It has been a flurry of activity in my life the last 4 weeks.
The excitement of the holidays and visitors to me being a visitor myself in Florida has kept me really busy.
After New Year's, I flew with my parents down to their Florida home to stay for a week's visit.
Dreams of quilt shops and sewing machines filled my head.
Instead of sugar plums--I had thoughts of Quilts on Plum Lane quilt shop located in Dade City.
This friendly quilt shop aims to please. They have a lot of fabric and patterns from which to choose.
You can spend hours looking through books and looking at the samples hanging on their walls.
Last year we had visited the Fabric Warehouse located in Lakeland and I was really impressed with their store layout with sewing machines and especially their large class room.
They have a huge supply of beautiful fabric and friendly people there to help you with anything that you would need.
Check out this vintage Singer that was brought in to be serviced.
It just looks beautiful.
Another favorite quilt shop we had visited last year, but has closed its doors was the Patchwork Pig.
Mom and I went to a quilter's garage sale which had some of the leftover fabric and patterns from the Patchwork Pig. I love a bargain, but it makes me sad to know that a favorite quilt shop closed.
When one quilt shop closes its doors, there's another that opens.
Mom had seen Inspire Quilting & Sewing advertised and wanted to take a drive to Plant City to check them out.
I loved their store from the first minute I walked through their door.
This jewel of a machine was in their front window.
The machine below caught my eye and I was so happy when I was given permission to take a picture.
I couldn't believe what great shape this hand-crank Singer was in.
It was late Saturday afternoon when we came for a visit and it was wonderful to see a quilt store full of happy sewers.
Quilt shops make us hungry!
Dad treated Mom and I to strawberry shortcake at Parkesdale Farm Market
If you're by Plant City during strawberry season, it is worth your trip.
They also sell lots of great tasting produce.
Rainbows End Quilt Shoppe located in Dunedin.
I think they have around 20,000 bolts of fabric. No--I didn't count.
It is the largest quilt fabric store that I have been in.
If you leave Rainbows End Quilt Shoppe unhappy with the fabric selection, I'm not sure if anyone can ever help you.
T
I saved the best for last.
My most favorite small quilt shop is
Quilter's Quarters located in Zephyrhills.
It is a small shop, but has beautiful fabric and plenty of inspiration to get you started on any quilt project.
It's also a reminder to include small quilt shops as you are shop hopping.
Every quilt shop has its own personality and you may even get inspired to do a quilt like my Mom's black and white Diamonds Jubilee donation quilt.
Happy Quilting!
Kay Lynne
1 comment:
I wish I was in Florida to go visit all those places!! A friend of mine is taking her kids to Disneyworld next month and it is her first time going to the States. She will be a couple of days in Orlando and a couple in the Miami area. Do you happen to know any quilt places where she could make a quick stop? Since there are no patchwork stores where we live any kind of store would be like heaven to her. I you think of any place, please let me know. Thanks!!
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