Central Il Shop Hop report (long)

I had yesterday off and my friend Rachel took the day off. We belong to
the same little group of four--The Tilted Quilters. The other 2
TQ--Michelle and Linda are following in our footsteps today. We started
at 8 from Springfield to hit as many of the 17 participating shops as
we could.

first stop was a new little shop in Havana (didn't catch the name). We
got there just after 9 and I was surprised at how crowded it was
already. Its a pretty small , but nice shop that seems to run mainly
toward what I think of as "country" looking fabrics and 19th C.
reproductions. R. surprised me by promptly buying a bunch of homespun
FQs, because she never buys anything. From there it was off to a little
gift and quilt shop in Astoria. Lots of notions and rug hooking
supplies and more "country" looking fabric here. Patterns were on sale,
but I resisted because I have enough quilt ideas already.

Next stop was Piece to Peace in Macomb and it took us awhile to get
there. R. misread the directions and we got lost. Then when we got
back on track we ran into road work--Rt. 136 was down to one lane so it
took a long time. R. claimed to be faint with hunger by the time we got
there and I was feeling a little cranky myself. The shop had moved from
the address we had, but naturally we managed to track it down. I liked
this shop. and they had cookies all ready for us!
R. bought needles and they cut a half yard of a thimbleberries fabric
into 2 FQs for R. and I. I also bought a neat almost tone on tone black
fabric to use as a back for one quilt I'm working on. Then checked the
sale bin and found some fun greenish-yellow sunflowers, which I got 1/2
yd of. (I had a small list of things I "needed" to get on this
trip--the quilt back was one and then made a "rule" to buy fabric only
to fill in some holes in my stash--purples, oranges, greens, and browns
and only stuff on sale. This becomes important later.)

From Macomb we went up to Avon. Again I can't remember the name of the
shop, but it was really nice. I'd go back in a heartbeat. It had a
fabulous selection of all kinds of fabric. I promptly broke one of my
rules here by getting a yummy orange print that wasn't on sale and some
half yards of white and creamy backgrounds. (But the rule that
supersedes all rules is that you always buy a 1/2 yard or yard of a good
background fabric.) I also won a door prize here--an applique pattern of
a church in winter. Rachel got a couple more FQs here in browns and
oranges. By now it was about 12:30 and R. and I were ready for lunch.
We went across the street to the Avon cafe where I had the yummiest
grilled cheese I've ever had in my life.

Now that we were well fortified. We headed up to Canton's quilt shop. I
liked this one too. I found--all on sale-- the back for the paper
pieced quilt I'm working on and two yummy purples. I tried to talk R.
into a fun stripy orange, but couldn't. It was a short trip from Canton
to--oh I know the name but it's escaping me--in Pekin. I broke the
rules here again, because I fell in love with a bundle of really bright
striped FQs in oranges, blues, pinks, and oddly, gray. R. really liked
them too but wouldn't buy them because she'd "never use them." I told
you she never buys anything.

Now we were on familiar territory for me, so we were flying. Next stop
was Quilt Corner in Morton, one of my most favorite LQS. First thing I
did was check out the books and pick up Carol Doak's new paper piecing
book. That was on my list and I was going to get it one way or another.
Then back to the sale fabrics where I found a couple of nice rich
greens. I also bought some more background pieces. And I got R. a
little miffed because I won another door prize--Borders, Bindings, and
Edges by Sally Collins. I did not help matters by pointing out she wins
a door prize at almost every quilt guild meeting.

After Morton, it was Peddler's Way in Washington. Another favorite
stop. I bought bunches of 1 yd and 1/2 yd cuts that were on sale. I
resisted buying buying some Laurel Burch Xmas fabric that wasn't on
sale, though I have a fabulous idea for a table runner out of that
fabric. R. bought a bunch of funky browns and greens that were on sale
too. I really miffed R. by winning another door prize here, and even I
thought it was a little unfair. (But I was happy to see the needle
threaders I one since I'm always taking one out of one project bag to
use in another.)

From Peddler's way we went to Cozy Corner in Metamora. This was a
quick stop since most of what was here we'd already seen else where.
Neither of us got anything here. Then the 20 minute drive to Quilt n
Sew Dreams in Dunlap. Another of my favs. R. got a yard of the
funniest black and white and orange cat fabric to use in a baby quilt
she's making. I bought some thread for quilting one of my quilts and a
couple of other small notions. No fabric which was totally a first for
me. I've never gone in that shop without buying something.

