Have you been to shop hops? I went to my first one last year but only got to visit 3 of the shops. Was a fun day.

I would love to hear your stories about shop hops!

Craftybear

What is a shop hop?


Blessings, Ruth

Shop hops are when a group of shops get together and advertise to come visit their shops over a set amount of days. They usually offer a freebie, pattern or some other specials during that time. It affords them the increased foot traffic, and for the visitor an incentive to come shop their store again. It's like a quilting open house.

I've been on a few and have enjoyed them (except for the last one I was on). I go alone so I can do my own pace even tho' it would be fun to have someone along to share ideas.

If you get the opportunity, GO!!! And have fun!

We're having 1 this week in SW Michigan. Is it worth paying $15 to go shop and get free patterns, which I probably won't ever make up? LOL

I know the stores have prizes too. Not sure if you have to go to all the stores to be eligible or if each store has other prizes.

I've done one in New Jersey for the last 2 years. This year there were 11 shops included over a 5 day period, all over the state. For $5 you get a "passport" to be stamped. At each shop you get a pattern for that shop's quilt and a recipe based on the theme (this year it was chocolate!) and you can buy a charm pack for the quilt and a charm. They all had a daily doorprize and if you went to all the shops you were entered for a grand prize. My DH does all the driving, so I can go at my own pace. We have a great time, and have found a couple of new (to me) shops and some pretty towns to go back and explore.

I went to a shop hop and bought a kit. It had awful instructions and it was short about 1 1/4 yards of fabric for the background. If it had not been for a wonderful friend helping me, it would still be in the bag. We almost have it completed. Thanks to the dear friend.

My wife and I did a shop hop in 2008 when we first really started getting into quilting. We hit 17 shops in 9 days, I think. Of course we didn't win the grand prize, but it was a nice way to spend some time together and tour East TN.

We got 17 star patterns (still haven't made that quilt) and purchased a lot of fabric to start our stash. We saw a lot of shops that we didn't know existed and figured out which ones were our favorites that we would return to. We bought some rulers, patterns, and other tools as well.

The shop hop is a great way to see a bunch of shops in a short time, but the temptation to spend is strong. I would definitely recommend setting your budget before you begin.

Have fun.

Darren

Southern California has a shop hop coming this summer in June. 44 stores in 2 Thur, Fri, Sat, Sun x 2 weeks). Great giveaways, patterns, fabric. Shopping to the extreme! Have done it 6 times. Will go again this year. I think a total of 1500 miles!! Great to take a friend or two, eat out, spend the night in hotels, and see all the great stores.

I have been to the one in AR, for 7 yrs in a row. I do have fun, but have decided not to do it next year. It is just too far, and with the price of gas, not worth going.

I have also done one in Pheonix.