Here is a list of the winners from the 6th Annual State of Maine Quilt Shop Hop!
FREE Night at Quilt Inn Rangeley Retreat Center - Bonnie Gerstley
Janome Heart Truth - Bethany Ober
Elna Quilter's Companion - Barbara Sprague
Queen Quilt Kit - Mary Ann Anton
Fat Quarter Bundle - Sandra Hopkins
Machine Quilting Package - Patsy Husson
6 Quilter's Baskets - Donna Lane, Deborah Holmes, Judith Turcotte, Christine Haehnel, Mary Nye and Sharon Sirido
Bendable LED Brightlight - Kathryn Taylor
Fat Quarter Bundle - Tasha Pomelow
Maine Quilts '09 Admission Package - Andrea Dill
Quilter's Tote - Deanna Philbrick
Quilter's Project Basket - Marilyn Kinne
CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL AND THANKS FOR PARTICIPATING!
Visit www.MaineShopHop.com later this year for info about Hop 2010!
Friday, May 22, 2009
Friday, May 1, 2009
That's ALL, Folks!
... until next year, anyhow.
Thanks so much to all of you hoppers for participating AND to all of the shops who opened their doors. What a fun April it has been. Some of you take the whole "quilting thing" really seriously!
Don't forget the following as you mail in your passports:
• All passports need to be mailed to
Mariner's Compass
90 Front Street
Bath, ME
04530
• You have until May 9th to get your passports to Mariner's Compass...
give yourself plenty of lead-time, as no passports will be accepted after May 9th.
Passports have been coming in already...
Please let us know about your shop-hopping experience: we welcome any questions and/or comments.
Now's a GREAT time to look back on all the shops you've visited and which ones you plan to revisit during the coming year... you never know WHO you might run into!
Thanks again and good luck with doorprizes and let's do it all again in 11 months!
Thanks so much to all of you hoppers for participating AND to all of the shops who opened their doors. What a fun April it has been. Some of you take the whole "quilting thing" really seriously!
Don't forget the following as you mail in your passports:
• All passports need to be mailed to
Mariner's Compass
90 Front Street
Bath, ME
04530
• You have until May 9th to get your passports to Mariner's Compass...
give yourself plenty of lead-time, as no passports will be accepted after May 9th.
Passports have been coming in already...
Please let us know about your shop-hopping experience: we welcome any questions and/or comments.
Now's a GREAT time to look back on all the shops you've visited and which ones you plan to revisit during the coming year... you never know WHO you might run into!
Thanks again and good luck with doorprizes and let's do it all again in 11 months!
Sunday, April 19, 2009
Day 19: A Sample Shop Hop
Hello one and all,
Ever wondered what someone else's Shop-Hopping experience might be like?
Here is a narrative from my very own personal Shop Hop taken with my good friend Jessica the other day.
The "hopping" went a little something like this:
We started off meeting up near the Wiscasset Bridge on Davis Island in Edgecomb. After figuring out a parking situation we headed South, armed with Odwalla bars, Sobe juice and pretzels.
First stop was Sew Portland in (where else?) Portland.
Here is a photo of Tyler Stanley, the store's manager.
Tyler greeted us by saying "I didn't think anyone under 50 went shop-hopping!"
To which we replied "We didn't think Men managed fabric stores!"
But they do and they do.
Turns out I went to college with Tyler, so I felt licensed to be cheeky with him. Sew Portland is a great store: lots of different genres of fabric- not just quilting cottons. They have a LOT of sewing machines for sale as well and a wall full of chicken jokes.
Next up was Cotton Weeds in Freeport. Cotton Weeds gets the prize for best presentation of a Shop Hop giveaway: a meticulously wrapped Mary Engelbreit needle-card with a square of delicious, yummy Ghirardelli chocolate and a charm-square of Bonnie Blue from Marcus Brothers, folded into a teeny, tiny little triangle. Nice job!
Here is a picture of their shop sample using the hop fabrics.
In fact, everything about Cotton Weeds is meticulous. The shop is very nicely organized and everything is beautifully displayed, like a magazine shoot. If you are looking for wool or needle-punch supplies definitely check them out. They also have 30's repro prints, batiks and children's fabrics, too.
