Fabric Creations

Our last stop was in Greenfield. You will find this shop downtown at 111 SW Jackson. The shop owned by Kerin Ladd has been opened since March of 2000. A variety of fabric can be found and many different patterns for redwork. I was looking for 30's prints and was able to pick up several I did not already have.

She does have classes and a machine quilter is available.

Quilts and other Notions

Our next stop was in Creston. I have a particular fondness for this shop because I grew up in Creston. Joyce Franklin is a local gal who opened the shop in 1982, when quilting was just starting to become popular. Now 25 years later she just completed a much needed remodel to this 6400 square foot building that has made the shop much lighter and brighter. There is just as much fabric for you to see as before but now it is easier to see. Just a few of the fabric lines she carries are Moda, Hoffman, Clothworks, Red Rooster and Robert Kauffman. Over 7000 bolts of fabric can be found in this shop.

You will find large staff here and someone that can help you with any sewing concern you could possibly have. Samples are hanging everywhere to inspire you to start another project.

Joyce is a Husqvarna Viking dealer and also services the machines. You can make an appointment to have your machine repaired and get the service done while you wait. For the quilter who does not like to be far from her machine this is a wonderful service.

Staying open till 8:00 Monday and Thursday makes this shop very traveler friendly. The only day she is closed is Sunday.

Don't miss this shop in your travels through Iowa. Check out her website http://www.quiltsandothernotions.com/

Vande Lune Fabrics

Our next stop was Pella a charming little community that is also the home of the Tulip Festival in May. The quilt shop is located downtown on Franklin Street. This was a department store until 1998 Linda decided to become more of a quilting store. And we were all glad she did.

This shop was delightful. It was light, bright, nicely organized, with a friendly owner greeting you as you enter the shop. Linda, the owner, was a dressmaker so she has a great background of knowledge to draw from in order to help you with any questions you may have.

Some of the fabric lines carried in this shop are Blank, Timelesss Treasures, and Clothworks. The fabric is arranged in the store very conveniently, making it simple to find exactly what you need.

A collection of antique irons are displayed all around the store and Linda is also a Bernina dealer.

We had lunch at a restaurant on the square call European Delight that I would highly recommend

The Sampler

The Sampler was located in Chariton as well. A very friendly staff will great you as you enter this small shop. This shop was opened 25 years ago by Carol Trumbull. You will find over 3900 bolts of fabric in this small space. We found the shop to crowded and impossible to see the fabric . But if you are in for a challenge I'm sure you could find anything you need if you look long enough.

Carol does not do machine quilting and does not have any classes but is more than happy to help you with your fabric selections for your next quilt.

Betty's Quilt Shop and Gifts

Our next stop was Chariton. This shop is found on the square at 907 Braden connected to a gift shop. You will not find alot of fabric but you can get great buys on flat folds and a nice quality of fabric. The fabric is arganized and easy to see.

You will find a large array of gift items to look at and some very unique items.

Gary and Betty Pipping are the owners of this shop and have been in business for 30 years. Betty has classes in the spring and fall, but is willing to help you at anytime with all your quilting needs.

Quilt with Us

I loaded up a car load of quilters and we attended the 15th Southern Iowa Shop Hop. We had a great time and covered many miles. Our first shop was in Lucas at 100 East Front Street. Don't blink or you will miss the exit off of Hwy. 34. Go one block and the shop is right on the corner. The building was a lumber and hardware store in it's past life. In 2002 it was brought back to life as a quilt store.

This shop has a very diverse selection of items, and you will find a variety of antiques for sale everywhere you look in the shop.

This charming little shop is a must visit on your travels through Iowa. It may be small but it holds alot of fabric. The owner Mary Kinsey is there and eager to help with all your quilting needs. She had some great sales and a good variety of fabric to pick from. There were numerous samples made up for you to see throughout the shop.

Classes are offered throughout the year and she also has a friend that can machine quilt for you.

Sunflower Quilt Shop

This delightful little shop, hidden away in the small community of Hiawatha,KS, was filled with a wide variety of fabrics. Just take the Hiawatha exit off 36 Hwy and drive to Oregon Street and turn left; the shop is located downtown. There, I was greeted by Linda Duesing who has owned the shop for 7 years. Linda was a librarian for 33 years before deciding to follow her dream of owning a quilt store. She was very helpful and quick to offer advice when needed.
There are samples on every wall that are changed as new patterns come in. Lots of bright fabrics and novelty prints surround you to make this shop a bright and cheery shop.
Linda prides herself in having a shop that can take a quilter from the beginning of a quilt to the finish. She can provide classes for all skill levels. Also offered at her shop is free motion quilting which has a 4 month waiting list.
I signed up for a block of the month that is offered. My color choice was black and white which also includes an applique block each month. Their are two other color choices available if you would like a different color.
The Kansas Prairie Shop Hop will be June 5th thru the 8th. You definitely should visit this shop - but not on Monday. That is the day the shop is closed.
www.sunflowerquiltshop.net