Located less than a mile from Monday’s shop, and less than four miles from interstate 84, this bright and cheery shop is housed in what used to be the local doctor’s office, back when the office and home were generally one location. Owner Shirley Blakeley bought the property and converted it into a quilt shop in 2007, but the charm and beautiful woodwork are still in place. Check out the pictures on the wall in the hall of the former owner, and the story of the building.
There are over 1,000 bolts of batiks and bright colors here. This shop definitely focuses on the brighter side of the color wheel, which is where my favorites generally lie. There are solids and blenders, as well as tone on tones. Don’t miss the batiks! Large and small prints are also on hand, and many would make delightful One Block Wonder quilts. Alchemy by Tim Holtz is on hand – this is a wonderful bright blender or backing. Nature prints are here, as well as a selection of Flannel by Maywood, which has a lovely soft hand. Precuts include strip rolls, 5 X 5 packs, and 10 X 10 packs. The owner hand dyes the wool sold here, so if you are do wool applique this is a great place to look for unique colors.
Quilt kits are available in several sizes, and there are samples of many of them on display. There are also class samples. Classes include sewing and quilting, with beginning sewing available for both children and adults. There is a Block of the Month that teaches a new technique every month. Please contact the shop if you’d like to join this group. If you haven’t caught on over the years, I am a Stack-n-Whack nut. I couldn’t resist a close-up of this one…
Bluebird Studio both sells HandiQuilter systems and teaches folks how to use them. I should say here that I have an HQ Sweet Sixteen in my spare bedroom, so I am somewhat partial to this brand! Long arm services are available; please contact the shop for pricing and lead times. While you’re there, check out the great selection of wide backings to finish your masterpiece.
I would plan to be here for at least thirty to forty-five minutes, longer if you arrange a demonstration of the Long Arm Systems.
They also told me I needed to take a picture of the tile in the rest room – the floor is their signature block, done in tile. The fabric version is above; match it to the restroom floor when you visit!
| Bluebird Quilt Studio | Hours: Tue – Fri 10 – 4 Sat 10 – 5 |
| 311 14th Avenue | Phone: 208-467-4148 |
| Nampa, ID 83651 | bluebirdquiltstudio@gmail.com |
| www.bluebirdquiltstudio.com | Mail Order: Yes Fabric Online: Yes |
Stop back on Monday to see where the North American Shop Hop is visiting next!