Tumbleweed Quilts
Ron Wilson, Owner
Mary Carlson, Manager
1919 Route 6A
Corner of Rt 6A & Rt. 132
West Barnstable, MA 02668
508-362-8700
www.tumbleweedquilts.com
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Tumbleweed Quilts is in a quaint
New England cottage and looks so inviting that you just have to stop and go
inside. It has been on the Cape for 16 years, 8 years at this location. They
are adding a large expansion to the building that will increase their display
and class space. A second store is in Pembroke, MA, both owned by Ron Wilson
who also owns the wholesale distributorship, New England Quilt Supply.
Many of the teachers are designers of original
quilts and patterns. We saw some wonderful designs with a local Cape influence:
Redwork Lighthouses of the Cape and Islands (and other patterns) by Marilyn Schultz,
Saltspray Wreath (applique in the Baltimore Style) and Hawaiian Appliqué patterns by
Sue Campbell, a wonderful tote bag pattern by Muriel Brown, Scraps Of Love (which was
on the cover of the May/June 2002 Fons & Porter Love To Quilt magazine cover) by Janet
Vaughn, Landscapes and Seascapes by Carol Ayotte, Dianne Lyman teaches her own designs
at the shop, and three of the employees have five quilts in the wonderful book by C & T
Publishing, "Shoreline Quilts."
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There are twelve employees in this great quilt
shop, and they are busy year-round. They help with the local quilt show
that is around the last week in July or the first week in August, so make
your travel plans for that time. The Doll Club that meets the first Monday
of each month, the Rosa Rugosa Appliqué Club meets twice a month on Thursdays,
a Scrappy Tuesday group, and the Stitchin' With Debbie Sewing Circle are
just a few of the specialized groups meeting in the store.
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Tumbleweed Quilts was also a featured shop in The Quilt
Sampler Magazine. They are known for their great variety of 30’s reproduction fabric
collections. Even one of their Block Of The Month Quilts, an original design: "Stars"
in which the kits are made from the 30's reproduction fabrics.
We were told that the store is going "Hexagon Crazy". It
all started with a couple of the employees beginning some projects using hexagons.
It very quickly spread to more of the teachers and an ever-increasing group of customers.
They plan a Hexagon Day in the future, where everyone will come bringing their projects
using those crazy hexagons!
The store includes a special gallery area that features
a quilter, group or specialty for a month long exhibit. I have seen this a couple
times over the last few years and it is always inspiring. This talented shop has
even been featured on Georgia Bonesteel’s television show! One very interesting
tidbit is that one of the teacher/designers, Janet Vaughn, from Tumbleweed Quilts
owns a Bed & Breakfast: The Inn At Lewis Bay, where you can go for a "Quilter's
Weekend." How special is that!!! Check out the B & B web site:
www.innatlewisbay.com
Next time you are near Cape Cod visit Tumbleweed Quilts,
it was enjoyable to sit and talk with Mary Carlson, stroll through their fabrics,
and look at all the wonderful quilts they have on display!
©2003 Dori Hawks
www.thequiltercommunity.com
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