Heading further north, we stopped at Mariner's Compass in Bath to see Amanda and Mirabelle the cat. I saw my friend Jennifer there, renting out the long-arm machine and I got to meet Amanda's mother, who works at the shop AND writes children's books. I work with my mother, too, so it was nice to see another team like that in action. And what a nice store. It's very bright and spacious and if you ever need batiks, they have a healthy supply. Also, a lot of charm squares, I noticed. Lots of different collections to tempt you.
Next on the list was Alewives Fabrics in Damariscotta Mills. Alewives, it should be said, is my store (I am the manager), but we still stopped in and got our passports stamped and a goodie bag.
Here is a picture of our shop sample:
we added Asian Fabrics to the charm-squares and made a small quilt that would be a great wall-hanging or table-topper. The Shop Hop fabrics were a challenge for us, as we carry mostly contemporary fabrics, but I really like the way the Bonnie Blue Basics worked with the Asian fabrics, giving them a kind of "daiwabi" effect.
If anybody knows how to spell "daiwabi" correctly, please feel free to straighten me out.
I suspect I may not be spelling it just right.
Moving right along we visited Marge at Maine-ly Sewing. Marge had just gotten back from a trade show but she was all smiles and happy to cut us some fabric.
Maine-ly Sewing has a greatselection of dots and bright, primary colored fabric.
They had a very nice give-away for the shop hop: enough fabric and a pattern to make a wine-glass coaster. As I am a semi-professional drinker of wine this gift could not have been bestowed on a more grateful recipient.
Next we went to Quilt Divas in Rockland. The Divas had some gorgeous doorprizes on display and their shop is very nicely arranged. They have a Christmas nook, an Asian section, Maine prints, 30's repro prints, aaaannnndddd they have yarn. I've just recently been bitten by the knitting bug so I was super-excited to peruse their beautiful collection. In fact, I was so drunk on yarn that I completely forgot to take a picture at their shop, but take my word for it, it is a lovely place.
Lastly, we circled back so we were headed South again and we ended our day at Country Creations in Jefferson. Country Creations was one of the most pleasant surprises of the whole Shop Hop. I knew that they were mostly a "Thimbleberries" type of place, which is not normally my cup of tea, but I loved this store.
Here is a picture of their shop sample: a Quilter's organizer with pockets. Isn't that a neat idea for using Charm squares?
I bought some beautiful green wool felt (which I have since used for leaves on a pear pincushion I have made) and a green tea-towel. My friend Jessica bought a table-runner pattern and a candle-mat kit. The moral of the story: ahhh, I'm not sure, but I'm glad I went to Country Creations and will definitely be going back for more of that felt.
And isn't that the whole point of doing a Shop Hop? To visit shops you may not normally go to and get to know each store's personality along the way? I think it is!!!
The Grand Total for the day: seven shops in all.
Stay tuned for my next post where we will continue Shop-Hopping on a second trip: this time to the Augusta/Farmington area.
See you again soon!
Ever wondered what someone else's Shop-Hopping experience might be like?
Here is a narrative from my very own personal Shop Hop taken with my good friend Jessica the other day.
The "hopping" went a little something like this:
We started off meeting up near the Wiscasset Bridge on Davis Island in Edgecomb. After figuring out a parking situation we headed South, armed with Odwalla bars, Sobe juice and pretzels.
First stop was Sew Portland in (where else?) Portland.
Here is a photo of Tyler Stanley, the store's manager.
Tyler greeted us by saying "I didn't think anyone under 50 went shop-hopping!"
To which we replied "We didn't think Men managed fabric stores!"
But they do and they do.
Turns out I went to college with Tyler, so I felt licensed to be cheeky with him. Sew Portland is a great store: lots of different genres of fabric- not just quilting cottons. They have a LOT of sewing machines for sale as well and a wall full of chicken jokes.
Next up was Cotton Weeds in Freeport. Cotton Weeds gets the prize for best presentation of a Shop Hop giveaway: a meticulously wrapped Mary Engelbreit needle-card with a square of delicious, yummy Ghirardelli chocolate and a charm-square of Bonnie Blue from Marcus Brothers, folded into a teeny, tiny little triangle. Nice job!
Here is a picture of their shop sample using the hop fabrics.
In fact, everything about Cotton Weeds is meticulous. The shop is very nicely organized and everything is beautifully displayed, like a magazine shoot. If you are looking for wool or needle-punch supplies definitely check them out. They also have 30's repro prints, batiks and children's fabrics, too.
