Road Tripping Across the US
I love a good road trip. Whether it’s a couple’s escape or a family visit we love loading up and spending weeks in the car. This time we traveled from TX, along I-10 to Mobile, AL, north on 65, picked up 85 in Montgomery, traveled up through Atlanta, Greenville and into Charlotte. There we hit I-77 to head north to husband’s hometown of Mt. Airy, NC (also Andy Griffith’s hometown).
One of the major roads running through Mt. Airy is HWY 52. A curious tidbit is it is also the major thruway in my hometown of Florence, SC. As a child I would never have guessed that the same road that took me to the public library would one day take me to my husband’s childhood home!
While in Mt. Airy we always drive up HWY 52 into the mountains and hit the memory spots of my husband’s youth. This time while I was driving he googled, “things to do in Fancy Gap, VA”.
Fancy Gap, VA
Aside from creeks and water holes and Webb Rd where his family first settled there are pottery shops, antique stores and a golf course. On Trip Advisor’s list of 5 Best Things To Do in Fancy Gap, VA number four happened to be Fancy Gap Pottery and Fabric Outlet. “Fabric!!!? How did I miss this over the last 30 years? Let’s GO!”
Fancy Gap Pottery and Fabric Outlet
This was my first visit and the outside certainly did not give away the surprise I found inside. Not only is the fabric selection impressive the staff is friendly and very helpful! This store advertises it has hundreds of quilting panels and I will say that is not an understatement! They hang all over the shop. Flags of quilting panels hang from the rafters, on the walls, on racks, on bolts and precut and folded behind the cutting counter. If you love a good quilt panel this store has them! The quilting cotton is also plentiful! Tula Pink, Riley Blake, Susan Wingate, Dear Stella, Michael Miller, Henry Glass, Robert Kaufman and the selection goes on.
The ladies behind the cutting table reminded me they have an online store. I’m pretty sure that if I need more of this particular fabric I purchased I could call them with the selvedge info or even email them a photo and they would be glad to help me.
I did not take photos of everything. There was a section of different vinyls for bags, cushions and automotive, also apparel fabrics, home decor, outdoor and quilt backing.
Buttons, Buttons, Buttons
The store also has a huge selection of buttons, ribbons, lace and trim. Lately I’ve been very sad about the availability of buttons so that’s where I spent some time browsing.
While writing this blog post I realize why I haven’t shopped here before. I am primarily a garment sewer. But I have to say that since meeting my sewing friend Susan and the other quilters in our guild I am inspired to quilt more. Well, if not quilt more I am most certainly inspired to collect quilting fabrics!
So What Did I Buy You Ask?
I’m a sucker for blue/white fabric! This selection may go in a quilt or bag or maybe my stash so I can pet it and love it!
I believe this selection is Henry Glass.
I can’t wait to get home and add these fabrics to my collection!
My next blog post will be my fabric stop in Charleston, SC.
Thank you for sharing your road trip experience and this shop! I love the blue fabrics you selected. I am always looking for a source for buttons.
Such fun! Did you know that our Neighborhood Group (NW group) often takes Shop Hop trips around the Houston area. They actually had a road trip today, 09/02/25.