Sweetwater Cotton Shoppe

Upon entering the purple front door of Sweetwater Cotton Shoppe in Paynesville, Minnesota, you will feel as if you’re in a summer cottage decorated in romantic pastels.

From left: Dale Zimmer (co-owner), April Zimmer (co-owner), Mickey Zimmer (co-owner), Carole Euerle, and Kimberly C. Tish.

The charming feel extends throughout the shop. “I wanted everyone to feel like they could curl up on the couch and take a nap,” Mickey says. Razzberry Creek (on bed), Paris at Night (above bed), and Mint Condition (right) exemplify this welcoming feel.

Cabana Squares, Lime and Coconut, and Lisbon are just a few of the quilts that fill displays that inspire customers.

Sweetwater Cotton Shoppe sticks to cottage-style florals, Civil War, 1930s, Kansas Troubles, a few baby prints, and North Woods fabrics. Drawing on deeper hues, Olivia, designed by the shop’s co-owner April Zimmer, and a yo-yo mat (bedspread-in-the-making) are on display.

Don’t forget great seasonal goodies. Christmas fabrics are displayed year-round. Frosting, a 25-Patch block quilt, is accompanied by bundles, kits, and other holiday décor.

Sweetwater Cotton Shoppe owners Mickey Zimmer and April Zimmer designed and machine quilted Happy Days for Quilt Sampler magazine.

A variety of retro-inspired fat quarters give Happy Days a scrappy style.

Exude cheerfulness with bold, novelty prints in a bright version of Happy Days. Animal prints are from Now I Know My ABC’s collection by Kate Honarvar, and borders are from Color Wash by Debi Hubbs, both for Timeless Treasures Fabrics.

Contact Sweetwater Cotton Shoppe to purchase a copy of the Spring/Summer 2010 issue of Quilt Sampler. Issues are also available at your local quilt shop, on newsstands, and online.