Category Archives: midwest

Three Days

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Three days.  Three days was all it took.  Three days of driving around the suburbs looking for locations and I finally let loose a string of profanity so clear, colorful and resounding that my 10 year old in the back seat learned correct grammatical usage and tense.

After driving to four quilt shops, two of them being CLOSED–(Note to all shop hoppers: check to see what days the stores are OPEN.)–and after inhaling the dust from my neighbor’s newly installed stone driveway for three days, we ran into more construction on the way home.  38, also known as Roosevelt, goes down to one lane between Winfield and St. Charles.  The signage gives drivers plenty of time to merge.  However, you know how it is.  Someone always thinks that where they’re going is more important than where you are going.  So they zoom all the way to the end of the lane that’s ending then cut in front of everyone to get back in line.

Today, I found myself inching over the middle line to prevent the zoomers.

I never do this.  And I don’t recommend it.

But you’ve seen this too, people like me who get tired of being cut off and attempt to stop others by blocking the second lane.  Well, needless to say, someone came up behind me and laid on their horn, eventually swerving out into the emergency lane to go around me and cut everyone off.

I knew it was time to go home.

My husband told me a story about the same type of thing happening in front of him on 64 (where, if you don’t already know this, is a construction nightmare on the east side of St. Charles).  He said one car moved over the middle line as lanes were closing, blocking people from cutting others off. Of course, someone else attempted to go around the vehicle on the passenger’s side.  Then he said the passenger of the first car swung open the door as the other was attempting to pass.  Interesting tactic.  Luckily, no one was hurt.

I almost forgot to mention.  As we passed the intersection of Arlington Heights Road and Rand Road, I heard a huge crash. Uh-oh.  I reached the front of the intersection. Yep.  It became clear that a pick-up truck had hit a car.  The woman inside the car was crying hysterically.  She had at least one child in the back seat.  The front lefthand side of her car was crunched like a paper bag. I could plainly see she was wearing a seatbelt and the air bag had engaged. Instantly I reached for my phone and dialed 911.  There was no way for me to jump out to assist without causing the potential for more accidents. If you’ve ever seen the amount of traffic at Arlington Heights Rd and Rand, you understand.

Shop Hoppers, be careful out there.  It’s crazy. Drivers are unpredictable, traffic and construction is maddening.  The main goal is to stay safe. I’m reminding myself.  I’m reminding you.  Now on to today’s shops.

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Fabrics Etc in Bensenville

One of the largest shops I’ve seen.  Lots and lots of fabric and notions and thread.  They had  a class in the back that must have held 60 people.  They sell machines, Bernina and Babylock from what I could tell.They did not have a basket prepared for the giveaway.

What I bought:  Fatquarters

Reluctant Assistant comment: ” Lots of variety.  The life size poster of that lady (Eleanor Burns) is a little scary.”

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The Quilt Merchant in Winfield

A charming store, very inviting.  Mostly traditional fabrics, but a nice selection of brights and batiks in the back.  They did not have a basket prepared yet for the giveaway.

What I bought:  Kaffe Fassett fatquarters

Reluctant Assistant comment:  “They will cut fatquarters for you.  They did for my mom.”

 

Still Hopping

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I managed to squeeze in another four stores this weekend…found the ones that were open on Sunday and headed out.  Alas, I did not bring my sidekick with me this time. He was devastated. Not.

Nevertheless, I was able to navigate these few on my own.

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Prairie Shop Quilts in Batavia

Lots of fun novelty fabric, including plenty for children.  I noticed many children’s patterns too. She also had a nice selection of batiks.  Active shop for a Sunday afternoon!

What I bought:  More food fabric for my son’s soon-to-be-quilt featuring all snack fabrics.

Reluctant Assistant comment: Not present, but he would have loved the novelty prints.

Prairie Shop Quilts

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Heading over to Oswego, just thought I’d mention this little tidbit for those of you who like to imbibe:  The Fox Valley Winery is en route from Batavia to Oswego, on Ogden.  I was so tempted to stop but unfortunately, I had to keep moving. But now I know where it is!  I’ll be back!!!

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Prairie Stitches Quilt Shoppe in Oswego

Very traditional.  But I loved the furnishings and the layout, it was all inviting.  While it has some modern fabric, it’s clear they specialize in loads of traditional fabric, lots of browns, maroons, very warm and rich. Large selection of wool in colors I don’t normally see.

My eye was drawn to a quilt on the wall made from their “ugliest fatquarters” contest.  It’s currently a raffle quilt.

What I bought:  Teal colored wool, Mary Janes Farm Magazine

Reluctant Assitant’s comment: Not present.

Prairie Stitches Quilt Shoppe in Oswego

Prairie Stitches Quilt Shoppe in Oswego

Raffle Quilt made from "ugliest fatquarters". Prairie Stitches in Oswego.

