Queen Sue's Shop Hop

Our minister and his wife, Marvin and Sue Claassen, have given their resignation as of July 1, 2012.
To celebrate their retirement, we wanted to do something special for our friend, Sue.  We, the quilting friends, had talked many times of creating a shop hop.  So now was the the time to celebrate our friendships with Sue and combine it with shopping.  The invitation was sent out in the church bulletin and by word-of-mouth of our plan. 

Sue was made Queen of the Day along with a tiara and scepter.  The rest of us traveling with her were her princesses wearing our royal rings crusted with diamonds.  Each member of our party received a parting gift of a water bottle to parch their thirst and a Shop Hop Survival Kit (chocolate, pretzels, and a Rice Krispie treat) to keep their shopping energy up!

We embarked on our journey at 7am meeting at the Road Ranger Truck Stop in Princeton.  Heading north we ventured to our first stop of the day at Uniquely Yours Quilt Shop, Orangeville, IL.  We were greeted by Ann who explained the store's layout and the discounts.  Gene, the owner, also dropped in to greet us and explain the Northern Illinois Shop Hop.

From Rt to Lft:  Kathy Allen, Doris Nerhring, Sue Claassen, Lou Tuntland, Mary Wallis, Kathy Closen, Cathy Keiser, Susie McAllister, and Karen Meisenheimer in the front row.  Back Row from Rt. to Lft: Deanna Rockos, Kathy Olson, Lisa Kay, and Terry Johnson

I had a very special visit from my BFF Kelly Bartels, who only lives about 6 miles from the store.

Next stop was Yellow Creek Quilt Designs in Pearl City.  Mmmm...those Civil War fabrics were calling my name.  Ate my Rice Krispie treat on the way there to fortify myself.   Found some delicious fabrics to add to my small quilt stash.  We had a "cool" lunch at the Yellow Creek Inn across the street before heading to Susan's Calico Creations in Fulton.  We were greeted by Susan May, owner and her staff of many.  Susan offers three stories of fabric and furniture.  We shopped our little hearts out and Kathy A. went down the street to check out the other shops. Susan, thanks for the refreshing punch and cookies!

Our final destination was LeClaire, IA.  We had about two and half hours to visit the shops before dinner at Crane and Pelican overlooking the Mississippi River.  We were graciously welcomed by Pam Hughes and staff at Expressions in Thread.  They have their All Iowa Shop Hop going on and were open until 6pm.  Let me tell you, I was getting a little worried how were going to get all the bags home.... :),

We had to stop and see the famous American Pickers. Can you imagine a Queen biker?

We visited Danielle's store across the street, 4 Miles 2 Memphis (named after her children, Miles & Memphis).
Look at these lonely
Singer machines needing
adoption.

This dress was hanging  over the mantel, great way to use up buttons, but pretty heavy to wear.

We finished off the day having dinner at the Crane and Pelican Restaurant overlooking the mighty Mississippi River.  A few of us enjoyed frozen custard at Culver's in Geneseo on the way home.

Thanks to Queen Sue and her court, a good time was had by all.  So....when's the next trip, Girls?

Yours in quilting, Terry