Thimbles Quilt Shop is on the corner of South State Street and 10th Street in Lockport, Illinois, just 3 miles from I355, west of Chicago. Owned by Tammy Newton, Thimbles hosts the largest Kimber Bell club in the United States.
They are in a building built in 1870, and are the third tenants, following a dry goods store, then a hardware store, and now fabric and sewing machines – kind of combination of the last two tenants!
If you park on 10th Street and come in the back door (quite acceptable and usually easier parking), classrooms are up the stairs and the shop is to the right. Stroll into the shop and look around…
Asked what not to miss, Tammy immediately replied “the bathroom – everyone has heard about it and wants to see it.”
It is unusual for its unfinished outside wall – and a bicycle! Definitely worth a peek whether you need the facilities or not, just for the architectural features. Given the age of the building it is indeed a fascinating room.
Wander to the main room and check out the displays of batiks, quilting cottons, some Kaffe Fassett, and blends for clothing. I found a wonderful color blend for a two color Bargello, and a great match for the accent fabric.
Standing at the counter chatting with customers, one mentioned that she found Thimbles, “The best quilt shop in the world,” and added that she’d been in dozens.
Looking for inspiration, or a new machine? Look at the samples quilts hung around the shop, or have one if the helpful staff demonstrate one of the Bernina or Baby Lock machines sold in the shop. Upstairs you’ll find wonderfully large an airy classrooms, which can be divided for multiple classes if needed. Make the time if you’re in the Chicago area to stop in and enjoy this inspirational shop.
| Thimbles Quilt Shop | Hours: M-S 9:30A -4P Sun 12-4 |
| 940 S State St | Phone: 815-836-8735 |
| Lockport, IL 60441 | E-mail: tammy@thimblesquilts.com |
| Website: www.thimblesquiltshop.com | Mail Order: No Fabrics pictured online: No |
Stop back on Monday and see where the North American Shop Hop is stopping next!