If you are traveling through Arkansas to the Crater of Diamonds (or anywhere else), take a five minute detour to enjoy the Bed Warmer Quilt Shop. Owned by Shellie Blake, the store is named for an heirloom bed warmer she and her husband have had since their marriage. The store also displays quilts made by her husband’s great-grandmother.
One of the unique features of the shop is frosted glass quilt block windows between rooms and on the office wall. The other is ZOSS Nook, a play space for children named after the owner’s first four grandchildren. This allows parents to let the children play while they look at fabrics or machines – something I have not seen in other shops I’ve visited.
The shop is also a Pfaff dealer, so check out the machines while you’re there, particularly if you’re looking for a new embroidery system! Also check out the Kimber Bell embroidery patterns.
The Bed Warmer carries a selection of Civil War, batiks, and other bright fabrics. With 1600 bolts on hand, you are sure to find multiple selections to inspire you. There are wool squares, cotton panels, and a selection of Arkansas Razorback fabrics.
The shop also offers classes that change seasonally. If there are no classes, there is “open sewing” time. Bring your machine and work on those UFO’s, or chat with fellow quilters and share ideas and solutions.
In the summer, there is a Kids Sewing Camp for ages 8 to 16, with beginning and advanced sections.
Another delightful find is “Funky Friends Factory” patterns. These are wonderful calico stuffed animals – I love the pink elephant!!
As a professional long arm quilter, Shellie has more than ten years of experience with customers across the United States. The Bed Warmer is a registered Pfaff dealer and provides sewing machine repair services.
Plan to spend at least an hour to see all of the treasures to be found at The Bed Warmer.
| The Bed Warmer Quilt & Sew | Hours: Mon-Fri 10-5:30, Sat 10-4 |
| 17270 Interstate 30N Suite 9 | Phone: 501-860-6176 |
| Benton, AR 72019 | E-mail: shellieblake@bedwarmerquiltandsew.com |
| Website: www.bedwarmerquiltandsew.com | Mail Order: Yes Fabrics pictured online: Yes |
Check back on Wednesday to see the next shop on the North American Shop Hop! Click “Register” under the META section to follow this blog.