Last week Shelley and I took a day to shop hop. We hopped to 3 stores, had lunch, & bought too much fabric, at least I did! So I’d say we had a great time:)

Our first stop was Quilter’s Destination in Arlington Heights. I scored more of Anna Griffins Christmas line from last year. They had it 40% off so I managed to get some yardage.

The shop has a great selection of Batiks & Art Gallery prints, which I love! Check out this piece that looks like paper doilies. I should have bought more of this one.

Here’s a few shop samples she had made up.

Next stop, The Quilt Merchant in Winfield. Mostly reproduction fabrics, but they had added a new section on for all us modern peeps. I put together a cute selection of fabrics for a Mother’s Day gift, which I cannot show you for obvious reasons. There were lots of great ideas in this shop if I wanted to bring a reproduction pattern to life with bright colors. I was especially drawn to a section of patterns by Sue Daley. All hand work of course…what am I thinking??!!

They also have a great section of wools & stitchery.

Last we headed over to Batavia & visited Prairie Shop Quilts. They always have great samples hanging in their shop.This is the shop where I learned to applique. This Piece O’ Cake applique was hanging in their classroom. Lucky for me, Shelley had this pattern so I can add yet another project to my to-do’s:)

A pattern wall you can spend all day on…

And a very well stocked book section.

And of course some pretty great fabrics too!

If you’re dyin’ to go on a shop hop but can’t find the time, pick up the new spring 2012 issue of Quilt Sampler for the top 10 shops to visit. This is my favorite magazine. Lots of interesting stories about how the shops get started, free projects and eye candy to keep you entertained.

I hope everyone has a Happy Mother’s Day & a great weekend!