Business Details
15 Years
experience
Your Trusted Quilting & Home Decor Destination in Pinconning
Bittersweet Quilt Shop has been serving the quilting community since 2011 with an extensive selection of designer fabrics, sewing notions, books, patterns, and home decor items. Located in a beautifully restored 1922 historic church building in Pinconning, Michigan, our shop combines modern quilting supplies with nostalgic charm through original stained glass windows and woodwork. Owned and operated by Tina Bauer, a local resident for 33 years, we prioritize knowledgeable service and a welcoming atmosphere that keeps customers returning. Our mission extends beyond retailwe offer exceptional classes and creative retreat experiences to foster community among crafters. With over 6,000 bolts of fabric including reproduction prints, hand-dyed wools, and modern textiles, we cater to both casual hobbyists and dedicated quilters.The adjacent Bittersweet Vintage Retreat, established in 2016, provides a fully equipped sewing-friendly space for crafting groups. Our commitment to quality is reflected in services like Singer Featherweight machine restoration by expert technician Monte, who has been with us since our founding. We guarantee all purchased machines for one year and maintain a rotating inventory of vintage sewing supplies. Our team combines decades of quilting expertise with a passion for preserving traditional techniques while embracing modern innovations. Whether shopping in-store, online, or attending a retreat, customers experience personalized service and a curated collection designed to inspire creativity.
Services
Designer Fabrics
Sewing Notions
Quilting Kits
Home Decor
Retreat Center
Details
- Year established: 2011
Highlights and features
- We offer 6,000+ bolts of designer fabrics for all quilting styles
- Our historic 1922 church building creates a unique shopping experience
- We provide expert Singer Featherweight machine service and sales
- Our retreat center accommodates 10 guests with full crafting amenities
- We've served Michigan quilters with personalized service since 2011
Services
Designer Fabrics
We offer over 6,000 bolts of premium designer fabrics including reproduction prints, hand-dyed wools, and modern textiles. Our collection caters to traditional quilters and contemporary crafters seeking unique materials. Each fabric is carefully curated to ensure quality and inspire creativity in every project.
Sewing Notions
Our comprehensive notions department features essential tools for all sewing projects. From precision cutting mats to specialty threads and rotary cutters, we stock high-quality products trusted by professional quilters and hobbyists alike. Regular inventory updates ensure availability of the latest crafting innovations.
Quilting Classes
We provide hands-on quilting instruction for all skill levels in our historic shop location. Owner Tina Bauer teaches techniques ranging from basic block assembly to advanced pattern interpretation. Classes emphasize skill development while fostering community among local crafters through shared creative experiences.
Machine Service
Monte specializes in Singer Featherweight (221) and 301 machine restoration and maintenance. With decades of experience, he performs precision repairs while preserving original components. Each serviced machine receives a one-year guarantee, ensuring optimal performance for serious sewists.
Creative Retreats
Our 2016-established retreat center accommodates up to 10 guests in a fully equipped 1920s Art & Craft home. Features include dedicated crafting spaces, modern amenities, and vintage-inspired decor. The facility includes kitchen access, sleeping quarters, and communal areas designed to inspire group creativity.
People
Tina Bauer
Owner
Tina Bauer has operated Bittersweet Quilt Shop since 2011, combining her 33-year local residency with passion for historic preservation. She oversees daily operations and teaches quilting classes, leveraging deep community connections to curate relevant product selections and educational programs.
Monte
Featherweight Technician
Monte specializes in Singer Featherweight (221) and 301 machine restoration, bringing technical expertise developed over years of dedicated service. He has maintained equipment for serious sewists since the shop's founding, ensuring vintage machines operate reliably for modern quilters.
Questions
What types of fabrics do you carry?
We stock over 6,000 bolts including reproduction prints, hand-dyed wools, and modern designer textiles for quilting and crafting projects.
Do you offer sewing classes?
Yes, we provide quilting instruction for all skill levels taught by owner Tina Bauer in our historic shop location.
Can I get my sewing machine serviced?
Monte specializes in Singer Featherweight (221) and 301 repairs with a one-year guarantee on all serviced machines.
Do you have a retreat center?
Our Bittersweet Vintage Retreat accommodates 10 guests in a 1920s Art & Craft home with dedicated crafting spaces and modern amenities.
What are your shipping policies?
We offer free shipping on orders over $149.99 with standard shipping rates applying to smaller purchases.
Reviews (7)
Ardine Burgess
Dec 26, 2021
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Nice selection of material and templates for quilt making. Staff very helpful if you need advice on projects. Staff very helpful with solutions to questions.
C. Bolen
Nov 13, 2021
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Beautiful shop in an old church. Staff was super friendly & helpful, but not overbearing. I could enjoy looking around.
Elaine Partridge
Sep 12, 2021
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Had everything I was looking for. Looking forward to starting my quilt. Bonus!! Free cupcake that day.
Jan Hunt
Sep 02, 2021
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They carry a wide variety of quality fabric. I enjoyed looking at everything, wide variety of precuts of all types. Will make a point to drive up more often.
Mary DiMauro
Jun 20, 2021
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Found Bittersweet by the sign off the highway and what a find it was. Such a lovely store and the historic church it is in was just beautiful. Well worth the stop. I will be back every time I come to visit my daughter.
Linda Burgess
Apr 26, 2021
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Quaint little shop; friendly informative staff in a quiet little town. As this shops home is a 100 year old church just popping in to enjoy the architecture and antiques(that are for sale) scattered throughout makes it worth the stop. Being next door to Pj pizza who makes a awesome pie makes it a great 2 for 1 stop.
Melissa Nieschulz
Dec 06, 2018
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I'm taking the beginners quilting class that is only offered every other year. Wonderful! I've never quilted before, not even a tiny project, and I'm doing challenging squares and feeling like a real quilted already. Beautiful selection of fabrics and patterns at a fair price; I expected the higher prices that are usually charged in a small town, so this is a pleasant surprise. Staff is pleasant and helpful, too.
