This wonderful shop is in Essenhaus Village along US 20, just about 36 miles north of Interstate 90. US 20 parallels I90, so it is an easy drive. Owner Susan Garberick purchased the shop in 2017, having been quilting for years and having a growing passion for “all things quilty.” The shop became available when the previous owners were retiring, and Miss Susan had been thinking about opening a shop, so this was the perfect opportunity.
The upstairs is lots of fabric; downstairs is consignment and shop sample sales. You can enter on either floor. If you love a sample, you can reserve it – they are retired when the fabric line sells out.
Speaking of fabric – there are over 3,000 bolts on hand here, ranging from solids and blenders to prints and batiks. Tone on tones are available, and there is a great selection of wide backs. If you follow my blog, you know I love Stack-n-Whack – and there is a great selection of fabrics here for that style of quilt! There are also smaller prints. Fabric is arranged in alcoves by color family, so pick a nice bright print and start matching! All of the samples have kits available, or panels and matching fabrics. Wool is on hand, as well as some great patterns and books to go with it.
Samples are hung on just about every wall, including going down the stairs. Kimberbell patterns are available, and there is a great selection of embroidery threads, too. You can always create your own kit if the fabrics in the shop kit doesn’t match your decor. The wonderful staff would be happy to help with this effort if you’re a bit nervous about making your selections. I know it took me several years to get comfortable with going my own direction, and I still get opinions from other customers sometimes…
The shop is a licensed Handi Quilter dealer – did you know Handi Quilter makes regular sewing machines as well as long arm systems? Take some time to check out these machines. They are easy to use and not overly computerized – something I appreciate as I take my machine on the road, and I don’t think all of that vibration is good for the electronic machines. OF course, they will also happily sell you your very own long arm!
I would be remiss in my reporting if I did not mention and show off these wonderful wooden quilt blocks. A local Amish gentleman makes them because, as he told the owner, he enjoys the challenge. They are absolutely lovely, and the precision is something to behold. Unfortunately my budget won’t allow me to acquire the entire collection…
Please plan to spend at least 30 to 40 minutes here.
| The Quilt Shoppe @ Essenhaus | Hours: Tue – Thu 10 – 5; Fri – Sat 10 – 7 |
| P. O. Box 1217 240 US Highway 20 | Phone: 574-822-1270 |
| Middlebury, IN 45640 | susie@essenhausquiltshop.com |
| www.essenhausquiltshop.com | Mail Order: Yes Fabric Online: Yes |
Stop back on Monday and see where the North American Shop Hop is visiting next!