Fun Times!

We have been hanging and moving and changing samples all over the store to get ready for all our new classes.  25+ new quilts and add to that all the smaller items:  jackets, tree skirts, table runners, bags, etc., etc.  Registration starts tomorrow morning bright and early!  It is always a fun day, quilters arriving early to reserve their spot in line before breakfast, lots of friends and conversation, goodies to help you keep your energy up, and the promise of many wonderful new quilting adventures!  Just look at these happy jacks!  Don't you need them at your house?

Or spark your wardrobe with a new jacket or bag!  The little crayon bag is a bag of creativity for any little person on your Christmas list.

And how about getting a start on a quilt that will undoubtably become a family heirloom?  We have just what you need!

See you tomorrow morning!  We have lots of eye candy (and that's not just Bob)!

Pam

Sew Red Tea and Designer Trunk Show

Have you signed up yet for the "Sew Red Tea" event? Designers Terry Atkinson and Linda Hohag will join us at a special tea and home tour on Saturday, September 27th. There are 2 seatings- 11 am and 2 pm. Your entire $25 ticket will go to the American Heart Association. Our Silent Auction will also begin on Saturday, September 27th and run thru October 25thth. Our employees are busy sewing special items for this auction. I am meeting with Marilee this evening to finalize the menu- I know it will be spectacular! Sign up soon as space is limited!

Baby Cooper

Oops! Here's his picture!

Debbie and new grandson- Cooper

My newest grandson was born while I was in Switzerland. I finally got to see him Friday evening. He's already 2 weeks old. We now have 3 grandsons and a grandaughter!

More Switzerland Pictures

Thought you might like to see some more pictures!

Debbie and Laurel's Trip to Switzerland

Laurel and I had the very unexpected pleasure of winning a trip to Switzerland to sew on the new Bernina 830. What an incredible time we had! We were at the factory for two days of sewing and touring. We got to see how everything is made- did you know that all Bernina feet are hand finished! We went to a chocolate factory, bought lots of Swiss made wool yarn and even had a great Cheese Fondue Dinner with fellow Bernina dealers. Flowers were everywhere you looked. We went to several towns- Bern, St. Gallens, Steckborn, Stein on Rhein and several others. Laurel was a very patient teacher as she tried to teach me how to knit socks- I am really good at scarves and want to branch out. I am ripping for the 10th time! Because we made the Swiss Trip we will be one of only 3 dealers in Minnesota to get the new 830 machine in September. You should stop in to see the life-size poster- the machine has a 12" sewing bed and a huge bobbin and no bobbin case! We even got to go to Mr. Ueltschi's home- his family has owned Bernina since it was created- for a visit. We were really tired when we got home. We had been up for 25 hours. What a trip!

Quilt MN 2008

Oh what fun!  The 2008 MN Statewide Shop Hop kicked off today with a bang!  We had so many fun and happy people pass through our doors, it was somewhat of a surprise to us because last year (the first year) it was not so well attended.  This is great!  The quilters are not going to go quietly into the sunset just because of a crappy economy!  NO!  This is a view of our featured quilt and other related items.  The quilt was designed by Terry Atkinson and since I was a participant in its construction, I can vouch for the fact that it is another great pattern from her.  We also have a beautiful quilt designed by Laurel, which I will present to you shortly.  And now a plug for myself!  I have designed and published 5 patterns for this occasion, using the featured MN fabric, and they had a successful debut today!  Available only at Bear Patch!  The tabletopper and tablerunner are at the front edge of the cabinet.  To the rear is Aisle Style, a shopping bag.  Barely visible on the left is Going Sewing, items for mobile sewing.  Just barely visible to the right is Night Delight, a set of customized linens, which has turned out to be the favorite for our shoppers today!  The fabric line by Moda is a big hit, it is flying off the shelves!  We learned last year that we totally underestimated the desirability of this collector fabric line, so Debbie quadrupled her order!  But it is going fast, so don't delay!  

Pam