For Lisa Marien, it all started with a building. A 130-year old building to be exact. While on vacation she checked Facebook and learned that a friend who owned a candy shop in her Lake City, Minnesota hometown was moving and wanted to sell her building.
With its 12-foot, tin-topped ceilings, it had all the charm Lisa was looking for and she made it even better by taking down plywood that covered some of the windows. “Now it’s light and airy and has lots of character,” says Lisa. The additional light especially enhanced the back room where she holds small classes and stitches on a daily basis. “I can sew in the back and see who comes in the front door,” she says.
Those who come through that door are greeted by an array of fabrics and a constantly changing display of samples, the very ones Lisa sews in her back room. The original checkerboard floor adds a homey feel and black shelves make the fabric pop. (“Had I known how much lint and dust bolts of fabric give off, I might have reconsidered that black,” Lisa says with a laugh.)
Moda fabrics are a favorite in the shop, which reflects Lisa’s more traditional tastes, and customers enjoy lines by Kansas Troubles, Bonnie and Camille, Sandy Gervais, and Fig Tree. “I’m a little obsessed with Fig Tree fabrics, they never put out anything I don’t like,” says Lisa, who has worked with Moda rep Julie Kehne since the shop opened. Lisa and Julie got to know one another quickly as Julie’s first visit to Pumpkinberry Stitches was during a typically frigid and snowy Minnesota winter—the weather was so bad that Julie was stranded and ended up spending the night with Lisa’s mom.
While the shop started five-and-a-half years ago, Lisa’s love of quilting goes back much farther. She’s been quilting for 30 years and was originally inspired by her mom. In the 1980s, the two would go to fabric stores together and while Lisa’s mom bought yardage, Lisa would buy fat quarters. “I was into more crafty projects—remember Mr. and Mrs. Cow?” she says. “I didn’t want to quilt because I liked projects you could start and finish in a day.” Then she discovered quilt patterns that would let her do just that, and those are the same types of patterns she enjoys today. Pumpkinberry Stitches is known for its myriad kits, many of which feature fast and easy patterns from companies Lisa favors, including the Pieced Tree, Villa Rosa, and the 12-pack quilts available to shop owners via Moda’s site. (Shop owners can find these under the Marketing Tools section once they’ve logged in: go to Shop Programs, then 12-pack Quilts).
Lisa loves every aspect of shop ownership, from changing her displays to reflect the season—the window currently features a skeleton stitching at a treadle machine, with a sign saying “Just one more stitch…”, to sewing samples, to welcoming the visitors who drop by her Mississippi River town. “Fabric isn’t a necessity, so it has to be special and feel like a present,” says Lisa, who folds her fat quarters into stars and makes sure customers always have something new to see. Opening the shop was something of a gamble, but Lisa’s never regretted her decision to leave her previous career. “I quit a good job, bought a building, and gave it a try,” says Lisa. “I’m winging it, and having a ball.”
Very cute shop. I’ll have to put it on my list of shops to see! Have a lovely winter!
Thank you Sally !! Lisa…from Pumpkinberry Stitches.
Absolutely love the shop!! One of my favorites! And Lisa is the biggest reason I keep coming back.So friendly and helpful!! Love ya dear!
How sweet. Thank you Michelle !
This is my favorite local quilt shop! I’ve stitched a few of Lisa’s quilt kits and share her love of Fig Tree fabrics, so this is my go-to source. The best part of this place: Lisa’s friendly greeting and excitement to share her craft. This shop is a gem.
Thank you for your kind words Tracie !
Charming store!! LIsa displays tons of great products in just a darling way. I love visiting her!
You’ve been a great mentor Roseann !! Thank you.
Whenever I am near Lake City, I make a point of stopping at Pumpkinberries. Lisa is so creative, that I always leave with a new project that I cannot wait to make, and I always love the finished item. A wonderful shop.
Thank you Evelyn !
My cousins & I were In your shop earlier this summer…bought the Gold & White “Illusions” just getting ready to finish it up. We three just loved your shop & your wonderful personality…..hope to be back there soon as we aren’t to far away. Keep up all the great work.
Thank you Barb. Illusions is a fun quilt, isn’t it ?
I have been there and the shop is every bit as nice as shown here. Lovely, friendly Lisa is so nice and helpful too. One of my favorite shops!
Awww. You’re so sweet. Thanks Kathy !
This is a lovely quilt shop. Not just worth a stop when you are passing through, but worth a trip to shop there. Love Pumpkinberry Stitches!
Thanks for your kind words Kathy !
What an inspirational shop! Maybe some day . . .
I’d love to meet you Margaret !!
We bought a vaca home this year by you and I found your shop in a week. Love all your beautiful fabric and your knowledge. Will be visiting often again in the spring!
Well, welcome to the hood !! Have a wonderful winter, and see you in the spring !!
I would love to have a quilt shop near me but a quilt shop like THIS one would be beyond my wildest dreams. Such great sampless and kits !
Thanks Susan !
You have the neatest shop, your ideas are so nice, and your area to sit and chat is so special. Hi to your Mom
Thanks Gloria. Will do.
When I am visiting friends in Lake City, I always visit Pumpkinberry Stitches! Wonderful quilt shop!
Thank you Brenda !
Do you sell any quilt runners ect. already made? I love to buy pieces made since I’ve never learned how to quilt!!
I do Barb. Stop down and see me !
I will for sure Thanks! And thanks for responding
Awesome shop and Lisa is so welcoming! Love sewing with her!
Thank you, my friend !!
What a cute shop! I hope you have many years of success!
Thank you Kristi !
the shop is great, lovely fabrics ,kits etc but it is the owner who makes it a good place to go. lisa always takes the time to make a person feel special,, she is a gift. it’s a lovely place to go and visit. andi
Awww. You just made my night ! Thanks Andi !
I was visiting my Aunt who lives near this shop last summer. I was so glad I stopped at this lovely quilt store! Lisa was charming! I commented on the quilting on one of her quilts. She told me she quilted it herself and gave me her tips using a domestic machine. This was my favorite of all the quilt stores I stopped at on our road trip from Phoenix, AZ to MN. I wanted to make everything Lisa had on display!!!
Thanks Lynn !
What a darling shop – wish we had a shop like this close by! Everything looks so nice and I’d like to make one of each – thanks for sharing and I love the story too!
Thanks Susan. 🙂
So proud of Lisa’s shop and all her creativity and work she puts into it even tho I know she really loves what she is doing. I love helping her out and meeting her great customers.
Awww. Thanks mom. Without you sharing your love for sewing/quilting with me, I’m sure my shop never would have happened. Love you.
Lovely shop! Best wishes for much success!
Thank you Marilyn !
Love this series of virtual quilt shops, I will be adding this shop to my list. Thanks for sharing
Can’t wait to meet you Jodi !
I recently moved back to Chicago area from the Lake City/Red Wing area, I really miss Lisa and her shop full of perfect fabric. I make it a point to stop by when I pass though town to see ole quilting friends in Red Wing that gather every week at the Crossroads church in Red Wing. It was great seeing you last weekend on my way to quilt retreat!
It was great to see you too Cathy. I miss you. 🙁 Attention Chicagoland quilt shops…she’s a gem..treat her well.
Thank you! How sweet. The feature shop article was great. Hope it brings you LOTS of business that you deserve.