NOTES FROM THE LODGE Sunday, April 26, 2009

Back from the Berryville show!!! It was, as usual, a great show. The quilts were wonderful. The sad note is that the ladies have decided to return to an every other year show. I'm not sure that is a great decision but it was not mine to make. This and the Hagerstown show is the first shows I ever did when I opened 8 years ago and I have always felt particularly close to these shows, plus I once was a member of the Berryville Guild--a wonderful group of ladies. Thanks to all of you for making me a part of your quilting life.

The sell down at Nutmeg Lodge is going quite swiftly. We now really have only one wall of fabric. The wool is marked down 30%. There are only a few bolts of 108 backing fabrics left. We do have a number of flat folds which are priced at 50% off. Thread is dwindling as well. A number of the shelving units have been sold as well as the large cutting table. The sewing machines are destined to auction. Several of the reproduction pieces will be coming home with me. If you or perhaps your church or organizations have need of tables and chairs, please let me know. We have about 2 dozen folding chairs and about 6 tables that will be priced very reasonably. Also, the Dell PC that I have used in the office is relatively good and I would love to donate it to a worthy cause. If you have a need or know a group that could use it, let me know. The microwave and refrigerator are small ones and in good shape and equally priced to find a nice new home.

Also on the list is the other cutting table/work table and checkout counter as well as the cash register which is only a few years old. If you know someone who has a need for any of these "business" items, please let me know--I'm not trying to make any money on these items just would like to get rid of them at the price I have on my tax list.

Again, I must say how appreciative I am for all the support in closing the store. I know that it is a huge adjustment to so many as well as to the staff and myself. The old saying that "life goes on" really is true and all things must come to an end. I have tried to reassure everyone that this is a decision that I made on my own volition and after 20+ years, I am looking forward to making a quilt for my own enjoyment from time-to-time.

Barbara

NOTES FROM THE LODGE April 19, 2009

Thanks to everyone that has come in, called, emailed, etc. to express their feelings about Nutmeg Lodge closing. I have to admit--I was not aware of how much of a part of every one's life that Nutmeg Lodge really is. I apologize for that. I know what each of you mean and have meant to me but with declining business I guess I felt that we had ceased to be as important as everyone is expressing. At any rate, I am now rambling and I hope that I take many times to express to each of you how much I have enjoyed the business for the past 8 years.

I gave you the run down last week about how we will tie everything up. Again, if you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to call me.

The sale is continuing. We have two round tables full of flat folds. Fabric is dwindling so if there are things you want to stock up on, now is the time. I want to encourage everyone not to feel badly about coming and shopping for the sell off fabric, notions, books and patterns. I want you to have as much of the merchandise as you possibly want and you are helping me in the meantime.

I did not mention last week that I have a new job--a new chapter in my life. It is a part time job for now but as soon as all of the quilting business is behind me, I will go full time and somewhere along the line I will be able to sit down and make a quilt for fun. At any rate, my new career is an advertising executive with Prettyman Broadcasting. I am so excited about this. I started last week and spent most of the week in training and then on Friday I actually started selling. I can't wait to write ad copy, and have a client list.

I will sign off now--if I am at my new job, the girls are all in their regular slots and ready to help you with all of your plans. We still love to see your faces and we will be there until the end of June. Barbara

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

NOTES FROM THE LODGE Sunday, April 5, 2009

Palm Sunday and sunny skies, I feel like Spring is finally here. Easter is the promise of renewal and rebirth. Let us keep that in mind as we go through the coming week. I'm really trying to be upbeat but today I lost a very special friend and I'm very sad. Ken Mays, a fellow Rotarian and outstanding human being, passed away today in Winchester with his family by his side. The world is a little less shiny but heaven is a whole lot brighter. Ken and his wife Judy attended the Wine and Cheese party that Nutmeg Lodge hosted--it was the last time I saw him. A huge reminder that life really is fleeting and there are no guarantees.

The upcoming week is our annual Spring event at the shop. We will be offering everything at 20% store-wide. As usual, we will not cut fat quarters and no punches.

Hope the Easter Bunny brings you lots of candy and that you have a most wonderful week and Easter.

Barbara

PS As I'm reflecting about the tenuousness of life, I would like to thank each of you for your friendship and support of Nutmeg Lodge.