Quilters rejoice! Quilt Connection Etc., located in the center of Rapid City, South Dakota, has captured hearts and earned the title of 2024 Regional Winner for South Dakota in the Local Quilt Shop Contest.
More than just a fabric store, this charming store is a cornerstone of the quilting community, rich in history, brimming with vibrant fabrics, and guided by a passionate owner who truly understands her craft.
With its charming 100-year-old building and an impressive 5,500 square feet of quilting bliss, this shop is embodies the cozy small town spirit of Rapid City.
A Stitch in Time: The Story Behind Quilt Connection
Anne Meisner, the mastermind behind Quilt Connection Etc., discovered her love for sewing as a child, taking summer classes at the local Singer store.
Her passion evolved from garment-making to quilting in the late 1990s when she was bitten by the “quilting bug.”
Anne’s journey from a dedicated customer to a co-owner in 2006—and sole owner by 2009—is a testament to her commitment and love for the craft.
Her vision didn’t stop in Rapid City.
In 2018, Anne opened a sister store in Buffalo, South Dakota, extending her quilting influence to North Dakota and Montana. Both shops are vibrant hubs for quilters, with the flagship Rapid City store housed in a historic downtown building spanning 5,500 square feet.
The heart of the shop lies in its extensive selection of over 1,000 batiks and 250 flannels, along with a growing collection of primitives and wools.
Anne’s knack for incorporating the perspectives of her team ensures the fabric selection reflects diverse tastes, making it a haven for quilters of all styles.
One loyal customer, Joyce, shared what makes Quilt Connection special:
“The large selection of gorgeous fabric and the super nice, efficient, helpful, and knowledgeable staff.” It’s clear the shop is more than just a place to shop—it’s a community.
— 2024 Contest Voter Comment —
“Every visit to this store is special. They have the best staff- knowledgeable and helpful. Two floors of great fabric selections.”
— CHERYL
Award-Winning Charm and Nearby Adventures
Quilt Connection Etc. has long been recognized as a standout in the quilting world. In 2006, it was featured as a “Top Shop” in Quilt Sampler Magazine, and its recent 2024 award solidifies its status as a beloved destination.
Anne proudly shared how the shop’s recognition has been embraced by the community:
“At our quilt shop, we truly love our customers and are incredibly grateful for the time they took to vote for us!
Their support means the world, and we’re thrilled to share that we’ve posted our award on our door and website.
Every day, we receive compliments and congratulations, and it warms our hearts to see how excited they are to have a hand in recognizing their favorite quilt shop from our little corner of South Dakota.”
For visitors, the shop offers more than fabrics and sewing machines.
Rapid City’s rich history and surrounding attractions make it an ideal destination.
Explore iconic landmarks like Mount Rushmore and the Crazy Horse Memorial, or enjoy a leisurely stroll through the City of Presidents, featuring life-sized statues of U.S. presidents.
These treasures make a visit to Quilt Connection not just a shopping trip but a full-fledged adventure.
Whether you’re a seasoned quilter or simply looking for a taste of South Dakota’s charm, Quilt Connection Etc. is worth a stop.
With its welcoming atmosphere, stellar fabric selection, and proximity to some of the state’s most breathtaking sights, it’s a destination that stitches together creativity and community.
