NOTES FROM THE LODGE Sunday, April 12, 2009

HAPPY EASTER!!! A season so important--rebirth, renewal, the promise of eternity. Life beyond here seems to have more promise that life on earth--wow I really do sound philosophical. Sorry!! I began to make the announcement today and will continue by publishing this on the blog.

NUTMEG LODGE IS CLOSING. Yes, we will be closing our doors the last day of June. High gas prices, a slowing economy, changes in shopping, etc, etc, etc. I have read, studied, consulted, prayed and worked really hard to keep on going. But at the end of the day and with much consultation from learned professionals, it seems the best business decision to close and go on to something else.

I am so grateful to the most incredible staff that has kept my business a much respected place to be. I thank my customers who became friends of the years. I thank my late husband for being the visionary that put on this road in the first place.

My main goal in closing the shop is to not leave anyone hanging in the balance with unfinished projects for 2009. Here is how we will try and accomplish that:

Willing Hands will continue to meet throughout the year at my home or elsewhere
Thimbleberries will continue to meet throughout the year at my home or elsewhere
Crazy Club will meet in April and receive their second book for the year's projects
Redwork Club will meet in May and receive the rest of 2009 patterns
Primitive Club will meet in April and receive their book for 2009
Saturday Sampler will met in May and June and will be able to purchase the remaining 6 patterns for a sum of $15.00 for the entire 6 patterns
Scrap Block Mania will be available in May, June and an extra set will be available in June as well.

We will contact the Saturday Sampler people later in the year and arrange a "reunion" at which time we will provide you with a free setting pattern.

We will also have a final party for all clubs to use your Club Bucks for a silent auction and party.

If you have completed punch cards and/or gift certificates, please plan to come in and spend them.

We will continue our sale and will in the near future put the fixtures on sale as well. If you would like some nice wood cabinets for your sewing room, etc. we have some excellent ones available.

The show schedule will continue for 2009. I am planning at this time to continue show in the future. I will also continue the retreats and my pattern business with my friend Robyn Pandolph will continue as well.

You may always reach me on my cell phone 304-261-0551. If you would like to talk to me about this, have any questions, etc. please feel free to call me. You may always reach me on this number even after I have closed.

Again, I thank each of you for your kind friendship and support of me and the shop for the past 8 years. Barbara