Owner brings a lifetime of experience to new quilting store

Owner Mary Barnett's background fueled a desire to open a sewing and crafting store. Barnett grew up in northern California and learned to sew and craft from her mother.

"It's fair to say that I've been sewing for more than 45 years," Barnett said.

She spent 13 years moving and traveling around the world as an Army wife. Her passion for sewing helped keep her family clothed during that time.

Today, Barnett's main focus is on machine embroidery and quilting.

It took three weeks to get ready for the main opening of More than Quilts. Barnett realized there was a great need for a fabric store in Sidney, and wanted to be able to fit the needs of the community.

"It's something that we've always wanted to do. Literally," Barnett said. "We wanted to be a place where people can come and be comfortable, relax and have a place to work on their projects."

More than Quilts holds weekly classes to pass on their knowledge to members of the community. The first class is this Thursday, and can accommodate up to 12 participants. There will also be an event on Black Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. where a different class will take place each hour. Adults and children alike can pay $5 per class to work on 20-minute projects.

"We have a wealth of experience that we'd like to share," Barnett said.