Raffle Quilt made from “ugliest fatquarters”. Prairie Stitches in Oswego.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Quilter’s Quest in Woodridge

This is a brand new shop–been opened about a week now.  They have 2000 bolts of fabric, with a goal of getting up to 6000 in the near future.  They sell Bernina machines and they also have just about the largest longarm in the back that I have ever seen.

They do not have a sign outside yet, and Woodridge will not allow them to put anything up outside.  Follow your GPS, then look for the Wood Craft shop.  They are to the left of it, behind the Baker’s Square.

What I bought:  Fabric for my stash

Reluctant Assistant comment:  Not present

Quilters Quest in Woodridge

Quilters Quest in Woodridge

 

 

 

 

 

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Quilt Fabric in Westmont

This is a very big store, with tons of fabric. They sell Janome machines and Innova longarms, I believe.  Be careful here…they don’t have fatquarters but half yard cuts.  it’s easy to buy twice the amount of fabric you intended!! (I did!)

What I bought: Fabric and some quilt stationary.

Reluctant Assistant’s comment: Not present.

Quilt Fabrics in Westmont

Quilt Fabrics in Westmont

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Shop Hopping in the Rain

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Nothing like a shop hop in the rain.  Unless it’s a shop hop in the rain with your edgy 10 year old son.  However, he did man up and take charge of the GPS, and we stayed completely on track the whole day.  Only 25 more shops to go.

He also helped me find some really nice fabrics…and he found a few of his own as he scheduled my time to make a quilt for his bed.

All in all, we got to 7 quilt shops today. We were given permission by all shops to show their raffle basket, so here goes!

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Sewing Concepts in Carpentersville:  Small shop but loads of Janome sewing machines and fabric with a very cheerful and helpful staff.

What I bought:  Some fabric for a quilt for my nephew and niece and their new baby.

From the Reluctant Assistant:  “They asked me if I actually want to ‘hop’.    I didn’t.”

Sewing Concepts - Carpentersville

Sewing Concepts – Carpentersville

 

 

 

 

 

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A side note here.  The construction near 72 and Randall is a nightmare.  Traffic was held up while the lights changed several times.  We were pretty backed up on 72 trying to get from Dundee out to Hampshire. If you can find another route, take it.  I’d try to avoid this intersection.

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Stitching on State in Hampshire:

Charming setting, with lots of great samples. I was drawn to some of the quilter’s jewelry at the front of the store.  Very nice staff ( I knew one of the gals.)

What I bought:  More fabric and a charm for my scissors so they don’t get mixed in with someone else’s at a class.

Reluctant Assistant comment:  “A normal quilt shop.”

Stitches on State in Hampshire

Stitches on State in Hampshire

 

 

 

 

 

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Quilt in Joy in Huntley:

Tidy little store with lots of lovely fabrics–brights and batiks.  I would have spent more time browsing fabric but my helper was ready to go.

What I bought:  More fabric and a “Seam Fix” tool.  I’ve been looking for one of these. It’s just a seam ripper with an eraser on the end to easily remove all the tiny threads on a ripped seam.

Reluctant Assistant comment: “I found a fabric stack (a layer cake) that will make me gain 97 pounds!” (Fabric with all snack foods on it).

Quilt in Joy in Huntley

Quilt in Joy in Huntley

 

 

 

 

 

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Woodstock Quilts in Woodstock:

Tiny little building that might be easy to miss…look for the bright teal door!  She had a nice selection of fabrics and was very helpful with directions.  Her raffle basket is actually a quilted bag.  So we took the goodies out of the bag to display them.

What I bought: More fabric..imagine!

Reluctant Assistant comment: “Probably the single hardest-to-spot building!”

Woodstock Quilts

Woodstock Quilts

 

 

 

 

 

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Royal Patchwork in Woodstock:

One of the larger shops with machines and fabric.  They were helpful in providing lunch menus to local places and offered suggestions.

What I bought:  Found some lovely fall/winter fabric — perfect for placemats!

Reluctant Assistant comment:  “Spent all eternity in this store.” (Mom’s note: it was time for lunch.)

Royal Patchwork in Woodstock

Royal Patchwork in Woodstock

 

 

 

 

 

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The square in Woodstock is really a charming place to visit–even in the rain.  The Public House looked like it had a wonderful menu, a place I would have loved to try.  Alas, we were on the lookout for a place with chicken fingers and fries. We ate at the BBQ King Smokehouse– tiny, but the pulled pork and sweet potato fries were pretty good.  You can also find a number of other interesting shops along the square, so you may want to take your time through Woodstock and enjoy it a bit.

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Material Girl in Crystal Lake:

Big, bright and airy shop with lots of new fabric lines and an emphasis on contemporary  and youthful fabrics. School was just out in Crystal Lake and teenagers wandered in and out of the shop. Fun! I had to take a quick pic of her “button wall”.

What I bought: More fabric of course.

Reluctant Assistant comment:  “They had a LOT of food fabric!”

