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-   -   Let's give some Gold Stars to our LQS/Fab. stores! (https://www.quiltingboard.com/main-f1/lets-give-some-gold-stars-our-lqs-fab-stores-t54423.html)

Rachelcb80 07-15-2010 04:55 PM

Just stopped in A Nimble Thimble in Tyler, TX on our way home. It's the second time I've visited there and this shopping trip was just as pleasant as the first. Wonderful store with great employees!

nursie76 07-15-2010 05:00 PM


Originally Posted by Minda
This is a great thread. All of my LQSs are fantastic and have friendly, helpful sales people.

J & B Fabrics
Rose of Sharin'
Fabrics Galore
Our Gathering Place

I was going to mention the same shops. Just was in the 1st one for the first time during the recent shop hop. The 2nd two are right in the areas that my clients are, so I visit them all too often. I also stop in to the last one several times a year. All are more than helpful, suggest patterns, help audition fabric and are just all around nice.

Was also in one down in the Philly area recently called "Chester County Quilting". The owner Ramona is just the nicest and tons of precuts!

teacherbailey 07-16-2010 02:19 AM

Another quilter mentioned two in the Atlanta area...but here are my favorites: Intown Quilters in Decatur and Whipstitch Fabrics in an industrial area of NW downtown. Intown carries my favorites: 30's, batiks, brights of all kinds, and novelty fabrics. No 1895 repro's here! The classes are great, the teachers funny, and the staff will leave you alone to wander and think if you want!

Whipstitch is very new but has fabrics that are edgy and fun. It's a small shop but worth looking for if you're in the area.

Babs194068 07-16-2010 03:53 AM

Pins & Needles Middleburg Hts., North Olmsted and Mayfield Hts. OH. Best group of ladies anywhere. You walk in they greet you by your first name, they are never too busy to help you with questions are anything else you need help with. There classes are the best. They take the time to help you and don't make you feel like you should know this. I think they are great.

ksea 07-16-2010 03:54 AM

Isn't it true that sometimes it is so much easier to remember the bad instead of the good and complain rather than praise, as for me I'm glad that Joanns treated me bad because it sent me to Fields Fabric in Grand Rapids MI on Plainfield RD. and they are the nicest and the most helpful women I have had the pleasure of dealing with. I live in Grand Rapids and am planning on taking a quilting store trip in a few weeks so I have just added 3 more stores to my list just by reading this thread, if anyone else has any really good places in Michigan let me know, my hubby and I are planning on a 5 day trip right now but he is awesome when it comes to trips like this and will gladly add miles and miles for me if I want to add shops to the list.

ladyinpurple135 07-16-2010 04:00 AM


Originally Posted by lovequilts
Keepsake Cottage Quilts in Bothell, WA (15 minutes from Seattle) is my local and favorite quilt store. I have been taking classes there for about the past 3 years twice a month. AND many additional trip. Julie is the owner and so great. Joyce is our teacher. We just finish Moda U and they give us gifts at our end of the year "brunch". Next month we're having a Pillow Thon day and just sewing pillow cases for charity all day. If your ever in the area stop by.

Thank you for the heads up on the store in Bothell. I'll be sure to makr a note of it - my son lives in Kirkland and I'm going up (from NC) for a visit in August. I just know how happy he will be to drive me around to quilt shops (lol) and I hope to get up to LaConnor, too. The only store I've been to in the area is in Woodinville - can't remember the name - but then I've only been up there twice!!

We have 2 great stores here in little ole Mooresville - each with their own flavor and I shop both. And we also have Mary Jo's down in Gastonia - luckily about 50 miles fro me or I would be there more often.

When I lived in Phoenix I did most of my shopping at The Quilted Apple when it was owned by Laurene Sinema. Also shopped at Quilter's Ranch in Tempe. A friend owns Zoe's Trunk in Mesa but that was a bit far from where I lived. Shopped at Sally's when I was in the area and bought my beloved Pfaff 1473CD there in 1994. Mulqueen's was not there that I know of - left AZ in 2003. Oh, QuilterZ in NE Phoenix is really terrific -was there in 2004 for the last time.

