About Calico Gals
In 2001 Janet Lutz and a business partner opened Calico Gals by transforming the upper floors of an 1860s barn near the historic Erie Canal into a cozy haven for stitchers and quilters. It soon became a popular destination for local quilters and travelers from all directions including Canada. Janet became the sole owner of Calico Gals in 2006.
In November 2009 Calico Gals moved into a new location on New Court Avenue in Syracuse. The new store offers wonderful features for customers:
What remains the same is Calico Gals’ pride in delighted customers, an enthusiastic staff, homegrown patterns, popular events and retreats, and a highly anticipated quarterly newsletter.
The shop is pleasantly overstuffed with a huge array of cottons and flannels. A variety of classes and workshops, held in our classroom, introduce the latest trends and techniques for beginner and experienced sewing enthusiasts.
Janet operates the busy shop hand-in-hand with a creative, fun-loving staff. The addition of Elna and Babylock sewing machines makes the store an essential stop for everyone who loves sewing and crafting.
The business was featured in the Quilt Sampler, spring 2005 edition, and was chosen as the 2006 Fayetteville Business of the Year. Janet serves on the board of the Fayetteville Chamber of Commerce and the Quilters Consortium of New York State. In 2007 she became the recipient of the Central New York Women in Business Award.
In May 2010, Janet opened a second Calico Gals location. Calico Gals Harborview, at 199 West First Street in Oswego, New York, is part of Canal Commons, a historic section of store fronts and warehouses right on the canal and just a couple of blocks from the harbor and Lake Ontario. Calico Gals Harborview features ample parking, its own classroom, and an elevator.
Calico Gals is involved with numerous community organizations and is most proud of establishing JustSEW, an outreach program that teaches sewing and quilting to women incarcerated in the County Justice Center.