While in Amsterdam I was lucky to be able to meet up with Helen.
Although she lives outside Amsterdam she drove in to meet me. We first fortified ourselves with some coffee, it was a cold wet day, and then we headed to the Begijnhof. Entry is through this alley.
Inside are beautiful houses.
This place has been reserved for single women since the 13th century, and it still follows this practice. Guests are requested to be quiet and not to disturb the residents.
After lunch we visited two quilt shops. Our reception in both stores could not have been more different, even though they were side-by-side.
The first quilt store was very friendly. They didn’t blink when Gorgeous Girl did this:
I let her choose one fat quarter for herself. In fact, they got out their own camera and recorded the moment for posterity. A few days later Gorgeous Girl was featured on their blog.
They also were kind enough to take a picture of Helen and I.
(I feel compelled to point out my hand spun scarf to you all).
In the second store, the owner followed us around the store like we were going to steal something. We had bags of fabric from the store next door, so obviously we were on a buying mission, but she was so unfriendly, and then became down right hostile when Gorgeous Girl touched something on a chair, that even though her fabrics were more my style I grabbed only the one that I really couldn’t do without, had it cut and we fled.
So here is the Amsterdam fabric haul.
The Russian dolls on the end is from the second store. The green and black fabric is the one Gorgeous Girl chose, she was most insistent that this one was the one she wanted. She likes the dark colours. Her paintings are mostly black and brown… Since being home she has also claimed the Russian dolls and we have had to have words about helping yourself to Mummy’s fabric stash…
After more coffee to defrost and dry out we went our separate ways home.
Thank you Helen for taking the time to meet me and to show me your favourite Amsterdam quilt store. I had a lovely day.
PS. You can see Helen’s account of our day out here.
Sounds like the second store owner belonged to my old quilt group LOLOLOLOLOLOLOL. Just kidding, but it looks like you had a nice time anyway!
I love that they took her picture! Too cute!! She has it in her blood!
I love that GG got to add to her stash too! I also enjoyed the shops blog post. I love that their customer service extends to even the littlest customer!
Most of my experiences in Dutch craft shops were like your second one. Sadly.
Love the Babushka dolls fabric. Pitty it was from the nasty store. You should have said something to the lady … after all it’s not as if you are going back there. lol
Love reading about all your travels! And that picture of GG digging through the fabric…so sweet!