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	<title>Stitchin' Heaven Howdy</title>
	<atom:link href="http://blogs.stitchinheaven.com/blog/index.php?feed=rss2" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml" />
	<link>http://blogs.stitchinheaven.com/blog</link>
	<description>A Real "Texas" Kind of Quilt Shop</description>
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		<title>Blocks of the Month: 10 Reasons Why</title>
		<link>http://blogs.stitchinheaven.com/blog/?p=3017</link>
		<comments>http://blogs.stitchinheaven.com/blog/?p=3017#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 02 Sep 2010 15:01:02 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Niki</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Projects]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://blogs.stitchinheaven.com/blog/?p=3017</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[<!-- matched  --><!-- final 0 -->Over here at Stitchin&#8217; Heaven we pride ourselves in the wide variety of block of the month programs we offer.  I think right now we are currently hosting about 43 block and quilt of the month programs.  Wow?!  That&#8217;s a  lot!  But you know, I think I can say that the majority of our customers [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<!-- matched  --><!-- final 0 --><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #000000;"><a href="http://store.stitchinheaven.com/stores_app/Browse_Item_Details.asp?Store_id=203&amp;page_id=23&amp;Item_ID=26762"></a>Over here at Stitchin&#8217; Heaven we pride ourselves in the wide variety of block of the month programs we offer.  I think right now we are </span><a href="http://www.stitchinheaven.com/stitchin_heaven_pages/block_of_the_month_programs.asp"><span style="color: #000000;"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-3020" style="float: right;" title="Stitchin' Heaven" src="http://blogs.stitchinheaven.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/stitchin_heaven_052410.jpg" alt="" width="113" height="338" /></span></a><span style="color: #000000;">currently hosting about 43 block and quilt of the month programs.  Wow?!  That&#8217;s a  lot!  But you know, I think I can say that the majority of our customers participate in a block or kit of the month program for good reasons, I might add.  Below are just ten reasons we&#8217;ve come up with why you would consider participating in a BOM program or continue to.</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #000000;"><strong>RELIABILITY</strong>. Stitchin&#8217; Heaven has offered BOMs for over 10 years. Our first Dear Jane program began in 2004, and we&#8217;ve had over 1400 participants to date!</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #000000;"><strong>FABRIC KEY</strong>. That&#8217;s right! Don&#8217;t fuss over fabric placement. We offer fabric keys online so that you know exactly where each piece of fabric goes.</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #000000;"><strong>SUPPORT.</strong> We offer telephone and e-mail support. If you&#8217;re having trouble, just let us know. We&#8217;re here to help.</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #000000;"><strong>SIMPLY PUT</strong> &#8230; FUN. We do the work for you! We find gorgeous quilts, and pick from our huge selection of fabrics for that perfect piece saving you time, money, and the leg work.</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #000000;"><strong>ABOVE &amp; BEYOND</strong>. We go above and beyond the call to see that your BOM is fun. If you make a small mistake, let us know, we&#8217;ll send you a replacement piece for free!</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #000000;"><strong>SELECTION.</strong> We at Stitchin&#8217; Heaven want to be your Block of the Month Headquarters, and we invite you to check out all our programs. We have new ones beginning monthly, and we are always looking for more.</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #000000;"><strong>SATISFACTION GUARANTEED</strong>. We guarantee you will be happy with your BOM. We&#8217;ll do everything we can to see that you are 100% satisfied.</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #000000;"><strong><a href="http://blogs.stitchinheaven.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/BlueDearJane.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-3023" style="float: left;" title="Blue Dear Jane" src="http://blogs.stitchinheaven.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/BlueDearJane.jpg" alt="" width="170" height="167" /></a>QUALITY.</strong> We also understand, that in this slow economy, everyone is looking for a way to do what they love, while not spending a lot of money. BOM programs are a great way to invest small amounts of money at a time, while still getting the quality that you have come to expect in your quilts.</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #000000;"><strong>FLEXIBILITY</strong>. Blocks of the month allow you to pay each month  rather than all at once. You can sew at your own pace and even arrange a sew along with your friends!</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #000000;"><strong>MANAGEABLE</strong>. You have the ability to work on your quilt once piece at a time rather than feeling overwhelmed with trying to decide which fabric goes where. We figure that part out for you so you can get started right away!</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #000000;"> </span></p>
<p><span style="color: #000000;">Visit our Block of the Month page to see the available programs or call or email us for our new block of the month color catalog!</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #000000;">Hope you&#8217;re all having a great week. We said farewell as Deb, Sandra and Lucy left yesterday to set sail to Alaska today on one of our cruises. I know they&#8217;re gonna have fun.  Deb&#8217;s birthday is Monday, so right now she wants to give you $10 toward your purchase of ANYTHING! Just enter <span style="color: #ff0000;">BIRTHDAY</span> into the coupon box to get the discount. </span></p>
<p><span style="color: #000000;">xoxo</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #000000;"> </span></p>
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		<title>Just Charming!</title>
		<link>http://blogs.stitchinheaven.com/blog/?p=2993</link>
		<comments>http://blogs.stitchinheaven.com/blog/?p=2993#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 25 Aug 2010 14:29:53 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Niki</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Projects]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://blogs.stitchinheaven.com/blog/?p=2993</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[<!-- matched  --><!-- final 0 -->Didn&#8217;t  know if you knew, but we have a really cute club called Charm School. With enrollment you receive 2 charm packs, a pattern and a charm (for charm bracelets) each month.  This month we&#8217;re featuring Me &#38; My Sister Favorites charm pack that you see modeled in the background of the video below, taken [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<!-- matched  --><!-- final 0 --><p><a href="http://www.stitchinheaven.com/stitchin_heaven_pages/quilt_kit_programs.asp"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-3009" style="float: right;" title="Charm School" src="http://blogs.stitchinheaven.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/CharmSchoolCrest.jpg" alt="" width="108" height="122" /></a>Didn&#8217;t  know if you knew, but we have a really cute club called Charm School. With enrollment you receive 2 charm packs, a pattern and a charm (for charm bracelets) each month.  This month we&#8217;re featuring Me &amp; My Sister Favorites charm pack that you see modeled in the background of the video below, taken by our favorite Moda Rep., Gene at Spring Market this year.</p>
<p>The fabrics in this collection are so cute and happy! The pattern used for Charm School this month is pictured below. Our Charm School patterns are designed exclusively for us by Larene Smith of <a href="http://www.thequiltedbutton.com/" target="_blank">The Quilted Button</a>! She does a super job for us. You can find more of her designs through<a href="http://www.hoffmanfabrics.com/content/content-folder.asp?FolderID=7" target="_blank"> Hoffman Fabrics</a> and <a href="http://www.anthologyfabrics.com/" target="_blank">Anthology Fabrics</a> .</p>
