Last Minute Shopping...

Stop in to Seams Like Home Quilt Shop tomorrow Saturday, December 18th fro 9am-2pm to do some last minute shopping.
Pictured above are the door prizes for stopping in! Some fun items that would make a great gift for someone or a little reward for yourself this holiday season!

Specials and Refreshments!

• 35% off all remaining Christmas Prints
• 20% off all gift items
• 15% off all in stock books and patterns
• Buy one, get one free Fat Quarters
• 10% off all Charm Packs
• 10% off all Kits

Many gift ideas and packaged kits available, or just pick up a gift certificate for someone special.

Sorry, no punchcard redemption on sale items.

Gift Giving Ideas 5 and 6

Gift Giving Idea #5 Today’s Gift Giving Idea is this yummy new line from Moda called Java. The panel features (6) motif squares that are approx. 10” square and it retails for $7.00. We also have packaged up the panel and two coordinating fat quarters in a charming coffee mug for $13.99.

Gift Giving Idea #6

Today’s Gift Giving Idea is a kit to make this easy table runner or wall hanging from Moda’s line called Sugar Pop. The kit comes complete with the pattern, charm pack, backing and binding, all for only 21.99. The pattern is “Charmed I’m Sure” by Pieced Tree Patterns. Finished size is approx. 20 ½”x36”. Give the gift of the kit to a quilter or whip it up tonight!

Gift Giving Idea #3 and #4

#3: Quilters 2 Year Planner. This is a great little stocking stuffer for only $4.00 each. It is about the size of a check book and also has a small address book section and a notepad.

#4: Gift Packaged Fat Quarters. This fun little package contains 4 coordinating fat quarters, all packaged in an adorable mini bread pan. The pan is oven and dishwasher safe. $11.00

Gift Giving Idea #2

Today's Gift Giving Idea is Quilter's Jigsaw Puzzles! We have three different ones in stock and they are really pretty...
A.) Hide N' Quilt by Susan Brabeau. This is a 550 piece puzzle picturing children playing hide and seek by the quilts hanging on the clothesline. The finished size is 15"x24" $12.00
B.) Amish Winter by Diane Phalen. THis is a 500 piece puzzle picturing a winter Amish farm scene. The finished puzzle measures approx. 19"x26". $11.00
C.) Mountain Vigil by Rebecca Barker. This 1000 piece puzzle features a mountain scene with a quilt forming the foreground. Finished size is approx. 20"x27". $16.00

Gift Giving Idea #1

It's December? Already? Guess, I better get in gear with my gift giving planning and ideas! Today's gift idea is the 2011 American Patchwork and Quilting Calendar by Better Homes and Gardens. This fabulous calendar is sure to provide new inspiration each month. Each month has a different beautiful quilt project pictured in 2 different colorways. There is a separate booklet with the complete instructions for each of the 12 projects. Retails for $23.96. Supply is limited, stop in and pick up one today!

It's time for "Retreat"!!

The leaves are falling, there's a chill in the air and

the shop is full of shoppers heading to "Quilt Camp".

I'm happy to say.....we are too! I have packed

more projects than I could finish if I planned to

be gone for weeks...but as all retreaters know you

don't want to come up short. The weather report looks fabulous so walking along the country road and down by the lake will definitely be on my list. Don and Deb host us with a casualness that encourages relaxation and Melissa takes care of all the decisions.

October was filled here at the shop with events, not the least of which was the "Holiday Extravaganza". The photo shows the winner of the "Seams Like Home Quilt Shop" prize basket. She hales from Cloquet and was thrilled to be notified. The basket was filled with fabric from the new "Bliss" line from Moda and I would have been thrilled to walk away with it too.

Looking ahead, we have the new "Groovy Girls" club starting on the 25th. If you are interested there is still time to call the shop and get signed up.

The class "Getting to know your sewing machine" is scheduled for Thursday Oct. 28. November brings the "Fat Quarter Scramble" on the 17th. and classes are:

Re-cycled t-shirt scarf on the 4th.

English Paper piecing on the 8th.

Painted Moon on the 18th.

Measuring party on the 22nd.

Recycled sweater mittens on the 29th.

Seams Like Home will be closed in honor of Thanksgiving day on the 25th and will have reduced hours Friday the 26th(open 10-2) and Saturday the 27th (open 10-2).

The photos at the top of the blog are from a trip that my husband and I along with my parents took to the "Buffalo Round-up" in Custer State Park. We traveled west with our RVs and spent 5 beautiful days in the prairies of the Black Hills. The buffalo round-up was proceeded by an Art Festival of local and Native American art. Fantastic! The round-up itself was on Monday. Cowboys and Cowgirls from all over "Apply" to ride for this event. 14,000 people line the ridges of the canyons to watch the event unfold. The buffalo came over the rise at a dead run, herded by some of the best riders in the west. One cowboy was carrying the American flag. It was a moment straight out of the "old west" and we enjoyed every minute of it. We spent the rest of the afternoon watching the park staff, sort, vaccinate and check the herd. The cabin in the photo would be my dream home for next years summer season. It is the Badger Clark cabin located in the park limits. It is secluded and beautiful. Imagine the sewing I could get done!

