BadAss at Business is a subsect of posts dedicated to those who are taking their quilting and sewing related business to the next level.
From big shop to fledgling designer we are all always learning.
**************************************
So, unless you have been under a rock for the past year I bet you know at least a little bit about Row by Row Experience and the way it has changed the landscape of the quilting world. From consumers to shop owners this event has put a spin on quilting and collecting that has not been seen before this point in the sewing industry.
RXR has rewritten the rules about hops can be run and how the consumer can participate and with that there is an opportunity for shop owners to really up their game and bring people streaming to their door and what it takes is an AMAZING ROW.
The Experience is not called Row by Row for nothing and the best thing any shop can do to bring people into their shop for this event is to create a kickass row that attracts people from far and wide. For a beautiful row customers will drive 1-2 hours out of their way for the chance to get the pattern or buy the kit.
What it takes – Row Design
Consumers have quickly wised up and are perfectly happy to collect only the rows that intrigue them, are well designed, displayed and well photographed. Poor design or execution of design is crucial in this digital age where rows are judged on the computer screen before the customer even gets to the quilt shop door.
This need for wow factor means that creative thinking, excellent design work, presentation and theming are the watchwords as shops already think about what they will be doing for their Rows next year. Of course next year’s theme has not been released but that is no reason that shops can’t be doing some forward foot work in finding and securing a quality designer to be ready to work with them in designing the row once the new theme is announced in late october. Money (Yes you should expect to pay your designer) spent up front on design pays off, so hiring a professional is not out of the question if such skills are not part of the shop owners personal tool belt.
What else it takes – Row Kitting
Once a drop dead gorgeous design has been nailed down then it is time to think about how to kit it up for maximum sales potential. Of course there is and will always be a free pattern for ANYONE to wants it during the RXR event timeline, a kit is a way for any pattern to go farther and make more punch than just the patterns alone.
Flexibility is a key word when choosing fabrics and trim that will be included in your kit since with the amazing demand this event has placed on fabric manufacturers it is risky to place all your eggs in one basket that you will be able to reorder a specific themed fabric you might use in a row. You can of course buy all you want or could possibly use before the event to secure your stock or you can pick fabrics with the potential for change should you run out midway.
Packaging- the Bow on Good Design and Kitting
Don’t stop short of great row design and flexible fabric! Make sure your packaging is well done by kitting in an attractive way that lets people see the care you have put into the event – make it shine. Order the correct bags (no grocery store zipper lock bags please!) for your size kit, use header cards, color printing and professional presentation to make your store memorable. Remember that each pattern that leaves you store is your calling card to the world. In this digital age many people post photos of their kits pn social media as they get. Use this event as just another advertising venue to bring happy quilters to your store.
Use the same care with your pattern printing. Color printing makes a difference and while it can be spendy making sure to order printing in larger numbers at one time will keep the cost down. Don’t forget quality paper either!
Last but Not least – EVERYONE IS A POTENTIAL ROW BY ROWer
SHOW OFF THAT ROW
Every person who walks into your shop is a potential RxR customer even if they did not know it when they walked in the door. Train your sales staff to greet and invite each customer to see your gorgeous Row and to know about the event. Let them know about your kits and offer them a free pattern. By not doing so is just leaving those sales and that happy bit of information to the another shop who will then be “that great shop that turned me on to Row by Row”.
Next time… social media and the Row- catching the virtual tiger by the toe.
In the mean time.. if you are out rowing or just in quilt shops… what is the best Row you have seen and what was the best greeting you have gotten? Leave a comment and I will pick one the end of this week and send the winner our 2015 Row By Row license plate – Knotty Quilter!
Click on the plate to see the great Rows from SPOOL!
I just spent the day at a quilt show in Lawrenceburg, Indiana, and was thrilled to see some of the shops that I had not been to had brought their license plate to sell at the event. I could not believe the quilters that did not know about the Row by Row event! This was the 4th year!
I am constructing a king size quilt this year with 20 rows and plates on the front of the quilt, and the remaining 60+ license plates on the back. It’s so much fun to create a one of a kind quilt!