<p><object classid="clsid:d27cdb6e-ae6d-11cf-96b8-444553540000" width="420" height="300" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always" /><param name="src" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/0Dov_V0B4GU?fs=1&amp;hl=en_US" /><param name="allowfullscreen" value="true" /><embed type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="420" height="300" src="http://www.youtube.com/v/0Dov_V0B4GU?fs=1&amp;hl=en_US" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.stitchinheaven.com/stitchin_heaven_pages/quilt_kit_programs.asp#charm"><img class="size-full wp-image-3005 aligncenter" title="Me - My Sister - Charm School" src="http://blogs.stitchinheaven.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/Me-My-Sister-Charm-School-9-2010.jpg" alt="" width="336" height="378" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">You can enroll in Charm School at anytime. Check it out! Sign up using code NIKISAID to get your sign up fee waived for the club!</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Looking for bra makers for out Bras N Boots event &amp; nominations for our Feature Friday!!</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://blogs.stitchinheaven.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/FridayFeature.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-2778" title="Friday Feature" src="http://blogs.stitchinheaven.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/FridayFeature.jpg" alt="" width="156" height="156" /></a><a href="http://www.stitchinheaven.com/stitchin_heaven_pages/events.asp#bra/%27"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-3004" title="Bras_n_Boots_button" src="http://blogs.stitchinheaven.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/Bras_n_Boots_button.gif" alt="" width="150" height="150" /></a></p>
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		<title>Chip BBQ Recipe</title>
		<link>http://blogs.stitchinheaven.com/blog/?p=2985</link>
		<comments>http://blogs.stitchinheaven.com/blog/?p=2985#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 18 Aug 2010 16:44:33 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Niki</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Projects]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://blogs.stitchinheaven.com/blog/?p=2985</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[<!-- matched  --><!-- final 0 -->One of our store associates, Linda B., made this yummy recipe for us last week, when we had a class for Freaky Friday (Friday the 13th). The whole store smelled so good!  I just had to share it,  along with the mouth watering photo!  This would actually be perfect for a weekend get together!!  [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<!-- matched  --><!-- final 0 --><p><span style="color: #000000;">One of our store associates, Linda B., made this yummy recipe for us last week, when we had a class for Freaky Friday (Friday the 13th). The whole store smelled so good!  I just had to share it,  along with the mouth watering photo!  This would actually be perfect for a weekend get together!! <img src='http://blogs.stitchinheaven.com/blog/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_smile.gif' alt=':)' class='wp-smiley' /> </span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #000000;"><a href="http://blogs.stitchinheaven.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/IMGA00261.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-2987" title="Chip Beef" src="http://blogs.stitchinheaven.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/IMGA00261.jpg" alt="" width="230" height="204" /></a></span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #000000;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Chip BBQ</span></strong></span></span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #000000;">3/4 Teaspoon vinegar</span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #000000;">1 1/2 cups water</span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #000000;">6 tablespoons mustard</span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #000000;">1/2 Teaspoon black pepper</span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #000000;">1 teaspoon salt</span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #000000;">1 onion &#8211; finely chopped</span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #000000;">1 1/2 cups ketchup</span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #000000;">6 tablespoons Worcestershire Sauce</span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #000000;">4 1/2 tablespoons liquid smoke</span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #000000;">1 tablespoon lemon juice</span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #000000;">1/2 teaspoon red pepper</span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #000000;">1-2 lbs. of ground meat</span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #000000;">3-4 lbs Roast</span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #000000;">Cook roast thoroughly.  Chop fine.  Brown hamburger meat &amp; drain.</span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #000000;">Mix all ingredients together then add to meats. You can simmer on stove top until thickened or place in a slow cooker over night on low.  Freezes very well!!<br />
Enjoy!!</span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #000000;"><a href="http://blogs.stitchinheaven.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/Bras-n-boots-header.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-2971" title="Bras n boots " src="http://blogs.stitchinheaven.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/Bras-n-boots-header.jpg" alt="" width="302" height="60" /></a></span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #000000;">** Also, don&#8217;t forget to check out the Bras N Boots for a Cure event we&#8217;re hosting&#8230;We need bra makers! Please email me if you&#8217;re interested or for more information!</span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #000000;">nichole@stitchinheaven.com</span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">
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		<title>Bras &#8216;N Boots For A Cure</title>
		<link>http://blogs.stitchinheaven.com/blog/?p=2970</link>
		<comments>http://blogs.stitchinheaven.com/blog/?p=2970#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 16 Aug 2010 13:25:55 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Niki</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Projects]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://blogs.stitchinheaven.com/blog/?p=2970</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[<!-- matched  --><!-- final 0 -->
We are so proud and very excited to present our Bras N Boots For a Cure benefit &#38; style show!  On October 16th, here in Quitman,  we will host a buffet style dinner and style show of bras modeled  by the men in our community including City Officials and Community Leaders!  The men will model [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<!-- matched  --><!-- final 0 --><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://blogs.stitchinheaven.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/Bras-n-boots-header.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-2971" title="Bras n boots " src="http://blogs.stitchinheaven.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/Bras-n-boots-header.jpg" alt="" width="302" height="60" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #ff00ff;">We are so proud and very excited to present our <a href="http://www.stitchinheaven.com/stitchin_heaven_pages/events.asp#bra" target="_blank">Bras N Boots For a Cure</a> benefit &amp; style show!  On October 16th, here in Quitman,  we will host a buffet style dinner and style show of <a href="http://blogs.stitchinheaven.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/PinkBootMED.png"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-2972" style="float: right;" title="Bras N Boots for a Cure" src="http://blogs.stitchinheaven.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/PinkBootMED.png" alt="" width="89" height="121" /></a>bras modeled  by the men in our community including City Officials and Community Leaders!  The men will model each of the fully embellished Bras for a Cause to show their &#8220;support&#8221;. Voting of the bras will be done as each leader or official models through the crowd. The crowd will then stuff any form of money$ into the bra. The winner will be determined by the bra that collects the most money. Proceeds will all go to benefit breast cancer research through Susan G. Komen Foundation.</span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #ff00ff;">We will have a representative present from the Susan G. Komen Foundation along with plenty of information.  We&#8217;ll also have a silent auction, a Pink Quilt Raffle and a really great time!! If you&#8217;re interested in participating, please visit the Bras &#8216;N Boots For a Cure page or contact us here. We&#8217;re in need of bras!!  So, please, register to participate and we&#8217;ll forward you all the information you need to know.</span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #ff00ff;">You can donate your bra to Stitchin&#8217; Heaven for exhibit here in the store and online where we will create a page just for the bras, also on Flickr.  Or, if you&#8217;d like to just donate it for the event, that&#8217;s fine, too, we can do that!! Please let us know!!</span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #ff00ff;">We need bra&#8217;s turned in no later than October 1st.</span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #ff00ff;">We hope to have a huge response for this very special event to not only raise awareness and money for research and treatment, but to celebrate the lives of the Women who have fought and are fighting this terrible disease.</span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #ff00ff;">We&#8217;d love for you to share your stories with us as well! </span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #ff00ff;">Below are examples of the types of bras that will be modeled the night of the event. Seen below are bras from the<a href="http://www.quiltersofsc.org/Artful%20Bras/artfulbras.htm" target="_blank"> Artful Bra Project!</a> (click on the link to see all 50 bras from the Artful Bras Project) Thank you girls for your inspiration!</span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #ff00ff;"><a href="http://www.quiltersofsc.org/Artful%20Bras/bras2/Bra%20Book.htm"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-2977" title="fifimimi" src="http://blogs.stitchinheaven.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/fifimimi.jpg" alt="" width="283" height="203" /></a><a href="http://www.quiltersofsc.org/Artful%20Bras/bras2/Bra%20Book.htm"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-2978" title="IMG_3719" src="http://blogs.stitchinheaven.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/IMG_3719.jpg" alt="" width="274" height="200" /></a><a href="http://www.quiltersofsc.org/Artful%20Bras/bras2/Bra%20Book.htm"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-2979" src="http://blogs.stitchinheaven.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/IMG_3742.jpg" alt="" width="295" height="201" /></a><br />
