Category Archives: Tu-Na Quilts

Tu-Na Travels: Day Seven, 259 Miles, 6 Shops, Only 13 Shops Remaining

Today would be a shorter day for shop hopping. My husband had a video conference meeting he needed to attend and had made plans to do so at the Brainerd Public Library. But before that started, we took an early morning drive to Randall to see The Old Creamery Quilt Shop. I featured it last year and I was excited to get back (you can read about it here).

There’s been a lot of changes at The Old Creamery Quilt Shop in a year. I noticed the new handicap accessible ramp on the front as we walked to the entrance which will make this quilt shop accessible to all and helpful for those dragging their rolling sewing machine bags. Carl, the husband of Linda one of the owners, showed us the new classroom on the main level that he is finishing as well as the longarm studio and the space where the knitters and weavers meet upstairs. We peered out the window at the new Woolen Mill that will be opening soon. Lots of changes and lots of fun happening here.

: We found this sign at the check-out counter. Tu-Na Helper thought this wording would be more appropriate.

We checked out of the North Central Region in Randall and received our incentive prizes of fat quarter bundles.

We each received a 12 fat quarter bundle by Paintbrush Studios. I selected the one on the left and my husband chose the black, white, and red. I like fabric prizes!

All too soon, we needed to leave and return to Brainerd in time for the meeting. I joked about getting to see the view again but this time coming from the other direction and in the rain.

While my husband attended his meeting, I looked around the library. Quilts were hanging from the ceiling.

These quilts are a sampling of the quilts made by volunteers for Quilts for Kids based in Pequot Lakes. The group started in 1990 and makes 250-300 quilts each year to give to kids in need in the Brainerd Lakes area.

Soon we were on our way to Aitkin Quilts & Fabrics in Aitkin where we met Kari Meyer. She’s doing the shop hop, too, and wanted a picture with Tu-Na. I am thrilled that my readers have been enjoying my stories and posts.

Hi, Kari! Thanks for reading my blog and following me. Did you finish the hop yet? How many shops did you visit?

This small town has two quilt shops to visit so after we were finished, we headed to Sew Much & More. Ina was digging in a tub of scraps when I walked into the shop. I walked around for a couple of minutes, just to be polite, before skipping my way over to the tub. Those were scraps that I wanted. Things started out cordially at first.

Hi, Ina! Nice to meet you. Can I have that one, please?

And then they got a little heated.

Just kidding. Ina was looking for strings to make a string block quilt and I was looking for small pieces or triangles that would be big enough to cut 1.5″ pieces for my postage stamp quilt. We helped each other find scraps. All too soon, we said our goodbyes and were on our way.

Today was rainy and cold and we had a bit of a drive to get to Wahkon where our next shop would be. I’ve visited there before but have always been curious why the owners selected the name: Country Caboose Quilts. So when I entered the building, I asked. Kim answered and then I knew I’d found:

Today’s Top Shop on the Hop

Back in 1995, Kim had opened Country Caboose Crafts and Quilts in a Soo Line train caboose right on their property. She sold handmade gifts made by herself and area artists. In 2003, Kim’s husband offered to let her take over the front half of his garage so she could expand her business. Luckily for us, she accepted his offer and added 30 bolts of fabric to her inventory. Within a year, she decided to discontinue the craft items and increase the fabric inventory to become a full-fledged quilt shop. They’ve since added onto the garage to increase her space making room for Kim to expand her inventory to over 3500 bolts of fabric and over 1000 patterns.

Country Caboose Quilt Shop is located at 108 South Main Street, Wahkon, MN.

The fate of the caboose that stood on their property took a turn for the worse, or the better depending on how you look at it, when the tracks needed repairing and the cost to make those repairs was more than Kim and her husband wanted to spend. They sold the caboose to a historical society and it was moved to Lakeville to be restored. It was then set in it’s permanent location in Northfield where the caboose was originally placed on the tracks about 100 years ago. If you visit the caboose in Northfield, you will see it all shiny and yellow now and “not the red that it was painted originally”. Kim should know as she had lived beside it and worked in it for awhile.

If you exit through the rear of the shop, you will enter a working garage. Kim’s husband tinkers and works on projects there, while Kim is on the other side folding fabric and chatting with her customers.

In addition to selling fabric and patterns, Kim offers a longarm quilting service. She was quilting on a longarm before she opened her shop. Kim started sewing at the age of 5. Her mother brought her upholstery samples from Dayton’s Home Store and she turned them into quilts for her brothers.

Kim advices new quilters to start small and not to jump in over their head. She teaches baby and lap quilts classes and suggests those sizes make good first projects. She says quilting is a great hobby as you meet people and share ideas.

While I was in the shop, a new shop hopper filled out his passport and Kim handed him a packet.

The pocket folder contains her shop’s block hop pattern, a 5″ charm square of the Quilt MN Shop Hop fabric, her longarm quilting service information, the Quilt MN Shop Hop newspaper with map, and the passport. That’s a nice way to send shop hoppers beginning at her shop on their way.

Each year, Kim usually uses the same block pattern titled “Railroad Crossing” for the shop hop. That block name is fitting for her store. You can see it on the left in the picture above.

Thanks for telling me your story, Kim.

For more information about this shop, see their website here. It just might be worth going out of your way to see it. Oh, and when you do, tell Kim Hi! and say Tu-Na sent you.

Kim received this Quilt Starter as a gift. It’s filled with genuine cotton seeds, just in case she wants to make another quilt or plant a cotton field.

We turned our Prius, now much heavier than when we had come, towards the next shop on our route. We arrived at Quarry Quilts, which I featured last year here. This shop is just as amazing as I remembered it from last year but a lot fuller with expanded inventory and Toni is just as friendly. I bought an unofficial Row by Row kit that fits this year’s theme “On the Go” perfectly. You’ll just have to wait a couple of months until I can reveal it.

We found a room at the Days Inn in Moose Lake for the night. Kathy’s Country Square was closed for the day but we’ll be visiting there first thing in the morning. We don’t usually reserve hotels ahead of time on the shop hop. At times it can be a bit stressful wondering if we’ll be spending the night in the car. In all the years that we’ve done the hop, we’ve never had to.

This foyer is decorated in the Northwood’s theme found in upper Minnesota. I never realized a moose’s head was so tiny.

We ate supper at Gampers, a restaurant and bowling alley. I must have sat in the right booth as my paper placemat sported an ad for the Quilted Dog which we would be visiting the next day.

Then it was back to the hotel for a bit of sewing and some sleep. Hopefully, the sun will shine tomorrow. On our way, we found a new use for canoes.

Do you think Tu-Na Helper would miss our canoe if I turned it into a flower bed?

Block of the Day

I purchased this block kit from the Old Creamery Quilt Shop. It sewed together easily. There was no title on the pattern, but Tu-Na Helper and I think “The Aquarium” fits or maybe “Fisherman’s Dream.”

What I Learned Today:

“Food is emotional,” said a speaker on the radio as we were driving along. I agree with that statement and my husband probably would, too. I haven’t had chocolate, a glass of wine, or a cup of coffee for almost 2 months. Need I say more?
The raisins in Sam’s Club Trail Mix are so huge I had to read the label to see what they were. Prunes, I thought; no, jumbo raisins, it said.
I have to keep my eyes open so I don’t miss seeing something interesting along the route. The movement of the car tends to lull me to sleep or maybe I’m getting tired. After all, shopping is hard work for hoppers, too.
I must be doing my traveling job well. My husband does the driving so my job is to stash the trash and pass out the snacks and lunch from the cooler: trail mix, pretzels, carrot sticks, yogurt, and herbed popcorn from Trader Joes. At least Tu-Na Helper hasn’t fired me yet.

Question: When you travel do you plan ahead and reserve rooms or tickets or do you plan to let happen as it may? Since we don’t know where we’ll end up at the end of shopping hours, we risk it and don’t reserve a room. Some vacations are well-planned but this one is just “fly by the seat of our pants.”

I read and appreciate every comment I receive. I’ve either been busy writing posts or shopping or sewing up those blocks so I haven’t had time to reply but I do plan to when I am home and recovered from the trip. Thank you for all your kind words and encouragement.

Thanks for stopping by and do come again.

Karen, Tu-Na Quilts

See my other posts about the 2017 Quilt Minnesota Shop Hop:

Tu-Na Travels: ♪Over Hill. Over Dale. We Will Hit the Dusty Trail. As the Quilt Hop Goes Rolling Along….♪

Tu-Na Travels: Day One, 352 Miles, 11 Shops, Only 55 Shops Remaining

Tu-Na Travels: Day Two, 334 miles, 7 Shops, Only 48 Shops Remaining

Tu-Na Travels: Day Three, 210 Miles, 4 Shops, 44 Shops Remaining

Tu-Na Travels: Day Four, 276 Miles, 9 Shops, Only 35 Shops Remaining

Tu-Na Travels: Day Five, 274 Miles, 8 Shops, Only 27 Shops Remaining

Tu-Na Travels: Day Six, 243 Miles, 8 Shops, Only 19 Shops Remaining

All the links to my posts for last year’s Quilt MN Shop Hop can be found at the top of this blog under the Tu-Na Quilts, Travels, and Eats title. Click on the Shop Hop tab; in the drop down menu, click on 2016 Quilt MN Shop Hop Posts.

At this time, I have no affiliation with any of the shops, products, companies, or services that I mention here on Tu-Na Quilts, Travels, and Eats.

Linking to:

Sunday Stash at quiltpaintcreate

Tu-Na Travels: Day Six, 243 Miles, 8 Shops, Only 19 Shops Remaining

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As we were leaving Wadena in the morning, I pointed to a quilt shop. “Oh, look! There’s one,” I excitedly exclaimed. We had already visited Hometown Crafts & Fabrics the day before but the shop that we were driving past just then was not listed on our passports to visit and I’d never been in it either. “If it’s not on the hop, we don’t stop,” reminded my husband. That was our mantra the three previous years we hopped around the state on the Quilt Minnesota Shop Hop. We’d repeat it in unison as we passed by non-participating shops. Sigh, I guess this year was no exception. I think it’s now become our motto and we’re sticking to it.

Finding our way through lake country was very interesting. Google maps on my husband’s cell phone told us to turn right onto a gravel road so we could head to the next quilt shop on our list in Park Rapids.

I raised my eyebrows and humphed, “This could be interesting.” When the Google Map’s app said to turn left onto another gravel road which looked less traveled than the one we were one, I knew we would be in for an adventure. But that adventure didn’t happen as we met a highway that took us directly to Monika’s Quilt and Yarn Shop.

You can find Monika’s Quilt and Yarn Shop at210 S. Main, Park Rapids, MN.

As I entered the shop, I couldn’t help but sense excitement building in the air. I noticed a grandmother helping her grandchildren pick out fabrics for a quilt project. I moved closer to listen to their conversation and soon I knew I’d found:

Today’s Top Shop on the Hop

As I roamed the store, I couldn’t help but notice a young man carrying bolts of fabric and talking to his grandmother about the colors. It was evident that this grandmother—Sue Harmon, a certified AQS quilt appraiser, teacher, lecturer, and a previous owner of a quilt shop in Illinois—has had years of experience in quilting and working with kids. She now lives in Park Rapids. Having started quilting in 1974, I suspect Sue is a master quilter who has sewn many quilts throughout the years. She shops at Monika’s frequently. Today, her two grandchildren had come along to pick out fabric. At first I thought Grandma Sue would be sewing the quilts for her grandchildren. My jaw dropped when I heard the truth; the kids would be sewing the quilts themselves. At a day and age when most young people are consumed with PS4s and texting friends, this was truly newsworthy.

Johnny Pfaff (no relation to the sewing machine empire although his mother wishes there was), age 12, lives in Illinois and was visiting his Grandma Sue in Park Rapids. Today, they’d come to Monika’s to buy fabric so he could sew up a generous size quilt to fit his twin bed at home. With his grandma’s help, he’d already sewn a smaller quilt which he called a bed topper. Since he’s a growing young man, he was in need of making a larger quilt; one that he wants to sew by himself.

Johnny’s picked his fabrics and has his pattern drawn. I hope they send me a picture of the completed quilt.

He thought of the pattern and after looking through some quilt books, he set to drawing his design. He was very definite in the fabric colors he chose for the top. He picked blue to match his room but is still in the market for fabric with whales for the backing. Grandma Sue had to help him with his first quilt but he is determined to do this one completely by himself even though he knows it will be difficult. “Hopefully, I will get a little better,” he said. He’s already drawn the design and is prepared to start the cutting. This is one guy who knows what he wants and is determined to see it to completion. I have no doubt that it will be done with as little help as possible from Grandma Sue.

