Sweet Home Quilt Co.

I’m ready to dump all my computers in a pile, and go back to doing everything with pen and paper! Not really, but it has been a really difficult week, technologically, both at the shop and at home!

First my laptop was hit with a Trojan/virus thingy and had to go to the computer hospital. It was a fairly easy fix, but then a few days later the darn thing popped up again. Thanks to step-by-step instructions from my computer guy, I was able to get it going again. Only problem is that I don’t have nearly all of my software programs on my laptop, so I’m pretty limited with what I can do with it.

THEN, the PC at the shop was hit with the same junk late last week and it proved fatal to that machine! The whole thing had to be wiped clean, and everything reloaded…still a work in progress, but hopefully sometime this week I’ll be back in business. I have an external hard drive for backups of photos and files, and luckily I had just done a full system back up at the end of the year. I’m hoping I haven’t lost too much, but it remains to be seen. Apparently, this particular piece of nasty code targets McAfee and Norton security systems, and is able to bypass other security programs so there is no fool proof protection…other than abstinence…now where have I heard that before??? (Sorry, couldn’t resist!)

Learn from my experience: If you get a screen or pop-up saying you have a virus, and another pop-up offers to fix the problem if you click on “install”, DO NOT TOUCH IT! Even though it appears to be legitimate Microsoft stuff, it is actually creeps looking for your credit card info. I knew better than to fall for it, but the marauding trojans and viruses were already wreaking havoc on my computer(s)! And trust me when I tell you, it is a royal pain to fix!

If you have sent me an email in the last week, I’m not ignoring you, but it will be a few more days before I can read it. If you really need to talk to me, call me at the shop!

Oh, and no worries, I’m not contagious!

Let’s all be safe out there…geez, I’m just full of puns tonight!!! Gotta laugh to keep from crying…

Melisa

“Spoolin’ Around” Beginner Paper-Piecing

Our class schedule through April is on the website! We have new dates of our most popular sessions, as well as all new offerings. We continually add classes as teachers become available and special requests are received so be sure to check back often to see what has been added. We also have some fun club groups to give you a little fun, uninterrupted quilting time. Take a little time for yourself in the New Year to make your first quilt, learn a new technique, or stitch up a unique gift for someone.  Classes are a fun way to improve your skills and enjoy crafty company!

A gift certificate to one of our classes would be a wonderful gift for the sewing enthusiast in your life? Better yet, you could take a class as well and spend some creative time together. We are happy to mail gift certificates anywhere they need to go, so please call the shop for details.

See you in class!

Melisa

Anyone still with me? I know postings have been a bit scarce lately (and I’ve taken a lot of grief about it, too!). I have been working, working, working. Along with all the usual year-end stuff and some fun, busy days at the shop, I’ve been planning lots of fun things for the shop (more on that later!), getting ready for Fat Quarter Frenzy, and planning for Shop Hop. And in between, there has been a little (very little!) cooking, cleaning, laundry, yada, yada, yada!

Since the weather here is rainy and yucky today, I thought I’d try to catch up on a few things. I’ve got a long list already that includes a little cleaning & laundry, a few small quilting projects that shouldn’t take long to finish, and blogging with you. I’ve got loads to share, just haven’t had time to post; hopefully, I can remedy that today.

I’ve been searching for a few quick Valentine projects, and I came across a few that I thought you might like, too. Still plenty of time to work on these…

These cute pennie pockets from Sew What’s New would make great favors for the kids’ teachers or friends, or maybe for a little treat for your co-workers.

Here is a beautiful small heart wallhanging provided by Janome that would work up quickly. There is also a matching pillow project that would be quick to make, too. Be sure to read about The Heart Truth project, heart disease in women is a real threat!

Check out this free tutorial for a Stack-n-Whack heart block from Bethany Reynolds – make 3 or 4 blocks and set them into a cute table runner or topper for Valentine’s Day.

Here’s a little surprise Valentine’s giveaway for you. Leave a comment and I’ll send this great little pattern to the lucky winner – make it for yourself or as a giftie for a quilting friend (or both!)  I’ll post the winner on Friday, Jan. 29th. Be sure to leave your email address with your comment so I can contact you if you win!

I’m off to tick a few things off today’s list. First on the list is to put on a loda of laundry, eat a little breakfast and read the Sunday paper…then the fun can begin!

Melisa

It’s Cold…brrr!

Wishing you the best for 2010.