About Us

About Inspired to Sew

Most businesses begin with a detailed plan. Ours began with a simple idea:

“Hey, we could open a fabric store.”

Six weeks later… we did.

Pine Needles Quilt Shop opened in Cresco, Iowa, on January 2, 1999—during a snowstorm. We were only open three hours before roads closed, but the warmth of those first customers set the tone for everything to come.

We’ve always been a family business. Our kids grew up in the shop—helping where they could, often “paid” in pizza, and learning the value of creativity, hard work, and community.

Owner Jill Reicks began her journey in 1988 with a handmade goods business that grew into a successful wholesale operation, Lydia’s Sisters. When it was time for a new chapter, the idea for a quilt shop took hold—and quickly became reality.

“People who sew dream in fabric and color. Let us inspire you to bring your dreams to cloth…”

That spirit became our mission: Let Us Inspire You.

In 2003, we expanded to Cedar Rapids with Pine Needles Sewing Center. In 2008, we moved to our current location on Old Marion Road, where we continue to offer thousands of square feet of inspiration, education, and community.

In 2015, we became Inspired to Sew—a name that reflects not just what we sell, but what we believe.

In 2017, Joel and Therese Gansen became partners in the business, helping carry our vision forward and grow our impact for future generations of makers.

Today, we’re proud to be a destination for sewing enthusiasts of all kinds—offering machines, fabric, classes, and expertise, both in-store and online.

As an independent business, we are committed to exceptional service, meaningful education, and an environment that welcomes and inspires. Your support allows us to continue doing what we love while creating opportunities for others.

Thank you for being part of our story.

Henry and Jill Reicks
Therese and Joel Gansen