Material Girl in Crystal Lake

Material Girl in Crystal Lake

 

 

 

 

 

Button Wall, Material Girl in Crystal Lake

Button Wall, Material Girl in Crystal Lake

 

 

 

 

 

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Pieceful Gathering in Fox River Grove:

Lots of primitive, darker colors, with lovely cozy quilts.  Wonderful selection of felted wools, even on the bolt. I’ll post their basket as soon as they send a pic to me!

What I bought:  Some felted wool.

Reluctant Assistant comment:  “They had cool toys at the front desk.”

Pieceful Gathering wools

Pieceful Gathering wools

Join the Northern Illinois Quilt Shop Hop

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banner-r2You have all summer!  From June 1 through Aug 31.  Get your passport and join the shop hop while supporting your local quilt shops!

Find out all the details here... including the possibility of winning a new Bernina sewing machine!  Each store will also be raffling off a basket worth $100 worth of sewing supplies.

You will get 15% off your purchase at each store on the day you get your passport stamped–how can you go wrong?

I’m going to visit every shop this summer, with a goal of finishing in June or early July.  I’ll be blogging about each store and showing a picture of each raffle basket. (with permission from each store).

I will be accompanied by my reluctant assistant who is in charge of the GPS.  We’ll be heading to your local store soon!  See you then!

Reluctant Assistant.

Reluctant Assistant.

Observance

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Hometown parade today.

Veterans, young and old, boy scouts, cub scouts and girl scouts, marching band, candy thrown to the kids, Knights of Columbus, Civil War reenactors, citizens waving American flags.

Memorial Day service in the misting rain.

Prayers, 21 gun salute, and Taps.

Fellow Americans, let us bow our heads.

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One Month Away

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In the bulb there is a flower; in the seed, an apple tree;
In cocoons, a hidden promise: butterflies will soon be free.
In the cold and snow of winter there’s a spring that waits to be,
Unrevealed until its season, something God alone can see.

 

Today I visited the community garden plot–one month away from the day I can start digging.  It’s a perennial plot, which means it doesn’t get tilled over every year unless I do it. The local park district tills all the annual plots.

This picture shows the remnants of last year’s kale, and the promise of next year’s raspberries.  I  don’t know what it is about gardening, but I’ve noticed that many people who like to sew also like to garden.   I’m not sure that the inverse is true. I am not an elegant gardener. (I am not an elegant sewist either.)  But if determination counts for anything, then I’m in with the best.

It’s getting harder these days to till everything by hand with a pitchfork.  I bought a Mantis rototiller a couple of years ago and I get my strong young nephew to help haul it and plow.  Last year, halfway through the plot he stopped and turned to me.  “This is hard work!” said the high school football player.

I laughed.  Kid, that’s just the turn of the soil–way more work to come.

Of course food is work.  For centuries, as human beings, we did nothing else but work for our food.  We survived long enough to reproduce and then teach our kids how to work for food.  Now our kids are all playing Minecraft–because food is in the pantry or just a run to the grocery store or the drive-thru.

Ah, but in the summer.  In the summer, food comes from the ground.  We share it with the ground squirrels and the birds and the bugs.  But we share it just the same.  And this fallow time of year is quite a reminder that the promise of new life is just around the corner.   Guaranteed.

Wonder Clips

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This one is for the quilters.  If you are not already using them, these simple little clips are just the best thing since sliced bread.  Made by Clover, you can probably purchase Wonder Clips anywhere online and certainly in your local quilt store.  They are like the invention of the post-it or the paper clip.  So simple I want to slap my head and say why didn’t I think of that?  Of course, they are nothing more than tiny clips made the perfect size to fit on a quilt binding.

I will never use pins again on a binding, as these are so easy.  And I just hate to be someone who endorses product because heaven knows, no one is paying me for the endorsement.  But doggone it, go get yourself a stack of these for your next quilt. No getting stuck by the pins as you stitch on the binding, no bending your pins because the quilt sandwich is too thick. Just move these little guys along as you go.  Easy as pie.

There. I did my good deed for the day.

Visit Your Local Quilt Shop Day – Thursday Jan 24

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“When I stand before God at the end of my life, I would hope that I would not have a single bit of talent left, and could say, ‘I used everything you gave me’.”  –Erma Bombeck

That quote stands 3 or 4 feet tall, posted high on the wall of our local quilt shop, Sew Generously in St. Charles.

I have seen first hand the heart, soul and plain old hard work that goes into running a small business.  I have seen the dedication of owners and the passion of associates, teachers, artists, craftswomen and friends.  I have seen fabric purchased based on the creativity and vision of youthful designers, classes and events offered to inspire, genuine support given to each other and to those in need.  I have seen gentle encouragement of the next generation of sewists, artisans and leaders.

It is good.

So run, don’t walk, to your local quilt shop tomorrow.  Show your support, let yourself be welcomed, and join in the community.