customer feature Peggy Noto

by Hannah 

Introducing Peggy Noto, why—- because Peggy is the first of many customers, that we at Bolt Fabric, will be taking some time out each month to learn a little more about. We all know Peggy for her exceptional bags and beautiful quilts. It was quite lovely asking some questions and having the pleasure of learning a little more about her person and process.

When did you start sewing? Who taught you? 

I started sewing when I was about 10.  I was taught by my mother and my best friend’s mother, using my mother’s 1952 Singer featherweight.  Fast forward 40 years.  For our 50th birthdays my friend and I spent a week at a sewing seminar in California.  We both embraced sewing as girls and have made presents for each other and our families over decades.  And now I have three Portland friends (all Bolt customers) who I love to sew with and for, and we get our college age daughters in the mix when they have the time and the interest.  

What is the most challenging part of sewing for you? or What part of the process do you like the most? 

The most challenging part of the process is figuring out colors and fabrics for quilts.  I can easily select fabrics for bags on my own, but I need help in planning quilts.  The women who work at Bolt help me get out of my comfort zone and show me new ways to think about and combine fabrics and colors.

A favorite part of the process is when I can see what the bag, quilt or garment really looks like and whether it “worked.”  The best part is giving away handmade bags, quilts and simple gifts.  Last Christmas I made small pouches out of my father’s ties for my extended family.

How long have you been shopping at Bolt and why do you love us? 

I discovered Bolt shortly after it opened.  I shopped at Bolt more and more as I made the switch from traditional quilting to modern quilting and started making bags.  Gina carefully selects the fabrics, and she and her team know every single bolt in the shop.  They will find the perfect gem that I had overlooked in my search.  Everyone who works at Bolt is welcoming, helpful and interested in my projects.  And Hannah is incredibly creative and a true inspiration.  She has an eye for simple yet stunning designs.