Dyed and Gone to Heaven – An Online Magazine and Needlework Resource

Back to Shop Visits Main Page

We take you to...

Sunflower Samplings Crystal Lake, Illinois by Rita Vainius Linda Scimeca and Barb Kalck are the proud proprietors of Sunflower Samplings, which has been owned and operated by them for about 10 years. The shop itself has been in existence for over 23 years. A former schoolteacher from Crystal Lake was the original owner. She later sold it to a mutual friend of Linda's and Barb's about 15 years ago; Barb became part owner 3 years before Linda came on board. When their mutual friend decided to remarry and move away from the area, Linda took over her half of the business. As the shop had a rather undescriptive name originally, Barb and Linda decided to give it a more distinctive appellation; hence, Sunflower Samplings. Pastel Posies Both Linda and Barb were born and raised in Illinois, both have daughters (Linda has 3 and Barbara, 2), both were loyal former customers of the original store and both had some previous business experience. Prior to beginning their own collaboration, in addition to raising their respective families, Barb worked at her family owned butcher shop and Linda was engaged in keeping the books for her husband's business. America Linda states, "I have always had an interest in some form of fiber art. She was taught sewing skills by her Aunt as a child and then learned crochet from a Great Aunt. On her own, Linda later branched out into quilting, knitting, cross-stitch, stenciling and needlepoint. For a time she engaged in creating soft sculpture dolls, which she sold at craft shows. Barb began her love affair with needlework much later in life when her sister-in-law turned her onto knitting. Proud Rooster During Linda and Barb's joint 10-year stewardship, the store has been significantly expanded. Sunflower Samplings is located in an attractive old building, which was originally a bank; the shop still retains the original bank vault in the basement. When they first took over the business, there was another tenant in the building who ran a beauty shop in the back area. When Linda and Barb decided to buy the building, they expanded the shop into that space as well. You May Delay The original shop catered strictly to knitters and needlepointers and carried a limited cross-stitch inventory. Over the past 10 years they have greatly expanded into cross stitch and crochet and have also added gifts, collectibles and a varied selection of embellishments such as beads and buttons. As the only other needlepoint shop in the vicinity has since closed, Linda and Barb are now adding to their needlepoint selection to accommodate their increased clientele. Trick or Treat Cat Linda and Barb are an accomplished design team who collaborate on creating new projects. Discovery of their designing talents evolved serendipitously. Displaying at consumer shows, such as the Spirit of Cross Stitch, they befriended several established designers. Since both Barb and Linda were avid stitchers, clients kept asking if they had any original patterns of their own. They decided to give designing a shot, created some patterns and then tested the waters at some trade shows. The customer response was extremely positive and they were further encouraged in their fledgling endeavors by two successful designers, whose opinions they respected. The next step in marketing their designs was to get a booth at Charlotte. Their designs are sold under the Sunflower Samplings name. Kits are sold through the store and charts are currently distributed by Norden Crafts. Hope Sampler Other shop exclusives are their unique Diamond Kits, which are ornaments consisting of a tiny "tuck away" pillow with a diamond shaped opening. The kit contains a pillow, cross stitch chart and fabric. The design, created by Linda and Barb, when stitched, tucks into the special opening in the pillow, making a truly one-of-a-kind ornament. The pillows are made for them exclusively by Old Colonial with several themed motifs available: Santa, Christmas, Star, Heart, and Home. A new design is planned for July. Another exclusive line of kits are a series of "Minis," stitched one over one on 32 count with a mini frame included; the designs measure approximately 1 1/4" by 2". This line includes designs for a Mini Brick House, Mini Flower Basket, Mini Pines, Mini Friendship and Mini Fruit Basket. Adds Linda, "Very cute if I do say so myself. We also have charts that range from eclectic to Samplers." Rainbow Alphabet Linda and Barb continue to participate as exhibitors at consumer shows. They regularly display at The Creative Arts and Textiles Shows and Celebrations. Both acknowledge that their involvement at the shows and the exposure it provides are, in great part, responsible for the excellent reputation they have garnered in the industry for their distinctive product line. Sunflower Samplings is situated in downtown Crystal Lake know as "the old part of town," which in the past 10 years has evolved into quite the "Quaint Little Shopping District." Crystal Lake is located about 50 miles Northwest of Chicago, with very easy access by train from "The Windy City." Other Sunflower Samplings Original Designs, than those pictured above, include Americana Hearts, Lucky, Sunny the Frog, Stars & Stripes, Alphabet Hill, Teatime, Sunflower Sampler and Friends. Kits for Sunflower Samplings Designs are available directly from the shop. Charts for the Sunflower Samplings Designs are available from: Norden Crafts 502 Morse, Unit K Schaumburg, IL 60193 Phone: (800) 323- 1252 Fax: (847) 891-0976 Website: http://www.nordencrafts.com Sunflower Samplings LTD. 89 N. Williams St. Crystal Lake, IL 60014 Phone: 815-455-2919 or toll free (877) 764- 0849 Fax: 815-455-2965 Hours: Mon. through Fri. 10 am to 5 pm Saturdays 10 am to 4 pm

© 1997 The Caron Collection Ltd. / Voice: (203) 381-9999, Fax: 203 381-9003

CARON email: mail@caron-net.com / Webmaster monika@nika-net.com