Good News at the Store:
We are so excited to participate in the first ever “All Michigan Shop Hop”! There will be over 80 stores participating in this event. The activities will go on through all of June and all of July. The passports for this event are included in the purchase of the All Michigan Shop Hop Magazine. This magazine will have all the information about the stores, maps, prizes and other fun ways to make the most out of participating. The magazines go on sale on Monday, April 8 . We have them at the store.
Want to know more? See www.allmichiganshophop.com or the Facebook page "All Michigan Shop Hop". You can follow our Facebook Page "The Quilting Season" to find out more too!
We are planning and working diligently to have lots of new ideas and things to entice our shoppers.
We just received these beautiful fabrics for spring. Don’t we just love seeing all the beautiful colors outside that we so enjoy using in our creations? And just around the store, I found these beautiful fabrics that just seemed to match the ballet of spring that we see around us.
Daryl has sent us the next installment of “Needle Knowledge”: The construction: The majority of sewing machine needles are made of various grades of hardened steel coated with either nickel or chromium. Titanium nitride is a reflective golden-colored ceramic material which reduces abrasion, allowing the needle to stay sharper longer and last many times longer than other varieties. The titanium does not make the needle any stronger in its resistance to bending - such needles will bend and snap just as easily as any other.
Nickel plating is the least expensive and least durable form of plating. Chrome plating lasts longer and gives better abrasion resistance. Titanium nitride on top of chromium is the most expensive and is superior in performance to both chrome and nickel.
We are slow in getting our challenge items out for you to see. Honestly, we were hoping for more things. The wonderful thing about this challenge is the amazingly beautiful creations which you have designed and completed. I honestly do like the fabric much better now. Come into the store this week and cast your ballet.
KIDS SEW CLASSES April 21st , May 5th , and May 19th
Time: Sundays 1:30 to 4:30 (Based on experience, Sundays appear to be a generally available time for kids to attend.)
This is the next step for learning how to sew for kids 7 – 14 years old. Some prior experience sewing with a sewing machine is preferred.
April 21st Class: Making a pair of lounge pants/pajama bottoms. The pattern is simple – a few seams, cuff, and a drawstring waist.
May 5th Class: Making a zippered bag to hold essential items when traveling or going to sleepovers with friends.
May 19th Class: Sewers Choice: We will discuss with each student what they would like to sew. Since this will be with students who have had previous classes, the opportunity to choose their own project is important. We also will have several ideas available.
The cost for each class (excludes the cost of the pattern and material for the pants) is $25. Class is limited to 8 students per class.
Carolyn’s “Felted Heart” class is filled and we starting a wait list for another one. If you are interested, please call the store.
FIDGET SISTERS will meet on Monday afternoon, April 15th. We would love to welcome you to see and perhaps help us in meeting the needs for folks with dementia. Our group creates “activity mats" which have things for folks to do. Some folks need a mat with different textures to rub – very soothing - or have zippers to pull, or cloth doors to open.
“Pillowcase Day” is next Thursday, April 18th. All are welcome to join this fun group! We have a great time sewing, serging and chatting! Cathy appreciates all the help she can get to keep our many groups well stocked with new pillowcases.
Our Helping Hands
You are amazing! I told you about the need for a sewing machine in a cabinet for one of our refugees. On Saturday two came into the store. Today George was able to check over one of them and it will go out to that family this week. We heard a beautiful story about a little girl with cancer who wanted a doll, but refused one with hair. She was so happy to receive one that one of you made, with a couple of extra outfits too.
We have heard that we will be expecting more families to immigrate here soon. We are so thankful that you so generously keep us supplied with fleece blankets, pillowcases, dolls etc. I wish we had a good idea for the boys ( like the dolls for the girls.)
I had a few minutes to chat with Cathy, our pillowcase lady, today. She is looking for more places to take the pillowcases as Mott doesn’t take as many as they used to. Don’t hesitate to call her if you know of a need. She is so organized that she knows just where each category is stored – children's , men's or women's. And she can get them quickly for you.
Mary's Musings
Does anyone ever know just how much they are appreciated? As you know, I love my life - family, friends, and the store. As I have healed from this accident, I have experienced so much love and caring from all of you… I just can’t thank you all enough for the many calls, cards flowers , and messages of concern. They, along with the family and a precious care giver, have made these last six weeks tolerable. Now, as I slowly come back to life – I do find that I have to do it slowly, I have a greater appreciation of just how much these things aided my recovery. Thank you so much. Mary
Funnies...
“I don’t think the police should wear mirrored sunglasses. The whole time he was chewing me out for speeding, all I could think was…I should cut my bangs!”
“Just burned 3000 calories! That’s the last time I leave brownies in the oven while I take a nap!”
“Today my patience is basically like a gift card. Not sure how much is left on it but we can give it a try!”
“A group of Sun City Senior residents were sitting around talking about their ailments. “My arms are so weak, I can barely hold a cup of coffee”, said one. “Yes, I know. My cataracts are so bad I can’t even see my coffee”, replied another. “I can’t turn my head because of arthritis in my neck”, said a third, to which several nodded in agreement. “My blood pressure pills make me dizzy”, another went on. “I guess that’s the price we pay for getting old”, winced an old man as he shook his head. There was a short moment of silence and then one woman said cheerfully, “It’s not that bad! Thank goodness, we can all still drive!”
The End!