Sandy in Mooresville, NC

jolo 07-16-2010 04:40 AM

My favorite is the one closest to me Betsys Quilts,but they are my neighbors in Antlers Ok. Stitchin Heaven in Quitman Tx. Nimble Thinmble in Tyler,Tx. And I was in the Tattered Rabbit in Narco,Ca once . They were so nice and helpful.

quiltmom04 07-16-2010 04:58 AM


Originally Posted by gollytwo
I should point out that I don't care about being greeted. If it's a store that knows me, I am always welcomed.
I do not want hovering staff, just want knowledgeable help when I ask for it

Quilters Workshop in Newport, NH : Gail Peck, Rachael and I can't remember her name - all great ladies
Quilted Threads in Henniker, NH - Becky and all the staff

New England Fabrics Keene, NH - I rarely shop there because they don't carry fabric I like but the staff is good. I bought Jem Golds for my granddaughter and grandson and a Gold and Platinum for myself - good prices, know the machines.

Portsmouth Fabrics in Portsmouth NH - great fabrics, helpful staff

Log Cabin Fabrics, Ravena, NY - Londa VanDerzee's great
Gloversville Sewing Center, Gloversville, NY - Diana Marshall is a gem. I bought my Bernina from Diana at QBL in the late 80s; and I still bring it to their shop for her husband John to service it.

Textile Company Greenville (I think), Mass - vast fabric collection, staff very helpful - they don't take charge cards
Southampton Quilts, also in Mass. Wonderful fabrics, good staff
Cambridge Quilt Shop Cambridge Mass - good fabrics and help

City Quilter, NYC - Amy and Cathy knowledgeable and helpful

I think these comments illustrate how stores are not either good or bad - maybe just have bad days. I stopped in to Portsmouth Fabrics on a New England vacation. They looked at me when I walkd in, and looked away, but no one said anything. I walked around the store several times, went downstairs to the clearance area, back around the store - no one said anything. They weren't rude or mean, I was just invisible. Walked out without buying anything. We also stopped at Close To Home in Glastonbury Ct. after eating dinner at the Italian restaurant next door. They were so friendly, and interested inour trip, I spend about $150.

jcrilley 07-16-2010 05:08 AM

The Material Girl in New Philadelphia OH, owned and operated by Wendy L. Outstanding selection and prices, and superior service from both the owner and the employees. Always helpful, cheerful and knowledgeable. And even better, a new building on the horizon which will expand room for inventory and classes. Absolutely the best quilt shop anywhere that I have shopped!

Moon Holiday 07-16-2010 05:13 AM

There are several LQS I give 5 stars to.... my only complaint is they are too darn far away, and I don't drive, so whenever DH is willing, we do the rounds (at least once...and sometimes twice a month).
The shops are:
Keepsake Quilting in Center Harbor NH,
Stitch at the Old Mill in Whitefield, NH,
Martins House of Cloth in Manchester,
Country Heart Quilter in Plymouth, NH,
Quilted Threads in Henniker NH.
AND Quilter's Way in Concord MA – my favorite shop when I lived the Concord MA area.
Anyway, in all of these shops I have always been greeted with a warm welcome, just enough helpful assistance and of course I NEVER walk out of these stores without being inspired by something, and of course buying lots of goodies!

drdolly 07-16-2010 05:29 AM

I have one just a block from my house names Vineyard. The owners name is Barb. Not a very big LQS but warm, friendly and if you are down she has a hug and then a story for a laugh. It is in Independence, Ia. Then there is another one about 20 mins. in Oelwein, Ia. The owners name is LouAnn. It is called LouAnn's Quilt Garden and Retreat. She too is like the lady from the first store. They make you feel special

aliaslaceygreen 07-16-2010 05:33 AM


Originally Posted by berryberry
Quilting Adventures in Richmond Va is a must stop and shop. Good selection of fabrics and the staff is awesome.

