Rain Showers throughout the region did not dampen our travel spirits. We needed rain both at my mom's and my own house and we received rainfall amounts throughout the day. For the most part, we were lucky and it was not raining when we parked or came out from our shopping excursions. We did drive through quite a bit of rain but honestly my car needed the wash. At one point in our journey our path crossed by a beehive settlement and we are sorry that we reduced the population even further as we drove past.
Prairie Quilting in Windom was our first destination this morning and there was something heartwarming at the site of a combination feed mill and quilt shop. Stella, the shop Corgi, was our greeting committee.
What charming quilt shop. My mom had a good garden discussion going as Alyssa and I admired the possibilities. Alyssa's heart melted just a little more when she saw the cats that call the feed mill home. I saw four and they were all cute.
Worthington and the Crafty Corner Quilt and Sewing Shoppe was our next stop. I was excited to stop here since BERNINA friend's Ken & Zuby own this shop.
They were not in but we received a warm welcome anyway. The water to go was much appreciated. Thank you for your thoughtfulness.
Old Alley Quilt Shop in Sherburn is an adorable old brick building. I personally love the historic buildings and I appreciate the challenge the shop owners have to create a beautiful display in a vintage building.
Unique garden art lined the walkway to the door. If I have the story right, the granddaughters painted the non repairable machines. A local tells me it is the best shop ever.
Blue Earth and Michele's Quilting and Sewing Center was our next stop and they are grateful having a new space to call home. Some years ago we had a stain glass quilting guest educator and here she was. I enjoyed a nice visit with her. It was too early for coffee but had we been in need there was coffee and treats adjoining Michele's.
Time for the crop report---Soybeans and corn are looking good along the region. Hay is cut along the ditches and the farmers are doing a beautiful job of cutting close to their crops. I think we only saw one alfalfa field along our way. Flower gardens are a welcome spot of color as we travel through the countryside. All the colors are brighter on a rainy day.
The clouds were looking quite menacing as we approached Humble Heart in Wells and we were a little concerned with getting caught in severe weather. Previously we just had the nice rainfall as we traveled. The shop has lovely welcoming scents of the handmade soaps.
Alyssa was a bit in Gnome heaven here and came away with a cheerful Gnome figure. On our way out we were recognized by a blog follower. I am sorry I did not catch your name but if you comment below, I can give you credit. Your enthusiasm warmed our hearts and brightened our day. Thank you!
Hayward was our last scheduled stop before heading home. However, it was still early and we hatched a plan to extend our travels today.
Calico Hutch has much to offer and there is a sweet corn stand in the parking lot. We had our dinner planned for tonight but that first sweet corn of the season is always a temptation. It was too warm in the car and too full if we are being honest to tuck in corn for a later meal.
287 miles traveled today but it's still early and we decided to loop up to Montgomery, New Prague and Lonsdale and just travel home a different route. These shops are relatively close to each other and the travel to the first one was only an hour. We had plenty of time to browse in each one without keeping them late.
Quilting by the Hearth in Lonsdale is in a cozy house and I have had the opportunity to visit here more than once and enjoy myself each time.
Sue's Quilt Shop in New Prague was next.
This is home to one of the award winning quilts from the St. Cloud Quilt Show. It is a stunning paper pieced quilt with hints of bling and it was laid out in a side room and we took time to admire it again. I loved that she had her first quilt from 1968 framed and on the wall. I picked up another little scrappy piece pattern called the Omigosh quilt.
Quilter's Dream in Montgomery was our final destination today and the last shop in the section.
The fabric bundle is in pretty plums, greens and creams and just my mom's taste.
A quick stop for gas and cappuccinos and our nose is headed home. Smoked pulled pork and homemade beans with potato chips was our dinner menu today and we had that meal at my house.
The storms rolled in shortly after supper but we were able to have our nightly show and tell before losing power. It was close to 8:00 so we all called it a night.
Sunday we will travel along Highway 61 and visit four shops. Breakfast is cooked, laundry started and lunches are made.
Monday morning we will finish at Pine Needles Quilt & Sew. If you are out and about hopping be sure to stop in and visit the store.
Happy Hopping! Joy
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