Shop Closing Update

Last week we were very busy with our going out of business sale. We sold a lot of merchandise but we still have LOTS of great fabric--probably 1800-2000 bolts remain. In fact we got in about 200 new bolts this week! I think that's about the end of the fabric, but you just never know when some backorders will appear. That's the nature of this business, but I've let all our vendors know that we're closing so they should cancel remaining backorders.

I haven't ordered new fabric recently but I know that the cost has gone up. I stopped in a few quilt shops recently on a trip to the west coast. Out there almost all fabric is selling for $10.00 a yard or more and I'm sure it's headed that way here in the midwest. That makes our inventory liquidation an even better deal. There's only a short time remaining so don't let this opportunity for big savings to pass you by.

We've had many people ask about our plans for shop samples, display items and other things we have in the shop. After a lot of thought we came up with a plan for a Staff Rummage Sale to be held October 20-25. All of us will bring in samples we'd like to sell, fabric and other quilting related items. We'll also have shop display merchandise for sale. It will be a great way to pick up some big bargains. Mark your calendars as you won't want to miss this!

With all that's going on with the shop closing, I've barely had a chance to do any sewing. Last weekend I had a couple of days mostly to myself so I worked on a couple of projects. First was a block of the month project we did a couple of years ago called "Stars Around The Garden" I kept up with the block piecing but never finished the applique and setting the quilt together. After only a few hours of sewing the top was complete and I just love it. Here's a picture of the quilt.

This isn't a great picture because the quilt is too big and part of it was folded on the ground (the picture was rotated-the left side was on the ground) and the sun was too bright, but you get the idea. As of yesterday we still had a couple of complete kits for this quilts and a few more of a similar version. That one has a little bit lighter colors of cinnamon, pink, red, brown and green. The center and border is one fabric (not scrappy like this one) and has a little applique in the border corners.

When we cleaned out our back room we found lots of orphan shop blocks of the month. We can never figure out why we end up with uneven numbers of leftover blocks. Anyway, there are no complete 12-block sets but there are lots of some blocks and a few of others. I pieced some of the blocks so you see what each one looks like. It was fun and went really fast. With all the fabric right there it just takes a few minutes (none took over 30!) to piece a block. You can mix and match the blocks to make a quilt or pick up only three for a quick and easy table runner. Just add some sashing and a border and you're all set. These are a great bargain at only $2.50 per 12" block. They were originally $6.00.

After my sewing session over the weekend I'm really looking forward to having more time to spend at the sewing machine!!

Further Discounts on Remaining Inventory

With only a few weeks left to go in the shop, we've marked down inventory even further. Starting today, save 50% on all fabric, books, patterns, notions, and magazines. There is a minimum 1/2 yard cut on fabric. Batting is 25% off and kits are at least 40% off. Some are marked even lower!!

We still have a great selection of fabric. What better time to stock up on thread, needles, blades and other necessities.

Our anticipated closing date is October 11 so hurry in to take advantage of the super savings.

No Longer My Favorite Day of the Year

When I was a little kid I always looked forward to the first day of school. For many years after that it was my favorite day of the year because my kids went back to school and I had more free time. Now it's a little bittersweet since they're older and not around as much. It's still such a frenzy getting them ready for school that I can't wait for it to be over and have things settle down again. I'm always ready to have things back in a normal routine (whatever that is!!).

Now I'm really looking forward to spending more time at my sewing machine. It seems that many of you are also planning to spend more time sewing this fall. Since we announced our sale it's been very busy with quilters stocking up for fall and winter sewing projects. We have a LOT of fabric left so be sure to stop in and take advantage of the 40% discount while the selection is still good. There is a minimum 1/2 yard cut on all sale fabric.

We've had several people ask for kits that I've written about in previous posts. I don't think any of these are still available. Typically, they only last a few days after they show up on the blog.

Many people have asked why we're closing the shop. Quite simply, our lease is up and I don't want to work this much anymore. We've heard all kinds of rumors as to our "real" reasons for closing, but they're only that--rumors. Running a small business takes a tremendous amount of time and energy. Sure, this job is a lot of fun and I still love sharing my passion for quilting with others, but it's still work. I don't have nearly as much time to sew as I'd like and I really look forward to having time to read, travel and clean my house!!

Our clearance sale continues this week with 40% off all fabric (1/2 yard minimum), books, patterns, notions, magazines, and kits. Any remaining batting is 25% off. Don't wait too long to take advantage of the savings. Stop in before everything's gone!