Three years ago come September I brought forth to this great nation the quilt store I christened SPOOL. I was so proud of it and so personally assured of its success that I boldly used all caps for the name knowing that it would be something amazing – and that it is.
SPOOL quickly became a sought-after destination shop getting lots of social media buzz and lots of fantastic, happy visitors. SPOOL became known as the luxury Southern quilt shop filled with bright, happy fabrics and sassy help making each visit more fun than the last.
I envisioned the shop as a support to BadAss Quilters Society but it has grown into so much more and all the while BAQS has been growing by leaps and bounds as well. At the same time that SPOOL has been picked as one of the Top 10 shops in the nation, BAQS is tipping the scale at just under Sixteen THOUSAND members. Talk about amazing!
With Growth Comes Change
BadAss Quilters Society has always been the business of my heart; A platform with an industry voice to represent those who have previously felt disenfranchised by the old guard quilt world; A place where all quilters are welcome to be who they are without fear of the quilt police or dirty looks.
It might be the hill I die on, but I feel a strong call to help bring voice to an industry that, while deeply loved, can be deeply flawed. An industry that needs to find its way toward inclusion of all sorts as well as equitable compensation for those who work in it. The fact is that I can’t use my voice and position powerfully and run an amazing quilt shop at the same time. (Not to mention also be a mother, a wife, a writer and a kick-ass grandmother.)
Hear Ye, Hear ye,
So let this post stand notice that SPOOL in Chattanooga, TN, is looking for an AMAZING new owner. We are looking for a bright force to continue the work started at SPOOL while I turn my attention to quilt world domination through the expanding pages of the BadAss Quilters Society.
And just to get the question out of the way…
Interested parties will be considered and prospectus shall be released with proof of $250K in pre-qualified funds and a signed letter of confidentiality.
So there you go… SPOOL is for sale. It is not an offer for the faint of heart, but for the right person it is the start of an amazing adventure! Seriously Interested? Drop me a note at Maddie@badassquilterssociety.com
Hi Maddie:
Congrats on your decision and I wish you the best of luck in your search for a new owner – this is a big step!…..It is also a curious and complicated subject, but I love your attitude and approach – as I am also a fellow shop owner, may I email you privately with a few questions regarding your decision?
I love your attitude Maddie. I had to make the decision to sell or close my quilt shop seven years ago. When offering the shop (which was doing well) for sale, I was dismayed at the many offers to manage the shop while I remained the silent owner. I am not silent about anything as one of the original “bad assers” and I didn’t want to choose a buyer who would tarnish the name of the shop. All prospective buyers wanted to keep the good name but not the good practices. Ok, I know I’m a control freak, but proud of it. I chose to close. I hope you are more flexible.
EEP! What a mixed bag of emotions I’m feeling. Like a few others, I’m so sad I didn’t have the chance to come see spool in person, and that you are selling it. Yet, I am very excited to see where BAQ is going. I love your bad assyness, and sassy style of approaching the blog. It always leaves me smiling. So here I shall sit, sendling lots of virtual loves and happy thoughts, hoping you find the perfect person/s to take over Spool, and awaiting the next BAQ adventure!
Good luck to you and the future of Spool! I’ve enjoyed my two visits to your shop. It was worth the detour both times!
Love from Texas
Wait, BAQS is something one joins and that has members?!?! I totally assumed it was just the name of the blog. I just tried finding more info but don’t see a membership link anywhere. I’m probably just missing it, I read the blog through an RSS reader. Perhaps a blog post explaining more would be helpful.
I totally understand the crossroads you were are at. It is a tough decision to make and with the support of your family and friends you have made the correct decision for you. In your heart you will miss the day to day going ons at SPOOL, yet enjoy the challenges of growing BadAss Quilters Society. One can only go in so many directions.
It takes the right person to have a successful quilt shop, praying you find just the right person.
I am also at a crossroads and going to have to make some decisions in the next year.
Hugs, hope to see you in February.
I’m so glad I finally got to go to Spool for the first time yesterday. I was very surprised to wake up to this news. It was great meeting you. Best wishes for your next quilting adventures.
Maddie. You are an inspiring woman and I am so glad that you will be putting your energies into yourself, family, and BAQS. To be a voice, you must first take care of your mind and body! Yours is a powerful one.
Good luck to you! I have had great hopes to come and visit your quilt shop.
My heart is breaking to hear your selling The Spool. On the other hand my heart is over joyed you will get to make new adventures in your life as well as your family’s lives. I wish I would of found your shop years ago so that I could of met you in person and had the chance to come see your shop. In 2 weeks I will be in North Dakota to take my son back to college. It was a very hard decision not to put him on a plane and take our yearly vacation to come see your shop. But as you know kids have to come over our personal needs anD wants. I wish you all the luck and fortune in life and I do hope to still see your fun and amazing post on Facebook. I know this decision came with a heavy heart. If I could win the lottery I would buy your shop in a heart beat. I’m sending a big hug and happy thoughts your way.
Thank you Erin… we are excited to find a loving new owner and see where they can tak the store… but don’t feel that we will be gone.. there is SO much in store for BAQS… good times ahead!
I was looking for your 2015 row by row the mermaid. Do you know if it is possible to get one. Thank you
I am sorry, it is not currently for sale.
You’re an inspiration. Cannot wait to see what other amazing things you do!