January 2012
Well, another year behind us and a new year is here! The time sure does go fast!
I'm typing this one handed so yes....I know...there might be typo's...and I don't need to hear about them! ;-)
Okay...so this is the newsletter of honesty....no sugar coating here....we are a small business and times are hard. We have had to make some decisions to cut back....no more free Peggy help...sadly. When we opened in the new shop we had her here every week for free help...last year we had to cut back to once a month..."FREE" help...from a nationally known instructor mind you...it was FREE to you, but we still had to pay her...and yet not enough people took advantage, so that's the first place we cut.
We still offer free use of the classroom for your sewing groups or Peggy is likely available for group help...you will just need to pay her yourself and contact her to schedule something if you're interested. She may schedule some help days here but will set her own fee's. We'll be checking with her about that & let you know.
We are now doing 10% off all books and patterns...every day. Our notions wall has always been 10% off MSRP...now books & patterns are too.
We will no longer be giving away free fat quarters with the purchase of books/patterns.....we just thought you would like the savings instead! Can you believe we actually had people complain about getting free fat quarters?!
We spent several days rearranging the shop before reopening in the new year! That was certainly a challenge for a one armed wall paper hanger! Many thanks to my sister Minetta who came & helped Amanda & Emily shake things around so that you have lots of new inspiration!
Speaking of my sister...she has also agreed to teach some classes! Check out the class page. She is a guru in all things decorator/difficult having been an interior decorating and costume design seamstress for years....she has no fear when it comes to projects and can always figure out the in's and outs of things!
The block of the month has been a huge success the two times we have done it. So far this year, we are going to do a six month Mystery Quilt program. You can use fabric from your stash....we are all about helping you blast your stash...or you may want to buy some new to add to it...anyway...we will know what the final design looks like...but you won't...so it's important that you bring in what you want to use and we will help you decide what goes where. Each month you will have to come in the shop to get a new clue in the piecing process and after six months you will have a quilt...or two or three...however many you want to make!
We will also be doing another regular Block of The Month program, as it's been a big hit! We are still working on a pattern, but are hoping to start it in the next few months, so be watching for details on the Website and Facebook! :)
Starting February 1st, we will be resuming our Loyalty Program. It is $35.00 to "join" and you get a nice little Quilted Hill Project bag, as well as many special savings throughout the year. We are working on the final details of this, so stay tuned!
We have had requests and inquiries regarding another retreat. Our Retreat last year at the Beach was a success and everyone had a blast! We rented a nice beach house last year which we really liked, but are in the process of looking for another one that might be more accomodating so we don't have to pack sewing machines upstairs. :). We're thinking April might be a good month...whad'ya think?
We will be resuming our Spotlight Quilt. Each month, we will feature a different quilt to be spotlighted. If you purchase the fabric and pattern or kit for the Spotlight quilt, you get a special discount price for getting it quilted! You don't necessarily have to make it in the same fabrics as the sample....heck...use up your stash... let your creativity fly!
The prices of fabric/cotton is higher than it was a few years ago, with that said, we strive to provide our customers with high quality fabric that is reasonably priced. We have had to increase our prices slighlty, but we are trying really hard to keep it UNDER $10.00 a yard. Our prices are still considerably less expensive than other quilt shops, where fabric is over $10 a yard.
Our Fat Quarters are .50 cents less than other shops, at our price of $2.25 each. Batik Fat Quarters are currently $2.75 in our shop. We now offer "Great Eights" which are 9" x 22" for just $1.00 each! Great for a scrappy look!
Well, I think that's it for now! Please remember to try to support all your favorite small businesses so that we can continue to be here for you! Hope to see you soon!
Bobbie & Amanda
