Kick n’ Stitch Broom Shop Opens in Matthews NC
The small historic building called the Renfrow Hardware Annex in downtown Matthews NC now houses a shop called the Kick n’ Stitch. Mark Hernig, the proprietor, makes corn brooms on antique broom-making machines in the shop. Mr. Hernig learned his trade from a Mennonite broom maker and has been making and selling authentic corn brooms for thirteen years.
When I stopped by the shop today, Mr. Hernig was explaining the broom making process and demonstrating his craft to onlookers. The name of the shop comes from the two steps in the process: attaching broomcorn to the handle and stitching the broomcorn together. A winding machine with a foot treadle, called a kicker, is used to attach the broomcorn to the handle with wire. Then the broomcorn is stitched together with flax twine to retain its shape. Hence, the kick n’ stitch name of the shop.
Mr. Hernig said that he can make three large brooms in one day. He loves making beautiful brooms that can be used everyday.
The Kick n’ Stitch is more than a broom shop. It’s also a museum showcasing the art of broom making and housing antique broom making machines. The machines that Mr. Hernig uses to make his brooms are from the 19th century. Other machines in the museum are older. Displays explaining broom making line the walls.
The next time you visit downtown Matthews, stop by the Kick n’ Stitch and welcome Mark Hernig to Matthews. The shop is open from Tuesday through Saturday and features brooms in various sizes and shapes for sale.
Want to know more about real estate and living in Matthews NC? Visit www.CarolinaSmallTownLiving.com.
Copyright 2011. Carol Fox. Allen Tate Realtors. *Kick n’ Stitch Broom Shop Opens in Matthews NC*
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