Visit to Back Porch Fabrics

Even though my husband and I had just visited Quilts by the Bay on Friday May 2nd, I was in no way deterred from the desire to admire and drool over yet more fabric. A local quilt shop met that need. Back Porch Fabrics on 218 Grand Avenue is a bright, cheery quilt shop in Pacific Grove that I make every effort  to visit anytime we are on the Monterey Peninsula. On Saturday, right after the morning's Good Old Days parade, my husband and I made a stop there. There is a bench right inside the front door so my husband can relax. He makes himself comfortable while he subtly grins and listens to the banter among the two helpful ladies in the shop and me. He joins in the conversation here and there, of course. He is not merely eavesdropping; he is enjoying watching me be happy.

Note the panel on the back wall and the logo of the shop. A fair amount of the fabric is locally special, pertaining to the ocean life in the area. I kept an eye out for that. I try to buy fabric in moderation considering the size of my stash at home. I need little. I want lots. Instead I aim to focus my purchases on quilting related stuff other than just material.

Based on the locale and closeness to the otters of  Monterey Bay, I could not resist buying a one yard piece of this otter fabric. I intend to make it into a small tote bag. I also have good intentions of quickly whipping up (wishful thinking, I know) this cute otter stuffed toy. I could not pass up the pattern. And patterns are not more fabric, right? Especially, if I use it to dwindle down my stash...

I was very much drawn to the Alison Glass quilt on the wall. My grandson, turning 10 years old this July, is into archery and takes lessons. This pattern called Feathers reminds me of the tail end of an arrow. I can visualize it in boy colors in his room. I bet sewing up that pattern would make a slight dent in my stash.

In terms of not-fabric, I picked up these cute tape measures, one for me and one for my quilting daughter. They have a soft, cushiony, leather feel, so nice to touch and hold.

Ok. I could not get out of the store without a least one piece of fabric that I bought on impulse, with no project in mind, just cause I liked it. I convinced myself that I have very little florals in my stash so I was addressing a void.  I bought two yards of this Moda fabric called flower patches. (The otter fabric purchase does not count because it has a predetermined use.)

The friendly sunny atmosphere in this store made it a joy to shop here. I will definitely re-visit Back Porch Fabrics when I am in the area. I live about two hours north in the San Francisco Bay area so it will be a little while before my return. But, I will be back!