After Dunlap we drove to Bloomington. First stop was the Sewing Studio
in Normal. I must go back to that shop! I was tempted by some yummy
suedey feeling dress fabric for a skirt, but couldn't remember how much
the pattern called for so I regretfully passed it up. Next was the
Treadle in Bloomington. This place is packed from floor to ceiling with
bolts. We dug around and R. got some more black and white fabric for
her baby quilt. We didn't spend much time here because we were hungry
and R. wanted to try to get to the last two non-Springfield shops on the
list and it was already 6:30 p.m. We grabbed some burgers to eat on the
road and headed south to Clinton.

Clinton--Quilter's Delight, I think, was another small shop but well
worth going back too. We breezed in about 7:15 and got our cards
stamped. They were amazed that we'd already visited 12 shops. We asked
how far it was to the last one in Lincoln. They told us it was 25
minutes away and we'd need to hurry. We took a quick look around and
they waved us off. I plan to go back, because I could tell that they
share my taste in quilts.

We did make it to the Lincoln shop, Sew Many Friends, by 7:45. Again,
everyone was amazed at how many stores we managed to visit. Moda
Marbles were on sale here so I got three different browns and the
yummiest, screaming lime green. On impulse I decided the buy the newest
book with the Elm Creek Quilts projects in it. R. got an orange stripe
and an orange Moda Marble. We left the shop at 8:02 p.m.

Yes, we managed all 14 non Springfield shops before closing time then
headed home. I was pretty tired and eventually went to bed dreaming
about all my new fabrics. Today, I get to wait for the cable guy to
hook up the sewing room TV and fondle all my new fabrics and drool over
my new books. So much fun!

I'll finish up the last three Springfield area shops tomorrow.
Wednesday night the TQs get together in my sewing room and we can have
show and tell.

Maureen

In article ,
Maureen Wozniak wrote:

I had yesterday off and my friend Rachel took the day off. We belong to
the same little group of four--The Tilted Quilters. The other 2
TQ--Michelle and Linda are following in our footsteps today. We started
at 8 from Springfield to hit as many of the 17 participating shops as
we could.


Maureen, this sounds like a perfect day! Good for you for finding the
things you wanted and for winning door prizes you could use.
--
Sandy in Henderson, near Las Vegas
my ISP is earthlink.net -- put sfoster1(at) in front
http://home.earthlink.net/~sfoster1

It was lots of fun nd a perfect day.

Maureen

Sandy Foster wrote:

In article ,
Maureen Wozniak wrote:


I had yesterday off and my friend Rachel took the day off. We belong to
the same little group of four--The Tilted Quilters. The other 2
TQ--Michelle and Linda are following in our footsteps today. We started
at 8 from Springfield to hit as many of the 17 participating shops as
we could.



Maureen, this sounds like a perfect day! Good for you for finding the
things you wanted and for winning door prizes you could use.

Sounds like a fun day!!
Donna
"Maureen Wozniak" wrote in message
m...
I had yesterday off and my friend Rachel took the day off. We belong to
the same little group of four--The Tilted Quilters. The other 2
TQ--Michelle and Linda are following in our footsteps today. We started at
8 from Springfield to hit as many of the 17 participating shops as we
could.

first stop was a new little shop in Havana (didn't catch the name). We
got there just after 9 and I was surprised at how crowded it was already.
Its a pretty small , but nice shop that seems to run mainly toward what I
think of as "country" looking fabrics and 19th C. reproductions. R.
surprised me by promptly buying a bunch of homespun FQs, because she never
buys anything. From there it was off to a little gift and quilt shop in
Astoria. Lots of notions and rug hooking supplies and more "country"
looking fabric here. Patterns were on sale, but I resisted because I have
enough quilt ideas already.

