Sweet Home Quilt Co.

As 2012 winds down, I just wanted to take a few minutes to say thanks…for your business, your love and support, and your encouraging words along the way. It was a great year at the shop, beginning with the phone call in January telling me that Sweet Home had been selected as a Top Ten Shop for Quilt Sampler magazine, followed by weeks of frantic preparation for the photo shoot in early March, and then the agonizing wait until May when the official announcement was made at Quilt Market. There were times I thought I’d burst with the news, but we managed to keep it quiet. The outpouring of love and congratulatory messages received from all of you when the announcement was made were both humbling and heartwarming, and served as proof that Sweet Home is as loved by you as it is by us! We’ve met so many wonderful new friends from all over the U.S. and several other countries as a result of the magazine article, and I never tire of hearing “what a wonderful shop!”, which always makes me smile…it makes every effort worthwhile!

In the midst of preparing for the Quilt Sampler photo shoot, we welcomed Terry Atkinson of Atkinson Designs for a workshop in February. Sixty-five quilters spent two fun-filled days working with Terry testing a quilt pattern from her then soon-to-be-released book, Graphic Mixx, which has proven to be another hit for her! Every single time I look at the Graphic Mixx book I think to myself “we had a part in that!” Today, almost a year later, I still hear comments about how much fun that weekend was, and when can we do it again?

So many special moments from throughout the year … I could write a book! But I won’t since you’re probably getting ready for champagne and fireworks! I do especially want to thank everyone who has helped support our charitable efforts this year. Thanks to you, more than 500 pillowcases have been donated to ConKerr Cancer, and over 100 pet beds went to the local animal shelter. When Hurricane Sandy devastated the Northeast, you were quick to answer my call for help, contributing nearly 100 quilts and blankets and money to help with shipping costs. I really think we made a difference in a lot of ways this year, and I’m so proud to have the support of such giving hearts! You lift me up every single day in ways I never could have imagined!

Tomorrow brings a new year. I’m excited about this one. Good things are planned. Good things are happening. I’m ready.

Wishing you happiness,
Wishing you health,
Wishing you blessings …

Happy New Year!

~Melisa

We celebrated our Top Ten feature in Quilt Sampler magazine last Saturday with a BIG party! I took a ton of photos, but somewhere in all the excitement I misplaced my camera! I’ve searched all week with no luck, so it must be gone for good! I did take a few photos with my cell phone so those are all I have to share with you…

I decided at the last minute that we needed a banner…so we scrambled for two days to put this together, but it turned out cute! I like it so much I’ve left it hanging!

Sweet treats for our sweet friends! And the specially labeled water bottles and Hershey’s candy favors were a big hit although I’m not sure Jeanne would agree since she’s the one who had to put all those labels on!

Jeanne treated us to homemade Cake Pops!

Fat quarter “hard candies” for everyone! All they had to do was give us an autograph for the commemorative autograph quilt I’m designing! And on the wall is the Scrappy Blue and Cream version of our Quilt Sampler quilt project, “Eye Candy.”

We collected nearly a hundred signatures! Guess I’d better get busy designing that quilt!

Spin the wheel and win a prize! Many thanks to our generous suppliers who showered us with fun prizes to give away!

Our Quilt Sampler project, “Eye Candy,” in the published Double-Pink and White combo. (We have kits available for both versions.)

If you missed the party, you missed a great time! It was a fun, fun day full of laughter and warm memories. We are so blessed to have such good friends and customers who have supported us all these years, and to be able to share the monumental honor of being selected as a Quilt Sampler Top Shop…it means the world to us!

Melisa, Mike and the staff at Sweet Home

Our Quilt Sampler Celebration was originally scheduled for August 25th, but we changed the date because we were concerned that our Quilt Sampler magazines would not arrive in time. Of course, the magazines were delivered the following day…oh well! We’re planning a blow-out party for Saturday, September 8th, and we’d love it if you could join us!

We just want to share our joy of being included in Quilt Sampler with you, and give you an opportunity to pick up a copy of the magazine and see our Quilt Sampler project, “Eye Candy,” up close and personal! Our suppliers have been extremely generous with product giveaways for the event, and we’ve put together a little surprise treat for everyone, too. Oh, and did I mention, we’re going to feed you?

I also want to put together a commemorative autograph quilt and we’d love to have your autograph included. Everyone who attends the party can sign a square on the spot! Even if you can’t attend, we’d still love to have your autograph if you’re a fan of Sweet Home! Just send us a 3 1/2” square of muslin with your signature and city/state, and we’ll include it in the quilt. (Remember not to write in the 1/4” margins!) Mail your square to us at 1004 Green St SW, Conyers, GA 30012, before September 25th, please!

We hope you’ll be able to join us for the festivities on September 8th!

~Melisa

(If you can’t come to the party and you can’t make it by the shop, both the Quilt Sampler magazine and the kit for our “Eye Candy” quilt project are available on our website!)

Quilt Sampler Magazines Have Arrived!

The much-anticipated Fall/Winter issue of Quilt Sampler magazine with our feature article has arrived! It seems so surreal to actually have the magazine in my hands and be able to see the article and pictures that were done so long ago…well, not really that long ago…back in March! But it sure seems like we’ve waited forever!

I knew the minute I changed the date of our Quilt Sampler Top Ten Sweet Celebration that the magazines would show up, and sure enough, I was right! No matter, though! We’re still having a party on Saturday, September 8, so I hope you will come celebrate with us. We want your autograph for our commemorative quilt, and there will be lots of food and many, many giveaways thanks to the generosity and support of our wonderful suppliers. We’re planning a very special celebration to share our joy of being featured in Quilt Sampler, and as our way of saying thanks for your support and friendship these last seven years!

In the meantime, be the first to get a copy of the magazine to see our feature, and those of the nine other wonderful quilt shops featured in this issue (the magazine won’t hit the newstands for another two weeks!) Order your copy online, or call the shop and we’ll be happy to help. Kits for our featured quilt project are also available now, and can be ordered online or by calling the shop. 

Now, I’m going to go put my feet up and read that article again!

~Melisa

Many of you have called looking for the Fall issue of Quilt sampler magazine, and we finally received our copies Friday. The bad news is that we have only a few copies left…seems everyone in the shop this weekend wanted one!

You especially want to grab a copy of this issue since a favorite local shop, Tiny Stitches in Marietta, is featured! Congratulations, Maetha and staff! There are lots of other great-looking quilt shops featured, too, so don’t wait…stop by and grab your copy before they’re all gone!

Melisa

Call to reserve your copy before they’re all gone!

Melisa

I just received word this morning that the new Spring/Summer issue of Quilt Sampler magazine has started shipping to stores.

Which means we’ll probably have it in about a week. This magazine always sells out within a day or two of us receiving it, so if you want one right away, call the shop and pre-order today! That way you’ll be assured of getting a copy. Cost is $6.99 plus sales tax and postage, if applicable.

Melisa