The Quilting Adventures Quilt Shop
On all my adventures I always try to stop by the local quilt shops. It gives me a chance to talk with fellow quilters and get inspiration for future products. Plus, each store always has something unique about them. In the case of Quilting Adventures in Henrico, Virginia, it’s definitely their batik collection!
A Hopping we will Go
A couple weeks ago I was on my way home from my trip to Richmond, VA when I actually found a local quilt shop open on a Sunday. I know, right? I was just as shocked and pleasantly surprised. So, of course I had to make a stop.
The Quilt shop turned out to be Quilting Adventures. They are located in a suburb of Richmond called Henrico, VA. It’s right off the highway and super easy to get to. Plus, they’re right next to a little strip mall that has an antique store! That’s a win/win if I’ve ever seen one.
Once inside I was almost immediately taken aback by their batik collection. Now, I didn’t used to be a batik person. However, the more I’ve gotten into applique quilting and modern quilting the more and more I find myself reaching for batik fabrics. Plus, they are coming out with some amazing designs lately!
Sorry, fabric sidetrack. Happens a lot. Back to the quilt shop. When you walk inside the front door and look to your left, there it is. A huge alcove of batiks all nicely organized by color in a rainbow of textile goodness. Just look at them! Ten shelves of batiks! Ugh. My heart be still.
After coming back from dreamland, I decided to peruse the rest of the store and came across the most fabulous frog fabric! Seriously, I can not pass up frog fabric. So, I had to get a yard or 2. Then, I needed matching fabric, right? I mean, you can’t buy a top without some matching pants and shoes and tote bag. Once I found a couple fabulous accompaniments for my new froggies I headed to the cut table.
There I found the lovely Maureen who gave a little history of the store. Originally owned by Joyce Hartley, the store was purchased about 5 years ago by Phyllis Mondak and moved to its current location. All of the employees sew and love helping their customers. The store offers classes of all kinds but especially for beginners and various technique focused.
Quilters Trek
Quilting Adventures also participates in various shop hops and the upcoming Row by Row Experience – now called Quilters Trek. If you’ve never participated in Row by Row, it’s a fabulous summer event where thousands of Quilt shops around the US and Canada participate. Each one offers Row by Row trekkers a unique block or row pattern (free) and you can usually purchase a kit that can be used with other shop’s patterns/kits to create your own special quilt. The first two people to complete their quilt wins a prize. Some individual shops have prizes as well. There are rules involved but it really is a lot of fun! You can read all about the Quilters Trek Row by Row Experience on their website HERE.
Each year the Quilters Trek has a theme for the shop’s blocks/rows. This year’s theme is “True Blue”. Maureen assured me that Quilting Adventure’s row this year is not to be missed. They have teamed up with three other shops to create a 4-part design that uses needlework and felt! Ah! I haven’t worked a lot with felt yet so I’m super excited to see their design!
What else to do in Henrico, Virginia?
I always like to ask the shops what other treasures await visiting quilters to their town and these ladies were quick with ideas, including the customers! Here’s where they suggested.
- Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens
- Virginia Museum of Fine Arts (they have textile exhibits and a Tiffany collection!)
- Meadow Farm Museum
- Edgar Allen Poe Museum
- James River Park System
Unfortunately, I was just passing through (on a Sunday) and not able to check out any of their suggestions. However, they’ve been added to my list for next time I’m in town! Because, let’s be honest, with this list and all of what Richmond has to offer, I’ll need to plan at least a week long stay.
You can check out the museums I did get to visit in Richmond and Norfolk, VA!
- Maymont Museum and the White House of the Confederacy
- Hermitage House Museum
Until next time my quilting adventurers! As always, Hoppy Quilting!
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