Row by Row Adventure – Texas July 19, 2014

With so many shops to visit, it is hard to even title my pages by location, so I am resorting to using dates.  Each time we go out (hubby and I), we spend the day visiting new areas of our community and Texas as well as making new friends – today was no exception!

It seems that the word has gotten around as well.  Two of the shops I visited actually have seen this blog!  This was a true honor and I am happy that you find reading somewhat fun.  So, on to what really matters – the shops we visited!

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Ladybug Quilt and Fabric
217 West Main St.
Azle, TX  76020

This shop was actually on our list last week to visit, but because we got to chatting it up with other folks along the way, we were too late when we arrived and they had closed – 4PM on Saturdays for everyone’s reference.

The Ladybug is not the largest shop we visited, but like so many others, it held an individual charm and something special.  This shop resides in an older home with a comfy porch on Main Street. Inside are a modest amount of quality fabrics and some very pretty projects.  What will stand out are the gorgeous wood tables, displays and cutting table that were designed and built by the owner’s husband.  I love it when the love of quilting takes on new meaning and brings folks together.

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Suddenly Sewing
3529 Heritage Trace Pkwy # 173
Fort Worth, TX  76244
www.suddenlysewing.com

Suddenly Sewing is a fully-stocked quilting shop carries fabric, notions, patterns and even machines.  Husqvarna Viking was the predominant brand, but we also saw Pfaff and Singer.  The friendly staff was so helpful and pointed out the cute firecracker row that was their contribution to the project.

Upon walking inside, you could see the projector screen at the back as a class was being held on machine embroidery.  Many people were attending the class and commenting about all the adorable embroidery designs that are available to home project makers.

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Must Love Fabric
722 E. Northwest Hwy
Grapevine, TX  76051
www.mustlovefabric.com

I just loved the sign for Must Love Fabric, their logo really stood out in the parking lot.  We were also not the only ones who found this shop in Grapevine, TX.  Two other ladies were there this day as well to pick up their Row!  Unfortunately, the row was not in the shop for me to take a picture of as the owner had taken it along to a show.

Must Love Fabric is another shop that resides inside an older house; however, has ample parking for many visitors.  Each adorable room held patterns, fabric and finished projects so there was so much to see.  There even is a dedicated sewing room as well.

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Quilter’s Dream
6409 Colleyville Blvd.
Colleyville, TX  76034
www.quiltersdreamtx.com

Quilter’s Dream in Colleyville was buzzing with activity when we arrived.  The dark grey building stands out and is hard to miss – you will be glad you didn’t when you come inside.  From the moment you walk in, you are met with gorgeous fabrics and finished projects that will spark your creative side.

The ladies were busy cutting fabric which gave me a few moments to poke around.  What we found was that this was their last day for Christmas in July and there were free patterns, ideas and even cookies! (I never turn down cookies, just so you know)

The second great surprise was their – I know I will name this room incorrectly so I won’t try – specialty room with amazing priced fabric bundles and finished projects.  I was told that many of the local quilters have gotten together to provide these items.  I picked up a large bundle of fabric for only $6!  It was a welcome addition to my Halloween Stash.

The row for this shop is an adorable maple leaf motif which I was told can be fussy-cut from batik fabric to create some gorgeous variations.

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Sew It Up Studio
740 Grapevine Highway
Hurst, TX  76054
www.sewitup.com

Sew It Up Studio also has its own take on the quilting scene.  Originally a sewing store for clothing, they have added quilting fabric, notions and projects as well. This seems a very intuitive idea as the two can go together nicely.  Now you can purchase fabrics and ideas for quilting projects and learn how to turn this hobby into a garment or accessory. Because Sew it Up holds classes, this is an easy thing to do.

The row presented by Sew it Up looks like Spring flowers done up in hex’s.  If you need the tool – they have that too!

Lastly, as I mentioned garments and accessories, I also have to say that their use of the license plate as a purse element was so adorable.  I can’t wait to try this.

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Richland Sewing Center
850 West Pipeline Road
Hurst, TX  76053
www.richlandsewing.com

Richland Sewing Center was the last stop in our journey today which was a good thing because we spent quite a bit of time there.  This shop was very large and held just about everything you could need as a quilter.

This was one of the shops where my name was recognized (either that or my logo of little Molly running in the grass is hard to forget).  Jeanie met me as I looked around the store and shook my hand.  We had a great laugh about what it takes to be a good long-arm quilter (good music, relaxing atmosphere and libation of choice!)

There was a Floriani course being taught with a full room in attendance, a large section of machines for sale – everything from sewing to embroidery to long arm.  This shop even has a dedicated repair shop at your disposal.

Did you say you are new to sewing and would rather buy an affordable used machine? – they have these too.

All the while that I was looking through the fabrics, talking to the nice young man about machines or peeking in on the class my husband was having a nice long talk with one of the owners.  It seems there was something for everyone.

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As I look up at all that I have put to paper for this one day, it dawns on me that I probably should re-think my review process and maybe do some individual and in-depth postings for many of the shops I have listed.  It is one thing for a shop to tell you what they do – yet another for someone outside to give their own, first impressions.

What do you all think?  Somewhere down the line would you like to see more information on these shops, maybe with some interview questions?  Please let me know!