Located in the historic Bell Inn, just eleven miles from New Brunswick 2, this delightful shop is a lot of fun. Because it is an historic building, signage is rather limited. It is on the corner of Main Street and Cape Road; park around the back. Owner Shirley McDowall and her sister Natalie run the shop. Do check out the wall thicknesses inside between the rooms! They got permission to make a pass though, and found the wall they needed to cut through was a full 32″ thick!! Not a simple effort…
There are wonderful fabrics here, mostly Free Spirit, including Alchemy blenders, Stratosphere, Tula Pink, and Tim Holtz designs. There are also solids and some wonderful large and small prints. Wide backs in cottons, as well as 60″ wide Fireside, make up the remainder of the 500 plus bolts you will find here. There are fat quarter bundles on hand as well. Purse and tote bag samples and patterns, and any hardware needed to make them, are also featured. There are also Jen Kingwell patterns, templates, and notions available.
There are lovely samples here, many made with free patterns provided by Free Spirit. If you have ever wondered what the quilts look like in person, this is the place to come and see them! There are also kits and patterns for quilts available.
The Textile Museum is right down the street, and also well worth a stop while you’re in the area. I would plan to spend twenty to thirty minutes in the shop and another hour or so at the museum. Dorchester had enough political pull in earlier times that the railroad was routed through the town instead of bypassing it. If you are a history buff, ask the ladies in the shop – they are quite willing to share details, and it is fascinating!
| Natshi Designs | Hours: Mon – Thu 10:30-3:30 Fri 11 – 4; please call as these change |
| 3515 Cape Road | Phone: 506-889-1122 |
| Dorchester, NB E4K 2X2 Canada | natshidesigns@gmail.com |
| www.facebook.com/NatshiDesigns/ | Mail Order: Yes Fabric Online: Etsy only |
Stop back on Thursday and see where else the North American Shop Hop has been visiting!