Happy Saturday!
I hope you’ve had a wonderful week. We were fortunate enough to take an Alaska cruise recently, something we had hoped to do for many years. It truly was a dream come true.
One unexpected highlight of the trip was visiting five quilt shops along the way. Honestly, I didn’t think I would have the opportunity to visit any quilt shops while traveling. To my surprise, several were conveniently located near the cruise ports and tourist areas. It was wonderful to see that the quilting and sewing community is alive and thriving, even in Alaska.
Ketchikan – Whale’s Tail Quilt Shop
Our first stop was the Whale’s Tail Quilt Shop, located right on historic Creek Street in Ketchikan. The shop specialized exclusively in Alaska-themed fabrics and quilt patterns. I found a cute panel and a beautiful Northern Lights quilt pattern. The staff was friendly and welcoming, and I was pleasantly surprised to find such a lovely quilt shop in the heart of the tourist district.
Juneau – Changing Tides Quilt Shop
In Juneau, we visited Changing Tides Quilt Shop. This charming shop was located on the second floor and had a wonderful selection of Alaska-themed fabrics, souvenirs, and a variety of other quilting fabrics. I was especially excited to find the perfect backing fabric for the Northern Lights quilt pattern I had purchased in Ketchikan. It is absolutely beautiful!
Anchorage – Cabin Fever
While in Anchorage, our bus made a stop and we unexpectedly stumbled upon Cabin Fever. I wasn’t even looking for a quilt shop at the time! This adorable store offered teas, Alaska souvenirs, Alaska-themed fabrics, and a great selection of quilting fabrics. The staff was incredibly accommodating. I found a fabric I loved and asked for a fat quarter; they happily cut one for me.
Denali National Park – Northern Originals
Near Denali National Park, we discovered another quilt shop called Northern Originals. Unfortunately, photography was not allowed inside, but the shop was well worth the visit. They offered beautiful batik fabrics and a wonderful selection of Alaskan fabrics. Another nice surprise was their extended hours—they were open until 8:00 p.m., making it easy for travelers to stop by.
Fairbanks – Northern Threads
Our final quilt shop visit was Northern Threads in Fairbanks; the largest quilt shop we encountered during our trip. In addition to fabric and quilting supplies, they service several brands of sewing machines. The staff was extremely helpful, and I found a stunning Alaska-inspired quilt pattern called North Wilderness, designed by Alaskans Marie Noah, Mary Thompson, and Heather Griffin. This project will definitely be a challenge because of the appliqué work, but I am looking forward to making it.
Overall, I was amazed by the number of quilt shops we found throughout Alaska. Each one offered its own unique charm, beautiful fabrics, and friendly service. Of course, I came home with a few treasures and plenty of inspiration for future quilting projects!
This trip was everything we hoped it would be and more. Between the breathtaking scenery, incredible wildlife, and the unexpected joy of discovering quilt shops throughout Alaska, I returned home with wonderful memories, beautiful fabrics, and plenty of inspiration for future projects. It truly was a dream come true.
Have you visited any quilt shops during your travels? I’d love to hear about your favorite quilting destinations and the treasures you discovered along the way. Share your experiences in the comments!
Happy Sewing,
Valerie
The Saturday Seamstress 