Johnny’s excitement for his new quilt project overflowed. I could barely write fast enough while he excitedly told me about his past projects and working on this new one.

Quilting or quilt blocks are not new to Johnny. We talked about some different block patterns and he pointed to a quilt behind me. “…like that friendship star,” he said. I turned and looked and that was exactly what it was. Johnny says that his goal is to someday make (spoiler alert for mom) his mom a Siamese cat quilt for her birthday.

Johnny told me that he’s already sewn pillowcases with whales on the fabric to match his bed topper. I knew that Grandma Sue had already introduced many sewing skills to him and he would be doing fine on his new project. I suspect that Grandma Sue won’t be too far away while he works on his project lending a hand or giving a suggestion when needed.

I asked Johnny what prompted him to make a quilt for himself. “I saw my cousin quilting and wanted to make my own.” Johnny’s cousin, Julia Harmon, also age 12, lives nearby to Grandma Sue. She came along today to pick out some border fabric for the quilt she just finished piecing. She had left the shop for a few minutes while Johnny and I talked and returned with a couple of pillows, one of which she just “whipped up this morning.”

Here’s Julia with some pillows she just finished. Julia chose the fabrics in the center for borders on her quilt. It will be beautiful. Send me a picture, too, when you’re finished.

When asked how many quilts she’s made, she had no idea, “three or maybe 5 or 6 but this is the biggest one.” She says she started with a pattern and made some adjustments. Julia told me, “This is the first quilt I’ve pretty much done by myself.” At this point I was very impressed with her skills and abilities.

Julia’s quilt top is so large that Grandma Sue had to help hold it. It’s beautiful and the workmanship is impressive.

However, she continued. “I’m still thinking about the center (how to quilt it)”. That’s right! She doesn’t just piece the tops, she also quilts them. She’s planning on quilting around the star and adding some swirls in the black squares and some wavy lines using free-motion quilting. “I enjoy doing it. It’s time consuming.” Yes it is, but with Grandma Sue as a role model and with her encouragement, I have no doubt that Julia will finish this project and start more.

Now this story gets even better. Julia’s sister, Alessia Harmon, age 9, dropped by to see what all the excitement was about over at the quilt shop. Grandma Sue started teaching the kids to sew early by letting them sit on her lap and push the pedal. Alessia was about three when it was her turn to learn. She sews accessories such as sleeping bags for her American Girl Dolls. Alessia continued, “I’ve made pillows, too.” Her goal is to make quilts to give away. About 6 months ago, she made a quilt for her little cousin, Johnny’s brother. “He uses it all the time,” Johnny added.

Alessia showing her quilt. It’s perfect for a toddler and I understand it’s well-loved.

These are well-balanced kids. They also are active in sports. Johnny plays baseball, basketball, and wants to start either football or wrestling or both in the fall. He sees himself continuing to quilt for the fun of it. “I like quilting. It’s fun to do.” He’s an artistic person and wants to take acting classes to become an actor.

Julia has lots of hobbies and is also active in sports. She plays basketball, softball and runs cross country track. Julia is artistic as well and plans to make her room into an art studio. She also wants to learn to knit. I’m sure Monika could get her started with all the yarn selection she has in her store.

I felt honored and privileged to talk with these three, fine, young, people whose Grandma Sue lovingly and patiently taught them the skills they needed to sew and quilt. Under her guidance, she’s instilled in them a love for quilting. Thanks, Grandma Sue, for blessing your grandchildren with a love for fabric and quilting! You’ve given your grandchildren not only the love for but also the desire to sew pillows and quilts for themselves and others. Grandma Sue, with some help from Monika’s Quilt and Yarn Shop, is really an example of establishing a legacy of quilting love.

Me, Sue, Johnny, Alessia (in front), and Julia

Monika has owned her shop for 33 years. Originally, the shop started as an arts and crafts supply store offering framing services along with some gift items. It was housed in a building that once sold dresses.

As the business grew, Monika was able to purchase the adjacent bakery and renovate it to hold her expanding line of fabrics and yarns. “Best choice we ever made,” Monika remarked regarding her expansion and move towards selling only fabrics and yarns.

Monika’s has an extensive variety of yarns and supplies for your knitting needs.

Monika had great advice for new quilters which was very beneficial as there were two young quilters listening near by. She said:

Make sure you want to do it (quilting) because it becomes an addiction. It’s not a hobby, it’s a vocation.
Don’t be discouraged when you have little flaws. They become your creative license.
Interact with others to get the most satisfaction out of your work.
Give away some of the things you make and keep on sewing.

That’s great advice, for quilters of any skill level. Thanks, Monika!

Monika has a staff of 6 full and part-time employees. Her daughter is taking over many of the main duties. “About all I do now is toilets and checks,” Monika joked. I hardly doubt that as I saw her arranging muffins and fruit on the tray for shop hoppers, helping at the counter, and preparing for a group to arrive today on her day off. I suspect she just might have the energy level of the Energizer bunny.

Monika and I

Check out Monika’s website here for more info about this shop and the classes they offer. You will also find her bio in the about us tab. She’s written her personal story about growing up in communist East Germany. I wished I had read this before visiting as I would loved to have talked to her more. I will just have to visit again and with a sister living not too far away, it just might happen.

You will feel the warmth of a Northwoods Welcome when you visit. Oh, and when you do, say Hi! to Monika and tell her that Tu-Na sent you.

As we were leaving Park Rapids, my husband reached up to the rear view mirror. “I have to adjust the mirror so I can see out the back over the top of all that fabric,” he joked. It’s really not that bad but when I looked behind me I had to admit, there sure were a lot of bags.

Again we passed another quilt shop that wasn’t on the hop. That motto still held and we repeated the mantra, “If it’s not on the hop, we don’t stop.”

The next stop was Country Fabrics & Quilting in Brainerd. Chris Rosinger, a volunteer for the hop and a representative of the local Quilts of Valor group, stamped our passports and explained the quilt shop’s block program. For just a $2.00 donation, I could receive a kit to make the shop’s block. The shop let’s the Quilts of Valor group keep the money so they can purchase fabric and needed items to make quilts to present to service men and women. We felt that this was a worthy cause so Tu-Na Helper ran to the car to get some cash and I got two kits. You can read more about this national program here and find a local group if you would like to become involved. You could also stop by Country Fabrics & Quilting in Brainerd and leave a donation. They will be there through Sunday, August 13th.

Chris Rosinger and I beside an example of one of the Quilts of Valor quilts.

While in the store, Linda, a follower of Tu-Na Quilts, Travels, and Eats, caught up with me. While her sister was away looking at fabric, we snapped a pic together to make sister, Judy, jealous.

This is Linda’s second year on the Quilt MN Shop Hop. She’s a new quilter because of it.

Last year, Judy convinced her sister, Linda, to come along even though she didn’t even quilt. Linda is from Indiana and traveled up to join her sister to drive to many shops. Well, she must have been bit by the quilting bug, too, as she started quilting in October and has already finished 7 quilts plus 2 baby quilts. What’s also impressive is that she’s back making her rounds to quilt shops and enjoying the shop hop with her sister, again. I guess she’s been bit quite badly as she has plans to convince her husband to come along next year and travel the whole state for the shop hop. I hope we meet again, next year.

At our last shop of the day, Colorz Quilt Shop in Baxter, we again caught up with Linda and Judy. This time I took a pic with Judy, while her sister, Linda was busy. After all, I don’t want to be the source of a sisterly spat.

It was great fun talking with Judy and Linda (If either of you two want a pic without the comment bubble, leave me a comment with your email or send me an email thru the “contact me” tab above, and I’ll email one to you).

We also ran into some other followers of mine at the shop. Half the fun of the hop is meeting and talking with fellow shop hoppers and learning where they are from and how many shops they are planning to visit. Someone asked if we drive a motor home. I answered, “No, we drive a Prius. Do you know how much fabric a Prius holds?” “Too much,” replied my husband.

Score! I purchased two great fabrics from the clearance section. On the ground in front of me is the bag of 5″ charms of Quilt MN Shop Hop fabric and each store’s block pattern. I’m trying to stay organized until I get home and put each pattern in it’s own page protector.

I planned to sew tonight. After we checked into our hotel in Brainerd, my husband asked, “Do you want fast food, which will give you more time to sew, or a sit-down restaurant leaving less time.” My choice was to eat at a local restaurant called The Northern Cowboy located beside a lake just outside of Brainerd. The view was gorgeous and the food was delicious.

The chef had quite a challenge to cook something for me using my doctor prescribed dietary restrictions (low fat and no citrus, tomatoes, onions, chocolate, or alcohol–basically, if it looks or tastes good, I probably can’t eat it for the time being). But he accomplished it deliciously.

I still sewed a couple of blocks and cut out another one. Somehow, I figured I’d have more time to sew on this trip around the state. Maybe I should have investigated plugging my machine into the car, after all.

If this saying were true for me, I’d probably be getting a lot more sewing done. But I am finding myself at my machine more each day. This cute little block was found in a quilt displayed at Monika’s.

Block of the Day:

Today just seemed like a two block day.

This Quilts of Valor block kit was the one Chris at Country Fabrics & Quilting in Brainerd handed me. It went together very quickly. I thought about that group and how my little donation would give them a bit more fabric to make quilts to cover those service men and women with love.

I purchased this block kit, with an option to turn it into a potholder, from Red Pine Quilt Shop in Detroit Lakes. It sewed up quickly and is so appropriate for the theme of this year’s Quilt MN Shop Hop fabric line

What I Learned Today:

There is no hope of changing our motto: If it’s not on the hop, we don’t stop.
I am very good at eavesdropping. Had I not been, I would have totally missed this wonderful story about Grandma Sue and how she’s sharing her love and knowledge of quilting and sewing with her grandchildren.
Quilting will continue with the next generation.
From the look of the inside of our car, I am a very determined quilter with a fabric addiction.
Now I have a phrase for my mistakes: my creative license. Thanks, Monika!
Hotel rooms have poor lighting for sewing. I need to bring a sewing light along next time.

Question: Who quilts in your family? I come from a long line of quilters. My maternal as well as my paternal grandmothers, my mom, my mother-in-law, and now my daughter quilt.

I read and appreciate every comment I receive. I’ve either been busy writing posts or shopping so I haven’t had time to reply but do plan to when I am home and recovered from the trip. Thank you for all your kind words and encouragement.

Thanks for stopping by and do come again.

Karen, Tu-Na Quilts

See my other posts about the 2017 Quilt Minnesota Shop Hop:

Tu-Na Travels: ♪Over Hill. Over Dale. We Will Hit the Dusty Trail. As the Quilt Hop Goes Rolling Along….♪

Tu-Na Travels: Day One, 352 Miles, 11 Shops, Only 55 Shops Remaining

Tu-Na Travels: Day Two, 334 miles, 7 Shops, Only 48 Shops Remaining

Tu-Na Travels: Day Three, 210 Miles, 4 Shops, 44 Shops Remaining

Tu-Na Travels: Day Four, 276 Miles, 9 Shops, Only 35 Shops Remaining

Tu-Na Travels: Day Five, 274 Miles, 8 Shops, Only 27 Shops Remaining

At this time, I have no affiliation with any of the shops, products, companies, or services that I mention here on Tu-Na Quilts, Travels, and Eats.

Linking to:

Show Off Saturday at Sew Can She

Tu-Na Travels: Day Five, 274 Miles, 8 Shops, Only 27 Shops Remaining

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Just as I expected, morning came early.

There is nothing better than a bowl of piping hot oatmeal topped with spoonfuls of brown sugar, raisins, chopped nuts and some milk to get the tired body ready for another busy day of traveling and shop hopping.

Even the countryside seems to be decorated for the quilt shop hop. We had seen a barn quilt yesterday, too, but weren’t able to get a picture as we were in a hurry. Visit this site for a quilt trail map to see more barn quilts located in several counties in Minnesota and watch a video of how those painted quilt blocks were hung in Carver County.

We saw this barn quilt on the road between Litchfield and Kimball.

Our second shop of the day, Gone to Pieces in Kimball, had me very excited. My husband noticed the scrap bin in the back and I accepted the challenge to stuff that snack bag full.

I’m collecting scraps for my 1.5″ postage stamp quilt. I’ve cut and sewed several thousand already but have still more to go. I stuffed this snack Ziploc bag as full as I could make it and then added a few more pieces for good measure.