</span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #ff00ff;"><br />
</span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #ff00ff;">Email me if you have any questions or if you need any more information!!<span style="color: #000000;"> nichole@stitchinheaven.com </span></span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #ff00ff;">Ta Tas for now! <img src='http://blogs.stitchinheaven.com/blog/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_smile.gif' alt=':)' class='wp-smiley' /> </span></p>
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		<title>Friday Feature: Gina Perkes</title>
		<link>http://blogs.stitchinheaven.com/blog/?p=2955</link>
		<comments>http://blogs.stitchinheaven.com/blog/?p=2955#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 13 Aug 2010 18:25:18 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Niki</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Projects]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://blogs.stitchinheaven.com/blog/?p=2955</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[<!-- matched  --><!-- final 0 -->So, I posted on the Facebook page a couple weeks ago, requesting nominations for Friday Features. One of our awesome followers suggested Gina Perkes.  Honestly, I had to Google her, because I wasn&#8217;t really familiar with her. Oh My, am I so glad for her nomination. Gina is absolutely and amazing designer!! Period! Well, besides [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<!-- matched  --><!-- final 0 --><p><span style="color: #000000;"><a href="http://blogs.stitchinheaven.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/genaperkins_newsm.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-2957" style="float: left;" title="Gina Perkes" src="http://blogs.stitchinheaven.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/genaperkins_newsm.jpg" alt="" width="146" height="142" /></a>So, I posted on the Facebook page a couple weeks ago, requesting nominations for Friday Features. One of our awesome followers suggested Gina Perkes.  Honestly, I had to Google her, because I wasn&#8217;t really familiar with her. Oh My, am I so glad for her nomination. Gina is absolutely and amazing designer!! Period! Well, besides having an incredible talent for quilting she has a cute personality a gorgeous face and a beautiful family her personality is fun, too.  I enjoyed my interview with her and hope to continue featuring her.</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #000000;"><strong>1.</strong> <strong>Where can we find you? Blog? Facebook? Twitter?<br />
</strong><br />
<em>My website-  </em></span><a href="http://www.ginaperkes.com"><span style="color: #000000;"><em>www.ginaperkes.com</em></span></a><span style="color: #000000;"><em> or</em></span><a href="http://gperkes.fatcow.com/index.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #000000;"><em> here </em></span></a><span style="color: #000000;"><em> and on Facebook-   Gina Parris Perkes<br />
</em><br />
<strong>2. When did you first begin sewing/quilting?<br />
</strong><br />
<em>When I was twelve,  I was taught to sew clothing by my grandma, who happens to be the most wonderful woman in the world!.  I made<a href="http://blogs.stitchinheaven.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/untamedsplendor.jpg.w560h553.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-2958" style="float: right;" title="Untamed Splendor" src="http://blogs.stitchinheaven.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/untamedsplendor.jpg.w560h553.jpg" alt="" width="179" height="176" /></a> some of my own clothes, lots of dresses for my daughter, and Halloween costumes for my three children.  Quilting entered my world about twelve years ago while I was pregnant with my second child.  It was summer in Arizona, I was in my third trimester carrying myself plus fifty or so additional  Lbs. around with ten toes that closely resembled sausages.  Needless to say, I needed an indoor hobby.  I wanted to create keepsake quilts for each of my children so I took a beginning class at our local quilt shop.</em></span></p>
<p><span style="color: #000000;"><strong>3. What does sewing/quilting mean to you?</strong></span></p>
<p><em><span style="color: #000000;">I am blessed to have found sewing/quilting, especially at an early age.  It is my creative outlet, my therapy, and even my income.  I have always been drawn to any and all things creative so quilting was a perfect fit for me.  Early on, I stuck to creating utility type quilts from patterns and/or kits.   However, once all of my family members, neighbors, favorite grocery store clerks, UPS dudes, and children’s teachers had a quilt for their bed, I decided to pack up my quilting skills and head towards a new territory…the world of show quilting!  I began creating my own original designs placing an emphasis on innovative techniques and quality workmanship.  I entered my first National quilt show in 2000 and was completely hooked!</span></em></p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #000000;"><strong>4. What inspires you?<br />
</strong><br />
<em>A better question would be what doesn’t inspire me…LOL!  I truly find inspiration on a daily basis everywhere I go and look.  I prefer to draw inspiration outside of the quilting world in an attempt to achieve “new-looks” or styles.  I have translated designs from tissue boxes, for example, into applique’ blocks or quilting motifs placing my own style on the design in the process.  I also draw a great deal of inspiration from nature such as textures for quilting fillers, color schemes, shapes, etc.  Nature is a great source for inspiration…it’s copyright free!!<br />
</em><br />
<strong><a href="http://blogs.stitchinheaven.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/grapeharvest.jpg.w560h342.jpg"><img class="size-full wp-image-2959    alignnone" style="vertical-align: middle;" title="Grape Harvest" src="http://blogs.stitchinheaven.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/grapeharvest.jpg.w560h342.jpg" alt="" width="403" height="244" /></a></strong></span></p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #000000;"><strong>5. What’s coming up for you?</strong><em>Show quilting is my passion, so I will continue along the show path.  My goal is to keep improving my techniques and developing new ones as well.  I also love to teach my quilting techniques, both longarm and domestic.  I travel to various quilt shows and guilds throughout the country to teach.  Helping other quilters develop skills and gain confidence has been very rewarding for me and I am looking forward to the upcoming quilt show season!   Also in the works is my first book, “Mastering the Art of Longarm quilting”.  Keep an eye out for it!!</p>
<p></em><strong>6. Quirky Question – What your favorite movie to watch or music to listen to while sewing?<br />
</strong><br />
<em>Audio books…audio books…more audio books… My mom, also an avid creative woman, introduced me to them.  I limit my audio book listening to when I am actively working on a quilt, particularly for show.  Let’s face it, the 50 hour micro-stippling phase of the quilting process can get a bit monotonous, so I turn to my favorite authors to spice things up a bit.</em></span></p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #000000;"><em>*****</em></span></p>
<p><span style="color: #000000;">Hmm&#8230;sound familiar? Last week, Kathy Mack of Pink Chalk Studio, also responded the same with listening to audio books while sewing&#8230;How many of you do the same thing? What do you have going on in the background while sewing? I wanna know! I, have the music blaring! Whatever is hot on my playlist is going loud enough to where when I sing you can&#8217;t hear me. LOL I wouldn&#8217;t want to put the artists to shame with my Whitney Houston &#8220;like&#8221; voice. LOL Yeah right! I wish I sounded like Whitney Houston. Hee Hee! </span></p>
<p><span style="color: #000000;">Hope you all have a super weekend and stay cool or dry wherever you are reading this from!! XOXO</span></p>
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		<title>Feature Friday: Pink Chalk Designs</title>