My favorite row is from 3 Dudes Quilting in Phoenix, Arizona. I purchased the license plate on line and am currently waiting until after November 1st to purchase the kit to make their row. Phoenix is a bit far from Cincinnati, Ohio!
I have to say this was the first year I participated in Row by Row. There were some great shops and some not so great shops. This is my opinion only but this is what I found after visiting 15 shops! I am new to the state and this was also my first opportunity to see what shops were around.
* Had one shop who didn’t order enough fabric and the week before the final day of the row by row they had NO kits. This same job made me and my friend wait at the register for 15 minutes while they talked to friends. Not good!
* One job did such a wonderful job all the way around. They were friendly, sold me a remnant for a Christmas quilt she was making so I didn’t have to buy a lot of yardage for the small amount needed on the quilt. Their packaging for the Row by Row was amazing in a box and also included the plate which no other shop did. Would definitely visit them again even though they were an hour from me!
* Many of the kits were for applique rows. Please, Please include a little fusible in your Kit. There are a lot of new quilters out there and others who want to buy a kit and have it complete! A few of the shops either did cut the shape out and also had the fusible already on the back of the fabric or had another who also included the fusible in 18″ piece already in the kit.
* One job I bought the kit and asked for a copy of the free pattern and was refused because it was included in the kit. What the heck! It is a photocopy. I wanted the extra pattern so I made sure I had a copy that I would not cut. Many quilters do not have access to a copier or if they do it would make it more difficult for them. Many are older and can’t drive or have to have someone take them places.
* One shop opened 30 minutes late and charged $22 for the kit which had no special or expensive fabric and no extra work! No buttons, no rick rack, no applique pre-cut, NOTHING, just the pattern and folded fabric. Not sure what they thought other than they were out in the middle of no where and thought the would corner the market.
All in all out of 15 shops there were only 3 that I really didn’t care for or like how they approached me as a customer or the row by row experience. After 3 weeks of driving to shops all over Florida I would definitely do it again but be very selective on what I buy and what shops I am a customer for!
My favorite row is Beach Bay Bobin From Sew Big in Maion IN.
The ladys were so kind and helpful. One thing that I found that was neat was they had a picture of the states and had you pin/tack where you came from.
They must of had a lot of rowers come in because it was filled up.
Being my first year in this as a shop, I feel that there should be some compensation to us for all the work we do in getting everything ready. Ladies, and men, walk in ask for the pattern and walk out. I thought this was suppose to bring busines to our stores. These people never even look around. For all they know it’s an adddress that could be a hardware store. How can we generate sales if this happens constantly?
The mermaid, from courtland, ohio..
I was in mystic,Connecticut and after a nice greeting and showing me her row and fabric she asked where I was from..I replied Alberta,Canada ,then she said I just had to go to the next shop..that’s sew Debbie and made sure I had the address for my GPS…then at Debbie’s ..same scenario and she asked if I was going to a specific quilt shop..I said no as I was in a time crunch and she gave me a pattern from that shop…I was treated very well at the 25 shops I was able to get to in the 3 days I was traveling …loved rowing through PEI down to Bangor Maine and then hopping off and on I95 to Long Island New York
I’m an art teacher and long time quilt artist, available to design rows for next year’s Row By Row Experience (I designed a very popular row for fringefab.com this year). Any thoughts on where to post such an ad?
I really wanted yours, I tried hard to time my travels to get there when the shop was open, but ran late on Saturday and it was closed on Sunday and Monday. I would have tried to stay until Monday but Tuesday was not an option. I wish shops would add some hours on Sunday and Monday even if not a full day, I know y’all need a day off too. But for summer travelers I think a lot of potential customers are missed. I checked all the shops websites on my way home to find shops that I missed on the way up or even to alter my route home a bit, 🙂 and could not find any open on Sunday, and not enough to wait to Monday to travel home.
