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Name: Country Quilt N Threads LLC

Type of business: A material and quilting business offering sewing and quilting classes

Address: 61512 Roosevelt Ave., Carteret

Telephone: (732) 541-7000

Web site: www.countryquiltnthreads.com

Number of employees: 3

Founded: August 2007

Top officer: Jeane Lutz, owner

Hours: Sunday: 12-4 p.m.; Monday: closed; Tuesday-Friday 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Saturday 10 a.m.-5 p.m

How would you describe your business?

"My business is a material and quilting business," said owner Jeane Lutz. "We have 2,500 bolts of fabric to select materials from and everything needed to make the quilt, from frames, thread, needles, tracing materials to batting. Classes in sewing and quilting techniques are also available. If desired we will create a quilt for you or complete an unfinished one. We also sell PFAFF sewing machines and do sewing machine repairs.

"We are a destination for quilters from New Jersey and New York. Some of our loyal customers travel from their homes in Staten Island, Brooklyn, and Morristown to join us for the 'Sit and Sew' sessions we offer, where the kettle is always on for a cup of tea.

"Once a month, on Saturday we have 'Quilt until you Wilt' starting at 6 p.m. that usually ends by 10 or 11 p.m.

"On Saturday, Dec. 13, for the first time we will be offering a free class for children ages 8 and up. Pre-registration is required and the parent must stay with their child during the class."

What makes your business special?

"We give excellent customer service."

"This is a very friendly place," added customer Edith Raimo. "People are very kind, very easy to talk, to and very helpful. The fabrics are beautiful and of very good quality. I learned about the store from friends in church who had seen the store and asked me if I had been to the store. I didn't know about the store so I came and now I'm here at least twice a week."

"We encourage people to come and sew here and a lot of camaraderie results," said Lutz.

"We also have a service project going on in the shop. We are making full-size quilts and lap quilts for the returning amputees and injured soldiers at Walter Reed Hospital in Washington, D.C. They are all designed with the patriotic colors of red, white, and blue, and an American flag is sewn on the back of each quilt with our name and address. In December, Carteret Mayor Daniel Reiman will go to Washington, D.C. with our 13 completed quilts."

What goals do you have for the business?

"My primary goal is to stay alive in this recession. Beyond than one of my most basic goals is to get young people interested and involved in sewing and creating in the art of quilting."

How has your business changed?

"When we started, we aimed our store to accommodate the needs of adult quilters and set up programs offering classes to teach adults techniques in quilting and sewing. Our focus is changing to include children as well. Our inspiration for this change came from one of our regular customers whose grandson began sewing alongside her when she was here. At home, he would use her sewing machine but become frustrated because it would break down. When his birthday came, his parents gave him a sewing machine and he was thrilled. Now we are experimenting with this free craft program on Dec. 13 where 8-year-olds will have a hands-on experience working with fabrics. We expect to offer youngsters craft and sewing lessons and to have programs for Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts."

What was your most important deal?

"Our most important deal was deciding to sell the PFAFF embroidery, sewing, and quilting machines, because it was a major financial outlay. But embroidery and embellishment are very big today. They are the only sewing machine we sell."

What changes do you expect in your business in the next 10 years?

"Quilting is a very old and practical art form. No matter how the techniques might change, traditional methods will continue and we will try to follow the lead of our customers and provide the needed material and classes for them (both young and old) in this field."

What is the most important thing you've learned in your business?

"The most important thing I've learned is to be very wary of negative people. We try to discourage any negativism here. Attitude is very important. You have to be very positive and encouraging, and allow others to be their own creative self. To encourage people who are determined to follow an unusual method to achieve a result, although I might not entirely agree, my motto is 'we'll try it your way'."

What advice would you give to someone considering your line of work?

"If someone is considering opening a quilting store, they must consider the three principals of real estate: location, location, location! There should be plenty of parking. You also should have enough money to hold you through one year of tough times. You also need to develop good relations with your vendors. I also would caution the owner to be careful with credit card purchases."

Is there anything else you would rather be doing?

"No. I've quilted for 45 years as a hobby. This store is something I have wanted to do for a long time. I worked many years as a preschool teacher as my five children grew and then for FedEx. Although I had started a Web site to sell personalized bibs, and blankets and other baby items while still working at FedEx, when I retired after 15 years there, I started this store because I can't sit still and I love working with people and touching material."