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It seems lately there have been a few threads where we as quilters/sewers have been complaining of less than stellar service in our LQS or other fabric stores (WalMart, JoAnn, wherever). I am just as guilty as the rest of you in coming here to vent my frustrations, and it saddens me that this is what we have migrated into.
So I thought it might be a good thing to have a spot to give praise for exemplary service we have received. So if you agree, please give the name of the shop/store, its location (city/state), and why the service was good. Also, if you know the first name of the person(s) who gave the good service, let's point them out, too. Everyone deserves a pat on the back now and then, don't you think? I'll get the ball rolling here: in Frankenmuth, Michigan, there is a store called the Front Porch Quilt Shop, just behind the main drag. It's owner is Jan H. and I recently was in there looking for some background fabric for a quilt I am wanting to do. I did not have the pattern with me, but found the perfect fabric. When asked how much I needed, I said I didn't know :shock: . The sales gal asked me what pattern I was doing and I told her. The pattern mentioned was not one she was familiar with, but I told her it was on the internet so she went to the computer, looked it up for me and let me take my time to figure out just how much of the fabric I would need (it was a "fat back", so I didn't need as much length of yardage). She gets a GOLD STAR in my book! Now, does anyone else have a stellar story to pass along? Don't be shy! Odessa |
I went to The Jam Patch in Stuart, Florida while on vacation a couple of weeks ago. They were VERY friendly and helpful. I bought a pattern and then they helped me select fabric and kept bringing out new bolts to audition with the fabrics I had liked. I ended up with some great fabric and a great experience. I went back the next day and bought the backing for the project so I'll have an entirely "Florida quilt". Loved it.
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Quilting Adventures in Richmond Va is a must stop and shop. Good selection of fabrics and the staff is awesome.
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The Quilter's Stash in N. Attleboro, Massachusetts. Now, mind you, I have not been there in a while since I live so far away, but I do remember them being very helpful whenever I was looking for something specific. It was a great little store, and I miss it.
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Classic Quilt Shop in Clarksburg, WV, is owned by Janet. She is so kind and helpful! Please stop by and see her shop if you are ever in the area.
The Quilting Bee in Grafton, WV, is owned by Becky. It's a small shop but expanding everytime I go in there! She is also very kind and helpful and I would encourage you to stop in if you are in the area...such as camping at Tygart lake State Park, just outside of Grafton! :) |
I must say two shops come to mind one was where I met OdessaQuilts in Mio Michigan Called Stitches For You. Wonderful people made me feel welcome while as I hung out waiting for Odessa to get there!! Hi Joyce!!
The other is in Hillman Michigan and is called Sandy Dee's they even offered me lunch one day. |
Candy's on Reseda near Northridge, CA. Very helpful and fun group of people. If you ask about a gadget or fabric. Candy will definitely try to get it and if she doesn't know about it she will go and check it out. Love the store, all 10,000+ bolts.
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This is a great thread. All of my LQSs are fantastic and have friendly, helpful sales people.
J & B Fabrics Rose of Sharin' Fabrics Galore Our Gathering Place |
From responding on a thread a couple of days ago another member(josi49) told me of a LQS in a town not very far from me(I went looking for it a month ago, but didn't find it, only ONE block from it). I happened to have a drs. appt. the very next day and left early so that I could FIND it this time. I stopped in before my appt. and bought a pattern and got my "key card" (to receive my 15% off all purchases) and told the saleslady that I would be back after my appt. I returned and picked out fabric to make two of my DGD's some apron dresses. Another saleslady helped me this time, but the previous one did recognize me from being in there earlier. Both were very helpful, friendly and I was greeted each time as I walked in the door. The name of the LQS is:
Heartfelt Quilting & Sewing, Winter Haven, Florida After I get these dresses done, I'll go back to pick out fabrics for the next quilt I want to do. |
We have two quilt shops here in Florence, Oregon: Joy Of Quilting owned by Loraine, and Wenzdays quilt emporium, owned by Cindy, they are both great, and they are so helpful,and very friendly. They make my color choices so much easier, and my quilts turn out so much better with their help. And the thing that I think is great, they are not in competition with each other, they'll gladly send you to the other guy if they don't have what you want.
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I love Country Quilts and Bears in Clearwater, Fl. The owners Marilyn and John, and the staff are so nice and helpful.
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I'm fortunate enough to have 4 quilt shops within 30 miles of home. I couldn't say enough good about all 4! The staff is helpful and yet ready to leave me alone to shop and think! If I do need help, they are very knowledgeable about their stock, and more than willing to special order something for me. I love them all! I guess I need to name them! All in Tennessee:
Pappy's in Maryville The Cherry Pit In Sevierville Iva's in Sevierville Mammaws Thimble in Knoxville |
If you're ever in Vanderhoof, BC, be sure to go to the department store (hey, if you are driving to Alaska you will be in Vanderhoof!!). The department store has a quilting corner the size of any other LQS and the owner is awesome. She actually ran home one time to get fabric from her stash for me knowing it would be a perfect addition to the quilt I was working on. It was.
