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!