Next stop was Piece to Peace in Macomb and it took us awhile to get there.
R. misread the directions and we got lost. Then when we got back on track
we ran into road work--Rt. 136 was down to one lane so it took a long
time. R. claimed to be faint with hunger by the time we got there and I
was feeling a little cranky myself. The shop had moved from the address
we had, but naturally we managed to track it down. I liked this shop. and
they had cookies all ready for us!
R. bought needles and they cut a half yard of a thimbleberries fabric into
2 FQs for R. and I. I also bought a neat almost tone on tone black fabric
to use as a back for one quilt I'm working on. Then checked the sale bin
and found some fun greenish-yellow sunflowers, which I got 1/2 yd of. (I
had a small list of things I "needed" to get on this trip--the quilt back
was one and then made a "rule" to buy fabric only to fill in some holes in
my stash--purples, oranges, greens, and browns and only stuff on sale.
This becomes important later.)

From Macomb we went up to Avon. Again I can't remember the name of the
shop, but it was really nice. I'd go back in a heartbeat. It had a
fabulous selection of all kinds of fabric. I promptly broke one of my
rules here by getting a yummy orange print that wasn't on sale and some
half yards of white and creamy backgrounds. (But the rule that supersedes
all rules is that you always buy a 1/2 yard or yard of a good background
fabric.) I also won a door prize here--an applique pattern of a church in
winter. Rachel got a couple more FQs here in browns and oranges. By now it
was about 12:30 and R. and I were ready for lunch. We went across the
street to the Avon cafe where I had the yummiest grilled cheese I've ever
had in my life.

Now that we were well fortified. We headed up to Canton's quilt shop. I
liked this one too. I found--all on sale-- the back for the paper pieced
quilt I'm working on and two yummy purples. I tried to talk R. into a fun
stripy orange, but couldn't. It was a short trip from Canton to--oh I
know the name but it's escaping me--in Pekin. I broke the rules here
again, because I fell in love with a bundle of really bright striped FQs
in oranges, blues, pinks, and oddly, gray. R. really liked them too but
wouldn't buy them because she'd "never use them." I told you she never
buys anything.

Now we were on familiar territory for me, so we were flying. Next stop
was Quilt Corner in Morton, one of my most favorite LQS. First thing I
did was check out the books and pick up Carol Doak's new paper piecing
book. That was on my list and I was going to get it one way or another.
Then back to the sale fabrics where I found a couple of nice rich greens.
I also bought some more background pieces. And I got R. a little miffed
because I won another door prize--Borders, Bindings, and Edges by Sally
Collins. I did not help matters by pointing out she wins a door prize at
almost every quilt guild meeting.

After Morton, it was Peddler's Way in Washington. Another favorite stop.
I bought bunches of 1 yd and 1/2 yd cuts that were on sale. I resisted
buying buying some Laurel Burch Xmas fabric that wasn't on sale, though I
have a fabulous idea for a table runner out of that fabric. R. bought a
bunch of funky browns and greens that were on sale too. I really miffed
R. by winning another door prize here, and even I thought it was a little
unfair. (But I was happy to see the needle threaders I one since I'm
always taking one out of one project bag to use in another.)

From Peddler's way we went to Cozy Corner in Metamora. This was a quick
stop since most of what was here we'd already seen else where. Neither of
us got anything here. Then the 20 minute drive to Quilt n Sew Dreams in
Dunlap. Another of my favs. R. got a yard of the funniest black and
white and orange cat fabric to use in a baby quilt she's making. I bought
some thread for quilting one of my quilts and a couple of other small
notions. No fabric which was totally a first for me. I've never gone in
that shop without buying something.

After Dunlap we drove to Bloomington. First stop was the Sewing Studio in
Normal. I must go back to that shop! I was tempted by some yummy suedey
feeling dress fabric for a skirt, but couldn't remember how much the
pattern called for so I regretfully passed it up. Next was the Treadle in
Bloomington. This place is packed from floor to ceiling with bolts. We
dug around and R. got some more black and white fabric for her baby quilt.
We didn't spend much time here because we were hungry and R. wanted to try
to get to the last two non-Springfield shops on the list and it was
already 6:30 p.m. We grabbed some burgers to eat on the road and headed
south to Clinton.

Clinton--Quilter's Delight, I think, was another small shop but well
worth going back too. We breezed in about 7:15 and got our cards stamped.
They were amazed that we'd already visited 12 shops. We asked how far it
was to the last one in Lincoln. They told us it was 25 minutes away and
we'd need to hurry. We took a quick look around and they waved us off. I
plan to go back, because I could tell that they share my taste in quilts.

