For years my sister and I have dreamed of opening our own quilting shop. Well a year ago my sister passed. This man that have a row of antique stores in my small town gave me one of his buildings which is about 1800sft. I have to clean it out and do some repairs to the ceiling and some electric work. From there come up with a design and paint scheme. My problem is I have noone but my dad who believes in my dream. He helps me clear it out when he's not working. Even my dh want lift a finger to help. Everyday i go there and do what I can. I hope I can have it cleaned out before Jan. then do the repairs and design to have a grand opening in Feb. I need a list of wholesalers and etc. Right now I'm in tears!!!!!

My dear I surely do feel for you. I am in a position where I just cant help you no matter what is needed, except to pray that all will go your way soon. Buck up it will come together and you will one day down the road and look back and smile.

Oh, you CAN do it! Follow your dream! Maybe you could go to a local quilt guild and get some of their ideas. I believe in you!

You can do it. If you need some help with samples or machine quilting, let me know. PM me/

Joyce

I wish you lived in my town - I'd be right there to help.

Yes, you can do it! Even in the face of adversity, many great things have been accomplished. Attack it one day at a time and know that you are that much closer to your dream. Your sister would be very proud of you to continue to bring this shop into reality. Best wishes; and when you need more encouragement, you know you can always come here!

you do want to get in touch with Marshall Dry Goods for wholesale...

http://www.marshalldrygoods.com/?gcl...FSI55Qod7itsFw

maybe just call them and see what's what...

Wow! It will be such a comfort to you, as you work on your shop, to remember your sister. I am glad your dad can help a little. Just keep plugging away, and working towards your goal!

Let us know where your shop is, and maybe others here on the board are close, and could come help clean up, etc.

As things shape up, perhaps your hubby will see the dream too, or at least be willing to give a hand and some emotional support. He may think it is "woman's work" to quilt. Has he seen this board, and the great number of MEN who quilt? He can see by their profile pics - these are MEN, real MEN. And John Flynn was an engineer. I am sure there are many such stories.

Good luck, hang in there. You are LIVING what some of us only dream of. Don't give up!

Is there a local quilt guild that can pitch in and help?

it seems sometimes people just have to tear down other's dreams,maybe out of jelousy [or lost dreams]KEEP WORKING ON YOURS.the members on this board are the BESTplace to start !let us know when you are up & running be sure you are a "regular" here so we can all take advantage of your store.
be hoping & praying for you,dar

Hang in there and Best Wishes for success!

Think of it this way...You have had the courage, even in the sadness of losing your dear sister, to try to make your dream come true. There aren't many people who would give it their all the way you have. You should be so proud of all that you have done so far and all you are planning to do. I wish you luck and want to tell you that you can do it!!!

Well, God has given you the building...you must know that He has a plan. More can be accomplished on while on your knees in prayer than anywhere...you know that?
Praying for you!

amen to that and love your 'signature'

You can do it!!!
Have a good cry and then get back at it, don't give on on your dream

Where are you?

Maybe there is a possible partner somewhere here. We are a lot of people here. Having the facilities is the greatest part. The rest can go slow.

Make sure when is done, use your sister's name to name the store.

Some people don't know how to dream big, and only see what is before their eyes. You have a gift and when they see your dream become reality, they may open their eyes and join in your dream as well. I pray this happens for you. My encouragement and prayers go your way. If I am in your area, I would love to help you.

You Can Do It!!!! its like eating an elephant. one bite at a time. when you are feeling down in the dumpster just come here and everyone will give you a cheer up. you can also get feed back from people on here for what you are thinking about doing. posting pics is also helpful. like draw out your floor plan and then post and see what people think. but you have to go with what you think is best. you have the vision of how you want it to be. just let us help you find it. as for colors you could do many different colors. paint each wall a different color and then when you are telling people or showing people where fabric is or certain sections you can go with a color area. just a thought. I am just getting excited for you just thinking about all the possibilities. its kinda like being pregnant and getting ready for delivery. it is an emotional roller coaster but worth all the "pain" of being "pregnant". I don't know where you are but I am always up for helping. just pm me if you would like some help. even if it is only by email or pm's. Keep your chin up. you will get there.

yes, you can do it take one step at a time! have fun and your dream will come true

Where will your shop be located?

You never know. You get that shop open and it will be time for a ROAD TRIP!!!
Mary

You need to remember your sister and the shared dream that you had... this will spur you on. Then when you need that little extra push, you just sign on here and we will all tell you how great you are doing and ensure that you keep on going! I wish I could come and help you, but it would be a bit of a journey from Bucks in England - LOL LOL LOL.

Hugs and prayers

Caroline

Please let us know where you are located, I would love to help if I am close enough.

