Sunday, April 26, 2009

Quilt Shops I have visited

The first thing I do when planning a trip is to "Google" the city/town name + Quilt shop. As long as the quilt shop has either a website or is included in on-line listings, a veritable plethora of quilt shops emerge! I then "Google Map" them and seek them out! Here is my list, along with their link. When you are nearby, seek them out and enjoy!


I am going to start with the one that started my quilting habit: Sewingly Yours. Located in Lewisville, NC (my hometown) this delightful shop, full of delightful ladies is great. They are a Husqvarna Viking® dealer (where I bought mine) and offer an incredible array of fabrics (Moda and lots of batiks), a great selection of Jelly Rolls and charm packs, notions, classes and friendship. My mother also teaches here! There is also an ever-changing display of quilts, handbags and apparel, to motivate and inspire. I have taken several classes and the teachers are engaging, helpful and encouraging. A class here is also full of laughter! The shop is clean and well lit. The associates are knowledgeable, helpful seamstresses, who always have a ready smile.
The only drawbacks (from a purely personal standpoint!): would be nice if they could carry quilting magazines along with the books.
Now to the (more) local shops I visit:

In Hickory, Lee Sewing Center, is right off of I40, near Barnes and Noble. This shop carries Bernina machines, a huge array of threads and notions, along with Moda fabrics and batiks. The ladies that work here all very helpful and know their stuff! I haven't yet been able to attend a class here, but the ladies are always very helpful and encouraging. This shop (they also have shops in Charlotte and Shelby) has worked with other regional quilt shops to host a Quilt Show/Convention in Statesville, NC (was in January, I went and LOVED it!). They are also hosing a similar event this coming November in Hickory. I think this is so smart to band together and offer these events to the quilters in this area. The only drawback (again, from a purely personal standpoint!): later hours one or 2 nights a week, that way I ouldn't have to wait until Saturday!

In the other direction from me, is Sew Original, in Boone. This shop is also a Bernina dealer. The fabrics offered are Moda, Amy Butler and tons of batiks, along with MANY patterns, notions and books. I have take a class here, and hope to take more. The quilts on their walls are gorgeous and inspiring. They have a frequent buyer card, offering a $25 discount after purchases totaling $375 (stamped in $25 increments). They also participate in the group of Quilt Shops along with Lee Sewing Center in the regional quilt show. A huge plus for this shop is the awesome sale section in the back corner of the shop, they offer ssale fabrics on bolts, remnants and fat quarters along with discounted patterns and books. I have bought many yards from this sale area for my quilt backings.

Also in Boone, is The Quilt Shop,
199 New Market Blvd Boone, NC 28607 (828) 263-8691. Located in a shopping center, this little shop is bigger than it looks!
They feature fabrics by Amy Butler and Kaffe Fassett, Free Spirit Fabrics and batiks.
But my favorite part? The clever little fat quarter shelf that runs along their walls, between the

2 rows of fabric bolts! Arranged by color, this reminds me a huge box of candies, just waiting to be sampled! They also carry my favorite books (Atkinson Designs) and many patterns, especially hand bags! The quilts featured in this shop are a little more modern, since many are Kaffe Fassett designs and are very bright in color.

Whew, nope, thats not all! But enough for today! More to come, even the Mecca of all sewing MaryJos!

No comments: