Happy Friday!  As quilters, many of us love going to a great quilt shop.  If we're lucky, we live near one.  Or more.

Small Business Saturday was first observed in the United States on November 27, 2010... and okay, it was originally sponsored by American Express with the specific goal of encouraging holiday shoppers to "shop local" and "shop small", choosing to shop at their locally-owned businesses instead of the big-box stores and chains.

Did you know it was originally done in partnership with the non-profit National Trust for Historic Preservation, Boston Mayor Thomas M. Menino and Roslindale Village Main Street?  The first Small Business Saturday was promoted via nationwide radio and television ads.  Amex actively promoted the initiative using social media, advertising and public relations, eventually getting local politicians and small business groups throughout the United States to voice support for the program.

So even if it's just to buy a Fat Quarter or a spool of thread, head to your local quilt shop and support #smallbusinesssaturday and #shopsmall.  Then head to the local bakery and support them too.

It's good for all of us - 10 reasons to shop local.

But today - don't miss the last two "hops" on the All In a Row Again fun.

Friday - 11.24: Lissa Alexander ~ aka ModaLissa - Lisa Bongean of Primitive Gatherings

Then take a nap.  It's Friday.

And you're going shopping tomorrow.