As others have said, you are living our dream. So please let us join you on your journey! We would love to see pictures of your progress. And I think there are a lot of people who would love to help you if they lived in your area. Keep us posted!

Dont' give up, have faith in your wants! Go for you and your sisters dream. Make it come alive! Best wishes to you.

One of my favorite sayings: "How do you eat an elefant?" Answer: "One bite at a time"

Yes, you have a bumpy road ahead.
Yes, you have a lot of hard work in your future.
Yes, it is scary to take on such a new challenge.
Yes, you have a wonderful dream.
Yes, you can do it.

I agree with whoever said to find others in your area to partner with or help out. Your sister is so proud of you for drudging on, I bet!

So get out that knife and fork and take that first bite.

If quilting is your dream and your passion, don't pass up the opportunity to open your own shop and don't let fear rob you of your dream. Your biggest challenge of getting the building has already come in your favor and now comes the elbow work. You will overcome the doubts as you come closer to the opening of your store. Ask friends and family if they could give a few hours of their time to help you with cleanup and painting. Get a reputable contractor for the repairs and before you know it you will be setting up store. Please post the address and hopefully the members here can stop by and shop. All I know is that if you do something you love then it won't feel like work. Your passion will keep you motivated and that will make you successful.

Good luck and I will pray for you.

Well, I wish I could drive right to that store front & help you get the ball rolling! Tears are good - you need to get through them before you can move on. Keep your dream in your vision & take one day at a time. You CAN & WILL make it happen. Are there people in your community that might help? Reach out to board members whenever you need a boost or suggestion - it's a wonderful group to bounce ideas off. Keep us posted on your progress.

You can do it.

It's wonderful to have a dream but it's also really important that your business is successful. You'll need a really good business plan and perhaps a partner. Is there a Better Business Group in your town or a local community college offering business seminars? Do you have adequate financial backing and a helpful banker and reputable accountant on board to assist you? Don't try to rush your opening until all is ready. It's better to take a bit more time to plan and make sure things go right than to be involved with a business failure. Have you got any back up plans in case business is slower than expected or there is some disaster? I don't want to seem like the voice of doom but running your own business is not easy and sometimes even the best plans don't work that way you expected. Good luck with balancing all of this and I hope you open your wonderful dream shop!

Take it one day at a time and never,never,never lose track of your dream. I promise you if you do just that, that everything will work out. Please keep us informed of you progress.

Where are you at? i am in South West Virgina and I own a shop with a friend of mine. I would like to be able to provide you some help that we have been able to learn along our route. Please PM me and lets see what we can do to help you. No one shoudl give up on their dreams!

I agree about enlisting the help of a quilt guild (or two) - they will be your customers! Most quilters are sooooooo suppportive of a LQS and would love to help, even for free, but maybe you could add an incentive: say for a $20 gift card or something? Also, that would help you get connections for good part-time help when your success comes (hopefully very quickly.) The hard is part is leading up to the opening. I can feel your overwhelming fear. But do what you love and you will be successful. That's what my mamma taught me anyway

I know you are sad at losing your precious sister, but keep on following your dream. I am sure the two of you talked a lot about what you wanted in your shop. Keep those dreams alive for both of you. Don't set unrealistic goals for yourself, so that you stress yourself out. Just keep thinking about what fun it will be to walk through your beautiful shop, touching the fabric, and helping your excited customers. Best wishes to you ... keep us informed.

Remember the Little Engine That Could:
"I think I CAN, I think I CAN, I think I CAN . . ."
This is a stressful time of year for all of us, but dreams are worth following!

Cheer up and remember the Little Red Hen. She never gave up and neither can you. If it is to be God, will bless you labor and be glad you have your dad to help. Think up a couple of good displays and a great name and make it a reality. I hope all goes well and Feb. is not that far away.

I'm pulling for you!! I'm sure it will be fabulous.

In this economy isn't there some state agency (stop hiding) that will rally to help you? Talk to the local businesses, your political types. people need jobs and business is the way to grow out of this slow economy. Is there a local community college or trade school in your area? How about if some of us send a quilt on consignment for your grand opening? Let's get creative. If you are within driving distance, I'll help!

I just thought of going to senior centers, many of those retired folks have great skills, business and accounting, and perhaps quilting. Most also have lots of free time, and would love to be busy, I am sure you will find some willing folks, just ask.
Wishing you the best and stay strong. We are all pulling for you,Rita

I just thought of going to senior centers, many of those retired folks have great skills, business and accounting, and perhaps quilting. Most also have lots of free time, and would love to be busy, I am sure you will find some willing folks, just ask.
Wishing you the best and stay strong. We are all pulling for you,Rita

You can do it, wish I lived closer to give you a hand. Prayers & strength being sent your way. Dreams do come true.