This is my first year participating in the RxR. I had a wonderful time with my sister going to get rows. I have learned several things. 1. There were quilt stores in my area that I didn’t know were there. 2. I enjoyed learning how to use new products and embellishments on a quilt. I would never have tried without them being included in the rows. 3. In talking with a few of the owners, some didn’t understand that this was a great advertising opportunity for them. Even if someone walked in and just asked for the row but didn’t look around it wasn’t a failure. I know where you are when I need to buy. 4. The prize should be something you would want for yourself. My biggest disappointment. I turned in my quilt, saw the prize and thought ” well this is clearly stuff that hasn’t sold”. My bonus. A book from 2004. 5. I ddon’t want this to end! There are so many awesome rows from other states…. want them. My favorite row from Michigan, Stanleythe octopus from Charlotte
I was unable to go to many stores as we live in a rural area however I have thoroughly enjoyed the facebook page and the row by row page. I did pick up a few patterns on a short trip and 1 kit. I purchase the kit from the store that got me started in quilting as a thank you for sharing this great craft and walking me through when all I had was a pair of scissors and a ruler. One pattern I picker up had well over 100 pieces to make the row- it was a little overwhelming and something I will probable not make because of this. I love the idea and hope to do some traveling next year, and if I do I will gladly participate in as many stores as I can!
I loved BJ’s Quilt Basket in Bend, OR. Their packaging, design and presentation were very professional and the staff were marvelous! Their appliqué pieces were laser cut, with backing ready to be removed and applied. Directions were clear, and the color photo of the row enchanted my sister who before seeing this row, had absolutely not been a quilt fan, is now nudging me to make this row into a quilt for her!
I am also delighted by the clever and endearing plates from across the country! Way to go shop owners!
one of my favorite rows came from A Notion to Quilt in Shelbourne Falls, MA–and that is for BOTH this year and last year! They do have a professional designer, Sue Pritt design their rows–both years and they are drop dead gorgeous and fit the area to a tee!! They are also the NICEST people you would ever want to shop with! I ca call Lenny from CT and order a Janome pressed and row pins and poof, they are to me or in for me to pick up! I drive almost two hours one way to shop with them! I also love, The Quilted Ewe in Winsted–soon to be New Hartford, CT; Quilt-ish of Brewster, MA and several more in CT.
Thank you for letting me share these wonderful shops!
There were many that I liked, great presentation and kits that were laser cut and ready to be pressed in place. One fault of the row by row are for us disabled people. We depend on other quilters and/ or places that are close to home. We do not have the flexibility to travel to other States or far from home. I have been trying for 2 days to get on the phone a shop for Nov. delivery and the line is always busy. This is in September. I hate to think of what I will have to go through when November 1st comes around and there are 15 stores that I would like their rows. I am not interested in the contest of 8 rows. I do love the idea of all 50 States and all of Canada. There are many rows that are to die for and cute as a button.Most stores have been out of license plates many times and reordered as many as 3 times and still ran out. Please think of the disabled and handicapped for next year to give us a chance to collect some of the outrageously wonderful rows. Thank you.
I think so far the kit from Glendive Montana wins it for me. Beautiful fabrics and all tied up in tulle. Very nice!
2015 was my first Row by Row experience; it proved to be exciting, interesting, disappointing, and challenging.
I live in a Alaska, to visit neighboring shops, outside my two LQS (only one participated in the 2015 RbR), I must travel by boat or plane. Travel to and from these neighboring communities makes this endeavor prohibitively expensive, e.g. To travel to the second nearest, participating shop, was $220!
Eager to experience this new quilting world phenomenon, DH and I planned an eastern seaboard trip, for mid-August 2015. Among our site seeing adventures – Row by Row participating shops, one per state; if time allowed for more, than we made impromptu detours. I❤️ my DH 😉
What a trip!!! 18 states – Maine to Texas in 15 days, with a puddle jump in Seattle, WA airport for a few hours, before our final trek home. What could be more fun – new sites, visiting friends and family, and rowing along on a shop hop!!
So we come to the two questions posed to us – best row seen, and best greeting.
