Ten Things to buy in a Quilt Shop…All New England Shop Hop edition

Today, I’m launching a new social media schedule which will begin each week with a blog post. I love the idea of beginning the week with something more than a Facebook post, as a blog post allows me to dig deeper into a given topic. 

All New England Shop Hop

Starts tomorrow, September 1.

The Magazine is THE source for everything related to the shop hop - it has dates, details, hours. Don’t forget to put your name and cell phone into yours in case you get separated from it. It will make it easier for the shop to find you.

Today’s topic comes in conjunction with tomorrow’s launch of the All New England Shop Hop here in the northeast, where for 60 days, quilters from all over will visit shop hop throughout the 6 state area. Besides fun, fabric and friendship, the Hop offers opportunities for prizes based on how many shops you visit in a given region.

I’m taking today’s post (and expanding on it) from the pages of the e book I wrote last year, titled Your Capsule Stash.  It’s a companion to my most popular lecture for groups, but it’s written from the perspective of you’re sitting in your space, and looking around and wondering where do I start.  I added several content pieces to the book, including a packing list for retreats, a list of resources for where to share excess fabric – and a perpetual shopping list.  The Capsule stash isn’t designed to keep you out of quilt shops and shop hops, it’s actually designed to do the opposite.  I want everyone to enjoy the opportunity to enjoy their space once again, and use it as a jumping off point for creativity.

Included in the book is a Perpetual Shopping List, things that you can always find in a quilt shop.  The Shop Hops are designed to get quilters into the shops, and support local shops. I try to do that whenever possible, and I’ve often said that fabric is the best souvenir.  I have a piece that I purchased in Florida about 20 years ago, and I still can see the beach whenever I find a scrap of it in my stash.

If you’ve worked through the Capsule Stash process, and you’ve identified projects that you want to work on in the near term, then a shop hop gives you a perfect opportunity to pull your fabrics together and make sure you have what you need.  If you’ve gotten something together but you’re missing some of the fabric, this is a good time to put together a swatch card to carry with you to see if you can find something you’re missing. I’m going to be doing a deep dive into swatch cards in next week’s blog post.

If (like me) you truly don’t need any more fabric for the foreseeable future – then this list will give you ideas to work on so that you’re not left out of the fun.  Some of these are upgrades, some are replacing something that’s worn out (or on its’ way out), some are just because.

You should always have your current guild membership card and any quilt shop gift cards or quilt shop loyalty cards with you before leaving the house.  And a practical to do is to always put your name and cell number into your book so it it gets left behind, the shop can find you.  I’ve definitely heard horror stories.

What to buy when you can’t think of what to buy…

Before you leave, check your rulers at home.  Some of our quilting rulers become more worn out than others, and  if you have a ruler that’s your go-to, then this is a great time to take a look at it carefully.  Make sure there are no chips or knicks in the acrylic, and that your markings are easy to read.  If you have a size that needs to be replaced, I’d put a list in my phone so you can always refer to it.

I have several brands of rulers here in the workspace, but it’s good to keep a look out. If you look closely, the baby ruler is losing its’ markings.

Most quilters I know will always rave about the difference that a new blade in your rotary cutter makes, but they will also admit that they don’t change their new blade often enough.  Most quilt shops carry the most popular sizes of rotary blades, so this one is easy.

Do you need a good pair of fabric scissors?

Do you have a good pair of sharp scissors in your space? Do you want some?  This is a great opportunity to do some research (and maybe ask other quilters or shop owners) what their recommendations are.  Personally, I love my Karen Kay Buckley scissors, but I also loved my Tula Pink shears when I bought them in Houston last year.  Truthfully, I had the KKBs at home, so that’s what made me try Tula Pink.   They are amazing - but trying to pick a favorite is like picking a favorite child or grandchild.

Do you need to buy a quilter bestie a birthday or Christmas gift?  This can be a great time to look around and see what’s out there.  If you’re hopping with said bestie, then this can be a great time to see what she likes (but doesn’t buy for herself). My favorite part of gift giving is the gifting something someone will really love.

Most quilt shops will have needles, and that’s another thing that you can buy to support the shop owners.  A fresh needle makes an afternoon of sewing go well, especially If you’re quilting your own project.  Especially if it’s a bag.

Bonus Points - Or a Great Gift!

This little booklet has a ton of information in it about what each needle size does - and it’s so mucuh easier to read than the needle shaft. This has a ton of good information in it.

I have learned about thread the hard way in my quilting journey.  To piece a quilting project, I now generally only purchase larger cones of thread in white, light gray and cream for piecing.  I save the pretty colors for the quilting on top of the piece.  My advice should you need it - would be to look carefully at your thread stash to  make sure you have enough thread  to last you – and then check your bobbin thread as well.   The colors might be a bit on the boring side, but the best thread is in quilt shops.

From my thread stash - on the left is the Auriful piecing thread that I use, and on the right is my bobbin thread from Superior. I have plenty of Aurifil - but I may need to find a good sale on Bottomline later this fall. Disclaimer - there was no thread destash when I moved.

Is there a good book that you’ve been eyeing, but you haven’t decided about it yet?  Your local quilt shop may have it in stock, and there’s always something about having the book in your hand and leafing through it that makes you appreciate it.  When you’re looking online, you can only see so much information in a thumbnail. I don’t buy as many books as I used to, but I’ve seen a couple of great ones come out in the past year or so, and I’ve made space.  Or maybe a friend has mentioned something, and this gives you something to look for.

I took a class with Catherine Redford in Houston last year, and I had this on my short list for Christmas. I made space in my quilting section for this one - I’ll have more on this later this fall.

A final thought on about things you can find in a quilt shop - Batting! How’s your batting stash looking - and are you happy with it? I tend to stay very close to home for batting with one brand - it makes it easier to create a Frankenbatt - but if you are looking to branch out a bit - bamboo or fusible comes to mind - make note of for which project you’re looking for (and what size you need). Again, your sales people are great references, and they are looking to meet new customers. Information is free!

I really hope that you get the chance to participate in a shop hop soon.  The fun, and the girlfriend time is definitely worth it.  And if you’re in New England, you’re about to get a beautiful show courtesy of Mother Nature!