New Ideas, Featherweights and Cancer...

Not necessarily in that order!

My son-in-law, Bryan, was recently diagnosed with colon cancer, with a huge tumor located in his rectum. We have gone through several weeks of horrible scary testing and gloomy diagnosis. Bryan was lifted up in prayer by hundreds of prayer warriors who believe that our God reigns and is in control! Thanks be to Him, we found out yesterday that the cancer hasn't spread and Bryan starts a routine of chemo/radiation for six weeks shortly; six weeks after he's done with that, he will have surgery. In the meantime, prayers have been answered in that the cancer is localized and as long as the road is ahead, that is a huge blessing! We want to give God the glory and do! Thank you to all who have prayed for Bryan and continue to do so! God bless you in a special way!

Now...NEW IDEAS. I am thinking of converting part of my store into a quilting/crafting shop! I would love to get your ideas and opinions about this idea! I have ideas about re-doing the inside of the store, and to mix vintage antique sewing notions and "smalls" with NEW sewing notions and smalls, and carrying specialty fabrics, woolfelt and different items like that. Eventually, I would like to have a teacher come and teach a class or two. I have been in touch with a lady from the Manhattan Quilter's Guild and have some ideas from her. I already carry WOOL RUG HOOKING KITS and HOOKS here from Rustic Rugs in Topeka. I am looking into lots of other ideas. If you have any suggestions or connections for me, please email me!

FEATHERWEIGHTS.....what can I say? Gwen got me started by selling me one of hers. I now own my second...TILLIE is her name. She is from Canada. I am absolutely in love with these little Singer machines! I must have more! :) I would like to carry some in my shop and will be attending a maintenance class to learn how to take care of these little beauties. If anyone knows of anyone who would like to sell a featherweight, please email me.

It is a beautiful day here in Paxico today! We are getting ready for the Meatloaf Festival/Cookoff on June 27! This promises to be a fun-filled family day! If you have a the "best" meatloaf recipe in town, please enter our cookoff! You can contact me for more information, or you can get on the merchants website and print off forms: www.paxicomerchants.com. Live music, Kansas Barn exhibits, vendors, it will be a fun summer day! Come spend it with us!

Spring Has Sprung!

It's been a while since I've written - busy times! Thank you Lord! I have had the MOST fun with the first Saturday of the month craft classes, held here at The Gathering Place! We learned Wool Rug Hooking in February, with Judy Cripps; and just last Saturday we painted "Spring in Watercolor" with Susan Poitevan, of The Brown Rabbit here in Paxico. It was absolutely the most wonderful fun! See pictures somewhere on this page!

Our next class will be the first Saturday of May - Needlefelting, taught by Rob Walker. It promises to be just as much fun as the last two classes!

My mom, Nancy, was here last week and I have to say I miss her tremendously now! She is so talented at decorating, rearranging, and alas, she cleaned my kitchen here at the shop! Bless her! My 65-year old mother was balancing with one foot on the edge of my sink, and one on my counter top, cleaning a shelf. Needless to say, I am proud of her...she's so young! My inspiration! Thanks mom and come back SOON! :)

I have started carrying some vintage fabric and sewing notions. I bought a Singer featherweight last fall from a wonderful gal, and I just NOW have been researching about it, reading about it and getting to know my little jewel! I sewed on it for the first time this past weekend and I love her! And in my excitement to have her and share about her, my mom, aunt and cousin all bought on too! We can have a family featherweight group! I really want to look for more to add to my collection - and USE, of course - so if anyone knows of any for sale, please let me know! I'm becoming a fanatical addict!

I have more purses and candles and lots of "new" antiques in the store, plus my little sandwich/bakery shoppe, so please come see me soon!

Happy Valentine's Day!

Happy Valentine's Day to all!

I have to take a moment on this most romantic day of the year and thank my husband, Darrin, for everything wonderful he has brought into my life! Our third anniversary was last Wednesday...I cannot believe how time has flown by. That kind of happens more as you get older, doesn't it? :) My husband has taught me a lot and shown me a whole new world in so many ways. Mostly, I thank the Lord for the love he has given us for each other.

Well, enough mushiness! I need to remind you to call with your reservation for the WOOL RUG HOOKING class to be held on Saturday, March 7, in the store from 3 to 5 PM. I have several openings left, so call today! 636-5577. It's gonna be fun!

