February seems like it flew by and here we are ready to begin a brand new month and leap into Spring---YEA!!!!!!

As I mentioned in the last blog, we are just brimming over with new fabric. First---the most beautiful line from Nancy Halverson with Benartex called Winsome. This 36 piece collection is filled with small checks, strips, plaids, dots and just the right amount of florals in a pleasing pastel palette. This group would be lovely all together for a perfect Spring bed quilt but they will also be great blenders and the perfect addition to almost any project. Piecers and appliquers alike should delight in this collection.
We have a number of blenders and background pieces that were a delightful addition to the shelves.
And then the BRA fabric. This is just too much fun and we have the rules and entry form ready to pick up at the checkout counter plus Kathy has it on the web site to print off as well. As I mentioned in the "rules" you must have at least a fat quarter for this project. We will not be cutting less than a quarter yard on this wonderful bolt.

New to the gift line---the perfect Piggy Bank. These cuties are the perfect place to stash the means to the quilt show, next retreat and whatever you need to save for. Heart pin cushions, tussy mussys, and so much more.

The wool is still a great new item on the shelves and along with that is coming wool thread to make the perfect stitch into this luscious fabric. If you are looking to learn more about this fun medium, stop by and try out a project during the Open Classroom next Wednesday. Remember this new "class" idea lets you decide what you want to learn more about and I will be there to lead the way.

We had a number of people in yesterday that were returning from Applique Academy plus I have had several emails form fellow Academicians. If you were at Academy and are looking for something in particular, remember you can call or email me and I will get it out to you right away.

Don't forget to get your Bra fabric and start planning your entry into our first ever competition. This is going to be the best fun ever!!!

Sorry for the lapse in posting to the blog but I went to Applique Academy last Monday and, because of the weather yesterday, only returned home today. So we have a lot to catch up on!!!!!

As usual, Academy was wonderful. A wonderful occasion to meet new friends, renew old friendships and fill one's soul with the love of hand work. Although I did take a two-day class and learned some wonderful techniques on machine applique. I have so much to share about what I learned over the last seven days.

While I was away Judy, Cathy and Kelly kept things humming at Nutmeg Lodge and so many things arrived--I can't wait to see it all and bring you up-to-date on the Wednesday blog. One of the things that did arrive is the Brassiere fabric. I predict that this will be a "must have" for 2007. Stay tuned for more information about a special project with this fabric.

I did get a chance to attend the MidAtlantic quilt show and had another chance to catch up with a lot of old friends. It did remind me that the show schedule is upon us and I will be getting all of the dates and places that Nutmeg Lodge will be vending and posting it on the home page for everyone's calendar.

Looking forward to seeing the Baltimore Club people on Tuesday, February 27 for our February meeting and then Primitive Club on Wednesday. A busy week at Nutmeg Lodge but never to busy to see each and every one of you. Barbara

Where do I start to bring you up-to-date? If you weren't in the shop on Saturday, you won't believe all of the great things that we have in stock....
First, Easter and Spring have arrived in a big way---a wonderful group of tin chicken and bunny ornaments (if you haven't started a collection for an Easter/Spring tree, this is a great opportunity to do so ). Cute girl bunnies complete with Easter bonnets. And the piece-de-resistance, PEEPS--these cuties are the perfect Easter gift for young and old, no need to worry about heat lamps, survival and what to do with a real life chicken that has out grown it's box. Boxes, boxes and more boxes--stack them, fill them up with buttons, goodies, etc. these won't last long on the shelves. Gifts galore in a price range you won't believe. From our card supplier the cutest little bag of coasters and the price is unbelievable. Notebooks and memo pads in a lovely pattern. Come in soon and check out the whole table up front that just screams SPRING is just around the corner.

Now the best news possible---WOOL, WOOL and more WOOL. I really have been hesitant to get in this market again--I had wool when I first opened and no one was really doing anything with it. Remember I had come from Texas where wool had be so hot for several years and I thought perhaps there would be an interest here, but that was slow in happening and I moved on. Then my great good friend Renee Nanneman did a wool collection with Andover and I decided that maybe we can rev that market up again. The gals at the shop will be cutting these beauties into "fat quarters" and putting this fabulous collection on the shelves this coming week. Just a reminder, because wool comes in different dimensions than cotton, a "fat quarter" in wool has a different measurement. Ours will measure 18 X 15 and they must be "felted". These are woven wools and bleeding should be minimal. The gals at the shop can give you instruction in felting or if you have a question that you need another opinion, call me and I will go over it with you. Coming soon will be some penny rug patterns and other patterns to turn this outstanding collection into something fabulous and we will be offering classes to get your wool/embroidery skills top of the mark.

I am off to Williamsburg for Applique Academy. I will be taking two classes this year--the first in machine applique. I hope to bring back a lot of new ideas for things to do at Nutmeg Lodge. Also, coming soon will be an innovative Beginning Piecing/Sewing class that should appeal to new and old alike. More information to come shortly.

