Schoolhouse

I'm not exactly sure who is responsible for creating our calander, but I want to thank them for only putting 28 days in February. It must have been someone that had experienced snow, dreary grey days and cold that suggested shortening this month.

As much as I want the worst of winter to be over, having a few less days in a jammed packed shop schedule means that Sundays (normally my only day off) is used to catch up or host events. Other than Superbowl Sunday (which technically counted as work because I spent the entire day sending "good vibes" to the Steelers) I haven't had a day off this month.

Sundays in the shop are special. We aren't open on Sunday so if I am here, I'm all by myself, surrounded by 5000 square feet of fabric, thread, notions, cutting space, accucut machine, books, patterns, and I can help myself to anything I want, make a mess, spread out.... yea, it really is that good. Monday morning before we open I have to clean-up, put everything back in order, record everthing I use to keep the inventory straight, but it is worth it!

Every so often we open on Sunday for a special event. Customers have the same feeling when they are here when we are normally closed, it is like getting away with something, a special treat. Last Sunday was no exception. We host our Schoolhouse event once per year. From 10:00 to 3:00 thirty customers attend 4 different class lectures, a try-before-you-buy session, a make-it take-it session, enjoy a buffet lunch and take home a great goodie bag. Here's a slide show of some of the events (Thanks Amy for sending the photos!)

The sessions are educational and informative. We try to give the attendees as much information as possible and pack it into a 30 minute session. This year they received indepth information on batting (Bamboo may not be as environmentally friendly as you think!) They learned several fun finishes for quilt edges. We discussed embellishing and included a kit for them to try their hand at beading. We also covered purses, beyond the tote bag. These metal frame bags are a few of the samples we shared. Before lunch they had the opportunity to Accucut and try out 8 different marking devices. After lunch they made beaded bracelets using pre-felted wool beads from ArtGirlz. It was an action packed day!

To finish off the month, I'm flying to Florida tomorrow. The trip is really a college visit for Lindsay. She is considering the University of North Florida. If all goes well we may just find the time to take in a quilt shop or two along the way! I'll keep you posted.