Behind the Story: Quilt Shops

So let's talk shop today. And by shop, I mean quilt shops. Why? Because my story, The Missing Piece, is set in one. One based off a few others I've been to.
I don't know if you've ever been in a quilt shop or not, but if you haven't, let me tell you. They're a lot of fun. You walk in and automatically your eyes are drawn to multiple things. Because fabric is fun. Full of colors and patterns and ideas of projects yet to happen.
And as far as I can tell, women who work in quilt shops are fun, too. Because they have a passion for the art of sewing/quilting. And that's definitely something that speaks to my soul.
So, my story is set in a quilt shop called The Missing Piece. It's in an old house that was redone into a store, but still has the character of different rooms and areas for fabric to be. There's a classroom in the back corner of the house (the former master bedroom), a room set up for people who need a place to sew, cutting tables here and there, and, of course, shelves of fabric.
Did I model this after a real shop? Yes and no.

Here in the town I live in, we have a quilt shop called Stitcher's Playhouse. It's also an old house remodeled into a store. As you can see in the pictures below, it has various rooms of fabric, old sewing machines on display, along with quilts and other already-sewn items. Across the front are barn quilt squares, which I also love. There's a good-sized classroom farther back in the building, but I didn't get a picture of it the day I was there because I didn't want to interrupt the class going on. And you can see all the beautiful fabrics. I love going out there and almost always come away with at least a fat quarter or two.

Where my Mom lived for several years, she had a local quilt shop called Thread Lightly. It isn't in an old house, but still has lots of fun fabric and a place to sew/learn. My mom spent quite a few hours out there when she lived in Oklahoma. Quilt shops tend to be those places where you can find a community of similar-souled friends.

So, what do you think? Want to come visit The Missing Piece? You don't have to buy any fabric. We won't even require you know how to put on a button. But it is a fun store to explore. And right now, we have lots of watermelon patterns! Just in time for the town festival.
​Have you been to a quilt shop before? Do you have a favorite one? I'd love to hear about it.

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We're just over a week away from the release day! Are you too excited to wait? You can actually pre-order now (just click on the picture to the left). 
And be watching, because at the end of the week, we're starting a Social Media Scavenger Hunt to celebrate the launch of this story collection. One reader who participates will win a very nice Amazon gift card. More information coming Friday. ;)

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