Thursday, June 3, 2010

Kentucky

I landed in Kentucky last night and was picked up by my cousin and her daughter, driven to my aunt's house where a good Weight Watchers Cassarole and Salad awaited me. It was so yummy. I had left home at 5:00am and as you know they don't feed you on airplanes anymore.  My aunt was so sweet to make me a WW meal, but at that point I would have eaten anything.

After a good nights sleep, we took off for the 4 hr. drive to Paducah, KY where there is a National Quilt Museum. My cousin knows of my love for quilts and a co-worker of hers had told her she must take me to see this. We decided to wait until tomorrow morning to see it, but after checking into our Hotel, guess what we found across the street.

I have heard of this place, but had no idea how huge it was. The next two pictures are of the outside and I had to take it in two shots.




I have never seen this much fabric and trim in my life in one spot. I told my cousin, my heart was beating fast, and it really was.
There was decorator fabric:




I could not even begin to get all the rows and rows of these.
Then there were fringes and trims and tassels galore:



More rows of decorator fabrics with more fringes, trims and every color of dangling beads you could want.
Then there was the quilting cottons. Every manufacuter, designer and line you could ever imagine.



There was a whole wall of pattern, one of books and a couple of walls of notions and cutting boards etc.
What can I say except....Huge.
There were quilts hanging up everywhere and while I love fabric and quilts, I just have to say it was cold. Do you know what I mean?  No personality and warmth. Not a lot of customer service, just a lot of fabric. I just have to say, I was overwhelmed of course, but somehow in all that cottoness, I could not find anything that said "Take me Home" .

My cousin's daughter on the other hand found a pattern for a quilt and she loved the batiks. We are going back tomorrow to help her choose which ones she loved the most. I didn't mention they did have row after row of batiks.

Tomorrow morning we are heading out to the Quilt Museum and I will definetly post what I can from there. I am wondering if they will allow pictures. I also have the cutest southern house that we stumbled on and another "find " to show you.
We went to a Cracker Barrel for dinner. Darn I didn't get a picture there. But great food and cute gift shop. I bought my husband and I Americana shirts (not matching...I'm not that corny).
Nite, Nite

9 comments:

Sally said...

Oh Beverly! What a great fabric store. I just know I could find some fabric for my windows there! I bet you had a ball. Your aunt sounds so sweet. Enjoy your trip with your relatives, and have some good 'ol southern fried chicken while you're there!
Hugs,
Sally

Annelies said...

I have ordered from Hancocks...but have never been there. I have to say that BIG stores confuse me too. We have one locally like that ( not as large, I am sure, but has SOOOOO much fabric. I usually leave empty handed and with a bit of a fabric headache (G)!!! Keep sharing your trip with us....SEW much fun. XXX

Simple Home said...

I haven't flown in a long time. I remember when they had meals on shorter flights though. I wonder why they don't feed people anymore?
That store looks incredible.
Blessings,
Marcia

Suzanne said...

Hancocks of Paducah is legendary. I've never been there either and you're right, IT'S HUGE!! What strikes me is how clean and straightened it is. Can you imagine having that job? Yikes! I know what you mean about being overwhelmed. That's the kind of store where you'd need to have a project in mind before you go. Enjoy your visit and safe travels home. PS: Pack an apple and a sandwich for the trip home. Traveling always makes one hungry.

Anonymous said...

I know the exact feeling you must have had when seeing that store. We have had that "aha" moment a few times on shopping trips. lol I know this store and the ones to come will be worth not eating on the flight to get there. Tell Judy and the rest of your relatives hi and enjoy your vacation. You deserve it.

Linda said...

Good Lord, I don't know how you made it out of there without breaking the bank! I use the decorator fabrics on my tote bags and those looked so yummy! Have a wonderful trip!

Sewn With Grace said...

Just amazing! I don't know if I could come out at all. Heaven for a quilter, for sure!

Dogmom Diva said...

Hi Beverly, I am a few days late here but HOLY MOLY! That is one huge store..but for me too that would be overwhelming! And with the wonderful local shops you have, if I had those, I would rather shop my own little shops and have that great service..but what a feast for the eyes!
I love Cracker Barrel, I can never get out of one with out shopping, either, and buying a jar or two of the fried apples..
hugs
Barb

Unknown said...

I'm so glad you the Hancock's of Paducah experience. I'm lucky enough to be about an hour and a half away, so I go up there about once a month and stock up. They have their online shop, but it's nothing like seeing it in person. Wasn't the back room full of trim great? They aren't much on other suuplies, but fabric -now THAT they have!

Glad you had a good trip.