Wow!!! This has been a very busy and fun week--a lot of fun people in the shop including a number of new people and a few that we haven't seen for a while. Today arrived the new American Patchwork magazine QUILTER. This is one of the best issues of any magazine that I have ever seen. Project after project, each one more exciting than the one before. A separate and free pattern from Pat Sloan, a great interview and wool project from Renee Nannanman. Quilts in homespuns and batiks that make your hear sing and an outstanding table runner project shown in several color combinations and you just want to make each one.

We have received and are working on several really great surprises--stay tuned for more on this.

Of course, next week will be our annual Spring Fling event. Tune on on Sunday or come by the shop for more information on this annual event. We do have a few new twists and some fun included, you really don't want to miss out on this one. Just to tweak your interest, this is an event that will keep on giving.

I am working on some new class ideas and will give you more information on that in the future but I do have a list for machine quilting and, if you are interested in this "must do" class, then call the shop soon to get your name on the list. This class will be launching very soon.

Come in and check out the new arrivals, say hello and get more information on Spring Fling. See you soon--Barbara

It is always so interesting when holes appear on the shelves. Sometimes it is a particular color or combination of colors, and then sometimes it is a type of collection. That is what happened in two cases in the shop--a huge hole!!! Suddenly one day I noticed that, to my horror, there was a hole in the homespuns and YIKES a hole in the batiks. Oh No!!!!! the two worst places to try and file a hole!!!! But surprise, surprise!!! thanks to a wonderful fabric rep and a cleaver merchandiser both of those holes have been filled. On Wednesday comes box after box of homespuns--17 pieces to be exact. A fabulous assortment of colors and textures that has perfectly filled the hole in that wonderful part of the shop. Just in time for a timely dorm quilt for the new graduate or just because that particular type of fabric is your passion, these are styles that we have not had at the shop before. Don't delay to check these out.

Oh yes, and that other hole across the aisle in the batik section. On Friday comes yet another box after box and thanks to the cleaver people at MODA, their whole collection of batik blenders. Every color in the rainbow and the perfect addition to all of the lovely pieces that we have in stock, now we can create any color pallet we can possibly think of. Again, this is the perfect solution to a graduation or wedding gift. Any color that your gift recipient or yourself could possibly want, we can help you pull together the perfect project.

I have also ordered some new surprises that I think will also delight everyone so come in and check out the shelves--a feast for the eyes and heart. And, if you are one of our appliquers, the batiks are perfect choices for flowers and leaves, berrys and grapes, and just about anything you can think of to add to an album block or fanciful project.
And, we are also now stocking the John James Gold n'Glide needles in Millners size 9 and 10. These lovely little needles are the perfect needle for appliqueing batiks.

See you soon--Barbara

What a great week!!!! After a great weekend and fabulous quilt show, Cathy and I spent Tuesday totally moving things around and now we have fabric in the back room. We have moved two cabinets of pastels with all the bundles, patterns, and samples to accompany the wall of fat quarters and the comfy chair. It really looks great!!!

Then Cathy had an inspired idea of Polka Dot Bundles and boy did we pull a bunch of polka dots. If you love dots and like to collect them, then you won't believe this beautiful collection.

Just when things had gotten all situated, in comes our favorite UPS man with box after box and they were full of those new homespuns I told you about. Again, Cathy, Judy and I were drooling over the beautiful colors and designs. Come in and check these out because they really are gorgeous.

Kathy Gerkin has posted pictures from the Manassas show compliments of one of the vendors that send me great shots of these events. Check out the photo album to see the fun from the weekend.

Don't be shy, come in and see all that is new. Along with the homespuns a bunch of new things from Judy Rothermill that are totally beautiful.

See you soon!!! Barbara

WOW!!!! What a great weekend and what a fabulous show!!!!! I can't begin to tell you what everyone missed that didn't get out to Manassas to see this outstanding event. First, the vendors were all in great spirits and everyone was so happy to have made it safe and sound on Friday to set up. The new items in every one's booths really made hearts go pitty pat. Then, the members of Cabin Branch and Stone House Quilters really are just the nicest possible groups you ever want to be around. And they really know how to treat vendors. Since I was alone in my booth, I never had to worry about breaks and getting something to eat and/or drink. Both days started off with an outstanding breakfast and then a great lunch. And then there were the QUILTS. Let me just say this, I have never seen a better display of work than I saw at this show over the weekend. These quilters really know their stuff and are extremely talented. And everyone was in a shopping mood. From the moment I arrived until I left today at about 5:00 p.m., the experience was wonderful. Don't miss this outstanding event next year. The dates are March 15 and 16 and of course you will be hearing more about it here.

Just before I left, a new arrival of great little pins in the shape of butterflies and chickens. The price on this little cuties is unbelievable. Also, some great chicken and button items. Come in and check them out. I think that some of the fabric we were expecting was delayed because of weather but things should be arriving in great abundance this week.