I think any of the small town quilt stores will be super to shop in. Expressions by Ewe in Quesnel, BC is another one. I could go on and on! |
My "hometown" quilt shop is Bernina Sewing, Etc. in Ridgeland, MS. I've purchased a machine from them, taken a class and of course bought lots of fabric. They are a gold star in every area! I've also been to a couple other quilt shops and was more than happy with my experiences. One is Little Quilts in Atlanta, GA and the other is Lone Star Quilts in Arlington, TX. Both wonderful stores!!!
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V&S store in Coffeyville,ks.
They have name brand fabrics flat fold for 4.29. If you belong to guild 10% off.They want to be sure you get your yardage so they add several inches to it. all the gals there will help you pick out fabrics, just let you look or make suggestions. They will make special orders for you also. They have even set aside fabric for me until I can deside which I want so it won't get sold. They always ask to see the quilts afer they are made and now are going to post pictures of the quilts on a show and share wall. It's agreat place to shop but if you want a fabric you better get it quick, fabric sells fast because we don't have any other fabric store close. |
I thought of another one!! I had purchased some fabric for a quilt at Walmart and needed more, I told the clerk what I was looking for and she said she had purchased the last of the bolt but would sell it to me if I wanted it. She brought it in the next day for me. Now how nice was that!! The Walmart did downsize the fabric department but the two main girls are so nice helpful and interested in what I am making. I even share pics with them. They have gone into the stockroom to look for something specific for me too.
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Thimbles and Things in Orillia, Ontario, Canada. Sue, the owner, is fantastic :!: Great selection of fabric and toys. I have all my mq done through her store. The store is about 3/4 of an hour away but worth every mile :-P
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I have to give some kudos to The Marsh Store in Ilderton, Ontario. We were there almost at closing time but they stayed open for us so we could shop and the owners are very helpful.
Another shop I enjoy is Cotton by Post in Arva, Ontario. They just had a sale on a bunch of materials $1.44CAD per meter and Canadian tire money at par. Canadian tire money is a coupon that you get from the store so for every so much $$ that you spend you get so much back in Canadian tire money to use later. Once a year the store has a Canadian tire money at par week so it's great! they use the CT money for light and shelving for the store so it works out well for them as well. |
We have several quilt shops in Las Vegas. I have been to three and they were all great, but I truly love a little one on the west side of town. It's called The Christmas Goose. I have only been a couple of times, but the people are so friendly. Everyone greets you like a long lost friend. And it does seem like they consider all the shoppers friends, not just shoppers.
The place is on the small side as far as square footage, but huge when it comes to fabric and supplies. They have lots of classes and special deals. There is something going on every day. My favorite special is the one that on the 30th of each month they take 30% off all fabric. WooHoo! I just happened on that sale last month, but what a score. They also carry pretty much everything that is new. which I also love. Oh, and they have a Featherweight club which I plan to do next month. And the owners husband is an expert in Featherweights, so he can tune up my baby if it needs it. |
Robert owns and runs a store he named after his mom- Nancy's Fabrics. He is more than helpful and listens to what we women and men want and need. He has fabrics, notions, panels, kits, classes, and more. He runs a nice clean shop.
We have a fabric store called Friendly Fabrics. Don't know her name. Most of her fabrics are end of bolt, discontinued, and a lot of 10, 20, and even 30 year old fabric. She has oodles of cheater cloth and upholstery fabric. Old Schoolhouse quilts in Fincastle, VA is great and up for sale if anyone is interested. She wats to retire and spend more time with family. They are a full service quilt shop and alway's very nice and helpful. That's it. Wish we had more but then I would spend money I don't have. |
Originally Posted by Ripped on Scotch
Another shop I enjoy is Cotton by Post in Arva, Ontario. They just had a sale on a bunch of materials $1.44CAD per meter and Canadian tire money at par. Canadian tire money is a coupon that you get from the store so for every so much $$ that you spend you get so much back in Canadian tire money to use later. Once a year the store has a Canadian tire money at par week so it's great! they use the CT money for light and shelving for the store so it works out well for them as well.
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Here in Kalamazoo we have Quilts Plus, The Bernina Shop and Viking Sewing Center. The staff are all very friendly and helpful. At our place up north in Houghton Lake, Susie's Stitchin is another favorite of mine. Bob at Susie's Stitchin is the guy to take sewing machines of any brand/age for maintenance and repair. He got my old Singer Treadle tuned up and now has a 1950 Singer (Gear Driven) that I picked up last week for $10. Can't wait to get back there to pick her up!