I needed a bit of help in getting it closed so while my fabric was being cut, Tu-Na Helper rose to the challenge and did his little magic of pushing and shoving that fabric into place. He worked and worked and finally presented the sealed bag. We all cheered. It was mighty full.

It took him awhile but he managed to get it closed. It stayed put long enough for us to pay, say our goodbyes, and get out the door. I also saw a good idea for making a ruler tote which I will work on at home.

We would be checking out of the Central region at Gruber’s Quilt Shop so we turned our Prius towards Waite Park. When we arrived, we were cheerfully greeted and had our passports stamped. Who could this gal behind the desk be? She was so full of energy and happiness. I had to find out. We received our incentive prizes: a Sewing Tidy and a Bangle.

We each received a Sewing Tidy and a Bangle. What’s a bangle? It’s that cute little metal plaque with a wire hanger bearing the state of MN.

Being the inquisitive type that I am, I started talking and asking some questions. This gal knew the answers. It was then that I knew I’d found:

Today’s Top Shop on the Hop

This story is about making a dream come true. For awhile now, I’ve been wondering how Quilt Minnesota and the Shop Hop idea started. I didn’t need to wait long to find out more. That smiling, exuberant gal behind the desk, knew all the answers.

Almost twenty years ago, Sue Poser had a dream of starting a statewide shop hop. She had been approached by Eileen Taylor, a representative of Moda Fabrics, about starting a statewide shop hop. Finally, after 5 years of thinking and hoping and wondering, Sue presented the idea to a tri-state meeting of quilt shop owners. It was unanimous. 100% of the shops were behind her. Sue worked to get the idea going in Minnesota. Business is slow for quilt shops in the summer in Minnesota, so a shop hop in August would help boost business as well as increase exposure for the shops. I am sure this dream needed a lot of hard work and long hours from Sue and a lot of support from the shops in the state to make this dream a reality.

This year Quilt Minnesota celebrates it’s 11th annual shop hop. Sue had been instrumental in starting it and keeping it going all these years. She has now passed on the business baton to another shop owner and is confident that the Quilt Minnesota Shop Hop will continue getting bigger and better each year. Sue’s enthusiasm and exuberance for the Quilt MN Shop Hop as well as for her own shop and personal life is unmatched. I think she leaves big shoes to fill.

Gruber’s central location in the state made it a natural choice for getting a statewide hop started.

The Quilt MN Shop Hop has seen more shop hoppers participating each year. Each year more of them have finished visiting all the participating shops in the whole state. Seventy-five people completed the shop hop last year with this year’s figures still driving all around the state getting their passports stamped, buying yards of fabric, and seeing quilting inspiration unparalleled in any state. It’s still not too late to complete at least three sections to try to win some prizes. The Quilt MN Shop Hop continues through August 13th.

According to Sue, the grand prize of an Alaskan Cruise is really meant to satisfy the men belonging to the quilters. While a quilting cruise might be a perfect prize for many quilters, the trip to Alaska would be of interest to both the gals as well as the guys. The guys, who escort their quilting wives or send them with friends to explore the many quilt shops all around the state of Minnesota and spend enormous amounts of money, would appreciate a trip and a cruise. This trip for two appeals to all ages and even for those who aren’t married (participants must be over 18 years of age to be eligible for state level prizes).

Sue (Gruber) Poser is the present owner of Gruber’s Quilt Shop. She is the third generation of Grubers to own and work in the store. Sue’s grandfather started Gruber’s as a general store in 1932 in a tiny town called Genola (population 97) located about 35 miles from today’s present location. That first store not only sold groceries but also had an award winning meat market. Sue remembers it as “a real Laura Ingalls store where you could buy anything and everything including fabric.”

About 20 years ago, Gruber’s moved to downtown St. Cloud. When the opportunity arrived a few years later, Sue quickly decided to branch out and create a quilt shop in Waite Park. She didn’t have to think long about it. Quilting was in her blood. “I love quilting. My grandmother taught me when I was 5 years old. I made yo-yos.” She continued, “A bad day ends good if you’re quilting. I do it one fat quarter at a time.”

Here’s the bargain room. I have to admit that I shop at the clearance sections first. I often find quality name-brand fabrics that I could use.

She presently has a staff of 20 full and part time employees including a 4th generation Gruber, her daughter, working right along side her in the shop. Sue boasts that 7 of her staff are pattern designers.

After shopping the clearance section, I shop the regular priced fabrics and quilting notions looking for items on my list.

Gruber’s has been in in its present location for 15 years after moving into this vacated furniture store. The painter decided the space above the quilt shop door needed just a little something extra so Sue gave him permission to do what he wanted. She was surprised at what she saw and a bit unsure if it should stay.

You will see this sign just above the door as you enter the shop from the interior courtyard. I had to admit to Sue that the first time I stopped at Gruber’s four years ago on the shop hop, I walked around the shop and with each corner I turned or doorway I walked through, my eyes got bigger and my jaw dropped more. I left empty-handed. I was overwhelmed. When I was back home after that first visit, I thought about that shop and couldn’t wait to get back to it to explore it further. There definitely is truth in that sign so be prepared to be overwhelmed when you enter or as Tu-Na Helper says, “Enter at your own risk. You may not find your way out for a very long time.”

Gruber’s tagline “The Quilt Shop for Every Quilter” matches the 10,000+ bolts of fabric and many quilting supplies as well as a yarn shop found within its walls. Click here to go to Gruber’s website to find out more info about this quilt shop as well as tour their online store.

Sue has seen a resurgence of knitting interest with the younger generation. Half of her staff knits.

Sue’s advice for new quilters is to find a group to sew with. She says, “It’s (sewing) social. Sew with friends.” I know that quilters make very good friends.

Gruber’s offer a variety of classes in their well-lit classroom. About 15 years ago, a retreat center was started to meet the needs of quilters who like to sew and socialize. Sue said that I had just missed seeing Amanda Jean Nyberg as she had been there over the weekend (I am a follower of hers at Crazy Mom Quilts). The retreat center has room for 15 quilters to sew, snack, and sleep. That sounds pretty good to me.

The classroom

Other quilting celebrities and important people have visited Gruber’s. Back in 2004, the shop received a phone call. “This is the White House calling.” Sue’s daughter, who had taken the call, suspected it to be a political call and hung up the phone. Luckily for Gruber’s, they called back but this time asked not to be hung up on again. Laura Bush wanted to come and visit a successful small business run by a woman. The visit was arranged and Mrs. Bush came to Gruber’s in August of that year. She spoke to female business owners right there in the courtyard. Read more about her visit here. There is a link to listen to her remarks, too.

Gruber’s prides itself in taking care of the husbands that come along with their quilting wives. They’ve installed a TV and some leather chairs for the guys in the large courtyard. “If we hear snoring, we know we did a good job,” Sue said smiling. In addition, the shop has a café located in the courtyard where meals and pastries are made by a chef who attended Le Cordon Bleu. Plan to visit Gruber’s to shop and stay for coffee, and then lunch, and finish the day with some dessert. Strolling through this shop just might take some time.

Sue and I are chatting at the tables in front of the quilt shop and beside the Café in this interior courtyard. You can see that sign above the door.

Gruber’s has benefited from the shop hop as it has given the store more exposure to quilter’s coming from many states in the country. They gave out 500 of their Quilt MN Block Hop patterns in the first 5 days of the hop this year.

This quilt, on display in the courtyard of Gruber’s, has all the block patterns from all 66 participating shops. Which one is your favorite?

I wanted to have stayed longer at Gruber’s. Sue has a zest for life and for caring about her customers, but we needed to be on our way.

It was hard to leave this shop as I felt like I’d just found a new, dear friend.

Plan to stop at Gruber’s, the largest quilt shop in a 5 state area, for a bite to eat and a bit of fabric or yarn shopping. But don’t come on Sunday (except during the shop hop) as they are closed because, according to Sue, “Everybody should have a day off.” When you do visit, say Hi! to Sue and the gals and tell them that Tu-Na sent you.

What’s this? I spied these state flower fabrics made by In the Beginning Fabrics on my way out of the shop. I’ve never seen them before. I might have to add them onto my list. I’m holding North Dakota’s state flower fabric on top of the bolts.

Block of the Day

I bought this cute Minne-Sewta Jar block kit from Gruber’s Quilt Shop which came with an option to sew it into a pincushion. Because of lack of time, but not lack of ambition, I wasn’t able to complete it, yet. I was happy I got this much done! Note: The pattern gives directions for making a 7.5″ unfinished block. If you are sewing your Minne-Sewta Jar block along with the other patterns provided by the quilt shops in your quilt, you will need it to be 8.5.” You can make the adjustment by cutting pieces B and C 1/2″ wider than given on the pattern and sew a 1.5″ x 8.5″ piece to the bottom. Just be sure to keep the lid on the jar so those dragonflies stay in.

What I Learned Today:

My husband is better at recognizing fabric manufacturers than I am. We were walking out of Dawn’s Quilt Shop in Alexandria when he stopped in his tracks and pointed. “Cotton and Steel,” he said. I checked the end of the bolt and he was correct.
I must be enjoying the hop. I’m forgetting what day of the week it is.
If the White House calls, don’t hang up.

Question: Have you ever been to Minnesota? I have been there many times from enjoying the big city life of Minneapolis to visiting my sister in a very small town. It’s a very interesting state.

Thanks for stopping by and do come again.

Karen, Tu-Na Quilts

See my other posts about the 2017 Quilt Minnesota Shop Hop:

Tu-Na Travels: ♪Over Hill. Over Dale. We Will Hit the Dusty Trail. As the Quilt Hop Goes Rolling Along….♪

Tu-Na Travels: Day One, 352 Miles, 11 Shops, Only 55 Shops Remaining

Tu-Na Travels: Day Two, 334 miles, 7 Shops, Only 48 Shops Remaining

Tu-Na Travels: Day Three, 210 Miles, 4 Shops, 44 Shops Remaining

Tu-Na Travels: Day Four, 276 Miles, 9 Shops, Only 35 Shops Remaining

At this time, I have no affiliation with any of the shops, products, companies, or services that I mention here on Tu-Na Quilts, Travels, and Eats.

Linking to:

Let’s Bee Social at Sew Fresh Quilts

Wednesday Wait Loss at The Inquiring Quilter

WIPs at Silly Mama Quilts

Finished or Not Friday at Busy Hands Quilts

Can I Get a Whoop Whoop? at Confessions of a Fabric Addict

Tu-Na Travels: Day Four, 276 Miles, 9 Shops, Only 35 Shops Remaining

26 Replies

When I walked into the second shop on our fourth day, Fabrics Plus in Marshall, the gal behind the counter cheerfully greeted me, “Hi, Karen!” Oh, my goodness, I thought. She knows her customers by name and I haven’t been back since last year’s hop—now that’s customer service!

With a smile like that, who wouldn’t feel welcome here? Tracy is explaining what Marshall Moonshine has to do with the Shop hop.

I was floored and flattered to find out that Tracy Veglahn, an owner of the shop, reads and follows my blog and had recognized me from my pictures on it. Fabrics Plus is a fun shop with friendly staff and we spent a fair amount of time there.

Each year, the Southwest section compiles a cookbook with recipes and a quilt pattern from each store. This year’s theme was “Get Crocked in the Southwest.” This year’s cookbook contains crock-pot recipes and the pattern for this lovely quilt above along with patterns from the 8 other shops in the section.

Tu-Na Helper said we needed to be on our way, so we said our goodbyes, grabbed our purchase, and off we went.

Heather’s Book Nook & Sew Much More in Granite Falls treated each of us to a dipped pretzel log. How did they know that pretzels are Tu-Na Helper’s favorite snack? Thank you!

Continuing on through the countryside, I begged my husband to stop just outside of Olivia, MN. I guess there still is a bit of farm girl left in me as I wanted to get out of the car to see for myself exactly how tall that crop of corn was.

I was totally amazed by that corn patch. I am 5″ 4″ and knew my dad wouldn’t believe me unless I had a picture with me standing in it. What do you think of that corn, dad?

We soon came into New Ulm, population 13,342, and saw:

Today’s Top Shop on The Hop

If Day Two’s post read like a love story, this one reads “A Family Affair.”

The Thimble Box is located at 10 North Minnesota Street, New Ulm, MN.

