I survived my first shop hop!

I can't believe we did it! As I was binding the shop quilt at 1:00 a.m. after a very long day rearranging the fabric, hanging new quilts and projects, and taking care of the hundred or so other details that go into setting up a large event, it didn't seem possible that we would be ready to go when the shop hop kicked off in just 8 hours. But my staff is amazing! Assisted by friends and family who volunteered their time, they worked all day Monday and Tuesday putting together kits, decorating, and setting up displays and had everything looking bright and cheery for our "Fourth of July" celebration. We were ready to open our doors promptly at 9:00 a.m. as scheduled.

Unfortunately, I was so busy with the details, that I neglected to get any pictures. Next year, I'll make sure I have a staff member armed with a camera. As for this year, if any of you who stopped by the shop have any pictures you are willing to share, I would be extremely grateful.

As for the shop hop, I would call it a tremendous success. We had over 1,500 quilters come through the shop and were thrilled with the wonderful feedback and comments we received. Our shop was definitely hopping! On Wednesday, Jill Finley was on hand to sign her new book, Stitched Together: Fresh Projects and Ideas for Group Quilting. Friday applique demonstrations by Cori Blunt of Chitter Chatter Designs were a great learning experience and our printer was running non-stop keeping up with the demand for her beautifully stitched Block of the Week pattern, Baby Bracelet Blessings. All week long, Jennifer from Stampin' Up demonstrated the Big Shot die cut machine (it works on fabric as well as it does on paper!) and provided fun make-and-takes each day. Poor Jennifer was on her feet the entire time and was such a sport to stay long after her scheduled times each day. We gave away 5 fat quarter bundles every day along with other fun prizes like shop hop gear, quilting notions, and a slew of fun patterns.

In addition to the beautiful quilts put together by staff members, we were very lucky to have on display a number of quilts from Mary's Cottage, Nellie's Needle, Peggy Bills, and Chitter Chatter designs. I am constantly amazed at the many talented women in our area who design quilts and are so willing to share their talent.

It was so much fun to see familiar faces and visit with quilters from all along the Wasatch Front. We even met a few out-of-towners who participated in our shop hop, some who accidentally stumbled upon it and quite a few who made the journey just to join in the fun. Thank you for stopping by and we hope to see you again in the near future!