Quilters Crossing

Quilting bees, she calls them, can open a tab at her store during the day for materials and close it at the end of the day.

Morley often provides lunch during classes from the Whistle Stop Tea Room across the street.

Morley has a regular group of quilters who shop at her store and take classes and use her open space.

"Business is good," Morley said. "We're growing. We've created a community of quilters."

Morley moved from upstate New York several years ago to be closer to her daughter and teenage grandchildren who live in Hockley.

Her daughter, Mandy Stokes, who has quilted for 23 years, runs Quilters Crossing with her mom.

"We really enjoy each other," Stokes said of her mom.

Morley worked as a middle school math teacher for 21 years in New York before retiring.

Quilters Crossing is her first business. Morley says her work as a math teacher keeps her calm in running her shop.

Quilters Crossing offers more than 3,000 bolts of fabric in a variety of colors and designs. The store focuses on bright and fun fabrics.

"We don't want to sell the same stuff as another quilting store," Stokes said. "We have unique taste and it works. Each shop has a different flavor."

The store also sells quilting books, patterns and kits, and a large variety of thread in dozens of colors.

Quilters Crossing opened just as another quilting shop in Tomball closed because the owner retired. Many of those customers are now customers at Quilters Crossing.

"That group moved here," Morley said. "That whole customer base was really supportive."

Quilters Crossing focuses on customer service and offers expertise and advice if asked.

"One of our goals is to make sure our customers get the help they need," Stokes said.

Morley and Stokes believe Tomball residents prefer to shop local if possible.

"The quilting bees here are very devoted," Morley said. "They are a really nice group we work with here."

Running the store keeps Morley and Stokes busy, but they both still find time to quilt.

"Even as a teacher, I quilted every chance I got," Morley said. "I always make sure I take time to quilt. It's a popular hobby and good therapy."

Open house, Jan. 11:

Quilters Crossing will be holding an open house Jan. 11 where the instructors will showcase and answer questions about upcoming classes for 2014. There will also be a storewide sale in the shop.

Quilters Crossing

108 Commerce St., Tomball 281-516-7515

www.quilterscrossingtx.com, Hours: Mon.–Fri. 10 a.m.–5 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m.–4 p.m.