Quilted Forest

On Saturday we had an opportunity to visit Greenbaum's Quilted Forest, which is just an awesome place in old-town historic Salem, the oldest family-run business in the same location since the 1900's, and recently voted one of the best quilt shops in the U.S. and Canada.  It was my first visit there.  I know, where have I been?  I can tell you, it certainly won't be my last.  I truly could've spent eons in there.  Sorry, no indoor pix, I was too busy gawking.  Had a nice conversation with Sylvia, the third generation owner though, and was happily surprised to find out they [also] have a website with *free shipping* (in the Continental U.S.) on just about everything in the store.  So if you are a PJ shopper like me, or when venturing out isn't so convenient, you can shop from the comfort of your easy-chair, save gas and a few bucks on shipping at the same time.  Love being able to shop "locally" like that.  Still, I must say, it's nice to actually be there in person too, to handle the fabrics, flip through the books, soak in the beautiful displays of handwork hanging from the rafters.  Speaking of which, and as luck would have it, the 2007 Hoffman Quilt Challenge traveling exhibit was on display there and the entries couldn't have been more inspiring, especially since the theme was "Spring".  If you're not familiar with this particular quilt contest (which is quickly approaching its 20th birthday) take note.  Every year a team from Hoffman Fabrics chooses an upcoming fabric design and then issues a challenge to create original designs for dolls, quilts, and clothing.  Entries are juried and a team of judges award winners.  The entries become part of a trunk show that travels around the U.S. and Canada to various guilds, museums, textile shows, and quilt shops.  There's a lot more information about it on their website; see 2008 challenge info here if this interests you.  Just passing it on.

And... on an entirely unrelated but timely topic: the facts are in and I'm not surprised.  Enough of this charade already.  I think this pretty much sums it up in one word. 

Comments

[Teresa]

Thanks for the great quilt shop link!

[Maria in Iowa]

Looking at that quilt shop onlne... Vicki, do you have one of these?

http://webstore.quiltropolis.net/stores_app/Browse_Item_Details.asp?Shopper_id=86733101231508673&Store_id=627&page_id=23&Item_ID=1279

If not, get one! They are wonderful! (You can also take them on an airplane, unlike a tiny pair of scissors for snipping threads.)

[Maria in Iowa]

Well, THAT sure didn't work... Here, I tiny-ified it:

http://tinyurl.com/2hum3d

[dawn]

Thanks for sharing your quilt shop experience!

[Maria in Iowa]

One more thing (does she EVER shut up?): I finally got my paws on a copy of your darling McCalls layette pattern from 1941, the one you use to make those sweet woollen bonnets. That's one they ought to reissue, if they haven't already.

[Christy]

I am so glad you found The Forest, it's a great place to "gawk", I am fairly new to your blog, but sub through bloglines. I live in the Willamette Valley, so if you are nearby, howdy neighbor! I enjoy all your fun crafty-ness, thanks for sharing!

[ellen kelley]

Thanks for the heads up on the quilt store. I am going to check it out in the comfort of my own home.
And, thanks for the little German bird's opinion of daylight savings time. I agree 100%. I hate it!!!

[DianeM]

so, are we on daylight savings time now? I never know which is which...now or in the fall. I am enjoying the extra hour of sunshine now though! Do you remember back in the day when President Nixon cancelled it due to the energy crisis...I remember alot of people being up in arms 'cause us kids had to walk to school in the dark.

[happy zombie]

I wasn't for the time change at first... but I think it's saved me some juice. Of course, I have a ton of clocks to reset, and even my atomic clocks need setting (I have to put them in Mountain Time mode to show the correct time). And of course I'll forget to put them back into Pacific Time once the clocks think it's the real time change. I wish we could just abolish the entire thing - it was so easy when we lived in Hawaii and didn't have to do it. I ramble.

Would love to go to Greenbaum's... have been wanting to for years! Thanks for the little field trip! Didn't know about their free shipping - I may just have to shop hop in my jammies! Thanks for the info!

[Judy]

I am saving that link. I was drooling over some of the fabric.

[Denise Wheeler]

I also love shopping at The Quilted Forest when I am passing through Salem on my to Portland. I could LIVE in that store forever! I am feeling a need to visit the web-site now. Thanks... I think.

[Lynn]

Thanks for the shop link. The Hoffman challenge mention reminded me that 10 years ago my son (6 at the time) made a little quilt for the Hoffman challenge. It traveled with the show for a year. I had completely forgotten that. I should ask him where that quilt is and if I can photograph it to share.

[Natalie]

Just taking a moment to say, "I love this post."