Amanda and I didn’t feel like we were quite done with our day of fabric-y goodness, so she suggested that we head to Vancouver. I always think of British Columbia when I hear Vancouver, but, of course, Amanda meant Washington. The shop we visited was called Fiddlesticks.
![Fiddlesticks Quilt Shop](https://www.artquiltmaker.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/wp-1492843110774.-225x300.jpeg)
We actually stopped at another store first, but it was closed, though all signs, including Google, suggested that it should be open. Not closed forever; just closed that day. It didn’t matter, regardless of how much I would have liked to see another store. Fiddlesticks was a great stop. I bought a couple of items, specifically text fabric for the Carpenter’s Wheel backgrounds.
![Fiddlesticks: repro area](https://www.artquiltmaker.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/20170421_162605_wm-225x300.jpg)
The store was light and airy. Some of the shelves were white, which is very appealing to me. I also liked it that the shop catered to a lot of different types of quilters. Modern Domestic was fantastic, but quiltmakers specializing in reproduction quilts would find nothing of interest there. There was a small area highlighting these types of quilts, catering to these quiltmakers at Fiddlesticks.
There were other areas that catered to specialty interests of quiltmakers.
![Fiddlesticks: Wool Felt Project Area](https://www.artquiltmaker.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/20170421_162616_wm-225x300.jpg)
![Fiddlesticks: Front of the Store](https://www.artquiltmaker.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/20170421_161630_wm-300x225.jpg)
As I said, the shop was open and airy. This came partially from large windows and white paintwork, but also from the apparently new building. The shop was in a strip mall, but not a nasty, low rent strip mall. It was a nice, clean brick building across from a lovely open green space (probably slated for redevelopment, but nice and green right now).
![Fiddlesticks: Catch-all Area](https://www.artquiltmaker.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/20170421_161621_wm-225x300.jpg)
They had a lot of bright and cheerful fabric. I found lots of batiks and other current fabrics. There was a great catch-all area with charm packs, current tools and notions. Fat quarters, layer cakes and charm packs were everywhere.
I looked at the Lulu Love by Cory Yoder charm pack at several different stores, including this one. I didn’t end up buying it at this shop, but I did eventually buy it in Indiana (more on THAT later). The Lulu Love colors and Moda fabrics were very much in evidence at Fiddlesticks.
The other thing I liked about Fiddlesticks was that it was very clean. They seem to move their merchandise, which I can appreciate.
![Fiddlesticks: Back Area](https://www.artquiltmaker.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/20170421_162430_wm-300x225.jpg)
My favorite room was in the back. It had the Kaffe Fassett fabrics and the text prints. There was one Kaffe Fassett print that I almost bought for another tunic or a dress. I have a few pieces at home waiting to be sewn, so I held off. I was sorely tempted, however. I love those large flower prints!
![Fiddlesticks: Back Area 2](https://www.artquiltmaker.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/20170421_162416_wm-225x300.jpg)
I saw the Moda text prints that I originally got in mini-charm format for the first time as yardage on bolts. As weird as it sounds, it was interesting to see the various designs that way. Yes, I bought a few pieces for the Carpenter’s Wheel backgrounds.
![Fiddlesticks: Longarms](https://www.artquiltmaker.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/20170421_162950_wm-225x300.jpg)
The amazing thing about this shop was that they have 2, yes TWO longarm machines. It was interesting to see them in situ. One was working while we were there. I didn’t ask any details, but it looked like the machine was doing some kind of pantograph.
I liked this store and I would recommend a visit. It is an easy drive from Portland.