The Quiltique Story

 

In deciding to start a business back in 2000, Mike & Lori Neels made a fundamental choice to get the right tool for the job. In researching the options they discovered Nolting which was one of the best-kept secrets of the industry at that stage. This was odd because Fred Nolting invented and developed the whole concept of stand-up quilting in the 1980’s and was a pioneer of the industry. Mike went to America, met and stayed with Fred Nolting, and came home with the New Zealand agency. Lori loved the machine at first sight and developed her skills working on scraps and then on her own quilts. When she felt ready enough she approached Grandmother’s Garden with her business cards. "Good!" said Hazel. "Here - quilt these!"

That’s how Quiltique started. Mike & Lori took their machines to Symposium 2001 in New Plymouth. People saw them and started sending in quilts. People started buying the machines. Mike developed his table-making skills and his extensive understanding of the machines. Lori’s capabilities grew. Between them they supported all aspects of the business. They have now organised and run five biennial conferences since 2002. Each event has have been a real buzz, attracting longarmers from Australia and all over New Zealand. Mike and Lori have been committed to fostering a friendly co-operative open spirit within this industry.

In 2010, long-standing customer Jenny Allen of Stitchworks in Omokoroa near Tauranga (www.stitchworks.co.nz) took over the Sales and Marketing aspect of the business. Mike and Lori are still doing what they’ve been doing for ten years - Lori has her quilting service and Mike is happily building tables and supporting all the Nolting machines out there. For the time being he retains the IntelliQuilter agency. Jenny brings a fresh face and new driving force to the Quiltique brand. Watch this website over the next few months to see the changes. 

How Quiltique can help you with Longarm Machine Quilting

Quiltique offers:

  • A professional quilting service to home and industry.
  • Agents for Nolting long-arm sewing machines in New Zealand.
  • Agents for IntelliQuilter computerised add-ons in New Zealand - fitted to most makes.
  • Suppliers of Hinterberg Stretch frames for our home models
  • Suppliers of general long-arm accessories - see our stock list.
  • Training and support are available for purchasers of Nolting machines and/or IntelliQuilter attachments

Quiltique also runs the Machine Quilters’ New Zealand Conference - held in even-numbered years.