TGIF

Today is Friday, it's been a long week. I work today and tomorrow but it's with Heide and that's as close to playing as you can get. Her quick wit keeps even stressful moments - up beat.


With Quilt Minnesota starting on Aug. 3rd, I want to be finished with our sale and closed. My plan is to be done mid-July.  We still have a lot of inventory left so we are starting 35% off today. 

Great time to pickup those backings, notions or patterns you've been wanting. Selection is still good... stop on in.

Christmas in June

It's almost 100 degrees out and I'm thinking about Christmas. No, I haven't lost my mind - I just received a very special Holiday treat in June. Every year for as long as I can remember, Sharon B. has brought an unbelievable tray of cookies to the shop for Christmas. My favorite are the Thumbprint cookies. With the shop closing I won't be around for the cookies (insert deep sigh here)....

On Tuesday, Sharon came to Embroidery Club and gave me a container of Thumbprints. I had every intention of taking a photo of all the delicious treats - Oops, by the time I remembered there was just this one lonely little one left. Don't worry - it won't be there by the time this post goes live. Thank you Sharon for the early delivery. You're the best.

A Red Velvet Good Bye

Unbelievable. That describes this wonderful Cake Pop bouquet.

I had never seen anything like it. Nancy G. had it made by one of her friends. It was so cute I hated to eat any of it. Jeff, however had no problem. When he bit into one, it was Red Velvet cake. That was my cue to unwrap mine and enjoy it. Ohhhhh, it was wonderful.

I suggested to Nancy that her friend could start a business with these flower pots. My photos don't do it justice.. it was so bright and cheery. What better way to say Goodbye than with Red Velvet Cake?  Thank you Nancy and also thank your friend for me. You made my day - and so many others in the past.

It's starting to get harder

I've been doing alright for the past week. Once the decision was made to close, I felt better. Yesterday when half my antiques were picked up and I saw how empty the shop was getting - it really hit me. I'm trying to apply the Positive Polly attitude and look forward to the next chapter in my life.

I'm not sure which direction I want to go. I do know that for awhile I will be taking it easy and decompressing.

My plans so far include...a little house cleaning. You all understand how hard it is to clean when you have creative juices flowing. So, it's time to deal with that. Then I would like to learn to knit or crochet again. I plan on signing up for a few classes at The Twisted Loop Yarn Shop in Prior Lake.  Who better to teach me than Jenni. Maybe Quahog will get a handmade sweater this year.

I want to start quilting. For the past 4 years I did very little sewing. For those who think that when you own a quilt shop you get to fondle the fabric and sew, sew, sew... not so true. You have alot of bookwork, ordering, bills to pay... and the list goes on. The fun is there but not the time for the sewing. Now that I don't have deadlines on projects etc, it should regain the fun part. I plan on taking a class at Bear Patch.  Laurel knows my skill level so I won't get in over my head. 

I have been invited to join the Prior Lake Guild. The ladies are fantastic and I've wanted to join for years but the time was never there. They have even asked me to join their Christmas Group. I am looking forward to joining, they're a fun group and we always enjoyed being a guest at their meetings.

Offers have come in for job opportunities, luncheons and I've been asked to come work the upcoming shop hop at different shops. All sound wonderful and I thank you. Who knows what I'll do next - I'll be around.

 I'm especially excited that we are still having Kim Diehl come in August. I've been putting the kits together all week. Will finally finish them up and get them distributed and mailed off. I think that this will be a great final act for our shop. I know that I'm really excited to finally meet Kim, we've talked on the phone - she has a fantastic personality and I know her event is going to be a time to remember.

One thing for sure, this past 21 years with Fabric Town has run the gambit from exciting, interesting, fun, frustrating and fantastic. Add the friendships to that and you have the best parts of working and owning the shop. I thank everyone of you for that. 

I'll keep posting as we wind down. I think we'll probably be going til -maybe- mid July. It depends on how fast we clear out. 

Patti

Fifth Day of our sale

Today is the 5th day of our sale. It has been quite busy everyday. We still have alot of fabric, kits, books, patterns and notions left. 

No final date set yet but I would like to be finished before the start of the Quilt Minnesota Shop Hop.

This weekend most of our Antiques will be picked up. We are selling our shelving, counters, ironing table etc. If interested let me know.

 

Flowers from friends.

Two very special ladies, Jeanette and Kyle brought these flowers in for us on Saturday. They are two of the kindest ladies and in the few years that I've known them I can say two lasting friendships were made. Thank you for always being there at all our events and your constant support and friendship. As I promised, we'll not lose touch of one another.

This morning was the first time I've been able to sit on my deck. The storms have made it impossible. I wanted to share with you the lovely Hydrangea that Annemarie brought to me. She knows how much I enjoy my quiet time on the deck and this was to go on it. Annemarie and I have become friends and our shop and customers have enjoyed her wonderful patterns for years ... "Quilts Remembered" is her line. Our Civil War enthusiasts will know them well. Thank you Annemarie for the fantastic patterns, fun friendship and support. I will think of you each morning as I enjoy your gift. It's been a pleasure and we'll keep in touch.

Day one

This may just be rambling but it's thoughts that have been going through my head all night. I just wanted to put them down on paper.