As I entered The Thimble Box, a pretty, young lady cheerfully greeted me from behind the counter. I made my way through the store and being the curious (although some would call me just plain nosey) type that I am, I ventured into a work room and discovered Brenda Seidl, the owner, doing a bit of work. Hexis were spread all around her and we chatted about them and the class she is teaching (pictured below).

It was then that I saw THE BOX.

THE BOX was filled with basted hexi pieces all lined up in color coordinated rows.

Brenda learned to sew from her mom and now Brenda is sewing for her mom. Brenda lovingly bastes them all and gives them to her mom, Judy Eastman, whom Brenda called the manager of the shop, to sew together into flower shapes.

There’s even a second box of basted hexis waiting in line for their sewing orders.

Judy loves to sort and organize the hexis and sew them together. She showed us her hexi quilt that she is working on and I asked how long that’s taken her. Brenda asked me, “Do you mean the first time or the second time?” Well, the story goes that Judy had noticed a problem and tried to fix it but the more she fixed it the worse it got. So finally, she just took that lovely hexi quilt top all apart and is now patiently sewing it all back together again. Now, that’s a dedicated quilter!

Judy, Me, and Brenda holding Judy’s hexi quilt. The countless hours are definitely evident in this beautiful quilt.

If you’re thinking that Judy is making a small quilt, think again. This is going to be queen size.

Even the back is pretty!

I asked for some tips on making hexis as I’ve wanted to start a project myself. I’ve been collecting 30s fabrics during the last two Quilt MN Shop Hops but have been a bit timid in actually starting. I stopped at just the right shop and asked just the right people for help.

These two are masters of this method and they willingly shared some secrets. Judy recommends leaving the papers around the edges until they’ve been sewn onto the next piece and then they can be removed. Brenda says to use pink silk thread to sew the hexis together paying no attention to the color of the fabric. I checked out Brenda’s class sample and it really does work. I’ll have to add pink silk thread onto my list.

One more picture of this box with precisely basted hexis waiting for Judy to work her magic.

I’ve been searching for a good, traditional 30’s solid green color of fabric to use for my hexi project and Brenda suggested Kona Old Green. I learned a few tips and tricks from these masters and Brenda sent a couple of little starter packages of hexis with me so I can give them a try. I’ve also been warned that they can be rather addicting causing one to forget about doing housework and making meals. Poor Tu-Na Helper. He may have to go out and buy himself a case of Hamburger Helper or Tuna Helper.

I also asked Brenda if everyone in this small town quilts or exactly how could this small town support not just one but three quilt shops. It didn’t take her long to answer, “We each have a different flavor. I specialize in wildlife, trucks, and dirt.” That took a bit of explanation which was accomplished by showing me the wide variety of hunting and fishing themed prints in addition to other fabrics.

Here’s two bolts of fabric showing some of the trucks and dirt that you’ll find at The Thimble Box.

I also couldn’t help but notice the number of panels hanging on the walls.

Brenda admitted that her accumulation and variety of panels started with her buying one. If you’re in the market for a panel or some wildlife, trucks or dirt fabric, this is one shop to stop at.

Brenda designs and writes many patterns and has them for sale in her shop. Her patterns are great for beginners, or those of us who learn by looking at pictures, as they not only contain clearly worded directions but also many pictures.

Don’t leave the shop until you buy this potholder kit. Unfortunately, I was distracted and forgot to look for some purple ones. Now I’ll just have to go back again sometime soon. And maybe I’ll have sewn some hexis to show them.

Those potholders above looked like thongs for the hand (I grew up wearing thongs on my feet) and reminded me of the purple thang story I wrote for Day Seven of the 12 Days of Christmas in July post here.

While we were in the shop, Pat brought in her quilt she made during a class that Brenda has been teaching. They were auditioning borders but I left before she had decided which ones to use.

Brenda tells new quilters, “Don’t give up at your first road block and don’t be afraid to ask for help.” She also says to give yourself 15 minutes each day to do something just for you whether it’s sewing or quilting related or not.

Brenda’s started a yo-yo project, too.

Brenda’s owned The Thimble Box for 11 years. The previous owner was going to retire and Brenda didn’t want to see the store closed. However, Brenda’s mom gave me the real reason; “Her husband told her she can’t bring anymore fabric home.” To learn more about this shop, like them on Facebook.

I could tell that this family has a sense of humor. Brenda designed this pattern for this year’s Row by Row and titled it. “Gas It Up.” This year’s theme is “On the Go.”

In addition to Brenda’s mom, Judy, working 2-3 days a week (and doing a very good job at managing, I might add), there are 4 other part-time employees. However, today, Brenda’s husband, Maurice, cut my fabric; her daughter, Chandra (the very same gal who greeted me so cheerfully when I walked in) was the cashier; and son, Tony, reshelved the bolt. This teamwork and dedication is why I call this shop operation a family affair—a family happily working together helping to make this a very interesting shop to visit. Oh, and when you do, say Hi, to Brenda and ask to see her mom’s hexi quilt and THE BOX. And tell them that Tu-Na sent you.

Maurice, Tony, Brenda, and Chandra. Chandra comes up from Florida for two weeks every summer to help her mom with the shop hop. Tony lives in Rochester and comes to help, too.

We headed back to the car and noticed this sign in a store window.

I think it’s missing the word “quilt.” After all, with three quilt shops in town, there must be a lot of quilters around.

I was up for a challenge at our next stop, Spinning Spools in New Ulm; just how full could I stuff that quart bag with scraps. I’ve been working on gathering, cutting, and sewing 1.5” squares (and even some 1” squares) for a postage stamp quilt.

My goal is to use all different fabrics in my postage stamp quilt so that means I need a lot of different little pieces.

This box of scraps was perfect and I accepted and met the challenge.

The zip lock bag stayed shut just long enough to pay for it and take this picture. I don’t think another piece of thread would have fit in it.

We checked out of the Southwest section at Sewing Seeds, also in New Ulm, and received our incentive prize. It’s been a few days since we’d checked out of any sections so receiving these prizes was very rewarding.

We each received a 12 pack of fat quarters of Wilmington’s Flannel Essentials for completing the section.

We turned our Prius toward Norwood Young America and headed for the new shop on the hop this year, The Quilting Grounds. My husband and I were a bit confused about the name of the shop until we stepped foot inside the door. Wafts of coffee scent greeted us along with several cheerful HI’s. While I perused the racks and racks of fabric and finally settled on a couple of yards of 30s, my husband ordered us smoothies. By the time I had paid for my purchases and we had filled out the info for checking out of the Southeast section, our smoothies were ready.

We received six half-yard cuts of bright Modern Solids by In the Beginning Fabrics for each of us. A fantastic reward for completing this section.

Each of the shops in the Southeast section also offered an extra special offer they called the “Two Buck Chunk.”

These chunks were a half-yard cut of Modern Solids by In the Beginning Fabrics for $2.00 with a $10.00 purchase (limit of 2). Of course, I couldn’t pass them up. After all, who doesn’t need more solids? Choosing was very hard to do. Here’s my pickings. I have 14 of them so one must be hiding in the accumulating stash.

We were just about to close the shop’s door behind us when Barb caught up with us.

Hi, Barb! It was so nice to meet you, Barb, (a reader and follower of Tu-Na Quilts, Travels, and Eats), and know that you’ve been enjoying my adventures and sharing this shop hop journey.

We picked up our smoothies and off we drove to see if we could arrive at the next shop before closing time.

I had the Peach-Pear-Apricot and my husband had the Four Berry Smoothie (blackberry, blueberry, raspberry, and strawberry). They were wonderfully cold on this hot day and very delicious. I highly recommend them.

We still had one shop left for the day, Quilt Haven on Main in Hutchison, MN. I featured them last year; click here to read it. Google maps told us we would be arriving at 6:03, 3 minutes past closing time. It’s been pretty accurate predicting our arrivals all along and it was exactly 6:03 when we parked in front of the shop. I quickly opened the car door not even sure if my husband had put it in park yet and hopped out. I checked the door and it was still open so I rushed in. I must have breathed a very loud sigh of relief because when I rounded the corner inside the shop two staff members looked at each other. “Should we tell her or not?” questioned one of them. “That the store is closed,” I said hanging my head in disappointment. “No, that we’re open until 7 tonight.”

Now, I had time to leisurely shop on the first floor and visit with a group of quilters on the second floor. I walked up and down the steps feeling like Scarlett O’Hara.

It had been a long day so we found a room at the Days Inn in Hutchinson and ate at the Tokyo Grill. Morning would come early again.

We started our meal with soup and salad. The shrimp and chicken were delicious. You’ll just have to take my word for it; my camera battery was complaining it needed to be recharged and so did we.

The 2017 Quilt Minnesota Shop Hop continues through August 13th so you still have time to join in on the fun!

Block of the Day

I purchased this block kit from Heather’s Book Nook and Sew Much More in Granite Falls. It is an easy block to sew.

A perfect 8.5″ square.

The pattern doesn’t include written directions so here’s some if you need them. Make sure you cut the pieces as given (8) A pieces at 1 5/8″ squares of white and (8) A pieces at 1 5/8″ squares of green, (4) B pieces at 3 7/8″ x 2 7/8″ of green, and (1) C piece at 3 7/8″ square of the blue background turtle. Sew one B to each side of C. Press your seams toward the dark green fabric. Make the four patches for the corners using the A pieces as shown on the picture on the pattern. Sew a set of them to each side of a B piece. Make two of these strips. Sew one strip to the top of your BCB unit and one to the bottom of it. Trim to 8.5″.

What I Learned Today:

Corn grows very tall in MN. They must have good soil and get a lot of rain or irrigate. The governor of North Dakota has declared 46% of the state in a severe drought.
My son sent me a picture of how the corn in our garden is looking today. It should be much taller by now. My grandson is 38″ tall. I’m sad, too, because we may not get any sweet corn this year. I guess if we do, it will be the right height for this little guy to pick.
My husband has now been promoted to Tu-Na Helper CEO (Carry Everything Out) by someone along the route.
Brenda Seidl has a fun and interesting mom, Judy.
Unwashed fresh farm eggs can sit on the counter for days. However, if you wash them, they need to be refrigerated because washing removes the protective covering. I give credit to Judy for educating me on this little fact. Without her help, I might have only learned three things today. Thanks, Judy!

Question: Have you tried English Paper Piecing and if so what shapes? I want to try hexis especially after today. My goal is to make a Grandmother’s Flower Garden. Armed with Brenda’s tips and enthusiasm, I have no doubt I will start soon. And if I run into problems, I know just who to call for help.

I read and appreciate every comment I receive. I’ve either been busy writing posts or shopping so I haven’t had time to reply. Thank you for all your kind words and encouragement. Eventually, I hope to reply to you.

Thanks for stopping by and do come again.

Karen, Tu-Na Quilts

See my other posts about the 2017 Quilt Minnesota Shop Hop:

Tu-Na Travels: ♪Over Hill. Over Dale. We Will Hit the Dusty Trail. As the Quilt Hop Goes Rolling Along….♪

Tu-Na Travels: Day One, 352 Miles, 11 Shops, Only 55 Shops Remaining

Tu-Na Travels: Day Two, 334 miles, 7 Shops, Only 48 Shops Remaining

Tu-Na Travels: Day Three, 210 Miles, 4 Shops, 44 Shops Remaining

At this time, I have no affiliation with any of the shops, products, or services that I mention here on Tu-Na Quilts, Travels, and Eats.

Linking to:

Oh Scrap at Quilting is More Fun than Housework

Main Crush Monday at Cooking Up Quilts

Monday Making at Love Laugh Quilt

Linky Tuesday at Free Motion by the River

Tu-Na Travels: Day Three, 210 Miles, 4 Shops, 44 Shops Remaining

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Day three on the 2017 Quilt Minnesota Shop Hop was a short day for us. We said goodbye to our daughter and her husband and headed onward with our journey.

I really like sky pictures and couldn’t resist taking a few. Last year I was shopping for sky fabric.

When we arrived at Michele’s Quilting & Sewing Center in Blue Earth, we were cheerfully greeted by Michele, her helpful staff, and several volunteers who were sporting red aprons. They were waiting for a bus to arrive but gave us a tour of her classroom with a new design wall.

Our next stop was Old Alley Quilt Shop in Sherburn, which I had featured last year. They needed a package delivered to Windom so we eagerly accepted the challenge and decided to make a speedy delivery there next. But first we needed to fill the gas tank. We get great gas mileage with the Prius but one can sometimes forget to check the gauge. Having seen the advertising sign outside of Old Alley, my husband eagerly handed the local Kum & Go attendant his quilting passport to receive 5¢ off each gallon of gas. Anyone who knows my husband knows that he likes a good deal. That meant that we saved enough to pay for part of the tax on the fabric I had just bought.

