Monday, June 11, 2012

Take the road less traveled

A few years ago while at the MN Quilt Show I purchased several bundles of fabric from a gentleman running one of the vendor booths.  When I paid for my purchase he handed me a business card and mentioned that they had an online business as well.

We chatted a bit more and he mentioned that he and his wife lived in the Bloomington/Normal area of Illinois.  Since I travel through that area about once a year I asked if he might also have a brick and mortar store. Long story short they have a little shop that they run when they are not on the road.

Fast forward several years.  I filed them in my brain as "shop in IL to stop at", kept their business card,   looked them up on the web and stopped in two weeks ago.  They are a little off the beaten path - definitely the road less traveled - but absolutely worth the trip.


Bolines Quilt Fabric  typically sells half yard bundles,  5- one yard bundles, and single half yards plus patterns and kits at the shows around the country.  However, if you go to their warehouse you can buy fabric right off the bolt at the same low price.  Nothing is more than $7 a yard and all first quality quilt shop fabric. Their shop is very clean, orderly, organized and they are very friendly.  Be sure to check their schedule to make sure their shop is open before stopping in.  They are closed when they are on the road.

If you will be attending the MN Quilt Show in Rochester, MN this coming weekend be sure to stop at their booth and see what I am talking about.  I don't think you will be disappointed.

 For 20+ years he has built the oak folding card table for the black Singer Featherweight sewing machines and promised himself when he ran out of the table legs he was not going to build any more tables.  When I was there they had three tables left so if you are looking for one of these - this is the place. The information is on their website.



Oh, I almost forgot!  Yes, I did buy some beautiful reproductions and left some behind to purchase in case I make it to the MN Quilt show.  Maybe you will see me there, if so, be sure to say hello!  :)

5 comments:

Karen O said...

I will definitely look them up. And if you would like to meet at the show, please send me an email and I can give you my cell#. :) Karen

Kathy said...

I'll be at the show on Thursday!

Maureen said...

I want one of those FW tables some day. Just need to find the room for it. Have fun at the show!

Diane Wild said...

Thanks for the tip. I will definitely look them up. The guild is taking a bus to the show on Sat. Looking forward to it and I have my list prepared.

Dawn said...

Love stopping for quilting adventures on road trips!
What a great table - I've seen a few and been tempted...
Thanks for sharing.