And then there's this: The final photo shows Nolan and Uncle Greg, sitting side by side on their "Quad Racers". They have a bond that includes 4-wheelers, John Deere, tools and all things "boy". Greg lives in a house of women so time spent with Nolan and doing things with Nolan is precious. On Saturday Nolan spent the afternoon riding the battery powered 4-wheeler Greg found for him. He wore his helmet and rode around the yard for hours. The rest of us burned calories running alongside.

This is what I know: For that afternoon, Nolan was thinking, this just might be the best day of my life.

Till next time!

Holiday Extravaganza

Join us for three days of holiday inspiration!
Visit one shop or all, the choice is yours. The more shops you visit, the more prizes you have the chance to win…

Thurs., Oct. 7^th: 9am-5pm
Fri., Oct. 8^th: 9am-7pm
Sat., Oct. 9^th: 9am-5pm

Shop for holiday gift giving ideas and decorating ideas, along with the chance to win prizes, collect free patterns, and enjoy the camaraderie of fellow quilters!

Participating shops:
* Country Caboose Quilts, Wahkon
* Fabric, Fashions & More, Rush City
* Seams Like Home Quilt Shop, Sturgeon Lake
* Timeless Treasures of McGregor

At each shop receive a different,
* Free Customer Appreciation Kit and
* A Free Pattern for a Holiday Project
* Opportunity to win a gift basket valued at $200. Register at each shop, total of 4 given away!

Welcome Fall Quilting!

WOW! I let the whole entire summer get by me with the intent to blog and no time to do it. So.....here goes.

I am hoping that you have received your newsletter. It is packed with all the new events, classes, clubs, shop hours and upcoming challenges and events.

Class registration days will be Saturday, Sept. 18Th for the October classes and Saturday Oct. 16Th for the November and December classes. Early sign-up rewards you with a 10% discount on class registration fee and a free fat-quarter.

2010-2011 Block of the Month kicks off in November. We will be doing "Quilt Blocks on American Barns" by Eleanor Burns. I have been looking forward to this since first seeing the book. As you can see in the photos, my personal quilting space is a barn. This project(my barn) my husband and my Dad worked most of the summer getting ready for me. I am so grateful.

"Groovy Girls" sewing club begins Monday, October 25Th. Join us for laughter, learning, sewing and exclusive patterns and ideas, new techniques etc. all from Atkinson Designs. Fee is $6.00 per session plus materials and supplies.

If school has started, and it has, it is time for the "Beginners Sewing Series." Join instructor Chris George as she guides you through the steps towards accurate and precise piecing techniques.

September classes include "A bag for Andrea", Sept. 23rd and "Patchwork Ironing Board covers", Sept. 30Th.

The "Quilters Yard Sale" has come and gone and it was a huge success. The tent photo shows our vendors setting up. The wind was our worst enemy, but the "tent crew" got it set up and the wind helped Marty, Melissa and I take it down. Mark your day planner for next August, this event has become much anticipated and our vendor numbers keep growing. This year the tent filled up, so early sign-up is key.

The photo of my grand-daughters shows their first project in Nannie's new sewing studio AKA "The Quilt Shack". They both made pillowcases with fabric they picked, on their very own Janome sewing machine. Fun day!

The final photo shows Poppa and Nolan taking Labor day very seriously. When the John Deere breaks down, the tools come out.

Well gotta sign off and sew.

Questions?? Call us here at the shop.

Till next time.

Quilters' Yard Sale

Join us for the 5th Annual Quilters' Yard Sale

this Saturday, August 28th from 9am-1pm

at Seams Like Home Quilt Shop in Sturgeon Lake!

Under the big tent outside you will find all kinds of great deals on fabrics,

notions, patterns, books, UFOs, etc.

Inside the shop we will be having specials too.

Come join the fun!

Lots to tell you!

OK so I have posted what amounts to a photo album but there is so much that I want to tell you about. The summer is so busy for all of us and as the saying goes..."the livin" is easy".

Here at Seams Like Home Quilt Shop we have been sewing,arranging and preparing for the shops biggest summer event, "The Quilt Minnesota 2010 Shop-Hop". This event kicks off this Friday the 30th and for the next two weeks and weekends ending August 15th you will know exactly where to find both of us. The shop is open for this event 7 days a week. We have a store display that features a dog sled, cross-country skis, skates, snowshoes and all things winter. In the other corner of the shop is a Christmas tree, stockings and all things Christmas. With the air-conditioning running sometimes I need to look out the window and remind myself it's high summer.

