What’s more fun than 4 quilters driving along the roads of Maine? 5 new quilt shops and a great lunch and lots of laughs. 340 miles of riding in a lovely car, and I’m back with more about The All New England Shop Hop. Yes, it was a long day, but we had a lot of fun; read further to learn all about it.
My shop visits in Northern Maine
Yardgoods Waterville ME
This was our first destination and took us a little over an hour. I must say, this shop has it all. There are fabrics and yarn and machines galore! The yarn and fabric store are separate for accounting purposes but flow into one another. They are both a Bernina and Handiquilter dealer – two of my favorites. They had a ruler I needed and many other things, but as the day was young, I only purchased the missing GE Designs Stripology ruler.
We did get a fun picture or two, QT fabrics asked for postings on the shop hop facebook page so here is that shot.
This was one the owner made us do….but it was fun! And may I say the goodie bag was much appreciated!
Crazy Moose Fabrics Greenville ME
We drove another 1 1/2 hours, before arriving at Crazy Moose. This is a delightful location, across the street from the beautiful Moosehead Lake. I neglected to take a picture of that but did get this one on the way.
No moose were sighted on this stretch of road (or any of the roads), but the fabric store was fun. The owner participates in the shop hops and we all found something. I purchased some fat quarters and the red tree with moose fabric, for the moose quilt, which is on hold. A few fat quarters were purchased, too, for a baby quilt that will be made soon. I love the little pattern that was included as a “goody” for coming to the shop. There may have been candy…that disappered if there was!
Seams Sew Perfect Madison ME
Another 1 1/4 hours on the road and we arrived in Madison. I was really pleased to find this shop, too. In it, I was able to find a few great pieces of fabric and a magnetic cup for my pins. I got tired of the other pin holders, so have been wanting one of these. Their little bag had a pattern in it – a nice treat! They are a Janome dealer, so it was fun to see all the machines.
Pins N Needles Farmington ME
Back in the car for another 1/2 hour drive (up to 4 hours and 15 minutes driving….plus store time!). We arrived and were treated with a lovely shop. Lots of gorgeous fabrics, but I settled on two blenders for a future Tim Holz quilt.
We were very hungry and found a sweet spot called the Orange Cat. The food was awesome and we were on our way to the next town!
Sew Orchid, Norway ME
The final shop was 1 hour and 20 minutes away, in Norway (Maine that is). We were close to closing time, so we did phone ahead. The owner was very sweet when all 4 of us walked in.
Now, I have been to this shop before, and have to laugh at its location right next to the pawn shop. Turn in your goodies, skip the gun and go right to the fabric store with your money! They have a nice selection of fabrics and they are also a Handiquilter dealer. Both times that I visited, I had very pleasant conversations with the owner. I picked up some backing for the new baby quilt, another stand up pin holder and some more pins for my longarm.
These are all my goodies from this trek… Not too bad for a day of shopping. A few of the yards were on sale…always so nice.
What a fabulous, fun-filled Shop Hop excursion. We covered over 300 miles, and traveled about 6 hours and 15 minutes! I believe we left around 8 and were returned to the ferry about 6:30 pm. I was exhausted, but our driver, Ruth and companions, Kelly and Sarah made it so much fun. We may do some southern shops in a few days.
Western Maine Machines, Scarborough ME
Western Maine Machines, Scarborough, ME
This store is near the Hospice of Southern Maine so I did go after our last training session. I bought a few yards that were on sale and may make it into this baby quilt…hope to have a plan by this weekend! They also sell Janomes, which I didn’t look at, and our brand of vacuum (Miele) so I now know where to get bags! They have the embroidery thread I use, Floriani and I am so pleased to know that, too.
Coming Up on My Blog
Ultimate Travel Bag
Yoga Quilt #1
Diatom Quilted
Tips/Tutorials on the 22nd
Linky Parties
Fabric Stash
A few more yards in…the lucky 13! Still in negative territory, and I hope to have finish before the end of the month…we shall see!
Fabric in this month: 19.5 yards
Fabric out this month 8.75 yards
Fabric in this year: 81.25 yards
Fabric out this year: 97.75 yards
NET Fabric: -16.5 yards
Hi Kathleen! It sounds like you had a fabulous time on the shop hop! It’s always fun to go with friends as you know there will be oodles of laughs. All of your goodies look great and useful. {{Hugs}} ~smile~ Roseanne
Sounds and looks like a lot of fun!!
I plan to be in Maine later in October and have visited several of the western Massachusetts, Vermont, and some Connecticut shops on the shop hop. Thank you for sharing your trip and shop reviews. Ready to shop til I drop in Maine too.
What a fun day, hanging with quilting friends and checking out area shops! You came home with some goodies – will be fun to see them show up in your projects!
This looks like so much fun! I’d like to visit Maine someday! :)
Sounds like a great time – and!! Lobster fabric!! to much fun!!!
Looks like a very fun trip!!! And lots of goodies! :-)
So many wonderful shops, and sights. All of that pretty fabric must be like being in a quilt heaven. Meeting all of the people must be really fun too.
Oh I’m jealous – lol! That sounds like sooooo much fun, and the scenery must have been lovely.
It sounds like a fun day! Thanks for sharing in the Sew & Tell party. I love to live vicariously through others with their projects and travels. :)
What fun, Kathleen, and you made some great purchases, too!!
how cute! I want to go too! love the bird fabric, and seeing your picture. Now from Maine! LeeAnna