Imagine visiting twenty quilt shops in two days. Achievable? Yes. A bit crazy? Perhaps. Western Washington holds a quilt shop hop every June and I decided to take part of the fun this year. I planned out a route and determined I could visit ten stores each day. There were a total of forty-two stores participating in the event (I'm not that crazy nor do I have that much free time).
There was a line of fabrics (eight total) designed exclusively for the event by In The Beginning Fabrics and Clothworks. Each quilt shop then designed a quilt square that incorporates the fabrics and gives them away (as a kit) during the event. I personally thought the fabrics were very nice, especially the polka dots (always a favorite of mine). You could then purchase more of the fabric at the participating stores but it is only available until stock runs out. Finishing packages were available as were fat quarter bundles (I purchased both early on in the event).
The event begins at 9am and I'm at the first store right on time. Given that this was my first time to attend such an event I wasn't quite sure what to expect but ready to take it all in. I kept notes and tried to remember to take pictures at each stop in order to share my impressions.
Stop #1 - The Needle and I, Everett Washington
The store is both a fabric store and Bernina dealer. It is located in a rather odd location (not close to other retail stores). I found the store to be nice and cheery but not the most memorable or overstocked.
Stop #2 - Keepsake Cottage Fabrics, Bothell, WA
In one word - quaint. The shop is located in an area called Country Village. There are several retail shops and restaurants in the village (one could spend a good part of the day here). The shop carries a wide selection of Moda fabrics and makes good use of every square foot of space. I will most certainly be back!
Stop #3 - Gathering Fabric, Woodinville, WA
One of my favorites stops of the day. The shop is located in the town of Woodinville which is also known for its wineries. The shop had an elegant yet welcoming feel to it. There were several items on display made from the shop hop fabrics and several kits were available.
Stop #4 - Quiltworks Northwest, Bellevue, WA
While the area of Bellevue is known for being upscale the quilt shop was not. About half of the store was dedicated to beads and jewelry supplies (not something I do). It is not far off of I-405 but use a GPS to find the store as it can be a bit difficult to find.
I wish I had gone to Glossypium in Issaquah prior to this stop as both are a bit off the beaten path but not all that far from one another. The shop is located behind a gas station in an older building but every square foot of space was put to good use (don't judge the shop by curb appeal). They had a clearance table that I zeroed in on and took advantage of. Keep in mind the shop is about 12 miles east of I-405 (but worth the drive).
After 5 stops it was time for lunch. As I head back for I-405 to continue my trip my route brings me back into the town of Renton. There is a restaurant there I like called The Red House. It is located in a rustic home that was once a boarding house for railroad workers. They offer a menu featuring fresh foods from the northwest and a wonderful selection of wines. After a bit of a break and a great meal it is time to get back on the road - five more stops to go!
Stop #6 - Running Stitch Fabrics, Kent, WA
Another great stop and not too far from lunch in Renton. The store is located in an older store-front. There were several quilts on display as well as other projects and the store was offering coffee, cold water and treats for all the shop hoppers (nice touch).
Stop #7 - The Quilt Barn, Puyallup, WA
Another one of my favorite stops. Fabric, fabric everywhere! I was impressed how the fabrics were displayed by color scheme. I found three beautiful fabrics here for a quilt I'm designing for my father-in-law. Just to let you know, the building doesn't look like a barn :-)
Stop #8 - Parkland Parish Quilts, Tacoma, WA (Actually - Spanaway, WA)
The store is locate in an old church and includes a "Quilters Confessional". The store also had several quilts and projects on display and was worthwhile stop. It is a popular store and the first stop where I heard stores running out of the shop hop fabric. The store had a very large selection of sale fabric (50% off). I plan to revisit the store next time I'm in the area.
Stop #9 - Evergreen Quilting, Tacoma WA (Also, Spanaway area)
Fortunately this stop was very close to Parkland Parish as I would not have wanted to drive out of my way to visit the store. The store was rather dark and not very well stocked with fabric. Not one to go out of the way for.
Stop #10 - Calico Threads, Tacoma WA
Keep in mind that an address in Tacoma covers a broad area. If you were planning on heading up towards Port Townsend, Squim and such this would be on the way but if you're making your way up or down I-5 this is a bit of a drive. The store is rather small but well stocked. Truthfully, I was a bit tired and done looking at fabric for the day so probably not giving it a fair review. The staff was very friendly.
Day one complete. I've enjoyed my day and now know of a few stores I'd like to revisit when in the area. I do wish my friend had been able to join me but perhaps best for me to try this on my own the first year to get the lay of the land.
Day two will be posted soon!
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