BJ's Quilt Basket

We arrived in Bend on Friday, the day before the Sister's Quilt Show.  There were supposedly three shops in Bend, according to the Quilter's Travel Companion.  One was called The Amish House, which turned out to be a furniture store that sold Amish-made furniture.  They did have a couple of Amish-made (but non-traditional) quilts hanging in the back of the store.  But it definitely was not a fabric store.  I found this to be a curious mistake in QTC and now feel a need to ask "Are you a fabric store?" when I call to see if a business is actually "in business." 

BJ's Quilt Basket was very busy because of the quilt show going on the next day.  They had set out an ice chest filled with free bottled water, which was very much appreciated on a hot day.

Like every other quilt-related thing within a 200-mile radius of Sisters, the store was absolutely mobbed.  BJ's at least had things set up so that it was possible to do business with them.  The other quilt shops I visited had such hugely long lines at the cutting tables that I was too intimidated to buy any fabric.  I did find some really nice pieces here though.

I purchased this nice red polka dot on white background which has been surprisingly difficult to find!  I have a project in mind for it, but I could only find white polka dots on red, or else what I found was too busy to use in my project.  I was happy to find this after search far and wide in both physical and online quilt shops.  Of course, I found some darling cat fabrics that I simply could not resist.

I have the turquoise Laurel Burch in a different sky-blue background already, but I liked this version too.  And aren't the mice adorable?

And I found this gorgeous rainbow fabric

that really caught my eye.  The woman who cut it for me suggested using it for a back, but I kind of like the idea of a border cut on the bias.  I got three yards of it so I guess I'll have enough for whatever I decide to do with it.  This store was packed to the gills with fabric, patterns, and notions.  Despite being busy, there was still plenty of breathing room and I felt as if I could get around without bumping into everyone.  I would highly recommend this store on your quilting travels.  Maybe I should start giving stars or something.  Or how about quilt blocks?  Hm.  Rotary cutters?  On a scale of 1-5 with one being, I didn't like it, I'd give BJ's 4 rotary cutters, meaning I liked it really well.  I generally don't like strip mall kinds of buildings, and so I marked BJ's down one rotary cutter for that.  Like so many things in Bend, the character isn't what it could be because the heart of Bend has been ruined by strip malls.

So I'm down to two stores left to tell you about.  I hope you're enjoying my quilt shop journey.  Design Wall Monday tomorrow.  See you there.

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