Quilt Shops Are Hubs Of Activity

I just read a lovely letter to the editor of the Timberjay newspapers.Â Pauly Housenga had some very nice things to say aboutÂ North Country QuiltsÂ quilt shop in Tower, MN. Actually, the letterÂ was about theÂ importance that North Country holds in its community and with its customers. It’s a hub of activity, an anchor for commerce, a convenient vacation from another night at home in front of the TV. It’s all of that and more.

While I’ve never been to North Country, I can agree with every sentiment from Pauly. I know what North Country must be like because owner Corrine Hill is a friend and I know she has filled her store with her heart, passion, and energy.

Once you start quilting, I urge you to find theÂ locally owned quilt shops in your area. These shops are almost all owned by quilters just like you. They infuse these happy, colorful places with imagination come to life. Bolts of the most beautiful fabric you could only dream of live in these stores. Samples adorn the stores to inspire and excite you.

And every store has a story, personality, and style all its own. Think of each shop as a friend waiting to make your acquaintance. Quilt shops invariably reflect the personality of the owner – a quilter just like you. Their stores are like their dream sewing space and they invite you to shop, visit, mingle, linger, befriend, and dream to say the least.

Use this guide to find a store in your area.

[tags]north country quilts, corrine hill, quilt shops[/tags]

First Impressions While Flipping Through the Book

Some quilting books feel calm and minimal. Others feel like opening a box of bright fabric scraps that instantly makes you want to start sewing.

That was my first reaction when I started flipping through Scrappiness Is Happiness by Lori Holt.

This book is packed with colour, cheerful quilt blocks, and the kind of playful patchwork designs that make scrap quilting so addictive. I found myself stopping on page after page thinking, “That block would be perfect for leftover charm squares…”

It’s the sort of book that encourages you to dig straight into your scrap bins.

What This Quilting Book Is All About

As the title suggests, this book celebrates scrap quilting.

Instead of focusing on a single large quilt pattern, the book includes a large collection of quilt blocks and scrappy quilt layouts designed to use small pieces of fabric.

If you’re someone who hates throwing away fabric leftovers (which is most quilters), this book is full of inspiration for turning those scraps into beautiful quilts.

Inside the book you’ll find:

dozens of colourful quilt block patterns
• scrappy quilt layouts
• projects designed for leftover fabrics
• Lori Holt’s signature cheerful quilting style

The Quilt Blocks That Caught My Eye

While browsing the pages, several blocks immediately stood out.

There are plenty of classic quilt block shapes, but the way they’re presented with bright fabrics makes them feel fresh and modern.

The blocks are ideal for:

scrap quilts
• sampler quilts
• block-of-the-month style projects
• mixing prints and colours

I particularly loved the blocks that combine traditional shapes with playful colour placement. They’re simple enough to sew but still look visually interesting when repeated across a quilt.

The Style of the Book

If you’re familiar with Lori Holt’s work, you’ll recognise her style straight away.

The book leans heavily into:

bright cheerful fabrics
• vintage-inspired colour palettes
• classic patchwork shapes
• fun and approachable quilt designs

It’s the kind of quilting book that feels uplifting to browse. Even if you’re not ready to start a new quilt immediately, it’s inspiring just to flip through the block designs.

Who This Book Is Best For

After spending time looking through the book, I’d say it’s ideal for:

quilters who love scrap quilting
• anyone wanting to use up leftover fabric pieces
• makers who enjoy block-based quilt designs
• quilters looking for colourful, cheerful quilt inspiration

Many of the blocks are approachable enough for confident beginners, but the variety also keeps experienced quilters interested.

Would I Recommend It?

If your scrap bin is starting to overflow (which tends to happen to all of us eventually), Scrappiness Is Happiness is the kind of book that turns those leftover fabrics into opportunity.

It’s full of lively quilt block ideas and creative layouts that make scrap quilting feel exciting rather than overwhelming.

For quilters who enjoy bright fabrics, classic patchwork shapes, and the freedom of scrappy quilt design, this book is a fun and inspiring addition to the quilting bookshelf.

Have you read?