Just a preview of "Before"

Now that Fabric Town is officially closed, I'm working daily at the shop getting my projects done for the opening of "Next Act". We hope to be ready by the end of September. There's alot to do before we have our Grand Opening.  I just wanted to show you a "Before" photo of this adorable little chest.

I started working on it yesterday and hopefully will have the "After" photo for you tomorrow. I have found that I truly enjoy painting. I like the quiet time and I especially enjoy the creative part. Keep watching this blog, I'll have lots more photos to show you and more information about "Next Act". Patti H. is helping me with my new blog so I can shut down Fabric Towns. I will continue to post on this one until after Kim Diehls event. Then it will become "Cranberries and Calico".

Getting ready

Just wanted to let you know that I'm already full speed ahead into my next adventure. I guess I'm not really the sit around, clean house and watch TV kind of girl that I had planned on being.
 OK, fine...I'm a Type A and the girls at FT said I have ADD on top of it all.  Who Me???

Nancy (my sister) and I have been working 'round the clock and are getting things lined up. Right now I don't want to post too much... suspense is always good!!!!

 I plan on shutting down the Fabric Town website and blog soon. If you would like to follow me as I head into my "Next Act"... keep watching the FT blog and I will post my new Blog info soon.

Just a reminder:  Our Kim Diehl Workshops and Trunk Show are still coming in August ... I'm really excited about it. I'll continue to post to the website information regarding the event.

Enjoy the day,
Patti

 

It's a first

I woke up this morning and realized .... I'm unemployed.

That's the first time since I was 20 that I have not had a job. I am kinda-sorta already working with Nancy getting "Next Act" started, but for some reason that feels different. Mainly, because it's not really open yet - so I don't have an actual POE (Place of Employment) to go to.

Today, I'm going in to clean out the shop. I went yesterday and got some done but mostly just sat there looking around. I started with Fabric Town over 20 years ago... where did the time go?  They say time flies when you're having fun.... WOW, I must have been having the time of my life.

I think I better get another cup of coffee and think about this on my deck. 

Unemployed.... Hmmmm, that's different.

The End.

Fabric Town is now closed.

Thank you to all the wonderful customers who supported the shop.

Patti

Sunshine on a gloomy day.

Two and a half days til we close. A bit sad and the shop is in total disarray. In walks the Bachmans delivery man and brightens up our day.

This beautiful bouquet is from my friend Julie. What a thoughtful thing to do. Julie owns "Keepsake Cottage Fabrics" in Bothell, WA. We met at Terry Atkinsons Shop Owners Retreat. One of the nicest people you could ever have the pleasure of knowing. Thanks Julie, for the flowers and the friendship.

Last week..

Starting tomorrow, July 16th everything will be 50% off.

This is our last week, we will close on Saturday, July 21st at 5:00 PM

If you have any kits to pickup, be sure to stop in before 5:00 PM Saturday.
 Chairs, Cutting Table and all display units that have been purchased can be picked up after Wednesday July 18th.

Hacked

Hello,

I am getting emails from friends thanking me for the weightloss tips that I sent them via email.

I was hacked, I didn't send you those tips. I don't know what makes people do things like that. I guess they don't have anything better to do.

Sorry for the junk mail.

Patti

A lovely addition to my deck

       Do you like wind chimes? I do, but not the heavy metal - loud kind. I like the soft ones. This afternoon, Jackie from Valley Girl came in to bring me a gift for my deck. I've talked about Jackie and Sara, they make me my oatmeal and latte's for breakfast. This was a wonderful surprise. I hung it up the minute I got home. Right now I can hear it softly chiming.

Along with the chime was this Green crackle glass plant vase. It would be great to put a little flower in it or to root something. Tomorrow when I go to the shop, I'll get a clipping from one of my Pothos and root it. What a thoughtful gift. I feel fortunate to have such nice people as my friends.

Once again, if you want to start your day off with a cup of fresh brewed coffee and a smile.. go to Valley Girl in Apple Valley.  (try the Peaches and Cream pastry.. Fantastic!!  Oh wait, I wouldn't know about that, I'm on Weight Watchers)

Will today be the last day?

Every day I go in and the shop is more empty then when I went home the night before.

I ask myself each morning.. will today be the last day?

Running through the scale of emotions.   Sad, Glad, Anxious, Happy, Thankful, Mad and the list goes on.

Thankful would be the one that I feel the most. I have had fun, met great people and made friendships that will last a lifetime. I'm walking away - looking forward to my future.

Bolts, Patterns and Stuff

There are only about 200 bolts left, the notions wall is almost totally empty and we have reduced the patterns to a mere hundredish.

Will not be making it till the 21st.

It's now or never....

Quilting by the Hearth

I spent the morning with Lisa and Sue in Lonsdale. Took an array of photos to let you see all the fun things available when you visit "Quilting by the Hearth". This photo is of "Three Barns". It's the quilt for the kits I was folding this morning. (previous blog)

Lots of wonderful quilt samples hanging everywhere.

Kansas Troubles... ahhhhhh

and more....

and more...

Do you like Batiks? Well, I have never seen so many in one shop. Lisa thinks they have about 1200. Check em' out.. and I didn't get a picture of all of them.  Batik Heaven.

Sue made this sample. She's great when it comes to the small pieces.

I've always wanted to do a bargello...

This quilt looked vintage.

One of their own patterns. Many throughout the shop.

