Stitch & Chatter in Stockton now open for business
from the Stockton Sentinel    4/29/2010

Idona and Dennis Duncan have created a business at 513 Main in Stockton which the quilters and sewing ladies/gentlemen in and around this area are sure to flock to for all of their sewing supplies.   The two saw the need for this type of store in town and have created a cozy atmosphere where people can come to shop for material and supplies, or to have their sewing machines repaired.

Idona is a charter member of the Crossroads Quilters Guild and she turned her love of quilting into something she can expand on as years go by.  Dennis has quite a collection of sewing machines, mostly Singers, with a few treadle models that he has restored on display at the store.  Also on display are wall hangings from fellow quilters Gloria Harris and LaVerne LaRue.  Some are just for display while others are for sale.

People will be able to find Dennis at the store most of the time during business hours where he has set up his repair shop.  Not only does he do the repairs, he also restores the wooden cabinets in the which the machines are housed.

Idona will be at the store during the afternoons and evenings once she completes her mail routes for the Post Office.

The store has for sale 100% cotton material, all shades of thread, quilt, batting, notions, embroidery thread, cutting rulers, mats, cutters, needles, bobbins, quilt patterns, sewing machine feet, stick pins, and quilt-of-the-month patterns.  As for other sewing materials, they can take special orders from their customers.  Plus their merchandise will grow to suit their customers' needs.  They can even order in sewing machines, and also have some refurbished ones for sale in the store.

Idona and Dennis are pleased to announce that they have ordered a Bailey Home Quilting machine for custom quilting, It is set to arrive in the near future.

Sewing classes and a sewing club are things that will be introduced in the future as the two settle into their new business.  They also have plans to hold a Grand Opening once more of their stock arrives. 

Stitch and Chatter was conceived so people can find the items they need for sewing and quilting since some store franchises are phasing out their material sections.  Business hours at this time are from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Saturdays.  They will also be open some evenings.  Just give them a call at 785-415-2015.  Check out their hours or look online for their e-mails at doandunk@hotmail.com or www.stitchandchatter.com. 

The Duncan's used the local micro loan program through Rooks County Economic Development to help them get started.