Tuesday, September 25, 2018

The times, they are a-changin'. Our going-out-of-business plan

To the Friends of Bear Patch,
Just writing that title in the subject line feels really strange.  Announcing that we will close was kind of a scary thing.  We have gained so many friends through Bear Patch, many of you feel just like family.  In the last couple of weeks, we have been blessed and humbled by the notes and comments from so many of you.  Thank you for all the support.  This is a completely new situation for us with many unknowns.

Many of you have asked if we have tried to sell the business.  We have talked with one or two individuals who have inquired about purchasing, but we have no solid discussions going forward.  So we are moving forward with our plans for closing.  We have no definite date set for the final day, it all depends on the progression of liquidating our stock. 

In the midst of all of these happenings, we take great pride in the fact that Jordan Frayne is assuming ownership of the Bernina dealership!  It's great to realize that someone that we know and can vouch for will be taking care of our special machines and customers.  At this time, he plans to remain in the same space.  Bernina sales, service and education will continue to be available to you. 

We will keep you up to date on any changes that come along.  As of now, this is what we are planning:

We are no longer selling any gift certificates.  Any gift certificates that you possess must be redeemed by 11/20/18

We are closed 11/21 and 22 for Thanksgiving.

We have discontinued our monthly Blue Bag reward drawing.  Of course, you should still use those blue bags and any other color you have, being kind to Mother Nature!


Many of you purchased the 2018 Coupon Pack last December and January.  In order for you to get the best benefit from the coupon packs, you can redeem the coupons for October, November and December at any time now.

Some customers received a reward card for a free yard of fabric each month.  You can redeem the remaining months at any time before 11/20.

We will stop taking requests and special orders 10/15.  In the meantime, we will continue to fulfill the requests we have as we are able.

Any items currently on hold need to be claimed 11/20.
Beginning Friday, September 28, we will be giving a 15% discount on nearly all items bought in the Quilt Shop and Bernina Sewing Center.  The discount exclusions are:  Aurifil thread, Cosmo floss, Cotton and Steel thread, consignment items, Dream Cotton batting, cork, Isacord thread, stabilizers for machine embroidery and Bernina machines.  Please ask if you are not sure.
Please stay tuned for more changes and updates!  We are working this out as we go.  The one thing we can all count on is change itself.  We embrace it or we stagnate.  Right now, the season is changing once again, and the world keeps on rotating.  That full moon we have tonight is beautiful, and even as I write this, it's changing. 

Thank you for sticking with us through the changes!
The crew at Bear Patch

Saturday, September 15, 2018

Great Fall Class Line Up

Bear Patch is such a classy place!  That doesn't have anything to do with society, but it means we love to present classes for our customers.  It's such a great way for like-minded people to sit down and hopefully learn a thing or 2!  We have always tried for a variety of projects:  big, small, handwork, machine techniques, beginner, advanced, morning, afternoon, night and weekends, too!  We try to keep our classes small and friendly for everyone.  Even though our days are numbered, we can't resist the chance to offer a few more learning opportunities.  And sometimes it's just plain nice to get some inspiration from each other!

Our fall classes are almost entirely posted up on the website now.  There still will be a few things added, but not much is left to add.  On our main page, hover over the Class tab at the top of the page, then choose Bear Patch Classes from the drop down.  You will also find a choice there to send us an email registration.  We are taking registrations in the order we receive them.  We can also help you over the phone (651-429-1039) and, of course, in person in the store.  Your place in class is not secure until we receive payment from you.  Many times we have people waiting to take any cancelled spots, so please make sure you let us know if you can't come.  If you cancel at least one week or sooner from the class date, you will receive store credit for the class fee, minus the pattern if that was included and you choose to keep it.

We want to highlight some of the classes that are coming up soon.  Next Tuesday (9/18) Joy is having an open sew for hand applique and quilting.  She has taught classes to many of you, and this is your chance to ask questions about finishing your project.  Joy also has a Beginner's Hand Applique class starting 9/19.
Continuing with the handwork, Sharon has scheduled a Hand Embroidery Basics evening class on 10/3.  If you want to learn from a master stitcher, this is last call.
Laurel has modified the Beginning Quilting class to 2 all-day sessions, starting 10/6.  She has also added a new Machine Quilting class, Beautiful Borders, for using your specialty foot and rulers.

Sew much to do, sew little time!  We hope you can work something into your schedule, and we look forward to seeing you at Bear Patch!

Bear Patch Quilting Co.
2199 4th St.
White Bear Lake, MN 55110
651-429-1039
bearpqc@aol.com
bearpatchquilting.comMon-Tues-Wed  9am-9pm
Thu-Fri-Sat  9am-5pm
Sunday 12noon-4pm