		<link>http://blogs.stitchinheaven.com/blog/?p=2837</link>
		<comments>http://blogs.stitchinheaven.com/blog/?p=2837#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 09 Aug 2010 13:07:51 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Niki</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Projects]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://blogs.stitchinheaven.com/blog/?p=2837</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[<!-- matched  --><!-- final 0 -->Last week Deb hosted her 3rd Boot Camp for shop owners, where she teaches shop owners and soon to be shop owners the basics on running a successful shop. Once of the attendees was Kathy Mack of Pink Chalk Studio. Before last week, I had only heard of her. I am now a follower of [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<!-- matched  --><!-- final 0 --><p><a href="http://blogs.stitchinheaven.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/Kathy-Mack.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-2940" style="float: left;" title="Kathy Mack" src="http://blogs.stitchinheaven.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/Kathy-Mack.jpg" alt="" width="115" height="115" /></a>Last week Deb hosted her 3rd Boot Camp for shop owners, where she teaches shop owners and soon to be shop owners the basics on running a successful shop. Once of the attendees was Kathy Mack of Pink Chalk Studio. Before last week, I had only heard of her. I am now a follower of her blog and Facebook and thought you all would enjoy her and her Pink Chalk Studio as much as we do!<br />
So, we had a little interview with her where she shares a little bit about herself and pictures, too!<br />
<em> </em></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.pinkchalkstudio.com/"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-2941" title="Pink Chalk Studio" src="http://blogs.stitchinheaven.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/pcs_medallion_logo_website.gif" alt="" width="276" height="118" /></a></p>
<p><strong><em>Where can we find you? Blog? Facebook? Twitter?</em></strong></p>
<p><em>blog: http://pinkchalkstudio.com/blog/</em></p>
<p><em>shop: http://pinkchalkfabrics.com</em></p>
<p><em>twitter: pinkchalk</em></p>
<p><strong><em><a href="http://blogs.stitchinheaven.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/KM2.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-2944" style="float: left;" src="http://blogs.stitchinheaven.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/KM2.jpg" alt="" width="119" height="179" /></a>When did you first begin sewing/quilting?</em></strong></p>
<p><em>I began sewing when I was 5 or 6. My grandmother patiently taught me how to sew by hand. Later I moved on to using her treadle sewing machine. I made a lot of outfits for Barbie. I can still remember using mini-ric rac on anything and everything! I started sewing clothes for myself in high school.</em></p>
<p><em>I&#8217;m fairly new to quilting. I took a beginning quilting class at my local quilt shop 5 years ago and have been hooked ever since. Now I enjoy blending my love of clothes sewing and quilting into my accessory designs.</em></p>
<p><strong><em>What does sewing/quilting mean to you?</em></strong></p>
<p><em>It&#8217;s a passion. I enjoy designing, making, and talking about it with friends and strangers. I really can&#8217;t get enough. If I see someone wearing something I think they might have made in the grocery store I&#8217;ll strike up a conversation. It brings me joy to create. I find amazing satisfaction in sharing what I know and learning new things from generous teachers. The world of sewists and quilters is full of happy, amazing people. I feel very lucky to work in a business that allows me to connect with that world every day.<a href="http://blogs.stitchinheaven.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/KM3.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-2945" style="float: right;" src="http://blogs.stitchinheaven.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/KM3.jpg" alt="" width="201" height="208" /></a></em></p>
<p><strong><em>What inspires you?</em></strong></p>
<p><em>I&#8217;ve actually been thinking a lot about this lately. As a pattern designer I&#8217;m inspired by the sense of accomplishment and joy another sewist experiences when she completes a project I&#8217;ve designed. It&#8217;s all about being successful and enjoying the process. It motivates me to write instructions that are easy to follow and fun to make. The finished design has to make me smile.</em></p>
<p><em>As a shop owner, I find satisfaction in sharing my little view of the fabric world with others. Sewing is our happy place. My team and I strive to make the experience of shopping with us a positive one on every level.</em></p>
<p><strong><em>What’s coming up for you?</em></strong></p>
<p><em>I have several new purse patterns in the works planned for a Fall release. I also appear in the first episode of the new season of Quilting Arts TV (Series 600) television show. The show airs on PBS stations throughout the country. I designed an I Spy Quilt for Craft Hope which is being released by Lark Books this month (August).</em></p>
<p><strong><em><a href="http://blogs.stitchinheaven.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/KM1.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-2946" style="float: left;" src="http://blogs.stitchinheaven.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/KM1.jpg" alt="" width="219" height="182" /></a>Quirky Question – What your favorite movie to watch or music to listen to while sewing?</em></strong></p>
<p><em>I&#8217;m a total book on tape nut. I absolutely love historical fiction and those are some of my favorites to listen to. They&#8217;re usually big, fat books which translate to 16 plus CDs. I think I get more done in the sewing room because I&#8217;m always rushing back to listen to the book!</em></p>
<p>Isn&#8217;t Kathy fun!? We hope you enjoyed learning more about her and become a fan as well.  Please email me with you nominations for a Friday Feature @ nichole@stitchinheaven.com .</p>
<p><em> </em></p>
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		<title>Sew N Spa Winner!!!</title>
		<link>http://blogs.stitchinheaven.com/blog/?p=2933</link>
		<comments>http://blogs.stitchinheaven.com/blog/?p=2933#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 04 Aug 2010 19:36:04 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Niki</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Projects]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://blogs.stitchinheaven.com/blog/?p=2933</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[<!-- matched  --><!-- final 0 -->Ok, first, We&#8217;d like to thank everyone for entering. This was so much fun! I&#8217;d love reading the entries where you guys would explain why you should win or teased about how you were going to win! LOL You gals are the best!! Seriously!
Here&#8217;s the video of me drawing the winner&#8230;(don&#8217;t laugh) It&#8217;s my first [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<!-- matched  --><!-- final 0 --><p>Ok, first, We&#8217;d like to thank everyone for entering. This was so much fun! I&#8217;d love reading the entries where you guys would explain why you should win or teased about how you <em>were </em>going to win! LOL You gals are the best!! Seriously!</p>
<p>Here&#8217;s the video of me drawing the winner&#8230;(don&#8217;t laugh) It&#8217;s my first video so I&#8217;m definitely an amateur, but expect more in the future, since video will now be a part of our interactions with  you!!</p>
<p>Oh!! You&#8217;re ready for the winner aren&#8217;t ya? Please give a huge congratulations to:<br />
<object classid="clsid:d27cdb6e-ae6d-11cf-96b8-444553540000" width="480" height="385" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always" /><param name="src" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/jIBUuyOwtnE&amp;hl=en_US&amp;fs=1" /><param name="allowfullscreen" value="true" /><embed type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="410" height="355" src="http://www.youtube.com/v/jIBUuyOwtnE&amp;hl=en_US&amp;fs=1" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object></p>
<p>We think we&#8217;ll do this again for the next Sew N Spa retreat, since you all responded in abundance and was just way too fun!! XOXOXO</p>
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		<title>Sparkling Pineapple Punch</title>
		<link>http://blogs.stitchinheaven.com/blog/?p=2921</link>
		<comments>http://blogs.stitchinheaven.com/blog/?p=2921#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 27 Jul 2010 16:48:17 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Niki</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Projects]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://blogs.stitchinheaven.com/blog/?p=2921</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[<!-- matched  --><!-- final 0 -->Saturday we celebrated Mandy getting married. You, know Mandy, right? She&#8217;s our billing specialist.  When you see ML on your receipt, that&#8217;s her!  Isn&#8217;t she a cutie?  In September, Mandy will be getting married!  We threw her a shower here at the shop on Saturday, where she made out like a bandit! Congratulations to her!
