Center Diamond - Cannon Beach, Oregon

I must admit that my favorite quilt shop is Center Diamond. It may have to do with the fact that I only go there when I am on vacation and the rest of the daily problems don't exist when I go there. Each visit provides endless opportunities to create, imagine and inspire. It has been at least 5 years now that I have been inspired by all that Center Diamond has to offer.
I stopped by on Sunday and the shop owner was there. Funny, I don't even know her name, but I know her face and her smile. She not only remembered me after a 2 year absence, she also remembered that I had mad a skirt with some fabric I bought in her shop. How cool is that! I knew I wanted to get a few books and wanted to wait and get them from Center Diamond. I was fortunate that she had them and more. I picked up Weekend Sewing by Heather Ross, In Stitches by Amy Butler & Sew What: Bags by Lexie Barnes. Some great finds that I will take the time to read and work on some of the projects. I will post later on what my thoughts are on all of them. I also got a chance to pick up some Moda fabrics - wonderland, a new whimsical line that is lots of fun.
I know I just started my blog, but I wanted to post about this great find of a shop. The website won't do it justice. I am sure if you needed or wanted something you could probably call and they would help you out.

The Quilted Hill

Yesterday, I bought the Better Homes and Gardens Quilt Sampler. I was in Cannon Beach, Oregon and on my way to Western States where my husband will run 100 miles in a few days. I felt we were so close to the shop, yet so far in terms of priorities. On our way to Portland to head south on I-5, I suggested we take a more scenic route along the many many wineries of Oregon. It sounded like a great idea. That way, we would miss all of the traffic in Portland. Then, coincidentally, I noticed we would pass within miles of the Quilted Hilll in Yamhill, Oregon. While my husband kindlfully obliged yet another quilt shop visit, I sent a good bit of time visiting a very unique shop in a very unque location.
My dream is to own a quilt/ fabric shop in the country next to my house. Well, this one takes the cake. It is situated in front of a vineyard and can provide endless inspiration. I was most surprised with the seemingly endless amount of patterns and fabrics. Although, I am trying to show some restraint in my fabric purchases, I did purchase an embroidery tool by clover. I can't wait to try it out. I am currently working on a quilt by Melly & Me. There is so much embroidery and so little time. I am hoping this tool will help make things go faster. I will try it in the next few days and I will write about how practical it really is.
If you get a chance to stop by, don't miss the restroom that houses a great quilted banner with the shop's name. Definitely worth the look.