Tom's Sewing Machine has had a rough year, but a star in the quilting world has helped the company back onto its feet.

The specialty sewing store was damaged by a large and suspicious fire on Feb. 2 that destroyed a number of businesses in a strip mall on Scott Road.

Tom's Sewing Machine has since relocated to a new space nearby, now at #100-8338 120th St., and celebrated its grand reopening with a visit from Marti Michell. The noted quilter and businesswoman offered to give three trunk show presentations at the new location since she and her husband Richard were travelling through the area on their way to a cruise and knew of their hardships.

Michell usually has a waiting list of up to two years to book an appearance, so owners Tom and Kerri Sketchley were happy to play host. Local quilter Brenda Stubbs was at the event, along with other loyal customers.

"I personally really enjoyed the trunk show," said Stubbs.

"Marti is a very gifted and genuinely friendly person."

Twitter @carolyncooke1

ccooke@ thenownewspaper.com