I swung across the border from Cincinnati into Kentucky to visit this shop, owned by Mary Honaker. It is a pleasant hour’s drive southeast through the hills and then down into the Ohio River valley. I had seen posts from the shop online, and a couple of friends suggested I stop in, so did.
One of the more interesting things about this shop is that the owner has a background in television production, so the color pallet she is accustomed to is based TV Production Color Bars, the ones we used to see when stations went off of the air for the night. So, if you look at her fabric wall, this is the color order you will see, not the usual rainbow. Fabrics range from Civil War to modern, with plenty of blenders and solids. There are large and small scale prints as well. With over 1,500 bolts on hand you are sure to find several you will enjoy. There are generally at least 30 different wide backs on hand.
The shop started several miles south of Maysville in 2007, then moved to the larger space in Maysville in 2013. Apron Strings Quilt Shop is a registered HandiQuilter Long Arm System dealer. They also provide long arm service and rent time on systems in the shop.
There is a great example of a Photo Quilt hanging in the back area. This one is done in black and white; the designer is working on one in color. I’ve wanted to try this, but I don’t quite have the nerve to work with several thousand 1 1/2″ squares! This picture is taken from about ten feet back so you see the effect, and it is amazing.
The other unique thing about this shop is the packaging. Charm packs, layer cakes, and so on have a sample you can handle to look a the colors, but the ones for purchase are sealed – no finger prints or missing squares to worry about. In the current social distancing culture, this shop is a step ahead of the curve.
Do admire the Lone Star Quilts in the front windows – same pattern, different fabrics, and very different looks. These are not the only samples in the shop! There is plenty of inspiration to choose your next project. Quilt Kits are assembled in house, so if you want your own fabric selections be sure to negotiate!
Plan to spend 30 to 45 minutes here to see everything; longer if you want to check out a long arm system.
When you’re done at the shop, go left out the front door to the corner, and go left a half block to the Kentucky Gateway Museum Center. Spend an hour or two looking around, particularly the miniature (1/12 Scale) houses and many of the buildings in the area. This is a private collection on display to the public. There is an admission fee, but it is well worth the time and cost. The quilts, tapestries, and rugs are actual quilts, tapestries, and rugs, and the furniture is exquisite. That is a tiny quilt on the tiny quilting frame!
| Apron Strings Quilt Shop | Hours: W-T 10-6 F-S 10-3 Closed Sun, Mon, & Tue |
| 53 West Second St. | Phone: 606-748-2881 |
| Maysville, KY 41056 | ApronStringsQuiltShop@yahoo.com |
| www.apronstringsquiltshop.com | Mail Order: Yes Fabric Online: Yes |
Stop back on Thursday as we head back into southern Ohio!