Marie Duncan owns Runs with Scissors.

CITRUS HEIGHTS, CA (MPG) - “Sew happy.” And in the quilt of life, friends are the stitches that hold it together.

That’s the philosophy of Marie Duncan, owner of Runs with Scissors, a decidedly fun quilting shop in Citrus Heights that offers modern and contemporary quilting fabrics and quilting supplies.

Open in Citrus Heights since 2006, Runs with Scissors outgrew its former location at Sylvan Corners at 7130 Auburn Blvd., not far from Sylvan Middle School.

Duncan’s new store opened in January 2021 in two suites in a commercial building at Pratt Station at 7525 Auburn Blvd., Suite 1, just up the street. Hers is one of three women-owned businesses in the plaza, which is anchored by Single Mom Strong.

 Cloth is ready to be used at Runs with Scissors.

A second suite houses classroom space with plenty of open space where quilters can gather, share tips and work on their own projects. “Sit and Sew” sessions are offered from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

“The name of the business came from my car’s own vanity license plate,” Duncan said.

 The interior of Runs with Scissors promotes relaxation.

“A graphic designer working on our logo design thought it fit my personality perfectly,” she said. “I think it still does.”

Many of Duncan’s customers have also said they simply walked in because of the store’s playful name.

 Sandra is a new student from Folsom.

Born in Connecticut, Duncan moved to Citrus Heights as a child in 1968 and lives not far from her store, she said.

“My husband and I are both graduates of San Juan High School, and each grew up on Mariposa Avenue, although on different ends of the street,” Duncan said.

Duncan is also the daughter-in-law of Citrus Heights residents Jean and Jack Duncan, who were involved in the city’s incorporation effort in the 1990s.

 Various products are for sale in Runs with Scissors.

Duncan was a registered dental assistant for 30 years before deciding to open her store in 2006.

Quilting was a hobby, long before it ever became a business, according to Duncan. Both her mother and grandmother were skilled seamstresses and quilters, and Duncan is “proud to share that tradition” with others.

“The store still fulfills what I need. It’s non-judgmental, and we welcome all ages and genders,” Duncan said. “There’s no fixed definition of what a typical quilter looks like.”

 Wendy likes to come to Runs with Scissors on Tuesdays.

Three such quilters took a moment from their sewing machines to talk about individual projects they were busily working on before getting back to work.

Mike, who moved back to Citrus Heights three years ago from Vancouver, Washington, is a retired financial professional and is a once-a-week regular.

“I’ve made over 40 quilts in the last three years. I especially enjoy the opportunity to learn and share new techniques, as well as to get new ideas from my fellow quilters,” he said.

Sandra, a new student from Folsom, enjoys the opportunity to learn from her fellow quilters: “Everyone is very friendly and helpful here.”

“I’m here almost every Tuesday,” said Wendy, looking up from her sewing machine. “I’ve been coming here for the past two-and-a-half years. It’s the friendships I’ve made with fellow quilters here, which has made this place so very dear and special to me.”

 Mike moved to Citrus Heights from Vancouver, Washington.

Once the individual pieces of a quilt are assembled, Runs with Scissors has a long-arm sewing machine that is used in the finish assembly of large-sized quilts. Quilters can also use an AccuCut machine, a helpful alternative to a rotary cutter, which can cut patterns such as 2.5-inch strips, 5-inch squares and tumbler blocks.

“We work hard at inspiring people to learn quilting but especially to encourage them to enjoy the hobby. When I started, I wanted to create a quilting store, which genuinely felt like home, and it still does,” Duncan said.

Runs with Scissors Quilt Shop is at 7525 Auburn Blvd. in Suite 1 in Citrus Heights just off Pratt Avenue. Store hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mondays through Fridays, and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays.  

For more information call 916-722-2500 or go online to runswithscissorsquiltshop.com.

 Finished quilts hang on the wall at Runs with Scissors.