Celebrating Local Sewing And Quilting Shops For Small Business Month
October is Small Business Month in Canada, a time to celebrate the entrepreneurs around us and what they contribute to our communities and economy.
Local sewing and quilting shops are a big part of that story, creating jobs and supporting the region, while also offering something less tangible, but equally important . . . a place where people come together, share ideas, grow their skills and creativity.
As fall sets in, many of us look to take up (or return to) hobbies to keep us busy and warm in the colder months. If creativity is part of that equation, then sewing and quilting make the perfect pastime.
Whether through online tutorials, trial-and-error, or taking local classes, sewing can be a good way to destress while you acquire new skills. You can learn to repair clothing, make new outfits, design home décor, or create personalized gifts just in time for the holidays. So, plan a tour of the area and stop into these colourful sewing and quilting stores soon! Each business has its own specialty and their staff
are can help pick out your next machine, thread, class, or that perfect piece of fabric.
Are you thready to learn more? Then read our profiles on a sampling of area sewing and quilting businesses in Windsor Essex and Chatham Kent now . . .
Thimble Quilts And Sewing Company (LaSalle)
Thimble Quilts and Sewing Company turns five this fall, and owner Heather Lessard has big plans ahead with plenty of opportunities for customers to learn exciting new techniques or discover a new hobby. At the age of four, Lessard’s grandmother sat her down at a sewing machine and started a lifelong passion for sewing.
By 13, she was making stuffed bunnies with complete outfits — everything from pantaloons to wedding clothes — and her father sold them in the school lounge, where teachers quickly began buying them
and placing special orders as gifts. At 16, Lessard used her profits to buy her first car!
She made her own prom dresses, created gowns for bridesmaids, and later on, started making dresses for her daughter. While employed as a legal assistant, Lessard also began working in the quilting industry, teaching herself different techniques and perfecting her craft.
When the pandemic hit, she lost her job and decided it was time to open her own shop.
“I have a passion for teaching the art of quilting and took a leap of faith during COVID,” says Lessard.
Thimble Quilts and Sewing Company sells supplies like quilting fabrics, notions, and tools, and also has completed quilts for sale. They are an authorized retailer for Husqvarna Viking (for sewing machines and sergers), and a preferred shop (with Lessard as a certified instructor) for Sew Kind of Wonderful, offering specialized products, tools, and classes.
The store also features long-arm quilting, personalized embroidery, and popular weekend retreats for both sewing and embroidery enthusiasts. In June 2026, Thimble Quilts will host the creators of Sew Kind of Wonderful, sisters Helen Robinson and Jenny Pedigo. Five days of workshops, trunk shows, lectures, and a gala event will all be designed around the company and making colourful projects. “They have created their own rulers and techniques to make piecing curves easier and actually fun,” Lessard indicates.
Until then, a variety of classes are offered at the store including quilting, bag making and using specialty tools . . . there’s even a Beginner Embroidery Club.
Classes are posted on Facebook and also on the shop’s newly redesigned website. From beginners to seasoned makers, all are welcome!
“Quilting knows no age and we are excited to show younger people an old art form brought to life in new, modern ways with traditional and modern sewing techniques,” she mentions. Lessard notes that clothing is not cheap to make these days and is readily accessible online, but for something unique, learning how to sew is a great option.
“I believe sewing your own clothes offers a chance for a one-of-a-kind look that someone else doesn’t have,” she states. “You can put your own spin on an item.”
As the shop heads into its fifth year, Thimble Quilts and Sewing Company continues to grow as a creative space where everyone is invited to come by.
As Lessard points out: “Our friendly and helpful atmosphere, with no judgment, will make your visit worthwhile. We will help you through the entire process. We are always here to answer questions, or help with an issue and offer tips and tricks to make your sewing and quilting experience enjoyable.”
This autumn, stop by Thimble Quilts and Sewing Company, 1599 Front Road in LaSalle, to check out the selection, find specialty rulers, and get advice on your project.
You can also go online and see what’s available and what’s new (with a class schedule recently added)!
COVER STORY CONTINUES HERE. LEARN ABOUT ROSE COTTAGE QUILT SHOPPE; THE SEWING SHOPPE, QUILTING FABRICS AND MORE; STITCH HAPPENS AND QUILTING CONFECTIONS.
