Nancy Mason
Owner
Nancy began quilting in1992 and had her first lesson in a beauty shop. Then, in 1998 Nancy met Paul and in 2002 they were married. She began quilting again and purchased a Gammill long arm. She operated a small quilting business from her home for a year. Then, 3 days before Christmas, she had to ask Paul to run to the quilt shop for more backing. Half way to the shop he called and said, "Do you know how far this shop is?!?!?!?!?" I said -yes. After purchasing the much needed fabric (3 yds of Batik) he called andsaid "DO YOU KNOW HOW MUCH THAT WAS?!?!?!?!" I said-yes. When Paul got home he said - "You need to open a shop of your own" I had been in retail all of my life and getting back into retail was not on my mind. That didn't stop Paul. He started looking for just the right location......hence the Rivers Edge Fabric Co was born.
Paul Mason
Co-Owner, Cook, Fix It, and Cheerleader
Paul has always been supportive.. But with all due respect, he had a lot to learn about the quilting industry and us "quilters". When The Rivers Edge was juried into the AQS show in Nashville, Paul was all about going and helping. Nancy was thinking “this is going to be a real challenge”. Paul really didn't want to spend the money on a double booth because after all it was our first time etc. Nancy however had attended quilt shows in the past and knew what needed to be done. At the end of the first day, Paul was bit by the Quilt Bug BAD!!! He signed us up for all AQS shows, was ready to trade in the trailer for a bigger one, get our website up and running and move the shop to a bigger location. WHEW! Paul is also the local quilter’s favorite because he cooks and caters to them all at our Big Events that we host at least twice a year. He is a charmer, good cook, and all around great guy.
June
Nancy's Mom
June has always been in the middle of things with Nancy. She has always helped in the various businesses and contributed all she could. When opening the quilt shop June said," I can't help you with this, I don't know anything about quilting or sewing." Nancy asked her to just come in and help get it open-cut fat quarters and wash windows. June loves to wash windows. Well, here we are on our second year, in our second location and she has yet to wash the windows. She is the Queen of Binding and now has her own brand new sewing machine. She is making store samples and is still telling the customers she is not a quilter. Mom will be 80 on her next birthday but has too many projects going to be too concerned about it. You Go June!
Jessica
Nancy's one and only, world's best, daughter! / Web & IT Support
Jessica lives in the Chicago area with her husband, two dogs and two cats. Although they are very busy with their careers and their new passion (running) they both still take time and energy to contribute to our business. Jessica has been extremely busy with our website and has done a wonderful job with it. I know she has pulled her hair out a time a two. Michael has done lots and lots of construction, electrical, and exerted lots of muscle to moving and setting the store. Running marathons, half-marathons and relay races has really given them both the strength and endurance needed to expand a quilt shop! Thank God Nancy does not have to run.
Julie
Teacher, creator, designer, and friend.
Julie has really kept things hopping and happening at the Rivers Edge. Julie has more ideas and creations than Carter has pills. Julie designs our mystery quilts and then we get them published. Julie has quite a following of gals who can't wait for the next mystery to be born. Julie also dreams up fun things for the shop to do and has the expertise to make it all happen. These talents take not only creativity but patience and knowledge of the computer world. Julie also has a sense of humor that is equal to or at least on par with Nancy's. When the two of them get invited to guild meeting for programs-the guilds never quite know what just hit them! We do manage to get repeat invitations though.
Rose
Long arm quilter, friend
Rose and Nancy worked together briefly at Bernina. Nancy stayed long enough to get a new machine and left when Paul found the perfect quilt shop location. After a year, Rose left Bernina and is now working with Stella (The Gammill) knocking out some beautiful quilts. Rose is very helpful and knowledgeable with the retail end of the operation and is quickly developing a following of her own.
Lucy
Nancy's dog
Lucy is the mascot dog for the Rivers Edge. She meets and greets everyone coming through the door with enthusiasm and a ball. Many quilters have come to know her and look forward to playing ball. The kids come in and are occupied as well. Lucy doesn't care who comes in the door as long as they get the ball in motion. Who said every quilt shop needs a cat? Although I love cats, I Love Lucy.
Nancy #2
Nancy #2 came in the shop wanting to learn to quilt. She has become a friend and a very helpful hand. Nancy steps up to the plate when the phone is ringing off the wall and fabric needs to be cut. She is always there to help with sales and the Big Events. Every shop needs a Nancy #2, but she is ours!
