A Visit to eQuilter
August 22nd, 2014
How time flies when you are having fun! Just last month, I enjoyed the wonderful hospitality of Maine Quilters, while August was much about family and friends in Colorado, our neighbor to the north. My sis, Ann Rhodes, has lived in Boulder for many years.
Typical of other visits to Boulder, our days began with hikes in the open space west of the city, marveling at the majesty of the jagged peaks. One morning, I set off alone, aiming to climb to the top of the NCAR (National Center for Atmospheric Research) hill. Huffing and puffing, I made it to the top only to find a lone
deer. Since no hunting is allowed in the city of Boulder, open space included, the deer are remarkably unconcerned about the presence of people, so this one just gave me a quick look and resumed nibbling on the tender shoots. There is much to do in Boulder besides hiking! It also is home to eQuilter founded and owned by Luana and Paul Rubin.
Luana’s background was in fashion design with a specialty in imports, working in New York City and traveling the world. She loved New York and the fashion industry. After she met and married Paul, they moved to Colorado to he make their home. Luana signed up for a Log Cabin quilting class and fell in love! From then on, there was no looking back and she took as many classes as possible with just one problem — she couldn’t find all of the fabrics she wanted for her quilts.
So, Luana and Paul started eQuilter in the basement of their home in March of 1999, 15 years ago. Paul was a web designer, who had the expertise to create their website. Initially, they specialized in Asian fabrics and a three year business plan. They exceeded that plan in only 60 days!
Today, their expansive warehouse holds 18,000 – 20,000 items at any given time with over 1,000 new products every month.
This includes an amazing array of fabrics, including this new line by Stephanie Brandenburg,
and just about every imaginable solid color in the world.
I loved all the bright fat quarter packs in lime, orange, yellows and more!
After our tour, Luana and I had fun at the cutting counters, before we headed off to lunch and I learned more about this remarkable woman and the charity work of eQuilter. Stay tuned . . .