We [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<!-- matched  --><!-- final 0 --><p><a href="http://blogs.stitchinheaven.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/mandy1.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-2923" style="float: right;" title="Mandy" src="http://blogs.stitchinheaven.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/mandy1.jpg" alt="" width="141" height="141" /></a>Saturday we celebrated Mandy getting married. You, know Mandy, right? She&#8217;s our billing specialist.  When you see ML on your receipt, that&#8217;s her!  Isn&#8217;t she a cutie?  In September, Mandy will be getting married!  We threw her a shower here at the shop on Saturday, where she made out like a bandit! Congratulations to her!</p>
<p>We ate cake, gave Mandy advice and had some great punch made by Mandy&#8217;s mom! I just had to share with someone so,  here&#8217;s the recipe!</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Sparkling Pineapple Punch</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://blogs.stitchinheaven.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/pineapple.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-2922" title="Pineapple Punch" src="http://blogs.stitchinheaven.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/pineapple.jpg" alt="" width="226" height="160" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">1 can  Pineapple Juice &#8211; Frozen</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">1 tsp  Almond Extract</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">2 Liter Sprite</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Before you freeze your pineapple juice, mix in Almond Extract . Freeze. When juice is frozen, place into a punch bowl. Slowly pour room temperature Sprite over frozen juice.  Stir until frozen juice has melted into liquid.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Want to win a FREE Sew N Spa Reservation? Just comment here telling me!</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Also, don&#8217;t forget about our Friday Features. If you have someone or something that you&#8217;d like to see featured here, just email me! I&#8217;ll help tell the quilting world all about it! nichole@stitchinheaven.com</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Have a wonderful week!</p>
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		<title>Feature Friday- Most Beautiful Quilt Contest</title>
		<link>http://blogs.stitchinheaven.com/blog/?p=2903</link>
		<comments>http://blogs.stitchinheaven.com/blog/?p=2903#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 23 Jul 2010 16:04:39 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Niki</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Projects]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://blogs.stitchinheaven.com/blog/?p=2903</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[<!-- matched  --><!-- final 0 -->Wanna win a $100 Stitchin&#8217; Heaven gift card? Well, I thought this would be a great weekend to feature The Most Beautiful Quilt Contest we&#8217;re hosting on Facebook!  What is it?  Well, we&#8217;ve set up a contest on our Fan Page to enter your most beautiful quilt.  Do you have a gorgeous quilt that you [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<!-- matched  --><!-- final 0 --><p><span style="color: #000000;">Wanna win a $100 Stitchin&#8217; Heaven gift card? Well, I thought this would be a great weekend to feature The Most Beautiful Quilt Contest we&#8217;re hosting on Facebook!  What is it?  Well, we&#8217;ve set up a contest on our Fan Page to enter your most beautiful quilt.  Do you have a gorgeous quilt that you know will win?  Simply, visit our<a title="Stitchin' Heaven Quilt Shop" href="http://www.facebook.com/stitchinheavenquiltshop" target="_blank"> Facebook Fan Page</a>, click on the &#8220;Contests&#8221; tab at the top of the page and follow the instructions for entering your quilt. It&#8217;s super easy, I think there are only about 4-5 steps. </span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.facebook.com/stitchinheavenquiltshop?v=app_95936962634"><img class="size-full wp-image-2904 aligncenter" title="The Most Beautiful Quilt Contest" src="http://blogs.stitchinheaven.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/app_full_proxy.php_.png" alt="" width="300" height="250" /></a><span style="color: #000000;"><br />
</span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #000000;">So here&#8217;s what you have to do:</span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #000000;">1. Visit our<a title="Stitchin' Heaven Quilt Shop" href="http://www.facebook.com/stitchinheavenquiltshop" target="_blank"> Stitchin&#8217; Heaven Fan Page</a></span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #000000;">2. &#8220;Like&#8221; us &#8211; if you don&#8217;t already <img src='http://blogs.stitchinheaven.com/blog/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_smile.gif' alt=':)' class='wp-smiley' /> </span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #000000;">3. Click on the &#8220;Contests&#8221; tab at the top of the fan page</span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #000000;">4. Follow the instructions to enter your quilt!</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #000000;"><br />
</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #000000;">Once you have followed the instructions for entering your quilt,  it will not appear automatically. We will approve it. Once approved, you will receive an email letting  you know.  Then, go back into Facebook and tell all your friends to vote for you!  The winner will be determined by the contestant with the most votes!  There will be 1st-3rd prizes rewarded, $25-$100 in Stitchin&#8217; Heaven Gift Cards!  Now, who doesn&#8217;t love to spend money at their fav quilt shop??!! I know I do!<br />
</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #000000;">Contest runs from June 14- July 31 for entries. Voting ends August 12th!! There isn&#8217;t much time left to enter, so get in there, enter and then all your friends. Winners will be announced on the blog and Facebook, August 26th!!</span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.stitchinheaven.com"><img class="size-full wp-image-2905 aligncenter" title="Stitchin Heaven" src="http://blogs.stitchinheaven.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/StitchinHeaven_logo.jpg" alt="" width="365" height="183" /></a></p>
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		<title>Friday Feature: Oregon Retreat</title>
		<link>http://blogs.stitchinheaven.com/blog/?p=2890</link>
		<comments>http://blogs.stitchinheaven.com/blog/?p=2890#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 16 Jul 2010 16:18:19 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Niki</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Projects]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://blogs.stitchinheaven.com/blog/?p=2890</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[<!-- matched  --><!-- final 0 -->I just love Feature Friday! I got an email last week from CeCe, one of our readers, who wanted to be a part of the fun. She sent me some information about the retreats she hosts in Canyon Beach, Oregon, where she tells us that the estate sits on two acres overlooking the ocean. I [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<!-- matched  --><!-- final 0 --><p style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://blogs.stitchinheaven.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/FridayFeature.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-2778" style="float: left;" title="Friday Feature" src="http://blogs.stitchinheaven.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/FridayFeature.jpg" alt="" width="156" height="156" /></a><span style="color: #000000;">I just love Feature Friday! I got an email last week from CeCe, one of our readers, who wanted to be a part of the fun. She sent me some information about the retreats she hosts in Canyon Beach, Oregon, where she tells us that the estate sits on two acres overlooking the ocean. I was thinking &#8220;you don&#8217;t have to tell me anymore. I&#8217;m sold!&#8221; No, but really, doesn&#8217;t hearing that just sound like the perfect retreat? With sewing and good friends included, how could you not be enticed?</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #000000;">CeCe explained that the girls are provided with everything but their sewing machine &amp; fabrics, but they have a small variety of sewing essentials available to purchase at the retreat. It&#8217;s the perfect place to relax, enjoy your passion, and make forever friends.<br />
