The boss is away! 1st Blog-giveaway.

O.K. So here's how the day went. I sewed, made mistakes, ripped. Sewed, made mistakes ripped. I know we all have those days where your intentions are good but for every step you take forward, you go back. If I was at home I would have quit and gone for a walk with the dog (more about "Naughty Nevada", the new black lab pup later)but when I am at "work" I must stick with the project. I know many of you have seen the "pleated pillow samples" here at the shop. They are a favorite of mine, done in soft porch pastels. Well, I am making a set in Christmas fabric and this is one of those times where I wish I knew how to post a photo, they are cute. A photo would speak the loudest. Again I will learn. Just a heads up for everyone that is joining us for Quilt Retreat in the fall. I am going to lobby hard for the pillows to be one of our projects. One jelly roll makes three pillows, great gifts or just enjoy for yourself.
Have you seen the new "Snap Sacks". They are quick projects, tablerunner or table-topper size, all fabric, backing, binding and pattern in a sack. A new one is released each month, they are quick and fun. We have moved on to month #4 and there are samples of each and everyone in the shop.
Finally, my mistakes today might be your gift tomorrow. I thought it might be fun to send you on a little hunt around the shop. Although Melissa and I work hard on the quality of our samples, mistakes happen. The project I worked on today required emergency piecing, twice. So, here's the deal. Stop in the shop and if you can find my mistakes, you can choose a free fat quarter from the basket at check-out. This giveaway is blog driven only, it will not be advertised at the shop. Don't wait, limited to the first 25 detectives. I'll even give you a clue.

I am not a big quilt

or even a throw

I'm quite small as you can see

As much work as it took to get me together

I'm as pretty as pretty can be.

Good Luck!

Till next time.

Mom in charge!

I am at the shop early today to ready things for open sewing. Melissa is out of town for a mini-vacation and I am the keeper of the gate, so to speak. People often say when arriving "oh, you're working today?" I always say that "working" might be too strong of a word for what I am doing. To be here surrounded by this wonderful fabric talking to people as interested in Quilting as I am, well you get the picture. Anyhow, back to open sewing, we sew here at the shop most every Tuesday (and sometimes Wednesday), it's informal, fun and open to everyone. We feed each others interests, trade inspiration, talk about things completely un-quilt-related, laugh, sometimes cry and of course we eat. You are welcome anytime!
I wanted to let you know about a few new things at the shop that I think you will love. We have new bolts from a line called "Hot Blossom" by Robert Kaufman. Beautiful deep brown with turquise flowers. I picture aprons, totes and of course all things "quilt". Next, bolts of baby flannel from RJR called Lullaby and Goodnight. Not traditional baby colors of pink and blue but instead what the young Moms seem to prefer, brown, yellow and pale green. Very contempory, very baby! The "Oh,Cherry Oh" line from Me and My Sister Designs by Moda has been a fast seller. Melissa has tablerunners made up that are so cute! 36x20 the kit includes it all. Binding and backing too. On your patio table, your sunroom and of course the kitchen, perfect. Finally if today you are not in the mood to sew but instead think you might just want to drag a lawn chair to the back-yard and soak up this beautiful sunshine, stop in for the new "Quilt Sampler" magazine, just delivered from Fed-Ex. Then get a glass of tea, a comfortable chair and a spot in the sun to dream. Till next time!

Mom signs on!

Well, here I go. This falls under the category of "jumping off the dock". Melissa has invited me to blog along side her and although I am honored, there is a feeling of do I have anything to say that others want to listen to? I can navigate the computer pretty well but some things continue to elude me ie: adding pictures, but I will learn.
I can't begin this journey without telling you a story. Four years ago when Melissa opened this shop, I had no idea that the Seams Like Home Family would grow like it has and having said that I certainly never thought that like all families do, they would support us on the good days and stay with us through the worst. I am the Mother of four children. Melissa is the oldest followed by Mike, Katie and Heidi. Two years and five months ago, my son, Melissa's brother was killed in an accident. Mike's death launched all of us on a grief journey that none of us were prepared for. We had not packed, we had no map. The english language fails when an attempt is made to put words to this grief. I would compare it like this. You have planned a trip your whole life. A place you want to live, maybe Minnesota, even Australia. You have done your research, trained, prepared. You are optimistic and hopeful, heading toward your destination, the wonderful place where your dreams reside. Suddenly and without any warning you find yourself in say Bosnia. A war torn country where you know no one, you don't speak the language and you understand in the deepest place that this is where you now live and you will never go back to the place you were. The Seams Like Home family and this community at large continue to lay down trail for the new destination I will someday find. I tell you this because I can only write from where I am. I know that I am not alone. Many of our customers share stories of their own, some of them about trips they plannned for a lifetime and others like me, that got shuttled to a place they have never been. Seams Like Home took on a job it may never have seen on opening day. This is a place of creativity, hope, healing and understanding. It is also a place of joy, laughter, hugs and acceptance. You are welcome here any time.
Don't doubt yourself. Just "jump off the dock" Till next time.

Welcome!

Well, here goes nothing... Seams Like Home Quilt Shop is entering the blogging world! Mom and I will be working together to try to keep the blog updated with new products and events at the shop along with other things on our minds.

We recently did a full re-arrange here at the shop below are a few photos of the work in progress and some of the results. (left to right:the new baby room, hanging the new sign, classroom space, Nolan, the mini helper (my nephew)

Today I am working on the newsletter for May through August. We have many great events and classes in store for you! To see the full newsletter visit: http://www.seamslikehomequiltshop.com/

Have a great weekend!