AHHH!!!! A new month, and February is such a wonderful month--not too long, and maybe just a little cold weather to snuggle under a quilt.

I mentioned last Blog that we are expecting new fabric--I have it on good authority that we will be receiving a number of new pieces from several different designers. We should be receiving the new line from Robyn Pandolph--Tickled Pink--in about a week--it is ready to be distributed. We are also ready for the Breast Cancer fabric and hope to have a lot of fun with this entire collection.

Our "name the bird" contest is still going--don't forget to give us your suggestion for the bird. Contest ends February 15 and we have a great prize for the winner.

Our Valentine fabric is still in full display and it really looks great. The Moda panel is great for the month of February but will last well into Spring in a country home. Also, the way that it is printed, you really could make several small projects out of it. If you haven't paid any attention to this beauty, come in and check it out.

My sister Vivian had a great suggestion for a regular spot on the Blog, so here goes:

Did you Know? that Nutmeg Lodge stocks embroidery floss. We have a small cabinet with a nice array of colors so if you have an embroidery project, punch needle project or craft need, check out our supply of floss before going to the dreaded chain store in town. A tad more expensive but it does help support your favorite quilt shop.

Stay warm and we will see you soon--Barbara

With the month drawing to an end, I have been working on the blocks for February's addition to our Blocks of the Month and the Saturday Sampler block. The Saturday Sampler block is called Corn and Beans and the piecing is a departure from most of the blocks we have done the past few years. For all who are doing the Saturday Sampler, I will be giving you a more detailed run down on the piecing of this block at our next Saturday session, February 11 so plan to be there at 9:00 or 2:00. The February blocks for each of the Blocks of the Month are fun but not too difficult to finish and everyone should be ready for this new installment.

We have been trying to keep the shelves stocked but the first of the year is always trying when it come to inventory from distributors, they seem to be slow with their reorders from suppliers. At any rate, we do have a number of new items--a series from Joined at the Hip called Yard Longs--each pattern is made with a yard of fabric, fun and fast are these small wall hangings or table toppers. Several new books from C&T. And a new item on the wall in the needle department--No. 70 Sharps, these shorter than No. 80/Universals are a wonderful needle for machine quilting. If you are interested in trying these needles, come in on Tuesday or Wednesday and mention "DEAL" and we will give you a 10% discount on a package of these really wonderful needles.

My Round Robin Group is getting together tomorrow to start a new exchange for 2006. If any of you are interested in forming a group and doing this kind of exchange and are unsure on where to begin, I will be glad to schedule a meeting with you and help you get started.

We had some new fabric arrive this week, a flannel collection for the nursery or young child--come in and check it out. We are expecting the arrival of several wonderful collections any day now. We all look forward to seeing you soon.

Barbara

It's burrrrr out there again and that always puts me in the mood to make a quilt. We had our Primitive Club meeting today and there were some wonderful show and tell items. One was a Turning Twenty in those lovely dark tones that looked so good and cozy. I do have one cut up in twenty different greens for Nelson's bed--it is close to the top of the "to do" pile. I plan to take it to Retreat with me and work on it there. We signed a new Retreat person up today and that reminded me that if anyone is interested we do have a couple of openings. I haven't done too much to advertise it recently because it pretty much takes care of itself, but if you are interested let us know and we will get you signed up. Cost is $200.00 which includes linens, room, food, etc. and a great time.

It's getting to the end of the month so if your birthday was in January don't forget about your fat quarters--up to 50 for $1.00 each a wonderful thing for those Turning Twenty projects.

LouAnn brought the Weaver Fever sample in this week, if you had an interest in this project and wasn't sure what it looks like, come in and check in out--this is a wonderful quilt and has a great impact.

Stay warm and come to see us. Barbara

January really is moving along--for some reason this is always the longest month for me. I like January so it isn't a bad thing that it takes more than 31 days to get accomplished, still February is always a nice relief from January.