We drove past more corn fields and finally into the small town of Windom. And then I saw:

Today’s Top Shop on the Hop

The history of this shop reads like a love story.

Prairie Quilting is located at 1293 Hale Place, Windom, MN.

Twenty-two years ago, Kay suggested to her husband that she would like to open a quilt shop. So he moved his papers out of his office in his feed store and let her fill it with bolts and bolts of fabric. They’ve since added on a lean-to which holds even more.

So when Kay and her husband go to work each day, they kiss goodbye, wish each other a good day, and then head into their own separate spaces in the same building. They can work side by side, just steps apart, doing what they both enjoy doing.

When I walked into this quilt shop, I saw for myself how well stocked it is. Kay carries a variety of fabrics as she wants to appeal to many interests. She has a whole wall of flannels and many batiks too.

Looking into the added lean-to.

While Kay doesn’t have space to offer classes, she encourages her customers to make an appointment and she’ll work one on one with them offering them her assistance and advice.

Kay had never sewn a quilt top until she opened her shop. One of the reasons she wanted to have her own shop was so that she could learn to piece quilt tops. She sends her finished quilt tops to a professional longarmer for the quilting. Her advice is to “find one (longarmer) you are happy with.”

: You will find approximately 3000 bolts of fabric in Kay’s shop.

Kay advises new quilters to start small so they can finish the project. “Don’t start with a queen size quilt,” she cautions. “Don’t be afraid of color,” added another customer, who evidently has shopped here many times before. Linda (who lives in Janesville, MN but is originally from Windom) continued, “I’m still afraid of color but I’m getting better.” Kay agreed proudly as she’s watched Linda progress in her quilting skills. “Linda is becoming more comfortable with making her quilts look scrappy and now I’m starting to go the other way.”

: Kay, Linda (in front), and me. I wonder who gave Kay those flowers? Could it have been her husband?

Having only one part-time employee, Kay does most of the work of running the shop herself. She enjoys being part of the Quilt Minnesota Shop Hop and says that the hop gives her shop lots of exposure which makes all the work involved worth it. She also enjoys seeing people return to her shop each year on the hop. Check out her website here to find out more about this shop.

The store is small but Kay has a nice variety of fabrics and quilting supplies.

Some of the tasks she needed to do before being overrun with eager shoppers was to design the block and the pattern, print it, cut the 5 inch charm squares, and stuff them into page protectors. She likes to present them this way to her shoppers. She stuffed enough for 800 hoppers and I’m sure if more shop hoppers come, she’d be ready to make more.

This is a great idea. I think I will organize all my patterns from the Hop in their own page protectors in a binder. Thanks, Kay, for this organizing tip.

Kay concluded, “I am happy I can get up in the morning and go to a place I love to work at.” I don’t doubt that for a minute. After all, she’s working right next to her sweetheart. Put Prairie Quilting on your list of shops to visit and when you do, say hi to Kay and wave to her husband. Oh, and tell her Tu-Na sent you.

His and Her’s

Block for the Day

I purchased this Bow-Tie Block Kit from Michele’s Quilting and Sewing Center in Blue Earth. It sewed up quickly. The pattern needed just a bit of tweaking so if you are making it either cut the leaf and dark gray fabrics at 3″ square or trim the center 4 sewn squares to 5.5.” Then add the borders as listed on the pattern to make the 8.5″ unfinished block.

What I Learned Today:

Three and a half hours of driving between 4 shops only leaves one and a half hours for shopping before closing time.
My husband has a good memory. He remembered to give Kay at Prairie Quilting the package from Old Alley. Without him, it may still be in the back seat now covered with yards and yards of fabric.
Taking time to listen to other people’s stories is so rewarding.
Shop hopping is exhausting but loads of fun. It may not be as much fun next month when the credit card statement arrives.
It is definitely much quieter in the car today since our daughter is not in the back seat.
I do miss her and wish that next year she and I could shop the statewide hop together.
About the only way all these block kits will be sewn on this trip is if I figure out how to plug the machine into the car or sew in my sleep. I guess I should be thankful I got this one done.
I’ve learned a lot today.

Question: Do you buy kits containing all the fabric you need or do you prefer to pick out the colors yourself and buy from the bolt? I am buying many of the block kits for this hop but usually I prefer to pick my own colors and buy the yardage.

Thanks for stopping by and do come again.

Karen, Tu-Na Quilts

See my other posts about the 2017 Quilt Minnesota Shop Hop:

Tu-Na Travels: ♪Over Hill. Over Dale. We Will Hit the Dusty Trail. As the Quilt Hop Goes Rolling Along….♪

Tu-Na Travels: Day One, 352 Miles, 11 Shops, Only 55 Shops Remaining

Tu-Na Travels: Day Two, 334 miles, 7 Shops, Only 48 Shops Remaining

I have no affiliation with any of the shops or products that I mention here on Tu-Na Quilts, Travels, and Eats.

Giveaway Winners Notice:

The winners of the 12 Days of Christmas Giveaway of Tula Pink Fabrics from Free Spirit fabrics are now listed here and below. Congratulations!

The winners of a Holiday Homies jelly roll are:
Julie in GA

Maxine Shaw

Ledamewood (at) gmail (dot) com

Jeri Niesich

Kathy E.

jrquilts

The winners of a Holiday Homies layer cake are:

quiltsmiles

Jann

sewlost

Jocelyn

Janet

Christina

And the winner of the fat quarter bundle is:

Barb Kaup

Linking to:

Wednesday Wait Loss at The Inquiring Quilter

Can I Get a Whoop Whoop? at Confessions of a Fabric Addict

Tu-Na Travels: Day Two, 334 miles, 7 Shops, Only 48 Shops Remaining

26 Replies

Our daughter joined us for day two of the shop hop. Her list was short: thread. She has a finished quilt top that she needs to sandwich and quilt so she wanted to buy some good thread. I should have taken a picture of all she purchased. By about the fourth shop of the day, she announced, “I only had thread on my list and I haven’t even bought that yet.” She bought patterns and fabric and, eventually, the thread.

I am ever amazed at how different each section of MN looks. This is between Rochester and Winona.

We began our day at Bluffview Quilt Shop in Winona. I introduced myself as Tu-Na and my husband as Tu-Na Helper reminding the gals that I had featured their shop last year. The gals at the shop spent a few minutes trying to come up with a name for our daughter. Spoiled Tu-Na was their choice. I think Tu-Na’s Spoiled (pampered) Daughter is just about right; her brothers probably would agree.

My husband says, “Some lucky guy is going to get these shirts, when the hop is over.” These Quilt MN samples were made by Bluffview Quilt Shop. This fabric line easily lends itself to sewing for the guys. Do I have to make Tu-Na Helper one now? Nope, only if Quilt MN starts designing fabric with a Hawaiian theme.

We arrived at Quilter’s Dream in Montgomery around noon. We discovered a car show happening right outside the shop’s front door. The car show is usually held in conjunction with Kolacky Days. However, this is the first year it coincided with the quilt hop. The car show was a happy bonus for my husband.

tunaquilts 2a

After shopping, we strolled around town a bit looking at the cars and overheard someone talking about going to the bakery to get Kolackys. This bakery happened to be conveniently located on the way to our car so we ducked in to see just what these Kolackys were and why the bakery was jam-packed with waiting customers.

We had our choice of fillings: Prune, Poppyseed, Apricot, Apple or Raspberry. We resisted taking some of each.

While we were waiting in line for our turn in the bakery, we soon were in the presence of royalty.

This town knows how to celebrate traditions. Here’s the Kolacky Queen and her royal court.

These were definitely worth the wait.

We bought a half-dozen of Apricot and a half-dozen of Raspberry.

They were delicious!

After leaving Montgomery, I could hear rustling and rattling sounds coming from the back seat where Emily was sitting. I was wondering what was going on when she cried out, “I think I got bit………by the quilting bug,” as she continued to sort through her purchases.

We drove past corn fields, past farms and even past a wind farm.

I took this pic hanging my head and camera out of the car window while my husband was driving 60 mph. I think it turned out rather good.

Towards the end of the day, we came upon:

Today’s Top Shop on the Hop

As we drove up to this cute shop, all I saw was the front porch and the cute rocking chairs begging to be sat in. And so we did.

tunaquilts 13a

As we set foot inside Calico Hutch Quilt Shop in Hayward, we discovered more store samples in one location than I have seen in a long time. The shop also held more bolts of fabric than I could have imagined. There are fabrics to satisfy the taste of just about any quilter.

tunaquilts 14a

I searched the store for the owner to find out how a small town could support such a large shop.

Carolyn has owned Calico Hutch Quilt Shop for 15 years. However, she worked here for 10 years before buying it. That’s a lot of experience in buying, displaying, teaching, and making customers happy.

Hayward is a very small town with a population of 230 people. However, Carolyn has not let that stop her from making Calico Hutch one of the biggest and best shops around. They are located on the outskirts of town and conveniently located near two interstates, I 90 and I 35. It is the only quilt shop within 60 miles. Even so, their customer base is larger than that area and now boasts shoppers from France, Germany, Australia, and Great Britain all within the past couple of months. I tend to think a lot of hard work has taken place to make this shop successful.

tunaquilts 15a

Calico Hutch began 35 years ago when the previous owner decided to start a quilt store right beside her husband’s service station in downtown Hayward. This station was called Hutch’s Service Corner. When the shop started, calico fabric was about all that was available for purchase. Thus the quilt shop name was born, Calico Hutch. Over time, the shop expanded and moved into it’s present location in a building which once housed a Bobcat dealership and service area. While there is no evidence of grease, your husband just might be willing to visit here with you if you let them know that Bobcats were once sold here.

tunaquilts 16a

Calico Hutch has a staff of 20 to assist customers. In addition to a variety of fabrics, they have wool and hundreds of kits for your pastime pleasure. You can find more information about the store and their online shop on their website here.

tunaquilts 19a

If you are a new quilter, Carolyn says to find a project you would like to do because, “If you like what you’re doing, it will be fun.”

They also are a Bernina dealer.

I think I found the secrets to this shop’s success in a small town. Besides the friendly and helpful staff, they carry a wide variety of fabrics. Calico Hutch Quilt Shop is easily accessible off two major roads and has ample parking. In addition, they offer many classes, 8 clubs, bus trips, retreats, and participate in shop hops. All of this helps her customers stay current and active in quilting. Active quilters need fabric and when they need fabric a lot of them come to Calico Hutch Quilt Shop. You might like to, too. Oh, and when you do, say hi to Carolyn and the gals, and tell them Tu-Na sent you.

If I chose a motto for Carolyn, it would be this one. Within the hour I spent with her, I sensed the drive, skill, and compassion that is making this shop successful in a small town.

Block for the Day

The sewing machine hasn’t left the car yet. I used my daughter’s machine when we were staying with them. I just haven’t had time to sew up today’s block. It didn’t take long for me to discover that I’d have to choose between sewing or writing. Writing won, for now.

What I Learned Today:

My daughter still heeds and needs my advice. “When debating between two different patterns, buy them both so there’ll be no regrets later,” I told Emily at the quilt shop when she asked which of the two she should purchase. Later in the car, she announced that she was glad she had decided to buy both of them.
My daughter’s laugh is just like mine. That’s what the gals at Bluffview Quilt Shop told us. We laughed a lot there.
There really is some truth to the phrase “Like mother, like daughter,” at least in the areas of fabric purchases.
There isn’t much time left after we find a hotel and eat dinner in the evenings. Maybe tomorrow will be different.

Question: Have you ever tasted or made a Kolachy? What can you tell me about them? I had two aunts who used to make them. However, they spelled it kolache, and made them because their husbands had grown up eating them. I remember those wonderful, light, and airy buns with poppy seed filling.

Thank you for all the wonderful comments! I am not able to answer each one yet. I do read and appreciate each one and there have been some that have set me to laughing. Keep them coming and eventually, I will respond, probably when I’m back home.

Giveaway Winner:

The Random Number picked the giveaway winner for the Christmas stocking and all the goodies:

Random number generation / Random Numbers

Generate number between 1 and 110 = 2

Jean McKinstry July 25, 2017 at 3:03 am

I met you during the 12 days of Christmas Blog hop, and you are now on my blog list, I follow you with Blogger.

Congratulations to Jean McKinstry. Thanks to all for entering.

