The 5 Senses

  When your’re not having fun anymore, you know it’s time for a change. So after 30 years in graphic design, Karen Cavin said she “was ready for her next phase.”

  Changing gears, she began promoting local and North American artists in her new gallery on West Chester’s West Market Street, a location she dubbed “the next hot spot in town.” She filled her cozy space with things she loved — sea grass baskets, metalwork, glass, silver jewelry, salsas, scented candles, wind chimes — all appealing to The 5 Senses, her theme and store name.

  A major booster of all things West Chester, the 33-year resident is seen volunteering at Chamber of Commerce and BID events, organizing block parties for the Criterium race, and volunteering for the Art Ability show. Using her art background, meeting new people and capitalizing on her gift for gab, Karen has found the fun she was searching for. Come see for yourself. 610-719-0170; 5 Senses Web site.

The Quilt Sampler

  According to Donna Bacon’s family, she’s been sewing since age five, though she admits to “about 30 years as a quilting hobbyist.” It’s not surprising then that Donna moved from her overflowing home space to open Chester County’s only quilt consignment shop, starting with only her hand-stitched quilts as inventory.

  Celebrating five years, the shop now boasts 180 quilters, men and women making all things quilt — purses, pillows, table runners, wall hangings, quilt racks. With styles ranging from traditional to abstract, antique to contemporary, the shop features works by local quilters, some with national reputations.

  The “quilt gallery” goes outdoors each fall when Donna fills the yard with a hundred colorful quilts flapping in the breeze. The sight caught the eye of a realtor and his client, who both bought their first quilts that day!

  Whether you’re looking for folk art wall hangings or to turn Grandmother’s fabric into a keepsake, Donna can help. You’ll see these quilts are certainly “not your standard bedspreads.” 610-444-1887. -CL-