Two local Louisa sewing experts are hoping to “reel in” interested community members who either want to learn to sew for the first time or build confidence with others in a class setting. Bait & Stitch LLC, a fabric store that offers both group and private sewing classes, had its grand opening on May 16 and is located at 33 Loudin Lane.

Jennifer Sarosi and Debbie Moon are the coowners of Bait & Stitch. Both have memories of sewing being a part of their life since childhood.

“That’s what we did; we sewed our own clothes, we sewed our own curtains, tablecloths, everything,” Sarosi said. “The finished product is what brings me joy. For the classes, I like for people to learn lifelong skills and for them to say, ‘look, I made that.’” Moon’s mom had an old Singer sewing machine and she remembers being in bed at night and hearing the machine going.

“She made all of my Barbie Doll clothes,” Moon said. “From sewing, she went into quilting and taught me how to quilt…I’m continuing the passion of loving to sew.”

The duo’s goal is for the store to become a place where people learn new skills. Bait & Stitch has five sewing machines and five stations in the back. People are able to sign up for different classes that interest them and the classes come with all of the necessary materials.

“In learning how to sew, you make a project to take home,” Moon said.

While the two will run through the basics, like how to use the machine, how to operate the foot pedal, and how to use different threading techniques, they both saw a need in Louisa for the community to come together, noting the absence of The Fabric Hut and Gift Gallery since 2018.

“If you need fabric, or notions, or classes, you have to go an hour from Louisa,” Sarosi said. “We have a pretty large population that is interested in sewing…people want to stop scrolling and do something different. I keep seeing things like ‘grandma crafts are back’ — you can use your time in better ways than just being annoyed at the internet.”

Groups like Common Threads of Louisa and Lake Anna Piecemakers have already made pit-stops at Bait & Stitch.

“[The name of] Bait & Stitch was perfect,” Moon said, noting the lake-themed decor found throughout the storefront that includes her dad’s fishing rod. “We’ve got the lake, we’ve got fishermen, and we’re going to stitch. It was the perfect name and we laughed at the very beginning because we weren’t sure how many fishermen would come by and want to buy bait or fishing supplies.”

Sarosi has several items that have won ribbons in the Virginia State Fair on display.

“We can build up skills for anyone who is interested in entering [the Virginia State Fair] in the future,” Sarosi said.

Louisa resident Mary Ann Noschese was in the shop learning how to make a bucket hat in her most recent class with Bait & Stitch. She started learning how to sew about a year ago under Sarosi’s guidance, who also teaches sewing classes with Louisa County Parks, Recreation, and Tourism (LCPRT).

“It’s great – we can leave with a project and they have all of the materials I need,” Noschese said. “I still struggle with reading patterns. I need [Sarosi’s] help to do that — once it starts coming together, it makes sense, but it’s nice to work under guidance. It’s great to have a storefront like this.”

Noschese noted the need for a store in Louisa where local sewers could easily get their materials. Her sewing goal for this year is to make gifts for her grandkids this upcoming Christmas.

“I had to go all the way out to Short Pump to get my fabric — now, [Sarosi] is still doing the classes at LCPRT and people can come right here, within walking distance, to get the materials they need,” Noschese said. “I’d recommend it to anyone to come in and take a class because it’s a fun hobby to have.”