The next event of late summer is the "Quilter's Yard-sale" on August 28. This will be our biggest sale yet and we hope you will make plans to attend. If you are interested there is still space available but I believe we are out of tables, so you would need to provide your own. There will be deep discounts in the shop and clearance fabric outside with the yard-sale's. The event kicks off at 9am sharp and will continue until 1pm.
I want to tell you about some of the posted photos. The children sitting together are some of my grand-children and my niece. We enjoyed a family camping weekend together at our place in the Grand Rapids area. We kayaked, swam, rode 4-wheelers, stayed up too late and ate too much. We tried to pack as much as we could into 3 days and the photo of Boomer my youngest daughters dog probably speaks for all of us when I say we were tired by the weekends end. No one does vacations better than a dog. They spend most of the time napping, they might just be on to something.
The scenery photos are shot from the patio of a hotel I stayed in when I traveled to Park City Utah with my sister. My sister travels extensively for business and occasionally she brings along a guest. I was the lucky traveler on this trip and what a treat it was. We stayed in a 5 star resort, Park City's newest, we were wined, we were dined, we were pampered and gifted. We enjoyed an under the stars acoustic performance by John Oates of the band Hall and Oates. We rode chair lifts to 9500 feet. We drank wine from a wine list that had prices like mortgage payments and I tried very hard to use the right forks and my best manners. I talked to wonderful people, heard alot of good stories, left some cash at the shops downtown and loved every minute of a chance to spend time with one of the top women in my life. I was so proud to watch her in the role that has earned her many achievements and awards. She is a business women of the highest caliber. Of course would it be a vacation without flight snafus and a side trip to urgent care? I don't think so. That is a story for another time.

The photo of the runners are my youngest daughter Heidi and two( and one little friend) of her friends. They have just finished running the five mile race that is an event for our local Willow River Days. This race is community sponsored and extremely well run, there is a corresponding walking event and every year they pull good numbers of local runners and visitors in town for one of the states friendliest and fun small town fairs.

Finally, lets talk quilting. The fall fabrics are here and they are fabulous. Fall is my favorite season to sew for. There is just something about those rich oranges, deep golds and browns, hints of metallic with some black thrown in that just makes me want to plan a new project. The shop sample is a "five-yard quilt" called "Race Track" by Mary Danielson of Easy Quilter.Com pattern comes in wall and twin size. If you haven't done a five yard quilt, you must. I went alittle crazy last winter and cracked off several. They were addicting once I got started. The two small quilts hanging one over the other are from the "Villa Rosa Designs" pattern company. We brought these patterns back from Quilt Market this spring and we just keep re-ordering. Most are either fat sixth friendly or fat-quarter friendly and we all know how much fun it is to choose those. The final photo shows our "Wine Country" fabric by South Sea Imports. Beautiful shades of plum, forest green and tan/browns.

And then there's this: My grandson Nolan has entered the season of "why". He uses it as a verb, a noun, an adjective, virtually every grammatical way you can. Every comment is answered with why, every question is answered why, it has taken the place of yes and no in his vocabulary and he accompanies it with a facial expression where his head is tipped sideways, his eyes are slightly closed and he is looking at you for answers. There is no end to conversations that have why in them and he can continue to ask with a patience that amazes me.

This is what I know: When you are two the world is big... many things surprise you, many things shock you. Nolan is just now trying to find answers to things he may have never questioned before. When you turn 50, the same is true. The world is big....many things surprise me, many things shock me and I spend much of my time trying to find answers to things I never questioned before. I'm gonna hang tight with Nolan and follow his line of reasoning. I'll turn my head sideways, slightly close my eyes and ask "why" as often as I can.

Till next time!

It's a wrap!

Well, team "Dashing Diva's" put another one in the record book finishing the Garry Bjorkland Half-Marathon in 2:33:34. Everyone looked fantastic!

We traveled up the back-roads around Jay Cooke State Park hoping to avoid the worst of the traffic.

The photos are of Nolan waiting for Aunt Missy, and then running for the finish with her for the 2nd time in his life. (First time was with his Mom, he was not yet born).

The "Dashing Diva's" rightfully proud. Melissa and Jen(back row) Julie and Deb(front row).

We are proud of you all!!

Till next time.

Summertime, Summertime

OK so we went to "Quilt Market" in mid-May and then a month got by us, just like that....

Quilt Market was exciting and frantic, as always. Melissa and I feel compelled to participate in Sample Spree, probably the craziest event ever. It makes Black Friday shopping look calm. I have to say for two girls that try very hard not to be aggressive and always be polite, we have learned that this event requires you to bring out the "fighten" side". Really tho, it's more that we know what to expect and we have a game plan. We stay focused and as hard as it is, we stand our ground.

