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Great Falls Quilt Shop Recognized as 'Top 10' in America by Better Homes & Garden's

By KFBB News Team

Story Created: Sep 9, 2010 at 4:12 PM MST

Story Updated: Sep 9, 2010 at 4:33 PM MST

A local quilt shop is gaining international attention - and that’s bringing in a whole lot of business.

Toni Eckart has been in business for fourteen years and this year, her quilt shop is doing better than ever after being named one of the top ten in the country by Better Homes & Garden’s Quilt Sampler magazine.

“It’s kind of akin to getting an Academy Award but we’re in the quilting business, so there’s not as much hoopla,” Eckart says.

The Quilt A Way shop in Great Falls is a quilter’s paradise, chock full of fabrics and tools.

“I’ve been here before and I knew what I was coming to.”

Being featured in such a well-known magazine is bringing quite a bit of attention to the store, drawing in people like Judy Copithorne, who made the drive from Calgary, Canada.

“When I was coming my girlfriend said, ‘Oh, remember that quilt shop we went to? It’s in the Quilt Sampler.’ So that’s why I’m here,” she tells NewsChannel 5.

“We’ve had people from all over the U.S. come in because of the article and we’re just so happy,” notes Eckart.

It all started after the son of a Quilt A Way customer sent in a letter of recommendation to the parent company of Better Homes & Gardens.

Then, in February, they were contacted with the news that they had been chosen as one of the top 10 quilt shops in America for fall 2010.

“It was absolutely breathtaking. I was in shock. I just couldn’t believe that it was happening.”

Eckart and her team were given nine days to submit a project.

“My store manager designed a table runner. We submitted it, it had to have been accepted, which it was. We’ve been cutting kits for it ever since.”

As this local gem continues to see increased store traffic, Eckart is hopeful that her customer base will expand to worldwide levels.

“We hope to get international sales from it, and it definitely will bring customers to Great Falls. It’s such a big deal and I’m just so proud that they chose us.”

The Quilt A Way will be hosting an open house this Saturday from 10AM to 5PM, with demonstrations, refreshments and door prizes along with the chance to get your own autographed copy of Quilt Sampler magazine.

They are located at 222 13th Street South in Great Falls, and can be reached by calling 453-2788.

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