I went off yesterday in search of fun, bright Christmas fabric to use in a quilted Christmas stocking for Juniper. It was a big bust. But I did find Sue Spargo's "Tinsel" pattern book so it wasn't a total loss. I love her whimsical style of wool appliqué, and I have plenty of bright, cheerful wool in my stash to make it. I'm excited to get started on it!
The Christmas selection in the first shop was nearly nonexistent. The second shop at least had some Christmas quilts hanging up as inspiration and a little more Christmas fabric. When I lived in the Northwest the selection was so much better and I always came home inspired and excited! Maybe it's different here because it's so hot that people don't focus on Christmas like I do. There are two more quilt stores I can try, but they're far away.
This (above) was one of only two Christmas charm packs I could find -- "On Dasher" by Moda. It's not in my colors, but I bought it anyway to use in this table runner pattern (I'm also not a pattern person) because a sample was on display and after driving half an hour, I had to buy something. But there were no inspiring Christmas stocking samples or patterns to be found at either store. In fact, at the first store I could hear people having fun in the classroom but no one ever came out to ask if they could help me -- not good sales policy. This happens nearly every time I go to that shop, so I don't go there often. They were much friendlier at the second shop, the Quilt Basket, where I bought the book, pattern and fabric.
I did like these two prints from that line (but I'm not CRAZY about them), so they'll probably end up in her stocking. I guess I'll just have to pull old fabric from my stash.
For you non-quilters who wonder why I expect Christmas displays in October, it's because it can take months to make quilted gifts!
However, I did get to see the Tyrannosauras rex that lives near the second quilt shop, and that's always a hoot! And I had lunch at my favorite restaurant, The Eclectic Cafe.
Have a colorful day
6 comments:
I read online: "Walmart must think we open packages and eat turkey dinner in our Halloween Costumes." I thought that truly represented retail stores in USA. Do you ever buy fabric on line from small quilt shops? I have a few times and it worked out. Good luck in your Xmas fabric quest!!!
Hi Marybeth! I finally found something I like online from the Fat Quarter Shop.
I'm not a big Christmas fabric shopper, but have noticed it seems like they put them out in late summer! I'm not even close to being in the mood that early. As for that first shop, that's bad news when they don't even come out and greet shoppers! I'm glad you found some fabrics online - can't wait to see what you do for Miss Juniper!
I like that woven stars pattern but not so jazzed by the Christmas fabrics either. You make me want to check my own Christmas stash to refresh my memory about what is in there. I've never been into the more folky or cartoonish prints and leaned toward a more "sophisticated" design - managed once to buy a whole stack of fat quarter Hancock Christmas fabrics at a deep discount at the end of a quilt show. Someday they will make their way into a Christmas quilt along with some Roberta Horton plaids I swear! At least that's the plan. ;-)
As for the "service" at that quilt shop, hmmm. Not sure I would bother to go back.
Oops - I meant Hoffman fabric, not Hancock.
Sherrie, I know what you mean about the first shop. It's closest to us, but we often drive across town to the farthest two shops. I stopped in at the first shop this morning and the select of everything I like was slim. I find there is a big variety but usually not enough of one line or type to get a good selection for a quilt.
My favorites are batiks, but the second store you mentioned has drastically reduced their select, and the farthest has reduced their children's selection to almost nothing. I'm hoping things turn around soon and I can shop locally more often because I strongly believe in shopping local and supporting small businesses.
Thanks for your blog. I love reading about your art and adventures!
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