Sitting in the back of The Craft Shop, with the hum of a long arm quilting machine in the background and Taylor Swift songs playing, Annie Gardner sits working on one of her new projects as we visit.

Annie‘s idea for her business was born while she was deployed with the National Guard in Germany during the COVID lockdown. The base where she was stationed offered a facility where enlisted personnel could use the provided equipment to work on craft items. Utilizing this space gave her the idea that “community crafting” was a way to provide people with the ability to learn or create something without incurring the expense of buying equipment or materials that they might need for only a single, small project.

Annie had just started quilting before she was deployed to Germany in 2020 for an overseas training mission. She wanted to improve her skills, so she took some fabric with her. It came in very handy when she was locked down in her apartment for 46 days, suffering from the illness herself, and had no access to the craft facility. Instead, she watched YouTube videos for instruction and bought materials on Amazon. She used the time to hone her quilting skills and develop a deep love for the craft.

Quilting is now Annie’s passion. She even designs and produces her own quilt patterns. After opening The Craft Shop in Blackfoot in June 2022, she set aside open sewing hours on Tuesday, Wednesday and Saturday mornings in the “Sewcial” room. She teaches quilting classes at a beginning level, but they are challenging enough for even the seasoned quilter.

Annie has made Blackfoot her home since 1999. She began her military career with the Idaho National Guard in January 2001, graduating from Advanced Individual Training just two weeks after 9/11. She enrolled in the Idaho State University Reserve Officer Training Corps program and was commissioned as a second lieutenant in 2008. She served for 22 years (thank you for your service), was the first woman to head the National Guard in Idaho Falls, and is the first recipient of the St. Barbara Award. Annie received the Honorable Order, which is given to individuals who demonstrate the highest standards of integrity and moral character and exhibit outstanding professional competence.

Upon returning to Blackfoot, she made her dream of offering a place much like the one on the military base a reality. She opened The Craft Shop on Broadway Street three years ago.

The shop is open Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

She plans to offer make-n’-take classes and workshops next year, as well as a quilt-a-long project.

Annie also sells quality quilting fabrics and kits, notions and a full catalog of DMC embroidery floss, as well as yarn, all types of sewing supplies, and the long-arm quilting machine is available to rent for private projects. Annie’s goal is to provide help, guidance and materials to anyone who wants to learn. If she doesn’t have it, she will find it.

Annie is a delight and always happy to assist customers, whether beginners or advanced. She offers you a place to create and an ear to listen.

You can find more information at thecraftshopblackfoot.com or on Facebook at facebook.com/thecraftshop.blackfoot.