Quilts by Phyllis staff and volunteers enjoy the spring open house. Shown above are Leska Foster, Jon Ronson, Phyllis Handley, Amy Golden, and Wendy Dodrill.

Saturday, March 1, was a big day for local quilters, as it was the long-awaited day of the Quilts by Phyllis Open House. This annual event, which is held in the spring and the fall, has been going on for thirty years and draws quilters from all over the area to the brightly colored rows of fabric which line the store.

Almost 150 people attended this year’s spring open house. During the event, customers could sign up for the many quilting classes which the store offers, as well as enjoy 20% off on all merchandise.

Owner Phyllis Handley says she saw a lot of new faces this year, including many younger customers who expressed an interest in quilting. The store offers both beginner and advanced quilting classes. Classes fill up quick, but people can get on the waiting list and be notified of cancellations, as well as the dates of the next available class.

“The community has been good to us,” says Handley. “We are glad to be there for them and share the passion of quilting.”

On Tuesdays at 9 a.m., Quilts by Phyllis does a livestream on Facebook to promote new merchandise and show sample quilts that have been completed by class participants.

The store will be hosting another open house this May during Mother’s Day weekend.

Quilts by Phyllis is located at 2943 Putnam Avenue in Hurricane, and is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Tuesdays through Saturdays. Those interested in participating in classes can stop by the shop and pick up a schedule. To check out the store’s Facebook page, go to https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100057452868447