Well, Now I was gonna say so, but I will just ditto Berryberry, and say that Joyce, the owner and all of her staff are just fabulous!!! (and sometimes she has free donuts....)

Kat B 07-16-2010 05:38 AM

I frequent Jam Patch Quilt Store in Stuart, FL often. The owners are always friendly and very helpful. I took in a quilt top I was making for my mom, had bought the partial kit at the quilt show. They helped me pick out material for the borders, (ended up using all of them :D ) Explained why I needed to do a couple of the steps I had done. Always helpful, always friendly. Another time, they let us wander and look while they were having their Million Pillowcase day. Oh, and the fabrics there are terrific.
Kat

ghostrider 07-16-2010 05:43 AM

Wow, Moon Holiday! Your DH is a gem to get you to all those NH shops on a regular basis from the upper valley!! He's a keeper for sure! :D

steelecg 07-16-2010 05:56 AM

Happiness is Quilting in McKinney Tx - The staff is terrific and always encouraging. No matter what I am working on, they have great ideas and will spend as much time as you need working with you.

Moon Holiday 07-16-2010 05:57 AM


Originally Posted by ghostrider
Wow, Moon Holiday! Your DH is a gem to get you to all those NH shops on a regular basis from the upper valley!! He's a keeper for sure! :D


He sure is a gem. 46+ years and counting!

tcnmom 07-16-2010 06:04 AM

In Tucson, Az., my favorite is Quilter's Market. The employees and owner, Lynda, are very friendly and helpful. The shop is cheerful with bright and bold fabrics. Classes, bees and clubs. Stop in and you will be delighted.

Mona Marie 07-16-2010 06:09 AM

My Quilt Shop in Sargent Bluff, Iowa gets my vote. Such a nice friendly bright place to go to. People are knowledgeable and very helpful.

krob 07-16-2010 06:24 AM

There are several quilt shops I frequent in Southeast and Central Texas---Sew What Bernina in Beaumont, Texas--owned by Glenda Hulet; Painted Pony in La Porte, Texas; Creations in Kerville, Texas.

grandaud 07-16-2010 06:49 AM

Great LQS in Adel, Iowa, Adel Quilting and Dry Goods. Couldn't ask for more courteous and helpful people. Always willing to answer your questions and help in any way possible. I compliment Jacque and her helpers. They do a great job.

Numa 07-16-2010 06:50 AM

Theresa's Fabrics in Moundsville WV and Pieces of the past in Harrisville WV are my 2 Gold Star Stores!! Always friendly and helpful.

grannyp70 07-16-2010 06:50 AM

There is a really nice LQS in Stephenville, Tx, called the Flying Needle, owner is Ann, she is very helpful and will also order something for you that you need that she doesn't have. They have a meeting there that is show and tell the first Saturday of the month which is a lot of fun, everyone brings what they are working on. They also have classes on a lot of different things and have lots and lots of great fabric. If anyone is every this way please stop by and see Ann and her staff.

Conniequilts 07-16-2010 06:54 AM

Cottage Garden Quilt Shop in Ashton IL. They take new quilters under their wing and offer every type of support and advice you need. They even figure fabric quantities for patterns when all you have is a picture.

In the less than 1 year I have been quilting they have helped me tremendously and I refer people to them all the time.

The ladies are just absolutely wonderful. One of them also offered to give me quilting lessons so I could learn the wedding ring pattern! Name me another store where that happens! :)

jjuhl 07-16-2010 06:59 AM

If you're near Mason City, Iowa, this is a great sale to go to! She has an online store, but does this once a year sale.

http://www.beckysquiltsandcomforts.com/localcustomers

Coming in the summer of 2010, we will have our annual Posh Fibers Inventory Reduction Garage Sale---this time in Mason City, Iowa! This will be held at 707 S. Pierce St, Mason City, IA. This is a great opportunity to pick up high quality quilt fabric at MINIMAL prices! We have special prices even lower if you "FINISH A BOLT". DATES ARE: Wednesday July 21, Thursday July 22, Friday July 23 from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM AND Saturday July 24th from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM. Plan to come to Northern Iowa for great bargains and a GREAT TIME!

