All Mid Atlantic Shop Hop
Part 1 - July 2024
I saw this magazine in a Quilt Shop and I was intrigued! 6 patterns inclosed, 96 participating shops, sign me up!
End of the first month, 42 shops visited! I wish I had taken more pictures and better notes.
Some observations and musings:
For Organizers
- A few squares are cut close to the black line, not even an 1/8 of a seam allowance. I didn't start noticing until halfway into the Hop. One shop owner who ran out said that she was shorted on what she ordered. She had me fill out a self- addressed envelope. I've already received the square, great customer service!
* It has been pointed out to me that the patterns in the magazine require the blocks to be trimmed to 4.5 inches, so the black line is not the sewing line.
For Shops
- Greet Hoppers and point out where the restroom is.
- Have a handout with local eateries (you know you are going to be answering this question multiple times a day.) Can be a typed half sheet of paper, most can look it up if you provide name and address.
- Sue Schaefer suggests "indicating if the shop is accessible for shoppers with mobility concerns."
- Be open when you say you will be open (we understand that emergencies can happen)
- If you have a shop pet, indicate it on your shop listing. A paw print will let allergic shoppers know.
- Be organized - set up a small section at checkout or a table to the side with a sign helps enormously.
- Goodies bags are not required, but are appreciated. Especially mini water bottles, chocolates, etc.
- Have clear signage indicating sales and specials.
- Do not discuss other hoppers when you have customers in your store. I visited one store where the employee asked me if I wanted a picture with their display . I said sure and then heard her later making fun of the shoppers who were taking selfies and posting in the FB Group. Not kind and I felt very uncomfortable.
For Hoppers
- Be cheerful, appreciative and supportive of the shops
- If you can afford it, try and buy something at each shop (I bought fat quarters for two different quilts.)
- Ask if the employees mind if you take pictures. The answer was always yes, but it doesn't hurt to ask.
- Carry your own shopping bag. It's really nice when shops provided one, but I declined their paper or plastic ones. The shop pays for them.
Not only are some of my favorite shops included, I am always up for visiting someplace new!
The Shops are divided into Regions and are giving stamps to be added to a passport. Additional prizes will be given for completing a region. Each shop is giving out a block with their name on it and some are giving additional optional goodies.
My husband and I started in the East Central Region with Bear's Paw Fabrics as our first stop. What a delightful shop! A large selection of fabric including Tilda Cotton Beach.
The Quilted Nest
What a whirlwind it has been visiting all of the Shops. Thankfully, I have a very indulgent husband who likes to drive and is all in!
We woke up on Sat. morning (July 13th), packed an overnight bag and headed to the Central Region. Bob chartered our course and first stop was Artistic Artifacts in Alexandria, VA. I saw fabric here that I didn't see elsewhere, very beautiful and artsy, look for the colorful lighthouse!
Next stop...The Quilter's Study in Fairfax VA. Very busy shop with many different fabric lines. My sister is collecting the Ghastlies, an Alexander Henry fabric line and this store had it! I was able to FaceTime her and purchase what she wanted.
Stayed at the Winchester Hampton Inn and may have heard a few conversations at breakfast about binding and matching colors.
July 14th
The Scrappy Apple
Charlotte's Cottage Quilt Shop
Capital Quilts
Patches Quilting and Sewing
Sew N Sweep
July 20th
Byrne Sewing
Sew Jersey
Seamless Sewing Arts
Sew Jersey has Christmas in July fabrics as you enter the store!
Seamless Sewing Arts has a large collection of Tilda fabrics, unique Robot patterns and Featherweights for sale.
July 22 - Bob came home from playing golf all morning and was ready to hit the road - Material Girls in LaPlata, MD. He's Crazy! Off we go! Naturally, we hit traffic - we were close to closing time, so I called to make sure that they would be open. Four hours later, we enter the nicest Quilt Shop. The ladies were so gracious and even recommended a place to stop for dinner - a restaurant by the railroad tracks. I finally had a crab cake dinner and it was delicious.
July 24th!Today's Shop Hop - North Central Region
Serendipity Stitch, New Bloomfield
The Fabric Center, Carlisle
Half Moon Handwerks, Camp Hill
and a return to In Stitches Quilt Shop in Womelsdorf where I purchased one of the larger blocks. Thanks Anne for Driving!
Serendipity Stitch
The Fabric Center
Half Moon Handwerks
Last stop In stitches Quilt Shop - a return visit for me.
I was finally able to purchase the larger block.
July 26th!
Today's Shop Hopping completed the Central Region !
Sew N'Place , Fayetteville, PA
Stitch - N- Time, Greencastle, PA - Aurifil 11.99 a spool
Simply Stashing, Littlestown, PA - had stickers, but were out of blocks, will mail when she gets them.
Danner's Bernina Shoppe, Hanover , PA TILDA and signs indicating the weekly challenge, FLAMINGOS
Snyder's Sewing Center , Hanover, PA
Simply Stashing recommended Dutch Country Diner in Hanover for lunch, delish!
A quick stop for vacation snacks in the UTZ factory store in Hanover, a bargain and fun!
Wrapped the day up with Handel's ice cream in Downingtown and there was no line, perfect day!
Sew N Place has a coffee shop attached to it, win-win!
Stitch -N-Time was so welcoming! They have an area set up for pictures/selfies! Aurifil is the best price that we saw in any of the shops, 11.99.
Simply Stashing Fabric and Quilts
Gorgeous fabric and quilts. I loved Granny's Garden stacked plates and dishes. Unusual and beautiful!
We received a recommendation for lunch, the Dutch Country Dinner. My hot roast beef sandwich and cole slaw was delicious!
We took a side trip to the Utz Factory Outlet Store to stock up on snacks for vacation.
Danner's Bernina Shoppe made it so easy to find the Weekly Challenge! (pink signs) And they have flamingo fabric, a favorite for me!
Last fabric store - Snyder's Sewing Center.
It's a wrap for the day...Too tired to cook, Handel's Ice Cream in Downingtown for dinner. I can't believe there was no line, a first for us.
July 29th!
Closer to home and my go to shop... The Old Country Store in Intercourse, PA.
There is a table set up outside with these cute signs, choose one and take a selfie!
The Quilt Shop at Miller's has beautiful quilted objects, gifts, quilts, stencils, notions, etc.
One of the many unique things about this shop is that they support local Quilt Guilds in their fundraising efforts. Middleton Piecemakers have created the beautiful items for sale this month.
For information on the Shop Hop, click here
#allmidatlanticshophop2024 #allmiadtalanticshophop