Best row seen – Loving Stitches in Fayetteville, NC, offered an exquisite Row by Row kit and pattern titled, Accidental Landscapes. It was not just their design that drew me in though – they had a beautiful display, two color variations for their kit, trimmings were included, packaging impeccable, the kit was competatively priced for actual time and materials, and the gracious, attentive staff left me wishing this was my hometown shop away from home.
Best greeting – Crestview, FL at Margie’s Sew Much Fun. It was the early morning hours…I arrived as the shop opened for the day’s business. Greeted by three enthusiastic and welcoming ladies, their actions and conversation, effortless an unplanned-made me feel like they had just connected with their long lost friend. Engaging, humorous, informative, gracious, and friendly…what a delightful way to kickoff a beautiful morning. Next visit I’ll be sure to stop by with my cup ‘o joe and stay a few hours more.
Lastly, a parting thought. For all those who have the opportunity to participate in the next Row by Row Experience – enjoy the journey, take in all the beauty, charm, and inspiration each shop has to offer, take and post lots of pictures, and remember….there are those, who because of geographical challenges and limitations, live vicariously through your social media posts 😉 Thank you for sharing the rowing experience!
I love so many rows that I have a hard time making a decision. I really appreciated the ones in the Edmonton, AB, Canada, as I learned so many new technique such as curved piecing, drunkard’s path, double curve, and using a vblock ruler, offsetting your HST and a 10 degree ruler. Most used the recommend Northcott or Timeless Treasures fabrics which made creating a cohesive quilt easier. I loved all the silhouettes, scenery and the cute ducky rows as well as Snorkel Guy ( great use of plastic for the mask!). So if I have to choose, I choose my local quilt shop, Sewing with Class. Their row used 9 fabrics with a total of 1.3 metres of fabric with a paper template for a 10 degree wedge. It was a curved shoreline out to the break waters that was trimmed down. Beautiful!
My favourite stop was in Moosomin, Saskatchewan. I happened to come with my Bobbin the Robin when they were holding a class’s with 25-30 people in the main part of the store. They stopped the class and announced my arrival. I said I didn’t want to interrupt the class and the ladies all laughed. Too late! Commercial break! They asked how I made my row by row beach bag,admired my Bobbin in her Barbie car (The old boat) made me write my name down and then framed me! They took my picture with me holding a frame for their wall! I also took a picture of them with my Bobbin. By the time I left, we were all laughing and having a good time. It’s something I won’t forget soon.
Best Row: Old City Quilts in Burlington, NJ…best Packaging Joyful Quilter in NY, Packaged in a flip flop
My favorite row is from Aurora Sewing center in Williamsville N.Y.
It’s a colorful fish on a line and pole pictured. Laser cut, colored picture, complete direction, professionally packaged. Displyed in store and on website with beautiful quilting appropriate for the row.
Sometimes it is easy to forget that quilters range from very, very, beginners to very advanced quilters. I appreciate all the patterns from all the shops. Some rows are quite easy to complete. Some rows require more skill and effort. I would be disappointed if all patterns became complex and complicated. It would eliminate participation from beginning quilters.
What a spectacular article for shop owners and rowers alike. 2015 was my first Row by Row experience; it proved to be exciting, interesting, disappointing, and challenging. You say, how could that be?! Let’s start at the beginning, shall we?
I live in a Alaska, to visit neighboring shops, outside my two LQS (only one participated in the 2015 RbR), I must travel by boat or plane. Travel to and from these neighboring communities makes this endeavor prohibitively expensive, and my quilting funds should, after all, be expended on fabric and quilty goodies, lol. (e.g. To travel to the second nearest, participating shop, costs me $220 RT, and that’s before I’ve had a chance to pick up my quilting treasures).
Eager to experience this new quilting world phenomenon, DH and I planned an eastern seaboard trip, for mid-August 2015. Among our site seeing adventures – Row by Row participating shops, one per state; if time allowed for more, than we made impromptu detours. I❤️ my DH 😉 he knows I love exploring new LQS’s.
