Staunton store sets sights on innovative fabric protection product

A mainstay Staunton business that has carved a niche in the local retail market with the traditional artisan craft of quilting is confident that people want to more economically and safely protect family heirlooms and items of historic value without compromising the integrity of the fabrics. For that reason, Rachel’s Quilt Patch in Staunton, VA has embarked on a special campaign to bring an innovative fabric protection product to the region. But the owners also think offering MicroSealQ™ is about more than just saving family keepsakes. It’s about preserving history. So they are asking the community to help them do it.

“We believe that the availability of MicroSealQ™, a revolutionary product that sinks into the fibers of the cloth and protects it from UV light fading and seals it from spills, stains and dirt without changing the feel of the fabric is something that contributes more than just another service to our community. In addition to protecting items of sentimental value, MicroSealQ™ can help preserve items of historical importance for future generations,” said Rachel Brown, owner of Rachel’s Quilt Patch at the historic Staunton Train Station.

A crowdfunding campaign was launched on July 15 to help cover the costs of fitting the spray room in the “box car” portion of their store with the equipment needed, ventilation, building materials, labor, training and licenses. The $12,000 goal will also cover marketing the service throughout the region so more people will know about the advantages of MicroSealQ™ fabric protection. Supporters receive a range of perks from names on a commemorative quilt to a hand thrown Rachel’s mug to service certificates for dollars off a MicroSealQ™ application.

With the use of an Indiegogo.com platform as a way to engage the community both locally and globally in their special project, Rachel’s becomes one of many small businesses around the world seeking to mobilize community assistance in business and personal endeavors. The Staunton community has rallied around the popular store with several businesses assisting with creating the video for the campaign, offering business advice in setting up the new service and marketing the entire effort.

“It’s been a true collaborative effort to get this off the ground,” said Brown.

For more information on products, classes and events visit http://www.rachelsquiltpatch.com, call the store at 540.886.7728, like them on Facebook and visit the Indiegogo crowdfunding campaign through August 14, 2014.