We understand that being a small business owner is tough. That’s why we plan to spotlight a different business each month to help you learn about unique businesses in your own back yard.

The folks at Pumpkin Ridge Quilt Shop call their store the “Cutest Little Quilt Shop In Southeast Ohio” but the store is anything but little. In fact, it is jam packed with fabric, notions, books, patterns and sewing machines that makes this place nothing less than a quilter’s paradise.

The shop offers a larger fabric selection than any craft or sewing store around, according to owners Terry and Debbie Stevens. “We have between 3,500 and 4,000 bolts of fabric. But who’s counting?” Terry joked.

Walls paneled in Vinton County native timbers including White Pine, Black Walnut, Honey Locust, Sassafras and Poplar give the shop a cozy and welcoming atmosphere that makes customers want to stay. Or perhaps it’s the rooms filled with an astounding variety of fabric that includes everything from Civil War reproductions to Oriental designs that make folks want to stay.

Polka dots, stripes, solids and florals abound. There are handmade fabrics called Batiks. There’s a section of thirties fabrics – reproduction fabrics that were historically used in flour and feed sacks and transformed by housewives into clothing, quilts and other items needed in the home. There’s even fabric featuring race horses, Charlie Brown and the gang and, of course, festive holiday designs.

But this store doesn’t just sell fabric and notions. The list of services they offer is long. They sharpen scissors, sell Elna sewing and embroidery machines and are a certified Judy Niemeyer store. They provide instruction for machines sold and Terry will even set up a machine in the buyer’s home. They are the only Tinlizzie dealer in four states.

Then there are the classes. “We have a classroom and can provide instruction on pretty much anything you want to learn. Paper piecing, table runners, it doesn’t matter,” Terry explained.

During our visit, some friends were gathered to work on projects, talking and helping each other in the classroom. “You’re welcome to come and sit. We can answer questions if you’re having trouble. If you don’t know how to put a border on, we’ll help you out. Bring a friend. Sit and sew,” he invited.

For customers who don’t sew but wish to have a quilt made, Pumpkin Ridge can make that happen too. Also, they can help customers finish a project by adding the batting and backing for the customer.

Terry also services and repairs machines both big and small, old and new. Right now his work bench is home to an antique Singer machine that’s in for repair. “Honestly, the old machines sew better than the new ones,” Terry explained as he admired the perfect stitching produce by the antique that was once sold by Sears, Roebuck and Company.

Terry said that he tries to be fair to his customers and that he is the cheapest around for repair. “We get people in from all over Ohio, from West Virginia, Pittsburg, Michigan…we had a guy in here from Indianapolis. They come from all over,” he explained.

When asked why he decided to take up this business in his retirement Terry replied that the answer is simple. “I got into it at the house, repairing and servicing machines because no one else around does it.”

The opportunity to purchase the building that now houses the shop presented itself and he decided to move his business. “Debbie quilts and she said she was going to put a quilt shop in. So here we are. It’s fun. I get out of the house and get to meet a lot of good people. It’s been good,” he said.

Be sure to stop by before the end of the year to take advantage of their current sale – half off Christmas fabrics.

Pumpkin Ridge Quilt Shop is tucked away in the rolling hills of Vinton County, just six miles from McArthur and close to the Vinton County Airport. Follow them on Facebook or call 740.596.2345 for information. They are open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Their address is 26940 Pumpkin Ridge Rd, New Plymouth, Ohio 45654.