Quilting on the Coast
By Kathryn Pickford
Published: 09/16/2014  Updated: 08/09/2019
Center Diamond in Cannon Beach
Center Diamond in Cannon Beach  Photo by Gary Hayes

Today, quilting is more than creating the beloved bedspread. Quilting has expanded to become a contemporary art form that adorns our homes in a variety of ways and is displayed in galleries. With a stunning kaleidoscope of fabrics available at quilt specialty shops up and down the coast, shoppers will find a variety of supplies and resources to fuel their passion and creativity.

Not all quilts are destined for the bedroom. Quilts have a variety of purposes, from practical to symbolic and the boundaries of quilt making have expanded to include craft and fiber arts. Modern fiber artists often find innovative ways to use traditional quilting materials in creating fiber art, often pushing the boundaries to create a new aesthetic. Today the art of quilting is a visual feast of imagination and expression. Whether you consider yourself a traditional or contemporary quilter, fiber artist or sewing enthusiasts these shops are ready to take on your technical challenges and inspire.

Astoria
Homespun Quilts

108 10th St., (503) 325-3300
Located a block from the Astoria Riverwalk, this shop offers classes, machine repairs, Fat-quarters Club and pointers for the tag-along hubby. Specializing in yard dyed fabric ("homespun") which, unlike printed cotton, is reversible.

Bandon
Forget-Me-Knots

640 2nd St SE, (541) 347-9021
Learn about basket weaving, creating runners, placemats, bags, wearables and quilts with materials drawn from Forget-Me-Knots' eclectic assortment of batiks, panels and novelty prints. The joy this team takes in their craft sets them apart. If you need advice or encouragement, you'll get a cozy, coastal welcome and helping hand here.

Brookings
Country Keepsakes

800 Chetco Ave., (541) 469-6117
This store has shelves stacked with glorious fabrics, books, patterns and notions; offers longarm quilting, weekly Sit'n'Sews, pot lucks, classes, a Horned Owl Retreat with Barbara Shapel and Lady Jane Workshop with Linda Ballard. 800 Chetco Ave., (541) 469-6117

Cannon Beach
Center Diamond

1065 S Hemlock, (503) 436-0833
This uncommon store is packed with dazzling, contemporary bolts. Specializing in batiks, coastal and novelty prints and Asian-inspired designs this store is organized and inviting. They carry patterns for quilts, wearables, wall-hangings, bags and felted wool embellishments; as well as an eye-catching collection of buttons, books and notions. If you're looking for Haystack Rock, sand dollars or tuffed puffins on fabric and buttons, this is the place to look.

Florence
Wenz-Daze Quilter's Emporium

5045 HWY 101, (541) 997-3293
Want to know how to make a Bargello, Disappearing Hourglass or Quilt of Valor? How about an ironing board cover, holiday table runner or something special for the new baby? You'll find batiks, flannels, wool felt and 1930's reproduction fabrics pattered with geisha, fairies, polar bears, princesses, dinosaurs or the Downton Abbey palette. All brought to you by a team ready to assist with fabric selection, color choice and quilting challenges.

Newport
Quilter's Cottage

1610 N Coast HWY, (541) 265-4248
The store's motto is "Come in a stranger, leave a friend." Whether it's a group class, open-sewing night or tutorials built around your schedule, Quilter's Corner aims to please. Featuring Wild Hair Fiber hand-dyed wool, exclusive hand-dyed cottons, vast selection of nautical, brights and reproduction fabrics. Shoppers can find a huge collection of Oregon-sourced patterns, of which 75 percent come from within a 100-mile radius.

Port Orford
Quilter's Corner

335 W 7th St., (541) 332-0502
Quilter's Corner has a bright, new look and fun, new classes to go along with its new owner. For 20 years, loyal customers from as far away as Gold Beach and Bandon have flocked to this store. The wonderful sales team remains in place, as do the sumptuous lines of batiks, flannels and extra-wide backing.

Tillamook
Jane's Fabric Patch

1110 Main Ave., (503) 842-9392
You can't go wrong with 7,000 bolts, 800 books on quilting and Block of the Month kits from Thimbleberries, Quakertown and Brandywine. For the cross-stitch and embroidery enthusiasts: DMC floss, patterns, transfers, beads, specialty threads and stamped kits. Jane has 90 and 108-inch quilt backings; along with multi-level classes, retreats and sample quilts galore.

Wheeler
Creative Fabric

475 HWY 101, (503) 368-5900
A fixture on the Coast for 30 years, Creative Fabric carries quilting, fashion, décor and upholstery fabric; denims, oilskins, laminated cottons, linens and new minky and cuddle lines. The batik selection cascades from the shelves and the selection of beach and landscape fabric is decidedly over the top. Whether you're looking for alteration services, custom-made slipcovers, beginner or expert classes or that important piece to pull things together (a floral burst, tossed bunny, or Marilyn Monroe panel), owner and veteran quilter Doris Bash's philosophy is always, "Anything is possible, never say no."
Quilting on the Coast