Here at Alewives we are very lucky to have some of Midcoast Maine’s most talented Quilters under our roof. They also happen to be some of the friendliest, most outgoing ladies you will ever meet. It is not by accident that our entire staff began as customers and/or students. Whether you are taking a class, picking out fabrics for your latest project, asking for advice, or simply browsing, it is our intention that you have a pleasant and inspiring experience.
Barbara Neeson purchased Alewives Fabrics in the fall of 2004, bringing with her a love for textiles and pattern that is evident as soon as you walk in the building. After nearly thirty years of teaching art at Lincoln Academy, Barbara's take on fabric use was more "cut and paste" than "stitch and quilt", resulting in some of Alewives' most popular projects. She lives in Edgecomb with her husband J.D., her youngest daughter Johanna, their Bichon Frise Buttons and 2 cats Blackberry and Lily. Her two grown children are daughter Rhea, who lives in Damariscotta Mills and son Jesse who lives in Sheepscot.
Rhea has been working at Alewives since she was 19 years old. She began as a Freshman in college who didn't even know how to thread a machine (but thought she knew everything). Now she not only manages the shop, but teaches classes and runs the Sewing Lounge (giving hope to sewing novices everywhere!). She lives next door to the shop in Damariscotta Mills with her husband Oliver and their Black Lab, Reuben, both of whom sometimes make guest appearances at Alewives. Rhea is also the author of the blog AlewivesGirl.
Rina began her career at Alewives after retiring from 25 years of teaching. She started off as one of our students but was quickly snatched up and put on the payroll. She makes many of the wonderful bag and quilt samples at our shop. She and her husband Richard live with their 2 cats, Ben and Suzette, in Newcastle.
Jessica Nadeau is the most recent addition to the Alewives staff. She has known manager Rhea since the Summer of 2001 when they were both watering girls at a local greenhouse company. Many, many plants died that summer. Jessica now resides in East Boothbay with her husband Jon and her cat, Moose. She is also the art teacher at South Bristol Elementary School, and has a fabulous eye for color and texture combinations.
Johanna was born on Friday the 13th and that just about says it all. She has been hanging out at Alewives with her Mom, Barbara and big sister, Rhea since she was 6 years old. Her most recent completed quilt top was a Turning Twenty, even though she won't actually "turn twenty" for another 9 years.