Melissa and I both took classes. Melissa generally hits the marketing classes and this year I took the classes related to landscape quilting, photo quilting and memory quilting. I learned alot and this is an area I am going to explore. Ideally I should get experienced enough that at some point we will offer some classes to pass on what we know. We attended "schoolhouse" which are small quick sessions to introduce, new product, new authors, new pattern designers etc. Then we hit the market and put on more miles than you can imagine. Everyone from the quilting world is there and it is fun to see them as regular people and not faces in a magazine or on the television. We met alot of new people from some of our favorite states, Idaho, Utah and Nevada. We were wined and dined courtesy of the United Notions Company, more commonly referred to as Moda and when the weekend finally took it's toll, we loaded up and went out to the edge of the city and had dinner with the grand-parents.

June is half-way over and if that's the case then it means Melissa is running. Tomorrow she will again participate in the Gary Bjorkland Half-Marathon. This is the event she trains the hardest for and this year along with Deb and Jen, they will be joined by Melissa's mother-in-law, Julie. We will all be up there to cheer the ladies on but the big arguement is what time do we leave? If you have been to Duluth you know that the interstate is completely under construction. It is not pretty. Last year we also ran, not by choice. We barely made it to the finish line before the girls did. I don't want a repeat of that.

The photos show some of the projects we have going on here at Seams Like Home. The one that is just a note with web-addresses refers to my previous post. I put up a picture of those cute little dresses and then neglected to tell you about the project. The dresses are made from pillowcases and sent to countires where there is a need. Stop at the shop if you are close and we can give you a free pattern or look up the web addresses for information on what, when and where.

The "Circle of Life" wall-hanging is quick, simple and a great educational tool. I made one for my grand-daughter to give her teacher on the last day of school as a thank-you for a great year. My only wish is we had the fabric so I could have sent it the 1st day of school. So for those teachers in your life, that daycare that you trust with the best of your life or for your sewing room wall, stop in and pick up a kit. The fabric line is "Circle of Life" by South Sea Imports.

The super-cute flowers and crosses quilt is titled "Blossoms in the Breeze" by designer Linda Lum Debono. It is featured in the Feb. 2010 edition of American Patchwork and Quilting. We have kits here at the shop.

Final picture is from one of our new winter lines(yes, I know, I said winter). The fabric line is called Shivers and Company by Pearl Krush/Pearl Louis Designs.

June 25th marks the unveiling of what we have ordered for "Christmas in July". If you have been in recently you have seen the fabric case gift wrapped in the middle of the shop.

Upcoming is the "Sisters of Summer Sale" July 10th.

Quilt Minnesota July 30th through August15th.

Quilter's Yard Sale August 28th.

And then there's this: June 5th was the 33rd birthday of my son Mike. It is a hard day. At 9am I was in the chair of a Tattoo parlor. I made this appointment two months in advance and although they could have gotten me in earlier, it had to be that day. If you had asked my children the least likely person they knew that would ever get a tattoo, they would have said me. It was never about the pain for me it was more if you intend to mark yourself permanently the reason should be pure.

This is what I know: There is physical pain and there is pain of the heart, the head, the soul. The first does not remotely compare to the other. In the early days I remember my sister saying that in this country we don't mark ourselves to indicate we are grieving. She said there should be some outward sign. Something that when we looked at someone it would be apparent that their heart is broken. The buffalo and full moon that I had permanently etched into my hand represents Mike, his dreams, his courage. It also represents me, the broken me that needs this daily reminder that courage is a verb. It must be lived.

This is my sign.

Till next time!

Some things I forgot to tell you!

I'm adding a second post this week before we head to Quilt Market. I got to the shop today and realized there are some things I forgot to tell you.

First, Summer Block of the Month. This is the second summer we have offered a BOM and the spots are filling fast. The pattern is called "Sea Glass" and will be featured in the "color of the year" turquoise and also "grown-up pink". This 3 month BOM runs June through August. You will be able to pick up your kit for each month anytime during that month. Kits are $14.oo ea. mo. and the combination of the kits will include all of the fabric for the quilt top including the binding. Finished size is 43 1/2" square. Kits are cut and limited. Call the shop to see if a kit is available in the color-way of your choice.

"Turtle Pageant" featuring "Tommy the Turtle". Each summer we feature a new beauty pageant. This year it is Tommy. Drop-off date is July 29th. Call the shop or refer to the newsletter for all the official rules.

Bag Challenge: Make a bag, tote, hand-bag...the choice is yours. Drop-off day is July 15th. Voting is done by our customers and of course yourself by dropping a quarter into your favorite. The bag with the most quarters...Wins! All proceeds are donated to local charities.

Quilter's Yard Sale, our fifth year and this event just keeps getting bigger. Fee is $10 to rent space. Tables can be provided for an extra $5.00. Sell blocks, fabric, quilt tops, patterns, notions anything quilting that you are tired of or no longer have a use for. You provide table, chair and your own cash box. Sales will be going on from Seams Like Home both outside and inside the shop.

Upcoming sales:

Flag Day Salelag, June 14th from noon-6pm. 20% off all patriotic prints.

Sisters of Summer Sale. Friday July 9th and Saturday the 10th.

