From Boreal Community Media - December 16, 2019

She’s a familiar face in the Lutsen area, but now wearing a different hat.  Sylvia (Hall) Galbraith, a former logging employee, missionary, and teacher by trade, took over the reigns of Heavy Duty Sewing, formerly owned by Anna Latz, and is creating a place of her own in what she describes as a journey of faith.  Several weeks ago, 47° North Heavy Duty Window Treatments and Quilt Shop opened its doors.  

Out with the old and in with the new is somewhat true in this case.  Sylvia will honor all of Anna’s former customers warranty repairs, and will remain in the same location in the Clearview Shopping Center in Lutsen, right above Great Gifts.  She officially took over window treatments June 17, 2019, working under Anna’s mentorship.

Family has always been important to Sylvia.  She still lives on the family homestead. Her family owned a logging business and she lives in a log house that she built with her father, using logs that they harvested.   She is married to a “kiwi”. Her husband is from New Zealand. They met in Canada doing mission work for Youth with a Mission. Shortly after, they moved to New Zealand, where the first of their two sons was born.   

When they came back to the United States, they lived near Alexandria for 20 years.  A teacher by trade, she worked in adult basic education. Although she lived near lakes there, it wasn’t the same as Lake Superior, so they moved back to Lutsen to help family out.

Sylvia became interested in sewing at a young age, buying her first sewing machine at age 16.  She still owns that first machine! Sylvia’s sister invited her to a quilting retreat several years ago, where she began seriously thinking of buying the business from Anna.  Anna was at a point in her life where she was ready to retire. They started the business transition a year ago. Sylvia and her husband spent a lot of time praying over this business decision, and Sylvia is confident that God led her down the right path.

Today, quilting material is starting to trickle in in the shop.  Since most quilters want to see what is new, Sylvia is waiting for new release stock  Spring stock is coming in now. Sylvia also will be doing long arm quilting. A soft open house was held on November 29th at the shop to show customers what changes have transpired since she took over.

Stop by the shop, check out the business Facebook page, or give Sylvia a call at 663-7669 if you have any questions.  

Congratulations on this new chapter in your life, Sylvia.  Your friends at Boreal are wishing a successful journey for you!

 663-7669

Link to FB page