Quilting Stash – Coast to Coast

You never know when a Bucket List wish will be fulfilled, even in a lop-sided way!

I have always wanted to take a road trip from coast to coast, visiting quilt shops and meeting quilters, and it really is on my to-do list before I pass through the pearly gates – but I never thought that it would happen in quite this way!

Ryan and Karen are moved in with nearly a glitsch. Nearly, I say, because her car that they sent out to NC on transport arrived with a broken Drive Shaft. Because you must sign a Waiver, which absolves the transport company from damage that may happen to your car, there is no recourse for the damage — which is taking a week to fix and $400.

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Ridiculous.

Now how to get Ryan’s car out there, which he left with us so the transport company could pick it up after the holidays, namely no sooner than today. Luckily the car didn’t go on the transport before Karen’s car was delivered and we could make some alternative plans. Those plans? QuilterMommy to the rescue!!

In pondering about how this trip could be exciting rather than druggery, WebGuy, as cute as he is brilliant, had the idea to do podcasts for the trip. You know, it was WebGuy’s idea for me to do a podcast and that’s how I started Quilting Stash.

I thought you, my listeners, could benefit by turning this event (and quite an EVENT this is – how better to kick-off the new year?!) into something quilty. I want to get recommendations for quilt shops and stores anywhere within a few miles of the route I’m taking — the Southern route — you can check out the map below to see —  and so you will know who to suggest I can meet with.



View Larger Map

ANYONE can host me in ANY of the towns across the US that my route will take me. All suggestions are welcome. I would really appreciate anyone who would suggest notable quilters, quilt guild people or shop people who’d be interested in meeting up with me along the way to talk about quilting.

I also want to meet YOU and INTERVIEW you for my podcast. Putting names, faces, and voices of listeners together on this Coast to Coast show. This is an effort to bring a more national focus to my podcast – I mean, how many of you have asked me to talk about areas other than Northern California?!

Listeners (aka YOU) will track my progress in blog entries and podcast updates all through the trip. It’ll be a wonderful experience for everyone!

The Trip Itinerary:

  • Morro Bay, CA
  • Los Angeles
  • Tucson, AZ
  • somewhere between El Paso and San Antonio where there is a cool quilt shop or quilter
  • a stop in San Antonio
  • Houston
  • Baton Rouge
  • Atlanta
  • Apex, NC
  • Kitty Hawk is the final stop with a dip in the ocean (don’t get too excited — only my tootsies will get in ; )

Here is the info that I need* from you:

First, I don’t want to drive after it gets dark, and I don’t want to veer too far off of the main highways that I will travel on – so keep that in mind when you email me. I want to visit a local quilt shop in each city and feature them in a podcast, with pictures.

  • I am looking for a listener who wouldn’t mind providing a bed and a shower for the night – oh, which needs to be non-smoking with no rodent/reptile pets. Be prepared to do a podcast interview with me. I have the following stays covered; Tucson, Houston and Atlanta. I am looking for stays in the L.A. area, the San Antonio area and the Baton Rouge area.
  • I need to find a place to stop/visit between El Paso and San Antonio and there is nothing really obvious that I can see on the map. I would rather not drive from Tucson to San Antonio in one day, if I don’t have to.
  • There are several quilt shops in Baton Rouge, and I would like to know which you prefer.
  • Which of the shops in San Antonio do you pefer?
  • Which of the shops in the Atlanta area do you  prefer?
  • Which shops in the RTP/NC area do you prefer?
  • Does anyone know if there are any quilt shops at Kitty Hawk – my final destination?

Please email me your recommendations as soon as possible, because I will be heading out from Morro Bay on Thursday, yes – THIS Thursday, January 8th.

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Email: annie@simplearts.com !!

*and lots of prayers for a safe trip!

13 thoughts on “Quilting Stash – Coast to Coast”

  1. I’m jealous. It sounds like so much fun. Have a safe and wonderful trip. I can’t wait for your upcoming podcasts and hear all about it.

  2. I’m a little bummed that I live in Michigan as I love to be able to help you out 🙂 Have a very safe and fun trip!

  5. Wow, you are doing just about the trip I had hoped to do from Ottawa Canada this year, ending in Tucson or S. California. I was planning to get south as quick as possible, through Virgina, then into TN. The trip will have to wait for me, for at least a few months or so… aiming for next winter now.

    I look forward to reading and hearing about your adventures. I hope the weather cooperates for you.

    Michele
    Quilting Gallery

  6. Sounds like too much fun! One that I would love to take as well. I don’t know where in TX this shop is, but they have a great website and I’ve always wanted to visit them: Stitchin Heaven in Quitman TX (I keep wanting to say Quiltman!) 502 E. Goode St.| Quitman, TX 75783 | 800-841-3901 and their website is http://www.stitchinheaven.com

    Cheers,
    Dionne

  7. PS – When I say I don’t know where in TX, I mean I don’t know where Quitman is in TX. Clearly I know that the shop is in Quitman. So now you know…. I’m a complete dork!

  9. There may be a random quilt shop between El Paso and San Antonio probably starting somewhere around Ozona or Sonora but I don’t remember one. Whatever you do–do not leave El Paso without reservations and a plan for the night. Ft Stockton is about the give up point and the places fill up fast. It is a long drive–do not underestimate it-carry food and water for man, beast and machinery. Now having said that, I always enjoy the West Texas desert and love that drive and the entrance to the Texas Hill Country. Have fun.

  10. Annie;

    What major roads are you planning on travelling? If you’re travelling I-85 stop at Mary Jo’s in Gastonia, NC. She has a wonderful history and story to tell. Here’s her website:
    http://www.maryjos.com/

    Quilters Loft in Mooresville, NC is another one that I love Here’s her blog and if you look at it she has a bunch of shops listed on a 12/31 blog telling about a Quilting and Needle Art Extravaganza.

    As far as places to stay, I’m sure many people (including me) can put it out to guilds, shops, etc to help you out. I would if I could, but I’m travelling for the next several weeks myself. Give us the major roads, or a mapquest link, or something so we can see a bit more detail. Thanks.

  13. I just want to second the recommendation for a stop at Mary Jo’s in Gastonia. It’s right off I-85. I live in GA but try to plan my trips to my mom’s in NC to allow for a stop at Mary Jo’s.

    Monday and Thursday: 9:00 AM to 7:45 PM

    Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday: 9:00 AM to 5:45 PM

    Please Note:

    The Gaston Mall is in the process of renovations. Mary Jo’s will be open and operating during our regular hours.

    Renovations are in a controlled environment and should not affect your shopping experience. Our entrance is still at the regular location on the back side.

    Now I’m going to have to try to find the one in Mooresville next time I go there. My mom LIVES in Mooresville (but she isn’t a quilter!)

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