Yellowknife (July 26/06) - Quilting is a passion for many in Yellowknife and two lifelong quilters have decided to go ahead and make a job out of it.

Two Yellowknife teachers, Sue Booker and Marilyn Moran, bought Quilter's Getaway in mid-June.

Sue Booker, left, and Marilyn Moran show some of their materials at Quilter's Getaway. The two teachers are the new owners of the store, which they purchased in mid-June. - David Ryan/NNSL photo

The opportunity came about when the previous owner, Helen Simpson, decided to sell the business and make the move south.

"We always talked about it, so why don't we just go ahead and do it," said Booker.

Quilter's Getaway has been receiving a variety of new items as it prepares for the busy fall season, said Moore.

The teachers and businesswomen are excited about running their own quilting business. Co-owner Marilyn Moran said there is a steep learning curve that comes with running a business.

"It's been different, but it's been fun so far," she said.

The amount of support received from the 150-member quilting guild in Yellowknife has been tremendous, said Moran.

The store sells hundreds of cotton fabrics, books and supplies, and also houses a work area for the guild. In September, quilting classes - ranging from basic beginner courses to advanced classes - will begin.

The demographics of quilting are changing.

The number of quilters in their 20s has increased and Moran said it's not uncommon for men to take up the craft.

"Anybody can do it now," said Moran. "It's not just for grandmothers. Once you are a quilter, you're kind of addicted."

Quilter's Getaway has regular daytime hours at the moment, but Moore said they will switch to evening hours in September. "It would be good for a lot of full-time workers and stay at home moms," she said.

Schedules for the upcoming classes can be picked up at the store.