312 Big Sky Drive
Hiawassee, Georgia, 30546
706-896-7275
E-Mail quilting@logcabinpatchworks-quilting.com

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Rita and Laura DeMarco in the shop

Stepping into Log Cabin Patchworks in Hiawassee, Georgia is like stepping into Fantasyland for quilters. It is hard to imagine that the shop holds such a wide array of fabulous fabrics, notions, books, and gifts. The creators of this heavenly experience for local and visiting quilters are Rita and Laura DeMarco. This mother and daughter pair bought Log Cabin Patchworks after running it for several years since the death of its founder, Lib Stoinoff.

The Original shop was located in an authentic log cabin constructed before the Civil War. Lib relocated the cabin to its current location from Tennessee. On site are two other log buildings, also relocated. This cabin has been outgrown, however, which necessitated a move to a new location where there is now an "in house" classroom to accommodate classes.

Lib opened Log Cabin Patchworks in the Spring of 1980. She opened the shop so quilters in the area would have a place to purchase quality quilting materials. She was instrumental in starting the local quilt guild, Misty Mountain Quilters Guild. Lib was in her late sixties when she opened the shop. Rita and Laura started working with Lib during the early 1990s. Lib was in her eighties and needed help lifting the fabric bolts and waiting on customers. She continued working daily, with the help of one of them. In 1995 Lib became very ill. Laura and Rita started to take over the daily operations of the shop. Lib passed away in 1998, and they continued to run the shop for her daughter. Lib's daughter has no interest in quilting, and she sold the shop to Rita and Laura in January of 2000.

The shop features fine fabrics from Thimbleberries, Moda, Hoffman, Debbie Mumm, Bali Batik, and many others. They also have an excellent selection of flannels and homespun. They offer a wide variety of classes, including special seasonal projects, quilted jackets and totes, new quilting techniques, as well as many classes for traditional projects. Another popular attraction at Log Cabin Patchworks is their monthly clubs. Special interest groups, such as miniature quilts, Debbie Mumm Friendship Group, Thimbleberries Club, Block of the Month Club meet once each month to work on special projects. They have a loyal following. Many people join every group.

Log Cabin Patchworks is more than just a quilt shop. Their customers express a felling of welcomeness and fun. One customer, Ellen Vander Reyden of Blairsville, GA, said it best, "I feel like I'm going to a good friend's house for an old fashioned quilting bee. The friendship, hospitality, and genuine concern for my projects makes me feel right at home." Rita, Laura, and their entire staff make a point of offering their skills and other assistance to all of their customers. Rita explains, "I had been in many quilt shops over many years before I even thought of having one of my own. I know how I like to be treated, and that is how we treat our customers."

The staff at Log Cabin Patchworks will help coordinate the fabrics for any project. Susan Witek, of Hayesville, NC, said "Laura is a whiz at fabric selection. She can always pull the right combination of colors and patterns together to create a fabulous quilt. She will spend as much time with me as necessary to make my selections." Laura responds, "Our entire staff is made up of experienced quilters. They are all familiar with our products and will help each and every customer make her selections. Sometimes someone is stumped for just one fabric and there are other times when someone needs help with her entire quilt. We are ready to offer our help in any way we can. We love to see it when a project is completed and the quilter feels proud of her work. That is what we are in business for."

A trip to Hiawassee is worth it to visit Log Cabin Patchworks. Many of their regular customers come from as far away as Atlanta, Tennessee, and North Carolina. They also have many customers who spend the winter in Florida. These quilters stay in touch, often ordering fabric patterns and monthly projects to be delivered to their winter residences.

Log Cabin Patchworks is now located at 312 Big Sky Drive in Hiawassee, GA, in the upper level close to Holiday Inn Express. . Their hours are from 10 A.M. to 4 P.M. Monday through Saturday.