Quilt Shop Hops

Yesterday I did my first quilt shop hop on a bus. I said first because I am already planning on going again next year.

I have never wanted to spend the money to do the hop. I already have a sizeable stash, so I did not need any more fabric. Besides, I would have to get up early to get on the bus! However, after a bout of depression this fall, I decided that I needed to do more activities with other people. I also thought it would be a chance to see some of the quilt shops in towns which Arthur and I never travel through, or if we do, we might not stop because he would not want to, or it would be when the shops were not open. I had just gotten the newsletter from Gone to Pieces Quilt Shop announcing the Over the River Shop Hop, so I decided to spring for the $49 and go for it.

I was a bit nervous about deer on the road in pre-dawn November on the drive over to Kimball, but I was there by 6:30 A.M. I was the first one there. Penny, the shop owner, arrived a few minutes later.  The coach bus arrived at 7:00. Four of us got on. The Bus Mom (Now there was a new term for me!) introduced herself, and we were on our way. 

Our first stop was the Flying Goose in New London, first time I have ever been in that town. The shop was large, open and neat. I purchased a pincushion pattern thinking I could probably have figured it out on my own, but it was cute, and hey, why not support the shop and the quilter who designed the pattern, and why do the math when she had already done it for me? The tip on the back of the pattern about purchasing crushed walnut shells at a pet store was worth the price of the pattern. I passed on the Moda Candy - never seen a Moda print I did not like - figuring I would see more later. I did not. At this point I still did not have a shopping strategy figured out. 


Next we stopped at Gathering Friends in Bird Island. Gathering Friends had the equivalent of three shop fronts in one of their old stone downtown buildings. I was happy to see good use made of this historic building. Not knowing about the delicious lunch and dessert we would have later, I had a cup of hot apple cider and a pumpkin bar while I perused the store. I had to pass on a sumptuous quilt, cheerful placemats and some decorative soaps in the gift shop for lack of funds. (When we win the lottery I can go back and buy them.) The children's room was full of bright, colorful sample quilts and fabrics. I purchased a couple of fat quarters for Ariana's quilt.

From Bird Island we went to Quilt Haven in Hutchinson. Not sure if this has  been the only quilt shop in Hutch over the years, since I thought there was one on Washington Street. I was always looking for it on our drives to New Ulm and Sleepy Eye. If  this was the only one, I have been blind. It is right on the main drag, just a few blocks from the antique shops where we have stopped in the past. The husband and wife shopkeepers were both on hand to greet us. The quilt shop is in a building formerly used as a furniture store and mortuary. The store is two stories, with a magnificent wooden staircase gracing the center. They still have the original high, pressed tin ceiling. They have put in a kitchen and classroom area in the upstairs, and have left the rest open for work space. I was thinking this would be a great shop to go to for classes with all of the amenities. Loads of fabrics and  ~ charm packs! I saw some cute samples of a baby bib and burp cloth, but had to pass on the pattern book for the price. The bathroom which I used had paint worth copying; They alternated the same color of paint in flat and satin finishes in stripes on the wall, making it look like moire fabric. I felt bad having to leave the store empty-handed, but I did not see any fat quarters which would match Ari's quilt. (My strategy had emerged). On our way out the door we received our lunches, a delectible croissant with chicken salad laced with pecans, a strawberry lettuce sald with raspberry vinegarette dressing, and a gigantic slice of turtle bar dessert. I ate it all. Having eaten breakfast at 5:30 A.M., I was famished.

Our next stop was Eagle Creek in Shakopee. This shop is located in the former railroad depot, so it also had the historic feel. The decor accents this both outside and in. Bingo! I found a place that has wool felt in small pieces for purchase, so I picked up enough to do the pattern from Bittersweet which I had purchased at the quilt show at St. Ben's. I was elated. Shakopee also had a beautiful collection of Civil War reproductions and a display of vintage children's sewing machines. I also found a couple of fat quarters for Ari's quilt, and another juvenile print which I purchased just for fun. On the bus I decided that this piece also would look good in Ari's quilt, and would give it a whole new feel.

Our final stop was Quilted Treasures in Roger. Of all of the shops, this is the most easily accessible, given my trips to White Bear Lake every week. They also have some wool felt, though not all of the sample and patterns in wool felt which the Shakopee shop had. This store is in a modern strip mall, and though they use distressed furnishings, it lacks the ambiance of the shops in old buildings. However, they had a unique quilt done in lavendar, peach and turquoise prints which was refreshing to see.

Back at Kimball, I purchased my quilting needles from Penny. I will have to lust over her new fat quarters in pastel blue-grey-green shades until I have more funds. They are gorgeous, Penny!

The bus ride was a success. I did enjoy seeing the shops, and I very much liked the fabric pieces which I purchased. The colors have more intensity and vibrancy than those I have purchased at cheaper prices in fabric and craft stores. I talked with people on the bus whose names I did not even know, but with whom I shared projects, and stories and sentiments. I spent what I had planned, without feeling guilty for over-spending. I also finished a good portion of embroidery on the ride.

I leave with a little gem I overheard on the bus. A woman's husband gave her a placard which he had made, which had SABLE written on the front. On the back it said, "Stash Accumulated Beyond Life Expectancy."