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Quilting isn’t just about putting together fabric to create something beautiful; friendships are formed through the bond of a shared pastime.

The sense of community and kinship is immediately felt upon entering a new shop, Country Quilts and Fabric in Willits. The store is filled with beautiful fabrics from wall to wall in every color imaginable and the mother-daughter team who run the shop, Chris Ceresa and Briana Servantes, are welcoming and knowledgeable of their craft.

Ceresa and Servantes started off with an online store that launched in March 2021. Storage was becoming an issue and many costumers like to feel the fabric in person so the pair was motivated to set up a brick and mortar store, which officially opened April 1.

The shop has a variety of fabric brands, including Moda, Riley Blake, Windham Fabric and Shannon Fabric. They also have any accessory one would need to quilt such as patterns, batting, panels, needle and thread.

Since the store opened, quilters have been visiting from all over Mendocino County as well as Lake County. Servantes said, “We didn’t realize how many quilters there were around us, until they started coming in.” Ceresa said they often come in groups to shop and then enjoy lunch downtown. She said, “that’s one of the beautiful things about quilting, that people are able to connect through this thing that they love to do.”

Although the fabric selection is already expansive, new stock is put out weekly. Servantes said, “We are always trying to add to what we have.” They recently added a long-arm to the space as well.

The shop will be offering its first beginner level class on June 13; seating will be limited to allow for one-on-one instruction. The class is geared for those who have never quilted before.

Ceresa was taught to sew at a young age by her mother and grandmother. She began quilting during the pandemic because she had a grandson on the way. She said, “I needed to make him a quilt.” She taught herself the skill by watching videos and through trial and error, utilizing her lifelong sewing skills to help learn.

Ceresa taught Servantes to sew at a young age as well, and Servantes began quilting a couple years ago. She said, “I’m still learning, there is always more to learn.”

Prior to opening the shop, Ceresa raised sheep in Sebastopol. When her children started having children, she explained, “I was ready to shift into a little bit more grandma mode.” Before  living in Sebastopol she lived in Willits for 30 years and with grandchildren in the area decided to move back. Ceresa described the shop as a family business. She said, “everyone has chipped-in in some way.” Servantes added, “It’s really nice to have the support.”

Country Quilts and Fabric is located at 154 S. Main St. in Willits and is open Tuesdays 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Thursdays 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Fridays 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturdays 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

There will be a  Grand Opening Saturday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. with raffle prizes, door prizes, discounts and plenty of giveaways. They will also be open for Hometown Celebration June 17. For more information, call (707) 841-1683 or visit countryquiltsandfabric.com.

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