Camper Down Embroidery makes move into town

Camper Down Embroidery Wear and Gear has moved to Bonners Ferry.

Owners David and Jennifer DeSpain started the business a year and a half ago. The couple recently moved it from their home in Naples to the former Enchanted Forest building at 6653 Main St.

“They don’t know we are here yet,” said Jennifer DeSpain.

The couple is working on getting a sign.

Prior to opening the business, David DeSpain worked for the Boundary County Sheriff’s Office as a patrol deputy, but quit to pursue a career that could allow him and his wife to stay at home with their 4-year-old son, Christopher.

“I miss some of it,” David DeSpain said about working for the sheriff’s office. “I enjoyed that work, but wanted to do something more family oriented. When I left the sheriff’s office, we had to decide what we were going to do.”

After doing some research, the DeSpains attended a show on embroidery in Las Vegas, where they purchased an embroidery machine.

They offer embroidery work on any type of fabric except leather.

“We are very critical about our work and perfect it before the customer ever sees it,” said Jennifer DeSpain. “Before it leaves the shop, we are satisfied with our product.”

People can have things embroidered on either clothing in stock or from catalogs.

“There is no order too big or small for us to do for embroidery,” said David DeSpain.

They also carry organic fabrics made from bamboo fibers and hope to buy a heat transfer machine for transferring designs onto fabric.

Camper Down also handles special orders for most things other than embroidery. Laser work, direct-on-fabric printing and printing pictures on mugs and other accessories are just a few of the things the DeSpains can special order.

“Our main goal is for the business to offer us the ability to make a good living, which would offer the ability to continue to be part of what Idaho has to offer so our son can grow up here,” said David DeSpain.

Camper Down has no additional employees but jobs would be created if necessary.

Business hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday and on Monday by appointment. Camper Down Embroidery can be reached at 255-8651.

“Just stop by and say ‘hello,’” said Jennifer DeSpain.