There is a great article about Patchwork Pup in the Rogers and Mayes County Magazine! In case you didn't get to see it, I'll post it in this blog for you to read.
Patchwork Pup offers Embroidery Services Specializing in Quality
by Candy Richey
They take pride in the quality of their work, and their repeat customers are a confirmation of that fact. It started as a home-based business in 2000, with the goal of gently growing and thereby providing extra retirement funds. With one embroidery machine, growth was quick and locals became aware of her talents.
After about seven years, Patchwork Pup Custom Embroidery, Leather and More owner Glenda Garner began attending bike rallies and setting up a 20x20 tent helping to bring product awareness to the public. They began adding items as customer demand grew.
She found herself suddenly single in 2012 after 27 years of marriage, and found it immpossible to find employees who would keep the business going while she worked a full time job, so she decided to sell the business to one of her previous employees.
While she operated the business only a short time, the new owner didn't follow the same ethics and pride in quality that Glenda had provided, so the business suffered. After about 6 months, Glenda received a call stating that she was setting the equipment outside, so if she wanted it she better come and get it.
The disappointment ran through her body when she picked up the equipment and found the dismal condition it was all in. Glenda had babied her equipment for over twelve years, and was left with machines that mostly were not working. She started working with the equipment, finding what parts were needed, which needed to be junked, and began the process of restarting Patchwork Pup.
January 2015 the resurrected Patchwork Pup was reopened in a new, 40x60' building located just off Highway 20 at 4230 Road. With better facilities and expanded space, things started humming quickly. She has added equipment and found employees who are as dedicated to quality and service as she it.
A patriotic person, one of her favorite activities is working on patches and embroidery for Veterans. "Some Veterans want patches from their units that are no longer available, so we recreate them," she said. Service ribbons, patches and other items that are very special to the Veteran are all made with pride and accuracy. Veterans use them in shadow boxes, on their jackets and vests, "and that means a lot to all of us."
The motorcycle community has also become repeat customers, and Patchwork Pup stocks a huge selection of leathers and accessories, all of which can be customized with the embroidery of their choice. They also are proud to be one of the annual Motorcycle Rally stops which raises funds for various causes.
Another customer base are the Masonic family of service organizations, in which she grew up. Patches and other custom embroidery have all been provided for various Masonic lodges throughout northeast Oklahoma.
In September they host an annual Open House with music, food and drinks and other fun activities. They are working on their website, which should be up and running soon. Until the website is ready, they do have a Facebook page at Facebook.com/GlendaWhitehead where monthly contests, and prizes for LIKE and SHARE are available.
Glenda and her staff enjoy visiting with people who drop into their shop, and always have a free drink and the monthly t-shirt available just for coming in.
They are located at 19855 E Brookview Drive in Claremore. Turn North on 4230 Road off Hwy 20 and follow the signs. Their phone is 918-978-7578.
