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By Michelle Johnson | Photos by Nesossi Studios
As a rule, most retail environments are stressful, fast paced and filled with people who appear to be in a hurry to leave. But, have you ever been in a retail store where everyone seemed happy and content? Well, get ready to experience this happy feeling when you walk through the front door of CJ’s Quilt Shop.
You will find patrons of all ages browsing, gazing at the beautiful colors and patterns of fabric that line the walls of the store. You will find ladies quilting and sharing ideas, chatting with each other about their favorite hobby: quilting.
Nestled along FM 359 in Richmond away from the hustle and bustle of the city, you will find CJ’s Quilt Shop. A scenic drive from Katy or Fulshear, the area surrounding the shop contributes to the atmosphere found inside. This section of Richmond is a beautiful landscape of ranches, acreage home sites and scenic views. According to China Oiler, owner of CJ’s Quilt Shop, “I chose this location because it was so peaceful and inviting. It is perfect for the art of quilting.”
After moving to Texas in 1975 and starting a family, China knew that this would be her permanent home. The one thing that China did not know was that she would eventually be the owner of a quilt shop. China explained that she came into this business quite by accident. “I went to Wharton County Junior College to obtain a degree in Drafting. Just as I was about to graduate, I had two granddaughters born, and I thought how nice it would be for them to have a quilt made by their grandmother. But, I quickly remembered that I already had three grandsons and other members of my immediate family who would like a quilt as well. Before I knew it, I had quite a few quilts that I needed to make.”
“I started my first quilt but found that getting it quilted was not something that could be done in a short amount of time. I was told that it would take about eight weeks, and I did not have that much time. So, I went to McDougal’s to buy a quarter inch foot to help keep my seams even. I mentioned to them that I was interested in a longarm quilting machine.” China got all of the details on the best machine to buy and decided to put her drafting ability to good use and start quilting.
“I joined the Coastal Prairie Quilt Guild and started quilting charity quilts. I also joined a quilting Bee and some of my newfound friends gave me a chance to quilt their quilt tops. I set up a booth at the Fort Bend County Fair and at Stubbs Harley Davidson and started taking orders for T-shirt quilts. I quickly discovered that I would need more batting, backing fabric, thread and other supplies. I could not contain all of the quilting items to my quilt room. Quilting was taking over my entire house! I had to find a place to do this, so the shop was the answer.”
The Gammill Longarm Quilting Machine at CJ’s Quilt Shop speeds up the quilting process and allows for the creation of custom designs.
With the help of her husband John, daughter Sarah, son Aaron, Marja Carew and friends from the Pecan Grove Quilters, China’s dream came to life. In October of 2013, CJ’s Quilt Shop opened their location at 5529 FM 359, Suite E, in Richmond. Equipped with a Gammill Longarm Quilting Machine with a Statler Stitcher, the possibilities of what can be created at CJ’s are endless. With this unique machine, the shop offers its visitors the newest techniques available in the art of quilting.
Necessity to Art Form
This is not your grandmother’s quilting. Years ago, quilting was done out of necessity in homes on a large frame. Women would gather with family and friends to work on a quilt. This skill was a necessity for women of this time.
Although companionship was found during these quilting sessions, quilting remained a long and tedious process. Each group had its own methods; some would piece squares of fabric together, and others would embroider the square, which would later be sewn together. Usually, these groups of women would move from house to house to sew on different quilts.
The fabric used for the quilts was based on the materials available at the time, many times scraps of material left over from clothing that had been made by the women. The purpose of these quilts was for warmth, but they usually carried a story of life experiences. Some were given to new mothers for their children, others were made as wedding gifts for newly married couples.
The process of quilting has come a long way from the days of old. Some people still prefer to do the sewing by hand, but thankfully, other options are available. The longarm quilting machine offers a computerized program that stitches detailed designs consistently over a large area. The process is more convenient and much faster than hand sewing. Custom designs are also a feature of this equipment. With the longarm quilt machine, the possibilities are endless.
Services
CJ’s Quilt Shop offers different types of commissioned quilts, T-shirt quilts and pieced quilts.
Clients also have the option of completing the top themselves and having the quilting process completed at the shop. Custom digitized designs can be ordered and quilted according to client preferences. With custom pieces available from crib to king size, pricing is quoted after all design requirements have been determined.
CJ’s is truly a one stop shop for all quilting needs. The shop carries a beautiful assortment of fabrics in all colors, patterns and varieties to accommodate all ranges and types of quilting. CJ’s also carries a complete line of quilting supplies for the quilter and longarmers including Aurifil thread, pellon Legacy batting and other sewing notions.
Atmosphere for Creative Possibilities
CJ’s Quilt Shop is a haven for creativity. With an array of beautiful fabrics and an assortment of pre-cut quilting pieces, clients of all ages can learn – and enjoy – the art of quilting in an inviting setting.
The art of quilting represents many different things to those who design them. Some quilts are made to reflect a specific life experience, usually referred to as Memory Quilts. According to China, T-shirt memory quilts are very popular with younger clients. Memories captured from their high school and college years can be put together as a wonderful graduation gift that they will treasure forever.
Whether you have been quilting for years or are a novice to the art, CJ’s Quilt Shop makes it easy, and it’s definitely worth a trip to the shop to learn all about the quilting possibilities that are available. “It doesn’t matter if you know how to quilt or not,” said China, who maintains a busy schedule running the shop, quilting for herself and for her customers and teaching. “I enjoy helping people create keepsakes and preserve memories. It’s a gift to help preserve the art of quilting.”
For more information about CJ’s Quilt Shop, visit www.CJQuilting.com or call 832.222.2033.
Fabrics Available for Purchase at CJ’s Quilt Shop Include:
• Andover
• Art Gallery
• Benartex
• Ella Blue
• Kaffe Fassett
• Michael Miller
• Moda
• Northcott
• P & B
• Riley Blake
• Robert Kaufman
• Susybee
• And Many More!