New Ulm has been a quilting destination for a number of years! There are three unique quilt shops in town, and all three are taking place in the 14th Annual Quilt Minnesota Shop Hop, July 31-August 23, 2020!
This year the Shop Hop has been extended one extra week due to the shutdown and safety for the customers and social distancing practices put into place. The Shop Hop is a great way to check out the 9 regions of Minnesota and the different styles and designs at the 56 participating quilt shops.
To participate in the fun, make your way to a participating quilt shop to pick up a passport to be stamped as you travel throughout the state at participating shops. Prizes include $100 Shop Hop Gift Certificates and a Grand Prize of a two-person Alaskan Cruise.
The three New Ulm Quilt Shops are participating in the Quilt MN Shop Hop: Thimble Box (new location – see below), Spinning Spools Quilt Shop, and Sewing Seeds Quilt Co. The three quilt shops thrive in the small town due to their ability to work together and share customers with their specialty styles.
The Willkommen Committee of the New Ulm Area Chamber of Commerce stopped recently at The Thimble Box’s new location at 2 South Minnesota Street. Owner Brenda Seidl, who has owned The Thimble Box since 2007, said this is their third, and final, move. When it was time to start moving in February 2020, all hands pitched in and things went quickly and smoothly. Following the big move, and pandemic guidance, the store is back to its normal business hours of 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Saturday, and other times by appointment (507-354-6721 or Facebook). Brenda explained that with three quilt shops in New Ulm, our city is a shopping destination for quilters and sewers. Each of the shops carry different types of material than the others so they often collaborate on projects and promotions, and refer customers to each others’ businesses. Congratulations on your new home, Brenda and The Thimble Box!
In the photo (l-r): Randy Schroeder, Frandsen Bank & Trust; Pam Kitzberger, Oak Hills Living Center; Brenda and Maurice Seidl, The Thimble Box; and Brittney Schmiesing, Chuck Spaeth Ford.
Also, mark your calendar for the New Ulm Quilt Show April 17-18, 2021 (rescheduled due to COVID), and the Quiltistry held in 2021. The Quiltistry is a great time to walk around New Ulm’s historic sites such as Schell’s Brewery, the Hermann Monument, and the Glockenspiel to look out for quilt displays around town!