And then there's this:Yesterday I stopped over at my Grand-daughters house to drop off some fabric scraps for a school project. Alongside the drive on your way in stands a grand old Willow tree. This tree is the kind of tree that just begs to be climbed and this is the year that Monica is old enough and tall enough to reach the lowest V. She has claimed this tree as her own.

She has her favorite things hanging from the branches complete with clothesline that has camis and t's blowing in the breeze. You can tell she spends much time in the branches of this tree, she can see the farm, she can see her sisters, she can get out of the reach of Rex(the dog) and Butterscotch the cat can visit whenever she likes. It is her "home". The first that she has decorated, she will be the queen of this castle until Laura is old enough and tall enough to climb up.

This is what I know: When you learn to ride a bike and climb your first tree, you understand freedom for the first time in your life. It is a little bit of taking charge of your own destiny. I have watched Monica learn to ride her bike, standing on the pedals, wind in her hair, nowhere to go but forward and also grip a tree branch and just know, she is strong enough to climb... as high as she wants to go. She is learning independence is a feeling and a good one. It is my belief there will be no stopping her but if her "homes" are always this hard to access. I might need to remember I once knew how to climb too!

Till next time!

Bags packed and ready to go!

Well, after two busy weekends of sales at Seams Like Home it's time for Melissa to head to Quilt Market and find new product for the shop. She will meet with fabric representatives, walk endless isles of new product, new patterns, new fabric and new ideas.
I am the lucky one that gets to walk along side of her, offering occasional opinions and oohing and aahing over pretty much everything. Together we will attend "Schoolhouse" demonstrations, we will take classes and we will make an aggressive push through "Sample Spree" along with 300 or so of our closest friends and competitors. It is a whirlwind working vacation and I am looking forward to it. Remember our "open house" on Monday evening the 24th. I have heard rumors of a new logging line of fabric from the designer "Holly Taylor" and quite simply, I want some!

Here at the shop everything 4th of July is front and center. Stop in and see a table runner runner that could grace your picnic table for this holiday and a quick throw for over the Adirondack chair next to the fire pit for cool evenings. We have bunting on a roll for sale by the yard, you can decorate that porch railing in honor of this wonderful country we all live in. Don't forget flag day in June, a day that my Grand-parents always remembered by putting out the flag on the corner of the cabin facing the lake.

The photo of Nolan is his approval of the fabric that Heidi is putting in a new throw for herself. The top is fabric from Amy Butler but it is the backing that Nolan most approves of. It is the extremely soft(Minkee, Cuddle etc.) that everyone likes. Nolan is not put off by the color one bit. All he cares about is how it feels against his skin. So it's a throw for Mom that I think Nolan will steal to cover-up with.

The Christmas fabric is beginning to arrive. Soon the tree will be up and "Christmas in July" will be here. The first shipment of the new "Quilt Minnesota" arrived at the shop last week and as I knew it would be it is so beautiful in the actual fabric. I encourage you to stop in and pre-buy. It is going to go fast and if you wait for the hop to start in August you may run short of some of your favorites.

And then there's this: Two weeks ago Marty and I went to Little Falls for the 2 cylinder show. This event is held at the fair grounds in Little Falls, it's an auction, flea market, outdoor and indoor vendors and all things farm related. The main event is John Deere but International and Case, Ford etc. were all well represented. For years now my youngest brother and his childhood best friend have gone, this year they invited Marty and I and my Dad to go with. The photo of my 81 year old Dad shows him doing what has always been "his" job when the guys get together. He makes breakfast and after 50 years of doing it he has become somewhat of a perfectionist. No yogurt, omelets or sweet rolls here. We ate smoky fired bacon, eggs over easy, pancakes and drank pots of coffee. We stayed at "The Compound", it's a weekend get-away owned by the family of my brothers friend. A man's playground of 4-wheeler trails, deer stands, ponds stocked with fish and a pole barn turned kitchen/hang-out where you can do no harm.

This is what I know: The women in my family gather frequently for "Girls events", we shop, travel, eat fancy and drink wine. The men in the family gather too. They ride 4-wheelers, fish, have campfires and drink beer. Generally the two groups don't intersect. In the past few years I have had the fortune of "hanging with the guys" on several occasions. The rules have been broken because we need each other. I need the time to remain grounded to the maleness of life and my Dad and brothers know of no other way to help me hang on except to just be there, along side of me. They have welcomed me in to their time. The final photo is a shot of my Dad, my brother and his friend. It reminds me of a line from the commencement address "Anna Quindlin" gave when invited to speak at a College. She talks about the humbleness of life. Of what you think you know and what you really know. One of the final lines is when she interviews a homeless man that spends everyday sitting at the end of a pier, staring out at the ocean. When she asks him why he does this day in and day out, he replies, "Look at the view".

Sometimes, it's just that simple.

till next time!
.

Check your "In" box

Check your "In-box" for the arrival of the current newsletter. Melissa has finished putting together the events of the next four months. If for some reason the letter does not post to you in the next couple of days. Call the shop and we will help you out.