Heading further north, we stopped at Mariner's Compass in Bath to see Amanda and Mirabelle the cat. I saw my friend Jennifer there, renting out the long-arm machine and I got to meet Amanda's mother, who works at the shop AND writes children's books. I work with my mother, too, so it was nice to see another team like that in action. And what a nice store. It's very bright and spacious and if you ever need batiks, they have a healthy supply. Also, a lot of charm squares, I noticed. Lots of different collections to tempt you.
Next on the list was Alewives Fabrics in Damariscotta Mills. Alewives, it should be said, is my store (I am the manager), but we still stopped in and got our passports stamped and a goodie bag.
Here is a picture of our shop sample:
we added Asian Fabrics to the charm-squares and made a small quilt that would be a great wall-hanging or table-topper. The Shop Hop fabrics were a challenge for us, as we carry mostly contemporary fabrics, but I really like the way the Bonnie Blue Basics worked with the Asian fabrics, giving them a kind of "daiwabi" effect.
If anybody knows how to spell "daiwabi" correctly, please feel free to straighten me out.
I suspect I may not be spelling it just right.
Moving right along we visited Marge at Maine-ly Sewing. Marge had just gotten back from a trade show but she was all smiles and happy to cut us some fabric.
Maine-ly Sewing has a greatselection of dots and bright, primary colored fabric.
They had a very nice give-away for the shop hop: enough fabric and a pattern to make a wine-glass coaster. As I am a semi-professional drinker of wine this gift could not have been bestowed on a more grateful recipient.Next we went to Quilt Divas in Rockland. The Divas had some gorgeous doorprizes on display and their shop is very nicely arranged. They have a Christmas nook, an Asian section, Maine prints, 30's repro prints, aaaannnndddd they have yarn. I've just recently been bitten by the knitting bug so I was super-excited to peruse their beautiful collection. In fact, I was so drunk on yarn that I completely forgot to take a picture at their shop, but take my word for it, it is a lovely place.
Lastly, we circled back so we were headed South again and we ended our day at Country Creations in Jefferson. Country Creations was one of the most pleasant surprises of the whole Shop Hop. I knew that they were mostly a "Thimbleberries" type of place, which is not normally my cup of tea, but I loved this store.
Here is a picture of their shop sample: a Quilter's organizer with pockets. Isn't that a neat idea for using Charm squares?
I bought some beautiful green wool felt (which I have since used for leaves on a pear pincushion I have made) and a green tea-towel. My friend Jessica bought a table-runner pattern and a candle-mat kit. The moral of the story: ahhh, I'm not sure, but I'm glad I went to Country Creations and will definitely be going back for more of that felt.
And isn't that the whole point of doing a Shop Hop? To visit shops you may not normally go to and get to know each store's personality along the way? I think it is!!!
The Grand Total for the day: seven shops in all.
Stay tuned for my next post where we will continue Shop-Hopping on a second trip: this time to the Augusta/Farmington area.
See you again soon!
Sunday, April 12, 2009
Day 13
We are almost half-way through the month of April!
Hopefully your passport is reflecting the same, but if not, don't worry... there's still plenty of time to shop hop.
Here's a photo from Threads Galore Quilt Shop in Rangeley. Lovely, isn't it?
I am LOVING what each of the shops are doing with their charm squares... how about you?
Monday, April 6, 2009
Day Six: More tips and samples...
Can you believe we've been hopping for almost a week now?
How has your experience been so far?
Here is the quilt that Mariner's Compass made with their Bonnie Blue Basics charm squares from Marcus Fabrics.
Isn't it pretty? What a great way to use charm squares!
And here are some more tips for a great Shop Hop...
Thanks for hopping!
How has your experience been so far?
Here is the quilt that Mariner's Compass made with their Bonnie Blue Basics charm squares from Marcus Fabrics.
Isn't it pretty? What a great way to use charm squares!And here are some more tips for a great Shop Hop...
- Take time at each shop to appreciate the differences! Quilt shops take on the personality of the owner, making each shopping experience a unique one.
- Hopping is fun with friends and loved ones. The more the merrier. Make a day of it with a group!
- If you're a member of the Pine Tree Quilter's Guild, bring your card. Some shops offer discounts for being a member.
- Bring a supply of bottled water and healthy snacks for your travels. OK, and some chocolate. Quilting and chocolate go together well.
- Remember that some shops will be closed on Easter Sunday. If you are planning to hop on that day, it is a good idea to call ahead and make sure that your planned stop will be open.
Thanks for hopping!
