Welcome to JanniLou Creations!
Sisters Jan Bressler and Lou Shafer took a quilting class in the 1970's when they decided they weren't seeing enough of each other. They were smitten! They began spending one night a week quilting at Jan's home and another at Lou's. Soon they were asked to demonstrate quilting at the nearby annual Scandinavian Festival and quilt shows throughout the Pacific Northwest.
In 1985, Jan and Lou purchased the Aunt Becky's Finger Protector business and continued to offer hand quilting demos and instruction wherever they went. In 1993, a "for rent" sign grabbed their attention, they unboxed their wares, and opened the quilt shop on those two evenings previously assigned to quilting. A year later, Jan "retired" so the shop could be open full time. In 1997, Lou also "retired" and joined her. These days, JanniLou Creations, Inc., offers over 2,500 bolts of wonderful cotton fabrics (Benartex, Robert Kaufman, Hoffman, Kona Bay, Alexander Henry, P&B, RJR, Maywood Studios, Timeless Treasures, Moda ... the list goes on and on), hundreds of patterns and notions, and a wide selection of Block-of-the-Month programs, as well as a relaxed, friendly, and informal atmosphere in which to inspire your own creative talents.
Since Jan and Lou opened the shop, they've had great fun turning an old movie theater building into a quilt shop located on Main Street in downtown Philomath, Oregon. Formerly the Waucomah movie theater, the shop's history offers them a wealth of creative ideas. They play on the movie theme throughout their quarterly newsletter ("From the Cutting Room Floor"), their Saturday Matinee class listings, and their Sneak Preview sales. Their favorite "productions" are their beginner level quilting classes where students are a "cast of stars," instructors are billed as "directors," and sewing machines are "best supporting actresses." They introduce each term's classes at a quarterly "cast party"; strategically placed popcorn boxes have quilter's fat quarters in them instead of popcorn; and miscellaneous fabric packs are "quilter's candy."
JanniLou is proud to feature Wendy Green, Shirley Strub, Patti Kenyon, Cathy Cunningham, and Carolyn Sawtelle as regular "directors." Special guest directors have included Lawry Thorn, John Flynn, Andrea Balosky, Nancy Chong, and elinor peace bailey.
The staff on location at JanniLou includes Shirley Strub, Ronda Beck, Kathy Butler, Sue Johnson, Lynne Regan, Sherry Clark, Debbie Van der Sommen and Carolyn Sawtelle. Each of these knowledgeable quilters is happy to assist you in selecting fabric or choosing a project.
Thanks
for visiting!