Yesterday was the first day of our sale. I guess I didn't realize how this was going to effect everyone close to us. I knew it was going to be hard on my staff and myself, but the wonderful customers  we think of as friends - are equally saddened.

Some of my staff and I have been together for 12 years, others range from 9 down. That's longer than alot of marriages last. Same holds true for our regulars... those are the loyal customers who stop in on a weekly basis to see what's new or just to chat. One in particular that I am going to miss is Nancy G. I look forward to our conversations and love her quick wit. I don't want to slight anyone by not mentioning your name - I will truly miss each and every smile that has come through the door and made a difference in my life.

One thing that I have to say, other shop owners have also been a fantastic support system. I know that customers think that shop owners are in competition and don't get along. I can tell you that I have made some of the best friends just being in our Twin Cities Shop Hop group. For 15 years I've been fortunate to be part of their group and can tell you - we all get along wonderfully and they have given me inspiration and help all along the way.

I have been asked what my plans are for the future. At this point I just want to get this part of my story taken care of and then take a little time to decompress. Many of you know that I am experiencing memory problems - that is my first order of business. I am going to find out what the cause of that is, and go from there. My sister is in the process of opening a new business... who knows, that may be where my ship lands. One thing for sure - what ever I do, can't possibly be as interesting and unpredictable as this. Like Forest Gump said .... Owning a Quilt shop is like a box of chocolates - you never know what you're gonna get. (OK, so he kinda said that). Every day has been different - no two ever the same.

I have rambled on enough - have a quilty kind of day.

Later
Patti

Today is going to be hard.

Our clearance sale starts today. It's going to be hard to see everything start to go. After all these years it's very sad.

One thing for sure, when I finally lock the door and leave for the last time - I will be taking a lot of good memories with me. I have made so many wonderful friends, had a million laughs and will look back on this as an awesome adventure.

I will still be around, I'm not sure what my plans are. Right now I just want to get through this and remain smiling.

Thank you to everyone who has supported Fabric Town for all the years. I hope you had as much fun as we all did.

Patti

Kim Diehl Event

With the announcement of our closing, alot of calls are coming in regarding Kim Diehls workshops and trunk show.


We WILL still have all of them. I have contacted Kim to let her know what is going on. The event was always planned to be held at the Old Chicago Conference Center - corner of Co. Rd 42 & Cedar.
Nothing has changed, Kits are being made, supply sheets and instructions for the prep work will be sent out (or if you're local you can stop in and pick yours up). 


Please be assured, this event is happening. We are all looking forward to it and being able to spend time with all of you.

Patti

Fabric Town Closing

After much consideration, I have decided to close Fabric Town.

Our clearance sale will begin on Monday, June 18th with all merchandise 25% off.

I thank you for all your support over the years and I will miss you all.

Patti

(If you signed up for the Kim Diehl workshop and trunk show - it is still being held as planned.  Kits are being made for those who ordered them and information will be sent out to you soon. If you have any questions, call the shop. (952) 432-1827)

Summer Hours at the shop

It's finally Summer weather and that means Summer Hours

 at the shop. 

New Hours:

Monday - Tuesday  10:00 - 8:00

Wed, Thurs, Fri & Saturday  10:00 - 5:00

Sunday   Closed.

We will still be having our evening clubs during the Summer.

Enjoy your Summer - Have fun, be Safe. 

Featherweight for sale

1952 Singer Featherweight. Wonderful condition. I've been sewing with it for years.

For the amount of sewing I do, I don't need 2 Bernina's, 2 Featherweights and a White.

It comes with the case. It's in very good shape, has a box of misc attachments and bobbins.

Foot stores on the lid.

Also has the original manual.  I am asking $350 for it. If you're interested, please contact me at the shop (952) 432-1827 and I'll bring it in.

Sun, Coffee and Spooky Cats

A perfect morning. Up early, coffee made and out to enjoy the sounds as everyone wakes and starts their day. Working on a new sample - Spooky Cats. I love to work with the wool felt, but especially when it's all die cut for you. Like the pattern says - Grab n Go.

Working on blanket stitching around the cats. Then comes the moons and finishes with pumpkin buttons. I'll be ready for Halloween in no time. We do have kits at the shop, come in,grab one and get started. Then you'll be ready in time too.

June "Plastic v Paper" winner

The winner of our "Plastic v Paper" for June was Ruth Satchell.

 Congratulations Ruth on winning the $20 Gift Certificate  and thank you for your support.

With the wonderful response we have had, we've decided to have the drawing on the first of each month instead of every other month. 

Who knows... maybe it'll be your name we're posting next month.

Sorry if you made the trip.

I apologize if you made the trip to the shop last night and we were closed.

I got the call on Wednesday night that my Mother had fallen out of her wheelchair and hurt her shoulder. By morning they had decided to send her to the hospital to see if they could find a break or fracture. She was in a great deal of pain.

They did the Xrays and think she has a fracture by her shoulder. I saw the films and it does look to be hairline. They gave her alot of pain medicine and sent her back to the nursing home last night. Hopefully the sling will keep it from moving til it can heal. They said that surgery was not an option, it would be to hard on her. She's 84 and getting more frail each time I see her.

I hope this did not inconvenience anyone and I thank you for your understanding.

Patti