Store updates!

We recently took our family vacation for the summer and decided to meander through some quilt shops on the way home.  We visited a few familiar shops and one new shop.  I wanted to follow up on two stores I have previously reviewed.  Simple Sewing Solutions in Lockhart, Tx and All Around the Block (AATB) in Giddings, Tx.

We initially stopped in Lockhart for BBQ because my husband has an unhealthy obsession with Kreuz Market.  Though I don't blame him, that place has delicious BBQ.  We attempted to stop at Simple Sewing Solutions.  I had heard that there was some change, so I wanted to check in out.  Unfortunately, they were closed for lunch.  I wasn't sure how long they were going to be gone, since the sticky note just stated they would be back in 30 minutes.  I did peek in the windows and the gorgeous counter top is gone.  I admit, I am sad to see it go.  It was definitely a piece that made the shop unique.  However, it appears that their fabric collection has greatly increased and let's face it, more fabric makes everything better.  We'll be back in Lockhart sooner, than later.  My husband will need a BBQ fix in a few months, I'm sure of it.  I'll go back by again.

All Around the Block

Next we headed towards Giddings, Tx., which is quickly becoming my quilting Mecca.  It is quite the typical small Texas town.  Old brick downtown.  There is the required BBQ shop there.  But there is nothing typical about the quilt shops in this town.  I understand that there are now 3 shops.  However, these aren't your usual small town quilt shops.  There are more fabric options in the town of Giddings, than in Houston.  I swear on it.  I've visited All Around the Block previously and talked about it here.  My second trip was as successful as my first.  The place still goes on forever.  The selection is incredible.  If AATB doesn't have it, the fabric doesn't exist.  Definitely a must stop, when you're in town.

I picked up a few yards, while at AATB.  The Yo Gabba Gabba! fabric is flannel and for my son.  He is currently at that age and stage where he is absolutely in love with this show.  He recently received his sister's YGG figurines from when she was at the same age.  I foresee myself doing another Yo Gabba Gabba birthday.  The fish material is for a scrub top for my husband.  Scrub tops were how I justified originally purchasing my first sewing machine 6 years ago.  I would make scrub tops and it would save us all sorts of money.  I've made him probably 5 or 6 tops at this point.  I promise you, not a penny has been saved.

This.  THIS!  I bought it for myself.  It is everything I wish I could be.  I have never seen a more beautiful piece of fabric.  It is delicate but incredibly bright and colorful.  It is part of a collection designed by Laura Gunn for Michael Miller called Garden Wall.  There are some other incredible pieces in the collection that I'm dying to get my hands on.  You can see more here.  I have plans for a table runner, I think.  Or a wall hanging to put up in my studio.  I might just sit and stare at it.

While in Giddings, I also stopped at a new to me store, Gerline's.  The shop isn't new at all but it is the first time I've been able to stop by.  I'll give you that information in a few days...


~SLBY

Simple Sewing Solutions in Lockhart, TX

I have to give full disclosure before telling you about this quilt shop.  Maybe it is because of the excellent BBQ in town.  Maybe because it is the unbelievable prices.  Maybe it is the quaintness of the town.  But Simple Sewing Solutions (SSS) is my absolutely favorite quilt shop.  In.The.World. 

I was fortunate enough to accidentally find SSS in August 2010, while vacationing with my husband in nearby Austin.  We stopped in town to visit Kreuz, home of phenomenal BBQ.  I was in love the moment I set foot in SSS.  When we planned this year's trip to Fredericksburg, it was required that we stop in Lockhart again.
SSS isn't the biggest shop I've ever be too.  And it doesn't have a massive stock of fabrics.  What it does have is the RIGHT fabrics.  There isn't any filler or fluff here.  Every time I visit,  I easily walk away with two quilts worth of fabric.  Everything I need.  I typically find I have to visit at least 3 different shops to complete a quilt.  SSS has such the perfect collection, that I can get everything I need there.

And the prices!  Oh the prices...  There is such a great mix of fabric prices.  And don't worry that lower prices means lower quality of fabric.  There is no skimping on brand names at SSS.  I have gotten Moda, Marcus Fabrics, Free Spirit and so many more.  What I think I love most about the fabric selection is that it isn't one line heavy.  I have walked into so many shops that appear to be receiving versus hand picking fabrics.  I get the sense that SSS hand picks every fabric.  It is that individual attention, that makes this store so unique.

The individual attention doesn't stop with just the fabric.  Look at this register counter:

If I remember correctly, the counter is an original part of the shop.  The owner added parts from her century old home.  I have mentioned before my love of repurposed items.  If I could have loaded this into my minivan, I would have!  Much of the store's architecture is original. The ceiling pipes and tiles. The huge window displays. The sidewalk out front still has horse tie up rings!



The walls of SSS are filled with quilts.  Some finish, some blocks.  All beautiful and inspirational.

Beyond fabrics, SSS has a full wall of notions, ribbons, buttons.  Plentiful stash of fat quarters.  Books, classes and an incredibly knowledgeable staff can help you with any project.  And there is always good conversation.  Always.

Learn more about Simple Sewing Solutions on their Facebook page.

Simple Sewing Solutions is located in the heart of historic downtown Lockhart, less than a hour south of Austin.  Their address is 111 West San Antonio Street.  From the north or south you can take US Hwy 183 into Lockhart.  From the west you can head into town via State Hwy 142.

---

Lockhart side note:

I'm not one to get involved in conflicts but Lockhart has been the heart of a BBQ war for many years now.  An episode of Food Wars is the only reason we decided to venture down there, back in August 2010.  More information on the episode can be seen here.  We stopped by Kreuz on that fate filled day back in August and our lives have been forever changed.  :)  Smitty's might be good and maybe even better.  We can't bring ourselves to try anything else.  For us, Kreuz is the Alpha and Omega of BBQ.  Don't take my word for it.  Stop by and have your life changed too!

---

A few notes:

• SSS did not in anyway ask me or compensate me for this blog post. These are purely my thoughts and feelings, free from coercion.
• The Farmer's Market in Montgomery was incredible yesterday.  It was a pleasure to get the chance to be a vendor.
• I have a few things that sold and never made it to my Etsy shop.  Make sure you are checking out my Facebook page.  (There is a link on the right side of the page)  I always put pictures up there of things I've made.

~SLBY