We tried heading south to find the sun and warm weather but it mostly evaded us. We spent 10 days in Arizona and the high was 60 degrees and the lows were in the LOW 30’s. Actually, there was frost a couple of mornings in Tubac. It was still a great vacation, seeing friends, new places, good food and SUNSHINE. The difference in the landscape and vegetation is amazing. I think I might be able to talk Pat into spending a bit of time there someday in the future when I retire. He fell in love with the saguaro cactus and rugged terrain.

Closing the store for 2 weeks seemed like a bold move but I think it was a good decision. I was able to step away from thinking about the store and worrying if things are going to be okay. I have a great group of ladies working for me but, like a mother hen, I tend to have a need to smother. With the store closed there was not the constant wondering and worrying. I admit there were days that I didn’t really think about business at all.

Now, however, it is back to full speed ahead. We had done some rearranging before I left and when we got back Pat and I did some painting. It is still in progress but stop in and see the changes! Lots of new fabric in and several great models to inspire you.  I visited a few shops in Arizona and was reminded of how important good customer service is to a shopper’s impression of a store. I’m pleased to say that the quilt stores were all very friendly and engaging, the shops at the outlet mall and several galleries not so much. I hate that feeling of being invisible to the clerks.

As we put our heads together and look toward this New Year, we would really like to hear from you. What can we do to meet your fabric and project wants and needs better? Being a small, local quilt store in a limited population area is a tough job! Through social media we are expanding our reach somewhat, but it is really the local base that keeps our doors open. Help us keep the doors open by letting us know how we can better serve your quilting/fabric/project needs.

The road behind is long gone with its twists and turns.

 The road ahead is an adventure yet to be taken. 

The most important road to navigate is the one under my feet at this moment.

May I navigate it with clear vision, perseverance and  wisdom.