Thanks for stopping by and do come again.

Karen, Tu-Na Quilts

See my other posts about the 2017 Quilt Minnesota Shop Hop:

Tu-Na Travels: ♪Over Hill. Over Dale. We Will Hit the Dusty Trail. As the Quilt Hop Goes Rolling Along….♪

Tu-Na Travels: Day One, 352 Miles, 11 Shops, Only 55 Shops Remaining

All the links to my posts for last year’s Quilt MN Shop Hop can be found at the top of this blog under the title. Click on the Shop Hop tab; in the drop down menu, click on 2016 Quilt MN Shop Hop Posts.

Linking to:

Let’s Bee Social at Sew Fresh Quilts

Midweek Makers at Quilt Fabrication

Jo’s Country Junction

Linky Tuesday at Free Motion by the River

Tu-Na Travels: Day One, 352 Miles, 11 Shops, Only 55 Shops Remaining

37 Replies

Day One started early but not early enough as we got to our first shop 30 minutes after it opened.

We checked in at Bear Patch Quilting Co. in White Bear Lake, MN along with everyone else hopping around the state or so it seemed.

The shop was very busy and lines were long.

We each got a passport to present at each shop where they will stamp their space. One shop done!

After we left, I started singing.

♪ 66 Quilt Shops on the Hop

66 Quilt Shops

Drive up to one.

Lay the cash down.

65 Quilt Shops on the hop. ♪

My husband rolled his eyes as he muttered, “It’s going to be a long trip.” My family knows that I often break into song changing the words to fit the mood and the situation.

At the second shop (Country Loft Quilting and Designs in Forest Lake), I was tapped on the shoulder by Nancy, who had recognized me from my blog. I enjoyed talking with her and her quilting friend Vicki. I was so flustered and flattered to be recognized that I completely forgot to have Tu-Na Helper (my husband and official photographer for the hop) take our picture. So I’m hoping to run into you again so I can get one. It was so nice to meet you, Nancy and Vicki!

When we stopped at Eagle Creek Quilt Shop, I insisted upon having my picture taken under the quilt which I had forgotten to do last year. I have thought of a very good companion quilt for this one for my husband. I just might have to design it.

We soon came upon a very special shop which I will call:

Today’s Top Shop on the Hop

I knew there was something special about Millie P’s Quilt Shop in Anoka the first time I stepped foot inside the door.

No one should miss seeing this quilt shop at 219 E Main Street, Anoka, MN with the sign on the roof.

It’s such a bright and happy place. After talking with the owner and several staff members, I found out why.

Becky, the owner of Millie P’s, works hard to make this shop a happy place to shop and to work.

Our passports were stamped by the very charming Judy. She is an expert salesperson and you’ll probably be leaving the store loaded down with some of these great exclusive products from Millie P’s.

I am wearing the Baking Boa. Behind Judy and I are the One Hour Baskets. Both of these are kits containing fabric and pattern to make these exclusive Millie P’s products.

Here’s the pattern and charm square that Judy gave us.

Becky, the owner, started Millie P’s about 7 1/2 years ago. Shortly before that, she had just retired from the corporate world and spent the following six weeks organizing her house when boredom struck. It was then that she realized that something was missing. While cruising main street in downtown Anoka, she spied a vacant building which had at one time housed a drug store. She pulled over and spent three hours sitting in her car looking at the building and asking herself, “Should I or shouldn’t I?”

Well, the rest is history as Becky not only started Millie P’s but also has expanded the showroom space and the scope of the business to now include 22 employees (most of them are part-time), added a retreat center a block away, and produced some exclusive product lines.

These curated bundles (pictured above) are found only at Millie P’s and correspond to their specially designed patterns or can be purchased alone. They make great gifts and are a perfect project start for new quilters or experienced quilters who want a quick finish.

Becky’s Bundle of 6 fat quarters
Pearl’s Pack six 1/2 yard cuts
Myrtle’s Mix 12 fat quarters + 2 yards
Millie’s Medley 12 fat quarters

Millie P’s also offers a customer loyalty program. Each shopper’s purchase of fabric, machine rental, and notions is recorded. Once that shopper reaches $250.00, they receive 10% back. I like that Millie P’s keeps a computer record of it so I don’t have to keep, and ultimately lose, a card.

You will discover some very unique display cases in this shop.

Becky named the store after her dear mother, Millie Pearl, and fills it with bright fabric and batiks. She only buys fabric for the store that she likes. And she likes color! From the size of the store and the amount of shelves and display areas, I say, she also likes fabric, a lot! I think Millie Pearl would be very happy in this shop, too.

Becky quilted before she opened the store. She says, “Quilting is my stress relief.” I think a lot of quilters use quilting in that same way.

Even the restroom is a fun place to be!

The store is delightfully decorated with samples of quilts, aprons, bags, potholders, pillows and about anything else you can imagine that can be made from fabric. Becky says, “These samples provide the inspiration that is such an important part of when customers walk in the store.” You will certainly be inspired here.

Becky offers these words of advice for new quilters:

Take a class.
You are never too advanced in your quilting knowledge to learn something new.
Don’t be afraid of color.
Colors don’t have to match.

With quilting wisdom like that, beginners should feel very comfortable starting a project. Millie P’s offers a variety of classes and two retreats each year.

Just in case you are looking for last year’s fish, we found one at Millie P’s. We left it on the shelf but chose some 2 yards of this years Minnesota fabric to buy.

In addition, Millie P’s offers a longarm quilting service where quilters can become certified or trained to use the machine. Once completed they can rent time on the longarm to quilt their own quilt. It is located on the second floor. I wish I lived closer to Millie P’s. I think I’d be here a lot.

You can find more information about Millie P’s and their classes, clubs, and retreats here on Millie P’s website.

When you are in Anoka or the Twin Cities area, stop in at Millie P’s and say hi to Becky and the girls. Oh, and tell them that Tu-Na sent you.

Finishing the Metro Section:

We finished visiting the seven shops in the Metro section and checked out at Quilt Cove in Eagan. We each received a picnic cooler bag as the incentive prize.

The Block for the Day

I bought this 2017 Quilt MN block kit (Agate Reflections) from Quilted Treasures in Rogers, MN. It sewed up nicely.

What I Learned Today:

I better keep an eye on my husband or I’ll lose him. I had just left Eagle Creek Quilt Shop with my husband tagging behind. As he was closing the door, a voice said, “Here wait, I’m going with you.” It wasn’t mine!
Quilters are some of the friendliest people I’ve met.
I need to make my shopping list longer as I’ve already purchased most of it. (Shhh, don’t tell my husband.)

Question: Do you buy by the fat quarter, 1/2 yard, yardage, or only buy following a pattern? I buy fat quarters to add to my scrappy stash. Otherwise, I buy 1 1/2 yards except the MN exclusive fabrics which I have cut in 2 yards. However, if I really like a fabric, then I buy 3 or 4.

Thanks for stopping by and do come again.

Karen, Tu-Na Quilts

Linking to:

Main Crush Monday at Cooking Up Quilts

Monday Making at Love Laugh Quilt

Moving It Forward Monday at Em’s Scrapbag

See my first post about the 2017 Quilt Minnesota Shop Hop:

Tu-Na Travels: ♪Over Hill. Over Dale. We Will Hit the Dusty Trail. As the Quilt Hop Goes Rolling Along….♪

37 Replies

Yes, we are going to drive all around Minnesota for the 2017 Quilt Minnesota Shop Hop, again. This will be our fourth year. Last year we not only shopped but also took our first sailboat ride. You’ll find all the links to posts about that journey at the top underneath my blog name in a tab called SHOP HOP. Click it and a drop down menu will appear, click on 2016 Quilt Minnesota Shop Hop. I wonder what adventures await us this year?

Sixty six shops have been busy preparing for us and other shoppers to descend upon them and swoop up all they have to offer. They’ve been busy creating samples of quilts, bags, runners, and other fun things using the exclusive shop hop fabric. In addition, they’ve been designing their 8 inch finished block and cutting a 5″ charm from one of those fabrics which they will present to each of the hoppers for free. They’ve been assembling the incentive prizes.

This is the 11th Annual Shop Hop which brings quilters (and even some of their husbands) from all over the country to scour the shops finding inspiration, fabric, and a special kind of quilting kinship.

We’re all packed and headed down to our daughter’s house in southern Minnesota so we can get an early start tomorrow morning.

As we left North Dakota, and in fact all along the way to her house, we encountered lots of construction. We’re sure hoping this is not a sign of what’s to come.

Just how did we prepare for our quilty adventure?

Perusing the Quilt Minnesota Website

The Quilt Minnesota website is jam packed with all the information us hoppers need including a list of participating shops divided into sections, shop hours, state map, section information and incentive prizes, and the special Minnesota Fabrics designed and printed ONLY for this hop—I’m showing you a few of them here.

Many of the fabrics are available in several different background colors.

Programming the Route

My husband—lovingly named Tu-Na Helper by my sister on last year’s hop—put all the zip codes into the computer website, OptiMap. A minute later it spit out the route map in the order that we should take. While we know we will deviate from that route because of shop hours, it gets us going in the general direction and provides us a base to use the phone to navigate.

To navigate around, we use Google Maps on my husband’s smart phone. My husband puts in the address of the first shop from the OptiMap suggestion, and then when we get to the location, he puts in the next one, etc. Oh, I love technology! We’ll see how off-course it takes us this year.

The fabrics are an exclusive line designed by Emily Krueger and manufactured by Clothworks.

Creating My List

Tu-Na Helper wouldn’t let me go without a plan. So, yes, I have a list which reads:

Patterns

Florence Flamingo by Elizabeth Hartman
Lepidoptera by Elizabeth Hartman
We’re on a Bigger Roll by Java House Quilts

Books

No Scrap Left Behind by Amanda Nyberg
The Quilt Block Cookbook by Amy Gibson

Fabric

Laundry Day (irons, clothes hanger)
Kaffe Fasset especially olive green
Low volume prints
fabric with postage stamps
White on white
Minnesota Fabrics.

I wonder which fabric will be the statewide sell-out this year? The one most sought after by quilters. The one that those of us who didn’t pre-order will wish we had. My guess is the lady slipper or the birds will be the first to go. But could it be the fish instead like last year? My husband doesn’t think so, as he prefers last year’s colorful ones. I guess this year’s fish look too realistic for him. But, if given the chance I find some, I might get some anyway. Who knows? His preference might change.

Misc.

Small apple buttons

There are lots more fabrics to this line including a panel. Check out the website listed above to view them all.

Packing the Cooler

We carry a cooler for lunches. There’s a lot of miles to cover and not a lot of hours to do it in so we opt to eat in the car for lunch and splurge in the evening at local fare. We’ll be restocking at grocery stores along the way; in the meantime, we can enjoy a snack of string cheese and some baby carrots.

While this exclusive fabric can be pre-ordered, I, again, decided not to pre-order. Instead, I will hunt and seek and discover which fabrics I will buy limiting myself to only purchasing one at a shop. I call it a lesson in decision making. Which one can’t I leave behind? Which one do I risk but may not see again?

Deciding to Take the Sewing Machine

Some of you may wonder, why I would do that. Each shop provides a free charm square of this year’s Quilt Minnesota fabrics and a pattern for an 8 inch block. My plan is to buy some of the kits for those patterns and sew a few up in the evenings. After a few days, we’ll see how that goes and whether it was worth bringing it along.

The agate is the state gem. This fabric, by that name, is available in several colors. This one might be a contender for the first to sell-out statewide.

Reminder:

The giveaway to win the Christmas stocking and ALL the stocking stuffers I made for it is still open through August 1st. If you haven’t entered click here to go to that post and leave a comment.

Last year, there were mosquitoes. This year it’s the dragonfly.

The hop continues through August 13th. There’s still time for you to join in on the fun. If you can’t travel the whole state, you might like to visit just a section or two.

What I Learned Today:

I don’t need a lot of fabric but I sure do want some more.
Whether I am ready or not, the quilt hop will start.
If you see me out and about, please stop and say hi. I will try to do the same.

Question: What makes a good shop hopper? Help me list some Shop Hop Etiquette. It will be a good reminder for me. I make a point to stop and shop or at least look around each of the shops. We avoid the grab and go approach. We don’t look at the hop as a race to finish first. But rather think of it as an experience to be enjoyed. It’s kind of like stopping to smell the roses or in this case, petting the fabric.

Thanks for stopping by and do come again.