The samples shown above are new here at Seams Like Home. The tote is titled "Pockets a Plenty" by Whistlepig Creek Productions. It measures 13.5x15.5 and is literally loaded with interior and exterior pockets. Our sample is made in Amy Butler fabrics. The bag is somewhat unique in that it has a draw-string closing nestled inside.

The table-runner is the newest "Snap Sack" entitled "Fuchsia Fancy". The snap-sacks are complete, backing and binding included. You only add the batting of your choice.

The "Little Hot Rod Playmat" is from Little Hot Rod for South Sea Imports measures 46x52. Kits are available. Let the "little man" in your life run his cars over the fabric roads and then use as a cover-up when he naps.

The next few months are loaded with events, activities and classes. The statewide "Quilt Minnesota" Shop-hop kicks off July 30 and runs through August 15. Our pre-order options are becoming limited. If you have not yet seen the fabric mock-ups please stop in.

Looking ahead to May, we are having a "Mother's Day Sale" May 8Th. Stop in for 10% off all fabric cuts of 1 yard or more. Door prize drawings for Moms and refreshments.

Our 5Th Anniversary Sale is May 15Th.(How can this be??) From 9-4, join us for door prizes, refreshments and specials. 10% off all kits, 15% off all books and patterns. $1.50 pre-cut fat quarters and $5.00 pre-cut panels.

The month of May "Happy Hour Specials"

7: 10% off all notions

14: 10% off all Batiks

21: 10% off all patterns

28: 10% off all books.

At the end of May Melissa and I will be attending Spring Quilt Market in Minneapolis. We haven't had a chance to get to market since it was held in Portland, Oregon. We are both excited to be going and our "Open House" to show off what we discovered will be Monday evening May 24, 5-7pm.

There is MUCH more going on and we will be updating the blog to keep you informed.

And then there's this: Saturday marks the annual running of the "Moose Run" in Moose Lake. This event is the kick-off of the summer running season for Melissa. There are probably grander running events but I doubt they are better run or better organized. This is a premiere small town running event and it gets better every year. Melissa and her running partners Deb and Jen will be at the starting line as they have been for the past several years.

This is what I know: Melissa has become the runner that her brother was. She runs just to run. Not to win, but because something in her head says she must. There is a mis-conception that running is all physical. Believe me when I say it is in your head and if it's not all the training in the world won't take you down the road. After last years race I was walking with Melissa and Jen to the cool-down area. The girls were approached by a young woman holding a notebook and camera. She was a reporter for a running magazine based in Duluth. She asked them for a comment, this is what she said. "Tell me why you run?" Melissa turned to me, then she looked back at the reporter. No one spoke as Melissa struggled for composure. Then this is what she said, "I run for my brother Mike'. It's what's in her head.

Till next time!

And the winners are!

The wrap-up meeting for this years "Loon Country Shop-Hop" was held last evening and this years winners were picked.

We would like to congratulate Susan from Rush City as the winner of this year's Pfaff sewing machine. Julie from Mora the winner of the sewing retreat at Pine Needle Quilting Company. Elsie from Moose lake, the winner of Fabric, Fashions and More's gift basket. Beverly from Aitkin the winner of Country caboose Quilts gift basket. Barb from Wyoming, the winner of Timeless Treasures gift basket and Pat from Princeton, the winner of the gift basket from here at Seams Like Home. We extend our sincere thanks to the roughly 110 quilters who completed their passports and dedicated their weekend to "hopping" with us.

The photos are upcoming classes. The tote is"Bali Bags" from Aunties Two made with covered clothesline and fabric scraps. The class will be April 26 5:30-8:30. Fee is $6.00 plus materials and supplies. The class will also feature projects from "It's a Wrap" by Susan Brier for That Patchwork Place.
The clothesline bag is "Wash Day Clothespin Bag" by Darlene Zimmerman. Class is April 29Th 5:30-8:30. Fee is $6.00 plus materials and pattern($9.00).

And then there's this: The buttons you see on the tote bag were taken from my Grandma S' button tin. Melissa has it here at the shop and when a project is made that we intend to keep, we go to the button tin for embellishments. My Grandmothers were adults in the depression years. They were a seamstress ,a quilter, home decorators and always very fashionable. They were also thrifty, removing buttons from garments when they were past prime. I am drawn to women that show the strength my Grandmothers always modeled. This brings me to my friend Betty. Betty will proudly tell you she is 87. She has been my friend for over 15 years. When I worked for the school district the job I had was her job. When she retired I was lucky enough to try to fill her shoes. Betty stopped at the shop today to purchase some supplies. When she was ready to leave she paused and questioned me if she has paid for her purchase. I assured her she had and then she told me she is having a hard time struggling with some minor forgetfulness.

