Sunday, June 29, 2008
What an exciting week!!! The birthday shoppers were out in full force, the staff cut and cut and cut to keep the shelves full. We also got air conditioning installed and that made everyone really happy. Our space is now much more comfortable.
I have a ton of news---it seems the last few weeks have been chocked full of news and excitement.
1. We have received a nomination from the Journal for Best Craft Shop business. The ballot will be in Monday, June 30 issue. (Tomorrow) Please cut it out and vote for Nutmeg Lodge. If you would like to bring it by the shop, I will get it to the Journal or mail it yourself. Thanks for supporting us!!!
2. We have received our Kid Comfort kits. We received 20 but a couple of them have already been taken. If you have interest in contributing your efforts to this very worthwhile cause, stop by and pick up a package. We are giving you 1 yard of a focus fabric to use in your project.
3. I have finally received the information about Ricky Tims' visit to Frederick, MD. Come by and check out the info regarding getting into this lecture.
4. About half of the Harper's Ferry bundles have been reserved--if you would like to place your reservation, stop by or give us a call.
5. ANNIVERSARY SALE It is that time of year again, I can hardly believe that it has been 7 years since Nutmeg Lodge opened. Our annual Anniversary Sale begins this coming Saturday and will run an entire week through the 2nd Saturday event. Everything store-wide is marked down 25%. Don't miss out!!!!
6. Christmas In July. I have so much going on this month that I decided to make throw caution to the wind and get out the Christmas fabric and run it on sale along with the Anniversary deals. Can you believe that!!!! What an incredible offer---the whole store including Christmas fabric marked down 25%. You really won't want to miss out on that. And don't forget that that begins Saturday, July 5 and runs through Saturday, July 12.
Well that was a ton of news----keep on signing up for the email list, we have started to gather quite a number. It won't be long before you will be receiving something.
See you soon---HAPPY 4TH---Yea America!!! Barbara
Sunday, June 22, 2008
Another busy week at Nutmeg Lodge and so many things happening---I hope I can remember everything to tell you----here goes.
First, the Harper's Ferry fabric arrived about a month early---but that is a good thing because there are 36 pieces and it will take us a while to get it all cut, bundled, labeled, etc. We are putting it into fat quarter bundles which will include the manufacturer's pattern. The fabric is so fabulous and the pattern is equally wonderful. I did not plan on unveiling this fabric until the end of July and probably in Hershey at Quilt Odyssey. To that end, we are taking reservations for 20 bundles. If you have been waiting for this beautiful collection call or come by and put your name on the list. I will be making the quilt from the pattern included in the bundle and will hope to have that finished soon. We will then let you know when you can pick up your bundle. If you would like to see a sample bundle---come by and we will show you a most marvelous prize.
The Fourth of July is on Friday this year and we will be closed---but in the meantime we have a darling project for you and/or a little one. A really cute apron project using just 1 yard of fabric plus 1 1/8 yard for backing, straps and pocket. This is about the easiest project you can imagine. A perfect hostess gift or to wow your guests for your 4th celebration. And we also have the little version which only requires 1/2 yard each for front and back. We have samples for you to see and would love to help you select your fabrics.
Now for the best part---THE CLASS SCHEDULE IS FINISHED!!!!! Below you can peruse the offerings for classes this summer. I have tried to offer things to you multiple times that might be of interest and, hopefully, will fit your schedule. I am also doing my applique class that is a 6-part commitment but has breaks to accommodate other things in your life plus time to stay caught up. If you are not planning a long trip away from home this summer, these classes offer you the perfect opportunity to do something fun and exciting. Also, if you have a group that would like to do something special, talk to me and I will see if I can work out something for you.
SUMMER CLASS SCHEDULE:
Tues., July 1 8,15, 29 Aug., 5 and 19
10:00-12:00
Barbara Bradley
BALTIMORE ALBUM--Take this 6-week journey with Barbara to Baltimore and beyond. Learn the classic art of needle turn applique, preparation of blocks, stuffed and ruched roses, inking, swag borders. A 4-block project with traditional borders, this time honored class will teach you all the aspects you will need to begin your journey and make your own album quilt for your generations.
$120.00
Includes book
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Wed., July 2
10:30-12:30 or 5:30-7:30
or
Tues, Aug 26
10:30-12:30 or 5:30-7:30
Barbara Bradley
MACHINE QUILTING--Two dates, two times to take this standard class. Don't miss out and learn to quilt your own projects right at home. Barbara's techniques give you all the tools you need to finish every single one of your quilt tops at home and for less money.
$25.00
Includes practice quilt --------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wed., July 9
5:30-8:30
Kelly Heldreth
HOLIDAY MINI-QUILT AND ORNAMENTS--this paper pieced project is perfect for all levels. Get started on wonderful ornaments and/or quilt for your holiday decorating or for unique and fabulous gifts.
$3500
Includes pattern
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Tues., July 22, 10:00-1:00
Vivian Cramer
VIVIAN'S CRAZY PANTS--My sister has come up with a wonderful pair of pants, so quick and easy to make, so perfect for the pool, beach or just to slip on to run to the market. One size fits all, quick cut out and sew up. You really don't want to miss this fabulous opportunity to have fun and make something fun!!
$40.00
Includes pattern
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Tues., July 22 5:30-8:30
Abbie Simpelo-Dyer
ABBIE'S BAG--spend 3 hours with Abbie and make her wonderful and unique bag. Made with decorator fabrics, you will take a variety of lush and lovely pieces and create a one of a kind show stopper. Quick and easy construction makes this a win-win class.