We traveled 18 states, beginning in Maine and cruising down the coast to Florida, taking a hard right and making our way westward towards Dallas, TX. From Dallas we flew to our hometown in Southeast Alaska; with a three hour puddle jump stop in Seattle, WA, en route to our final destination.
What a trip!!! 18 states in 15 days with a puddle jump in Seattle, WA airport for a few hours, before our final trek home. What could be more fun – new sites, visiting friends and family, and rowing along on a shop hop!!
So we come to the two questions posed to us – best row seen, and best greeting.
Best row seen – Loving Stitches in Fayetteville, NC, offered an exquisite Row by Row kit and pattern titled, Accidental Landscapes. It was not just their design that drew me in though – they had a beautiful display, two color variations for their kit, trimmings were included, packaging impeccable, the kit was competatively priced for actual time and materials, and the gracious, attentive staff left me wishing this was my hometown shop away from home.
Best greeting – Crestview, FL at Margie’s Sew Much Fun. It was the early morning hours…I arrived as the shop opened for the day’s business. Greeted by three enthusiastic and welcoming ladies, their actions and conversation, effortless an unplanned-made me feel like they had just connected with their long lost friend. Engaging, humorous, informative, gracious, and friendly…what a delightful way to kickoff a beautiful morning. Next visit I’ll be sure to stop by with my cup ‘o joe and stay a few hours more.
Lastly, a parting thought. For all those who have the opportunity to participate in the next Row by Row Experience – enjoy the journey, take in all the beauty, charm, and inspiration each shop has to offer, and remember….there are those of us, who because of geographical challenges and limitations, live vicariously through your social media posts! Thank you for sharing the rowing experience.
So hard to pick a favorite row, because there are so many beautifully designed rows this year — it all depends upon how it goes with the rest of the quilt! But, “Jolly the Whale” from All About Quilts in Walpole, MA was one that made me happy every time that I worked on it and look at it. I used an antique button for the eye. It was made in a factory where my grandmother and her sisters once worked, so it has special meaning for me.
As for the best greeting? It’s a tie between Quiltish on Cape Cod, where the shopowner offered us cranberry-flavored jelly beans as she explained the story behind her row and gave us tips AND Dragonfly’s in Bellingham, MA, where Kathryn makes everyone at home in her shop and goes out of her way to help people get their rows done.
Flexibility as you stated above is inaccurate. The shop owner of Spool couldn’t be flexible with Anna’s request for 40 Bad Ass license plates. Before the shop owner agreed to mail out the license plates, she had Anna do exactly what she said and post onto the rowing group we are in. Post her message, word for word and make the site public or send the shop owner the link. Why didn’t she just say, “Yes ma’am, I’ll get your order out to you ASAP.” Owner should know that she’s already protected with tracking on the package until it arrives to its destination. Then from there it up is up to Anna. Anna was trying to generate business for Spool. While you approached this in a rude way and most likely not your intention, I found myself being ashamed for coming to your shop and purchasing your kit. I’m sorry to say I won’t be coming to your shop ever again. In addition, I will not be including your row in my quilt. I’m making a huge quilt using one row by row kit from each state. The whole purpose of row by row was to generate business and to make it fun. Sadly, Spool you didn’t make it fun for me, and you’ve lost my business. I’ll take my rowing business to a different shop in TN.
This is my 3rd year doing RXR and its come a long way in a short time. My favorite row I collected this year was The Old Country Store’s covered bridge. Although several have caught my eye online and I’m hoping to get some of them after Nov 1. I’m hoping more stores get together like the 5 up in the Pacific North West that co-ordinated their rows. Can’t wait to hear next years theme !
I love the Pacific Fabrics rows that fit all together. I could have probably picked up 40 or 50 of them to mail out if I had time to do that many for people. As it is, 17 was enough. I love that they fit together, and that at least 3 of the rows had popular themes: orca, mermaid and skyline. Also, Pacific Fabrics took the time to create a complete list of ALL of the shops in Washington State that could be picked up at their stores. Very handy indeed!
There are some rows that I just don’t think I’ll keep simply because they don’t work sell with the others…they are so different in look and quality of design.
