NOTES FROM THE LODGE Sunday, January 4, 2009

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!! HAPPY 2009!!!!! Here at Nutmeg Lodge we are all so excited about the things that we have planned for 2009. Everyone on staff and me have been so busy getting everything ready to run this coming week. Willing Hands will have their first meeting with the unveiling of the redesign of the Folk Art Angel quilt. This design was originally done by my great friend and now I have redone the pattern using her new fabric line for the kits. Saturday Sampler will get up and running this coming Saturday. We are back to the sampler blocks as we have done in previous years but this year's twist is Thangles. Each month you will make a 12-inch block using Thangles as your triangle paper (which will be included in your monthly package). Judy is working on a unique setting option that will please everyone. We will be offering two color-ways--dark country and light pastel. The other clubs will follow and I will update you each week on these options as well.

Now for the really good stuff!!! New programs at Nutmeg Lodge.

The first new program that we will be offering is a new Scrap Mania program. The first Tues. of each month you can stop by, pick up a $5.00 package of light and dark strips. Each package will make 8 6-inch broken 9-patch blocks. We will have setting options for you and information on the number of blocks needed for various size quilts. You will need to buy a package of Thangles which will make an entire quilt. We have all of this written up for you at the shop plus a sample if you need more information. Remember this program starts this Tuesday.

Our next and most wonderful "club" is called our Make a Difference Club. We also have this written out for you to pick up as well, but in a nut shell here is how it goes. Come in and drop off non-perishable food for Loaves and Fishes, bring in a cell phone for the Women's Center, or drop off a pair of glasses for Revision and you will receive a FREE Fat Quarter. We will also have a tin at the cash register for donations to my Make a Difference Fund. This money will go towards a fund that I helped start at my church for those who might need a hand from time-to-time. We will also be keeping a log of your donations and you will receive Make a Difference Bucks for your generosity. These "bucks" will be used at a silent auction for really great items. The Make A Difference Club will also be hosting Friday night workshops like we did in December to work on projects and from time-to-time sew projects for various needs. I think that 2009 is a year that we can all make a difference. If you are retired, looking for something meaningful to spend your time on or just want to add an activity that will benefit someone or something in our community, I urge you to find a place to donate your time and talent to. If you need help in finding that right place for your time and talents, talk to me and I will help you find just the right fit for you. We are all walking this path together and lending yourself to a "cause" is what life is all about.

In addition to our Birthday Bash program, we are adding the ability for you to celebrate our staff birthdays. Each month that a staff member has a birthday, we will have a "birthday party" on a day that person is working. You come in, say happy birthday, have a piece of cake and then get a discount on your purchases that represents the birthday date. Cathy's birthday is Jan. 10 and we will celebrate with a 10% discount on Tues. Jan. 13. Is this going to be fun or what?

2009 really does offer us lots of new beginnings and possibilities. Now is the absolute best time to plan all the great projects you can make this year and have ready for the best giving you have ever done before. Our 8th annual January Sale is in full swing and will run through Saturday. This is the best time to get started for birthday presents, graduation gifts, wedding and anniversary and Christmas as well.

Don't forget that our new classes are on line as well as written out for you to pick up and peruse. We have a great class lineup. Sign up today and make this the year that you out-did yourself in every way possible.

See you soon----Barbara