Just over ten years ago, mother-daughter team, Penny and Emily, opened their very own embroidery shop, Sew Charming Quilt Shop.
Back then, they couldn’t have known that they’d become America’s favorite quilt shop.
With a record-breaking 2,893 votes coming in for Sew Charming in the 2025 Local Quilt Shop Contest, Penny and Emily claimed both the Regional title for Alabama and the Grand Prize in the United States.
They’ve previously won the Alabama Regional title in both the 2023 and 2024 Local Quilt Contests.
As their list of awards grow, one has to wonder: What makes this store stand out to so many?
If you take a look at the comments shared by voters in the contest, it doesn’t take long to see how much this shop means to the people of Clanton, Alabama, and beyond.
Alison shared that “The owners are the nicest people you could ever meet and full of wonderful advice should you need it.”
Another local business owner, Tommie Lou, summed it up by saying,
“The most important thing is that the staff really knows deep down in their hearts that a quilt is so much more than the sum of its parts!
They get it! And they go above and beyond to help their customers create that special one-of-a-kind family heirloom/work of art.”
Votes came in from all over the United States, with comments sharing how much this shop has inspired them along their sewing journey.
As in previous years, customers commented again and again about how much they appreciate the Sew Charming YouTube channel.
Just by sitting down to watch their videos, sewists are touched by Penny’s kindness and encouragement.
Since the last contest, Sew Charming has received an abundance of support from their local community.
Two separate news outlets wrote about this incredible store. And local celebrity, Brooke Smith of Cog Hill Farms, encouraged her audience to support Sew Charming in this year’s contest.
With so much love from the local and global community, it’s no surprise that Sew Charming took home the gold this year and won the Grand Prize in the United States.
“Being new to Clanton, we asked around for recommendations, and everyone told us we just had to visit Sew Charming. From the moment we walked in, we were hooked. Penny is the kindest, most knowledgeable, and incredibly helpful person, and the shop’s inventory absolutely blew us away!” —Brooke (aka Mrs Cog Hill Farms)
Want to learn more?
2024 Check-in
In both 2023 and 2024, Sew Charming Quilt Shop won the Local Quilt Shop Contest for Alabama, a point of great pride for them. This year, the entire team worked hard to promote the contest and encourage customers to vote.
Sew Charming celebrated ten years in business this year! They’ve grown from a small embroidery shop into Alabama’s favorite Local Quilt Shop.
When Penny Smith and her daughter Emily first opened their home office, they focused on custom embroidery. As their business grew, they began offering more supplies for local crafters. It soon became clear they needed to expand even further.
They found a storefront and started offering fabrics, notions, yarn, cross-stitch supplies, and, of course, more embroidery materials.
Now, their downtown Clanton shop is packed with everything customers need for quilting and needlepoint.
Penny and Emily are dedicated to meeting their customers’ needs, a fact reflected in the comments from our Local Quilt Shop Contest.
Extending their reach
Many praised their helpful and positive YouTube videos. Whether it’s shop updates or sewing tutorials, they’ve got you covered.
Vickie commented, “The how-to instructions on YouTube and the overall presentation were excellent. I wish this shop was in New Hampshire!”
Though the shop is far from New Hampshire, many quilters still watch their videos and order from them.
Local customers get an even more personal touch.
Lorna told us, “The service is impeccable. They have a vast inventory, and if they don’t have something, they’ll get it for you. Penny and Emily are always available to help when you get stuck.”
Local quilt shops are special for this very reason. They offer advice, help with choices, and opportunities to learn new skills. That’s why Sew Charming is worth visiting.
When you visit
Sew Charming Quilt Shop is conveniently located off I-65, between Birmingham and Montgomery.
Don’t miss the chance to visit Clanton for both the quilt shop and peach treats.
Be sure to try the homemade peach ice cream at Peach Park. Stop by Heaton Pecan Farm for a range of candies, pies, and pastries made with local pecans.
Just an hour away is the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, and a two-hour drive will get you to the Gee’s Bend Quilter’s Collective. It’s well worth the trip to Alabama.
Sew much product to pick from. Beautiful shop, friendly owner, very helpful.
Need the link to vote for best quilt shop in the world or could you post the link
You can vote at lqscontest.com/vote/
I could spend hours and hours in the best Quilt Shop, Sew Charming Quilt Shop. The selection of fabrics and supplies are endless.
Amazing shop this store has it all if they don’t have something they will find it and order it for you. You can drop off your clothing off and together you can make your quilt.
The staff are so helpful and kind and they go the extra mile to help.
Brooke showed us this shop and what it has to offer on her you tube channel….Mrs. Cog Hill Farm
Cog Hill Farm did a video about this shop a couple of years ago. I was very happy to find this shop.
This is a wonderful Quilt Shop. When you walk in you are greeted by the owner. She can answer any question that you might have. She can also offer services for making your custom quilt. I love this store.
Cog Hill Farm did a post about the shop and I was impressed by the quality of quilts they had as well as the whole vibe of what was happening here.
I found the shop on You tube. Am living at Santee California. I have learned so much from them. I have made 6 quilts with the first quilting show. I found her page You Tube. I am a big fan…I was making a 12 block California King size quilt. Each block was 32 inches. I was having a problem with the sashing I called and got. the help I needed. Took a year with all the HQT’s. (Over 400 at 41/2 inch). Sent to warren Robbins Ga. to my best friend. But found out she had a Queen Size bed. We sure laugh about that I have a trip to go to GA. And am going to Sew charming Quilt Shop. Fantastic family.! Learned so much. Am 76 yrs old and never to old to learn.
Wonderful shop! Great selection and fantastic owners!