This is what I know: For the past three years , four months and as many days Betty has been my friend with a relentlessness I am not sure I earned. When Mike was killed her heart broke too, for a young man that she felt so much pride in knowing and for me her dear friend. She has sent me letters filled with deep emotion and words of strength. She writes me poetry, bakes me treats, calls on the phone and when I don't or can't answer she leaves messages of encouragement and love. She hugs me frequently, holds my hand and prays for me, Marty and the girls. On Betty's worst day, she is the best friend a person could ask for. I simply love her. I hope you have a "Betty" in your life too.

Till next time!

Loon Country Shop Hop

Quilter's "Start your engines!"

Today is the opening day of the "Loon Country Shop Hop". The hours are today(Thursday) 9-5. Tomorrow, Friday 9-7 and Saturday 9-5. The beauty hanging here is our version of this years Shop Hop Quilt. The name is "Stars at Bear Cabin" and the pattern was designed by Kim Tyson of "Country Caboose Quilts" in Wahkon. We have created our sample with Batiks which as become our signature over the years we have been part of the "hop". We hope you like it. This beauty is going home with me. It is King-size and the stunning machine quilting was done by Linda Beal of "Linda's Quilting by Design" of Hinckley. Linda worked tirelessly to have the quilt quilted in time for us to hang it this am. The over-all quilting pattern is called "In the Moment" , I like that. Contact information for Linda is available here at the shop. Please call and we will be happy to help you out.

The post today will be short as the quilter's are arriving and Melissa is getting swamped.

A quick update on the "make-over" at my parent's home. They arrived home safe and sound and we were waiting at the end of the driveway. The changes we made over the winter they absolutely loved. They may have felt for a brief moment that it was someone else's house but everything about it still said "home".

And then there's this:

I have a friend who is in the local nursing home recovering from knee replacement surgery. Last week I wanted to go and visit and I had 2 year old Nolan for the day so he came along with me. Nolan is social as only a 2 year old can be. He strikes up conversations in the post office, with people on the street, virtually anywhere he goes. He is curious, animated and kind and he is convinced all people are the same. When we got to the nursing home we walked down two long hallways with residents sitting outside their rooms. Nolan greeted everyone alike, he said "hi" and lifted his pants leg to show off his cowboy boots. He told them about the new railing(log) that Poppa is making and announced we were going to see "Mary". When we were done visiting Mary we went to say a quick Hi to Nolan's Great-grandmother. When we left she put out her hand to shake Nolan's but he put out his arms and hugged her and then kissed her cheek.

This is what I know: Nolan sees people as people only. Not with frailty, dependence on adaptive devices, not with age or mental or physical ability. He was truly happy to be where he was and showed no fear or discomfort at an environment some find uncomfortable. He told everyone what he had on his mind, he spread joy without even trying and when he was faced with a social situation at one point that he had no experience with, he danced. We should all be so brave.

Till next time!

Mark your calenders!

The new fabrics of spring seem to have helped usher in awesome spring weather. We have been enjoying highs in the upper 50's and after a long, long winter this seems like a heat-wave. Today tho is a reminder that we aren't quite out of it yet but we will be soon.

The photos show some of the new lines just in here at Seams Like Home. We are featuring "Cherish Nature" by Deb Strain for Moda,

"Modern Meadow" by Joel Dewberry for Free Spirit and "Flutter" by Allison Jane Smith for Windham Fabrics. Beautiful contemporary prints that just make you want to throw open the doors to the porch or crack the window in your sewing room and whip up a new tote for the upcoming "Shop-hop".

The 6th annual "Loon Country Shop-Hop" kicks off Thursday April 8 at 9am. The hours are th. 9-5, fri. 9-7 and sat. 9-5. This years hop promises to be something special. We have started the "shop hop quilt" and it is going to be beautiful. All 4 shops will show the quilt in fabrics of their choice. When the shops get together for our wrap-up meeting it is always fun to see the difference the fabrics choices make. New this year we welcome "Pine Needle Quilting Company" as a stop on the hop. Pine Needle is a retreat house located in Pine City on the beautiful shores of Cross Lake. Visit all 5 stops, get your card stamped, collect your pattern pieces and be entered in the drawing for the Grand Prize Pfaff Sewing Machine($1,499.00) or a Weekend Retreat Package for 5 at Pine Needle Quilt Company($700.00). In adition each individual shop will be giving one Quilter's Goodie Basket(valued at $100.00). So, grab your road trip partner and hit the road. A good way to spend an early spring weekend and a chance for the shops to visit with old friends and new.

Looking ahead: The 1st of April we return to our summer hours. The shop will be open Mon.12-6, Tuesday 10-5, Wednesday 10-6, Thursday 10-6, Friday 10-5 and Saturday 9-4.

Upcoming classes include the "Sweet Harmony Bag" on the 25th of March, the "Curve Appeal Tote on the 29th of March, "Day-n-night Quilt" on April 1st(no fooling) and the "Binder/Notebook cover on the 5th of April.

