A passion for fabric
Long-time owner of Flair with Fabrics located on King Street in Chesterville, Ruth Liscumb is seen with one of the artistically created storefront displays. Liscumb plans to retire from the retail business in the coming months with plans to enjoy time with family, quilting and attending quilt shows with time to view and visit. Thompson Goddard photo

CHESTERVILLE–This past week Ruth Liscumb, proprietor of Flair with Fabrics in Chesterville, announced plans to retire from a business that has provided customers with the materials needed to create quilted works of art for over 25 years.

After working for several years as a customer service representative at Biccum & McIntosh Ltd. in Winchester, she decided to go into business for herself. Recognizing a need for a local fabric store after travelling to Cornwall on several occasions with her mother, an avid quilter, to purchase needed quilting material; the idea for ‘Flair with Fabrics’ was born.

Liscumb explained how her mother was an invaluable resource providing knowledge and insight into the quilting world as her business began, continuing how she gradually began developing a deeper interest in quilting. Throughout the store are displays of quilts and an eclectic selection of fabrics demonstrating the passion for the ancient art of quilting of this dedicated and community minded entrepreneur.   

The store was initially located on Industrial Drive in Chesterville, then after a year and a half, relocated to the Fulton Block before moving to the store’s present location 15 years ago. She expressed her appreciation for staff members but commented how they worked with her, not for her, before making special mention of long-time employee Pauline Flegg. Liscumb explained that while she is currently concentrating on selling the inventory in the store, offering a 20 per cent discount, excluding the quilts that are already on sale; she would like to see the business sold eventually.

Throughout her lifetime she has amassed a significant amount of knowledge in this field, humbly mentioning this knowledge was gained from watching her mother and the exchange of quilting ideas with customers who have become her friends. When asked about her fondest memory, Liscumb mentioned how each day was full of memories of people who came through the door to purchase quilting supplies, perhaps buy one of the several books by local authors available for sale or maybe visit with her about days gone by in Chesterville. 

Liscumb commented that with retirement approaching, she is looking forward to the freedom associated with not being tied down with the demands of running a successful business. She is planning to spend some quality time with her family, visit with friends, do some quilting for her own pleasure and be able to attend a quilt show with the opportunity to view the artistic quilts or visit with vendors.

When the lights of the store are turned out and the door of this King Street establishment is locked up for the last time, many will miss the smiling face and helpful demeanour of this community minded woman who has spent a life-time contributing to the town she calls home.