One might say that the conception of The Twisted Stitcher was a manifestation of a familiar adage: Necessity is the mother of invention. The idea came to Ann in the shower. “A cold shiver literally ran down my back when the idea for novelty socks with quilt blocks knitted into them popped into my head.” After 3 years of planning, her idea has finally come to fruition and The Twisted Stitcher launched its first two designs this spring, featuring Log Cabin and Dresden Plate block designs.

Ann’s goal for The Twisted Stitcher is simple: to develop affordable, high-quality socks that can be manufactured and sold at quilt shops for a retail price of under $10 a pair. At such reasonable prices, quilters can afford to treat themselves to a pair or two for the price of an extra yard of fabric.

Ann began doing needlework as a child and her passion for quilting began in the early 1990’s. An attendee at the 1996 International Quilt Festival and the 1997 International Quilt Market, Ann is well-versed in the workings of the quilting industry. She has been a member of Quilters Unlimited of Tallahassee since 1998 and served as treasurer from 1999 to 2002. She’ll be co-chairing the 2004 Quilter’s Unlimited of Tallahassee quilt show in September. Despite her hectic schedule, she also attends the Frayed Edges Sit-n-Sew weekly quilting group, which allows her to hone her skills while keeping abreast of current trends.

With a keen eye for innovation, Ann has paired the traditional idea of quilting with the modern fashion phenomenon of crew socks. “I love traditional things arranged in a nontraditional manner.” And, understanding the pressures of running a small business, she is also very focused on her market: quilt shops and quilters. “I am an independent business owner who wants to serve other independent business owners,” she says.

The response to Quilt Block Sox has been enthusiastic. The Twisted Stitcher received its first reorder just three weeks after the initial order was placed and has shipped socks to 30 US states as well Germany, Australia and New Zealand. The socks have such a broad-range appeal that seasoned quilters, novices, and non-quilters alike are wearing them. “My hope is to give quilters and quilt lovers a fun and interesting way to ‘wear their art on their ankles.’”

Ann knows that a great product is only the tip of the iceberg. Excellent customer relations are a top priority and she strives to provide the same quality of service that she expects to receive as a consumer. 

Production is hopping with three new designs, Sunbonnet Sue, The Reel and Ohio Star, debuting this August and more on the way in October. In addition to new designs, Ann is setting up shop for the creation of custom, made-to-order and commemorative socks. Beginning this summer, The Twisted Stitcher will provide quilters, guilds and other hobbyists and events with socks exclusive to their needs at unbeatable prices. Customers are guaranteed to be on pins and needles in anticipation.