Today, we’re exploring Avonport Fabrics (avonportfabrics.ca) the 2024 winner of the Local Quilt Shop contest for Nova Scotia, a peninsula on the Atlantic coast.
Established in 2022, Avonport Fabrics represents a revitalization of the former Avonport Discount Center, originally launched in 1990 as a hardware store.
In small towns like this, hardware stores often evolve. Soon Avonport Discount Center expanded to include a selection of fabrics, fostering a dedicated community of quilters. After 32 years, owner Faye Brown retired, prompting the closure of the business.
However, Mary Nielson, a longtime customer turned employee, couldn’t bear to see the store shut down. Instead, she purchased and reopened it as Avonport Fabrics. She committed to maintaining its legacy of outstanding customer service and affordable prices for local quilters.
Occupying nearly 2000 square feet, the store boasts a simple yet inviting layout. The shop undergoes frequent rearrangements, ensuring each visit is a unique experience with new discoveries.
Quilting advice for all
Mary, alongside her team members Cathy and Laura, operates the shop smoothly five days a week. Their expertise and helpfulness have earned them a sterling reputation among their clientele, a sentiment echoed by many participants in the Local Quilt Shop Contest.
Lyn enthused, “Mary and her team provide invaluable guidance for anyone venturing into sewing! Their advice is always spot on.”
Even husbands appreciate the store’s efficiency. Clarence remarked, “My wife finds what she needs quickly here, so I spend less time waiting in the car. Win-win!”
When you visit…
If you’re ever in need of a trip to Nova Scotia, particularly in the northeastern United States or southeastern Canada, Avonport is a must-see destination nestled along the coastline.
Nearby, you’ll discover the charming Noggins Corner Farm Market with its apple orchards and wagon rides.
If you’re interested in history, don’t miss out on a visit to the Grand-Pre National Historic Site with its guided tours, on-site camping and museum.
Across the island lies the picturesque Lunenburg Waterfront Marina, boasting restaurants, distilleries, and galleries in this UNESCO World Heritage Site, just an hour’s drive away.
