Upcoming classes and events

Happy Holidays, Everyone! It has been a long time since Mom or I have posted anything. I don't know where the time goes... I hope you have the time this season to really enjoy some time spent with family and friends. If you have any time to spare, join us at a class or two... Have a very Merry Christmas!

Quilters’ Book Club:
Our book club is open to new members at any time. The following are the book selections for each month and the meeting date for the discussion.
January 26^th 6pm: The Art of Racing in the Rain by Gavin Stein

Classes

Recycled Sweater Mittens
Warm mittens, a Minnesota necessity! Clean out your closet, make use of a "laundry mistake" or visit a local thrift store to gather 1 or 2 old sweaters (preferably with a minimum of 70% wool content) and join the fun. Prior to class, shrink/ felt your wool sweaters as much as possible. This can be done by a number of methods, but the easiest is to wash in your washing machine on hot and dry in your dryer on hot. Repeat if necessary. Bring your own sewing machine, scissors, pins, wool sweaters, 1/2 yard of matching fleece, matching thread and matching yarn (optional for decorative stitch).
Willow River
When: Thursday, Dec. 8, 2011
Time: 5:30pm to 7:30pm
Where: Willow River High School, Home Ec. Rm
Cost: $17.00

Aprons!Aprons have made comeback in popularity in the last few years. People are collecting old aprons and creating new aprons from some of the fabulous fun and bright prints that are available now. Join us for this class to make a basic apron. There will be options for adult and child size.

Materials Needed: Sewing machine, scissors, rotary cutter, mat, and ruler (opt), coordinating thread, (3) 5/8 yd pieces of coordinating fabric.
Willow River
When: Thursday, Jan. 19, 2011
Time: 5:30pm to 7:30pm
Where: Willow River High School, Home Ec. Rm
Cost: $12.00

T-shirt Quilt
Another easy way to repurpose your old t-shirts! A t-shirt quilt makes a great memory quilt, use it as a way to remember a loved one to use it to showcase a part of your or someone else’s life… think graduation gift, etc. The first session of the class we will work on your quilt layout and preparing the t-shirts for use. The second session we will put your quilt top together and decide on backing and binding options along with quilting or tying options.
Materials Needed: Sewing machine, scissors, rotary cutter, mat, and ruler (opt),coordinating thread, T-shirts (lots… at least 12), 10-15 yards of fusible light to medium weight interfacing, and 2-4 yards of a coordinating fabric. (You will eventually need batting and backing fabric, but we will decide on that as the class progresses and you decide how big your quilt is going to be.)
Barnum
When: Monday, Jan. 9^th and Monday, Jan. 30, 2012
Time: 5:30pm to 7:30pm
Where: Barnum High School
Cost: $20.00
Willow River
When: Thurs. Jan 12 and 26, 2012 Time: 5:30pm to 7:30pm
Where: Willow River High School, Home Ec. Rm
Cost: $20.00

Open Sewing/ Knitting/ Crocheting

Looking for some craft time? Why not pack up your projects and sew/knit/ crochet with others on the second Saturday of each month in at Barnum High School. Bring your own lunch or order from Lou’s Diner.
Barnum

When: the second Saturday of each month

Time: 10am-6pm
Where: Barnum High School
Cost: $2.00

To register for classes in Barnum: Go to www.barnum.k12.mn.us and click on community education and adult classes. Click on, complete, and send in the Registration form with fees to:

Barnum Community Education
3675 County Road 140
Barnum MN 55707
Cancellation and Refund Procedures:

· Community Ed reserves the right to cancel any activity due to insufficient enrollment. Complete refunds will be given if this occurs.

· If you want to cancel your registration, you must do so no later than 48 hours prior to the start of a class or activity. A cancellation fee of up to $7.00 may be deducted from your refund.

· No refunds will be given after the start of a class or activity.

To register for classes in Willow River:

Check the Willow River School Website, as new classes and updates will continued to be posted.www.willowriver.k12.mn.us OR call Bobbi Dresel

218.372.3131 x244

Are You Going on the Quilt Minnesota Shop Hop?