MeMeX8 07-16-2010 07:43 AM

Navy Wife
You are so fortunate to have those shops in your back door! While at the Smoky Mountain Quiltfest last March, a friend took me to The Cherry Pit and Iva's. So much fun!
The Cherry Pit though was my favorite. Jane and her girls were outstanding with their attitude of "How can I wait on You"? They even took the time to audition fabric for my friend and assured her that they would cut the kit and send to her! How many shoppes would take the time to help audition, let alone cut a personal kit for you.
Ivas selection of fabrics was outstanding! I could really get in trouble there!
I love the Mountain Quiltfest! Have only missed one time since it started.

quiltinggolfer 07-16-2010 08:20 AM

I am glad to see there is now a quilt shop in Coffeyville, KS. I had asked several people last fall and was told there was not one there. thank you for the post!.
:roll:

Shorebird 07-16-2010 08:25 AM

OK - here is my 5 cents' worth!
WEB FABRICS in Purcilleville VA. Has a great storefront and a huge web business. Always qulaity fabrics for $1-$2 less than most other LQS in my area. Owner is Carlye - who is great! Always has some type of community service project going - great fun way to spend a few hours.

Second one is "Wilson's, Your Favorite Quilt Shop" - in Hagerstown MD. YUP that is the name of the shop - if you don't believe me - check out their web site. Wonderful fabrics - everyone is very knowledgable and helpful - AND they also sell Pfaf and Viking machines - so they have embroidery designs and software as well. Great classes - displays at the store are ever changing, and are wonderful inspirations.

Third is Patches Quilt Shop in Mt Airy, MD. - WOW - over 6000 bolts of fabric in a large Victorian era home on Main St. Huge classroom on the 2nd floor - Friendly staff - and a nice supply of just about every fabric type you would ever want or need.

MaggieLou 07-16-2010 08:42 AM

Needle and Thread in Statesville,NC. It's not very big but they are moving shortly to a larger location. It's like family when you go there. Theresa is the owner.

QuiltingGramma 07-16-2010 08:55 AM

I always stop first at my LQS, Baron's Fabrics in Camarillo, CA. They are always friendly, helpful, and I love their fabrics.

JacquƩ 07-16-2010 09:05 AM

We have a wonderful quilt store in Big Bear Lake CA......she has moved into a lovely new space and is always graciously inviting our guild to have some extra small meetings in her shop..........we are all so thankful that she is in our samll town..............

cheyenne 07-16-2010 09:11 AM

If ever in the Salt Lake City, UT area - we have some great LQS:
Floyd&Lizzies (of the Tin Lizzie family) in West Jordan
The Cotton Shop - in Murray or Sandy areas
Nuttalls Bernina Fabric Shops in Murray and Riverton areas
Quilt Etc in Sandy
And I'm sure I missed some, but do frequent these shops a lot!

naincie 07-16-2010 09:25 AM

My excellent experience was @ a Joanne's store in Columbus Ohio. I wanted to make my son a faux suede bedspread and the lady who cuts spend a considerable amount of time helping me figure out the amount of fabric I needed and drew is out also so I could refer back to the picture.
My local quilt shop now is The Quilt Nook in Gillette, Wyoming and the ladies there are funny and helpful. I could write a whole list of good experiences I have had . May be I will.
Thanks for the reminder
Nancy

grandmaquilts 07-16-2010 09:33 AM

Patchwork Penguin in Tujunga, CA
very helpful and puts together some great kits
always cheerful and willing to help no matter how long it takes

