As for shops in the area, it depends a lot on what you consider "near there". We're rather spread out over here, just as you Mainers are, so we think nothing of driving 40-50 miles (only 20 as the loon flies) to get where we want to go. That said, some good choices for shops in that part of our fair state are:
The Quilted Frog in Laconia (opposite direction from where you're headed though)
The Patchwork House in Tamworth
The Quilt Shop at Vac'n'Sew in Conway
Country Heart Quilters in Plymouth
Allow extra driving time, that part of the state cannot be sped through...nature is sure to be a beautiful distraction. Enjoy your trip.