One thing that I like to do while on the bike is stop at quilt shops. Fabric is fairly small when folded and can also be shipped if I go a little too crazy in my shopping.
This year we were very disorganized in our trip planning. We literally planned our vacation one week before we left. We have been trying to sell our home, have been moving to our new home and neither of us could get it together.
We went to the Ozarks, even though we didn't really have the time or the cash, which was amazing. There are wonderful motorcycle roads filled with curves, rolling hills and beautiful country side.
I had planned one stop outside of the Ozarks and that was Hamilton, MO. They are know all over the Untied States for their 14 quilt shops in this tiny little town. Missouri Quilt Star is worth the side trip. My husband was kind enough to schedule 4 hours of shopping for me. (Even though he is allergic to fabric stores.) Just in case you have not heard of this place let me give you a quick review. Each store has a theme (although they are all owned by the same family). The fabrics are grouped by type of fabric, solids, children, flowers, modern, themed, civil war, etc. There is also a shop just for men to hang out, play pool or cards etc. There is also a nice Tap room in town that my husband discovered, thank goodness. It was a great stop. The employees are helpful and kind. They also sell on line. There prices are generally $1 less than many quilt shops because they do a large volume of business. Shipping is $5.00 or free if you spend over $100.
I had two other stops, both were not planned but great finds. They do not do on line business but they are fantastic!
The first was in Salem, MO. It is called MeLear Fabrics. They have a wide selection and also have very affordable long arm quilting available. It might very well be worth it to ship your quilting there because of the great price and service. The fabric prices were mostly $3.99 to $5.99. The newer prints were $10.99. Needless to say I went a little crazy on my selection because of the great value and the great service. I could have very easily purchased more but I had my super patient husband outside waiting for me. I needed to ship this box too. Across the street is a fantastic Barbecue restaurant by the way, so don't eat on your way there.
The second was Thayer Fabric and Rug in Thayer, MO. It is on the border of MO and AR. I saw this giant bill board on the highway that just said FABRIC. I begged to stop. I could not believe this place. I can only say, "Wow, wow, wow." The prices were $2.99 to $5.99. But most fabrics were $4.99. It is run by an elderly couple that has a connection to someone in the manufacturing industry. There was so much fabric I couldn't stop grabbing. I wanted to stay longer but I knew someone was getting a bit anxious for me outside in the heat. But he was very kind considering how much I purchased. We made a trip to the post office to send this stash off too. If I lived anywhere near that place I would visit it on a regular basis. Seriously, if you live close by make a trip with your fabric friends. There is an o.k. Hotel next to the town if you need to stay over night called Mammoth Spring Hotel. There is also a very lovely state park for fun.
We had a great vacation and I used up my fabric purchasing power for the next 4 months. I know, I am ridiculous.
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| A sideways look at me in front of the Missouri Star Quilt Co |
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| Barbecue in Salem, MO |
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| Hotel to stay at in Thayer, MO |
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