When Nina Blauvelt opened Seams Sew Perfect (ssperfect.com), she’d actually been working in that same location and with the same people for years.  She’d worked there under previous ownership  and then took on the role of owner in 2022.

Nina told us how grateful she is for the ongoing support from her co-workers that became her employees. This tried and true team has really been kicking it in gear – and now – for the second year in a row, they are the winners of the Local Quilt Shop contest for Maine. 

Though it looks small from the exterior, the shop is 2000 square feet, divided into areas for their wide selection of Janome sewing machines, a classroom, and their little-bit-of-everything fabric and pattern offerings. 

With more than 3000 bolts in the shop,  there is plenty to choose from. Seams Sew Perfect has been using this wide variety to create their own patterns and kits, which are well-loved by locals and the quilters passing through the area on their way to adventures in northern Maine or Canada.  

Kits are always great souvenirs and they often incorporate Maine-inspired fabrics to remind folks of their visit to Seams Sew Perfect. 

Those who live locally are lucky enough to get a full range of classes at the shop with  knowledgeable teachers on staff.  With more than 150 years of sewing experience between them, they are sure to be able to answer your questions. 

Quilting know-how

In fact, this was the thing that stood out most to voters in our Local Quilt Shop Contest in 2024.  

As Joan told us with her vote – “The owner and staff are friendly, knowledgeable, and always ready to help,”

Sheila shared that when she was having trouble doing free-motion, she took her machine into Seams Sew Perfect.  Nina and several staff members worked together with her to troubleshoot the issue.  It turned out it was just the thread! 

Sheila explained: “We figured out it was the types of variegated threads I’d tried! I can’t tell you how comforting it is to know that help is just a short ride, or a phone call, away even for this sewist who’s been at it for close to 60 years!” 

We ALL have moments when we need someone else’s perspective on a sewing problem, and the staff at Seams Sew Perfect take pride in offering assistance to everyone who asks. Nina, Robin and Cheryl can be found at the shop on most days, but every week they are joined by Gloria, Celia and their ByAnnie expert, Sue. 

Their team has created quite a local following and their Local Quilt Shop Contest wins prove it!

When we asked Nina how the contest had affected her shop, she told us: “We have the best customers in the world, and they really supported us. It’s been very touching reading their comments and stories about our shop and our staff.” 

When you visit

Seams Sew Perfect is located on Route 201, in the beautiful central woods of Maine. 

If you find your way heading from Portland to parts north, make sure you stop by the shop and say hi. And, if you decide to spend a few days in the area, plan to visit the Lakewood Theater in downtown  Madison. It’s the nation’s oldest continuously operating theater and there are programs year-round. 

You’ll also find knowledgeable field guides to show you the best fishing locations, guide you through white water rafting, or share the best camping locales.