At the beginning of 2020, one of the two quilt shops in my town announced that they would be retiring in April. When I heard the news, I went into the store and picked up 6 yards of Kona Cotton Snow and a few other 1/2 yard cuts and chatted with the owners. They were planning to move the longarm machine from the shop into their home to continue quilting for customers after the store closed, which I know the community is going to appreciate.
As 2020 has done for so many of us, it threw a wrench in their best laid plans for liquidating their store. A little over a week ago, they mentioned on Facebook that they are still doing their best to be moved out by the end of May to not incur rent, and I started wondering if there was anything I could do to help. So, I let them know I would be interested in purchasing Kona Cotton from them. You guys, I did a big thing.
Kona Cotton
I bought all the remaining Kona Cotton they had in stock. (The lightest purple is actually a Timeless Treasure solid, but that’s fine with me.) They estimated that there is about 185 yards, we agreed on a price, I loaded the back of my car on a chilly Saturday… and I left the bolts of fabric there for four days before bringing it into my studio. I honestly had no idea of the names of the solids until I looked to note for this post. Left to right they are:
- A light purple Timeless Treasures Soho Solid (perhaps Lavender?)
- Kona Cotton Crocus
- Kona Cotton Purple
- Kona Cotton Peacock
- Kona Cotton Nightfall
- Kona Cotton Jungle
- Kona Cotton Basil
- Kona Cotton Yarrow
- Kona Cotton Spice
- Kona Cotton Burgundy
- Kona Cotton Baby Pink
- Kona Cotton Carnation
- Kona Cotton Bubble Gum
- Kona Cotton Brt Pink
- Kona Cotton Shadow
- Kona Cotton Coal
- Kona Cotton Bone
I am drooling over the combination of Yarrow, Spice, and Burgundy. I’m sure you will see them used together at some point.
Current Stash
Needless to say, this was a huge purchase for me. I am someone who enjoys working from a small and limited stash, and I spent quite a long time talking it over with my husband before deciding to even contact the shop. As one of the owner’s loaded the bolts into my vehicle, he said, “Well, you won’t need to purchase fabric again for a long time.” And I certainly agree that I won’t be needing pink solids for the foreseeable future. Unfortunately, there wasn’t much blue in their stock, so I can’t say I won’t be buying more fabric!
After bringing the bolts in, I’m sure I’ll use one of these to make the backing for the 2018 Aurifil DOM quilt top that I shared on Monday. I’m currently leaning toward the Timeless Treasures light purple, since I want to quilt the top with white thread.
Sometimes some things are just meant to be
That’s a great way to stock up. I hate to hear about the shop closing, but am happy your purchase benefited both of you. And it’s nice there is still another LQS for you and your community.
Wasn’t it just yesterday when I answered your question about what we buy that I said I check sales sections for backings and you said that’s good and here we are! This really made me grin this morning, thank you. Do you know another funny thing? That yarrow, spice and burgundy combination sure grabbed my eye too, beautiful fall colours, so rich aren’t they? I am so glad you helped them out.
I bought my first (and only, so far) full bolt of fabric on clearance from a local quilt shop (which has since permanently closed). I thought I was nuts. I have used that fabric for so many things, it’s made me rethink the value of purchasing a full bolt, particularly if it’s a fabric I use often, like Kona solids. I think you made a good purchase. I cannot wait to see what you do with the Yarrow trio – of course, Push Pull comes to mind!
Any chance at all they do online/shipping? I’d love to help out!
Sadly, they do not have an online presence at all; they do not do shipping and are only selling locally.
What a great purchase and a help to the LQS. So hard to believe over 100 yards of fabric there. So sad to lose another quilt store. I look forward to seeing the many beautiful quilts you will make.
Wow, that really does change your volume of stash but sounds like you got a great deal and helped out some small business owners. You’ve got some great colors there.
Sounds like a win-win to me. I too love Kona Cotton.
You did a good thing to help the shop owners. And a good thing for your stash!
I think this is a win-win! You get fabric and help out the owner who is in a touch position. Good luck with your new stash!
What a bittersweet opportunity. I have a few bolts in my, ahem, slightly larger stash. It feels so wild to have a whole bolt of fabric in my possession.
Ooooh….so very jealous. I have dreams of buying Kona by the bolt. ☺
So sorry to hear about another quilt shop closing. All we have left here is Joann’s, ans our location is closed due to COVID-19. Look at all of the Kona cotton you got, wow!
What a score!!! I’m with you on that Yarrow/Spice/Burgundy combo. My preferred colors but outside your usual palette. I can’t wait to see what you do with them.
Solids are always useful! Love seeing how you have your area organized!