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
Day Two: Navigating the Shop Hop
Hi and welcome to day 2 of Shop Hop '09.
Here's a picture of The Fabric Garden's Shop Hop project, called "the Waffle Quilt." Doesn't it look great? Check back in the next few days for more pictures of different shop samples. One of the best parts of the Shop Hop is seeing each store's personality shine through in their design choices.
And speaking of all those different stores...
Over the past few years we have noticed a huge increase in people using either their GPS systems or internet map sites (such as mapquest) to navigate their way from one shop to another.
Isn't technology great?
As a new feature to the Hop this year, our official Shop Hop website contains a page with maps to all of the shops. Be patient... it may take a while to download.
Whether you are using GPS or using an internet site, it is important to make sure you enter the physical location of each shop into your navigating systems. Here in Maine, a lot of shops are located in towns that don't have post offices, so their mailing address may be completely different from their physical location. It is the physical address that will help you drive to the shop.
Before setting off for a day of hopping make sure you have each shop's physical address and phone number, both of which can be found on your passport. If your car is not equipped with GPS it is a good idea to print directions from shop to shop off of an internet map site. While you're at it, why not print directions from your last shop to your home for an easy getaway?
It might seem like homework, but doing a little planning before you leave can save you lots of time on your Hop.
See you again soon with more Hop updates!
Here's a picture of The Fabric Garden's Shop Hop project, called "the Waffle Quilt." Doesn't it look great? Check back in the next few days for more pictures of different shop samples. One of the best parts of the Shop Hop is seeing each store's personality shine through in their design choices.
And speaking of all those different stores...
Over the past few years we have noticed a huge increase in people using either their GPS systems or internet map sites (such as mapquest) to navigate their way from one shop to another.
Isn't technology great?
As a new feature to the Hop this year, our official Shop Hop website contains a page with maps to all of the shops. Be patient... it may take a while to download.
Whether you are using GPS or using an internet site, it is important to make sure you enter the physical location of each shop into your navigating systems. Here in Maine, a lot of shops are located in towns that don't have post offices, so their mailing address may be completely different from their physical location. It is the physical address that will help you drive to the shop.
Before setting off for a day of hopping make sure you have each shop's physical address and phone number, both of which can be found on your passport. If your car is not equipped with GPS it is a good idea to print directions from shop to shop off of an internet map site. While you're at it, why not print directions from your last shop to your home for an easy getaway?
It might seem like homework, but doing a little planning before you leave can save you lots of time on your Hop.
See you again soon with more Hop updates!
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Day One: Tips and Tricks for a Successful Hop!
The Hop is off and running and we want you to have a great time!
Here are some tips for having a great Shop Hop in 2009:
• Bring address labels when you hop to quickly enter door prize drawings and enter your information on your passport!
• Don't forget that your non-hopping chauffeur (in other words, your husband, boyfriend, sister, etc...) should accompany you into each store and enter for the special Chauffeur's prize. The prize is a $10 gas card and it is possible to win at more than one shop, but only non-hoppers will be allowed to enter.
• Check out all of the different samples made from the Bonnie Blue Basics line from Marcus Fabrics. Each store has done something different with these same fabrics!
• For the most efficient Shop Hop, check out your passport. On it, there are listed several "mini hops" that can easily be done in one or two days. For example, you could do all of the Midcoast area shops in one weekend and then all of the Downeast area shops the next weekend. Organize a carpool with other gals in your area to cut down on fuel costs!
Got any more hot tips?
Leave us a comment and let everybody know!
Have a charming Shop Hop!
Here are some tips for having a great Shop Hop in 2009:
• Bring address labels when you hop to quickly enter door prize drawings and enter your information on your passport!
• Don't forget that your non-hopping chauffeur (in other words, your husband, boyfriend, sister, etc...) should accompany you into each store and enter for the special Chauffeur's prize. The prize is a $10 gas card and it is possible to win at more than one shop, but only non-hoppers will be allowed to enter.
• Check out all of the different samples made from the Bonnie Blue Basics line from Marcus Fabrics. Each store has done something different with these same fabrics!
• For the most efficient Shop Hop, check out your passport. On it, there are listed several "mini hops" that can easily be done in one or two days. For example, you could do all of the Midcoast area shops in one weekend and then all of the Downeast area shops the next weekend. Organize a carpool with other gals in your area to cut down on fuel costs!
Got any more hot tips?
Leave us a comment and let everybody know!
Have a charming Shop Hop!
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