I'll probably never get a chance to participate in one because we only have two quilting stores in my town and they are both very small, but I would love to know what goes on during a Shop Hop.

Good question! I've always wondered about that myself. I'll be watching this one. Thanks for posting!

Well there are the one stop ones where there will be 12 or more shops that are all under one roof ( like a big hall) or there are the ones 3 or more shops that you drive to. You get a passport (sometimes free sometimes a $5 charge that goes to a good cause (like cancer)You get your passports stamped at each store and most will have a discount for you,(like 25% off all blue fabric or something...after completing all shops envolved you turn in your addressed passport and you are able to win prizes. a lot of fun to do with other quilters.

Never participated in one, but they do sound like a lot of fun. They have one in Texas, think it's goin on currently, can check out the details here quiltacrosstexas.com The way I understand it, you have to physically visit a predetermined number of quilting shops, in a given area (in this case, the entire state of Texas), and if you manage to visit them all, then you are eligible to win prizes. I seriously considered trying it, thought it might be fun, but at the current cost of gas, and the size of Texas, I calculated that I could just buy the prize cheaper in the long run. Think they also have similar online shop hops as well.

To make it enticing for customers to visit, many stores offer specials during the shop-hop. I believe there are door prices sometimes (depending on the area).

While on vacation a few weeks ago, I stopped in Kerrville, live in Houston and you have your "passport" stamped at the quilt shop. Texas is divided into "regions" so you only have to visit the shops listed. That is only shop I went to as my LQS did not participate this year. But anyways, while at the shop in Kerrville that first Saturday the ideas were swirling, the fabric/patterns flew to my fingertips, met some wonderful ladies, had a blast and pocketbook lighter! I want to do it again....

Can you be 'qualified' for the prize drawings if you only visit one shop? Thought the requirement was to visit at least 4 shops in each region in Texas?

No I didn't qualify but still had a blast. The fun part was seeing someone else's version of the same or new pattern and visiting a new LQS.

Thank you Carol and everyone. That answers my question. Just wanted to get an idea of what went on and how it worked.

To me it is an excuse to visit lots of shops, see lots of variety, and hopefully not spend too much money. The one in NC that is going on now covers 9 stores across four counties. One is very remote from the others, so I have to decide if it is worth it to me to get that final stamp.

At each store, we can also pick up a free pattern piece.

Cheers, K