Karen, Tu-Na Quilts

Linking to:

Oh, Scrap at Quilting is More Fun Than Housework

Main Crush Monday at Cooking Up Quilts

Monday Making at Love Laugh Quilt

Moving It Forward at Em’s Scrapbag

Tu-Na Quilts: The Day After Christmas in July

11 Replies

I don’t know about you but the day after Christmas can leave one feeling a bit let down. Maybe you didn’t get the gift you really wanted. Maybe your family is leaving and you’ll be alone. Maybe you’ve eaten too much and now you’re feeling a bit guilty. Maybe you’re exhausted from all the hustle and bustle of the past 12 days.

Even though The 12 Days of Christmas in July Blog Hop is over for 2017, the tutorials will be around for a long time and you’ll be able to stop back and revisit those ideas you’re compelled to make. Hopefully, you’ve found a lot of Christmas inspiration during the hop and your list of “must makes” has grown. I know mine did. You will find recaps of each of the participating blog hop posts on each of my 12 Days of Christmas posts.

To make it even easier, I’ve also included the list of participating blogs at the end of this post which also includes all the recaps of each of those posts to help you and me find the projects we’re wanting to make. Now just to find the time to sew them all up.

Have you discovered some new blogs to follow? I know I did. And I gained many new followers, too. Welcome to Tu-Na’s. I hope you’ll like it here, be entertained, and find some new inspiration.

While I’ve been a follower of Sarah at Confessions of a Fabric Addict—the host for this blog hop—for awhile, I do want to give her another rousing THANK YOU. She spent a lot of time pulling everything together and getting us all excited and organized. She even found prizes for the giveaway. Speaking of prizes. Did you enter?

There’s still just one day left to enter the giveaways for some Tula Pink Homies fabric generously donated by Free Spirit Fabrics—today! To enter just comment on the participating blogs, there’s only a bit of time left and just like Cinderella, when the clock strikes midnight tonight, the fun has to end. For your convenience, I’ve put the updated list towards the end of this post which includes links that will take you directly to the 12 Days of Christmas in July Blog Hop posts. Sarah will be announcing the winners on August 4th and I’ll be posting the list as soon as I see it. And I’ve included the list at the end of this post.

Giveaway items of Holiday Homies by Tula Pink from Free Spirit Fabrics.

And don’t forget about my own giveaway which I introduced yesterday. I’m giving away the cute little mini quilted Christmas Stocking and all the stocking stuffers that I revealed (pictured below). Now that’s some really good news for one lucky person. But you can’t win it if you don’t enter. Check out my post here to enter by leaving a comment. You get a bonus entry if you are an old or new follower. The giveaway closes on August 1st. The giveaway is open international entries.

7.5″ wide and 9″ long, not including the loop.

The Pincushion Pail is 2.25″ tall and 2″ wide at the top.

Not including the leaves, this strawberry is 1.5″ long.

Pillow Pincushion front. 3.5″ square.

The comments for my giveaway have been pouring in and I’ve even shed a couple of tears and laughed out loud as you told me about the most memorable gift you’ve given or received. There are stories of becoming engaged, adopting a child, getting a pet, receiving sewing machines, and many more touching gifts. Many of the gifts you gave or received had to do with a quilt; one was even made with the shirts from a father-in-law and gifted after his death. Gail wrote,

The Christmas after my FIL died, I made quilts from his shirts for my MIL, husband, the three grandchildren and my husband’s sister. There was not a dry eye in the house. Here is a link to my blogpost about the shirt quilts. http://thecozyquilter.blogspot.ca/2013/12/the-quilts-of-christmas-2013.html

After reading that comment, there wasn’t a dry eye in my house either! I’ve been enjoying reading each one and hope to be able to reply to all but it will take some time. Thank you for sharing your story and your heart.

What I Learned Today:

I have some really faithful followers and readers who leave wonderful comments. As of midnight last night, you have left 397 comments during the blog hop and even more have come in this morning. Thank you for taking the time.
Sometimes, one has to remove the old and put in something new to freshen up the look. I’ve changed my header pictures. I think it really changes the look of my blog. What do you think? Email followers: if you haven’t seen the blog for awhile, pop on over to see the new look.
If only I could get my husband to believe the first sentence of #2, then I could redo the kitchen.
I am very sentimental and can get rather emotional.
This is my 14th consecutive daily post! I posted the day before the 12 Days of Christmas in July Blog Hop started, then each of the 12 days, and finally this day after. I think tomorrow I’ll take a break and get some sewing done.
I have three bee blocks to be sewed and mailed before month’s end. I’m not behind yet, but it’s getting close!
There are only 2 more days until the 2018 Quilt Minnesota Shop Hop begins. Will Tu-Na and Tu-Na Helper go this year again or sit this one out? What do you think?.

Question: Do you shop the After Christmas Sales, either in the store or online, or find it not worthwhile? I usually take advantage of the sales after Thanksgiving rather than Christmas. The days after Christmas usually finds us either hosting family or cleaning up after they’ve left.

July 14-25, 2017 Hosted by Sarah at Confessions of a Fabric Addict.

Direct links to the 2017 12 Days of Christmas in July Blog Hop posts:

Friday, July 14th

Confessions of a Fabric Addict Sarah will be offering a quilt-along during these 12 days. Her post gives fabric requirements and cutting instructions. I hope you will join along as we sew our way through the rest of July. If you can’t participate now, remember this quick, easy tutorial when you need a quilt pieced NOW.

Santa’s Trip Around the World Quilt Along

From My Carolina Home Carole makes sewing a zippered bag look easy. She offers the free tutorial and gives directions and pictures. Take it one step at a time and you’ll soon have one (maybe more if you can’t stop making these) gift made for someone on your list.

Vrooman’s Quilts If you have kids or grandkids, you might like to see these ornaments out of CDs that the kids can make. Jump start the little ones creativity, today!

Pampered Pettit Are your pillows looking tired and worn? Breathe new life into them with Brandy’s quick pillow sham/covering tutorial. You could also make new covers for your existing pillows in pretty holiday fabrics and add some holiday cheer to your sofa/couch.

Saturday, July 15th

Citymousequilter Grace won’t be left without a sock—to hang on the mantel at Christmas time that is. See how she constructs a string-pieced stocking both with and without a cuff.

Vicki’s Crafts and Quilting Vicki shows a new pattern she just released on the Craftsy site. If you want to make a fun table runner with snowmen dudes, check out her blog. She has a link to the pattern. It sure looks like fun!

Quilting Fun Pam makes a quilt and gives a couple good tips (what she uses to make a circle and how she does the center of the circle) as she quilts a circular pattern around her quilt. I thank you for them!

Sunday, July 16th

Confessions of a Fabric Addict Sarah gives us our sewing assignment for Santa’s Trip Around the World quilt and also shows some great decorating and gift ideas that you could make for someone on your list. Are you sewing along? I’ll show my pics soon.

Swimming in a Sea of Estrogen Amy won’t be burning her fingers this year when she pulls hot bowls out of the microwave. If you’ve been wanting to make yourself or someone on your Christmas list some microwave bowl cozies or if you have no idea what these are, you’ll want to hop right on over to her blog to see how really easy and fast these are to stitch.

Everyone Deserves a Quilt Do you set up a Christmas tree? Joanne’s got you covered if you do. Well, your tree that is. She has a tutorial for a tree skirt that looks mighty festive. You might want to check it out.

Cheryl’s Teapots2Quilting If you haven’t found anything to make for those on your list yet, don’t worry, Cheryl’s posting lots of ideas with more to follow. She’s also giving away three mini kits so you might like to leave a comment on her blog if you want to win one and really get a jump on your holiday making.

Monday, July 17th

Confessions of a Fabric Addict Sarah gives us another sewing assignment just like the others. She’s found some great looking origami ornaments to show us and we can make them too.

Tu-Na Quilts, Travels, and Eats You are here. I am making sure no quilter will be unhappy with all the stuffers she’s put in her stocking. Do you have kids or grandkids? Karen also includes a tutorial for helping kids make a Wreath so everyone can help you decorate for the holidays.

Pieceful Thoughts of My Quilting Life Wendy adds a colorful touch to the holidays by showing how to color some holiday cheer with the children. You’ll be running for your box of crayons after reading this.

Crayon Box Quilt Studio Michele made a Christmas quilt. She shows how using charms, half charms, and sashing can make a beautiful quilt for anytime of the year. Look closely at the pics to see some design inspiration in her quilting.

Tuesday, July 18th

Confessions of a Fabric Addict Sarah gives us our next sewing assignment which is just like the others; sewing one final strip set. She promises something different for tomorrow. In the meantime, I’ve got some sewing to catch up on. How about you?

Seams To Be Sew Do you need new ornaments for your tree? Marian shows us how to make some simple ones from fabric. For only a short time spent, you can give your tree a new look this year.

Stitchin at Home Cindy is spreading a little JOY at Christmas time this year. This super cute project just might be on your list to make this year.

Domestic Felicity Anita’s stitching up some Christmas cards on her blog today. Or you could use this cute idea for some really fun gift tags.

Wednesday, July 19th

Confessions of a Fabric Addict Sarah’s got us sewing the next step on our quilt along.

The Colorful Fabriholic Jan found the perfect solution for those of us with limited space but still having a desire to put up a Christmas tree. Making one of these is definitely on my list to do.

Smiles From Kate Kate’s drawn some cute holiday pillow covers that can stay around longer than just Christmas. Even if the weather warms and you haven’t put them away, they won’t be melting anything except maybe your heart.

Thursday, July 20th

Confessions of a Fabric Addict Sarah’s posted the next set of instructions for the Santa’s Trip Around the World Quilt: a little bit of ripping and a bit more sewing, pressing included.

Cheryl’s Teapots2Quilting Cheryl’s post is filled with 10 more ideas of gifts to make and give away or even keep for yourself. I found one or two that I put on my must make list. Maybe you will, too.

The Inquiring Quilter Are you needing a quick table runner pattern? Jennifer is one talented quilter who’s designed a beauty that will leave you lots of time to either make more or turn some into a quilt. I’m putting this one on my list to make. You might like to, too.

Selina Quilts Selina’s suggesting making some vinyl bags for someone on your list. She’s posted the link to the free pattern and tutorial. She also gives a hint for sewing with vinyl. I often forget about how great these are for gifts and great to use for myself.

Friday, July 21st

Confessions of a Fabric Addict Sarah’s giving us the next set of instructions which includes more of the same of yesterdays. You should be seeing your quilt starting to take shape now. Unless you’re a tad behind, like me, but don’t fear, I bet we’ll be doing the same assignment for the next few days. She’s also sharing a couple of ideas on how to start your holiday morning right with a cute breakfast idea the kids, of any age will love as well as sharing some snacks and treats.

Katie Mae Quilts If you think your quilt borders are getting rather boring, you might like to check out Kate’s technique for a jazzy new idea and great instructions on how you can make it too.

Quilted Blooms Hands down! Paige has designed one clever pillow cover that will get the whole family involved. If you agree that Christmas is a great time for creating new memories or traditions, this idea won’t disappoint.

QuiltFabrication Susan’s designed a fantastic coaster idea; they can’t get any prettier or more festive than that. Using her easy tutorial, which includes lots of pictures, you’ll be making lots of these to tuck in Christmas stockings this year. The people on your Christmas list will be thanking you for sure.

Saturday, July 22nd

Confessions of a Fabric Addict Sarah gives the next sewing assignment for Santa’s Trip Around the World Quilt Along which is a repeat of the past two days. She’s also found some great kid’s Christmas craft ideas which are fun for kids of any age including those of us who are young at heart.

Devoted Quilter Leanne’s been freely sewing with her machine and has stitched up some quilty tree ornaments. Bonus: you can practice your free-motion quilting at the same time.

Kathy’s Kwilts and More Kathy shows how easy making a pillow cover is. You might be able to stitch up several in an afternoon following her directions unless you decide to use one to lay down and take a nap.

All Points of the Compass Jean’s post is really a hoot! She’s sewing some parliament members that are looking really wide-eyed and fun. Who wouldn’t want to sew one on the front of a bag? Who wouldn’t want to stitch one for a banner or flag? Who wouldn’t want to receive a pillow cover with one on the front? (Jean’s been tracking all the bloggers through the hop. Her posts are really fun to read.)

Sunday, July 23rd

Confessions of a Fabric Addict Today’s assignment is just as I suspected; finishing the final quarter for the Santa’s Trip Around the World Quilt so be prepared for a new assignment tomorrow. Sarah’s also sharing a bunch of ideas for cute. little gifts to give quilters. You may just want to make one of each for yourself, too.

