Andrews – Rachel and Bob Carr are the epitome of perseverance. The Carrs were ready to open their Quilt Shop, Reap What U Sew, in February 2020, just weeks before the COVID-19 pandemic started. They delayed that start because of lockdowns, and ended up opening in July 2020.
The Carrs, who have
been business owners for more than 10 years, decided to move to Andrews in 2015 because of the slower lifestyle and beautiful scenery. It was easy to choose their location, once they saw the shop at 951 Main St. – it was perfect for their vision.
I was intrigued by the long arm quilting, and Rachel took me back to show me her long arm machine. It is a fabulous way to add unique stitching to your quilt. Rachel loads the top, batting and back into a metal frame, and the machine sews the three layers at once.
The computer is used to create unique stitching designs in the quilt. While I was visiting, she was stitching a quilt for breast cancer awareness, and the square for the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure was being stitched with a sneaker design.
The Carrs also offer quilting classes that include beginners, paper piecing and new techniques. They will be adding signups for these classes to their website, but you can always call to get the class schedule and sign up at 828-516-5054.
Rachel also plans to
start an informal quilting group that meets to make and sell quilts for charity. She feels that local events, such as Andrews Food Truck Fridays, are the perfect venue for the sale of those quilts.
Speaking of Food Truck Friday, the Carrs always participate in the event. They enjoy meeting new people and talking about their shop and the town.
“It’s a fun place to sit back and listen to some great music, eat some great food, and make some new friends,” Bob Carr said.
Rachel truly has a passion for quilting and teaching people to quilt.
“Freehand is my favorite type of stitching,” she said. “But I also enjoy helping people decide on long arm designs, and making those a reality as well.”
As we spoke, she told me that all of her troubles just seem to go away when she’s sewing.
I love that the craft of quilting still exists in this busy world and that Andrews can offer such a valuable little shop to locals and visitors alike.
You can visit the Reap What U Sew website at reapwhatusew.com or stop by and meet the Carrs in their Andrews Shop at 951 Main St., just across the street from Andrews United Methodist Church.
The writer is executive director of the Andrews Chamber of Commerce.