We did make it to the Lincoln shop, Sew Many Friends, by 7:45. Again,
everyone was amazed at how many stores we managed to visit. Moda Marbles
were on sale here so I got three different browns and the yummiest,
screaming lime green. On impulse I decided the buy the newest book with
the Elm Creek Quilts projects in it. R. got an orange stripe and an
orange Moda Marble. We left the shop at 8:02 p.m.

Yes, we managed all 14 non Springfield shops before closing time then
headed home. I was pretty tired and eventually went to bed dreaming about
all my new fabrics. Today, I get to wait for the cable guy to hook up the
sewing room TV and fondle all my new fabrics and drool over my new books.
So much fun!

I'll finish up the last three Springfield area shops tomorrow. Wednesday
night the TQs get together in my sewing room and we can have show and
tell.

Maureen

It was. I finished the last three shops yesterday. Since these were my
local LQS, I knew exactly what I wanted. A couple of backs and a little
fabric for WIPs. Plus, a couple of fun Halloween prints.

Maureen

Donna wrote:

Sounds like a fun day!!
Donna
"Maureen Wozniak" wrote in message
m...

I had yesterday off and my friend Rachel took the day off. We belong to
the same little group of four--The Tilted Quilters. The other 2
TQ--Michelle and Linda are following in our footsteps today. We started at
8 from Springfield to hit as many of the 17 participating shops as we
could.

first stop was a new little shop in Havana (didn't catch the name). We
got there just after 9 and I was surprised at how crowded it was already.
Its a pretty small , but nice shop that seems to run mainly toward what I
think of as "country" looking fabrics and 19th C. reproductions. R.
surprised me by promptly buying a bunch of homespun FQs, because she never
buys anything. From there it was off to a little gift and quilt shop in
Astoria. Lots of notions and rug hooking supplies and more "country"
looking fabric here. Patterns were on sale, but I resisted because I have
enough quilt ideas already.

Next stop was Piece to Peace in Macomb and it took us awhile to get there.
R. misread the directions and we got lost. Then when we got back on track
we ran into road work--Rt. 136 was down to one lane so it took a long
time. R. claimed to be faint with hunger by the time we got there and I
was feeling a little cranky myself. The shop had moved from the address
we had, but naturally we managed to track it down. I liked this shop. and
they had cookies all ready for us!
R. bought needles and they cut a half yard of a thimbleberries fabric into
2 FQs for R. and I. I also bought a neat almost tone on tone black fabric
to use as a back for one quilt I'm working on. Then checked the sale bin
and found some fun greenish-yellow sunflowers, which I got 1/2 yd of. (I
had a small list of things I "needed" to get on this trip--the quilt back
was one and then made a "rule" to buy fabric only to fill in some holes in
my stash--purples, oranges, greens, and browns and only stuff on sale.
This becomes important later.)

From Macomb we went up to Avon. Again I can't remember the name of the
shop, but it was really nice. I'd go back in a heartbeat. It had a
fabulous selection of all kinds of fabric. I promptly broke one of my
rules here by getting a yummy orange print that wasn't on sale and some
half yards of white and creamy backgrounds. (But the rule that supersedes
all rules is that you always buy a 1/2 yard or yard of a good background
fabric.) I also won a door prize here--an applique pattern of a church in
winter. Rachel got a couple more FQs here in browns and oranges. By now it
was about 12:30 and R. and I were ready for lunch. We went across the
street to the Avon cafe where I had the yummiest grilled cheese I've ever
had in my life.

Now that we were well fortified. We headed up to Canton's quilt shop. I
liked this one too. I found--all on sale-- the back for the paper pieced
quilt I'm working on and two yummy purples. I tried to talk R. into a fun
stripy orange, but couldn't. It was a short trip from Canton to--oh I
know the name but it's escaping me--in Pekin. I broke the rules here
again, because I fell in love with a bundle of really bright striped FQs
in oranges, blues, pinks, and oddly, gray. R. really liked them too but
wouldn't buy them because she'd "never use them." I told you she never
buys anything.

