Ohio Amish Country Quilt Shop Hop marks 25th year of creativity and community

When it comes to quilting, every single stitch carries with it something magical and entrancing because it is a part of the stitcher’s heart and soul.

Every piece of sashing fabric, fat square or block pattern holds special meaning because it is part of the fabric of what will eventually become a carefully planned out and executed handcrafted quilt.

Starting Oct. 27 and running through Nov. 1, lovers of all things quilting will have a special time of traveling around Amish Country to add to their ever-growing collection of quilting accessories during the 25th annual Ohio Amish Country Quilt Shop Hop.

This special time is part of a larger, statewide event that involves visiting participating quilt shops across Ohio, but for many, Amish Country holds a special spot in their hearts because quilting seems to go together with Holmes County like fresh bread and warm apple butter.

“The Hop” entails obtaining a free passport to get stamped at each shop, with the goal of collecting unique Shop Hop fabrics and patterns, along with any other purchases that might capture the fancy of participants.

Once individuals or groups purchase a passport, all the dozen participating shops are fair game, and participants may travel to any or all shops in whatever order they like, receiving stamps in their passports along the way.

Each shop offers its own unique Shop Hop fabric while supplies last, along with demos, special kits and tasty treats. Eventually, participants can turn in their passports for a chance to win some fabulous prizes.

“Each unique kit makes a 12-1/2-inch block,” said Ada Miller of LoneStar Quilt Shop, which has participated in all 25 Shop Hops. “Participants can pick up a free pattern or block at each shop, and they can pick up additional blocks for $6.”

The focus of the event, as always, is on new fabric, quilt kits, patterns, showcasing what is new in the world of quilting, and introducing the new colors that highlight each year’s event. Each shop will also display its own creative and beautiful quilt.

A bonus this year will be a special Trunk Show Oct. 28 at 6:30 p.m. from Corey Yoder of Coriander Quilts that will take place at 7548 state Route 241 near Mt. Hope. Tickets are $25 each and may be purchased by calling 330-893-9899. There will be a second show Oct. 30.

“Corey doesn’t do these trunk shows anymore, but because it was our 25th, she wanted to do something special,” Miller said. “It’s going to be an evening of quilts, appetizers, fun and prizes. It’s going to be very special.”

However, one byproduct of this event is that many participants enjoy making the excursion together, uniting for a time of bonding as they share in their passion for quilting.

“I don’t think we’ve ever seen anyone on this journey without a smile on their face,” Miller said. “We love to see groups come in because they are always so excited, and it’s special when people make this journey together.”

Planning the best route to take, talking about what to buy or put on their Christmas list for later and sharing their thoughts while learning new ideas is all part of the joy of The Hop, and no shopper’s favorites are ever the same.

For out-of-towners, the excitement of staying overnight and enjoying the many quality dining experiences only adds to the fun.

The Amish Quilt Shop Hop is all about creating beauty and memories, with every mile traveled, every story told and each stitch put in place coming together to create a beautiful tapestry that will create lasting memories in so many ways.

This event isn’t just about making sales. It is about helping quilters discover new ideas, popular colors and patterns, and it serves as an inspirational and hugely enjoyable way for quilters to share their passion for quilting together.

Participating shops include AnnaLouisa’s Quilt Shop in Navarre, Anything Sews Fine Fabrics in Dover, Carlisle Fabric & Quilts in Sugarcreek, Chestnut Eridge Sewing in Walnut Creek, Fabric Obsession in Medina, Helping Hands Quilt Shop in Berlin, Little red Quilt House in Medina, Lone Star Quilt Shop in Mt. Hope, Miller’s Dry Goods in Charm, Plaid Sheep Company in Berlin, Polka Dot Pincushion in Richfield and Sew Déjà vu in Stow.

Hours for The Hop are Monday-Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.