Located just under three miles from Interstate 459 or about ten miles from Interstate 20, this shop is a delightful mix between quilting and heirloom smocking. Owner Greg Manning has experts in both on staff, so it’s a win-win stop, and a great break from interstate driving. The location is in a small strip mall, so there is plenty of parking, and some other shopping nearby – including a supermarket if you need to restock the cupboards in your RV.
Let’s talk fabrics. Quilting fabrics include selections from Tula Pink, Free Spirit, Anna Marie, and Lori Holt. There are solids and blenders, and some wonderful prints. Don’t miss the Fat Quarter Packs, Jelly Rolls and Charm Packs. Flannel, checks and gingham, and fleece are also on hand. If you sew your own shirts or do any smocking, look for batiste, chambray, and challis. The shop also carries corduroy and denim. There are at least 1,000 bolts of quilting fabric, and an equal number of specialty clothing fabrics. Some of the cotton shirting fabrics would work for either art form, and denim quilts are quite warm. Don’t miss the wonderful selection of heirloom laces and imported Swiss fabrics!
Samples are mostly smocking, as that is a major interest in the area. The shop holds classes for both smocking and quilting, as well as basic sewing. Please check their website for the class schedule. If you take a quilting class, the cost includes having your finished quilt long armed by the instructor if your fabric is purchased in the shop. There are also cards for area other local long arm businesses.
The shop is a registered dealer for Baby Lock machines, and carries Exquisite and Madeira threads for both sewing and embroidery. Embroidery floss is on hand as well. There is a nice selection of notions to make your tasks easier. Online orders placed before noon are generally shipped the day they are received.
I would plan to spend at least twenty to forty minutes here.
| The Sewing Room | Hours: Mon – Fri 9:30 – 5:30; Sat 9:30 – 2:00 |
| 1040 Inverness Corners (Hwy 280 @ Valleydale Rd.) | Phone: 205-980-1112 |
| Birmingham, AL 35242 | greg@thesewingroom.com |
| www.thesewingroom.com www.facebook.com/TheSewingRoomInverness | Mail Order: Yes Fabric Online: Yes |
Stop back on Thursday to see where the North American Shop Hop is visiting next!