Fabric-ation

Most of my days consist of dozens of emails, telephone messages, meetings, questions without easy answers and talking, talking, talking. This doesn’t leave much time for myself and I know many of you are in the same situation. While we are more connected to the rest of the world than ever before, our minds and spirits cannot possibly keep up. In order to cope, I find myself creating my individual world that nurtures my own priorities and limits. Late last month I treated myself to a solo excursion through some fabulous southern California scenery and outstanding quilt shops. Currently, I have no time to quilt, but I was able to set aside time to be inspired (and to shop). I am calling it my Fabrication.

My first stop was at Temecula Quilt Company in Temecula, California. This shop was featured in the most recent issue of Quilt Sampler Magazine (their’s was the cover quilt). Located in the wine country of southern California, this shop features two of my favorite quilty things: repro fabrics and small quilts. During my visit, there was a group of ladies working together on their individual versions of a very scrappy quilt. I’d love a bright, fun, inspiring shop like this close to where I live. They have some great rolls of fat eighth cuts of fabrics (and smaller!) that enable you to add a lot of variety to your stash without breaking the bank. You can see below that I still did some damage in the breaking the bank area.

The next day I drove to the San Diego area and was blown away by the Country Loft. This shop was a combination of quilting fabric (with a specialization in fabrics suitable for primitive quilts) and country decor and accessories, including some antiques.

Lucky me, my visit was timed to see the shop decorated for the Christmas holiday.

I took advantage of the reasonable prices on old baskets and a great wooden box. They were less expensive than the same items (IF you can find them) on the east coast, although shipping stuff home from the UPS store was outrageous. Here are some beauty shots of most of the quilty goods I bought on my trip in my great new baskets and box.



Last stop, but definitely not least, was Fat Quarters Quilt Shop in Vista, CA. This shop has A LOT of bolts of fabric. They have an entire room dedicated to Jo Morton and another dedicated to Judie Rothermel fabrics. I appreciate all the online fabric sources, but how I wish I had easy access to a place that bought entire lines of all the Jo and Judie fabrics so I could get up close and personal with them. This shop has an exceptional website with loads of pictures so you can get a good taste of the shop experience.

All of these shops had wonderful, helpful staff members which really make these a “fabrication destination.” I cannot wait until I get a chance to go back to California!

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6 Comments

  1. Hey I just found your blog and was SO excited. I am going to San Diego in early January and have been trying to scope out some quilt shops to visit. I have never been to California and don't have a clue about transportation and we won't have a car. Is there a way to get around to the shops you mentioned? Any advice would be SO appreciated. My hubby's going so I HAVE to be organized if I try to attempt this. Please email me at ro****@io*********.net.

  2. I am so jealous I would have loved to take this trip too!
    great fabric purchases and oh I LOVE that basket and the wooden box is incredible,just love it!
    Kathie

  3. Taryn Thankyou so much for the journey. I almost felt that I was there with you. Another great shop is Autumnrose quilting. She is website only but sells in F8ths and 16ths so that you can have a little sample of full ranges including Jo's fabrics. Do wish I was with you on the visit to Temecula though. I too have Quilt Sampler thanks to my good friend Nancy and that shop is on my one day list when I finally manage to do the Big Trip 🙂 Love the Market Tote Pattern 🙂
    Hope you find a little time to PW soon. Great relaxation time.
    Cheers Lynne Melting in Adelaide in 39 or 102 heat.

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