San Francisco and the Bay Area?

[Beth A.]

I've tried the search feature, but not knowing all the possible 'burb names and such, I'm not having a lot of luck with this: Are there any "Must Visit" quilt shops in the SF Bay area? I thought there were at least 2 or 3, but I'm not finding them. I'll be there the first week in October, so I have a bit of planning time.

Thanks so much!

Benet

[Ruth C.]

The Cotton Patch is the best--Lafayette (east bay). Then there's Thimble Creek in Walnut Creek (farther east bay). Black Cat Quilts in San Francisco is nice. There is a good store in Alameda (the island IN the bay), too, but I don't remember the name.

[Ruth C.]

Quilters in is in Danville, Main Street Quilts in Martinez, Sew Ewe Quilt in Brentwood, Quilting Queens in Antioch, Patchwork Cat in Benicia....oooooo there's just so many.....InBetween Stitches in Livermore, Prairie Queens in San Jose

[Joseph S.]

The Houston quilt show isn't until the first of November, so I think you should stay at least 3 weeks!

You should visit Britex fabrics of course, just for the sensory pleasure of seeing all their wonderful fabrics.

I like visiting Eddie's Quilting Bee in Mountain View (on the way to San Jose).

Maybe you can go back later (October 11 - 14) & see the Pacific International quilt show in San Jose -correction: Santa Clara (you do know the way to San Jose, don't you).

Joseph

[Joseph S.]

The Houston quilt show isn't until the first of November, so I think you should stay at least 3 weeks!

You should visit Britex fabrics of course, just for the sensory pleasure of seeing all their wonderful fabrics.

I like visiting Eddie's Quilting Bee in Mountain View (on the way to San Jose).

Maybe you can go back later (middle of October) & see the Pan-Pacific International quilt show in San Jose (you do know the way to San Jose, don't you).

Joseph

Now why are you trying to get rid of me for three weeks? :wink: I'm just going on a retreat to meet up with some far-flung friends, and SF just sort of "happened" -- three of the group live there and two others had planned to be there for other reasons, so the rest of us jumped in.

I can't believe I didn't just think to ask you my question, Joseph. But I've gotten such great input, I'm really glad I posted it here!

Thanks so much everyone! I can hardly wait.

[Mary K.]

The Black Cat is gone in SF is gone. She moved on to other things. Come visit me at The Granary in Sunnyvale.

[Mary K.]

I was just in SF last month-- wasn't able to get to any of the quilt shops, b/c we were just in the city & didn't rent a car, but DID get to Britex which was wonderful! You won't find them on quilt shop lists b/c they're a fabric store, don't have all the other "quilty" accoutrements, but yummmmm I could have stayed there all day! (plus a really nice clerk made it even nicer)

I know what you mean tho', trying to locate a LQS when you don't know the area is tough, does anyone know of a list/database that you could search by proximity to a certain zip code or something? Someone please take that idea & run with it! Before my next trip!
Florence

[Mary K.]

When I check into a hotel, I get out the phone book and look for quilt shops in the Yellow Pages.

Pat in Rockport, TX

[Mary K.]

I get out the phone book and look for quilt shops in the Yellow Pages

Yeah, but... Britex is an example that wouldn't show up under quilt shops, so be sure to check "fabric" also.
However, I must give credit where credit is due, DS#1 was browsing a tourism book in the hotel room and came dashing in to our room saying " Mom, Mom, there's an ad here for a FABRIC store!" -- oh yeah, they're well trained! :lol:
Florence

[Mary K.]

I must confess I do look under fabric shops as well, LOL.

Pat in Rockport, TX