Finding Quilts Shops I could live in!

One of the best things about living in the gorgeous Midwest state of Michigan is that while parts of the area remain rural, there are also large, beautiful, and friendly cities which are within an easy driving distance.  The summer is officially over now, and it’s been a very busy time, but one of the 2^nd best things about living in the beautiful Midwest state of Michigan, is discovering new quilt shops when I travel.  The past 3 months have seen our son graduate from Michigan Tech, along with his beloved, and their subsequent wedding in June between Houghton and Copper Harbor.  There was the bridal shower in Appleton, Wisconsin where we spent a 3-day weekend after an over-night in Chicago.  I love the Windy City!  Then a museum opening in Indy, another museum opening in Muskegon, Michigan, and now home to spend time in my studio.

On our trip to Appleton, Wisconsin, I discovered a simply wonderful quilt shop called Piece by Piece on West College Avenue.  They carry a remarkable array of fabrics, from 1930’s reproductions, to Civil War, to Batiks, Brights, kid’s fabrics, Fall Collections, Christmas fabrics, patterns, workshops, classes…OK, I think you get the point!  One of the reasons this shop is so interesting and varied is that it’s run by 2 quilters with completely different palettes.  I’ve seen quilt shops become very limited in their choices because the owner has a single focus and therefore limits their fabric purchases accordingly.  Not the case here!  Piece by Piece really does have something for everybody, which I really loved.  Yes, I walked out of there with fabric…  (8) 1-yds cuts of different batiks being used in my 2^nd piece of the Seasons of Life series.  Yummy colors, delightful textures, eye candy…sorry, beginning to opine again.

One of the most striking and lovely traditional pieces I’ve seen was hanging in this shop.  No, it’s not a Black/White photo, it’s a B/W quilt, and simply stunning!

Stunning Black/White feathered star

Gorgeous!

You go, Girl!

If you’re in the area, stop in and visit, browse, run your fingers through the luscious collections, and chat for a while.  These gals were helpful, thoughtful, and answered tons of questions that I tend to pepper people with when it comes to their fabric, patterns, color-choices, classes, etc.  If I lived in the area, I’d be doing their Batik Club in a heartbeat.

www.piecebypiece.com

Go make something beautiful today!

Cheers,

Beth

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