Winter can be long here in Minnesota. I have taken a position with Anderson Renewal (I will be in the area booking appointments!) With increases in the cost of goods, and heating etc. I just felt it was time to accept that the quilters in our area are either off to a warmer climate, or going on road trips with their girlfriends.   Would you believe someone actually said we are "too close" for them to come and shop! We are going on 40 years in May. So we will be back in the spring to see our summer snowbirds. 

The lights will be on, as most of you know I like to work in the evening hours. 

It's time to get back to designing, and machine quilting.  I hope you all understand. 

It's been a long time since I have written a newsletter. I've been absolutely heartbroken. My dear sweet mom has been diagnosed with Vascular Dementia. We closed our doors to the public, for 18 months, I was able to spend time with mom every day, and I'm so grateful for taking extra time with her, while she was still "mom".  I am just starting to feel like myself again. 

Going forward, I will do my best to carry on her legacy. New fabrics are coming in, and in a week or so, I am adding computerized longarm quilting to the shop as a service. I am so excited to be able to bring this in for all of you. 

Looking back, I'm glad mom and I learned how to quilt over 28 years ago. We learned together, and it's been a wild ride! Quilt Shows, and shop hops, and the biggest honor of all, being selected as a Top Ten Quilt Shop by American Patchwork & Quilting. I'll never forget how happy she was. She was so proud of what she accomplished, with very humble beginnings. I'm so thankful that we shared that love and passion for quilting, sewing, and meeting all of you! Each day we open the door, not knowing who is coming into our "home". What new or old friend is coming to see us, and what we have created. Piecemaker's is our sanctuary. 
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She is missed every day, but her quilts, and handwork are a blessing, and I love each and every one of them. If you pray, please keep her in your prayers. Hug your mom if she's still here. Life is so short, and time is precious.

Well, it has been one week since I brought this fluffy creature home, and today I brought her to work with me at the quilt shop. She has been hanging out with my mom, Mary, all afternoon. I'm so offended! Lily decided this cubby next to my mom's desk was a perfect place to hang out. She looks good surrounded by fabric and quilts. I don't know how I'll ever get her to come home! She has grown so much in a week.

Lily is adjusting to her new surroundings, and her new family. Sophie, my Pom, is also trying to get used to sharing her toys with a new baby.  Lily is a handful. She wants to climb everything! Can you resist those pretty blue eyes? I can't...

It's official folks, our first flakes were floating through the air just a few days ago. It seems like just last week it was warm, and sunny, and we were begging for an excuse to go outside. The Flakes are coming....

To honor this cold, and well, Blue, season, I've made a couple of winter wool or wool felt applique projects. Quick to make, and delightful results.

As a tribute to my dear sweet cat Jasmine, I'm working on a needle book,  or sewing organizer. It is in progress, but I wanted to honor her memory in this way.

Since Jasmine passed, I've been hoping for another kitten to join my little menagerie, and I'm happy to say that in about a week, I will bring home Lily. 

I'm not sure my dogs will appreciate sharing the attention again..but they will just have to get over it, as this precious kitten has captured my heart. 

So without further adieu, I bring you Lily.