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This is Fred Ball for Zions Bank, speaking on business.
When Scott Blackham and his father Dan and Esther Randall started selling sewing machines 11 years ago in Provo, they knew it would take more than a brand name to get customers in the door. It would take a unique sewing experience—one that offered the best machines, the richest fabrics and the right kind of sewing expertise as well.
It was 1990. Scott, Dan and Esther owned a successful business that sold thread and silk ribbon to stores nationwide. They teamed up with a local Orem dealer to open their retail outlet, The Stitching Corner, Inc. and were soon selling machines. Quilting fabrics and supplies were soon added giving customers a reason to visit the store more often.
Before long, their partner left the business and Scott was given responsibility of growing The Stitching Corner. Silk, wool and linen fabrics were added to the complete line of cotton quilting fabrics the store had specialized in. Classes were also added, particularly, quilting and heirloom sewing. And Scott called on the expertise of former BYU professors Elizabeth Leichty and Della Steineckert to teach tailoring and fine sewing.
Meanwhile, Scott’s mom Esther Randall had been teaching silk ribbon embroidery around the country at tradeshows and sewing shops. She had written a book, Esther’s Silk Ribbon Embroidery, which sold over 40,000 copies and had revived this old Japanese art form. She taught classes at The Stitching Corner which attracted a following.
When Scott was left sole owner of The Stitching Corner at his parents’ retirement, he moved the store to Orem and opened another one in West Jordan. The Orem store features wools, silks, linens and specialty quilting and heirloom fabrics. And West Jordan specializes in quilting and heirloom sewing. As such, both The Stitching Corner locations offer unique sewing experiences.
For Zions Bank, I’m Fred Ball. I’m speaking on business.
