Sarah McAllister & Ashley Gardner
“Puzzles with fabric.”
That’s how Sarah McAllister and daughter Ashley Gardner describe the intricate art form known as quilting.
They should know. In October, the pair opened Serendipity Stitch as the newest addition to Carlisle’s growing downtown arts scene, following a move from New Bloomfield. The two hope to infuse their love of quilting into younger generations so the centuries-old practice has a bright future.
McAllister began quilting about 20 years ago. The former nurse said that stitching helped her unwind after long, stressful days caring for patients.
“Quilting is a relaxing, fun, meditative art,” she said.
McAllister learned from her mother and grandmother, making Gardner the fourth generation of a fabric-filled family. Gardner said that she experiences a lot of anxiety, so quilting also helps her to destress.
McAllister entered the business in 2015 by longarm quilting, the process of using a sewing machine to secure the quilt to its backing. She then expanded by launching a website to sell quilting supplies. After almost eight years of quilting as a side business, McAllister hung up her nursing cap in 2023 and opened Serendipity Stitch in New Bloomfield.
The location was a planned first step, with Carlisle being the ultimate goal. What was not planned, however, was that their move would happen so quickly.
“This location opened up, so we decided to go for it,” she said.
McAllister and Gardner were attracted to Carlisle’s vibrant downtown, which features breweries, gift shops, restaurants and specialty stores. There are other quilt shops nearby, which McAllister believes makes Carlisle a destination for artisans.
“We all carry different patterns and materials, so we complement each other nicely,” McAllister said.
Best Friends
Serendipity Stitch specializes in stocking unique patterns with bright colors and fun designs.
Gardner said that rustic colors often come to mind when people think of quilting, but they are helping the industry turn those thoughts around by offering everything from animals to holiday-themed fabrics. Gardner recently stitched a quilt she calls her “reading nook.” It features books, cats and hot teas as a nod to her other passion—reading.
“There are so many different patterns you can find for different people,” she said.
Serendipity Stitch also offers patterns by independent designers they meet at trade shows.
“We like to support the people who create the fabrics on their own,” McAllister said.
Beginner quilters usually start by creating pieced quilts, which follow an established pattern that the quilter sews together. McAllister and Gardner pride themselves on helping new quilters enter the hobby with little intimidation. They also plan to offer quilting classes at the Bosler Library in downtown Carlisle. In addition, Gardner said she is exploring quilt and sip sessions to be held at local wineries.
Serendipity Stitch also offers custom embroidery. Customers can bring in a digital file and an item they would like it to appear on, such as a backpack, jacket or sweatshirt. There is no minimum order, so patrons can create unique pieces.
The store is a vibrant place that does not smell like fabric, thanks to Gardner’s homemade soy candles. Customers can choose from various scents and sizes that fill several shelves.
As their business grows, so does their knowledge of quilting. Gardner is currently practicing English paper piercing, the practice of stabilizing fabric with paper before sewing it into intricate designs. Quilters also can create handbags, pencil cases, jackets or makeup cases.
In the end, thread holds the quilt together, much like the business of quilting bonds McAllister and Gardner.
In fact, McAllister and Gardner said that their age difference helps them stock materials that appeal to a broad demographic. They are also people who value second opinions and are constantly validating each other’s choices.
“A lot of people warned me about getting into business with family, but my mom is my best friend,” Gardner said.
Serendipity Stitch Quilt & Gift Shop is located at 126 N. Hanover St., Carlisle. For more information, visit www.serendipitystitch.com.
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