</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #000000;">She had tons of pictures to share along with brochure and flyer. You can get more information by emailing CeCe directly<a href="mailto:cjsretreats@charter.net" target="_blank"> here</a>.</span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://blogs.stitchinheaven.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/House-with-view-2.jpg"><img class="size-full wp-image-2894 aligncenter" title="House with view 2" src="http://blogs.stitchinheaven.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/House-with-view-2.jpg" alt="" width="421" height="279" /></a><a href="http://blogs.stitchinheaven.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/House-with-view.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-2895" title="House with view" src="http://blogs.stitchinheaven.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/House-with-view.jpg" alt="" width="418" height="247" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://blogs.stitchinheaven.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/hens-with-their-chicks1.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-2896" title="hens with their chicks" src="http://blogs.stitchinheaven.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/hens-with-their-chicks1.jpg" alt="" width="421" height="315" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #000000;">If you have a story, a person or a place in quilting you&#8217;d like to share with our readers on Feature Friday, please email me at nichole@stitchinheaven.com .</span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #000000;">Hope you have a wonderful weekend &amp; we&#8217;ll see ya soon!</span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #000000;">Had fun last night at the Twitter Party! Thanks girls for joining me! We&#8217;ll have it to try it again soon!<br />
</span></p>
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		<title>We&#8217;re Going to Paducah!</title>
		<link>http://blogs.stitchinheaven.com/blog/?p=2882</link>
		<comments>http://blogs.stitchinheaven.com/blog/?p=2882#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 15 Jul 2010 16:33:43 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Niki</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Projects]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://blogs.stitchinheaven.com/blog/?p=2882</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[<!-- matched  --><!-- final 0 -->Yep , we have it planned for   April 26-30 th 2011,  and you&#8217;re invited, too!!  I can&#8217;t even begin to tell you how much fun this is going to be! If you&#8217;ve been, then you already know, but if you haven&#8217;t you really should!  I know it seems a little early to say anything, but [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<!-- matched  --><!-- final 0 --><p><a href="http://www.stitchinheaven.com/stitchin_heaven_pages/Paducah2011.asp"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-2884" style="float: left;" title="Paducah" src="http://blogs.stitchinheaven.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/Paducah_title.jpg" alt="" width="176" height="194" /></a>Yep , we have it planned for   April 26-30 th 2011,  and you&#8217;re invited, too!!  I can&#8217;t even begin to tell you how much fun this is going to be! If you&#8217;ve been, then you already know, but if you haven&#8217;t you really should!  I know it seems a little early to say anything, but not really, reservations are filling fast. I feel like if I don&#8217;t tell you know, it&#8217;ll be full.</p>
<p>Your trip will include transportation aboard the motor coach, deluxe hotel accommodations for 4 nights (double-occupancy), shuttle rides to and from Quilt City, USA, and your admission into the AQS Quilt Show, and a special goody bag from Stitchin’ Heaven.<br />
Breakfast will be included, however, lunches and dinners are not included, and will be at your own expense. But, even so, that certainly can&#8217;t be the deal breaker in convincing (if you need convincing) yourself or hubby <a href="http://www.stitchinheaven.com/stitchin_heaven_pages/Paducah2011.asp"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-2885" style="float: right;" title="Party To Paducah" src="http://blogs.stitchinheaven.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/paducah_quiltcitysign.jpg" alt="" width="200" height="155" /></a>that you can&#8217;t miss out on this trip.</p>
<p>Check out our <a title="Party To Paducah" href="http://www.stitchinheaven.com/stitchin_heaven_pages/Paducah2011.asp" target="_blank">Stitchin&#8217; Heaven Travel Page </a>for more details and pricing. * Don&#8217;t forget that when making any online purchases, you want to use code SNSME or enter it into your comments, to be entered in the drawing for the free Sew N Spa Retreat! We just can&#8217;t help ourselves with all the fun stuff.</p>
<p>For those of you who are friends of ours on Facebook, but not yet fans or if you&#8217;re not our friends yet&#8230; Facebook has this rule that you are only allowed to have a certain number of friends. Well, we&#8217;ve reached that limit and ask you all to &#8220;like&#8221; <a href="http://www.facebook.com/stitchinheavenquiltshop" target="_blank">Stitchin&#8217; Heaven Quilt Shop on Facebook</a>. That is the page we will be using to post all the fun stuff from now on. So, hope you like us enough to &#8220;like&#8221; us on Facebook (hee hee). As always, if there is anything I can help with, shoot me an email. No question is too silly or asked too often. Send &#8216;em on!</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #3366ff;"><strong><br />
</strong></span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #3366ff;"><strong>Don&#8217;t forget..Tonight is our first Twitter Party! Look forward to seeing you there!!!</strong></span></p>
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		<title>Twitter Party</title>
		<link>http://blogs.stitchinheaven.com/blog/?p=2878</link>
		<comments>http://blogs.stitchinheaven.com/blog/?p=2878#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 13 Jul 2010 16:05:10 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Niki</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Projects]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://blogs.stitchinheaven.com/blog/?p=2878</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[<!-- matched  --><!-- final 0 -->Yep! The buzz has gotten louder, it seems with Twitter Parties being hosted from all over the world wide web. I&#8217;ve attended a few and they are pretty fun, upbeat and can be pretty fast paced. But, with all that, you can come out with prizes, coupons, new friends and new avenues to your favorite places [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<!-- matched  --><!-- final 0 --><p><a href="http://blogs.stitchinheaven.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/SHTwitterPartybutton.png"><span style="color: #000000;"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-2879" style="float: left;" title="#summeroffun" src="http://blogs.stitchinheaven.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/SHTwitterPartybutton.png" alt="" width="150" height="150" /></span></a><span style="color: #000000;">Yep! The buzz has gotten louder, it seems with Twitter Parties being hosted from all over the world wide web. I&#8217;ve attended a few and they are pretty fun, upbeat and can be pretty fast paced. But, with all that, you can come out with prizes, coupons, new friends and new avenues to your favorite places to shop and visit online.<br />
You know that we&#8217;re game for any party, so we&#8217;re throwing our own! Follow the instructions below and if you have any questions just email me or just show up and the other partyers are always helpful in helping you catch up, keep up and understand how to party. Then, I&#8217;m sure once you&#8217;ve got one party under your belt you&#8217;ll be a regular Twitter Party Animal!! </span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="color: #000000;">When: 7-8pm CST &#8211; July 15th!</span></span></strong></p>
<ol>
<li><span style="color: #000000;">Get a Twitter account. You can sign up for free at </span><a href="http://www.twitter.com/"><span style="color: #000000;">www.twitter.com</span></a></li>
<li><span style="color: #000000;">Go to </span><a href="http://www.tweetchat.com/"><span style="color: #000000;">www.tweetchat.com</span></a><span style="color: #000000;"> </span></li>