Come in and see us and check out all the latest goodies. See you soon, Barbara

We have been very busy this week--Friday I am off to Manassas for the quilt show there this weekend. If you are looking for something fun, check out the information at the top of the page for this local show. If you get by, you will be happy with the new things in the booth. If have been busy the last few weeks making samples for new projects especially for shows. These are things you haven't seen yet at the shop.

New to arrive this week in the gift department---the cutest tea sets that any girl ever saw. If you collect tea sets then you really want one of these for your collections. If you have a little girl in your life, pick up this wonderful collectible. You will have the best tea party ever and if you think that the age is appropriate, the gift of this adorable hand painted porcelain set will surely become an heirloom.

We are still awaiting the arrival of new batiks and homespuns--stop by or call next week to check on the arrival of this new merchandise. We are also waiting on more gifts.

The Nutcracker class this week was happily attended by a number of happy appliquers. I think they were delighted with the "inside tips" that I provided for them. If you are in need of help or easy tricks to make your blocks go easier, put this class on your schedule for next month. Come in and sign up and pay for a great experience with hands on applique help.

See you soon---Happy Saint Patrick's Day!!! Barbara

What a difference just a few days make!!!! After you wipe the sleep from your eyes and get adjusted to the new time, get your creative juices flowing and plan a new Spring do for the bedroom, kitchen, patio, etc. We have a wonderful new collection from Moda/Brannock, Patak. Those acid greens that we all love are just lovely in this collection. Come in and check this out soon. I have made it up in that old standby Yellow Brick Road. I think it is going to be the perfect table topper for my patio table. The colors will look good early in the season and will go all the way through summer giving a cool and luscious feel to the deck.

New in the gift department---lovely tin ornaments that are tiny chocolate molds in the shape of a bunny. A fabulous stack of boxes, Easter boxes with the best grass you have ever seen. And the "must have" for all grandmas to give their little ones---Wish Books. These little books to write down all the things that little hearts desire are just the cutest and has a slide to slip the latest school picture into so that they can easily identify their Wish Book. Come in and check out all of these great gifts. Also, we have more of those coaster bags in a new flavor as well as the little notebooks with pencil.

There are still copies of the Best Of from American Patchwork. This is a great collection of favorite projects from the Best Shop series.

I am off on Friday to do the Manassas Quilt Show. Kathy will be posting all of the shows coming up==check out these great events. If you feel like a great weekend trip, come to the Prince William Fairgrounds and visit this lovely little show. I have a number of new items for the booth so you won't be bored when you stop by and say hello.

See you in the shop soon--Barbara

Can you believe, more snow!!! Quite frankly I can tell that a lot of you have put this weather to good use--our batting and backing supplies are getting low--that means that a lot of you have gotten a number of tops ready for quilting. Good for you!!!

We have been so excited about the gift/decor lines that have arrived at Nutmeg Lodge. Several things have sold out, sorry if you missed out but I too didn't get any of those darling peeps. But there is good news, more new merchandise is on its way. More Spring/Easter items that should make your heart sing.

Shirley's latest project in her basket class has been postponed until the first Sunday in April. If you are interest, call, email or stop by to sign up. She asked if we would keep a sign up list for her. This is a wonderful basket with a ceramic handle that can either be decorated with blueberries, cherries, or apples.

To go along with the great wool that we have at the shop is wool thread. This is just a lovely thread. A 12W thread that is great for hand sewing that stitch around your wool applique or used on the machine produces a wonderful look.

With the thought of Spring, it is time to start thinking about new table toppers for the deck or patio. Come in and check out the panels and new pastels that we have to offer. All the gals on staff are full of great ideas if you are needing some inspiration. Also, don't forget to look through the decorating magazines on the newsstand for inspiration. If you are stumped about putting a look into play, ask us for help in interpreting your inspiration.

Today was our first Open Classroom--even with the bad weather there was activity in the classroom. Don't forget to check out this schedule and the Wednesday Applique sessions. Both of these creative classes are a great way to get hands on instruction.

See you soon--Barbara

Things have been hopping at Nutmeg Lodge--and a new addition to our "look". A wonderful and tall bunny is gracing the door when you walk in. This lovely new addition to our mist will try and keep up with the seasons and bring a sparkle to your visit.

Cathy told us that last Thursday was National Pig day--we were celebrating in a big way because our piggy banks have arrived. Come in and see these cuties.

The new line Winsome is flying off the shelves--if you think you can't live without these delightful and beautiful collection, come in soon and pick up a bundle for your stash. The prints and colors of this collection will be a welcome addition to all of your projects.

New to arrive soon is the complete line of Moda batiks. There are 60 pieces in this collection and we are looking forward to making something really wonderful with such an extensive line. We will be bundling this group and if you would like to have one put aside for you, call or email us and we will ship as soon as they are available. If you are a batik lover, then you don't want to fore go the pleasure of this bundle. It really will make your own collection complete.

Come in, email or call us with all your orders, requests and/or questions. We always look forward to hearing from you. Barbara