Spent last night in Willmar, doing laundry (what a drag) and setting up a game plan for today. How to make it to the most shops in the least amount of time. Still find myself in the situation that I have a lot of driving between stops. So the plan is to go south to Marshall to start the day and work my way back.
First stop of the day is Fabrics Plus in Marshall. Again, road construction. This time the entire main street is torn up and blocked off, so the picture that you see is the back door. I would like to say sorry to the folks as Fabrics Plus. This is a very nice shop, lots of fabrics, nice arrangement and very friendly. Had cold treats for shop hoppers. Wide range of fabrics.
Next stop is The Purple Cupboard in Madison. There really is a purple cupboard. The shop is well arranged, nicely decorated. Numerous samples are available, quite a few kits as well. Suitcases contain 'orphan' fat quarters for a reduced price. Cute shop.
Shades of the Past in Clara City is next. This shop has lots of wool and fabrics in darker country colors. Nice shop, well laid out and lots of samples. Owner is able to give directions to the next shop and keep me out of construction. Thank you very much!!
US 212 is under construction, so getting to the shop in Bird Island was a real experience. Gather Friends is on the main street in the downtown area. Lots of fabrics, sale fabrics are upstairs. When I was there on Aug. 10, they still had some of the shop hop fabric with words on it. I hear that is now the hardest to find. This shop has a wide array of fabrics and some gift items. Nice store, to bad about the construction.
Next stop is Main Street Cotton Shop in Hutchinson. Lots of Thimbleberry fabrics and patterns, obviously, as this is the home town of Lynette Jensen. Scavenger hunt in the store for 5 quilts and you win a prize. Lynette's books and patterns are being given out by the shops on the hop as well, thanks Lynette! Lots and lots of sample quilts, not all Thimbleberries patterns either. Shop is being decorated for the fall season. Nice selection of sale fabrics at the front of the store. Staff is very helpful!
Litchfield and Deann's Country Village Shop is next. This shop has gift items, fabric; a mix of things. Limited fabric selection, but I am able to find a decorated star that I like.
Gone to Pieces Quilt Shop in Kimball is the next stop. The shop you see in the picture is the current abode of this shop, but not for long. A sign in the window announces that the shop is moving over the Labor Day weekend. A small shop, but well stocked with a range of fabrics and tools.
Gruber's Quilt Shop in Waite Park is another American Patchwork and Quilting (Better Homes and Gardens publication) shop. This is a very large shop with loads of fabrics and patterns and samples. Almost too much to talk about. Plan on spending some time here.
The last stop of the day is Avon at Aunt Annie's Quilts and Silks. This shop has lots of interesting fabrics that I have not seen elsewhere, not just cotton for quilting. Again, I find a nice rayon that would be useful for a top. Nice samples are available. Great shop for a new and unusual idea.
Call it a day. I will spend the night in St. Cloud and plan the trip for tomorrow, Should be able to complete the northwest and northeast sections tomorrow and hope to hit some of the metro shops.
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