Next Gen Quilters go on a Shop Hop
My sit-n-sew tends to be a lot of talk. And for years we’ve talked about going on a shop hop. It’s been so long that the group has gone from being for quilters in their 20s and 30s to quilters in their 30s and 40s. The membership didn’t change. We just got older.
So we finally decided it was time to pick a date and go. Last Saturday we piled in my van and drove around northeast Iowa checking out four quilt shops, all with kids in tow who behaved really well considering they were being dragged to fabric shops all day.
Some of us spent WAY more than we intended, while one member managed to spend less than $30 and still bring home a decent haul. I did some damage, bringing home several yards of scrumptious batiks and some Moda Bella Solid precuts to pair with them.
Angela spent most of the time in the shops in the Baby Bjorn. She’s almost too big for it, but since she isn’t quite walking on her own yet, I figured it was the best way to keep an eye on her, be able to take photos for Virtual Shop Hop posts and hold bolts of fabric. Although Angela insisted on helping me hold fabrics.
It was a very fun day filed with donuts, girl talk, fabric and even a tractor parade, which just goes to show you that you never know what you’ll find when visiting a small town Iowa quilt shop.
The rest of this week I’ll be taking you on a tour of the shops we visited. Check back daily to read more. Here’s where we’re headed:
Expressions in Threads, LeClaire, Iowa
Cotton Creek Mill, West Branch, Iowa
Fern Hill, Amana Colonies, Iowa
Rainbow & Calico Things, Williamsburg, Iowa
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Stephanie – this looks like a fabulous day! You have inspired me to organize our own shop hop. We have a ‘stitching night’ once a month or so, but sometimes not too much stitching goes on. A tractor parade – who knew?!! I live in Wisconsin, home of CNH or Case or whatever they are calling themselves these days. No green for this girl – my dad would kill me. LOL Anyway, I enjoy your blog and updates very much. ~smile~
Oh, I’ve loved looking at these shops, and seeing the picture of the tractor parade, I just had to comment! What fun that you all did this shop hop together! Your batiks are gorgeous, and I know you’ll do something beautiful with them. 4 shops and $30? I’m stunned anyone has that kind of control. LOL