Upon our first trip to Denison my husband and I made this our very first business we stopped at for the day. Remembering their location downtown, my husband was surprised to see that they had
Upon our first trip to Denison my husband and I made this our very first business we stopped at for the day. Remembering their location downtown, my husband was surprised to see that they had moved to a larger location. Outgrowing their small space on Broadway, Wise Monkey Quilting made the decision to move to their current storefront after realizing they needed more space.
This larger square footage also allows them to hold quilt retreats! Ladies from the community and beyond will get to together, stay overnight, bond and quilt some amazing designs and patterns. And some of these completed projects are on display in the store.
Life’s a stitch
Walking in, I was immediately greeted by owner Amy who informed me that they have been doing weekly Facebook lives ever since Covid shut down their store in 2020. Having to figure out a way to connect with their community Amy and her husband Randy began to connect with followers via social media. This kept patrons interested in Wise Monkey’s products, sales and weekly specials. If used correctly, social media has a way to fulfill the needs and wants of all customers and even attract new loyal customers, which they have successfully done.
Drawing an online audience, Amy has been able to connect with quilters from all over the U.S. and even around the world, from Australia to Europe. How cool is that?! Subscribers have even come to expect her weekly lives and look forward to interacting with the rest of the online community.
There’s sew many!
While my husband and I were there walking around we took note of all the different colors and patterns Amy has available to customers browsing her inventory. From fabric, lace and silk, Amy also has in stock some accessories for your quilting adventures, such as local wine and beer bread. Oh, you thought I was gonna say needles and thread? Nah, we’re here to have fun. Which is why I took note of all the events Amy and Randy host here every week. From happy hour and treats, this is a great way to get customers socializing with each other and looking forward to upcoming events.
I also love that they want to support other local businesses, such as local goat-milk soaps and lotions to even hand-carved cutting boards which Randy does himself at the store. You just give him the design you want him to etch into the wood and soon enough you’ll have a perfect one-of-a-kind custom-made gift to give to a family member or friend who loves to spend time in their kitchen.
Plan your visit
Overall, I was happily surprised Wise Monkey has branched out, getting the community involved and interested in their business. This is not just a quilting store, but also a great location to find your next gift to give. And with all of the events hosted here, community members can look forward to a night of good, honest fun full of interesting conversations, and maybe a little trash-talking.
To find them online, visit their website (https://www.wisemonkeyquilting.com/) where you can shop over 2500 different bolts of fabric. And keep up to date on monthly and weekly specials via their Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/wisemonkeyquilting/).
712-393-7979
501 IA-39 N
Denison, Iowa 51442
