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A Stitch In Time

Innovative Technology Gives Sewing and Quilting Exciting New Possibilities

photo by Mike Cameron Wayne Dwyre applies stitches to a quilt pattern during a demonstration recently. Dwyre is using a Gammill long arm sewing machine which he helped to set up for his sister-in-law. After learning more about how the machine worked, Wayne like the process so much that he began to do some sewing with the big machine himself. Now he is an accomplished sewer and machine quilter. The machine Wayne is working with is considered tops in the industry, “It does an excellent job,” Wayne says as he continued with his work. Machines like this have become very popular with quilters around the country.

photo by Mike Cameron “Harley” approves this comfy quilt.

photo by Mike Cameron A special 50th anniversary quilt.

Tuesday March 11, 2008

By Mike Cameron

   Please allow me to qualify myself at the outset of this piece.  

   I can neither sew or quilt and  have little or no mechanical aptitude.  But like many who are challenged in this respect we simply envy people who have these skills.

   There doesn't seem, at least for my money, anything that says home and hearth more clearly than a nice comfy quilt crafted by someone who underestands and enjoys this special process.

   A recent visit to the home of Walt and Peg Reed on Jersey Street in Addison gave this reporter some insight into that process.

   Over a hot cup of coffee and some seriously delicious home-made doughnuts, my brief but thorough education into the world of sewing, quilting and technology began, but first some introductions.

   Four of us sat around the dining room table.  Peg, her husband Walt, her brother-in-law Wayne Dwyre and your’s truly.  Oh and let’s not forget for a moment Wayne’s Scottish Terrier “Queenie” and the Reed’s Himalain kitten “Harley,” short for Harley Davidson Purrrfect Cat!

   Peg loves to sew and quilt and has instructed many in the craft over the years.  She is an instructor at Stitches etc in New Haven owned and operated by Jean Clark who also ownes Knits and Bolts in the same building .  

   Teaching classes to adults and children, Peg has helped to keep the art alive and well here in Addison County.

   But why was Wayne there? and Walt?  Well you see that’s the real story here and it’s an interesting one at that.

   Wayne was asked by the Reeds to help set up a new sewing machine.  A big sewing machine.  It would be set up at the Reeds home and Wayne had the skill and know-how to do  it.
Wayne is a quiet unassuming guy who retired in 2000 from Poma of America, a company that constructs ski lifts.  He has worked high steel all of his adult life.  “We thought he would be the man to set up the machine,” Peg explained.  “So you got roped in?,” I inquired.  Wayne broke into a smile and just said “well,” and shook his head a little.

   The machine Wayne assembled is a long arm quilting machine made by GAMMILL and Wayne explained the difference between it and a regular sewing machine.  “A regular sewing machine moves the material while it sews.  The quilting machine works with the mat staying still and you move the machine over the material,” he explained while standing in front of the impressive piece of equipment at the operators station.

   The artistic possibilities of the device are only limited by one’s own imagination and skill.  “The machine can help folks complete the finished quilt with its three traditional layers of material even though some quilters might want to hand stitch the top in the traditional manner or the entire project can be done on the machine from start to finish,” Wayne explained further.

   The machine has the ability through computer assisted laser technology to apply threads and precise stitches to add years of life to the finished product.  Customers who have found out about the service have responded very positively as the word spread about the machine and what it can do for the Sewing and Quilting Community in Addison County.  

   Peg who is an instructor at Stitches etc explained that a one day a week work load has tripled in the past year.  The beauty of the technology involved allows the quilter to be as traditional or for lack of a term “new age” as they want to be.  Customers come in all age groups and interests.

   Projects can be planned from scratch or become part of existing work that some quilters never seem to find the time to finish.  Peg will be able to guide you with your particular project and skill level.

   Meanwhile Wayne has stayed with the machine and enjoys the sewing and quilting process a great deal after initially assembling it for Peg.

   “I was asked to help out and one thing led to another.  The more I worked with the machine the more I liked it and then I finished my first project...I’ve done it!  It gives you a good feeling,” he said.

   To quote many of our grandparents, “the proof in the pudding is in the eating.”  My hosts saved the best for last.  “Let’s look at some of the finished work,” Peg suggests and finished quilts were taken out by Wayne and Peg and spread out on an upstairs bedroom bed for a photo op.

   Quilts are a visual medium and these particular creations were something to behold; a testament to skill, talent and technology prepared in cloth and thread.

   One quilt in particular was created by Peg and sewn by Wayne for her husband of over 50 years, Walt.  The quilt consists of a galaxy of stars that glow in the dark.  A very special 50th Anniversary gift indeed.

   It’s an unmistakable metaphor for two people that have spent a lifetime together and are now enjoying their retirement by still working at jobs they like, riding their Harley Davidson Motorcycles, kayaking and other pursuits.  Wayne and his wife Jene remain close friends not just relatives and the future for the sewing and quilting business looks very good indeed.  Much of that success here in Addison County has to do with Wayne Dwyre and his artistic touch on the big sewing and quilting machine.
    

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