And don't forget if you need a 13 x 9 inch cake or a 12 x 18 inch cake for a special event to give me a call!

Cakes!

I've got spaghetti on the stove, waiting for Darrin and Kailey to get home. It was so beautiful today outside; in the upper 60's - just a little touch of spring before it starts raining tonight and is only in the 40's tomorrow. But, at least we got that touch! It's enough to put a "spring" to your walk and give you hope! Plus, my daffodils are starting to peek out of the ground!

I am now offering decorated cakes! Two sizes: 13 x 9, and 12 x 18. Call to order for your special occasion! I've been decorating cakes for about 21 years; I even made my oldest daughter's wedding cake a few years ago. I'll try to post a picture on the blog! Anyway, I'll keep an album in the store of past cakes I've made. It'll be fun to do it again!

My wool rug hooking class is filling up! If you are interested, please call me as soon as possible. The deadline is February 20, but you will absolutely LOVE this rug we will be making; you can use it for a wallhanging since it's only 7 x 9. I am so excited!

Chelsey brought in some new cards she just made for Valentine's Day, Easter and birthday! They are adorable! Remember to stop in for a unique, one-of-a-kind card for any occasion!

Rumor has it I will be receiving some new purses by Denise of DS Designs soon, and some spring smelling candles from my sister, Jill, of Glory and Grace Candles! Check them out soon!

Have a beautiful week!
Julie

Wool Rug Hooking Class Offered!!!

Who's ready for spring??? I'm sitting here today on day three of a stuffy nose and headache, and I am ready for some warmth and sunshine and green grass and flowers! Some fluffy bunnys and butterflies would be alright too!

I have been adding lots of "new" antiques to the store lately. I've been to a couple of auctions and found some wonderful things! Beautiful glassware, costume jewelry, enamelware....come check it out!

I am most excited to announce that on Saturday, March 7, I am hosting a special class in The Gathering Place from 3:00 to 5:00 PM. Judy Cripps, of Rustic Rugs in Topeka, will be teaching a Wool Rug Hooking class, featuring a special pattern/kit she designed called "Paxico House." Cost will be $35.00 a kit; all you need to bring is a 10"-12" hoop. I will provide drinks and dessert! It is going to be so much fun; I have always wanted to learn to do this craft and feel very blessed that Judy will be teaching it! If you would like to sign up, call me at 636-5577 - space is limited, so call soon! I've already got several signed up! What fun! There is also a sample of the finished product in my store, if you would like to see it!

Lastly, I am posting a picture of my very handsome husband on here, with a big thank-you to him for his love and support! He truly is the best, and I appreciate him! Thanks, Honey!

Baby, It's Cold Outside!

FOUR degrees today, to be exact! I cooked up a big pot of chili for lunch today - I wish I had some huge cinnamon rolls to go with it! Yum! Not good for my diet!

Well, Happy New Year to everybody! I had the pleasure of my mom, Nancy, and sister, Jill, coming down the end of December and helping me rearrange my store and put new displays in the windows! I have to say it is WONDERFUL! I love it and it motivated me to bring up more antiques I've had in the garage and get them put out! Even my little nephew helped with the cleaning! See the attached pictures - he was adorable!

I have so many new plans for the store this year! I am excited to announce that on March 7, Saturday, Judy Cripps of Topeka will be in my store to teach a class on wool rug hooking! The class will be from 3:00 to 5:00 PM in the store and the cost for a kit will be $35.00. This includes EVERYTHING but an embroidery hoop that you can bring! I have limited space, so if you know NOW that you'd like to take this class, give me a call at 785-636-5577 by February 15! What a fun way to get together and make a wonderful craft and get to know some new friends! I'll even have some refreshments!

In the future, I am planning to try to have one craft class like this a month. I am also planning to start carrying some notions, some fabrics, and other fun crafting items!

Let me know what you think, or any suggestions! In the meantime, STAY WARM!

Merry CHRISTmas everyone!

Well, it's Christmas Eve Eve, and there's a snow storm moving in, and I'm ready to go home and start getting ready for my Christmas festivities! Lots of baking yet to do, and cleaning, and ok....just a lot to do!

I want to take this time to pause and wish you and yours a very Merry Christmas! With all the busyness and sparkle of the holiday, let's remember to keep our focus on the reason for the season...the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Happy Birthday Jesus!

Merry Christmas!