Finally another place for inspiration.

In Oshawa - right off the 401

 Over the past few weeks I found a quilt shop on line that I have been able to explore in Oshawa.  In fact the web presence of this store is very impressive!  So I was anxious to see if what they said on their web site was true in our experience.

I am happy to report that this is a most delightful store and if our early experience is any indication this will be a quilt store I visit often.  The sales staff were friendly and though the store was busy they were relaxed and took time to answer questions or find items.

Here's a smart idea - the foot and an example of its use

A nice selection of fabrics

It hasn't been easy finding a new "favourite quilt store" and few of the ones we've visited since moving would not entice me to return - but the Ultimate Sewing Centre is one I'll be returning to.  You can see their web site here.

Shirley looked after us and answered our questions - even welcomed our (Fred's) thoughts on the web site.

I have signed up for one of their classes that will start later in February. I'm sure I will want to tell you about my progress.

The Quilting Gnome

I've discovered another nice, but small, quilt shop in our area.  While the city seems to have disappointed me in customer service, quality and selection, outside the city has provided some good surprises.  The small town of Jackson's Point is home to the Quilting Gnome.  Once again it seems quilters and quilt shop owners are very aware of the great quilt shops in Alberta.

We had a good chat with the owner of The Quilting Gnome.  Just mention Canmore and her eyes light up!  Which makes you wonder if people start these businesses to feed their own quilting addiction?  Just a thought.

They had good displays and many quilting notions - that is quilt puzzles, quilting licence plates and a good display of quilts.

On the edge of Lake Simcoe, this is a great spot to visit and take in some beach time too!

What does it take to be a favourite quilt shop?

I've mentioned before that I like to seek out quilt shops as we travel. Last year when we were in Spokane, for example, I had a list of quilt shops I wanted to visit and one day we put them into our TomTom and set out to find them. We did find them all - except one that turned out to be an internet only store that was out of some one's home...but that's a blog entry for another day. If I am travelling for work I often try to allow an extra 15 - 20 minutes on the journey to make a quick stop if I know of, or come across, a quilt store en route.

Once I've found the shop, I soon know whether I am going to want to come back. How so? Here are a few of my thoughts...

I consider the fabric - does the store have a good variety?

• do they carry fabric collections?
• does the colour selection connect with the what I like to use?
• how are the fabrics displayed and organized

Does the store inspire me? - I must admit, I like to see samples of inspiration hanging on the walls, from the ceiling and other shelves or tables around the store.

• I do find that a good selection of patterns along with fabric pre-packaged in kits very enticing.

How am I treated? - is the staff friendly, helpful, available. If I am looking around or ask for something, do they tell me they are closing in 10 minutes?

 When I am in my 'quilting mode' I am looking to enter a quilting community, one where I feel like I fit. This is my hobby, where I get to spend some time doing something I can get lost in and be creative, even if only for a short period of time.

You'll will be able to follow a few more of my favourite quilt shops along the way.

Desktop Calendar for the Quilter

Christmas morning brought many wonderful gifts for quilting - a couple of new feet for my machine, some fabric, some fussy cut rulers and a new rotary cutter.  I also got a 2011 Desktop Quilter's Calendar by Debby Kratovil and Jean Ann Wright.  It has quilts and blocks of inspiration for every day of the year.  Even though we are almost 2 weeks into the year I finally got it opened today.

We've been on the road again and away from home.  However as I noted in my last post I did get to The Sugar Pine Co. and I'll mention a few others in days to come.

The calendar reminds me how quickly the days are going by, how very quickly time rushes past us.  That's one of the things I love about quilting - it is a wonderful way to spend time.  It is time slowed down, concentrated in an effort that is both satisfying and productive.

As well quilting reminds me of the time when a quilt was made, when pieces were cut and brought together in a project, I remember the effort of each part and often a new learning in it.

I've been wondering where to put my desktop calendar - I suppose it could go on my desk at work - that's the logical place, but would I get any work done.......  So many patterns, so much fabric, so little time to quilt!

The Sugar Pine Co. Canmore



It's open!



When travelling I keep my eye out for quilt shops.  Quilt shops come in lots of sizes and shapes - some are quite small, packed tightly with everything the owner can squeeze in, others are large and well layed out.  No matter to the quilter - just the right piece is always worth looking for! 

(Growing the stash is another objective of the quilter.)

 Today we were in Canmore and so we stopped into The Sugar Pine Co. - a favourite spot of mine.  And since we stopped in I was able to get a couple of pieces of fabric for a current project!

fabric galore

The Sugar Pine Co. is a favourite because of the numerous projects that are hung on the walls and around the shop.  It is truly inspiring - truly motivating.  They have very small lap quilts and large complex quilts.  As well they are very good at putting the patterns and fabric into kits so that you can duplicate what is on display. 

However if you would rather pick out your own fabrics to give the pattern a different look - well there's plenty to choose from.

Part of a quilt hanging inside

I think one of the owners now recognizes us when we walk in!  He always smiles and welcomes us.  Travelling around the province lets us see many quilt shops and this is definitely one of my favourites.