Going Batty is a Great Place to Gather

Going Batty takes a fresh approach to a timeless tradition. A place that is both traditional AND contemporary, Going Batty offers all the time-honored sewing and quilting supplies, plus the very latest techniques, patterns, fabrics and classes. We pride ourselves on being the gathering place for sewing and quilting enthusiasts of all levels. So, if you’re new to sewing or quilting, we’ll get you started with our wonderful selection of great classes, while offering a wealth of expert advice and friendly words of encouragement from our knowledgeable and friendly staff.

Let’s meet your staff:

Carie McGhie, owner

I began quilting many years ago to do something for myself. I had 4 kids, two of whom had special needs. I loved it, but never finished my quilts – all I had were tops! So I began trying different forms of finishing, from tieing quilts, to hand quilting, and finally found the method I liked the best – long arm quilting. I began quilting for others and teaching classes in my home until one day I decided I should just open up a shop. So in May of 2003, we opened Going Batty Quilt Shop on Victorian Avenue in Sparks in the old Gazin’s building. We were located there for 2 years before moving to our current location.

In the meantime, I have won awards for my long arm quilting. Recently I also fell in love with heirloom sewing and became licensed as a Martha Pullen instructor for heirloom sewing, heirloom teaching, heirloom serging, and teaching beginning sewing.

We became the local Bernina dealer in 2005, a company I fell in love with. They are the last family owned sewing machine maker, and have many of the same ideals as we have – selling the highest quality products with great service and education. I was a Rookie of the Year candidate with Bernina of America in 2006, District Dealer of the Year in 2007, Century Award Winner in 2007, and one of five featured shops by Bernina in 2009.

I love to teach others this craft that I fell in love with myself. I saw a need to teach basic techniques, not only to beginners but to those that never learned some of the fundamentals. So I developed a curriculum that has been used around the area in other stores for Quilting 101 and a series of classes for long arm quilters, from beginning to advanced classes, including how to turn your long arm quilting into a business.

I also write my own patterns for quilting and garment sewing under the private label “Simply Adorable”.

Some fun facts about me are that I was in competitive ballroom classes in college, and have taught groups and individuals ballroom and country western dancing. I love animals. When I was a little girl I nursed a baby bird that had fallen out of its nest back to health. I have two birds now, a conure and a cockatiel. I also have a Maltese named Rosie. I’ve been in sales since at least the third grade, raising money for girl scouts and even to save the whales. We have been Foster Parents and took care of special needs children.

Jami Wendell, Lead Sales Associate

Sewing and art is my passion. I have been sewing since I was little, helping my mom make quilts and presents for friends and family. I have always been known as the crafty one growing up. People always said, “Ask Jami how to make that, she’ll find a way!”. I do all sorts of crafts, anything from knitting to painting to even scrap booking. I do a lot of sewing, I sew apparel garments, crafts projects, and home decor. One great talent I have is creating garments by draping, I’ve worked extremely hard to obtain this skill and I love end result. I also do a lot of painting and drawing, I’ve been creating my artwork since I was 13. I love getting dirty in paint creating abstract images. My drawings include a lot of landscapes and clothing designs. I’ve been designing my own clothes for several years and its my true passion, ask me next time you see me to show you some of my work, I’ll be happy to.

Here’s something you may not know about me, I’m in school to become a Veterinarian. My first goal is to become a Veterinary Assistant then work my way up to Veterinary Technician, then finally a Veterinarian. I love animals and being able to work with them would be fabulous. I actually have a dog of my own, her name is Ellsie and she is a 8 month old Chiweiner. I have many interests and talents to share, come by the shop and say hi! I can’t wait to see you.