$40.00
Includes pattern and kit
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Fri., Aug. 1 5:30-8:30
Wendy Antilla
WENDY'S STRING PIECED WONDER--Wendy has created a fast and fun twist on an old classic. Learn her secret for creating a your own template and sewing a timeless block. A great stash buster, fabulous gift, and a totally fun project.
$30.00
Includes pattern and template
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Wed., Aug. 6 and 8
10:00-12:00
Barbara Bradley
EASY NUTMEG STAR--a pattern designed just for Nutmeg Lodge and perfect for the beginner. If you would like to learn quilt making or if you would like to get your skills just a little bit better--this is the perfect class for you. A wonderful 48 in. square topper using just 9 fat quarters. Learn to use your rotary cutter correctly, learn to make accurate 1/2 square triangles, learn to measure and sew squares to perfection. And an added bonus, have a fun!!
$40.00
Includes pattern
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wed., Aug 6.
5:30-8:30
Kelly Heldreth
SIMPLE STRIPS TOTE BAG--what a fun class this will be. Getting your paper piecing skills better and making a darling bag to boot. Kelly will lead you through the steps to perfect piecing the paper way and creating a really cool bag.
$35.00
Includes pattern
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I hope that you will enjoy these classes---as you can see we have a couple of new teachers. I am pleased that they would like to share what they do with you and I know you will love there classes and what they have to offer.
See you at Nutmeg Lodge soon----Barbara
Sunday, June 15, 2008
Greetings from Nutmeg Lodge---a hot week but a very busy week for us. The girls and I were busy getting everything put back from the show and then cutting and more cutting for new bundles and new projects. We received a huge amount of fabric and are now trying to get all of these pieces into place.
Saturday we were packed on several occasions with a lot of shoppers. Thanks for your visit, we so enjoy seeing you and helping you with your projects.
Once again Nutmeg Lodge is taking another step into the cyber world. Kathy has posted an email option. I am still working furiously on the classes to come in July and August and now with an email list we can send that out to you immediately. I am also working on getting new fabrics and products scanned for your on-line shopping convenience. More on that later.
The Take Fives have been selling like crazy!!! We will be cutting more of these little beauties and you want to keep this in mind if you need something really fast. Also makes a great gift for a beginner---no cutting or shuffling just start sewing!!!! Something else to look forward to---Vickie Thompson has designed a great project called Easy Nutmeg Star. We will be debuting this quilt soon and the best part, it only takes 9 fat quarters. Thanks Vickie for your genius!!!
Come see us, we love it---Barbara
Sunday, June 08, 2008
WOW!!!! The QU Show was Great!!!!! Boy were the quilters out in droves and ready to shop. Thanks so much to everyone who came to the booth---it was great to see you and thanks so much for everyone who shopped. All of the vendors had great sales and we know that the quilting world is in a good place. The quilts in the show were awesome--I was totally inspired by some of the art that I saw. If you were not able to get to the show, you must put it on your list of things to do next year. We are so fortunate to have a show of this size and caliber so close. Some years ago I used to go to and have a booth at the Dallas show which is a guild run show like QU. Now we all know that those Dallas girls really do know how to do things, but let me tell you, they have nothing on the QU girls---I think they run a much classier show.
As I have told you before, I had many new things in the booth and fortunately I did not sell out of everything. Unfortunately I only have a few of some things. You might want to come in soon and see what is new and the few things that we have left so that you don't miss out on too much.
Thanks to all of you who came by a played with Judy and Marcy and Debbi. They said they had a great time and enjoyed seeing you.
The weather is getting very summer-like---now is the perfect time to plan and start a new project since you are probably going to be spending more time in side. We have some great options for your to consider---come in and let us get you started on a great summer.
See you soon---Barbara
Sunday, June 01, 2008
A very busy week coming up and one that you really don't want to miss out on. First, we are very busy packing to go to the QU show. 60+ dealers and some outstanding quilts await your arrival at Chantilly. Nutmeg Lodge will be packed with new and exciting fabrics and projects plus special bargains. If you don't want to make the trip alone, call a couple of your friends to car pool with. If you can't find someone, call us and we will try and arrange some instant friends for you.
This being the beginning of a new month this Saturday is the First Saturday event. We will have special bargains for you outside the big doors---not on the sidewalk this time (I think the heat may become an issue for outside). For all the shopping you do outside the big doors from our "sidewalk" bargains, you will receive membership into our First Choice Fabric Club. I think that everyone who were members in this club last month enjoyed the exclusive right to buy fabric from the backroom before it went out front and with a special discount to boot.
My allergies have still be a huge issue for me but a new prescription seems to be putting me back on track---I have been sick for over a month and am really tired to not feeling 100% and not being able to go outside much. Oh well, that is what Spring is all about--soon the summer will be here full fledged and we will long for the rain and all that blooms along with it.
Just a reminder---we have the new block of the month behind the checkout counter and have been taking sign ups. There are 5 spaces left--all participants can pick up their first of four kits any time now. I will be taking this sample with me to the QU show and I am sure that those last few spots will be gone---if you are still contemplating this project, don't delay. Call us this week and reserve your spot.
One final note---I will be away on Friday---once again come see Judy and Marcy--they have a special event when I am away.
Take care of yourselves, come to see us at the shop and at the show. Barbara