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Mine is Kansville Quilting in Council Bluffs, Iowa. They were wonderful when I bought my machine so we went there to buy my sons. They took so much time with my son making sure he was at ease with his machine. They have answers to all my questions. And they always call both of us by name. I feel right at home as soon as I come through the door.
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Thanks, OdessaQuilts for the heads up on the Front Porch Quilt Shop in Frankenmuth. I will have to check it out next time I'm up there. I found a little shop in Millington, MI called My Little Quilt Shop where the owner was very friendly and helpful to me last time I was there. I was visiting family and bored so I went in looking for some quilt books to read - must have spent an hour talking to her and ended up buying books, patterns and fqs.
My favorite LQS is The Quilt Box in Dry Ridge, KY. They are always so friendly and helpful when I go in even if I'm not buying much (but honestly, how often am I not buying much?) and they have a barn sale in the spring and fall where the barn is filled with fabric for $4.50 a yard. This year I snagged a couple of Jenny Beyer fabrics at the sale. |
I should point out that I don't care about being greeted. If it's a store that knows me, I am always welcomed.
I do not want hovering staff, just want knowledgeable help when I ask for it Quilters Workshop in Newport, NH : Gail Peck, Rachael and I can't remember her name - all great ladies Quilted Threads in Henniker, NH - Becky and all the staff New England Fabrics Keene, NH - I rarely shop there because they don't carry fabric I like but the staff is good. I bought Jem Golds for my granddaughter and grandson and a Gold and Platinum for myself - good prices, know the machines. Portsmouth Fabrics in Portsmouth NH - great fabrics, helpful staff Log Cabin Fabrics, Ravena, NY - Londa VanDerzee's great Gloversville Sewing Center, Gloversville, NY - Diana Marshall is a gem. I bought my Bernina from Diana at QBL in the late 80s; and I still bring it to their shop for her husband John to service it. Textile Company Greenville (I think), Mass - vast fabric collection, staff very helpful - they don't take charge cards Southampton Quilts, also in Mass. Wonderful fabrics, good staff Cambridge Quilt Shop Cambridge Mass - good fabrics and help City Quilter, NYC - Amy and Cathy knowledgeable and helpful |
I love going to Scrap Apple Quilts here in Saint George, Utah. It is full of yummy fabrics, and lovely happy ladies always eager to help and greet!
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The Addicted Quilted and The Quilting BEE in Chesapeake, VA and Sew E-Z in Portsmouth, VA are all great - knowledgeable, friendly staff at each one!
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If anyone is in the Atlanta area two of my favorites are:
Sweet Home Quilt Company in Conyers. Melissa and Mike own the shop and are always available. Melli will find you just the right piece of fabric - warm friendly and knowledgable! A Scarlet Thread in McDonough is wonderful. Ask for Angela the Fabric Diva - she is fabulous. |
Whittle's Fabrics in Smith's Grove, Ky is a great shop.They are closed on Sundays and Thursdays, once when in the area with my husband I talked him into stopping so I could get a backing for a quilt. I jumped out of the truck and ran in the door. The owner was cutting fabric for a kit,no one else in the store. I mentioned something about him holding down the fort by himself and he said " Well, we are closed today."
I was so embarassed and tried to leave saying " OH! I thought this was Saturday. My husband's with me and he's never off work on Thursday" but it was Thursday and Mr. Whittle wouldn't hear of me leaving and let me pick out my backing. It was the fastest I have ever picked out fabric which wasn't too hard considering their great selection. I've been back many times and have always found all the staff freindly and helpful. They also have a web store with great service http://www.whittlesfabrics.com |
my glad experience was at hancocks on nw expressway in okc, ok. clerks name was april.
i wanted to make a quilt but was deeply stuck trying to select fabric. i asked if any of the clerks quilted and one said she did and asked how she could help. she came with me looking at fabric and made lots of suggestion, staying pleasant and helpful even when i did not like some of the suggestions. i suspect we spent atleast 30 minutes picking fabric. she looked at my pattern and helped me get the right amount of fabrics. that's a good shopping trip. |
There are a quite a few wonderful shops that I would consider “local”, but three really stand out.
