While Lopes enjoys her time with the groups she has joined in Katy, Humble and other surrounding areas, she wanted to bring this sense of community to Cy-Fair quilters, so she opened Bobbins & Threads off Grant Road in early 2022.
“There’s nothing in the area, and we had no place to go,” Lopes said. “I have a really nice quilt room in there for people to sew.”
With two cutting stations as well as two ironing stations available, sewers can work together on their projects. Multiple people can complete the same project at the same time. Workshops and classes are also offered in the space to help you learn other crafts like doll making and cookie decorating.
Lopes arrived in the area first as an English as second language teacher at Langham Creek High School. She then started a home quilting company during her last year of employment. Lopes shared that her passion for creating and helping others create meaningful gifts was evident as she worked with her clients to make these personalized gifts.
“It’s a community,” she said. “People like to come in and talk, discuss what projects they’re working on, and this is good for us mentally. Especially with the way the world is today.”
Lopes stated that she is constantly looking for new technologies to keep her shop competitive. Lopes’ latest innovation is a direct–to-garment printing machine that can print photos on fabric to create nostalgic and heartfelt designs. A laser can also be used to cut fabric into complex patterns and patterns, which relieves the stress of meticulously cutting individual pieces.
Lopes expressed pride in the community she helped to create, noting that many crafters visit alone and may feel isolated when working from home.
“It gives me a purpose, even though I had it at home, but this way it’s out in the community, and it gets you out and about,” she said.
More than a quilt shop, Bobbins & Threads offers custom quilting services and sells finished premade quilts but has more products and services available to crafters.
Fabric: Bolts of fabric can be purchased by the business that can be used for making quilts, pillowcases, and other projects.
Long-arm rentals: A long-arm machine can be used by quilters in the shop to make an otherwise tedious task less time-consuming.
Classes: Many guest crafters are invited to teach classes on any skill or craft they wish to share.
Workspace: The classroom can double as a workspace, with two ironing and cutting tables for crafters who want to collaborate with others.
Sewing supplies This shop stocks all the supplies that quilters and sewers might need to complete their next project.
Marketplace events: Bobbins & Threads hosts marketplace events where crafters can sell their completed goods.
Bobbins & Threads
10130 Grant Road, Ste. 214, Houston
713-203-6259
www.bobbinsthreads.com
Hours: Mon.-Fri. 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Sun. noon-4 p.m.