<li><span style="color: #000000;"> Enter <strong><em>summeroffun</em></strong><em> </em>next to the hashtag (#) at the top of the screen.  Once you do that all conversations and party goers for our party will show up in a list just below the top of the page.</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #000000;">Sign into Twitter if you aren’t already. You will be prompted to allow or deny the app to access your account. Click “allow”<em> </em></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #000000;">You will be redirected to the party page where you will only see conversations for <strong><em>#summeroffun</em></strong> partyers.</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #000000;">Use the text box to write your messages. No need to put <em><strong>#summeroffun</strong></em> in each post because Tweetchat does that for you.</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #000000;">Party! We will post messages to the party and you respond. You’ll see the conversation roll, you may want to set the speed of messages, either slower to keep up or faster to get your messages almost as soon as they post without the delay. However you want, it’s your party! You can find how to set the speed right under your message box.<em> </em></span></li>
</ol>
<p><span style="color: #000000;"> Doesn&#8217;t it sound fun! And again, if you have any questions or need any help just email me </span><a href="mailto:nichole@stitchinheaven.com"><span style="color: #000000;">nichole@stitchinheaven.com</span></a><span style="color: #000000;"> ! I&#8217;ll be glad to help!  We&#8217;ll have door prizes, trivia, and games. Why? Because it&#8217;s a Summer of Fun!</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #000000;">So, will we see you there? </span></p>
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		<title>Feature Friday</title>
		<link>http://blogs.stitchinheaven.com/blog/?p=2868</link>
		<comments>http://blogs.stitchinheaven.com/blog/?p=2868#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 09 Jul 2010 15:18:45 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Niki</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Projects]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://blogs.stitchinheaven.com/blog/?p=2868</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[<!-- matched  --><!-- final 0 -->It&#8217;s Feature Friday, Everyone! I&#8217;ve gotten the chance to interview Robin Lalone of RSISLANDCRAFTS blog! Her blog is inspiring and fun to read! I may be a little partial, since we are both co-participants in the Year of Enchantment Ornament Swap at Yarnigras but I think you&#8217;ll agree&#8230;
Here&#8217;s our little interview where we got to know [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<!-- matched  --><!-- final 0 --><p><a href="http://blogs.stitchinheaven.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/FridayFeature.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-2778" style="float: left;" title="Friday Feature" src="http://blogs.stitchinheaven.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/FridayFeature.jpg" alt="" width="96" height="86" /></a>It&#8217;s Feature Friday, Everyone! I&#8217;ve gotten the chance to interview Robin Lalone of RSISLANDCRAFTS blog! Her blog is inspiring and fun to read! I may be a little partial, since we are both co-participants in the<a href="http://yarnigrasswapperspot.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"> Year of Enchantment Ornament Swap at Yarnigras</a> but I think you&#8217;ll agree&#8230;</p>
<p>Here&#8217;s our little interview where we got to know Robin a little better!</p>
<p><strong>Where can we find you? Blog? Facebook? Twitter?<br />
</strong><em>I have a blog <a title="http://www.rsislandcrafts.com/" href="http://www.rsislandcrafts.com/">RsislandCrafts</a> and I hang out on <a title="http://www.facebook.com/rsislandcrafts" href="http://www.facebook.com/rsislandcrafts">Facebook </a> also. I love finding new blogs and chatting with other creative people.</em><strong> <a href="http://blogs.stitchinheaven.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/May2010-0971.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-2870" style="float: right;" title="McGuffey Quilt" src="http://blogs.stitchinheaven.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/May2010-0971.jpg" alt="" width="144" height="130" /></a></strong></p>
<p><strong>When did you first begin sewing/quilting?<br />
</strong><em>I first learned to sew in a 6th grade  Home Economics class back in 1980. We learned how to sew a denim laundry bag. That was the first and hopefully last time I sewed through my finger with a sewing machine. Almost like a rite of passage. I didn&#8217;t sew again until 2001 when I discovered Alex Anderson and Simply Quilts.  That&#8217;s when I caught the quilting bug.</em></p>
<p><strong>What does sewing/quilting mean to you?<br />
</strong><em>Quilting is a way for me to relax. When I am quilting I have to slow down and focus on what I am doing.</em></p>
<p><em>I love making things that bring a smile to people young and old. I have always believed that a handmade item will be remembered and loved for a lifetime. I put lots of love into each item I make. I believe that when you wrap up in a handmade quilt you can feel the love of the person that made it. My kids say that wrapping up in a quilt I made them is like getting a hug from Momma.</em></p>
<p><strong><a href="http://blogs.stitchinheaven.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/June-2010-066.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-2871" style="float: left;" title="State Fair Quilt" src="http://blogs.stitchinheaven.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/June-2010-066.jpg" alt="" width="143" height="143" /></a>What inspires you?<br />
</strong><em>When I first began quilting I was mainly inspired by other quilters. I found many wonderful patterns in books and on other quilter&#8217;s blogs. Now I see possible quilt designs in  other places. When we are out shopping I can find new designs in floor tiles, architecture and I have even gotten ideas from my kid&#8217;s shoes. Sometimes I like to just grab some fabric and start sewing. I let the quilt decide what it wants to be.</em></p>
<p> <strong>What’s coming up for you?<br />
</strong><em>Last year I made quilts for all the grandkids so this year I am making quilts for our nieces/nephews.  Eventually all the kids in our extended family will have a quilt made just for them.  I&#8217;m also working on some new designs for crocheted scarves. I love scarves that are fun for kids and adults.<a href="http://blogs.stitchinheaven.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/7993_product_34414834_2_thumb_large.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-2872" style="float: right;" title="Snowman Scarf" src="http://blogs.stitchinheaven.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/7993_product_34414834_2_thumb_large.jpg" alt="" width="149" height="134" /></a></em></p>
<p><strong>Quirky Question – What your favorite movie to watch or music to listen to while sewing?<br />
</strong><em>Since my sewing area is in the living room I generally just listen to whatever the family has on. If I need to do some serious quilting I put on my Ipod and listen to Country or 80&#8217;s music.</em></p>
<p>See you here next Friday, when we feature the Canyon Beach Retreat!  The scenery is beautiful and the girls are awesome!  Send me your Friday Features, too! Anything or anyone you&#8217;d like to see featured here, please send me an email! We love having you! <a href="mailto:nichole@stitchinheaven.com">nichole@stitchinheaven.com</a></p>
<p>Hope you all have a fun filled weekend, wether it be quilting, outdoors in the garden, spending time with family or just lounging around!</p>
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		<title>Apple &amp; Zucchini Salad</title>
		<link>http://blogs.stitchinheaven.com/blog/?p=2856</link>
