We all have one. Whether it is a stash, a hoard, a pile, or a warren for the full-on fabric junkie, we are all equally guilty. I am sure that much has been written in both craft/sewing blogs and books about the ever present and invasive nature of this phenomenon that is stealthily taking over closets, nooks, and crannies the world over. In my own personal effort to help with this ever so subtle world takeover, because I am nothing if not an enabler, I thought that I would write a periodic review of some of my favorite independent fabric stores to help fellow crafters, seamstresses, and quilters in their quest for fabric world domination.
Imagine my glee and delight when, after 18 months in Vermont, through none of my own doing, a fabric shop opened a mere 4 1/2 miles down the road from my own humble dwelling. Fortuitous, nay? While they were busy with preparations for their debut I was taunted for weeks with a "Coming Soon" sign and started to drive by so often (well it was on the way to everywhere) my DH almost felt compelled to stop and let them know that the slightly over excited woman that kept cruising past the building in her little red car was not in fact a danger or threat to their well being. Finally preparations were complete, and Waterwheel House Quilt Shop opened for business in April '09, and it is wonderful!
Owner Shelley Sas and her staff are great! The are all avid quilters and can help answer questions and plan out projects. But truly important, they carry some beautiful fabrics! I've gotten several vibrant cottons which I actually turned into baby clothes for E, and on my last trip in I grabbed some gorgeous Kaffe Fassett fat quarters. I also picked up some wool felt pieces, dyed wool, and a felting needle to try my hand at making a few decorated wool stacking blocks. I haven't gotten to that project yet but it's next on the sewing list. Shelley also stocks a wide array of notions, quilting kits, patterns, charm squares, and offers a full line of quilting classes. I hope you get a chance to visit Waterwheel House Quilt Shop soon and see it for yourself, I guarantee you won't leave empty handed!