Are you going on the 2011 Quilt Minnesota Shop Hop? It's not too late... you have until Sunday afternoon to stop at a few shops and gain some inspiration.

Last Thursday, Mom, Deb, Jenna, and I headed out on a fun filled day of shop-hopping. One positive thing about closing my shop is that I actually had the opportunity to visit some of the other fantastic shops in the area.

Heart To Hands Quilt Shop, Deer River, MN was our first stop of the day. This quilt shop is in an old church and was a great stop to kick off our day.

ABC's of Quilting, Grand Rapids, MN was our second stop. This shop is located is a beautiful old school building. There was someone playing the piano in the distance and there was even free popcorn.
On a side note, if you are ever in Grand Rapids and have some extra time on your hands, stop at Red Willow. This is a huge gift shop with everything from furniture to greeting cards in it. Some really great stuff. I purchased a purse that looks like an old tapestry carpet bag.

Then we were off to find a place for lunch on our way to Aitkin. We stopped in Hill City and ate at the Hill Lake Cafe. I had my usual club sandwich (which was good), but everyone else had the patty melt and raved about it.

When Seams Like Home was open people used to talk about a quilt shop in Hill City that was located in a gas station/ convenience store. Well, we found it and it was great. Decent selection and great prices. It is called Elaine's Quilt Corner. While we were there browsing, we decided on a new challenge. We each chose 5 one yard cuts of batiks and we will be working on 5 yard quilts at the retreat in October. (see photo above)

Then, we were off to Aitkin. First stop, Aitkin Quilts and Fabric. Looking for American Girl sized doll clothes and accessories? Then this is the place. Then we stopped across the street at Sew Much More. They have a nice variety and also a nice selection of craft supplies.

Then, it was a mad dash to McGregor before they closed the for the day. (The day just flew by) We walked in the door and, of course, were greeted with Diane's hugs. She was kind enough to stay open while we visited and shopped... so much to catch up on and a fantastic way to end the shopping day. If you are ever near McGregor, stop in at Timeless Treasures of Mcgregor and tell Diane hello from me!

Barn Block of the Month

Well, I have been working on more of the Barn Block of the Month blocks. (The blocks are from "Quilt Blocks on American Barns" by Eleanor Burns. We started this block of the month last fall when my shop was still open, but we are still trying to finish it out.)

Above you will find some photos of some of the blocks, if you have been a part of this year's block of the month program, you should have received an email update from me today. If you didn't, please contact me.

In like a lion! Come on Spring!!

Well, it's FINALLY March. Even though it didn't snow on the first it still felt as though it came in like a lion. That wind was really something.

After some quiet weeks(the after Christmas period), things are starting to get really busy here at Seams Like Home. Spring retreats are happening all over and projects are getting started and finished up before the on-set of gardening and lawn mowing.

Wanted to show you some of the new spring projects we are featuring.

The top photo is a brand new line called "Botanical Blooms" by T'Amore Designs for South Sea Imports. One of the bolts is a panel in soft spring colors. I barely had it unpacked and I was cutting for a customer.

The "peaceful" quilt is a pattern called "Peaceful" by blue meadow designs, Cori Derksen and Myra Harder. It is marketed as a baby quilt but for all of us who were teenagers in the 70's, the peace sign feels like a part of our history.

The wildlife wall-hanging is called "Tracking the White Tail Deer" designed by Granola Girl Debbie Fields for Troy Corporation's Riverwoods Collection. The fabric line is flannel, great for a throw, or backed with a beautiful cotton for a wall-hanging. Kits are available.

Next week is busy with open daytime sewing on Tuesday the 8Th, open nighttime sewing on the 9Th, book club meets the 10Th and the day we have all been waiting for, (at least I have) day-light savings time on the 12Th.

Then there is this: The annual winter re-model at my Parents house is coming to completion. We met on two different weekends to cut tree branches, empty the garage, Sheetrock, insulate and add new wiring. Our goal of this project is to make a "Man-cave" for my Dad. My Dad is a talented woodworker, woodcarver and project craft er. The "new" garage will have heat, many outlets and superior lighting. It is the shop he has needed for years.