We have been getting a number of suggestions for the bird's name--I really would love to have our box stuffed full so send us your proposals, drop by and fill out a form in person or put it in the mail.

We are expecting a number of outstanding fabric collections in the next few weeks. The new 3 Sisters pastels have arrived and we will be putting them out this week. A wonderful pink and green collection supporting breast cancer will be coming soon. Don't let these wonderful fabrics arrive without checking them out. The blue and green pieces I told you about last week are already dwindling. A couple of pieces have gone already.

The blowout event in the back room is still going strong--$5.99 and $3.99. A number of bolts with yardage, great for backings or that project you have been waiting to get underway. There again, when these fabrics are gone so is this event so don't get caught without your share.

We love seeing you faces when you walk through the door, so see you soon.

Barbara

You have just got to come in and see the shop--we are so decorated for Valentine's Day. We have the new Moda panel and its accompanying fabric, also the LOVE panel from last year is back and Buggy Barn's Crazy Hearts and all on display right up front with lots of hearts and love.

The "name the bird" contest is rolling along. We have had a number of really creative suggestions. We have added a "valentine box" in our new display to place your vote. Remember the contest runs to February 15, one vote per person and a great prize for the winner. You can vote by email, snail mail or in person at the shop.

We also have a number of new lines and, if you haven't seen them yet, don't put it off. The new blue and green line from RJR has been so popular that two pieces have sold out and we have ordered more.

Last Saturday we wonderful, we kicked off our Saturday Sampler and introduced the first block along with our three block of the month programs. We still have openings if you haven't joined yet. Clubs and classes are off to a good start. As usual, there are a couple of Clubs that have filled, if you haven't joined one of our exciting Clubs you really should consider it, fun filled and packed with great patterns and outstanding company, a great way to spend your time.

Hope to see you soon-Barbara

Here we are in the middle of January and I must confess, it seems we have had three seasons the past few days and Iam totally confused--Friday was Summer, Saturday morning was Spring and then Winter arrived again in the afternoon. Well it least it isn't boring. I am so excited to announce our big news, but first I need to tell you a little story--

Back in August when I first began talking with Kathy about designing the web site, we worked on several different formats before coming to the look we have today. One day a bird appeared on the front page and I told Kathy I wasn't too thrilled with the bird then another bird appeared. This bird was the design of Kathy's son Greg. Greg is a math major at Shepherd and, like his brothers and parents is very computer savvy. So Greg designed the cute bird that you see at the top of the page. Now we don't know if the bird is a boy or girl, we don't know if the bird is a quilter, and most importantly, we don't know what the bird's name is.

Now for the big news!!! We would like your help in naming the bird. Beginning today, you may submit your name for the bird by using the form on the web site, by printing the form and mailing it to the shop or by coming in and filling out a form in person. One entry per person. Even the out-of-town people can join in on this. The contest will run through Feburary 15. The staff and I will select the winner and we have a wonderful prize for the lucky person. Be creative and funny, be spontaneous and daring, be bold and excting with all of your thoughts about the bird's name. Good Luck to each of you.

We will be putting all the Valentine fabric, panels, etc. out this week. Even though this isn't the biggest of days of the year it is deserving of a special wall hanging, placement or table runner. Come in and check it out.

See you soon. Barbara

We have really been busy this week, moving things around, redesigning the floor plan, fluffing and making plans for the future. No one ever sits still at Nutmeg Lodge. We have several new lines of fabric and they really look wonderful
* a whole group of brights, and I do mean bright. If that is your passion you will really love this group
*an incredible group of blue and green with the most fabulous flowers
*a country line called Cock-a-doodle-do--almost a toile with chickens and lovely tea-dyed colors
*a new flannel panel from Sandy Gervais called It's a Baby and corresponding fabric

With all of this moving around, etc. I have found a whole bunch of bolts that we really would like to move along--so we are having a blowout event starting Saturday. We will have two groups of fabric in the back. One group will be priced at $5.99 per yard and the other group will be priced at $3.99 per yard. One yard cuts will be required on both of these groups and no punches. This fabric will be available at these prices until it is gone.