Mel’s Quilting Blog Meloney’s sharing a trio of little gift ideas that are perfect for teachers, or guild members, or neighbors. No one on your list needs to be left crying or looking for a tissue. Go see for yourself.

Resourceful Momma Mel persevered some obstacles to create a cute little project for the hop. She’s even offering it as a free pattern download. Those of you who enjoy embroidery or want to learn, this is your chance to create a cute center block for your wall hanging, table topper, or pillow cover. Who can resist that impish smile?

Cheryl’s Teapots2Quilting If you haven’t come up with an idea or two for Christmas this year, stop by Cheryl’s blog. Her post is filled with suggestions and examples, that should please someone on your list. Make a few extras, just in case you forgot to check it twice!

Monday, July 24th

Confessions of a Fabric Addict Sarah walks us through the next step of Santa’s Trip Around the World Quilt Along if you’re sewing along. If not, you can always start one and finish in time for Christmas. After completing today’s assignment, the quilt top will be finished. Probably not mine, yet, but it will get there, eventually.

Anja Quilts If you can’t see the forest for the trees, head over to Anja’s to create your own forest of Christmas trees. This table runner looks like it would grow mighty quick.

PickingandStitching Judy’s showcasing the easy quilt as you go method on her table runner. If you’re looking for a quick project that you need to get done TODAY, stop on over to take a look. While you’re there, take a look at the picture of the back of the pinwheel block to see those gorgeous spun seams. That’s truly a work of art behind the scenes.

A Dream and a Stitch Jen made a real sweet treat to hang on the wall or door. This is one way to enjoy some Christmas candy and not worry about cavities or calories.

Tuesday, July 25th

Confessions of a Fabric Addict Sarah has a list of all the bloggers that are doing a final wrap-up of this season, too. She’s provided a linky so you can showcase your Santa’s Trip Around the World if you were sewing along. You don’t have to be finished, just show what you’ve done.

Christina’s Handicrafts Christina has been dabbling in small pieces, too. She’s got a couple of super cute projects to show. You might like to try making them, too.

Abyquilts Stars are an important part of Christmas and Aby has one to show and share. Star quilts will soon be twinkling all over blogland thanks to Aby and her free pattern.

Kathy’s Kwilts and More Kathy’s back with more to show and she’s even brought a guest. She’s helping her granddaughter sew a special gift for her doll. Kathy’s extending her love of sewing as well as her love of giving. That’s one lucky little girl.

Tu-Na Quilts: The Fourth and Final Stocking Stuffers Reveal–Does the Fun Have to End?

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Does the fun have to end? That is a very good question. I’ve been giving that question some thought and decided that the answer is no, not here on Tu-Na Quilts, Travels, and Eats. Especially because of what I learned today. So read on and find out how you can be part of the ongoing fun. But first there’s some things still left in this stocking.

Seriously, this stocking is packed. It’s kind of like the Tardis, for those of you who watch Dr. Who on TV; it’s small on the outside but big on the inside. Let’s empty it today.

Every quilter needs a little jewelry and some candy in their stocking. This little stocking doesn’t disappoint in that department.

Now for a closer look at each goody:

Quilter’s Helper

Since every Christmas stocking needs a bit of candy, why not pair it with some fun. Moda has a free printable template for a Quilter’s Emergency Kit (same idea with the candy) and can be downloaded here. Since my printer was not printing in color, I had to resort to plan B and used the wording as seen here at Quiltville. I think this would be really cute for the gals in your quilting guild.

Thimble Pincushion Necklace

This is one tiny pincushion. It doubles nicely as a piece of jewelry. Wear this at your next guild meeting and all the gals will be eyeing it and want one for their own. It’s easy to make.

I snuck this one into the stocking after seeing Sarah’s post here that had a pic of one. I knew I wanted to make one to include. You can find the original tutorial on Sew Many Ways here. Since, I made it a bit differently, here’s a quick peek of my process so you can make one, too.

Materials Needed:

one 2.5″ square of fabric
one thimble
one very small wooden bead, pony bead, or small pieces of cardboard that fits all the way to the bottom of the thimble and extends about 1/3 of the way up (this offers support to the pincushion and gives you something to put glue on so that it will be secure.
one jewelry jump ring (I used a 1/2 inch, measured across inside edges, key ring that I had in my craft supplies) Check out your local craft store for jewelry making supplies or order online.
approx. 37″ leather lacing, a necklace chain, or ribbon
crushed walnut shells (see this post for further explanation of this item and to see how you can make a crushed walnut shell dispensing bottle)
a small bit of poly fiber fill or stuffing
heavy duty thread such as hand quilting or upholstery (while you can use other thread, I find these are the best when gathering by hand as they don’t break as easy)
hot glue

Directions:

Drill a small hole near the edge of the thimble.

My husband, Tu-Na Helper, did this for me. I don’t do power tools.

Insert and then secure either the jewelry split ring or other jewelry finding. It’s that circle thing that connects the bauble with the chain or in my case the leather lacing.

Trace and cut out a 2″ circle from the fabric square. Hand sew a gathering stitch about 1/2″ from the circle’s edge. I find making a knot at the beginning helped when tightening but DO NOT KNOT the end as you want to be able to pull it tight to gather.

Pull the threads, gathering the fabric into a little bowl and fill with crushed walnut shells. This bowl is small. Don’t overstuff this one.

Top with some poly fiber fill, pull tight, knot, and sew the opening closed. Use your fingers to form and shape the cushion to fit the thimble. I needed to trim the extra fabric on the bottom so it would fit well.

Check the bead for size in the thimble. Add the cushion to see how it looks and if you need to adjust the cushion’s shape by molding it with your fingers. The alternative to using a bead is using lots of hot glue on the bottom.

Glue the wood bead into bottom of the thimble. Then add a dab of glue on top of the bead and a bit around the inside edges of the thimble. Insert the cushion and press, holding it for a few seconds.

String the leather lacing through the ring and tie a knot at the end.

Now take a selfie.

I am not very good at taking selfies. Either my face was in the picture and the thimble was not or the thimble was in the picture and my face not. I opted to include this one.

This wee one is so very pretty!!!

Supplies we don’t buy often enough for ourselves.

Throughout the year, I use my 50% and 60% off coupons at JoAnn Fabrics (no affiliation). If I don’t need something for myself, I buy some extra little things for gifts. Here’s two quilting tools that always seem to need replacing but no one ever throws theirs away. Do you use seam rippers and pins when they are dull and bent? Your quilting friends will appreciate receiving packs of new ones. Thinking ahead and taking advantage of coupons and discounts at any of your favorite stores really can help the Christmas budget.

Ring Pincushion

I followed the tutorial found on You Can Call Me Gwen here except:

I started with a 3 inch circle. The construction of the cushion part is the same as the cushion for the Pincushion pail found here and hand sewed the gathering stitch 1/4″ from the edge on the right side of the fabric.
I used E 6000 (found at Walmart, no affiliation) to glue a ring base onto the outside top of a soda pop bottle cap instead of using elastic as in Gwen’s tutorial. E 6000 is a strong, fast-drying glue and will set in about 10 minutes. Ring bases can be bought at a craft store and I recommend getting the adjustable adult ones. Several years ago, I ordered a bunch of them online. They arrived a month later probably on a slow boat from overseas. Although they are adjustable and the gal on the phone assured me they were adult size, they still are quite small. However, it fits my pinky without adjusting and works very well as a Pinky Ring Pincushion. But I’ve seen them fit some women’s ring fingers. So it might fit yours. These could also be strung through a chain or ribbon and worn around the neck.
I filled the cushion with crushed walnut shells and a bit of fiber fil to hold in the shells.
I used hot glue on the inside bottom and around the interior sides of the cap to glue the cushion into the bottle cap.
I hot glued on a small silk flower.

I will put together a tutorial of making these ring pincushions using my methods. I just ran out of time for this hop. But Christmas time, whether it comes in July or December, is hectic and there’s never enough time to finish everything one starts.

July 14-25, 2017. Hosted by Sarah at Confessions of a Fabric Addict.

The 12 Days of Christmas in July continues today with:

Tuesday, July 25th, 2017

We Wish You a Merry Christmas!—Day 12 of the 12 Days of Christmas in July Blog Hop

Christina’s Handicrafts Christina has been dabbling in small pieces, too. She’s got a couple of super cute projects to show. You might like to try making them, too.

Abyquilts Stars are an important part of Christmas and Aby has one to show and share. Star quilts will soon be twinkling all over blogland thanks to Aby and her free pattern.

Remember to leave comments on each of these 12 Days of Christmas in July blog hop posts so you can qualify to win some fabric giveaways of Tula Pink’s new holiday line, Holiday Homies, generously donated by Free Spirit Fabrics!!! You have through July 26th to leave comments on all of the 12 Days of Christmas in July blog hop posts. But don’t worry, blog posts will remain available for a long time if you need to come back to check the tutorials or read them again and again.

Please note: Sarah has notified us that she needs to delay the announcement of winners until August 4th due to a family emergency. Winners will be notified by email then. I will be posting a list, too, as soon as I see it.

Here’s an updated picture of the prizes you could be winning if you are commenting on each of the blog posts.

Holiday Homies by Tula Pink from Free Spirit Fabrics.

I posted my 12 Days of Christmas in July blog hop post on Monday, July 14, 2017 where I showed how to make a mini quilted stocking and a wreath that kids can make. Click here if you are looking for it. It also contains links that will take you directly to each blogger’s specific 12 Days of Christmas in July blog hop post to make it more convenient for you to comment or find that project long after the hop is over.

My first stocking stuffer reveal (Pincushion in a Pail) happened here, the second stocking stuffer reveal (Strawberry Pincushion) happened here, and the third stocking stuffer reveal (Pretty Pillow Pincushion) happened here. Here’s a picture recap of what I’ve created for this hop:

7.5″ wide and 9″ long, not including the loop.

Ring Wreath that kids can do.

The Pincushion Pail is 2.25″ tall and 2″ wide at the top.

Not including the leaves, this strawberry is 1.5″ long.

Pillow Pincushion front. 3.5″ square.

What I Learned Today:

This is my 111th post.
I now have over 320 followers having added 25 more this week.
Tu-Na Quilts, Travels, and Eats has had over 10,000 visitors since its first post April 22, 2016.
My 12 Days of Christmas in July blog hop post, Tu-Na Quilts: On the Fourth Day of Christmas, My True Love Gave to Me…, published on Monday, July 17, 2017 and was my most viewed post to date. My blog has had over 23,000 views meaning that visitors are reading more posts than the first one they come to.
I have had visitors from 56 countries.
Readers have left 1,524 comments. I am having difficulty replying to them all. It may take me some time yet. I have read and appreciated every one of them!
I think those are all pretty good statistics for being only 15 months old! I am humbled and honored.
So it’s time for a celebration and a great big thank you!

~~Giveaway Alert:~~

This giveaway is now closed.The Random Number generator picked #2.

Random number generation / Random Numbers

Generate number between 1 and 110 = 2

This was verified by Tu-Na Helper that I did this correctly. Congratulations to Jean McKinstry.

Jean McKinstry July 25, 2017 at 3:03 am

I met you during the 12 days of Christmas Blog hop, and you are now on my blog list, I follow you with Blogger.

I will be contacting you for your shipping info and mailing the stocking and all the goodies to you. Thank you to everyone who stopped and commented. This was so much fun I’ll have to do it again.

I’ve had way too much fun to just let it end. So as a thank you to my followers and visitors, I would like to do my own little giveaway for THIS STOCKING AND ALL OF ITS CONTENTS!!!

To enter:

Leave one comment on this post through August 1st. This giveaway is now closed. One winner will be drawn and notified by email. Please make sure you leave your email in the comment form. I will update this post with the winner’s first name as well as write a separate post after connecting with them by email. International entries are welcome.
My followers, new and old, can have an extra entry by leaving one more comment on this post letting me know how you follow me. If you are new here, just check my sidebar to follow me by Bloglovin, WordPress, or email and then let me know in a comment which way you chose.

Question: What gift did you receive or give that left the most memorable impression on you or the receiver? For me, not counting the Purple Thang story that I shared here, the most memorable gifts were the two quilts that my mom and I secretly worked on together and gifted last Christmas. I was not only able to spend lots of time with my mom but also produced two very beautiful quilts. I still need to write a blog post about them so I won’t say anything more.

Thanks for stopping by and do come again.

Karen, Tu-Na Quilts

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