		<comments>http://blogs.stitchinheaven.com/blog/?p=2856#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 07 Jul 2010 14:55:02 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Niki</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Projects]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://blogs.stitchinheaven.com/blog/?p=2856</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[<!-- matched  --><!-- final 0 -->This recipe is so yummy. I would have never thought, before trying this recipe, that it could be so great&#8230;But it is! So perfect, served chilled at a picnic or get together. (This is expecially for you, Robin!) Robin is one of our readers, at RSISLANDCRAFTS blog, and commented last week about needing a recipe [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<!-- matched  --><!-- final 0 --><p>This recipe is so yummy. I would have never thought, before trying this recipe, that it could be so great&#8230;But it is! So perfect, served chilled at a picnic or get together. (This is expecially for you, Robin!) Robin is one of our readers, at <a href="http://www.rsislandcrafts.com/" target="_blank">RSISLANDCRAFTS</a> blog, and commented last week about needing a recipe for the zucchini in her garden, so it reminded me of this one!  &#8216;Tis the season for zucchini!</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://blogs.stitchinheaven.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/zucc-salad.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-2857" title="Zucchini Salad" src="http://blogs.stitchinheaven.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/zucc-salad.jpg" alt="" width="179" height="179" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">2- Lrg. Red Apples</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">2- Meduim Zucchini</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">1/2 cup walnuts or pecans</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">2/3 cup of dressing &#8211; You can use italian dressing or my hubby&#8217;s amazing  tomato vinegarette &#8211; recipe below</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Tomatoe Vinegarette Dressing</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">1/2 c diced red onion</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">1/2 c diced bellpeppers</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">pinch of Mrs. Dash (or to taste)</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">2 c Tomato Vinegarette ( he uses Kraft)</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://blogs.stitchinheaven.com/blog/?page_id=1209"><img class="size-full wp-image-2858 aligncenter" style="float: right;" title="Sew N Spa Giveaway!" src="http://blogs.stitchinheaven.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/hopper-002.jpg" alt="" width="168" height="140" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Combine the dressing ingredients. Set aside.  Combine salad incredients in a clear bowl ( to show off how pretty &amp; colorful it is, of course) then pour dressing over salad &amp; toss! That&#8217;s it!</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">It&#8217;s super yummy and I hope you like it as much as we do! For some added texture, adding your favorite crumbled cheese is nice, too!</p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><strong>Enjoy your recipe and don&#8217;t forget to enter in our Sew N Spa Giveaway! Details on how to win<a href="http://blogs.stitchinheaven.com/blog/?page_id=1209" target="_blank"> here</a>!! Just Say &#8220;Enter Me&#8221; and you&#8217;re in! The hopper is filling fast! There is not a limit to how many entries you can submit, either, so every chance you see, be sure to enter! The more you enter the better chance you have of winning! </strong></p>
<p style="text-align: left;">
<p style="text-align: left;">
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		<title>Feature Friday: Giveaway!</title>
		<link>http://blogs.stitchinheaven.com/blog/?p=2835</link>
		<comments>http://blogs.stitchinheaven.com/blog/?p=2835#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 02 Jul 2010 16:23:59 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Niki</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Projects]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://blogs.stitchinheaven.com/blog/?p=2835</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[<!-- matched  --><!-- final 0 -->
It&#8217;s Friday, again! Woo Hoo! This means its Feature Friday!  It also means that the 4th of July Weekend is just about here!!  I could&#8217;nt think of anything more exciting than to feature a retreat giveaway. Yep, I said it. A giveaway!  It&#8217;s for our Sew N Spa Retreat hosted at Allaso Ranch.


Anyone (women only, [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<!-- matched  --><!-- final 0 --><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.stitchinheaven.com"><img class="aligncenter" style="vertical-align: top;" src="http://www.totallypimpedout.net/Graphics/4th_Of_July/images/Happy_Independence_Day.gif" alt="" width="243" height="175" /></a></p>
<p><span style="color: #000000;">It&#8217;s Friday, again! Woo Hoo! This means its Feature Friday!  It also means that the 4th of July Weekend is just about here!!  I could&#8217;nt think of anything more exciting than to feature a retreat giveaway. Yep, I said it. A giveaway!  It&#8217;s for our<a title="Sew N Spa" href="http://www.stitchinheaven.com/stitchin_heaven_pages/sewnspa-allaso.asp" target="_blank"> Sew N Spa Retreat </a>hosted at<a title="Sew N Spa" href="http://www.stitchinheaven.com/stitchin_heaven_pages/sewnspa-allaso.asp#allaso"> Allaso Ranch</a>.</span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #000000;"><a href="http://blogs.stitchinheaven.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/07/allaso.gif"><img class="size-full wp-image-2814 aligncenter" style="vertical-align: middle;" title="Sew N Spa Retreat" src="http://blogs.stitchinheaven.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/07/allaso.gif" alt="" width="345" height="149" /></a><br />
</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #000000;">Anyone (women only, right now) can enter and there are several ways! If you have already paid for the next retreat in September, it&#8217;s ok, because if you win, this means you can bring a friend or come to the next one in the Spring&#8230;.and still bring a friend!!  Here&#8217;s how you can win:</span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0000ff;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><strong><span style="color: #ff0000;">1</span></strong>. Place an internet order and use code <span style="color: #ff0000;">SNSME</span> for 1 entry per item ordered through July 31st.</span><br />
</span></span><span style="color: #0000ff;"><strong><span style="color: #ff0000;">2</span></strong>. Look for our Random questions related to the giveaway posted to </span><a href="http://www.facebook.com/stitchinheavenquiltshop" target="_blank"><span style="color: #0000ff;">Facebook</span></a><span style="color: #0000ff;"> and comment!  Every comment made will earn you a entry into the drawing!<br />
</span><span style="color: #0000ff;"><strong><span style="color: #ff0000;">3</span></strong>. Subscribe to our </span><span style="color: #0000ff;">Blog! </span><span style="color: #0000ff;">and leave us a comment telling us you want to be entered!</span><a href="http://blog.stitchinheaven.com/blog" target="_blank"><span style="color: #0000ff;"><br />
</span></a><span style="color: #0000ff;"><strong><span style="color: #ff0000;">4.</span></strong> Subscribe to</span><a href="http://www.stitchinheaven.com/stitchin_heaven_pages/hot_flashes.asp" target="_blank"><span style="color: #0000ff;"> Hotflashes</span></a><span style="color: #0000ff;">! then email us letting us know you want to be entered. Just reply to your confirmation with &#8221; Enter Me&#8221;.<br />
</span><span style="color: #0000ff;"><span style="color: #ff0000;"><strong>5</strong></span>. Look for Blog posts asking to comment to be entered in the giveaway!<br />
</span><span style="color: #0000ff;"><strong><span style="color: #ff0000;">6</span></strong>. Post the button below to your blog and link back to us for 5 entries! Email me when you get it posted so I know!  <a href="mailto:nichole@stitchinheaven.com">nichole@stitchinheaven.com</a></span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0000ff;"><a href="http://blogs.stitchinheaven.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/SH_inspired.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-2845" title="Sew Inspired! Grab me!" src="http://blogs.stitchinheaven.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/SH_inspired.jpg" alt="" width="142" height="144" /></a><br />
</span><span style="color: #0000ff;"><span style="color: #ff0000;"><strong>7.</strong></span> Come into the store and make a purchase or attend a class- see store for details or ask one of our associates!</span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #000000;">So, leave me a comment here telling me you want to be entered!</span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #000000;">Have a fun and very safe 4th of July!</span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #000000;"> </span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #000000;"> </span></p>
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