Our Story
Cedar House Quilting has been serving the local quilting community since 2016 If it looks like someone's house when you drive up, well, it is. But don't worry, it is a big house and we have over 600 sq ft set aside for the quilting studio / store.
We have a long arm quilting machine which can be rented to do your own quilting or you can hire Helen to do the quilting for you. We also sell quilting supplies - batting, backing fabrics, threads, and notions. We carry a selection of fabrics as well. |
The idea for this business began many years ago when Helen came to live here. We had a large space that used to house an indoor pool but was then mostly just a warehouse. What should we do with all that space. Meanwhile, Helen's need/desire for more quilting space continued to grow. When she retired from her paying job there was more time for quilting and her studio moved from a spare bedroom to a larger room in the basement. And then the long arm arrived and this space was uncomfortably cramped. That's when Geoffrey got serious about renovating the "warehouse". We initially thought about offering long arm quilting services and perhaps hosting an occasional workshop. As we worked on developing the space and a business plan, quilt shops in the area were closing and places to get quilting supplies were few and far between. As Helen talked with her quilting friends about the plans they were enthusiastic about having some place closer to shop. In January 2016 we had our grand opening of our "bricks and mortar" (or should we say "cedar and nails") store. |
Helen Maslowski - Owner / Operator
I made my first quilt in the summer of 2002 while waiting for the arrival of my grandson. It was a Starblanket Quilt. My second quilt was called a “Weekend Star” Quilt. Once I finished piecing it, I didn’t know what to do with it next so I put it away, and I did not start any more quilting projects for a long time. I finally finished that quilt in 2008.
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In the fall of 2005, my daughter-in-law, Brandy Maslowski, signed us up for the Pinewood Lodge Quilt Retreat at Dorothy Lake. It was there that I made friends with some of the ladies from the In-Stitches Satellite Group and they invited me to join their group as I lived in the area. From there on in, my passion for quilting grew. I retired in December 2007 and continued to pursue my passion for quilting.
In the spring of 2012 I had the opportunity to acquire a long arm quilting machine. Talk about a journey! Let’s just say, there were many challenges. But, as the saying goes, practice makes perfect. I am now quite comfortable with using the computerized quilting designs that I have available. I still need to practice free motion on my own projects some more and I am learning to program my own designs for the long arm. |
I have been a member of Manitoba Prairie Quilters since 2009. I served on the Executive as 2nd Vice President; as President; and then as Past President. I was also a Show Co-convenor for the Quilt Reflections 2014 Quilt Show. What a wonderful journey that was. Currently, After many years of service to the guild I am no longer on the executive. For a time I edited the newsletter and have passed the baton on the MPW website www.manitobaprairiequilters.ca.
While the growing demands of our small business leave less time for leadership roles, I continue to be involved in the guild. I am constantly learning new techniques, and just when I think I have learned it all, someone shows me something new. And, best of all, I have been so fortunate to get to know so many wonderful people through our shared love of quilting. |
Geoffrey Thompson - Boy Friday
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My mission in this business, as in life, is to try to do whatever makes Helen happy. I get to do all the heavy lifting. I did most of the renovations that created this lovely studio/business area, and built many of the furnishings. I also like tinkering with technology so I get to take care of that part of the business too.
Over time I've had to learn way more than I ever wanted to about how the long arm works. I'm even beginning to grasp how it is supposed to make a stitch. Mind you it is still somewhat magical when it actually works. Many a day I've threatened to throw it in the creek.! . |
Kaya - Director of Greetings
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In light of her slowly improving job skills we are promoting Kaya from Greeter In Training (GIT) to Director of Greetings (DOG).
We are hoping that the greater responsibilities of this position will encourage her to exhibit her less exuberant greeting behaviours She does love meeting people and is especially fond of children (and the young at heart.) |
Return Policy
We started this business as service to the quilters in our region and we want you to be fully satisfied with any products you purchase here. Within 30 days of purchase you may return any item (except cut fabric, batting, and patterns) for a store credit for the full purchase amount - no restocking fees here.
Unless the item is defective, returns must be un-opened and in “like new “condition. Please note custom made kits are not refundable.
Thank you for your understanding.
We started this business as service to the quilters in our region and we want you to be fully satisfied with any products you purchase here. Within 30 days of purchase you may return any item (except cut fabric, batting, and patterns) for a store credit for the full purchase amount - no restocking fees here.
Unless the item is defective, returns must be un-opened and in “like new “condition. Please note custom made kits are not refundable.
Thank you for your understanding.