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!