Quilt Shop Review D's Sewing Center and Quilt Shop - Peru, IL

I'm a big fan of  local quilt shops (LQS). They are usually the gathering centers for ideas and the folks who own them are so friendly.

I'm staying up here in the Illinois valley area--  Just off exit #75 on I-80 is a gem worth a stop -- D's Sewing Center and Quilt Shop in Peru, IL. The moment I entered the store, I was greeted by four people (customers and staff!). I was not disappointed. When they found I was staying at the hotel a few steps away (and brought my machine), they invited me to come by and sew over there...

I took a stroll around the shop and browsed through the fabric selections. They were grouped by both color and design type. Her store layout is straightforward and not overly complicated. I say this because I've been in stores where there are so many fabric selections it takes an hour just to find what you need. This is not the case. You have lots of creative decision-making space. She carries a bit of everything in her fabric assortment. Traditional, contemporary, nursery, transitional -- you name it. And, yes, there are fat quarters. Prices are reasonable.

You can pop in quickly to find what you need... that is if you want to... hahahahahha! But I suggest a leisurely browse.

She has a long arm machine, a roomy classroom area, a Janome machine display, a great section of thread (embriodery and quilting) and embroidery designs CDs available.

Back in the classroom area, I noticed she had one of those accuquilt studio machines. So I'm assuming she would be more than happy to make you a charm pack or other precuts. Looks like she had a great selection of dies to go with it as well.

Patterns? She has TONS of patterns. Need I say more?

Seriously, if you're driving down I-80 between Chicagoland and the Quad cities of Iowa. Stop at exit 75 and head to the quilt shop by the Fairfield Inn. It's well worth a look-see!