Quilting and More

Four years experience working at a fabric store in Eau Claire enlightened Schuh about the many kinds and styles of cloth that are available in the marketplace. She began quilting in 1980 and practiced sewing by making clothes and designing her own dresses for the UW-Eau Claire's annual Viennese Ball.

Though she has retired from dressmaking, Schuh has continued making quilts throughout the years.

"As we get older our bodies change, but quilts are a one size fits all," she observed, with a laugh. Mostly she has enjoyed making personalized quilts for family members.

"When I started giving them away, people would always say how beautiful they were and they really appreciate them and still even use them today, and that is what I enjoy most about what I do," she said.

Like many artists, Schuh signs and dates the bottom of each quilt, also marking that it is made in Wisconsin.

"I like to think that years from now people will look and be able to see that they are hand-made right here in Wisconsin," she said.

"I originally wanted an in-home machine but my husband, Dave, encouraged me to buy a professional long-arm machine and turn my hobby into a business," she explained.

The machine is capable of stitching 14,000 different designs.

"She does a good job, at a fair price -- and she has alot of repeat customers," said Dave.

The couple built the shop, Quilting & More -- Long Arm Machine Quilting, adjacent to their house on E1010 Street, just outside Caryville. They finished the building last fall and stocked it in January with supplies, including material, patterns, books, thread and all the necessary quilting notions.

The 'wow' factor

"Now I have somewhere to keep all of my quilting stuff and I really enjoy it when people enter the shop, gaze around and say, 'wow,'" she said.

Some of Schuh's quilts are original designs. For example, she created a quilt displaying the interiors of multiple fish tanks; another features a variety of haunted houses. When using existing traditional patterns, she examines the patterns and then alters them by adding her own creative touch.

"I look at each quilt as having a personality," she said.

Most people will bring quilts they've already started and Schuh finishes them on her long arm machine. This comprises the majority of her business.

People also request specific designs or ask her to find or create a design that will fit the bill. She often takes existing broken patterns and "works over" them freehand to create continuous flowing patterns that can be finished on the long arm without the constant interruption of stopping and starting the needle.

Schuh takes special requests for T-shirt design quilts (a popular gifts for boys), graduation, wedding, baby and any other type of imaginable quilts. She also makes quilted tablecloths and is constantly keeping her eyes open and thinking of new design ideas.

Schuh displays quilts annually at Clear Water Days in Chippewa Falls and plans on entering competitions this year.

Located at E10070 190th Ave. in Caryville, Quilting & More is open Tuesdays, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Fridays, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. -- or by appointment or chance.

"If I'm around I'll always make time for people," she said.

For more information contact Ann Schuh at (715) 832-9800 or e-mail Quilting_more@juno.com.

A stitch in time... Former dressmaker uses her designer's eye and the long arm of a special machine to create unique custom quilts

With the fall season rolling in, it is time to unpack our favorite quilts and get ready to cuddle up for winter.