Over the years, owners Joan Fenton and Albie Tabackman become interested in new quilts and then other American handcrafts. They became connoisseurs of the expanding community of artisans who were refining and often rediscovering the meaning of quality workmanship. First one then another shop was opened and the concept changed as the interests of the owners evolved.

Today Quilts Unlimited is the parent company of 5 retail stores, each with its own unique personality, mixing some of the finest American handcrafts with unusual gifts, clothing, jewelry, and in the Charlottesville and Williamsburg store, there is still a great selection of antique and new quilts. Joan personally selects every item sold in the stores, and they reflect her fine eye for quality and her love of the beautiful, the practical and often with a touch of whimsy, or (as she likes to say) her “warped sense of humor.”