My first time rowing and it was fun!
Blanco TX had the best presentation that I saw. Their kit came packaged in 2 different colorways. They had displays showing an expanded version of the row. On the table beneath the row, were sand buckets filled with treats such as goldfish crackers and free bottles of H2O.
Interesting article! While I will drive out of my way for a great row pattern and NOT go to a shop with a row, say, of 4 or 5 pieced blocks I could get out of a book, the RxR is my way of finding shops I didn’t know existed! I can’t tell you how surprised I am to find new shops that are now on my radar. While I always buy something in every shop I visit, I’ve only purchased a couple of kits–I like to pick my own palette and have plenty of fabric in my stash to make it exactly how I want. In the end, I’m there for the pattern!!
My ‘favorite’ has to be Tipsy Turtles from Sanibel, FL. They actually edged out my favorite favorite by Texas Quiltworks in Rockwall TX. I can’t say that I had a ‘great’ greeting anywhere other than my local shop!
I agree totally about some shops not taking the time to create a stunning row. This was done for their benefit…we as customers benefit from it, but it was designed to bring in summer foot traffic and return customers. Why would anyone join Row by Row and then design a row that is in poor taste or just plain awful. Anyone catch the 5 toilets in a row in WA state. There was another one in WA state with a similar theme. Why would a quilter spend all that money to make a quilt and then put a toilet row in it. What were they thinking. I was disgusted by those two rows.
There were tons of really top notch rows and quite a few very poor ones. But most just fell somewhere in the middle.
My most favorite rows were: the five rows from Pacific Fabrics in the Seattle area (one of the five shops has closed down but you will be able to get the kits & patterns after Nov 1.) My second favorite is the mermaid row from Quilters Fancy in Cortland OH. Another favorite was the beautiful white tall bird (vertical row) from Buttons & Bows in Houston, TX, followed closely by two other vertical bird rows…one from Piecemakers in Hackensack MN, and Beginnings in Hendersonville NC. Another great one was the five sewing machines (Singer Featherweights) from The Christmas Goose in Las Vegas NV (except theirs was done in wool which doesn’t fit in with all the other rows….no mixing medias). There were at least 10 other beautiful rows that stood out all across the US but I’ve listed my top fav’s.
I spent 8 weeks saving every submitted photo and going to the shops websites or facebook pages to get theirs. (why they don’t submit the pics in a nice format is beyond me). I have 50 Powerpoint files with all the rows that I could get and am currently working on the Canada shops. So I have looked at each row available in every state. It was a monumental project but well worth it. Some of the shops I even contacted…one asking them why they even bothered to join Row by Row.
I am guessing there will be more rows in groups like This year’s Row by Row Experience has been one of the most interesting “shop hop” types of events I have ever seen. Can’t wait for next years. I know women who drove to many states, picking up rows all along the way.
Whomever thought up Row by Row in the first place needs an award and recognition. Thank you, thank you to that person.
I’m obviously partial since my mom’s rxr was such a hit this year. I love her piecing skills with her two way fish. Her shop Wimberley Stitch Studio, in Wimberley Texas is well designed (my sister happens to be a graphic artist and does all her pattern instructions) and we’ll executed.
My favorite so far is the sunset beach scene from The Quilted Skein in La Grange, TX. I love your Mermaid also! I appreciate the comments you made in your post. I hope many of the shop-owners will take it to heart and step up their designs for next year. Maybe there needs to be a little competition among the shops to get them to invest in designers. If the shop-owners could see some sales figures from the shops that have taken your advice perhaps they would see the potential to their own bottom line. I think many shops are not seeing the big picture. Well designed and written patterns and color photos really do make a difference.
Lots of great kits out there… I love so many of the ones I’ve found.
But many shops the kits are hidden… Others have been out (I understand this one)… One had them all over the cutting table assembling another batch as I was in the store.
Some patterns are amazing… Others in not sure if go out of the way to get the pattern again! Either poorly written or drawn…. And patterns that you need to enlarge by 400%! The biggest issue with poorly done kit is that is be leery of buying another kit or pattern from that store in the future….