I also was pleased by the service and cheerful personalities at Bolts in the Bathtub in CA

I too have found Candy's in Reseda,CA to be a great place to go. Lots of fabric and very pleasant and helpful.

grandmaquilts 07-16-2010 09:38 AM

I have been there too. There is another on in Van Nuys on Vanowen I think.

charcrfts 07-16-2010 09:44 AM

I have always had good experiences at my local Joann's and Walmart, until they got rid of their fabric! I have several LQS's but the one that stands out is Quilter's Haven in Rosemount, MN. It isn't terribly far from our house, only 20 miles of so. I went there on the MN Quilt Shop Hop last summer. The shop was very good sized, everything was displayed well and the service was good. A couple weeks later my DH and I were in the area again, on a Sunday, looking for the county compost site to get some compost for our flower gardens. We couldn't find it anywhere, since they didn't have signs out by the main road. I needed (wanted!) to stop at Quilter's Haven anyway, so I asked them if they knew where it was. One of the clerks took the time to take me to their office area and look it up on the computer, print off a map and show me on the map where the compost site was. We were able to find it then, but it wasn't open on Sunday and we had to go back another day for the compost. We were truly grateful for that clerks help and I will be going back to Quilter's Haven for the MN Shop Hop in a coupe weeks, maybe even spending more money this time!

QuilterInVA 07-16-2010 09:51 AM

Bella Fabrics in Carrollton, VA is a wonderful shop. I go there all the time. The people are friendly and give great service.

patricej 07-16-2010 10:21 AM

thanks oodles and buckets for starting this topic. :thumbup:

People, Places and Quilts
on Henrietta street, in the historic district of Charleston.

two of the nicest ladies you will ever want to meet.
gorgeous fabrics, nice selection ...

very important - convenient hours. they are open until 5 on saturdays!

i can't say enough good things about the time i spent there yesterday. the best (and worst) thing about it was that the owner made a point of letting me know they have a sale room. she didn't attempt to keep my attention focused on the spendy shelves. she let me wander around to my heart's content and to talk her ear off the whole time.

i didn't take my camera, but here's their website:

http://www.ppquilts.com

born2quilt 07-16-2010 10:49 AM

Great store! I'm originally from MA and shopped there quite often.

ajonkarl 07-16-2010 10:54 AM


Originally Posted by Pineapple Princess
Mulqueens
Sally's fabrics Both in Mesa, AZ

Great service and so helpful!

Thanks for info, now I will make a day trip to go to those shops. A

zyxquilts 07-16-2010 10:58 AM

Hooray for Gold Stars!!!! :D:D:D

Gosh, let's see, my favorite LQ shops are:
Ginger's Quilt Shoppe in Upland, CA. (www.gingersquiltshoppe.com)
The owners, Ginger & her daughter, Linda are wonderful. The shop is clean & well-lit and SOOOOO friendly! They always have a coffee pot on & a jigsaw puzzle in progress. My quilt guild has been having philanthropy sew-ins in their workroom too.

The Fabric Patch in Montclair, CA. ( www.thefabricpatch.com )
Mary is the owner & was so helpful when I was buying a Janome machine - first, for me, then one for my cousin. Pat, Norine & Kathy have always made me feel welcome & are very helpful too.
(Carolyn, the original owner now just runs the Road to California Quilt Conference in Ontario, CA)

When I was on my Girlfriend Tour Roadtrip a few years ago, I went to The Quilt Asylum (thequiltasylum.com) in McKinney, TX. Besides having my favorite shop name, the ladies there were friendly & helped a lot. And the last shop on my trip was Stitchin' Time (www.stitchintime.com, in Twin Falls, Idaho. Cute shop & so friendly! I wish I could remember the name of the gal who helped me - turned out she grew up in the next town over from where I live now - and she saved me about an hour's drive time on the way home by giving me an alternate route! Now THAT'S service! LOL

Thanks for starting a wonderful topic!! :thumbup:


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