Do you remember when you were first inspired to start sewing — that project that you had to try, even though you’d never sewn before.
The initial spark of creativity that builds into lifelong passions is something to be cherished and passed on to the next generation.
Urban Sewciety in Westfield, New Jersey, ingites that spark in young sewists everyday.
In February, both old and new sewists came together to vote for Urban Sewciety in the 2025 Local Quilt Shop Contest, helping them win the Regional Prize for New Jersey.
Urban Sewciety is owned by a duo of Megans.
Megan Whitney first opened the shop in 2015 and was joined by Megan Bulthaupt in 2016.
What started as a few dozen bolts of fabric, six sewing machines, and a passion for teaching, became a hub for learning and inspiration.
Sewciety Kids
Early on in their history, Urban Sewciety turned their focus onto teaching children how to sew. As most schools no longer have sewing courses, the Megans saw a need for sewing education focused toward children.
The newfound program, Sewciety Kids, fueled their growth through three expansions over the next eight years.
Urban Sewciety now occupies a 9,000 sf building with 3,500 sf dedicated to retail and 3,500 sf dedicated to classroom space.
In order to supply children with education-focused patterns, they developed their own pattern brand called Studio M Squared.
These patterns cover a wide range of skills including bagmaking, embroidery, quilting, and more!
These valuable resources are available for purchase for any store or guild interested in starting new classes.
“The joy of creating a new sewist is priceless!” — Urban Sewciety
Something for Everyone
Those lucky enough to visit Urban Sewciety will be delighted by the beautiful displays and bolts upon bolts of fabric.
For the customer overwhelmed by the wide selection, Urban Sewciety has made it easy for anyone to complete a beautiful project with their specially-curated kits.
Shoppers will find quilt kits, bag kits, pillow kits, and more – all thoughtfully created and beautifully packaged.
Woman Owned & Operated
Urban Sewciety is proudly woman-owner and fully woman-staffed.
A group of more than 30 talented women fill the shop associate, instructor, and sample-making roles.
Their mighty management team of seven handles product buying, fulfillment, class planning, scheduling, marketing, and more
Amy Durocher, the Shop Manager, is the “glue” of Urban Sewciety, as she is the primary force that keeps all the moving parts of the business in motion.
Customers love to stop in, show her their latest projects, seek her help in selecting fabrics for a project, and just catch up; Amy will always take time for a chat!
“The LQS has impacted us in many ways. First, to read the overwhelmingly positive and loving comments and stories from our customers has been priceless.
Hearing how our small business has truly impacted their lives makes all of the hard work we do every day so worthwhile. We have been so touched by their stories.
Secondly, the LQS contest has given our shop (as well as our Sewciety Kids Curriculum and Studio M Squared pattern line) more visibility.”
— Urban Sewciety on the impact of the Local Quilt Shop Contest
Where Small Town Meets Urban
Westfield, New Jersey, offers a charming downtown filled with boutique shops, delicious eateries, and the historic Rialto Theatre for a classic movie experience.
Nature lovers can enjoy a peaceful stroll or picnic at Mindowaskin Park, which features scenic walking trails and a picturesque pond.
The Miller-Cory House Museum provides a glimpse into colonial history with interactive exhibits and live demonstrations.
For those looking to indulge in sweet treats, Bovella’s Pastry Shoppe is a must-visit for its renowned Italian pastries and desserts.
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