Happy 60th Birthday

When I arrived in the shop, my office was decorated with balloons! What a nice surprise. There were more balloons in the classroom with flowers from Reba's garden. Harry sent me some beautiful carnations. Everyone surprised me with something special. Louise made a fresh strawberry cake with whipped cream. It was wonderful. I was wondering how I would feel turning 60. Everyone says it is a milestone, but what does that mean? I don't feel 60, but then what does 60 suppose to feel like? It seems like I was just 50 the other day! What happened to the years! Does anyone know? Thanks for making my birthday special. Time sure flies when you are having fun!

Speaking of time, the shop is turning 7 this September, and I wonder how that happened. It just seemed like the other day we opened! We were looking at pictures taken on opening day, and my how we have grown. Thanks to all of you who have supported us through the years. We enjoy so many friendships and we are looking forward to making many more. Let's have fun and join the challenge we have cooked up, and celebrate in September. I have to think of something special to do for our 7th Birthday. Got any ideas! E-mail me if you do.

Calling all Girls Ages 8 to 12. Win a Seat in Kids Sewing Camp and a New Pfaff Hobby 1132 Sewing Machine!

I had a thought, really I did, about how we could interest kids in sewing. We know that these economic times are tough for some parents to send their children to Summer Camp. This year I am going to have a writing contest for girls 8-12, who would like a chance to attend camp, and go home with their own Pfaff Hobby 1132! The time period to enter is limited, and entires are due June 13, 2009.

So calling all children, grandchildren, neighbors, girl scouts, home schoolers, etc to enter the challenge. Forward to a friend who might be interested.

Here is how to enter the writing contest!

The contestant will write a one page letter, in their best handwriting (no typed letters) on who they are, their age, why they would like to attend sewing camp, and how they will use what they learned in camp in the future.

The letters must be original, in the contestants own words and handwriting. (not their parents) Their name, address, phone number and e-mail address should also be included on the letter. (Parents may help with this part)

Entries must be submitted in person, and handed to the staff in at Quilters Loft Company in Pfaff Sewing Machine Shop. Letters will be reviewed by the staff at the Quilters Loft and the winner will be chosen for their originality, handwriting and desire to learn. All letters will be on display in the quilt shop.

The winner will be chosen June 18, and notified by phone, or e-mail, that they have won the contest.

The winner must be available to attend camp Tuesday June 23 to Friday June 26 from 10:30am to 2:30pm.

Start writing now and good luck. Remember your entries are due June 13, 2009. We are looking forward to receiving the letters!

Calling all Janiacs! New Club Starting Soon!

Yes, we are calling all Janiacs! Alice Gray will be leading our newly forming Janiac Club. Former Quilters Loft Janiacs - have you finished your blocks, your Quilt? Have no fear, here's your chance to finish another project. Alice has finished her quilt and it should be coming home from the Professional Quilter. She is going to lead, teach and help you finish yours.

Don't have a clue what a Janiac is? Janiacs are followers of the Dear Jane Quilt. "Jane A. Blakely Stickle was born in Vermont, lived her married life in Shaftsbury and was buried in the cemetery behind the town's First Baptist Church. She signed her quilt, 80 1⁄4 inches by 80 1⁄4 inches in size, "In War Time 1863, Pieces 5,602, Jane A. Stickle." The quilt is part of a collection kept at the Bennington Museum in Bennington, Vt. It is displayed yearly in September and October. According to the museum's Web site, Vermont had the highest number of soldiers per capita fighting in the Civil War - more than 32,000 in all. Records show that Jane Stickle had no children of her own, but she probably knew all of the young men serving from her small town. At least seven of her nephews also were in Vermont regiments. The pieced and appliqued cotton quilt she made is technically challenging, consisting of 169 square blocks (not one is the same) and 52 larger isosceles triangle blocks forming the border. It's finished with four corner blocks and a scalloped edge." (Info taken from http://www.gjsentinel.com/)

Some of the blocks are challenging, but have no fear, Alice will teach you how. The club atmosphere will be fun and you will meet other Janiacs. These quilts have been done all over the nation, and have also been made as "Baby Janes", a smaller version of the original. They have also been made in many fabrics, including batiks. We have not set a date yet for the new Janiac Club, but would like to know how many are interested. Please e-mail erica2nc@earthlink.net, to let me know you are interested. We will set a Club date with details soon.