It’s five miles from Interstate 55. Is it a house? Is it a quilt shop? Actually, it’s both – a quilt shop inside of a house. If the sign is on the inside of the storm door, the shop is open. This is definitely a residential neighborhood, but don’t let that keep you from stopping in and visiting. Just pull into the driveway and head on inside.
Owner Colleen Plucinski has done all of the required legal and licensing paperwork , and the shop is housed in the lower floor of her home, complete with an access on the outside – but go in the front door and down the stairs. It is much easier! You’ll notice the picture for this shop is the business card, rather than the traditional sign. The glass on the front storm door to the house, where the sign hangs, was so spotlessly clean that all I could see in the photograph when I tried to edit it was my reflection, and a shadow of the door hanger that indicates the shop is open – so I photographed the card instead.
Change your shoes for one of the pairs of slippers by the front door if the weather is wet or snowy, and head downstairs. Take your time and enjoy all of the samples hanging in the stairwell – just a hint of things to come.
There are over 500 patterns in the store, many designed by Miss Colleen. She also designed and holds the patent and trademark on the “Wacker Seams Perfect” Tool, which has been featured on several quilting shows, and can be bought online from Harvest House.
The shop cleverly displays over 1500 bolts of fabric in this unique space. There are no Moda or Civil War prints here. What she does carry is fabrics that are unique, and that you most likely will not find in other shops. I saw several lovely candidates for Stack’n’Whack projects – which I have mentioned before as one of my favorites! Kits are made in house for many of the patterns. Die cut shapes for applique are also available.
Keep your eyes open for the Elwood Elf. He spends time in the shop all year, highlighting items for sale. He has made some ventures out in town, but always comes back home to Harvest House.
Another member of the staff is Sally, the Long Arm System. In addition to quilting for customers, Sally is rented to those who have taken the training class to ensure a good working relationship. In the last 10 years, over 200 people have been trained to work with her.
Finally, take some time to browse the glass work done by the gentleman of the house. Mr. Plucinski has some very unique pieces, including glass versions of standard quilt blocks. He is an artist in his own right, and besides selling in the shop, spends a lot of time doing shows on his own.
| Harvest House Quilting | Hours: T & Th 10-5 W, F, Sat 10-4 Sun & Mon Closed |
| 24231 Apple Tree Lane | Phone: 815-609-5831 |
| Plainfield, IL 60585-1781 | Email: hhquilting@comcast.net |
| www.harvesthousequilting.com | Mail Order: Yes Fabrics online: Kits, Panels, Precuts, & Bundles |
Plan to spend 30 to 45 minutes here. Stop back on Monday to see where the North American Shop Hop is heading next!