PITTSBORO, N.C. - Quilted Needle Fabrics LLC, the 2024 winner of the Chatham SPARK Grant Program, celebrated its grand opening on Nov. 9, 2024, marking an exciting new chapter for the quilting community in North Carolina.

The grand opening was a vibrant celebration of artistry and community, with quilters and local supporters gathering on the cool, picturesque, autumn afternoon to explore this unique addition to Pittsboro.

Quilted Needle Fabrics is more than just a fabric store -- it's a welcoming space for quilters of all levels to find inspiration, community, and high-quality products. Founded on a commitment to professionalism, inclusivity, and community engagement, the business strives to honor the rich multicultural traditions of quilting while creating a fun, supportive atmosphere for all.

The Chatham SPARK Connection Quilted Needle Fabrics' journey was made possible by the Chatham SPARK Program, an entrepreneur-development initiative presented by the Central Carolina Community College Small Business Center, Chatham Chamber of Commerce, and Mountaire Farms.

"Our grand opening was a dream come true," said Jacqueline Cochran, owner of Quilted Needle Fabrics. "We initially launched a four-week soft opening where the quilting community had the opportunity to support us as we tweaked and polished our business model. The warm reception we've received from the community is truly humbling, and we are thrilled to provide a space that celebrates creativity and fosters connections among quilters."

Quilted Needle Fabrics offers a carefully curated collection of quilting products, including:

• Premium fabrics sourced for quality and design.
• Essential tools and supplies to support quilting projects.
• A supportive environment where beginners and experts alike can thrive.

"With a career in healthcare, it wasn't until I connected with the Central Carolina Community College Small Business Center that I was able to build a business skillset and the confidence to see my vision come to life," said Cochran. "At that point my husband, Douglas Hall, jumped onboard and joined the journey with me making our shop a husband-and-wife business."

As the 2024 SPARK Grant winner, Quilted Needle Fabrics LLC received a $5,000 reimbursable grant, a one-year Chatham Chamber of Commerce membership, and ongoing marketing and business support from the CCCC Small Business Center. These resources provided a foundation to launch a successful small business in Chatham County.

With the grand opening behind them, Quilted Needle Fabrics looks forward to serving as a hub for the quilting community in Pittsboro and beyond. The business plans to host various quilting workshops and looks forward to the opportunity to nurture creativity and bring people together.

To learn more about this new business, visit quiltedneedlefabrics.com or stop by Quilted Needle Fabrics in the True Value Shopping Center at 350 East Street, Pittsboro.

The Central Carolina Community College Small Business Center provides resources, guidance, and support to aspiring entrepreneurs. Its programs help small business owners develop strong business plans, connect with experts, and build networks for long-term success. To register for no-cost business counseling at CCCC's Small Business Center, visit www.chathamsbc.com.