As Promised. . . .

Posted on Friday, August 28th, 2009, by Lynn - Calico Gals "Occasional Nighttime Supervisor" and "Always Looking For An Event" Gal

Don’t you just love my titles!!  I never have to look very hard for an event to plan because Janet’s always got an idea that puts me on a roller coaster ride that would make Disney proud.

Although, if a good time is what you want then Summer Sewing Spa was the ticket.  It was absewlutely fabulous.  Old friends and new friends generously and graciously sharing their sewing tips and their spectacular projects along with warm and heartfelt conversations deep into the night.  Both my new and old friends taught me how to make a pillowcase and a sweet little jumper for my grandaughter “Ruby.”

I tried to make a bowl, but it only came out as a trivet (Melonie and Gail did their best with me). And I got all the technical expertise from my buddy Joan to make her beautiful new quilt “Sew Lovely.”  Who could ask for more?

Nobody had to ask, cause more just kept coming during our 4-day respite at the beautiful Christ The King Retreat House.  We had massages, we made scented scrubs and Shania from Muscles in Motion took us gently through stretching exercises to help us sew further into the night.  Then . . . Teri from Mary Kay helped us slough off our old  dead lips, highlight our new eyes and Janet and I found our eyebrows!!!!  Look for hers in the new barn.  About the only thing that could distract us from our fun was when one of the Retreat House chefs brought his new baby in to show us.

Another highlight was spending time with Sandy Pirdy from Creekside Fabrics in Arcarde.  Nina brought her in as our guest teacher and together they featured wonderful projects on the embroidery machines.  Threads were whirring and fingers were pressing buttons as beautiful medallions and flowers magically appeared.  Nina and Sandy were the perfect hosts and all their students completed designs to be proud of.

Then there was the food, the glorious food.  The pool, the glorious pool.  The wine and cheese parties night after night . . . Oh I think I hear Janet’s voice – she’s singing a Simon and Garfunkel tune – “get on the bus Gus and make a new plan Stan.” That’s my cue to spread the word about my new event “The Spooktacular Bus Tour.”  Check out the details on our website, sign-up for the best deal in town and join me on the bus!

Well, this Gabby Goodtime Gal should go now, but I leave you with yet another song . . . the Beatles “I Want to Hold Your Hand” Join hands with all us OLD Gals from the OLD Barn as we share Janet’s vision and our journey to the New Barn.

"We'll put lots of fabric over here..."

"...and we'll put lots more fabric over here..."

And yes Nina – this is your new sewing machine area!

"Perfect. Just perfect."

Posted in Retreat | 1 Comment »

Lots happening around here!

Posted on Tuesday, August 25th, 2009, by Janet - Calico Gals store owner, gabby gal, newsletter editor, occasional piecer

Wow! My first blog post was a hit! Thanks for the comments and feedback. That’s what I need to keep me motivated to write more.

First things first…

I know, you want to see more pictures of the new barn. Well, although there has been lots of action over there, not too much of it is cosmetic. I guess they have to work on the inside of the inside before we can get to the fun stuff. So here goes… how do you like the light switches?

Nice, huh? It may not be too pretty right now, but the gals are looking forward to turning on the lights in one place.

And check this out – Exit signs! Brand new in the box.

Not that I think you will ever want to leave the new store, but just in case, you will know which way to go.

OK, on to something else very important: plumbing. There are two very nice and spacious restrooms planned for the new store, but this week they looked like this:

Stay tuned. I promise this will get better.

Now for something that is a little more fun – choosing carpet. I ordered several samples in several colors. This is how they looked laying on the floor:

You have to agree this is a very important decision. I thought about it for a while. I walked around them and walked around on them. I picked them up and turned them over. I discussed my options with Steve, the carpet guy. Then I invited the electricians to share their thoughts. Doug and his team from Doug’s Electric were very careful with their opinions. Obviously they have been well trained in the art of helping-a-woman-pick-colors. So finally, I did what I had to do… I ordered 12 more samples. (Sorry Steve). I’ll get back to you on the carpet choice.

In the meantime…

This is summer and the Calico Gals have been traveling all over the place. Nina and her husband Paul took a wonderful trip to visit Nina’s sister in Alaska. While there, they took a side trip to British Columbia where this photo was taken.

Wild animals? Beautiful scenery? Great location for a quilt shop? We may never know.

Last week Joan and I attended a quilting retreat at Great Camp Sagamore in the Adirondacks. This beautiful “camp” was the former summer lodge of the Vanderbilt family. I brought my stuff and was given my own little barn to set up a mini Calico Gals studio and quilt shop. How fun! I love history and was thrilled to find one of the original ironing boards used by the Vanderbilt’s staff in my barn. It was just perfect to showcase Joan’s Holiday Spirit Checkerboard Tablerunner.

I also took many photos of the breathtaking scenery. We enjoyed every minute and if you ever get the chance, take the drive up and attend the historical tour. See all of the details at the Great Camp Sagamore website.

When Lynn returns from her travels to Myrtle Beach she promises to post about Summer Sewing Spa and the first staff meeting in the new barn. You will want to get her perspective!

Janet

Posted in Gals on the Go, New Store! | 4 Comments »