Happy Birthday, Granny!

Granny's 90th birthday party was a wonderful sunny event. Held in a park just above the Pacific Ocean in Coos Bay, Oregon. There were about 70 people there, including her 3 sisters and her brother. Ruthie, Judy and Janet, her daughters, planned, cooked, decorated and hosted us all. She had Grandchildren, Greatgrandchildren and Great-great grandchildren in attendance. What a joyous day! She is sharp as a tack with a great since of humor, enjoys a little adult beverage from time to time, is still looking for a man to drive her to the store once in a while, and loves to be the center of attention.

How am I related? She is my father's, mother-in-law. Daddy and Ruthie were married 5 years ago, so, I am actually one of her newest grandchildren! Fun for all of us! Julie

U.S. Troop Bags

I hope you all had a wonderful Easter with your families. Easter is one of the 4 days a year that the shop is closed, so I always cherish the day with my family. I had expected to have just 2 of my boys for dinner, and by 5pm, 5 of their friends had come to join us. It was delightful. And, since I don't know how to make a small meal there was plenty of food for everyone.

The shop is working on a little service project, and if you would like to join us it would be great. We are making cloth drawstring bags for U.S. Troops. The bags are donated to another group that fills them with goodies and ships them overseas. Often they are given to children in the area where our brave men and women are serving. The bags use 1/2 yard of fabric, cording and take about 1/2 hour to make. So, if you would like to join in the fun, you can go to http://creativethimble.com to download the free pattern, or stop by the shop for your copy. I plan to mail them out on May 1st. Thanks in advance for your patricipation in this project. Julie

Rag Time Quilt

It has been a long time since I have made a rag quilt, but I have seen more and more of them in the shop recently. So, I have been inspired to make one. There is a special little lady in my life who is having her 90th birthday next week, so this seemed perfect. I was a little taken aback when a customer wondered if a 90 year old would "get" the rag quilt concept. It didn't occur to me that it wouldn't be a "real" quilt with tiny stitches. They are just for fun, cozy, nap time. I am pushing ahead, hoping to wash it at least twice (at the local wash-a-teria) before I head to Coos Bay for the big party. Then, I want to make one for myself! It is a wonderful way to use all of those batting pieces that I just can't bring myself to throw away! Julie