The first is Quilted Threads in Henniker, NH. http://wwwquiltedthreads.com Gollytwo mentioned this shop briefly, but I’d like to add some comments. Becky Weber, the owner, believes in community building and making opportunities for people to share their talents and interests. She comes up with all sorts of innovative events with that goal in mind. Every two years she holds a Longarm Quilters Fair where the longarmers set up tables with brochures, samples, contact info, all that sort of thing. You can go from table to table asking questions, looking at the quilters work, seeing sample patterns, and getting a feel for which quilter you’d like to maybe work with. She also recently had a two hour lecture called “We are Not the Quilt Police” by a certified quilt show judge. It was all about what judges look for, how to improve your work to better please them, and all sorts of great tips. The house was packed! The staff is great and their selection of batiks is totally awesome!! The store was recently remodeled and has almost doubled in size. Becky will be displaying my 2009 Hoffman Challenge quilt after it returns home later this year. The second shop is The Quilting Corner in Tilton, NH. http://www.quiltingcornernh.com Irene Haley is the owner. This shop is only a few years old, but has lots of events and classes, trunk shows and shop hops. The shop is fairly small, but very friendly and eager to make you happy. Irene’s taste in fabrics is very similar to mine (small prints, calm colors, colonial tones, and cool colored batiks), so I always find a lot of treasures there. She lives in the same tiny town as me. The third local shop deserving of gold stars is, of course, Keepsake Quilting in Center Harbor, NH. http://www.keepsakequilting.com Whether you deal with them in person or online, there is nothing they wouldn’t do to make sure you have a good experience. They actually have a No Quibble return policy where you can get a credit or a refund on any item for any reason at any time. That simply cannot be beat! Unable to find a specific fabric I wanted one day, four clerks helped me look for 20 minutes until they found it. They are all quilters and they truly love what they do. It shows and I always leave there smiling. |
Mulqueens
Sally's fabrics Both in Mesa, AZ Great service and so helpful! |
Gollytwo and ghostrider have excellent choices for NH quilt shops.
Quilted Threads, Henniker, NH Becky Weber, the owner has a warm, friendly and knowledgable staff along with a beautiful store. Excellent selection of fabrics, patterns, products. Great online presence also, (online store front in progress). An amazing variety of workshops, classes and events for all level of quilters and quilt lovers. The Country Heart Quilters, Plymouth, NH Loretta Bothelo, a sweet lady and store owner has a great although small store and she's managed to not make the store look "stuffed". Wonderful selection of country/folk fabrics, patterns, notions/products. Offers a variety of classes with a nice classroom area. She's looking to relocate within the Plymouth area to offer more fabric/products and a larger class space, wish her luck when she finds a new home! Some others to visit: The Quilting Corner, Tilton, NH Pine Tree Quilt Shop, Salem, NH The Quilted Frog, Weirs Beach, NH Keepsake Quilting, Center Harbor, NH |
Ready to Sew Bernina is located in Cedar Park, Texas. (512-260-4100) The owner is Ronna Hammel and the technician is her husband, Mike. This shop doesn't get only a gold star, but a "Titanium" star. Ronna knows everyone by name and makes her store feel more like a home with a very well stocked sewing room than a retail business. She knows what classes to offer, takes suggestions for classes, finds qualified teachers, provides a great learning area, has samples of all the classes offered for that quarter, has complete supply lists with no last minute surprises and helps with fabric selection. Not only can she offer quality classes, but she can teach all of them, too! I have taken Bernina Guide classes from her. She knows her Bernina information forwards and backwards and can convey that knowledge to anyone. Ronna is a natural teacher and teaches to the individual, not to the class as a whole. I bought my 730 and my new 830 from her and all the "stuff" she knows about the machines!!!!!! Well, let's just say "Ronna knows her stuff"
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Betty's Bobbin Box, Odessa TX........really makes you feel like you are at home :thumbup:
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Keepsake Cottage Quilts in Bothell, WA (15 minutes from Seattle) is my local and favorite quilt store. I have been taking classes there for about the past 3 years twice a month. AND many additional trip. Julie is the owner and so great. Joyce is our teacher. We just finish Moda U and they give us gifts at our end of the year "brunch". Next month we're having a Pillow Thon day and just sewing pillow cases for charity all day. If your ever in the area stop by.
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One of the quilt shops near by made the list of 1000 places to visit in Massachusetts (along with the Kennedy Library and other historical places)
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Creations Quilt Shop in Duluth, Minnesota is my very favorite LQS. The owner, Pam, is marvelous and generous with her help when I need it. I often have trouble picking just the fabrics I want for a project and like to go in and look and look. She and others who work there ask if I need help and will if I say yes but just let me on my own if I decline. Even then someone will check back with me periodically to see what how I'm doing. I once went in with a focus fabric (owls) and bunch of fabrics I had in my stash, thinking I needed a couple others for a table runner for my sister. After looking (and looking) and getting more confused , I finally asked for help, Pam looked at all of what I had already and said I really didn't need any more fabrics and suggested how the ones I had would work. I only bought a backing fabric.
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Cottage Quilts in Fresno, CA. Everyone in the shop has always been helpful and encouraging. The owners Carolyn and David McCray have done an excellent job in selecting their employees. I am always greeted and then left alone to look.
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Originally Posted by Holice
One of the quilt shops near by made the list of 1000 places to visit in Massachusetts (along with the Kennedy Library and other historical places)
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