When Brenda Heffernan opened Mabelena Quilting Supplies and Comforts, there was a special statement in her business plan.
‘We want you to feel at home,? she said, and she has gathered a team of friendly, knowledgable people to offer warm hospitality and good information.
The shop is a dream come true for the fifth-generation Ortonville native. She converted part of the old Mill Street post office building into a bright display of fabrics, supplies and samples of what can be created with them.
The goal is to help women, men and children launch what Heffernan calls a ‘new adventure? in hand-crafted creations, and Mabelena has 91 different classes scheduled for April through June for both beginners and advanced quilters. She gets special joy from helping people learn the craft, although she jokes about some of her students becoming more proficient than she.
While Heffernan will teach some classes, she will have help from other smiling teachers.
Barb Chico is a former quilt shop owner from Plano, Texas, who was instrumental in helping set up Mabelena’s class program. She will teach the ‘Schoolhouse Sampler? for beginners, bindings and rotary cutting. Chico will offer a class in beginning quilting for men.
Jerri Decker works three days a week, and has what Heffernan called ‘an exceptional eye? for color and fabric selection. Decker will teach French Rose and ‘Whimsical Wallhangings.?
Barbara Salamone is a long-time quilter and Ortonville resident. She has what Heffernan called a ‘gentle and quiet manner? that is calming in the shop and classroom. Salamone will teach hand and machine quilting, applique, paper piecing and other topics.
Terrie McCullough owns Meandering in the Country, a machine-quilting business she started three years ago. She will teach Lucky Stars, Stack the Deck, Stack and Whack, and Yellow Brick Road.
Lucy Brown moved back to the area about a year ago, and fills her calendar with teaching quilting.
Brenda Allen works one night a week and teaches Mabelena’s classes. Heffernan said Allen finds quilting ‘a wonderful respite? after raising her four boys.
Janet Howse is a popular quilt teacher who has created a beautiful crayon quilt for her students.
Mabelena Quilting Supplies and Comforts is located at 470 Mill St. in downtown Ortonville. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday, with the shop open until 8 p.m. on Thursdays. Telephone is (248) 627-9100. Fax is (248) 627-9101. E-mail is Mabelenas@aol.com