Just over two miles from I75 in Troy, Michigan, is Front Porch Quilts. They were just settling into their new location when I visited. Owned by Martha Butch, this shop features first run quilting fabric. First Run Fabric is the first through a new dye set-up, and generally has a slightly tighter weave than later runs.
The 1000 bolts of fabric on hand range from blenders to prints to batiks. Front Porch Quilts carries Northcott’s Banyan Batiks. This line has some really amazing prints, including one that looks like a medallion. These are not your normal batiks! Not all of them are as dramatic as the one below, but they are unique. There are also over 50 panels to choose from, numbered and shelved for easy access.
Banyan Batik – Not your normal Batik! 
Panels
Have you ever seen or made a Mondo Bag? There are kits for these available in the shop. I think I could carry a small child in one of these, or pack for a week or so! They are a wonderful shopping bag, beach bag, or any place where you need to carry a lot of items easily. There is also a smaller version available.
There are kits for pillow cases as well. I’ve made close to 100 pillow cases – they make great Christmas gifts, and they make up quickly! Check out the range of fabrics available for these, or select your own and have it cut for you.
Front Porch Quilts is a licensed Brother sewing machine dealer, and carries a wide assortment of Exquisite brand embroidery thread to go with them. There is also a long arm set up in the shop, so you can bring in your quilt tops to have them sandwiched and quilted.
Classes change with the season and are listed online – check the schedule and see if there is something you can fit in while you are in the area. There is also an Open Sew (for a nominal fee) on Wednesday’s from five to eight in the evening. Bring your machine (if needed; hand stitchers are also welcome) and whatever you are working on or need to have help to get going.
Before you leave, say hello to the shop mascot. He (I think he’s a boy; I didn’t write that part down!) is trained to stay on his table, and may lick you to death if you stay in range long enough! Doesn’t he pose nicely?
| Front Porch Quilts | Hours: M-T 10-3 W 10-3 & 5-8 Sat 10:30-3:30 Closed Th, Fr, Sun |
| 2071 E. Maple Road | Phone: 248-795-4876 |
| Troy, MI 48083 | Email: Frontporchquiltsmi@gmail.com |
| https://frontporchquilts.com/ | Mail Order: Call Fabric Online: No |
Stop back on Friday and see where the North American Shop Hop is visiting next!