Friday, September 20, 2024

Zink's Fabric on Off the Wall Friday




 So, this week I was blessed enough to spend a couple of days in Amish country, Holmes County, Ohio.  Since it's only a couple hours away, it's become a favorite when we need a quick getaway.  Plus, summer is hanging on nicely with 2 weeks now of sunny weather in low 80's.  Anybody who's ever lived on a Great Lake knows what a blessing that is.  What does one do in Holmes County?  Well mostly shop,
browse, explore, chat.  It's quiet and fun.  

The best part of it  - at least for me that is - is that there are several quilt shops in the area.  Now, I do take pity on my poor husband and don't drag him to all of them.  This trip I just asked to shop at Zink's Fabric

Outlet.  The thing about Zink's is that you're never quite sure what you are going to find there.  In the past, I haven't had much luck with finding quality quilt cotton but have found some AMAZING garment fabric that had great potential in art quilts.  Plus, they have decorator fabric, trims, notions, some thread and a big bin of discount patterns.  If it relates to sewing, you'll find it there.

This trip though there was a TON of quilt fabric.  They definitely have added more.  Plus, I saw some lines that I'm not seeing so much in the quilt shops like Benartrex and P&B and Marcus Brothers.  All bolts were $5-$8 a yard.  There was something for everyone's taste, but I was looking for the different.  With my fabric collection full of nice basics, I was on the hunt of interesting patterns. And I wasn't disappointed.  Here is what I found:


Cool huh?!  I have a rule that I can't buy fabric without buying a stripe, yellow, red, dark, light  - I did come home with a little of all of those...buttttt.... these patterns were what my stash has been craving.  I've been itchin' to do some improve piecing and a good pattern will make a world of difference in adding interest. Besides these, I brought home this huge bag of decorator fabric scraps for $5.  I have a collection going and I thought I would add these to it - plus it seems to be you should be able to cut them up to hook rugs too.  



One last thing...for all you panel sewers....Zinks has the largest collection of Panels I've ever seen.  I mean like hundreds large.  I'm not one for panels but seeing them all hung out like that and so many - well let's just say it got me thinking.  I saw this one Christmas panel with a 60's flair that caught my eye.  It reminded me that I've been wanting to make a big Advent Calendar wall hanging ... something a bit different than the normal Manger based ones.  Since the panel also had a matching set of blocks panels I thought it would be perfect.   I have a good idea of what I'm going to do with it but I'll keep it under wraps until I start it.

So What is Your favorite Get-Away Fabric Shop?  Do Share...I'm always looking for suggestions.


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7 comments:

Gretchen Weaver said...

Zincks has a branch in my area located in Ligonier Indiana. The building is an older car dealership and it works perfect for an converted fabric store. I'm always amazed at the Amish ladies who come and buy a whole bolt of denim to make the flat fell pants for the men in their lives. And yes, they have panels!

You need to make a trip to the Shipshewana/Middlebury area of Indiana. In Shipshe you have Yoder Department Store with over 10,000 bolts of fabrics and Lolly's fabrics. There are also several other fabric stores that I don't visit often. In Middlebury you have the Quilt Shop at Essenhaus, Gohn Brothers in downtown Middlebury and Clothesline Creations on the north side of town. Don't forget to stop at Caroline's in Rome City, especially if you are interested in wool. Happy stitching!

patty a. said...

Several years ago Zink's had a bunch of Australian M&S fabrics. They were concerned they wouldn't be able to sell it. It went like hotcakes of course! Berlin where Zink's is located, is about 1 1/2 hours from where I live now. I use to live only 40 minutes away. Just don't go to Berlin on a Friday or Saturday in the summer or fall. The traffic is insane, and every restaurant is packed. I only go there when the weather is cold and crummy.

Debra | Gma’sPhoto said...

Sounds like you did have a wonderful trip! You have me intrigued with the advent project.
I have linked up with #9. My crafting creation is photography. I hope this is okay to add to your link party.
You are invited to share your posts at Gma'sPhoto | ge•ner•ic Linkup Party . A new party is featured every Friday.
Take care and best wishes.
https://gmasphoto.website

Nina Marie said...

well first of all - you had me at Indiana - 'cause I love it there. We spend a lot of time outside of Indy since my husband goes to woodworking school in Whiteland. I'll have to put those places on our - lets go explore list. I did however call the other two branches looking for the remaining panel I needed but they didn't have it. (Found it on ebay cheapie - so that's fine)

Nina Marie said...

We've been several times but the first time was early on a Saturday morning in - wait for it - peak leaf season! We said, "what the heck is going on?" we had no idea that it was geared for tourist - we were just out for a drive looking for Zink's! Now when we go we go on weekdays for sure! Have you eaten at the East Main Kitchen in Baltic? I love it there.

Nina Marie said...

Hi Debra! Welcome, yes that's totally fine - any creative endeavor that is not mainly commercial driven is welcome! Come link up anytime. I do share my own photography from time to time. (hmm last week had a couple from the fair)

Nancy @ Grace and Peace Quilting said...

What a fun fabric shop!!! I enjoyed your review of it and photos, Nina Marie!!!