Quilt Minnesota Shop Hop

Have you noticed the buses that stop in front of Heather's Book Nook and Sew Much More in first couple of weeks of August?  They're part of the Quilt Minnesota Shop Hop series of tours that goes through  the entire state, this is the 10th anniversary. Here's how it works according to the http://www.quiltminnesota.com/.

"On Friday, July 29th pick up a shop hop passport at the first shop you visit. As you travel the state, each shop will stamp your passport and give you a free 5” fabric square from this year’s exclusive fabric coordinates along with a pattern for an 8” finished quilt block, no purchase necessary.
Continue visiting any and all participating shops to fill up your passport!  'You make it what it is - do as much or as little of the hop as you choose'. May we suggest traveling with a loved-one, family or friends, plan a couple day trips, jump on a regional bus and enjoy the inspiration you’ll find while visiting Minnesota's Finest Quilt Shops!
Each year we feature an exclusive fabric line; shops work very hard to create and design projects using the exclusive fabrics. Participating Shops send a sample of their 8” finished quilt block to one central location. All of these blocks are assembled into our annual Quilt Minnesota Quilt. The quilt makes its début during the shop hop hanging in the courtyard at Gruber’s Quilt Shop in Waite Park. This quilt is a snap-shot of all the participating shops and their abundant creativity."

Sew Much More owner, Carolyn Lindquist designed this quilt using the exclusive Quilt Minnesota themed fabric. This year's fabric theme is camping, their shop also has Quilt Minnesota t-shirts and bags for sale.

 Stop in to their shop at 682 Prentice St. and talk to Carolyn Lindquist for more details on getting on a bus in Southwest Minnesota.  For the past few years, visitors have been disappointed to see the footbridge closed.  This year, they'll be able to stroll across and enjoy the view!   This Shop Hop brings a lot of visitors to Granite Falls, some on the buses, others come on their own.   Last year, over 800 quilters finished the entire Southwest Section, with many more who visited just some of the shops.  There are prizes for finishing each section as well as a grand prize drawing for the entire state, winners get an Alaskan Cruise for Two!    The Quilt Minnesota Shop Hop starts on July 29th and ends August 14th.