Have You Ever Walked Into A Quilt Shop . . .

And instantly felt "at home"?  I know I have - a few times.  This morning - with the cold temps in our area, it got me to thinking about one time in particular!

Several years ago, I was so very fortunate to have the opportunity to teach at a retreat sponsored by Calico Gals in (at that time) Fayetteville, NY.  Back then, they were located in an old barn along the Erie Canal.  It was in February of 2006.  I arrived at Syracuse airport, and was instantly dismayed at the lack of snow - although their freezing cold temperatures helped to make up for the lack of white stuff.  They had just experienced a huge winter wind storm - and boy was it COLD!!!  I was picked up at the airport and whisked away to the quilt shop where I was instantly mesmerized by everything I saw.  But more importantly - I was made to feel at home the moment I walked into their shop.  At that time, I had known the owners of the shop for a couple of years, and in meeting the rest of the staff I felt as thought I'd known them for a long time as well.  To make a long story short - it was a fabulous 4 days filled with fun, friendship and an awesome bit of shopping!!  Not to mention - we DID get a huge amount of snow - I experienced my first 'whiteout' conditions while driving on the interstate (thank you very much Joan for keeping me alive) and got to make my first snow angel!!! 

Fast forward to 2012 - Calico Gals main shop is now located in Syracuse NY

(with a second shop in Oswego),

and I am positive that the 'new' main shop is every bit as warm and inviting as the old barn used to be.  They just happen to be hosting my Strip Smart Quilts trunk show

through the month of January, so if you happen to be in the area - why not stop by and see the quilts, shop - shop - shop till you drop - and tell the gals I said hello!  You'll be so glad you did!

Don't forget - our Warehouse Sale ends tonite at midnight - so head on over and see what you can find!

With a warm heart,

Kathy

Comments

[Janet Lutz]

Hey Kathy - I was just sending all the gals an email about your trunk show and decided to add a link to your blog. How fun that you are blogging about Calico Gals! We still talk about your visit to the snowy north. That was fun! We are getting ready for the 2012 Winter Quilt Camp. Why don't you come on back for another winter experience? You can make more snow angels..
Janet
Calico Gals

[joan ford]

Thanks for the shout-out. But you forgot to mention waking up to the soothing sound of parrot squawks in the morning! I think the finger nail marks are still in the car door handle from the snowy drive! Be careful what you wish for, eh? Hills, and snow, and riding in the passenger seat sure do make the journey interesting.

joan ford