This shop is located less than ten miles from the Trans Canadian Highway (MB-1), and is one of three store owned by Pauline Noordenbos – the other two, in Ashern and Selkirk, Manitoba, will have to wait for my next trip! You will be greeted at the door by Tutu, the shop mascot, a very friendly lady. Do let the staff know if she is a problem for you, and they’ll take care of it.
There are wonderful fabrics here, including plain Grunge (did you know Grunge is designed to be a solid on the reverse?), blenders, solids, and tone on tones. The 1,000 plus bolts on hand also include large and small prints, and some lovely batiks. Flannel is on hand, and Christmas prints are available year round. Don’t miss the panels! There are also two Block of the Month designs in process, and these are available by mail as well as in person. There are strip packs and Jelly Rolls, and 5″ x 5″ packs, too. 108″ Cotton backings as well as Cuddle Tex (similar to Fireside, a polyester backing by Moda that is like a textured fleece) is available in 72″ widths. Check out the Australian Aboriginals by M&S fabrics while you’re here.
There are wonderful samples on display here, and most have patterns and / or kits available. The shop is also a dealer for Brother and Baby Lock Machines, so feel free to dream of your next machine – or take the plunge and get a new one! There are also some wonderful antique machines on display – amazing how far we have some in the world of sewing machines!
Finally, I do need to mention the Retreat Center in Strathclair, Manitoba, about an hour from this shop. It is run by Miss Pauline and her husband, Glen, and can handle up from 6-15 guests, and offers home cooked meals and a great place to relax with friends. Future plans include Quilt and Fish or Quilt and Golf weekends, so you can sneak away with your significant other – no stated rules on who fishes and who quilts!! I would plan twenty to forty-five minutes here, depending on what you are looking for – and do pick up a brochure for the Retreat Center!
| Mama Bear’s Quilt Shoppe | Hours: Mon – Sat 10 – 5 |
| 707 Rosser Ave | Phone: 1-204-725-5227 |
| Brandon, MB R7A 0K8 Canada | mamabearsquiltshoppe@hotmail.com |
| https://www.loc8nearme.com/manitoba/brandon/mama-bears-quilt-shoppe/6877656/ | Mail Order: Yes Fabric Online: No |
Stop in on Monday to see where the North American Shop Hop is visiting next as I travel across Canada to Alaska!