See you soon--Barbara

Happy Valentine's Day---very little has changed since the last blog. I am still at home, that box of fabric is still unopened, no one has been in the shop--well, Judy did get in today for a few hours and got some tidying up done but Cathy and I have been pretty much home bound. Marcy left for St. Thomas on Monday and just in the nick of time. We are planning on being in tomorrow and will hold the Crazy Club meeting at 1:00. That should give everything a time to thaw out.

I did spend a delightful few hours yesterday snuggled under the Empress Woo quilt sewing down the binding. It felt mighty good to be under such elegance.

If you have spent the last few days piecing away and suddenly need to get something ready for quilting--come in tomorrow and pick up that package of batting that you really need. Don't forget to consider the Dream Wool or Ploy that I have been talking about. Both of these products really do make a wonderful batt for a bed quilt. The loft is just dreamy and so light and fluffy. It looks fabulous on the bed and is equally gorgeous as a throw.

Hopefully we will see you tomorrow---Barbara

Okay, I'm really tired but in the best possible way. This was Retreat weekend and boy what a great three days. Everyone arrived ready to go on Friday and by this afternoon so many projects have been started, reactivated and then FINISHED. I don't remember the last time so many things got finished. It was most exhilarating. We will have pictures posted soon.

Speaking of pictures--I stopped by and spent a few minutes with Sunday Stitchers and Judy had taken pictures. Kathy has posted them to our album so take a look at the diligent stitchers that meets on Sunday--thus the name.

There is a big box sitting in the shop to be opened--it is fabric but I don't know or can remember what it might be. We will all be surprised on Tuesday.

Also, speaking of Tuesday---that dreaded white stuff is predicted to make a visit. Last week there was a bit of confusion as to whether we were open or not. With only an inch, it hardly seemed worthwhile to follow school policy and all of us were in on time on Wednesday. If we get considerable snowfall and schools are closed, generally Nutmeg Lodge will close that first day as well. However, when in doubt, just call the shop, if no one answers leave a message and we will call as soon as we arrive to let you know we are in.

Among the things that I finished at Retreat: binding on the Empress Woo Turning Twenty (this quilt is absolutely scrumptious), a darling wall hanging made from a charm pack and pattern from Moda and Sandy Gervais (a patriotic themed Uncle Sam, cute), and a new panel from Deb Strain with a delightful sunflower (makes you think of Provence).
Come in as soon as you can to see these cuties. See you soon--Barbara

BRRRRRRR!!!!! Isn't this the best time ever to be working on a quilt? I just got back the Empress Woo quilt from Betty--we put the Dream Poly in it and what a beauty!!! If you are getting a top ready and want to try something new, this new batt or the Dream Wool are just the yummiest thing ever. The loft and drape from these two products are so beautiful.

In getting ready for all the new stuff coming to the shop, Cathy, Marcy, Judy and I have spent the last two days moving things all around. You are in for a great treat when you come in and see the new layout--we are all totally happy with it.

Among the new items to arrive is a fabulous collection of wool from Andover. My dear friend Renee Nannamen has done an outstanding collection of wool--the colors and textures are just the best. We will be doing fat quarter bundles on this collection--15 pieces in total. If you are interested, call and put your name on the list. This collection is scheduled for delivery this month and we are also expecting a number of other items as well. Stop by and check out all the great and new things at Nutmeg Lodge. See you soon--Barbara

WOW!!!!!! Where do I start----what a fabulous trip Holly and I had to Valley Forge. Yes it was cold, but honestly we saw and bought so much great stuff that the weather was hardly an issue. Hold on to your hats because there is so much great stuff and so many wonderful changes coming to Nutmeg Lodge you won't be able to contain yourself. This is the kind of shopping for the store that I haven't been able to do for many years. The whole place will be rearranged and new cabinets, etc. will be arriving to accommodate all the great things coming from all over. We will be getting these new items somewhat slowly but plan a great display for Easter with just some of the coolest things to spark up your decorating, to create wonderful and extremely unique Easter gifts for someone special. A fabulous array of gift and decorating items just for our special quilters and sewers. If you have a Secret Sister or a group that you shop for then you won't need to look further than Nutmeg Lodge to give the best present anyone ever received. And then you can give yourself a great gift as well. Now don't get too settled because when we get all "decked" out for Christmas in July, you really won't believe what you are going to experience. I can hardly wait for all of this to happen. It really is going to be the BEST EVER!!!!!!!

With all of this excitement, I can't even remember what exactly is new at the shop. Come in, check it out, stay a while for a visit---we love to see everyone. I will be at Retreat this next weekend and then it won't be long until Applique Academy. Stay tuned for more information on Nutmeg Lodge's chapter of The Applique Society. I will be announcing our first meeting in the next week or two. This is going to be tremendous fun. See you soon-Barbara