This amazing shop is literally right next to Interstate 55, less than a half mile from the exit. Owner Randy Fleetwood runs this eclectic shop with wines, gifts, clothing, and foods – not to mention fabrics! Each section of the store has it’s own manager, and the Quilting Section staff has been running their department for over12 years. These ladies are quilters as well as managers, and it shows in the samples and the fabric selections.
Speaking of fabric, there are well over 2,000 bolts on hand to choose from,arranged by general usage. There is a patriotic section, a children’s section, a flannel section, and then fabrics by type and designer. I saw Kaffe Fassett, Tula Pink, Moda, Benartex, Northcott, and many more. There is a wall of wonderful batiks, sorted by color wave. Both large and small prints are available, and Minky is on hand in 60″ and 90″ widths. There are solids and blenders, tone on tones, a section of black and white prints. Don’t miss the wide backings, some in prints and some that read as solids. There is also a wonderful selection of panels. Fat Quarters are shelved near the parent bolt, and there is also a nice selection of Jelly Rolls, Layer Cakes, and Charm Packs.
Samples are displayed throughout the shop, as well as in the classroom. Classes range from beginner level to the very experienced quilter, and every skill level in between. There are kits that include fabric, binding, and the pattern. I saw wonderful children’s reading pillows with a pocket for the current book included. Most samples have kits available. Of course, you can select a pattern and create your own kits – help is available if you need it!
The shop is a drop of and pick up point for several local long arm professionals, so if you have a quilt that needs to be finished, please call for more information or stop in and pick up a card.
I spent over an hour just in the fabric section, and another hour enjoying the remainder of the shop. I would plan at least an hour here.
| Countryside Village | Hours: Mon – Sat 10-5 Sun 11-4 |
| 154.0 N Division St. | Phone: 815-458-2191 |
| Braidwood, IL 60408 | Countrysidevillage@yahoo.com |
| www.countrysidevillagegifts.com | Mail Order: Yes Fabric Online: Yes |
Stop back on Monday and see where the North American Shop Hop is visiting next!