All In Stitches bids community a fond farewell
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POLSON — This is the final summer for All in Stitches of Polson. It has taken years to build our community of friends and supporters and we treasure the memories and good times. In November 1999, Pat Binger opened the doors to All in Stitches. She had a dream of providing a safe space for people of all backgrounds to gather and share their love of crafting and creating. In 2021, store manager Susan Hartman, became the owner of All in Stitches.
“I chose to buy and manage a fabric shop as part of my retirement,” Hartman liked to joke. The true reason was that Hartman so believed in All in Stitches that she dedicated over two more years to this Polson establishment. For nearly 24 years (23 years and 8 months), All in Stitches has proudly reflected Binger’s initial vision of facilitating a safe and welcoming location for crafters to meet.
Those who have worked at All in Stitches continue to believe in the shop’s legacy. Viktra Bumgarner voiced the crew’s consensus that “AIS offered our community more than just quilting supplies and fabrics. It was a gathering place where many found camaraderie, support, encouragement, inspiration, laughter, compassion, wisdom, understanding, conversation and connection. These are all qualities that make us human. Those ties that bind us together are what made AIS ‘more than a quilt store.’ It was an experience that will be greatly missed.”
All in Stitches promoted these opportunities to form and nurture connections that in turn rippled out and positively impacted community members. Giving back to our community has been a guiding priority and each year we have enjoyed putting out our Giving Tree and working with local non-profits. Countless projects (quilts, baby blankets, teddy bears, tote bags, etc.) were donated to organizations such as Safe Harbor, Providence St. Joseph Medical Center, Child & Family Services, and the Greater Polson Community Foundation. We are so grateful to all who contributed to these organizations and encourage community members to continue the tradition.
Genuine goodbyes are not easy but the tears and heartfelt words of encouragement from all of you have meant so much. There is a satisfying sense of accomplishment when all the years of service are reflected within one’s community. Few are fortunate enough to confront the powerful impact they had on others, but we have glimpsed parts of the legacy of All in Stitches in these last few weeks. We are humbled and honored by those who have shared how AIS and its crew have impacted their lives. Like Dolly Parton’s farewell to coworker Porter Wagoner (“I Will Always Love You”), we appreciate the opportunity for a graceful exit.
Please continue the traditions of crafting and creating and never be stingy with knowledge or kindness. Share your experiences and be a positive influence, especially with future generations. And keep in touch. While our Instagram and Facebook accounts will not be regularly maintained, we encourage anyone to connect with us via email (allinstitches210@gmail.com). Thank you for the support, Polson. And as we all continue our journey one stitch at a time, we would like to leave you with this blessing:
“May your stash be ever plentiful. May your needle be forever sharp. May your bobbin be eternally full. And may your heart hold infinite and contagious joy.”
