Two shops in Knoxville that I like are Mammaw's Thimble,4319 Papermill Dr, and Sewing Machines Etc. 8419 Kingston Pike. Also Mountain Creek Quilts, Rt. 411, Greenback, TN. You'll have a beautiful drive this time of year. I haven't been to Whistlestop yet for a retreat. Hope you enjoy your time in the States. The first two shops I mentioned are very close to interstate 40 as you go through Knoxville. Mountain Creek Quilts isn't, but it's a great shop. She carries a lot of wool for applique as well as cotton fabrics. Another nice shop is Pappy's, on 411 east of Maryville. (Between Maryville and Sevierville. There are many others sprinkled around, but these are my faves.