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
August 26th, 2009, at 9:37 am
I especially like the pictures of the new bathrooms. One question…where are the holders for the toilet paper? I will sooooo miss the “hats” we have now. Nutz in person too.
August 27th, 2009, at 5:10 pm
Janet:
You have a great flair for the comedic. Love the light switches!
Speaking of travel, Melonie Unger and I are going September 18-19 to take a workshop from both Kim Diehl and Jo Morton! Yes, the queen of Little Women. This will help us prep for the upcoming NEW Little Women Club at Calico Gals which will start October 26th. Mel will teach the morning section, and I’ll teach the night section, and we expect to make 2-3 quilts each semester using Jo’s gorgeous fabrics. We hear you ordered a million bolts and they should be in later this week, right?
Thanks for letting us virtually build the new store with you!
Beth
August 30th, 2009, at 2:02 pm
I love the new lightswitches. Was more surprised to hear Doug Electrics doing the work. Relatives of mine. Great guys who know who to help women shop they have had great training from the women in our family.
September 2nd, 2009, at 8:02 am
I do agree choosing the carpet is a very important decision. However, you should have asked the experts to help you. Your quilting buddies. Who better to understand the importance of color and design? Who knows we may have been able to create a patchwork quilt out of all the samples, so you would not have to choose the sample you like best. LOL. No really, I think the new barn is going to be spectacular and I cannot wait to start shopping in the new barn. I have even made a time trial drive from my home to the new store. The time involved driving from home to the new store is almost the same as driving from home to the old store. Yeah! I also showed Marty where the new store is located, so when I need fabric he will not be able to say, “Honey, I cannot go to the store and pick-up that fabric. I do not know where the new store is located.”