Creative Stitching at The Cotton Harvest

Among the historic brick buildings on Main Street, The Cotton Harvest Quilt Shop has become a destination for those who love fabric, colour, and the art of hand stitching.

A major influence on the shop’s creative direction is Sue Spargo, an internationally known textile artist recognized for her bold use of colour, layering, and detailed embroidery. Her style– called Creative Stitching– focuses on embellishing wool appliqué with dozens of decorative stitches, creating rich, textured designs. Her book Creative Stitching (Second Edition) is widely used by students and teachers and is a staple at The Cotton Harvest. 

Owner Trina O’Rourke is a Sue Spargo Endorsed instructor and has taken workshops with Sue all over the United States, and teaches workshops all across Ontario. Trina also won the first Win This Space contest put on by Huron East, winning a year of free retail space and $18,000 in In-Kind prizes. 

The shop regularly offers classes based on Sue Spargo’s techniques. The “Introduction to Creative Stitching” workshop, for example, teaches participants how to work with wool backgrounds and pre-punched wool circles. Students learn layering, basic stitches, and embellishment methods using a kit of threads and needles. These classes are designed for all skill levels and give visitors a chance to slow down, learn a skill by hand, and connect with others who love the craft.

Beyond the shop, Seaforth offers a pleasant small-town experience. Its main street features historic brick buildings, independent businesses, and friendly cafés. You could easily spend a day or weekend here: a morning and afternoon spent exploring town and stitching at The Cotton Harvest, and an evening enjoying the peaceful countryside of the county. It’s the perfect setting for a creative getaway. 

The Cotton Harvest is located at 220 Main Street in downtown Seaforth. Check out thecottonharvest.com for more information on the shop, products and upcoming classes.