By Mary O’KEEFE

Lana Norton purchased Quilt ’n’ Things at 2411 Honolulu Ave. a little over a year ago with a hope to create a place where the community of quilters, sewers and knitters could gather. And by all accounts she has done just that. Spend any time in her store and you will see people from all walks of life come in and look at the colorful materials, marveling at the quilts that are on display and sitting around a table, bringing a modern twist to the tradition of sewing and quilting. Mary Ellen Sakai’s quilts are on display. She has been quilting for 30 years. Some of the images on her quilts are made from photos, like the one of graffiti in Paris, while others are more personal, like one of her dog. She is an instructor at Quilt ’n’ Things and teaches everyone, from beginners to those who have been quilting for years.

Norton takes pride in making sure there is always someone on-site who can answer questions about patterns or materials needed, whether from a novice or a professional. The community is strong; however, Quilt ’n’ Things is still a business and, therefore, beyond the walls of color and design lie the cold hard facts of life.

Norton has decided to look for another location for her store; she needs a new lease and a new model for the traditional quilting store.

“It’s difficult for quilting stores,” she said. “I carry designer materials but a lot of time the designers are selling them online … Everything is working against the small shop owner.”

Online purchases are the nemesis of the retail store that Norton has been fighting since she opened. Knitting and quilting may have become more popular but purchasing is easier online, so storefronts have to find other ways to survive.

“I don’t want to leave Montrose,” she said. “This store has been here for a long time and I feel a responsibility to the [town].”

But she needs to find a new location and wants it to be nearby to keep it local for her clientele, which is extremely loyal.

Norton is in a group that she would rather not be part of, joining other quilting brick-and-mortar businesses that have closed their doors after decades of service. Some have gone online while others have just disappeared.

She does not want Quilt ’n’ Things to go that route.

“I have a lot of loyal customers who support the shop. I love the community,” she said. “We are just looking for a new lease.”

She has been looking in the Altadena and Montrose areas but it has been difficult to find a location, especially because Norton does not want to leave.

Alicia Sohl and Mary Gorelick are just two of her customers. They have been sewing for years but like coming to the “sit and sew” times at Quilt ’n’ Things. It is those who have joined the classes that are going to miss the shop the most. Although they may be sewing with machines these days, the original purpose stands true today of the quilting bee as a gathering place where people can discuss life and get tips on their latest creations.

Norton is planning on moving by Aug. 31. She is offering 30% discounts to everything in her shop.

  Mary Okeefe