Can you believe it? We are now in our 10th year here in Rochester. It has be a really amazing ride, kudos to all our peeps that have stayed in the rollercoaster seat with us!
As I reflect back over the past, I have many, many fond memories of all of the places Pine Needles has been. From our humble beginnings in Cresco, Iowa, the tiny town of Racine, MN to the beautiful bluff country of Decorah, IA and finally landing here.
It would be amiss if I did not mention the dozens of fine PNQS employees over the years from all of the locations that have shaped our business into what it is today. Sincere appreciation to each of you.
Original staff from Decorah and Rochester on opening day.
Hanspeter Ueltschi Owner of Bernina International flew in from Switzerland to be here for the opening. Plus 4 generations of quilters, Ardis (Mom/Gma) Marcia, Suzie and Carlie (oh my goodness she is now 18)
I am sure almost everyone remembers Connie. Connie was our Store Manager from 2006 - 2015 and saw us through all of the locations and expansions (except this last one). A cornerstone of Pine Needles for sure. We could not miss the opportunity to mention and thank her. (Connie is holding my youngest grand, Jayce as his parents shopped by the quilt shop on their home from the hospital!)
....and then came Joy!
Joy began working here in 2015. She had an instant connection with machines and teaching (among the many, many other talents that she uses here at the shop) She is for sure our "go to" gal and we are indeed fortunate to have her here.
.....and oh the places we have been.
Switzerland to see the Bernina factory!
We added Babylock to our family of sewing/embroidery/serger line in 2019
Bernina University in person and virtually!
Events and classes galore!
....and Grandma. PNQS is not quite the same without her. But her legacy lives on in the shop and in our hearts.
Our trusty techs!
...and our NEW digs...
Last but by no means least, my trusty side kick and co-owner. We have been through thick and thin and everything in between. We accepted the challenge back in 2006, and by golly, through the school of hard knocks we made it...with a LOT of help from YOU, our PineCone family!
I could add so, so much more - thanks for strolling down memory lane with me, here is to 10 more years!!
M
Great memories – so nice to see pics of Grandma again!
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Bonnie M Pederson
April 15, 2021
Congratulations to you all!