I’ve Been On The Amazing Quilt Race Shop Hop

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It's been a busy couple of weeks for me. Rob was here at the lake for more vacation. We worked and played and the time went by way too fast. Clutch was glad to have another man around the house to chase the critters and just do general 'guy' stuff with. It's back to work for him now but he left Clutch and I "armed and dangerous" with his new pellet rifle that will take out a muskrat from 30 yards away. I think just knowing it's is in the house has scared away every muskrat within 5 miles of here!

Do you have all 24 of the blocks sewn from Midget Mania? I have to admit I don't but I have been shop hopping so that's my excuse. I hope you enjoy reading about a few of the stores here in northern Michigan.





Each year in August, the Amazing Quilt Race Shop Hop is held. This is the first year I've been able to take part in the fun. It was my first visit to some of these shops and I can guarantee it won't be my last.
I took over a 100 photos, fighting all the way with the camera on my iPhone. For some reason we just weren't getting along so I apologize the pictures aren't better.



My first stop was Hearts to Holly in Charlevoix. I'd never been there before so I was excited. The store is a very nice mix of fabrics with Fresh Cottons by Fig Tree Quilts (which I wish I'd bought) to the newest Civil War and 1930s repros.




Fun displays with unique finds tucked everywhere. The fabric is beautifully displayed in these pretty white cases.




This is their version of the shop hop quilt and I picked up my first pattern. It was fun seeing how each store interpreted the pattern. Wait and see...............




They played a fun game every half hour or so and I was lucky enough to win a book. I spent a bit of money while I was there. If only I had an unlimited budget!




I wish there had been time to visit some of the other shops along the main street. Charlevoix is the town Kathie Lee Gifford was raving about on the Today show a couple of weeks ago. She talked about our beautiful water for swimming and fun stores for shopping!




Charlevoix isn't in the upper peninsula but she showed the right spot in northwest Michigan on her big red mitten and yes, Kathie Lee, shhh.....shhh.....shhh....these places are supposed to be our little secret.
The American Spoon store she visited in Petoskey is near the Items by Boutique Emmanuel shop I managed a couple of winters ago while they were looking for a new manager. Petoskey is about a half hour north of Charlevoix. There's also an American Spoon here in Traverse City. I'd offer to shop for you but they have online ordering on their web site. There are recipes and they have a blog too. Yum, yum, yum! In case you're wondering, the basket she gave to Hoda costs about $100

From Charlevoix I headed back toward the south for a quick 15 minute ride to The Quilt Cottage in East Jordan.





A nice shop where I felt right at home among all the 1930s and Civil War fabrics. I'd never been there before so I had lots to see.


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I loved having the majority of their notions all on one wall so I could find just what I was looking for.




This was their version of the shop hop quilt and I fell in love with it. Bright and cheerful, perfect for a dreary Michigan winter.




I'm sure it doesn't surprise you when I say I spent quite a while looking at their nice selection of 1930s fabrics. If you're wondering, the quilt is a Lori Smith pattern.

From The Quilt Cottage I wound my way through the country back roads to Cousin's Quilt Shop in Bellaire.


The minute I saw their sign I knew I was hooked!




Who knew that in the middle of the little town of Bellaire there was such a wonderful quilt shop? Not me! I really missed the boat on this one.



These beautiful flowers greeted me on the porch.


Batiks are straight ahead and all the wool is to the left.


Wait until you see my turquoise and green prints from the cabinet!


Cousin's version of the shop hop quilt.


It had wonderful touches of wool applique. I loved this one too!


Just a few of their batik fabrics.


Cousin's Quilt Shop has a great selection of Civil War fabrics, batiks and Kaffe Fassett style prints as well as all the traditional quilting choices including a beautiful offering of wool.

That was my last stop for the day. I hadn't been to any of those shops before if you can believe that, so I tried to take my time at each one to get a good feel for what they're like. I found each one to be a little different which is good and I'm looking forward to shopping with them again as soon as my budget allows.

I still have four shops to hop to. I'll show you more tomorrow.





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