Young quilter Katy Yates

A young quilter has caught the attention of the owners of Quilt Lovers Hangout as a stand-out in world of quilting – and the artisan is only 10 years old.

Katy Yates has a knack and a talent for quilting and sewing, said shop owner Debbie Olive and the girl’s family.

North Fort Myers resident Katy , a student at St. Michael’s Lutheran School, attended a Kids Sewing Camp this summer at the shop and just kept going.

“It’s a fun hobby and something I can do with my mom. It’s not hard, and relaxing,” she said.

A modest statement, said owner Olive, mom Stacey Yates and teacher Barb Selph.

Owner Debbie Olive with drop-off bin for school supply drive.

She’s more far ahead of the game as far as quilting in concerned, something it takes individuals months or even a year to complete.

“She’s just taken off from our summer camp,” said Olive. “She’s made two quilts and just picked out a new pattern that will be machine appliqued. That’s really advanced.”

Katy did her own design for her new quilt, and the new patterns are a colorful, well-blended mix of fabric and print.

“She’s an artist,” said mom Stacey Yates. Her daughter’s other artwork was displayed at her school and one of her pieces actually traveled throughout the United States. A piece was also displayed at Alliance for the Arts.

“I like to draw, and like to do art at school,” said Katy.

Concentration is a rarity with kids that age, but Stacey said her daughter doesn’t quit when she starts a project. “When she gets started on a project she just goes.”

She made one quilt in just a few days. “She has me beat on patience. I do want her to sew, it is a lost art. Her great grandmother, Helen Tiffan, actually sewed all of our family’s clothes.”

Her grandmother Karen Skinner also said she is very proud of Katy. “I think it shows another side of her artistic ability. Since she’s been a little child she also did fashion design sketches.”

Grandfather Lenny Skinner said it’s more than a healthy project. “I think it is great. It keeps her off the computer, which other kids do in summer, and she’s accomplishing something.”

“Quilts are a great thing to have, for the couch or other places,” Katy said.

She’s made a quilt for new baby cousins and one for her family dog.

The shop holds quilting camps during most school breaks. And they haven’t just seen girls come out – boys have come too.

Staff and teachers are the key to a great experience. Mom credits teacher Selph with being a great mentor to her daughter. “She’s a great teacher and she and Barb just figured it all out.”

The name of the shop says it all, according to the family.

“It’s called Quilt Lovers Hangout and we do just come sometimes to hang out,” said Stacey.

Olive’s Quilt Lovers co-owner is Gayle Cowdin, who also works continually on community causes with Olive.

School supply drive now on at shop

Quilt Lovers Hangout is known in the area for fund raising drives.

The current drive is for school supplies for local children who could use the help.

The drive started about a week ago, but is ongoing, said Olive. Anyone in the area that can donate school supplies is welcome to drop them by the shop.

“Right now, we are doing socks, underwear and hygiene items for kids,” said Olive.

They donate to the Academy for the Arts to students who could use the supplies.

“Also, if you have an extra jar of peanut butter, we’ll take that. It’s food protein for the kids,” Olive said.

Quilt Lovers Hangout is located at 13494 N. Cleveland Ave. For more information, call 995-0045.