Every year Our Quilty Pleasures, the sewing group I belong, to plan a Grand Day Out. Some might say a Road Trip but it always includes a really good FART.
Having scouted the venue previously for our 2022 event we chose to visit the Craft Outlet at the Springfield’s Outlet near Spalding. The day dawned bright and beautiful after a week of drab, rainy (sometimes torrential) weather. Lincolnshire is famous for its low horizons and big skies, and it certainly did not let us down. For the first time in memory Jeannie and I were in her car and anyone who knows anything about we two will understand how immense having Jeannie drive outside of our home town is, but even more so, the fact we didn’t get lost. We always get lost, but there’s forever lots of laughs. (Well, we didn’t get lost but we had to take a diversion to pick up an important piece of kit).
Early Saturday morning three cars full of excited Patchworkers set off for the depths of Lincolnshire. A gaggle of Quilters, A Quilt of Patchworkers – what is the name for lots of us out together I wonder?
We were not disappointed. The shop is based at the Springfield Shopping Outlet, so there’s more to see than just fabric; well served with the usual coffee shops and several restaurants. As you enter the shop there’s crafting and carding supplies, but we were there for one thing, and one thing only – the fabrics!
Eric and his team met us with a massive smile, and gave us a brief tour of the shop. We might have seen larger shops, but this was really well laid out and well labelled too so we could see at a glance what the prices were. He gave us a great discount too, so if you plan a group visit get in touch in advance and let him know – Eric and Oksana will certainly make you very welcome. Shopping for fabric is serious stuff, and the large table in the centre of the room meant we could all sit round for a chat. A lovely surprise when we were treated to a welcome cuppa and cake! You don’t get that sort of service in most places do you.
There’s a good range of good quality cotton fabrics to choose, from Makower, Dashwood and Stoff and other well known makes. Of course, this time of year there was a great range of Christmas and Halloween themes for those who like to make seasonal creations. Eric offers 3-yard bargains, FQ precuts and a range of panels alongside yardage, threads and a selection of notions.There’s a magnificent collections of Singer Hand Crank machines decorating the wall behind the cutting table and till area too.
What was really surprising was the collection of genuine leathers from Mulberry and Chanel in some recognisable colours from these prestigious labels, seen here next to Eric and one of his Team along with bolts of suiting fabric from Hugo Boss For those makers with a flair for tailoring or bag-making you could create your own designer label. I love this giraffe and large rabbit at the back of the shop too . with no idea why the rabbit is shushing his mate. Maybe he was going to reveal how much we spent (and we all know what goes on during a Grand Day Out stays there!).
We shopped. It’s was why we were there. We made a great job of it too, and left with great smiles and a promise of bacon butties the next time we are there. If you are in the region, or fancy a trip out for a spot of shopping yourself, mention this website and let Eric know you are part of our amazing community.
Watch out for a new shop opening here in the Website in the near future.
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