Joining In With The Rows.
Posted on | September 10, 2015 | 11 Comments
I have read a lot about the Row X Row craze that took over so many quilters in the US these last months. So when we had the opportunity to spend some time in South Carolina, I decided to join in, if only on a very small scale. I have been really impressed with the great designs all around the country and was looking forward to seeing what the locals had in store.
I was asked what I would like for my birthday when there in August and I asked to driven to several of the local Quilt stores. My Family was happy to oblige. There were only 3 in the immediate area within an hours drive, but that was fine by me. I had a wonderful time in two of them. The other left a lot to be desired.
My first stop was People Places and Quilts. It was welcoming and wonderful.
This is their RXR.
I bought the kit and will make it into a small runner. I also purchased a few patterns and some fabrics – too much to show here – so just a taste.
The building was old, but really well lit and there were many displays to show off their wares. Here are a few pictures to enjoy.
I really must compliment the staff here on their courtesy and helpfulness. I really enjoyed their store.
The next stop was Sew N Stitch Fabrics. When we arrived I thought there couldn’t be much inside this tiny, unassuming building. Boy, was I wrong.
The rooms inside may have been little, but the range of products and use of space for displays was huge.
Here is their RXR.
Again I bought the kit and will turn it into a runner. I also found a lot of patterns and books. Here is one purchase.
Here is a quick look through this lovely store.
Once again the staff here were so helpful and welcoming. I really must thank them for all the assistance they gave.
I hope to go back to both of these in the future when we spend time again with our family.
There was a third store in the area participating in the RXR and it had some lovely stock. I had already spent a large amount at the other stores and would happily have done so at that one, too. But the staff had a lot of trouble serving me. Apparently I was invisible as I was not greeted or asked if I needed assistance. One staff member was so busy showing a friend photos on her phone that she had to move away from me in case I asked for help. Another staff member came out to serve a customer who came in after me – and even then I was not acknowledged. So in the end I decided they did not need my money, and left.
I think it is really interesting to see how different stores behave towards their customers and I am delighted to say that in the more than a month we were away this was the ONLY time staff were inconsiderate.
I have a mountain of patterns, books, magazines and fabrics to work on now. I may have to skip sleeping to have enough time to work on all of them.
I hope you are having a wonderful time with all your projects, too.
Cheers, Karen
11 Responses to Joining In With The Rows.
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Lovely stores. So many patterns, so little time. Enjoy your RXR patterns.
Both stores look wonderful! I especially liked the first store because those couches looked so inviting to sit on and do a stitchery! I also picked up a load of RXR kits and patterns this summer, all sitting in a tote waiting for a rainy day. I think they became a bit of an addiction for me! Glad you were able to take home some too!
oh how fun.. the shops look great and you got some lovely treasures to bring home with you… that shop lost out on your good business.
Hugz
I love visiting shops while travelling, & it is so cool to read about them at blogsites. I have only made it to one during my stay here in Alaska & the gal was friendly although it took awhile for her to warm up, & she did not wish to have photos of her store or fabris posted on my blog! I bought about one yard of some Alaska-looking batik & called it good. Looks like you had a fun bday:-)
I really like Hearty Good Wishes & have some cuts froom the first run that I look fwd to cutting into someday soon! Thanks for your comment yesterday, I am enjoying some ‘blogger catch-up’ on my day off today!
Visiting quilt shops is such a great way to spend your birthday. Thank you for sharing your day with us. It’s so fun to see different quilt shops. The ones you visited look wonderful. I love those patterns you bought, especially the chicken. I recently went to a quilt shop and had the same experience of being invisible. I was so annoyed, I won’t go back, it’s easier for me to shop online.
It is interesting to read of your experience, Karen. The first two shops looked great for exploring, fun to take part in the row by row experience! Have fun with your goodies :-)
What pretty fabric stores you have shown us today! I’d be happy to visit them. We have a local quilt store of the third kind you visited. One trip there was enough for me. Looks like you picked up lots of fun projects to keep you busy for a while. Can’t wait to see what you do!!
What cute shops and so different. The second one that looked so plain is just adorable inside. Yes, I must say the best part of the row x row experience was getting to see all the different shops and how different each and every one is. Too bad you had a bad experience at the last one. If you don’t take care of the customers, you won’t have a business for long, I’m afraid!
Oh I just so wanted to go rummaging in those gorgeous shops. Lots of lovelies to work on Karen x
lots of love projects to work on! love those little woolly blocks projects.
The shops are gorgeous. Glad it was only the one that gave you a negative experience. There’s always one!
Glad you found some fun stores and bought some great stuff!!! Interestingly, I have had the same reaction from quilt shopkeepers in Italy and France!!!