With classes starting this week we are getting into the swing of things. As I had mentioned in the last post, we still have openings in a number of classes. It has also occurred to me that there may be some of you who would like a particular class but the dates might not be right--if that is the case, check with us and we might be able to arrange a date that suits your schedule.

Don't forget to check the blog regularly, we will be making a big announcement on Sunday that will be a wonderfully fun event for everyone.

See you all at the shop, Barbara

Blow the horns and wave the flags--Kathy and Bruce solved my computer problems and I am back online and ready to finally get this update done. Sorry if you were looking for it on Sunday night. I really have been trying to do the update on a consistent and regular basis.

The sale went really well last week and we enjoyed seeing so many of you. Now, of course, we have many empty spots and will have to start and restock so many of those items that you took home last week. We have also started to order our Christmas fabric for 2006. It always seems to strange that just as we finish with Christmas and get rid of the last few inches of fabric, here come the reps with all new things to select for next year. We are excited about what we have seen so far and still have several more reps to visit. The one thing that will be new in 2006 is METALLIC, yes I did say metallic. We have seen several really wonderful pieces with really nice metallic accents and I have decided to take the plunge and put some on the shelves. Now we won't be going too far out on the metallic limb but for special occasions such as Christmas and oriental-themed fabric metallic accents do seem to be in order.

Clubs are off and running and this upcoming week we will be starting the first of our classes. If you have not signed up, there still are some openings but don't wait until the day of because it might be to late.

As I have cautioned before, be sure and check the blog on a regular basis--we will be starting a new program very soon and you don't want to miss out.

Have a great week--even if you don't need anything, stop by and say HI. We will be putting some new fabric out that just arrived.

Barbara

Things have been about as upside down as possible this week--and sometimes it seems like it should be almost February. Oh well, I will just have to adjust.

The first thing--this blog is late because I was having internet problems from home last night and couldn't update. Sorry!!

Second--the sale is going so well that I haven't gotten a lot of other things done that I needed to get done. Sorry!!

Third--Nelson is not feeling too well and I have been worried and had a little more to do at home than usual. Because of that I have decided to change my schedule at the shop. Beginning next week I will be in every morning and will be at home in the afternoon. I am telling everyone this so that you will not think I have abandoned you. Just a little run down on everyone's schedule:

Barbara--Every morning Mon-Fri. Second Sat.
Antoinette--All day Tues., Wed., Thurs.
Cathy--All day Tues., Wed., Sat.
Judy--All day Fri. and Sat.
Marcy--All day Thurs. and Fri.
Kelly--All day Second Sat. and special occasions

I hope that gives you a good idea on what is going on and if you need or want to
have a specific person help you you will know when they are here.

Alright, that is enough carping about my life. The sale is still in full swing so if you haven't made it in yet, don't let this pass you by. Call us if you have any questions.

See you soon--Barbara

Welcome to 2006!!! I hope that each of you had a very happy new year. Unfortunately I welcomed in the new year by being sick. I spent most of January 1 in the bed with a raging fever. Lots of Motrin and orange juice and I am feeling better today. It is a good thing because tomorrow come fever or no fever, we will be kicking off the fifth annual and most famous New Year Sale. Everything in the shop is 25% off with a lot of special bargains in the classroom. And one of you has a special gift certificate for $20.06. We are all looking forward to seeing you this week.

Our first club meeting of 2006 is this Thursday with the Willing Hands Sewing Circle. There are still a few openings if you haven't signed up you might want to consider this one. We will be featuring unpublished patterns from my friend Robyn Pandolph. The project we will be kicking off the club with is four large blocks called Host of Hives. Antoinette has been working on this sample and it is really wonderful. For all you Robyn Fans you are going to love this.

Once again, I want to remind you to check the web site often. We will be doing a lot more promotions and fun things.

See you in the shop soon, Barbara