This is what I know: My Dad has no idea what "man-cave" even means. He has spent his whole life working on the crafts and art he adores and is so talented at without ever needing or expecting a space of his own. He worked around cars, lawn mowers, equipment and six children. He has crafted irreplaceable heirlooms for us, our children and our grand-children. We came together to give him a space that we hope he will use for years to come. The fire department was not needed this year, we broke nothing, destroyed nothing, and did not irritate the neighbors. We actually might be getting pretty good at this re-model stuff, it's probably why my folks say, next year they are staying home.

Till next time!

Show me the way to go home!

A photo collage of the 1st Annual Seams Like Home Quilt Retreat at the beautiful and historic Musser Mansion. We gathered our quilting friends and arrived at the mansion just ahead of this winter's coldest temps. When we heard that International Falls recorded a temp of 49 below Friday morning we were all glad to be snug and warm indoors. The mansion did not disappoint. The furnishings were beautiful, the sewing space was turn of the century and fun, the bedroom accommodations were spectacular. The house simply breathes history. We were all fascinated by the written stories and many of us said that in no time at all, the "house" made us feel right at home. We will venture there again in April and I can't wait to see the grounds coming alive in the spring. Saturday night dinner with candlelight on the porch over-looking the Mississippi River was a memory of good food, good wine, lasting friendships and memories made. It is really the reason we go on retreats, isn't it?

I wanted to show you some new "inspiration" here at the shop.

The panel fabric is "Patchwork Gardens"by Pat Williams for South Seas Imports.

The table topper and table runner are both created with the "Giddy" line of fabric by Sandy Gervais for Moda. The table runner pattern is a "Bakeshop Original" from the Moda website and the table topper pattern is "Happy Holidays" from Atkinson Designs. I loved this pattern in Fall and Christmas fabrics and it looks equally good dressed up for spring.

The coffee print in turquoise and brown is "Java" by Deb Strain for Moda. I just finished place mats in the last coffee print line we had but there is always room for more!

Finally also new at the shop is "Pound Hounds" by RJR. O.K. seriously, even if you don't own a dog, how can you not love this fabric.

If you haven't joined a "Groovy Girls" class now is the time to call the shop. We have gone to four sessions to accommodate everyone. The projects are quick, cute and generally finished in one night. In a craft where many of our projects take many months, who doesn't love that.

February brings our annual retreat to Woodland Beach resort. Book club meets the 10Th. Crazy Quilt class is the 21st and just when you thought you had all the projects you can hold, we are knitting socks starting the 21st. Join our master knitter Kathy as she walks us through knitting socks on circular needles. Class will meet the 21st of Feb., the 14Th of March and the 4Th of April.

And then there's this: Yesterday I was having a conversation with my daughter about upcoming events, dates I was supposed to remember, places I needed to be etc. I had forgotten most of them, had others written down wrong and generally felt completely unorganized. It reminded me of a day last summer when I was outside with my grand-son. He was driving our small battery operated car across the front yard and talking to himself. He was saying "where am I goin?" "what am I doin?" It is exactly the way I was feeling.

This is what I know:In this fast paced world of jobs, appointments and commitments it is easy to over-book, over-schedule and say yes when you really mean no. We all have many responsibilities and people who count on us not to forget things. The two retreats I have just come home from allowed me to re-charge and try to get back on track. These groups of women feed a need to connect with others as friends. Just that, friends. We encourage each other, support each other, lean on each other and give each other hope. They cut down on the days where we think to ourselves....."where am I goin?" and "what am I doin?"

Till next time!

Hello 2011

Just a quick photo collage to show you some of the newest lines

here at Seams Like Home Quilt Shop. Now that the Christmas tree

is put away and winter is full upon us, the urge to sew is great and

the fabric choices are all about bright and sunny!

2011 promises to be a busy year. We are kicking it off with the

"Winter Yard Sale". Event is this coming Saturday, Jan. 15, hours are from 9-2. Stop in for $7.99 yd. pre-cuts and 20%off on cuts of 1plus yards.

