AROUND THE PARK AGAIN by Sharon Lee Tegler
Brought to you by Jing Ying Institute of Kung Fu & Tai Chi
We were so impressed on by our first visit to Julie and D.J. Antinucci’s CottonWood in the Park after its opening on October 13, 2024 that we vowed to keep tabs on the business. We loved the shop’s mix of antique quilts and furniture, fabrics, yarns, vintage jewelry, artwork and art supplies.
We returned to the attractive shop at 548 Benfield Road yesterday afternoon. Entering, our eyes were immediately drawn to the beautiful antique quilt suspended from the ceiling. It was just one of many quilts displayed throughout the store.
The most significant change we noted was that the business had expanded, taking over a space next door. Now, instead of the original classroom area at the front of the shop with a limited amount of sewing machines, there was a dedicated classroom off to the right.
We took a quick peek but would further explore the classroom later. Meantime, a stroll down the aisles proved as interesting than ever. A display near the entrance epitomized the mix of new materials with antiques and other treasures from a bygone era.
Venturing on, we discovered row after row of the gorgeous fabrics that draw folks who enjoy sewing to CottonWood like bees to honey. There is also a tremendous selection of quality threads.
Simultaneous to CottonWoods’ opening in 2024, JOANN’s Fabrics and Crafts closed nationwide, an immediate boon for the store.
“We listened to comments from our customers about things that were missing after JOANN’s closed and added a lot of products, a lot of yarns, and a lot of different kinds of fabrics, not only for quilting, but for clothing making,” Julie Antinucci said. “We even started carrying the threads that JOANN’s carried because people so loved them.”
Next to quilting supplies, yarns are very much in demand by knitters and there is a profusion of them to choose from. Another antique quilt adds a special touch to the section containing the yarns and other knitting supplies.
Collected by the Antinucci’s over a period of 25 years, the quilts and antiques were the reason the couple wanted to fulfill their long-held dream of opening a shop.
Along with fabrics, threads, and yarns, something new has been added. CottonWood in the Park is now selling Bernina, Juki, and Bernette brand sewing machines and they are displayed throughout the store. The store also has three technicians to service them.
D.J. Antinucci is very knowledgeable about the sewing machines. He was demonstrating one and instructing a customer on its use while we were there. It appears that the customer he was helping purchased the machine. He’s seen here on break with wife Julie behind him and staffer Megan McCaskey completing the sale.
Circling back through the store, we met Julie in the new classroom.
“It’s been just over a year since opening and we’ve exploded in growth,” she said. “We’ve undergone tremendous changes, the most important of which was expanding the store to a space next door and adding a dedicated classroom to teach.”
“We’ve really expanded our classes to include not only sewing and quilting but embroidery, crocheting, knitting and needlework. We also have children’s classes with a dedicated curriculum for kids,” Antinucci said.
The latest equipment for students’ use (and also for sale) includes the long arm machines seen below that hold a quilt together in three pieces for stitching.
We commented that the Antinucci’s seemed to be bringing back all of the “lost arts” associated with homemaking – skills that were prevalent through most of our history.
Both Antinucci’s agree and feel that one of the great things about CottonWood is that those arts have always been interesting but, with the advent of technology our worlds have gotten smaller and we’ve only kept those crafts alive in the home. The classroom and shop provide a lot of opportunities for people to get together while doing them.
“The friendships that are made here are what we are so proud of,” Julie said. “On Thursday nights we’ve outgrown our well-known Maker’s Table and have to bring in additional tables. The people who use our maker’s space are doing all kinds of projects from crocheting, knitting and needlepoint to journals – just a bundle of creativity. And we can eat or have birthday parties and other great things.”
Though their schedule is crowded, the Antinucci’s still go out in search of antiques and quilts. They just spent several days in Rhode Island and found some really unique items including a tiny vintage sewing machine. Since they’re planning to carry vintage clothing in the near future, they also discovered some great hand-knit sweaters. Their passion for antiques and quilts is stronger than ever and is apparent to all those who visit CottonWood in the Park.
Among new programs that are being added in the New Year is a CottonWood Quilts of Valor group they’ve started and are calling The Sewing Stars to make quilts for veterans. They just held their second meeting during which they completed three quilts with a fourth on the way. The group is sponsored by American Legion Severn Post 175 which gave them a $500 grant with which to by fabrics and other supplies.
CottonWood in the Park is open seven days a week including Mondays from 10 am to 5 pm, Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 10 am to 7pm, Thursdays from 10 am to 8:30 pm, Fridays from 10 am to 5 pm, Saturdays from 11 am to 5 pm and Sundays from 11 am till 4 pm. For more information, visit Cottonwood: A full quilt shop, antique shop and art supply shop in one, Facebook or Instagram.
The Around The Park Again column is brought to you this week by Jing Ying Institute of Kung Fu and Tai Chi at 1195 Baltimore Annapolis Blvd. – For over two decades providing martial arts training that improves cardio-vascular health, strength and flexibility while reducing stress. Jing Ying is again bringing Tai Chi to the Severna Park Community Center. From health-defense to self-defense, Jing Ying provides fitness with a purpose for the whole family!
and by Lean On Dee Senior Home Care Services at 815 Ritchie Hwy., Suite 206 – When you need someone to lean on, Lean On Dee. Their experienced team of personal care management specialists and friendly companions provide high quality consistent care.
