Back Porch Fabrics

Gold stars aren't just for children at Back Porch Fabrics in Pacific Grove, California. Shop owner Gail Abeloe rewards shoppers who attend monthly sewing demonstrations by adding a gold star to their report cards. When a shopper's card is filled up, she gets to attend a class for free.

Seated, from left: Jean Dunn, Gail Abeloe (owner), and Jeanne Mills; standing: Sharon Winter, Wendy Ward, Kathy Miller, and Carole McCoy; not pictured: Mary Ellen Parsons, Maggie Wenzel, Janet Taillon, Frances Malloway, and Kathleen Trejo.

Back Porch Fabrics encourages customers to make unexpected fabric combinations in order to diversify upcoming quilt projects.

In addition to quilts, Back Porch Fabrics provides customers with a selection of patterns for bags, scarves, and other smaller items. Mail Sack by Pink Chalk Studio (left) and scarves from Back Porch Press Patterns, including Rayon Chenille Scarf (top left), Fun Fringe Scarf (middle), and Fun Fabric Scarf (right), are quick and easy projects.

Colorful beads and trims, these from Cheep Trims, provide a dose of inspiration for bags, quilts, and other sewing projects.

Back Porch Fabrics owner Gail Abeloe designed a table runner for Quilt Sampler® Spring/Summer 2011 magazine.

When you're visiting Back Porch Fabrics, take the time to check out these other local attractions.

Monterey Bay Aquarium, 886 Cannery Row, Monterey Bay, CA, 93940; 831/648-4888. Award-winning exhibits and programs about sharks, whales, and other sea creatures.

Tessuti Zoo, 171 Forest Ave., Pacific Grove, CA, 93950. 831/648-1725. Contemporary furniture, clothing, jewelry, dolls, gifts, and home decor.

Contact Back Porch Fabrics to purchase a copy of the Spring/Summer 2011 issue of Quilt Sampler magazine. Issues are also available at your local quilt shop, on newsstands, and online.