Annie's Quilting Bee: Where Quality Fabrics Meet Community Spirit

A Modern Take on Traditional Quilting in Downtown Harlan

From a frustrated beginner quilter to the owner of a thriving fabric shop, Ann Wooster's journey to opening Annie's Quilting Bee reflects the warm, welcoming spirit that now defines her store. "I came from Sioux City to out past Irwin when we got married, and I picked up sewing and started to try to teach myself to quilt," Ann recalls of her early days. That initial struggle with matching seams and finding guidance would later inspire her approach to creating a community-centered quilting space.

From Dream to Reality

After years of raising four children and working in the dental field, Ann's passion for quilting reignited. Friendship with the owner of a quilt shop in Elkhorn proved pivotal. "I told her, someday when I grow up, I'm going to open a store just like yours," Ann remembers. That someday came in August 2022, when she opened Annie's Quilting Bee with just 200 bolts of fabric. Today, the shop boasts over 1,200 bolts, having recently relocated to a more accessible location on Harlan's west side of the square.

Quality Without Compromise

Annie's Quilting Bee specializes in high-quality, 100% cotton fabrics, with an emphasis on Riley Blake designs. "There's a difference in quality, like thread count in sheets," Ann explains, distinguishing her selections from big box stores. Despite carrying premium materials, Ann maintains competitive pricing: "I try super hard to keep my prices down... I'm a firm believer that you treat people how you want to be treated."

More Than Just Fabric

The shop has evolved into a community hub offering:

• Beginner to advanced quilting classes
• Popular kids' sewing programs
• $5 sew-days in the classroom space
• Long-arm quilting machine rentals
• Quilts of Valor group meetings supporting veterans
• Professional consultation on sewing machine selection

Building Community One Stitch at Time

"The people, the relationships, the community - that's the part that I love," Ann shares. The shop features a gathering space near her desk where customers often stop by just to chat. "Sometimes I feel like I'm a bartender and they sit at the bar and tell me their stories... I've had people say I could put fabric there instead, but no - that's important."

Looking Ahead

Ann is expanding her vision with The Honeycomb Haven, a new creative space opening January 2024. Located between Bauer's and Pitt's Chiropractic, this separate venture will offer crafters a dedicated space for weekend retreats and creative gatherings, furthering her mission to nurture Harlan's creative community.

Visit Annie's Quilting Bee at 1013 7th Street on the west side of Harlan's square. Browse their selection at their website, join their Facebook community at Annie's Quilting Bee, or email anniesquiltingbee@gmail.com. Open Monday, Wednesday, Friday 11 AM - 4 PM and Tuesday, Thursday 11 AM - 6 PM. For updates on The Honeycomb Haven, follow their Facebook page.