Rug from Rags by Country Threads. This sample is almost finished, a few more strips in the center and it will be floor worthy. I really want to do this, have been to Country Threads several times and always forgot to get the frame pattern. I'm hoping Lisa has a class in the fall - maybe I'll get the chance to finally do it.

This rug is just getting started.

 Aprons hang from the walls and ceiling in the kitchen.

Lots of book racks with a great selection.

Plenty of notions, bag accessories and sewing supplies.

Check this out... flip flops to match your bag... how cute is that !!!

Love this table and chairs. I remember when my Mother had the aluminum kitchen set.

Fun little cookie jar sits on the table... cute little touches like this add so much to the shop.

Special little room with Childrens fabrics. This shelf is full of soft flannels.

Cheery novelty prints

Wonderful brights.

Hope you enjoyed the little tour. There's plenty to see that I didn't get photos of. Lots of new things to enjoy at the Hop. Be sure to stop in.

Helping get ready for Quilt Minnesota

Helping put kits together. Sitting on my deck, coffee and fabric - perfect way to start the day...

 Quilt Minnesota is just around the corner. Shops all over the state are getting ready for the largest shop hop of the year. From August 3rd - 18th thousands of quilters will travel from one quilt shop to another - section by section enjoying all the wonderful things being offered. Each shop is as individual as a fingerprint - no two are the same.

Since I won't be participating in the hop this year, I'm helping out a friend at her shop. Lisa from Quilting by the Hearth in Lonsdale is really making some wonderful changes. New shelving, painting not to mention the fabrics. I was so surprised when I went in and saw all the lines of fabric, notions, patterns and Kits. From the outside of her shop you'd think it was a tiny place. Once you get inside it's room after room of the prettiest fabrics. I'm a Kansas Troubles addict. WOW - I found my shop. Alot of shops have KT but always run out of the black prints.... Lisa has lots, and the rest of the colors as well. (And that's only in one of the rooms)

While Lisa and Tim work on the inside of the shop, I've taken on the job of folding kits. The sample that this kit belongs to is wonderful. It's a Miss Rosies called  "Three Barns". Notice it's in Kansas Troubles... yummm. Guess who may have to purchase this kit and make the quilt - hard to really decide, there's lots to choose from at Lisa's.  I'm going there today, if I get the chance I'll snap a picture of the quilt.

Don't forget to mark your calendar  Quilt Minnesota   August 3 - 18, 2012.  Quilting by the Hearth is in the Southeast section.... will I see you there?

Patti

Going, Going, Going

It's amazing how much wider the shop looks with 90% of the fixtures and merchandise gone. The walls are empty, the samples off the walls and fabric is down to about 400 bolts.

Still have some books, notions and kits left. Will be selling misc stuff that we find in the backroom and in those little nooks and crannies. 

If anyone is looking for a great ironing table that has loads of storage - we have one for sale.
Our front counters would make a great workbench for a garage, lots of storage area underneath. They would make great cutting tables as well, they're just really big.

File cabinets, metal shelving, desks all have to go. 

I'd like to get as much out of the shop and into new homes before we close on the 21st.
If you'd be interested, stop in and check them out.

Final day coming soon

Fabric Town's final day will be July 21st.

At least that's the date we plan on closing. Once the remanining inventory is gone - we'll close.

Please check to be sure we're still open before you drive a distance. 

(952) 432-1827

Looking pretty strange.

If you like to shop in a store that's spacious and you've got room to maneuver around and see everything easily in. Wait til you see Fabric Town now. It's getting so "Spacious" that is has a slight echo.

Yesterday we emptied 87 bolts, on Friday 119. The samples are coming down as the patterns and kits are sold out. The reflection of the lighting on the bare walls makes it so bright, it's like double full spectrum. I may put a sign up - Free tanning ... sure seems like you could get one.

I hate to see the shop all torn up and looking so bad. However, each day as it empties I'm one day closer to letting go. It's hard but I think it was the best way to do it. I am getting to say goodbye to my long time supporters, friends and those special customers who have become family. I will admit, it's not easy. If I can give one bit of advice - when you go into a shop that's closing, be careful or better yet, be tactful as to what you say to the owner and employees. You wouldn't believe the things that are said to us on a daily basis. A few times I was left totally speechless.

We still have a good supply of things left, thinking it will not go much more than the first two weeks of July.

That's it for my update. Have a wonderful 4th of July... be careful, be safe.

Patti

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

A few things accomplished at the shop.

Yesterday, Jeff and I went in and hung up a couple quilts, retired a couple and then just decided on where to move different things. This quilt is Apple Jacks by Country Threads. I've always liked their patterns. Easy to read and basic enough for a beginner. I think the outer border really puts the finishing touch on an otherwise plain top. Lola made the sample and once again did a wonderful job.  We do have Kits available.

This sample isn't new, it's been in the shop for awhile. Not a week goes by that someone doesn't ask to see it opened up. So we did just that, it's now draped over a cabinet so you can see the pattern.I know it looks like a lot of geese.. and some people just hate to make them. With the flying geese ruler it's been simplified. You make 4 at a time, fast easy and no waste. I enjoyed it because they came out perfect every time.  Stop in and have us show you how... you'll want to add this to your collection.  The pattern is North & South by Piece by Piece. 

Did you miss the fishing opener this year? Well, you're in luck,  it's just starting at Fabric Town.

12 of these adorable fish pincushions just arrived at the shop. Assorted colors and buttons eyes. Need a gift for a quilting buddy, who wouldn't want one of these little charmers. I'm considering one of the pink ones for myself.  Stop in and catch one before they're gone.