Monday, May 28, 2007

Notes from the Lodge May 28, 2007

I sure hope you had a very “memorable” Memorial Day!!! I spent a great deal of time working on samples for the booth for next week’s quilt show. Don’t forget the QU show at Chantilly next Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. There are complete details on the web page and we have fliers with maps at the shop if you have never been to this outstanding show.

There will be a number of “new” samples and kits in the booth so don’t forget to put Nutmeg Lodge on your list when visiting. I love when you stop by the booth to say hello and share with me all the other great things that you find.

A BIG reminder—the Bra Challenge is due the end of the week. We have received several so far and they are all wonderful and so creative. These are not big projects so that everyone should have an entry that picked up a fat quarter. If you have not picked your fat quarter up along with the rules there still is time to get something completed and ready to submit.

We are still receiving items from Market and have sold out of a couple of things. One is the spray starch and really has been everyone’s favorite. I will be reordering this wonderful new item. If you have not stopped by to check out all the new books, patterns, gadgets, etc. don’t wait too long---things have been disappearing and I might not reorder some things until after we move.

And now for the “move” news—this week all red, white and blue fabric will be marked down 25% off, excluding batiks and pastels. This is a great opportunity to get those fabrics for the 4th celebration, etc.

Stop in and check out other new things that I can’t remember right now, stop by and say hello at the QU show.
See you soon--Barbara

Sunday, May 20, 2007

Notes from the Lodge May 20, 2007

Now that the moving news is out there—and you can get the full “scoop” on the Moving web page complete with map—we can get on to more important matters.

First, I have long been wanting a “champion cause” that Nutmeg Lodge can be involved in and help in an area that is worthwhile. To that end, I have been working with the Shenandoah Women’s Center in an effort to help their fund raising and their program’s in general. Beginning on Tuesday, Nutmeg Lodge will have a box available for cell phone discards. When you, or anyone in your family, updates a cell phone you can bring the old phone to Nutmeg Lodge and place in the box. These cell phones can then be recycled for 911 calls for women needing that kind of assistance and some phones are recycled and money is reimbursed to the Shenandoah Women’s Center. I will be asking for your help in various other ways in the future to help this worthwhile organization here in Martinsburg, Morgan, Berkeley and Jefferson Counties.

Second, we have received a huge shipment of sewing machines and so, as luck would have it—we have machines for SALE. The Computer Décor machine is on sale for just $500.00. An excellent price for a computer sewing machine with lots of features and stitches. Also, we have the Gem Platinum 760 at an unbelievable price of $600.00. These machines usually sell for a whole lot more. One note, the Quilter’s Package is an extra purchase. Come in and see these great machines and talk to us about a great deal for your sewing room.

Third, to make our load lighter when we do move, all Thimbleberries fabric is priced at 25% off. Don’t let this large group of fabrics pass you by. Some of the bolts still have a large number of yards, perfect for backings for all those projects that are underway or already finished.

See you soon--Barbara

Sunday, May 13, 2007

Notes from the Lodge
Well finally the BIG ANNOUNCEMENT!! I'm sure you have been holding your breath.

Okay, after several months of negotiations, walkthroughs, more talk, stewing, etc., etc. I am finally ready to tell you that NUTMEG LODGE is MOVING!!!!! I had someone tell me that they were afraid that I was going to say I was closing. No it is just time to find a new location and grow--just a bit. Nothing huge but definitely larger than where we are now. The fabric department will get larger, we will have more books, patterns and notions and more sewing machines. Plus we will be carrying the Grace Quantum machine quilting table with a larger machine from Janome to make your home quilting the best possible. Our last day of business on Wilson Street will be June 27 and our first day of business at the new address will be July 5. And that new address is 301 Winchester Avenue. We will have maps on the web site and at the shop to give you complete details and directions. The new building is located between John and King Streets and across the street from Everyday Odds and Ends. It will be easy to find with lots of parking and a whole lot of fun and excitement when you get into the new space. Everyone on staff is very excited about the prospect of new "digs".

The Market stuff has finally started to arrive. It is all out for your inspection on the counter in the classroom. Just like the party we always throw, you can come in and shop from the table and get your 10% discount plus a punch. There really is a lot of cool things--books, patterns, new techniques, etc. Stop by and check it all out soon.

Also, between now and moving we will be having periodic markdowns on specific items. Don't miss out on some great deals so you really will want to stop by soon and often.

See you soon--Barbara

Tuesday, May 08, 2007

NOTES FROM THE LODGE
Well, I'm back, I'm exhausted, and I'm sooooooooooooo EXCITED!!!!! What a great time in Salt Lake City. I hardly know where to start. The weather when I arrived last Wednesday was gorgeous, warm and just Delightful. Well all good things must come to and end and so it was on Thursday, much, much colder and not beautiful at all. But oh well, that was when all the excitement started inside any way. Schoolhouse was enlightening and tiring all at once but I picked up a number of ideas from new vendors and products. That evening I went up to Temple Square and listened to the Choir practice in the Tabernacle with the organ. Boy what an experience and what a heavenly sound. Friday was the first of three days of Market. So much to do, so little time. I bought tons of new fabric, of course. And found a bounty of new gadgets, patterns, books and enthusiasm. I think I covered all bases---
For the appliquer----some great new patterns from a couple of old vendors and some new patterns from several new and exciting designers. Of course, the Blackbird girls had a new book and a number of books that always have some exciting applique projects.
For the piecer---those jelly role/charm square patterns were everywhere. Of course, Moda is the only company packaging such an animal but I did pick up a number of patterns and even several books with these kinds of bundles in mind. And, of course, ordered lots of the jelly role/charm square stacks in all the new fabric that I ordered.
For the technique enthusiast---several new books/rulers/notions to put piping into your binding and piecing. All of these products and designers had easy and fool/proof techniques that will thrill the piecer.
For our primitive people--so many new and exciting patterns and books plus some new products. These items span the horizon from everyday to special projects for different seasons, especially Fall/Halloween.
Thimbleberries had a number of new patterns, products and fabric to come. I can't wait to share all of this with Club members and then with everyone else.
My good friend, Robyn Pandolph has new patterns and a new block of the month soon to come. I really can't wait for Willing Hands to share this with everyone and then, of course, with everyone else.
There really was so much going on the last few days my head is still spinning.
Because of Mother's Day and various things that are going on around here, I couldn't find a date that was going to be good with everyone for an official Market Review so we will be putting everything out that has arrived so far on Saturday, May 12 and adding as things come in. All of the new items will be in the back on the shelf and an be viewed and purchased with the usual discount and punch. If you are unsure what is going on, call or email and we will get you more complete information quickly so that you don't miss out on all of the new and great Stuff!!!!
Also, stay tuned from another BIG announcement. See you all soon---Barbara


P.S. This is a new format that I am trying---copies of the Blog/Notes from the Lodge will be available to be picked up at the checkout counter of the shop. Let me know if you like this idea.