The much anticipated Mount Isa Quilters Reunion Shop Hop took place recently when fourteen quilters, accompanied by Gerry from Quilters World, assembled outside their hotel in central Brisbane eagerly awaiting the arrival of their transport for the trip. Imagine their surprise when the bus appeared - the brand new 4WD vehicle from Stonestreet's Coaches in Toowoomba. The girls all wondered what sort of trip they were in for - where exactly were the quilting shops situated? However they needn't have worried as there was no hill climbing to be done and our very capable driver, Hammond, had no need of the extra gears!!
After a pleasant trip up the highway to the Sunshine Coast we arrived at our first shop, The Patchwork Angel at Forest Glen, where the girls were greeted by Penny and Jenny with morning tea and some yummy biscuits. Then it was time for some retail therapy in the beautiful shop with lots of wonderful fabric, patterns, and all things quilty to choose from. Steady girls, there's still another three shops to go!!
Leaving the Sunshine Coast we made our way back to Quilt Essentials, another wonderful shop at Eatons Hill. Claudia and her staff made us feel very welcome and with such a well stocked shop, lots more plastic was in evidence!! A lovely lunch at Alfina's next door to the quilt shop and we were able to tackle the next arduous trek to The Quilters Store The Embroiderers Store at Salisbury. It's always such hard work being driven in style in a very comfortable bus and walking around delightful quilt shops !!!
Walking into The Quilters Store is like entering a library except that instead of books there is fabric. Shelves and shelves, row upon row of every fabric range imaginable - we were totally spoilt for choice but we valiantly kept clear heads and were able to select what we wanted!
Next it was on to our final shop, Bayside Stitchcraft where we met Margaret who had dashed back from the Craft & Quilt Fair to be on hand to greet us. What a lovely shop she has and all her staff were so helpful. More retail therapy was in evidence and by now the girls were weighed down with all their purchases. There's no way hubbies will be seeing the credit card bill this month!!
Shopping finally over for the day our trusty bus driver delivered us safely back to the hotel where all the Mount Isa quilters were able to spend a fun evening checking out their purchases. Thanks to all the ladies, Lyn, Kerry, Lesley, Edi, Bev, Jenny, Teresa, Kim, Rita, Wendy, Michele, Debbie and Karryn with an extra big thanks to Debbie for all your organisation. It was an absolute pleasure to be part of your special day.
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