MOOSE JAW — After two decades of stitching together a close-knit quilting community, Quilter’s Haven is set to close its doors later this year as its co-owners prepare for retirement.
Owners Arlyce Thompson and Heather Carruthers hope their beloved shop will continue under new ownership, allowing its legacy to live on.
The decision to close comes as Thompson and Carruthers mark their 20th year in business — a milestone they never expected when they first embarked on this journey in 2005.
“We kind of started talking together in the summer 20 years ago,” Thompson said.
Carruthers added that the timing was right. “I was ready for a change,” she said. “I was in a very stressful job, and I wanted to do something fun before I died. Here I am, 20 years later, still alive and having fun."
Located in the heart of downtown Moose Jaw, Quilter’s Haven has been a hub for quilting enthusiasts, offering fabrics, supplies, and classes for beginners and seasoned quilters alike.
“There was some stress, but it’s been so much fun,” Carruthers said. “We love our customers; we have the best customers in the world.”
Over the years, Quilter’s Haven has been more than just a store — it has been a gathering place where friendships have formed, skills have been shared, and support has been given in times of need. The shop’s commitment to community service has been evident through its charitable quilting projects.
“We made quilts for High River, Alta., when they had the floods (in 2013), for the Slave Lake wildfires (in 2011), and for the Humboldt Broncos (in 2018),” Thompson said. “It wasn’t just us; our customers brought us quilts and said, ‘We’d like to donate these for this purpose.’ Everybody helps.”
The shop was also home to a quilting group that started with just six women and grew into a much larger initiative.
“They would come once a week, and we would make quilts,” Thompson said. “If we found that someone in the community needed one — whether it was a sick child or someone who lost a loved one — we’d make sure they had something to wrap themselves in. There’s nothing quite like giving them a quilt, you know.”
A destination for quilters near and far
Quilter’s Haven has drawn customers from across Canada and beyond, thanks in part to the owners’ early dedication to attending trade shows across Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and Alberta.
“In our younger days we travelled a lot, and that helped build relationships with customers who still follow us today,” Thompson said.
The shop’s downtown location has also played a key role in its success.
“We get a lot of visitors staying at the Grant Hall Hotel, or at the spa…,” Carruthers said. “We’ve sent mail orders all over Canada — to Newfoundland, Vancouver Island, even Australia and Italy a few times.”
Hoping for a new chapter
Although the owners are preparing to step away, they remain hopeful that Quilter’s Haven will continue under new ownership. The business is currently for sale, and the owners are willing to help a potential buyer transition into the role.
“We’re looking for someone younger, someone who loves quilting, and someone who is willing to learn,” said Thompson. “We’re willing to share our knowledge, our suppliers, and even our client list.”
Carruthers added that the store remains a viable business and an important part of the community. “It would be a shame not to have (a quilting shop) here,” she said.
As they prepare for their final months at the shop, Thompson and Carruthers are reflecting on the many memories they’ve built at Quilter’s Haven — the impact of which will be felt long after the last spool of thread is sold.
“We just want to thank everybody for their support over the years,” Thompson said. “We’ve enjoyed serving them, and we’ve loved being here in downtown Moose Jaw.”
Quilter’s Haven is located at 422 Main Street North and can be reached at 306-693-8523. For more information, visit “Quilters Haven” on Facebook.
