Getting Cozy with Quilting in Soda Springs

While living in an area with prolonged Winter weather, a few things are vital for mental and emotional survival: having a sense of community and social engagement, hobbies to entertain you when weather keeps you indoors, and things to snuggle up in to make the Winters more cozy, of course! All of these needs converge at Cozy B Quilts in Soda Springs. This locally owned and operated company celebrates 1 year in business this month and they’ve got a lot to share about this year of growth, creation and inspiration. 

Cozy B Quilts was started by Melissa Thompson as a way to take back control of her own hectic and stressful life. At the time she was operating Arctic Circle and balancing many other complexities of living that come with entrepreneurship and having a large family. At this time it had been several years since she had enjoyed one of her favorite pastimes: quilting! So, enough was enough. She quickly sold Arctic Circle and closed that chapter of her life, and opened a new door to Cozy B Quilts. 

This business offers many services to local residents and area travelers who have an affinity for creating beauty through artistry, cultivating friendships with others, and an interest in continual learning and growing. During the past 12 months she has quilted more than 120 quilts, taught 25-30 women how to sew, and sold products to people from as far away as Canada. 

Her list of services includes: long arm quilting with precise, complex and ornate computerized patterns, a fabric shop loaded with beautiful options for all seasons and occasions, beginning to advanced/expert sewing lessons, and sewing nights where she provides free quilt patterns, as well as instructions and guidance from beginning to end. New and unique patterns are featured each month, so coming month after month always brings new opportunities and challenges. Some people are even able to begin and complete an entire project (quilt top) in a single night! 

During the August sewing night last Thursday, a group of women met to work on an array of projects. Some brought in unfinished quilt tops from previous sewing nights, others came to socialize and talk about all things quilting, and some came for some therapeutic focus and quilt production.

Brandi Carrol, of Soda Springs, committed herself to completing that night’s quilt pattern and was able to proudly display her accomplishment as the evening wrapped up. Her success meets the intentions for the gatherings: providing a free opportunity for learning a new skill and socializing with other women in the community. 

Ladies from as far as Bear Lake, Preston, Blackfoot and American Falls have made the journey to Cozy B Quilts to partake in the lively sewing nights, which typically go from 6-10PM. Some women come periodically and some come religiously every month. 

One of the regular attendees is Kathrine Moore, of Soda Springs.She started sewing this February 2024 under the direction of Melissa Thompson's guidance, and is now working to complete her 8th quilt. “I just thought this could be a newfound hobby. I never had anyone around me quilt but was gifted a sewing machine and had the interest to learn.” After reaching out to Melissa for guidance she has been hooked ever since. Fat quarter, layer cake, charm packs, jelly roll, bolts… All of this new jargon was daunting but worthwhile for her. “The gifting of these homemade quilts has been so gratifying for me. I’ve always loved and appreciated homemade gifts, so now that I’m able to create them myself I love to share them with my friends and family! It allows me to share my new skillset, my many hours of time dedicated to making each quilt, and to show my love for those I gift them to.” The most intricate quilt she ever made was one featuring 20 unique blocks of fabric, each showing off Old Glory and the patriotic American spirit which she holds so dear. Several of her life’s interests have converged into quilting and she says she’s sticking with it for the long haul. She loves the sewing nights which allow her an opportunity to geek out about quilting with other women who love this hobby, and to learn tidbits of information and “tricks of the trade” which help her hone in on developing and improving her own skillset. 

Aside from personal development, group efforts include an opportunity to contribute a unique quilt square towards the creation of an entirely donated and custom designed quilt that is raffled off at the Caribou County Fair to support the fair financially. Working together to support the community is another positive byproduct of these gatherings.

Melissa Thompson is still actively engaged in her busy life, as most entrepreneurs are, but she chooses to keep this business on her plate for several reasons. Regarding her favorite part about this quilting adventure, she says, “The most rewarding part of the experience has been seeing beginner quilters and sewers complete their first quilt… their sense of satisfaction and fulfillment shows on their faces and makes all of this so worth it.” 

People interested in learning more about Cozy B Quilts can follow her website for monthly sewing night dates and pattern information by visiting CozyBQuilt.com. Her fabric shop and sewing nights are located in the A+ Contractors building near the Chevron gas station in Soda Springs.