NOTES FROM THE LODGE August 26, 2007

After a couple of days off for some private R&R--I spent the remainder of the weekend working on samples. With the new space looming ever closer, the need for more samples seems to be unending.

Just a reminder--we still have a good selection of Christmas fabrics and several fun ideas for projects for you to get completed well early for the big day. And another reminder--Christmas Bucks are still yours for shopping in this department. I had originally told you that those Christmas bucks would be good in September at the new location--because we will probably not be up and running until the end of September--those Christmas Bucks can be cashed in for a "gift certificate" good on any and all purchases at the new location. You may bring those "bucks" to the shop in September to receive your gift certificate.

Choco-Latte and Sherbet are selling well so if these two collections have your eye, don't wait too long to get yours.

We also have a number of Jelly Rolls and Charm Packs--several flavors are still awaiting corresponding fabric. If you like these convenient rolls and packs, don't delay in picking them up--sometimes they are gone before the fabric arrives. We are also expecting the arrival on Tuesday of several new patterns and books that will give you tons of things to do with these little bundles.

We have also recently received several new bolts of wide fabrics for backings. This is a new company and I have been very pleased with the quality of this fabric.

Our move still seems on target for the middle of September. I still can't give you exact dates but we are getting close.

Coming up to co inside with the move we have several programs and events that I think you will really enjoy:

• Nutmeg Lodge will be participating in the Main Street program --Scarecrow Contest. We will have a scarecrow on a light pole near our shop on King Street. Stay tuned for it's exact location.
• Quilt Pink. Nutmeg Lodge will be participating in this nation-wide project to make blocks for quilts to be auctioned to support breat cancer.
• Think Green--we will be offering a variety of "free" patterns to get you into a "green state of mind". We will have patterns for shopping bags, cloth napkins, etc.
• A full class schedule will be available shortly.

Looking forward to seeing all of you soon---Barbara

NOTES FROM THE LODGE August 19, 2007

Well, if you live in or around Martinsburg you might have seen the Tuesday Journal. I can't tell you how surprised I was to find that I was the front page headline and article, complete with picture. Of course I could not have afforded such wonderful advertisement. It was a great opportunity to announce to the world that we are moving. If you did not see the article you can check in out on www.journal-news.net or stop by the shop to see the article. Of course, the 15 minutes of fame brought new people to the shop and even in church this morning I had several people inquiring about Nutmeg Lodge and planning to stop by. Then to add to all of this publicity, I will be a guest on the morning Talk Radio show this coming Wednesday. By the time we get moved Nutmeg Lodge could possibly be a household word in the immediate vicinity.

I am working on a class schedule and trying to get things organized in my head for new features in the new space. With all of this whirring around there are still things going on in our current location and things on the calendar to be focused on. First, we will be putting out the fall fabric soon. I must really have fallen head over heels for the idea of fall in 2007 because I ordered a ton of fall pieces and also Halloween!!!! I hope that you will enjoy the richness of these wonderful pieces. Also our Halloween fabric and projects are sure to warm your heart. Next, we have the Sully show coming up the Sunday after Labor Day. Please put this fabulous show on your list of things to do. Sunday, September 9 from 10:00 to 4:00. One of the oldest quilt shows in the country---out-of-doors--great vendors--and just a huge amount of fun. We can give you directions at the shop if you have never been. Last, we will be having one more sale before we move so stay tuned for more information on another big event.

Happy quilting to each of you, Barbara

NOTES FROM THE LODGE August 12, 2007

I hope that each of you had a great week and you were not too hot. I had a fabulous week because I was on vacation!!!! Yes, I took an actual vacation!!! No phones, no classes/club meetings, no deadlines, no pressure!!! Thanks to everyone on staff that did answer phones, check in shipments, hold club meetings and Saturday Sampler meetings!!!!! While I sat on the beach and watched the waves tumble to shore and totally chilled out. I went with my son and grandchildren for a fabulous trip to OC and we had a great time. I don't think there was anything left undone---swimming in the surf, swimming in the outdoor pool, swimming in the indoor pool, ice skating, miniature golf, ice cream on the boardwalk, crabs, etc, etc. The weather was perfect and we had --oh I said that already--a great time.

While I was away, the girls put out the new Whimsical's collection--Choco Latte...a 28 piece delight with those great Whimsical's colors with a coffee flair. Also the newest collection from Buggy Barn...Sherbet...this is a 26 piece collection with some of the most wonderful color combinations with great patterns and textures. Come in soon and check out these two great lines.

As I mentioned last week, the back room is really looking stacked up but that shows that we are making progress toward moving. I have several meetings this week and we are getting close to telling you an exact date.

We have also received and put up the new Janome sewing table. Come by and check out this wonderful table and see the great machines we have to go with it. Prices are really great and at a number that you are sure to be able to take one home.

There are still new things to come, don't sit at home when you can check out all the great things at Nutmeg Lodge. See you soon....Barbara

NOTES FROM THE LODGE August 5, 2007

Finally a "normal" week. No shows, no illnesses, no deadlines, (well hardly any deadlines), and we got a lot done!!! YEA!! It seems that after coming back from Quilt Odyssey and getting unpacked the fat quarter wall was totally wiped out---everyone spent a good part of the week getting fat quarters cut and folded and trying to get things back to normal. Of course when you come into the classroom it is beginning to look like Aunt Sofie's attic. Things are beginning to accumulate in the corner and there is evidence that we are preparing for the move. So many of you have driven by the site on Winchester Avenue and you will see a lot of activity there and things are coming along. I should be able to tell you soon the actual date for the move.

In addition to preparing for the move, I am also beginning to pull a class schedule together. I need to get some definite dates before I can publish the classes coming up so please stay tuned for that announcement. I know that you are all anxious to get started on some new projects and I am getting really excited about bringing a new lineup for your participation. It seems like a long time since we had the humming of needles and machines and it will be fun to get things going again. I am hoping to be adding some really new and fun activities for you.

In addition to the class schedule, we are preparing to have our sewing machine department humming as well. If you have plans to upgrade, add to or purchase a sewing machine for the first time, don't forget Nutmeg Lodge. Right now our machines are not real apparent but we do have a full line and various price ranges of Janome Sewing Machines. We have just received our new line of sewing tables and at $300.00 they are a fabulous buy. In addition to all of this, we will be carrying the Grace frame for home quilting on using the Janome 1600P. All of this can be yours now or in the future. Talk to me if you would like to consider lay-away.

Stay cool--don't forget we still have Christmas Bucks with the purchase of your Christmas fabric and we will be unveiling new arrivals in a few days. See you soon!!! Barbara