in 1994 by original owner Mary Darby as a destination quilt shop and retreat center. In 2001 it was recognized as a Top Ten Quilt Shop by Better Homes and Gardens in Quilt Sampler Magazine. Nestled within the courtyard of Langley Village, it is in close proximity to the unique shops and restaurants the town is noted for. The beach and marina are just a few blocks away. When retreaters need a break from sewing, they often take advantage of local massage and spa services.
The staff at Quilting By The Sea are all long time Whidbey Island residents who are well qualified to direct guests to local attractions and of course assist customers with fabric selection and answer quilting questions. With about 1000 square feet of space on the lower level, the shop is small enough to be cozy and relaxed, yet large enough to offer a wide selection of fabric, notions, books and gifts. Customers are welcome to spread out a project on the back table while they ponder fabric choices. On the upper level is a spacious classroom and retreat space. In the old time tradition of a quilting bee, both classes and retreats offer an opportunity to socialize while creating and learning.
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Quilt samples on the walls are evidence of hours spent in this glorious pursuit. On display is an early Whidbey Island quilt donated by Cara Race whose sea captain ancestors were original settlers of Coupeville. The quilt is pieced from worn out dresses and aprons (early recycling!) by the women of her family. Our more recent samples use fabrics from current collections; some with a traditional look and others with a contemporary flair. Quality Bernina sewing machines have been added to the expanding inventory of fabric and notions. Our aim is to provide the supplies to make your creativity possible!
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Longtime Langley resident Laurie Davenport decided to purchase Quilting By The Sea in December 2009. Laurie is the owner of nearby Casey’s Crafts in Bayview and works part time at Whidbey General Hospital. Her work as an LPN there exposed her to some of the beautiful quilts donated by Quilters on the Rock for chemo patients and she could see how meaningful those quilts could be. Although not a quilter, she was a fan of Quilting By The Sea and its history of providing locals and visitors with a source for quality fabrics and notions. Reading through journal entries made by retreat guests over the past twelve years and hearing from customers and staff about their love of the shop clinched the deal. With store manager Suzanne Neil and a dedicated sales and teaching staff to show her the ropes she has been introduced to the wonderful world of quilting and has even made her first quilt. Now she’s definitely got the bug!
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We are a work in progress and we welcome your input. Please stop by to see what’s new on the shelves, to share your ideas or just to say hello.