Fabrics Plus part of 2010 Quilt Minnesota Shop Hop
By Jodelle GreinerMARSHALL - For those who enjoy quilting, the 2010 Quilt Minnesota Shop Hop is the Holy Grail of quilting.
"One couple last year was traveling with a goose," said Tracy Veglahn, co-owner of Fabrics Plus in Marshall. "I had to go out to take a picture of the goose."
The shop hop runs from July 30 to Aug. 15 and includes prizes like an Alaskan cruise and gift certificates.
"All shops are committed to be open regular hours and Sundays," Veglahn said, adding she's stayed open a little later for people who've called to say they were on their way from another store.
Statewide, 84 shops are participating and Fabrics Plus is one of 11 in the southwest region, she said.
"Last year, 35 people went to every shop in the state," Veglahn said.
"Last year, we had about 300 people who visited during the two weeks of the hop," coming from the Twin Cities, Duluth and even the West Coast, Veglahn said.
That brings business to more than just Fabrics Plus, Veglahn said.
"We have people who ask for places to stay and eat," she said.
This is a trip people plan vacations around, Veglahn said.
"Lots of groups of girlfriends and sisters," Veglahn said. "This is the hobby weekend or week."
"Each shop has incentives and prizes," she said, adding that Fabrics Plus will decorate the shop and offer refreshments.
They will also have the entire line of fabric designed just for the shop hop. "We are challenged to do something with it," she said as she fingered a table runner in the blue-and-white, Minnesota-themed fabrics.
For those who want to visit other shops, there are maps and a website www.quiltminnesota.com to visit to help plan the trip.
Veglahn is excited for the hop to begin.
"It's a great opportunity to get people to visit our shop," she said.
