There is nothing quite like walking into a quilt shop and being surrounded by inspiration and creativity everywhere you look.  From floor to ceiling your eyes are flooded with a sea of colors and prints tantalizing the quilting taste buds of quilters and sewing enthusiasts from across the state.  You are able to touch and feel the fabric as you carry bolts around browsing each display and picking out coordinates and blenders to plan the perfect project.  You are joined in the comradery of fellow quilters and learn from the expertise that surrounds you.  You hop from one shop to the next, never minding the distance in between because there is a thrill in experiencing the uniqueness and charm that each quilt shop holds, with no two shops being alike.  You are introduced to new faces in new places while you collect passport stamps and free in store giveaways.  Your shop hop memories never fade.

Brick and mortar quilt shops are important in our communities and Shop Hop Inc is on a mission to help ensure that local quilt shops thrive by planning and organizing state-wide Shop Hop events such as the first annual All Kansas & Nebraska Shop Hop.  The process started in February of 2021 by recruiting local quilt shops in both states to join in on this Great Sewing Adventure.  Design planning began with Maywood Studio on an exclusively themed line of fabrics available only to participating stores and only while supplies last.  Prize recruitment took place gathering hundreds of fantastic giveaway opportunities to offer shoppers some extra incentive and appreciation for shopping and visiting the stores.  Event marketing took place almost immediately, beginning with a Facebook Group created for quilting fans to keep up with all things All Kansas & Nebraska Shop Hop.

Work also began on producing the 111-page, full-color publication that is a key component in helping stores recoup their marketing investment as all magazine sales go directly back to supporting our stores.  With just one peek it will be hard to resist purchasing a copy.  It contains:

*Ads highlighting all 45 participating Kansas stores, as well as the 34 stores across the state of Nebraska

*Longarm quilting and retreat center resources available around the state

*Regional maps and special store hours during the shop hop event

*Prize listings

*Industry-related articles including a wonderful submission about the Kansas Flint Hills

*An official passport to embark on your Great Sewing Adventure

*Patterns by local designers featuring the exclusive shop hop fabric line 

Kanbraska Garden by Heather Briggs - My Sew Quilty Life formerly from Spring Hill, KS

Just Plains Wonderful by Laura Martin - Sew Loved Quilt Shop in Elkhart, KS

Prairie Treasure by Kari Schultz - Quilt Cottage Co. in Hays, KS

Stars Shine Over the Midwest by Chris Campbell - Chris’ Corner Quilt Shop in Ottawa, KS

Prairie Serenade by Debbie Johnson -  In the Dog House Designs in Kechi, KS

So whether you are a quilter, know a quilter, or are just a bit curious about this shop hop event, head on out to any of these participating Kansas shops between April 1st - May 31st and show them some love for it is our shoppers who make the real difference in keeping our treasured quilt shops thriving in our communities. 

For more information on the complete All Kansas & Nebraska Shop Hop event, visit the website at https://allkansasnebraskashophop.com/.  You may just find some little pockets of quilty bliss with the Nebraska shops as well.