As always, we continue with open sewing on tuesdays. Book Club the 2nd thursday of the month, BOM on the 1st Saturday of the month and special events every Friday.

Saturday,March 20 is National Quilting Day. Stop in and take a short quilting quiz and be entered in the drawing for a draw prize.

And then there's this: Over the winter my brothers and sisters and our children have been doing some cosmetic work on my parents home. They have been in Texas enjoying the wind and unbeknownest to them we have been going "hog-wild" on their house. We thought we had a couple of weeks left to finish up but they called and are breaking camp early. Yikes! The truth is the house is ready but we are all feeling alittle uneasy that they might not be prepared for the liberties we have taken.
My sister said we should put a sign at the end of the driveway that says "Move that Bus!", my parents don't watch that show though so I am afraid the message might be lost on them.

This is what I know: My parents are conservative hard working people. They are generous and kind to a fault. They have modeled a life of "if you don't have something good to say about someone, say nothing." They have reached an age where as life long "do-it-yourselfers" they aren't able to go it alone. In a world of fast change, they manage very well but decisions about some things come hard. What we did this winter, they could have done but we hope in our doing it we saved them some money, some energy and some work. My brothers and sisters and our children came together and made the decisions as a group. We laughed, we shopped, we worked hard, we made the neighbors talk. At the end of the day, we stood in the kitchen and felt humbled and united. As I always do when family gathers and memories are made, I think of Mike. He would have been the first to say "Way to roll". My Mom and Dad are the Captains of a very large ship. They are so loved.

Till next time!

2 weeks and counting!!

O.K. I'll admit it. I have had daylight savings time circled on the calender since I put the new calender up in January. In two weeks we will "spring forward" and although I know winter won't be over, in my head..... it will.

The posted photos are a visual display of some of the newest fabrics at Seams Like Home. The inside of the shop looks and feels like Spring. The fabrics are fresh, fun and ready to turn into the perfect quilt to welcome Summer.

The vintage farm table holds "Olivia's Holiday" and "Pineapple Post" by Tina Givens for Free Spirit. The center photo is "Montana Modern" by Benartex and "Lakeside Resort" by Holly Taylor for Moda. The photo on the far right is "Oz" by Sanae for Moda. The sideways photo(sorry!) shows "Love" by Amy Butler for Rowan Fabrics, also new in this area, "Nicey Jane" by Heather Bailey for Free Spirit. With more fabrics arriving daily, sometimes you just have to pick a project and get started. I am currently working with "Nicey Jane" it's going to be a hard quilt to give away.

February was our annual winter retreat and I think we made the most of it. The women now come together as old friends, we know each others stories, the routine is familier, so many beautiful projects get started and some even get done. We rest, we get pampered(thanks Cindy) and we look forward to the next time we all get together. We have a waiting list so if you would like your name added, call the shop. We absorb new people in and by the end of the weekend they are part of the gang.

March will be a busy month here at Seams Like Home, we kick off the month with the label class. Join us to learn about using your computer and printer to design the "Story ending" to your quilt. Classes include the "Sweet Harmony Bag" and the "Curve Appeal Tote". We have a "pin cushion workshop" and with Block of the Month, Thimbleberries and our Book Club, April will be here before we know it.
April brings our "Loon Country Shop Hop". This years dates are April 8,9 and 10. Hours are on the 8th 9-5, the 9th 9-7 and the 10th 9-5. I'll also be in the shop more in April as will Deb and Wendy. Melissa has several commitments that will take some of her time. We are always happy to see you all and try very hard to help you as Melissa would.

The poster displays for this years "Minnesota Shop Hop" are up and we are taking advance orders. Stop in and see the "Mock-ups". The fabric is in shades of Blue and White and is "true Minnesota" and darling!

And then there's this:

I have spent the winter removing photos from old albums, re-organizing them and placing them in new albums. It has been a huge job that at times I could not see the light at the end of the tunnel. We all have thousands of photos and if you are like me you spent years getting doubles of every photo you took. Needless to say, now I have to try and remember if I've seen a certain picture before and if yes, I need to throw one. (Yikes!) I was telling my Mom and she said she did the same thing when she was around my age. Then she said"I don't know what we'll ever do with all those albums, who is going to want them?"

This is what I know. Yesterday, while my grand-daughters were here I was working on one of the albums. My youngest grand-daughter was sleeping. The 4 year old was sitting across from me and she was looking through an album I finished a couple of weeks ago. It was quiet, so quiet I could hear the kitchen clock ticking. I looked over at Laura and she was turning pages slowly, I watched her eyes as they traveled from one photo to the next. She spent time with each photo, studying the faces, engraving the image in her head. Some of the photos she was in, many she was not. It didn't matter. She gave each her complete and undivided attention. It was concentration in it's purest form. She was stamping footprints on her heart.

That is why we take photos, that is why we save photos.

So to answer my Mom: I'll want them, my brothers, sisters, and all our children will want them.

They are "our" footprints.

Till next time!