Michelle Bailey, the owner of Poppy Quilt N Sew in Georgetown, started quilting 15 years ago.

Bailey always liked sewing, but between parenting and working, she struggled to find the time. Then, she discovered quilting as a creative outlet and a way to repurpose materials. Bailey began her journey by making quilts out of her children’s old shirts.

“I couldn't just make a T-shirt quilt,” Bailey said. “I had to learn everything about quilting first. I actually took a class here at Poppy's.”

As she honed her craft, Bailey started selling T-shirt quilts and teaching classes at Poppy Quilt N Sew. She is now the store's owner, after acquiring the business in 2017.

What they offer


The store offers quilting services, fabrics, and patterns. Poppy Quilt N Sew also sells long-arm quilting machines, sewing machines and embroidery machines—all of which can be serviced on site by certified technicians.

Bailey also has in person and virtual classes and clubs at the store, which help build community. Locals can sign up for beginner instruction; technique-specific classes; and events, such as Sip n Sew where customers can socialize after hours.

“It was really important for me to create a community and we have done that,” Bailey said. “Quilters are the most generous people I know.”

Giving Back


Upon purchasing the business, Bailey became involved with the Quilts of Valor Foundation, which helps quilters donate their work to service members and veterans. Poppy Quilt N Sew has distributed at least 500 quilts through the organization over the last seven years.

Bailey has also collected quilts from members of the community for victims of the July 4 flooding in Central Texas.

“This is not us making them here in the store, this is our quilters donating their time [and] donating their resources,” Bailey said.

What else?


In July, Poppy Quilt N Sew launched a chapter of Quilt Scouts, where quilters meet once a month to learn together. The program is managed by Bailey’s business manager and daughter, Samantha Luedtke.

In addition to monthly events, the store also hosts annual events with figureheads in the quilting world.