Most of the stores I’ve been to have been amazing!
One of my LQS has a really great one done by a designer. The name of the shop is Alma Sue’s Quilts (Sarasota, FL) and I know she is taking orders for the kits once they are allowed to be sent out. Her row is a close up of sea gulls in the sky. As I said, it’s very well done. I do not think a picture of it is on her web site but I have seen it on FB.
I miss out every yr on many state rows as I have a time share with a specific week that starts beginning june and i’m home 2-3 wks later just before row by row starts . why not give shops theme in time for fabric market buys/orders and start june ist till say 15th sept once kids back school , our kids out school latest is end may. I agree a nice thought out packaging is good but baggies and staples with the pattern and busness card more important…especially if it keeps prices down. bw nice if folks still had supplies mid-aug to end of rxr so my trip to shops is worth the drive and not just pleasant scenery to see.
Spool has my favorite row. I love your mermaid and bought the kit. A couple of stores in Marietta GA were the unfriendliest. Maddie, you store and Sew Main Street in Woodstock, GA, are delightful, inviting, and pure joy to be in.
I’ve gotten some rows with a very bad picture of the row printed on the pattern. Color and b&w, some don’t do the actual pattern justice. A couple of stores have acted put out at us asking for the pattern.
I can’t wait to go to more in Chattanooga and I’m planning a trip to Knoxville and all around Georgia for more.
My favorite kitted Row By Row is from Alley Kat’s Quilt Shop, Marquette, MI
“A Grand view; the Straights of Mackinaw” is the Grand Hotel on Machinac Island. I love the landmark patterns! Thank you for sharing about how important it is to do the rows in a professional manner. You can tell which shops put real effort into this event! I have gotten a few that have pencil drawn layouts with no size scale. I could do that by drawing it off the internet. I have enlisted help from family & friends from other areas. My neice from Chattanooga picked up the Spools kit & Bad Ass Quilted plate for me, a guy friend is picking up one on his way to Sturgis Motorcycle Rally and my sister is getting a kit from Capital Quilts in MD. It’s like a national quilt scavenger hunt! Who knows, maybe my neice will start quilting!
I’ve never rowed before. I decided since I’ve dedicated this year to challenging myself I would collect every row that I can, make them and use it as a blogging experience. My favorite row out of 20 so far is Sub-a-Dub Dub from Quilt Trends in Worthington , ohio. It has also been the most expensive to date at 21.99. I purchased a finishing kit seperately. Why? I have no idea. The kit was cleverly kitted and tied, the fabrics are generous and luschious. The pattern was professionally printed and exectued. My single negative was the pattern photo was not in colour. So far I have kits in sandwhich bags, kits that are hand drawn, kits with too little fabric, and no photos or diagrams at all. I have one kit with inferior fabric. Probably my biggest pet peeve of all time along with the kit that is actually a panel That you cut apart and add fabric to!!!!!!!!I did collect each one intentionally to challenge myself. Which i totally accomplished. Along the way I’ve decided I will complete my rows and quilts but I will have a completely different stratagy next year. 🙂
My sister and I do a row by row adventure together. Its an opportunity for us to get together without kids and enjoy sharing something our grandmother taught us. I love seeing how creative some of the shops get. I have two complaints. Its frustrating when the shop runs out of material mid way and has to change it. The design just doesnt feel the same. Im not a fan when the cost doesnt reflect the effort in design. There are some that are priced over $20 that I walk away from because they just dont have the effort out into them as othefs. And lastly, I know the idea is to being business to your shops. I typically by something else at each store we go to. However when the row design requires you to pur hase some piece of equipment to complete, I feel pressured. I cant remember off the top of my head if I have that special ruler or whatever.
I’m incredibly disappointed that there is no way to purchase the row patterns online. As a modern quilter most of the rows don’t appeal to me at all. However, some do and none of them are accessible to me. I’m willing to pay for the pattern. I also wouldn’t mind if was free but I had to make a minimum purchase to get it. It’s unclear why online customers are not valued the same as in person customers — aren’t my dollars just as valued as any others? It makes this program seem archaic and outdated to me. I hope that they get with the times soon.
