MOOSE JAW — A beloved downtown fixture for quilting enthusiasts is preparing to reopen under new ownership this July, ushering in a new chapter while honouring two decades of community connection and creativity.
Quilter’s Haven, , has officially been purchased by Karen Andersen, a long-time Moose Jaw resident and proud Métis woman who said owning a fabric store has been a dream in the making.
“Tansi! And hello everyone!” Andersen wrote in a public announcement. “I am Karen Andersen, the new owner of Quilters Haven 2025. I am a Métis iskwew (woman) and have lived in Moose Jaw since 1998.”
A familiar face to many residents, Andersen previously worked at Joe’s Locksmith and was recently spotted at the “Think Outside the Block” quilt show at the Temple Gardens Centre in May. “I was the one wearing the ribbon skirts,” she noted.
“To say I’m excited is an understatement,” she added. “I have always loved playing with fabric — and accumulating it — since I was 20 years old and the obsession grew from there. The vision board I have in my head has had ‘to own a fabric store’ at the top of the list for years. All I had to do was wait.”
The official transition will take place at the end of June, when retiring co-owners Heather Carruthers and Arlyce Thompson hand over the keys. The store will then be closed briefly for a few days before reopening in early July.
“This is bittersweet for Heather and (me), as we will certainly miss visiting with and helping all our dear customers,” the pair shared in a farewell message. “We thank each one of you for your friendship and patronage throughout the past (almost) 20 years of business.”
Quilter’s Haven has served as a hub for creative connection since 2005, offering fabrics, supplies, and classes for all skill levels. Under Andersen’s leadership, the store will continue to offer those familiar staples — while adding something new.
“I am looking forward to learning and sharing information and experience with everyone who comes in,” she said. “There will be some cultural additions to the store. I plan on bringing in Métis cultural arts and crafts and sharing my knowledge with you — if you’re interested. There will even be cultural kits available for purchase for those who want to learn about the Métis culture.”
Andersen also plans to launch an e-commerce website for the store and maintain the current teaching program.
“I will continue with the sewing classes. Arlyce and Heather have told me that they will be available to help teach some of the classes, and you may occasionally see them in the store because they want to come in and play with the fabric and engage with our customers. They may be retiring but they’re not completely out of the game.”
Details about an official grand opening celebration are still to come.
“There will be a grand opening and I haven’t chosen a date or a weekend yet, but it’s going to happen. I’m ‘sew’ excited!” Andersen wrote.
Quilter’s Haven will continue to operate at its current location, 422 Main Street North. Store hours will remain the same: Monday to Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The shop will be closed Sundays and statutory holidays.
The new email address for the store is [email protected]. Customers can also follow updates on Facebook at “.”
Gift certificates and customer appreciation cards from the original Quilter’s Haven must be redeemed by June 28, the last official day for Carruthers and Thompson.
“Moose Jaw will continue to be a quilting hub for all our quilters,” the co-founders wrote. “Happy quilting everyone.”
