The Quilting Bee, a local quilting and fabric shop in Lakewood, Ohio, opened in November 2019.

In March 2024, the business moved to a larger space on Warren Road to accommodate more inventory, expanded sewing classes and additional parking. Keeping the shop local has helped it stay connected to the Lakewood community.

Since opening, the shop has assisted sewers and quilters of all skill levels. The Quilting Bee offers a wide selection of fabrics, ranging from floral to animal print, along with quilt-making workshops.

The store provides a warm, welcoming environment where staff teach and guide customers in sewing techniques and basic skills. The Quilting Bee serves as a creative hub that enables the Lakewood community to express their ideas individually while receiving guidance, encouragement and hands-on support from fellow quilters.

The shop was founded by owner Suzanne Bednarchik, reflecting her dedication and dream of owning her own business.

“Suzanne had long dreamed of opening a quilting shop and realized her goal after retiring from a career in the corporate world. She invited me to join her in planning and opening the shop,” said Kathleen Repko, operations director of The Quilting Bee.

After working in human resources and managing the people side of business, Suzanne started her own quilting business in Lakewood.

The shop’s community starts with its staff, many of whom have grown with the business. Social Media Manager Caroline Repko, for instance, joined the team during her college years. “I started working at The Quilting Bee in May 2020 while I was a student at The Ohio State University,” she said.

During her time as a student, she found a strong support system that encouraged her throughout her academic journey. As a social media manager, she has found ways to engage followers through content and created an online space where others feel encouraged to start or grow their sewing projects.

The shop stands out from a typical fabric store because it is locally owned and offers personalized guidance to all customers. “The Quilting Bee is geared toward helping sewists succeed in planning and creating their projects,” K. Repko said.

Having a local shop that provides individualized assistance can make a significant difference compared to shopping at a chain store. While staff members help customers obtain materials for their projects, the most important factor is being a friendly face.

“We strive to provide quality products and excellent customer service,” C. Repko said.

This business features rooms full of supplies, including yards of fabric, Bernina sewing machines, and various accessories to support customers on their sewing journeys.

Tucked in the back of the shop is a room with desks and sewing machines dedicated to the events offered by The Quilting Bee. In addition to the products it sells, the shop is heavily involved in the community.

They host weekly events, demonstrating a commitment to Lakewood and a passion for sewing. These events provide a space where anyone can learn to sew, hang out with friends or simply take a break and relax from daily life.

“The Quilting Bee offers learn-to-quilt classes, as well as project-centered classes such as bag-making and technique-specific projects,” K. Repko said.

These classes range from beginner courses to more advanced sessions for experienced sewists. Along with the learn-to-quilt classes, the shop hosts open sew sessions where community members can bring their own projects to work on and enjoy fellowship with other sewists.

These events are valuable for everyone, whether a student looking to expand their skills or a retiree interested in trying a new hobby.

Lakewood High School has a direct connection to The Quilting Bee through Jennifer Manning’s fashion design class. For this course, students need fabric and sewing materials sold at the shop.

To avoid having to purchase supplies at large chain stores like Michaels or Hobby Lobby — which require a car ride — Manning partnered with the shop’s owners. This relationship benefits both parties.

“It’s local, so students can walk to it to get supplies for class,” said Manning.

Being easily accessible makes this especially appealing to high school students. For the shop, the class brings in more business and helps spread the word to students and their families that The Quilting Bee is a business to support.

Small businesses are a vital part of Lakewood’s culture, and supporting them is one of the best ways for citizens to contribute. The Quilting Bee is generous in giving back to the community.

“They offer discounts to me as a teacher for supplies, and then to students. I believe it’s 15% off for students,” Manning said.

This helps students get the fabric they need, keeps the class running smoothly and supports a local business.

In addition to customers working on their own projects, the staff members are equally enthusiastic about being there. Sewing is the primary reason they work at the shop; they also value the opportunity to experience quilting and sewing firsthand.

“When time permits, we get to let our creativity shine by working on display samples for the shop,” said C. Repko.

The Quilting Bee has created a welcoming space where everyone can learn, explore their creativity and discover new ways to improve their quilting skills.