Now we were on familiar territory for me, so we were flying. Next stop
was Quilt Corner in Morton, one of my most favorite LQS. First thing I
did was check out the books and pick up Carol Doak's new paper piecing
book. That was on my list and I was going to get it one way or another.
Then back to the sale fabrics where I found a couple of nice rich greens.
I also bought some more background pieces. And I got R. a little miffed
because I won another door prize--Borders, Bindings, and Edges by Sally
Collins. I did not help matters by pointing out she wins a door prize at
almost every quilt guild meeting.

After Morton, it was Peddler's Way in Washington. Another favorite stop.
I bought bunches of 1 yd and 1/2 yd cuts that were on sale. I resisted
buying buying some Laurel Burch Xmas fabric that wasn't on sale, though I
have a fabulous idea for a table runner out of that fabric. R. bought a
bunch of funky browns and greens that were on sale too. I really miffed
R. by winning another door prize here, and even I thought it was a little
unfair. (But I was happy to see the needle threaders I one since I'm
always taking one out of one project bag to use in another.)

From Peddler's way we went to Cozy Corner in Metamora. This was a quick
stop since most of what was here we'd already seen else where. Neither of
us got anything here. Then the 20 minute drive to Quilt n Sew Dreams in
Dunlap. Another of my favs. R. got a yard of the funniest black and
white and orange cat fabric to use in a baby quilt she's making. I bought
some thread for quilting one of my quilts and a couple of other small
notions. No fabric which was totally a first for me. I've never gone in
that shop without buying something.

After Dunlap we drove to Bloomington. First stop was the Sewing Studio in
Normal. I must go back to that shop! I was tempted by some yummy suedey
feeling dress fabric for a skirt, but couldn't remember how much the
pattern called for so I regretfully passed it up. Next was the Treadle in
Bloomington. This place is packed from floor to ceiling with bolts. We
dug around and R. got some more black and white fabric for her baby quilt.
We didn't spend much time here because we were hungry and R. wanted to try
to get to the last two non-Springfield shops on the list and it was
already 6:30 p.m. We grabbed some burgers to eat on the road and headed
south to Clinton.

Clinton--Quilter's Delight, I think, was another small shop but well
worth going back too. We breezed in about 7:15 and got our cards stamped.
They were amazed that we'd already visited 12 shops. We asked how far it
was to the last one in Lincoln. They told us it was 25 minutes away and
we'd need to hurry. We took a quick look around and they waved us off. I
plan to go back, because I could tell that they share my taste in quilts.

We did make it to the Lincoln shop, Sew Many Friends, by 7:45. Again,
everyone was amazed at how many stores we managed to visit. Moda Marbles
were on sale here so I got three different browns and the yummiest,
screaming lime green. On impulse I decided the buy the newest book with
the Elm Creek Quilts projects in it. R. got an orange stripe and an
orange Moda Marble. We left the shop at 8:02 p.m.

Yes, we managed all 14 non Springfield shops before closing time then
headed home. I was pretty tired and eventually went to bed dreaming about
all my new fabrics. Today, I get to wait for the cable guy to hook up the
sewing room TV and fondle all my new fabrics and drool over my new books.
So much fun!

I'll finish up the last three Springfield area shops tomorrow. Wednesday
night the TQs get together in my sewing room and we can have show and
tell.

Maureen

"Just outside Chicago there's a place called Illinois," went the tourism
jingle.

Whenever I'm headed down your way it's for AAUW or P.E.O. or libraries.
Sometime I'll have to make the trip with quilters!

Nann
in northeasternmost Illinois (4 blocks from Wisconsin and 1 mile from Lake
Michigan) who can tell you about shops in southeastern Wisconsin


"Maureen Wozniak" wrote in message
m...
I had yesterday off and my friend Rachel took the day off. We belong to
the same little

yes you will. There are some great quilty spots down here.

nbhilyard wrote:
"Just outside Chicago there's a place called Illinois," went the tourism
jingle.

Whenever I'm headed down your way it's for AAUW or P.E.O. or libraries.
Sometime I'll have to make the trip with quilters!

Nann
in northeasternmost Illinois (4 blocks from Wisconsin and 1 mile from Lake
Michigan) who can tell you about shops in southeastern Wisconsin


"Maureen Wozniak" wrote in message
m...

I had yesterday off and my friend Rachel took the day off. We belong to
the same little