Our Groovy Girls Club is the newest club here at the shop and it has been very popular. We have filled two sessions each month and have gone to a 3rd to accommodate everyone that would like to join. This is a monthly club from Atkinson Designs and it features exclusive patterns and ideas featuring new techniques for fun and quick small projects.

There is still time to register and join Chris to learn just how to utilize your sewing machine for machine quilting. Practice stitch in the ditch, outline quilting, stippling and meandering. Class is Jan. 17 from 5-8 Fee $10 plus materials and supplies. Pre-registration is necessary.

5 Yard Quilt Mania Class still has a couple of open spots. There are many patterns to choose from. Pick a pattern, 5 yards of fabric of your choice and before you know it you will have a finished project. Class is Jan. 26 from 5-8. Fee is $10 plus materials and supplies. Pre-registration is required.

Many retreats going on all over. Seams Like Home is heading to the beautiful "Linden Hill Retreat Center" in Little Falls next week. This turn of the century mansion, full of history and lovely antiques is opening their doors to us. The setting is so special it may be difficult to get much sewing done. If cabin fever has set in and a winter vacation is not in sight, call the quilt shop. Last I heard there were 2 openings left.

We are joining 8 of our Quilt Shop friends to bring you the "First Annual Friends by the Hearth Shop Hop". Dates are Friday Feb. 4-Saturday, Feb. 19, 2011. Call the shop for more details. Participating shops are:

Seams Like Home Quilt Shop/Sturgeon Lake

Calla Lily Quilt Shop and Gift/Blaine

Cottage Quilts and Fabrics/Elk River

Country Caboose Quilts/Wahkon

Fabric, Fashion and More/Rush City

The Noble Quilter/Elk River

Quilted Treasures/Rogers

Silver Lane Quilting/Forest Lake

Timeless Treasures/McGregor

• Participating stores each giving away $100 shopping spree
• Receive a chance to win just for walking through the door.
• Show us your completed project made from the 2010 state shop hop feature fabrics and receive an extra chance to win at each shop.
• Visit all nine shops and you'll be entered into a drawing for a Holly Taylor/Moda fabric fat quarter bundle of her current line: "A Simpler Time".
• Each shop is giving away a tasty hot dish recipe and a FREE pattern for a hot pad.
• Join us Fridays and Saturdays during the hop from noon to 4pm for samples of our featured hot dishes.

Passports available at all shops.

Shops will keep their normal hours. If in doubt, call ahead.

The winter is full of events and before we know it we will be at March 13, a day I have circled on my calender just as I do every year. It will be day-light saving time which for me signals the start of something new. This is the time of year also that my brothers and sister and our families descend on my folks house with a "to-do" list of chores. If you follow the blog you will remember that last year our "helpfulness" included a freezer full of rotten food and a visit from the fire department. This year is full of potential as we prepare to limb trees and work on the garage. Is it any wonder that my folks are saying this is their last year as Snow-birds!

Then there is this: A few days before Christmas I was meeting my husband at a store. I got there early and waited for him in my car in the parking lot. It was a great opportunity to observe people as they trudged through the snow, running errands in preparation for Christmas. Most people were preoccupied and solitary, even though they may have been with someone else. Two couples caught my attention, both for the same reason.Both couples in their 70's, possibly 80's. These couples were walking through the parking lot and they were holding hands.They were holding hands in the way that spoke of history and caring between them. When they got to their cars the man opened the passenger door, waiting for the woman to get in.

This is what I know:Some would argue that hand holding, door holding, the public showing of care and concern are all old-fashioned and outdated. People of all generations work very hard at being independent.What I know is this. At the end of everyday, life is hard. If you have a hand to hold, grab it. It makes it so much easier to find your way in the dark.

Till Next time!

Winter "Yard" Sale

Winter got you down? Are the winter blues setting in?

Well, shake out of it and head to Seams Like Home Quilt Shop to get started on a new project that will make the winter fly by...

Join us this Saturday, January 15th from 9am-2pm for our winter "Yard" Sale!

• All pre-cut one yard cuts $7.99 each (reg. $9.49)
• Buy over a yard off the bolt and get 20% off the price per yard.
• Sorry, no punchcard discounts on sale items.