Are you lucky enough to live near one or more local quilt shops? Did you know that many local quilt shops are closing?
We lost 2 stores over the course of four months – PRE 2020 – stores which had been around for years.
It was pretty crazy.
I’ve heard the blame be placed on online shopping, but as with most things I believe it more complicated. That said, let’s talk about the internet. It has served as a gateway to some great things – and if we’re honest, some really terrible things as well.
The positives? Lengthy, of course, but to start- it truly has made the world a smaller place. Information at your fingertips, clothes, household goods, pet supplies, and let’s not forget fabric.
I mean, come on – who doesn’t love to peruse the glorious offerings of Hancocks or MSQC?
And honestly – what a fabulous story Missouri Star Quilt Company has to share.
But on the flip side – though MSQC could be a case study on how to leverage the internet to your advantage – there can also be a negative impact to your neighbors down the street when we focus only online.
So let’s explore the top 9 reasons to love your local quilt shop:
Service
This is first on the list, because it is by far one of the best things about the LQS. They have likely spent years, in many cases, decades, building their community. They have done everything they can to continue to serve their communities in whatever way they could!
For example – many of our shops were doing curbside, mail order, and in one case contactless drop-off and pick up for machine repairs and quilting.
This meant, that when you wanted to order some fabric for those masks? You could call or email your choices – even if the store didn’t traditionally sell fabric online – and you could still purchase it. This was incredibly popular for people who were going through their stash at a breakneck pace.
Many stores are happy to mail your orders as well – so if you can’t pick up, don’t forget to check with them about other options!
Fabric
An obvious choice for the first item, but come on…. Who doesn’t love to explore bolts of fabric? To pair them up, see what works best for that new pattern you just got? Color is something that just can’t be fully appreciated on a computer screen. In person shopping is definitely my preferred way to grab fabric – I am never disappointed that way!
Obviously the rest of the list includes general perks, which may currently be unavailable, but definitely not forgotten!
Classes
I am using the word classes, but it is often inclusive of so much more. Think – monthly groups which meet at the shop, classes specific to a certain technique, open sew sessions, classes on how to use your new sewing machine and so on. These are really one of the best ways to add to your skillset, get to know other quilters in your area as well as get to know the staff at the LQS!
Fellowship
This goes hand in hand with classes, as well as simply the atmosphere of a neighborhood store. Between classes, getting to know the employees and owners, and running into other regular customers, it shouldn’t be hard to get to know some other awesome quilters in your area!
Fellowship can go beyond just the shop – are you looking for a charity to help out with? They probably have some connections for that too!
Inspiration
Inspiration can be found by way of store samples, show and tell in classes, new product showcases and so on. Basically – these shops are a treasure trove of fantastic little gems meant to excite you and they work hard to keep things fresh! They work equally hard to ensure that you have all the tools you need for all the things…
Even now, check the store website and social media to see if they are still showcasing things! Do they have an email list? Ask to be put on it for updates and fun happenings!
New Gadgets
At my favorite Local Quilt Shop, we normally have a shop show and tell along with the customer show and tell at some of the classes. This has put some people off in the past, though I’m not sure why. I view it as a great thing – I get to see stuff I might miss walking through the store.
After all – we are creatures of habit, and what if I miss those adorable cross stitch ornaments on my way to my favorite batiks?
Knowledge and Experience
Have a question on how to fix a problem with your quilt? Want to try something new and that YouTube video just wasn’t that helpful?
Your Local Quilt Shop has got you covered! The staff at your LQS is often inclusive of folks with decades of quilting expertise – in varying areas.
For example – at my shop, I have different peeps for different things. Fun and small projects, machine embroidery, scrap quilting advice, and machine issues – all different people.
When I am second guessing my color instincts? Yup- I’ve got a friend at the shop for that too!
I have yet to have a question that could not be answered by someone at my fave shop – and they are willing to answer questions over the phone as well!
All Things Old are New Again
This is one of my favorite realities when it comes to the world of quilting. Let me start by saying that the same cannot really be said for some of the other needle arts – take cross stitch for example. There are fabulous older patterns which can be sort of timeless, and then there are the ones that should be left in the past.
Really.
I love cross stitch but that era in the 80s with the homestyle/country motif is not my thing. Kind of like bell bottoms and platform shoes. KISS can keep the platforms (don’t get me wrong – I love KISS!) and the 80s can keep its cross stitch.
Quilting, though… that’s a horse of a different color. Doesn’t really matter how old the pattern is – you can make it current and relevant. Fabric choices will do incredible things to patterns. One pattern, on display with the sample has been disputed by many a customer – doesn’t look like the same pattern. The store sample is loved, the picture on the pattern – not so much!
So does your shop have a robust book and pattern section? Mine does – the book section has all manner of books that have been around for awhile, plus newer ones. But guess what? If I haven’t seen it before it’s new to me! This is the place I found Eleanor Burns’ Day and Night – check out my lessons learned here. The pattern collection is added to consistently and the owner knows her customer base – she always manages to find things to please them. But if you are just beginning your journey I encourage you to start checking out those “older” resources as well!
Not Just Quilting – Other Projects
I’ve mentioned at least one already – cross stitch. Your LQS may not carry needlework of any variety, but they might just carry patterns and have ideas for other sewing projects big and small. Things like little zipper pouches, credit card pouches, small and larger bags, sewing machine covers, and so on.
I’ve seen classes held over the summer geared towards kiddos – with small, easy to finish projects, as well as pre -Christmas shindigs designed to get some small gifts completed.
The point it – they very well might be able to expand horizons a bit!
Don’t forget – all of the shops have unique personalities – if you are lucky enough to have more than one or two near you, check out each of them! You may be just “ok” with the closest one, but that one a mile down the road may be your new favorite place!
Anyway – I hope that you’ve enjoyed my top 9 reasons to love your Local Quilt Shop! This year Local Quilt Shop Day is January 23rd – go ahead and show them some love in whatever way you can! Can’t wait until we can start taking advantage of all the benefits again!
Let me hear what you love about your LQS in the comments section and lets get quilting!