6 Inspirational Patchwork Shops

It is so important to support our local patchwork shops. There was a time a few years ago when shops were closing because patchworkers were turning to the internet for fabric because the Aus $ was almost equal to the US$. I was guilty but I soon found that the colour was not quite what I thought or the quality was not as good as I would like. There is nothing like touching fabric and auditioning fabric in person.

We are in a COVID lockdown in Melbourne at present and there is nothing like a lockdown to make you appreciate how lucky we are to have great patchwork and quilting shops. I am really missing being able to pop into my local shop, have a chat to the ladies and pick up some new fabrics to play with. I thought I would share with you some shops I like to visit whenever possible.

 Amitie Textiles: 2 hours from home but worth the drive. They have a fantastic range of fabrics, quilt block patterns, sewing projects, yarn and patterns and homewares. And after the long drive their coffee shop is oh so inviting, their cakes, yum.

Bella Fabrics: this one is truly local, I can walk to the shop from home. They have lovely bright fabrics, interesting patchwork patterns, both large and small, books and gifts. They run classes  covering quilting, dressmaking, appliqué, embroidery, EPP, crochet, to name a few.  They also have “sit and sew” two mornings a week, a great way to ensure “me” time in our busy lives.

Nuno Nuno: I am so luck I can walk to this shop too. They have textiles for quilting, clothing, crafting, patterns, haberdashery and handcrafted giftware & accessories. A small shop but very inviting. I love their homewares, they are fresh and a little bit patchworky.

Cutting Cloth: Another bright, fresh Melbourne patchwork shop. They have an extensive range of fabrics, wool, patterns and haberdashery. They also have a large classroom at the back of the shop where they conduct their many classes. Don’t forget to check out their bag pattern range too.

Now I head out of Victoria and spread my wings a bit, something we are not able to do at present but hopefully very soon.

The Patch Works: Hobart, Tasmania. What I love about this shop is that they offer FREE classes to beginners to get them on their patchwork journey. What a great idea, more shops could do this, great PR and you just might have a customer for life.

Den Haan & Wagenmakers: I have really spread my wings for this one, it’s in Amsterdam. My husband found this shop for me when we holidayed there in 2015. The steps up to the front door add to the anticipation. Once inside you are greeted by beautiful fabrics, books and patterns. But there is more, stairs lead to the second floor where you will find quilts lovingly displayed and more fabric.

That is just a small selection of great and inspiring patchwork and quilting shops the world has to offer. I would love to hear about your local shop so when I am able to travel, I might drop in and pick up some fabric to remind me of my adventures.

Two places I am longing to visit are Canada and the USA so please Canadian and American patchworkers help me put together a list of must visit shops for my travels by adding your favourite local shops in the comments.

Happy sewing

Margaret