Hi Jen, Row by Row was created to be a way for brick and mortar shops to bring in summer traffic. This is a feet in the door event and that is ok because there are multiple online hops on the market these days and this helps B&M shops complete and remain relevant in a market where online only sellers with little overhead under price hardworking street level merchants everyday. As to design choice, I agree that there are few “modern” rows but this event was never meant to be everything to everyone and again that is ok. For those who want to Row this is the right event and for others there is something else out there .. the quilt world is big 🙂
Hey Jen.. Many shops will be offering rows and kits for sale after the official event is over. Some are even taking preorders. I can’t take the time away or afford to travel to all 9f the great places with rows I want, so I am looking forward to that!
Hang in there. If you like a row, contact that shop by email or call them. Nov 1 the shops will be able to sell the kits and patterns on line. I have already reserved several and have about six more I’m going to order.
The Row by Row was designed to bring people into the stores. After November 1st they should be available to purchase patterns and kits.
I AGREE WITH THIS STATEMENT, I’M WILLING TO PAY POSTAGE IF IT IS REASONBLE, MAYBE EVEN IF ONLINE FABRIC IS SEEABLE THAT TO IF NOT ABOVE HALF YD-A YD RANGE…GIVEN ALL ROWS I SHOP FOR.
You mean I have to pick a favorite!?!?!? OMG! Each row is so different with the style and colors picked and picking one is impossible. The Spool RBR See Chattanooga is one of my favorites. Hospitality at Spool and Chattanooga quilts is great anytime of the year!
My favorite row is by Greenwood Quiltery in Guelph Ontario..its the only kit i’ve bought so far…I wish more shops would put the effort into a great design.
https://www.facebook.com/TNRowbyRowExperience/photos/a.1391977244409474.1073741828.1389806657959866/1609664985974031/?type=1&theater
The best greeting and explanation I have received was at Spool! We took a detour on our vacation because your blocks were great! I’ve been working on your row first, as I couldn’t wait to get it started. It is coming along nicely. I agree I will drive a couple of hours for a really great row or kit!
So far, I’ve only collected one row! It is called, “Bath Time” by Julianne Walther at Cary Quilting Company and it is so stinkin’ cute. I just haven’t had free time to hit any shops!!! I have seen the series of rows by Pacific Quilts in the Seatlle area, they have 4 or 5 shops, each shop has a different row. When you put all of their rows together it makes a larger scene includes the Seattle skyline. Really cute. Now I need to take a trip to collect them!
By far and away, BJ’s Quiltbasket in Bend Oregon. The kit is well worth the $$ as all the pieces are laser cut and ready to peel off the backing and iron down. I listened to 2 reps from a national fabric company talking and they said it is the best row they have seen in all their travels. Besides that, the staff and owners at that shop are the best!
I love Sewingly yours creTive Wonston wine. A row if curved blocks with one a wine glass. And the best greeting was my fav little dog Shelby greeting me asu entered
Best row by row I’ve seen so far is from A Quilted Skein in La Grange, TX. Beautifully kitted, very well done pattern, it makes many others look cartoonish & poorly designed.
I’m completely frustrated by the number of shops that don’t put a picture of their row on their website. Finding a shop’s row on the state Facebook page is impossible! Pennsylvania published a PDF with all the participating shops info, license plates and row pictures. That is fabulous.
As did Michigan.
yes, it is frustrating when no color picture or any picture at all; also name of shop and loc/phone be very helpful when I get home and can’t match fabric to instruction/shop; i usually buy the kit if not over 10-15 $ , $ 20 for really good one !!range since I hit several places in a road trip; hate when must buy a kit to get the licence plate ; hate when out of licences but appreciate those willing let me pay for kit and/or licence and then mail me it for small fee. one yr in oct a shop would sell/mail me a fabric only “kit”… now without the instructions that is stupid.