Hope you have all had a great weekend--it was nice to have had a break from the heat. But here it comes again starting tomorrow. I saw a report yesterday that said we are in for higher than normal temperatures through October. Oh well!!!

Heat or no heat, now is the time to start thinking about Christmas. If you plan on giving something handmade, you really need to get started soon. I spent part of this weekend working on a project from the booklet, TURNING TWENTY. What fun---this is even easier than Yellow Brick Road or 3-6-9 and it makes into a twin or double bed quilt. If you have someone going off to college or want to put some love on a grandkid's bed for Christmas, this is a perfect answer.

We got several great pieces of new fabric in this week and put them on the top of the cabinets next to the cutting table. Come in and check them out. Also, I talked with Robyn today and she has gotten her shipment of new fabric--that means that we should be receiving our order the end of the week. Robyn was very excited about the fabric. South Seas has gone to a new mill and she said the fabric was wonderful and the colors are perfect. Can't wait to see you myself.

Just to tweak your curiosity, we have some wonderful fall pieces that have already arrived. We will be putting these out at a later date but be assured that when you start to think about fall projects, we have the perfect answer.

See you in the shop sometime this week--Barbara

Well, here I am in Colorado. I thought it would be unfair not to post from here and describe the scene. I am sitting in my sister's den looking out the window at Mt. Evans. What a sight. The weather for the front range of the Rockies has been very warm since I arrived. The temperature when I landed in Denver was 97. The good news is that there is no humidity so it really only felt about 85. Not bad for an east-coast gal. We have had the obligatory thunder storm every afternoon and it is an amazing site to watch the lightening over the mountains. The wedding was lovely, the parties have been extremely fun, and the visit with my family has been refreshing. The total package for a vacation has been wonderful.

Of course, I left West Virginia in the wee hours of Thursday after an amazing visit with Robyn. I know that everyone who attended her lecture and class had a great time. I could tell from all the laughter that abounded. Thanks to all the staff who kept everything humming expertly.

Judy had a great day at the shop while Antoinette kept everyone checked in and out of the day.

I leave tonight and look forward to seeing everyone in the shop this week.

Boy what a time we had this week, the Anniversary was a memorable event. Thanks to everyone who enjoyed all the great buys we had in the back room and took advantage of stocking up on all those staples. We certainly had a lot of empty bolts to throw away as well.

And now we are all set for Christmas in July!!! The front of the shop has been turned into a red and green wonderland with a little blue thrown in for good measure. The best part of the Christmas fabric is all the great panels we have. This is the best gift idea in the world. We have a variety of themes, including a wonderful apron panel complete with oven mitt and three hot pads. To go along with the apron, a matching set of placemats. A great set of Christmas stockings and a fabulous advent calendar that is just to die for. And then just a huge variety of panels with Santas, Snowmen, and a wonderful folkart theme from Deb Strain that is outstanding. As I said earlier, a great, fast Christmas gift and now is a perfect time to get started. For all of you who shopped the Anniversary Sale, those Christmas Bucks will be just the cherry on the top for this shopping event.

My good friend, Robyn, arrives tomorrow and I am very excited to see her. Then on Thursday I am off to Colorado. I will post a blog when I return a week from Monday. Until then have a great week, enjoy the weather. See you soon.

Hi Everyone--sure hope you had a great 4th. It has become a favorite holiday for me since it marks the anniversary of the shop. It is hard to believe that it has been four years since I opened. In some ways the shop is everything I envisioned and then, in others it has exceeded my expectations. It certainly looks like the place I had in my mind, but all the wonderful people and the day-to-day enjoyment is sometime overwhelming. And then there are the great people that man the cutting table and the cash register, etc. THE STAFF--is superior. I am delighted and grateful for all of you who take the time to compliment me and the Staff. Thank you so much.

To mark the anniversary, we are having our big sale this week. You don't want to miss out on this one. 25% off store-wide on everything plus the back room is filled with 50% goodies, $1.00 items and flat folds that are priced at $5.00/yard. All of which will save you tons of money == and the bonus, CHISTMAS BUCKS are back. For all your purchases over $20.00 you will get a CHRISTMAS BUCK for every $10.00 over the first $20.00. Confused? Come in and we will explain it to you.

Also, I have finally fixed the COMMENTS section of the blog and you can now register your comments by clicking on the COMMMENTS icon below. Your comments will actually be emailed to me right away--fun!!

Now back to the CHRISTMAS BUCKS. Next week we will be putting out the Christmas fabric and all your well earned CHRISTMAS BUCKS can be spent on your Christmas fabrics. Those BUCKS are good until the end of August.

Thanks also to all who have commented on how the shop looks. We have been busy the last several weeks on trying to get it in really good shape--new projects on the wall, moving some things around and generally "fluffing up" every nook and cranny. The best part is cleaning my office---now that is never a simple task and no one can really help me out on that one so you can tell I haven't been sitting idle.

As summer really sets in. we are all getting ready to take our turn at vacation. I will be off to Colorado next week, then Antoinette leaves for Maine and Marcy for North Dakato. Kelly is spending her summer helping us out in so many ways. Cathy and Judy are steadfast in getting all those tasks done that come their way. We all look forward to seeing you in the shop soon.