This week Diana and I are off to see the wizard. We’ve packed up computers, tools, extra feet and goodies and we’re heading out to Minnesota for Viking Con. There will be lots of classes and learning and also we’ll get lots of new ideas and see lots of new things. Usually, its the ideas that we glean from other Viking dealers and their employees that are as valuable as what is presented to us. We also get to see old friends that we only meet during large events such as this. We’ll be gone the whole week, so don’t be too hard on the girls that are left behind!!! Lisa will be handling my American Beauty class and she’s really boned up on what to do.

While we’re there, Diana will learning all about the new software programs and I get to play on the new embroidery/sewing machine known as the “Ruby”. Pretty psyched about that!

When we get back, we’ll be planning Christmas in Aug. as you may have seen in your e-mail. The fabrics are really pretty this year, and there are a lot of ideas in our heads not yet translated onto cloth. Hmmm………..there may be a time issue here. It won’t be long until the fall schedule of classes comes out, so be sure to keep an eye on the web-page for updates.

If it sounds like we’re always busy at the Nook–you’re right! Diana always says things like,. “As soon as (insert event here) is over, things will slow down and we’ll have time to (insert desired activity here).” In over twenty years, that’s never happened because there’s always another upcoming event and things never slow down! That’s why we all love to work here and hopefully that’s why you all continue to come back. It’s never boring and there’s always something to look forward to. Speaking of which, I’m looking forward to Minn. and I had better get packing so I don’t get left behind.

TTFN

Mary

Well, the Shop Hop is over, the weather is hot, the mosquitoes are the size of hummingbirds and just as hungry and blah, blah, blah. However, things are still exciting at the Nook. We are going full blast. We’re playing with all the new holiday fabrics and planning a busy fall class schedule for all of you. New things are still arriving and we’d love to cool you off and light up your creativity!

If any of you hopped last week and missed getting kits and/or finishing kits, we can help you out. Also if you only picked up patterns and are regretting not having kits to make the quilt, we can help there too. Just figure up how much fabric you will need and we’ll be glad to sell you yardage. I thought the fabric choice this year was wonderful and I want some the fabric myself. (quel surprise!)

Just a reminder while you’re firing up the machines for early Christmas sewing, don’t forget to change your machine needle often. Needles with a burr or that are slightly bent can cause all sorts of frustrating problems. Thread fraying and skipped stitches are just a few. Also if your machine has a sewing advisor, setting the machine for the proper fabric you are using really is important. It changes the speed of your feed dogs and really makes a difference in the way your fabric feeds through the machine. Ask me how I know. Really, ask me.

Try to stay cool, use up your stash and plan to get really busy in September. See you soon.

TTFN

Mary

Hope you have lots of great fireworks to watch and great music to listen to. I’m personally planning to watch 1776. I’m sure history wasn’t exactly like its portrayed there, but entertaining none the less. Firing up the grill doesn’t sound bad either.

The Nook will be closed on Mon. to celebrate the holiday and to let the employees overeat, get sunburned and generally enjoy summer. BUT on July the 6th, the Stars Over Indiana shop hop begins. Six shops, six days and lots of prizes and fun, fun, fun! Check it out!!

In my constant role of telling you about the latest and the greatest, I have found a great new tool for free-motion quilting. They are made by the Steady Betty company and are bands that Velcro around your fingers, not your palm and help you move the quilt sandwich effortlessly and beautifully. I love them!!! I can quilt for an hour to an hour and a half where before I was only able to go for about a half hour. They are wonderful and if you love to free-motion I highly recommend them. Your hands and neck will thank you.

Also just in, the new Nancy Halvorsen book from Art to Heart, called “Tidings”. Lots of new pattern and ideas. I’m currently working on the cookie carrier. A cute and fairly quick way to deliver those holiday treats. They store flat too. Always a plus at my house. Of course, we have all the fabric to go with the line and a new panel of hers that is an Advent calendar. Pam is doing all the hard work on that. (it’ll be so cute!!)

Well, enough for now — got to start the celebration! Mayonaise is probably spoiling as we speak. Have a great one!

TTFN

Mary

Can you smell the faint odor of hot chocolate and pinecones? Are you wistfully thinking of snowmen and cute winter critters? Well, come to the Nook and experience the joys of new Christmas fabric and see the new models we’ve been making. New Christmas is arriving almost daily with new stripes for towel kits and new patterns and new…..well, everything.

If you’ve been in the store this week, you’ve seen the new surprise I’ve been telling you about. We are now “GO” dealers and have all the stuff to go with these portable cuties. I really think these are cool. Just think of the time and the wrist and thumb trauma you can save by using one of these. Fall classes just got easier. These can even be used for applique!!! Oh, the wheels are spinning….the tires, however, are slowly losing air!

Well, its a day off and the weather is anti-hair (think major frizz) so I think a long, solitary (yippee!!) day in the sewing room with lots of AC is just what I need. Christmas and Halloween projects beckon. See ya soon,

TTFN (that means, ta ta for now)

Mary