August is here and there is lots happening here at Calico Cottage.

• Summer Saturday Hours starting after Memorial Day until Labor Day the shop hours on Saturday will be from 9:30 AM until 3:00 PM.
• Join us any Thursday evening anytime from 5 PM to 9 PM for "Girls Night Out", bring something to work on. Someone is always on site to offer assistance if you need some extra help or advice. We will have great conversation and maybe get some projects done.
• Illusions BOM club continues to meet on the first Friday of each month.
• Happy Hour is scheduled for August 12th! Julie will be on Facebook live Friday night August 12th for Happy Hour, to show you what is new at Calico Cottage.
• Join us for our annual Sidewalk Sale on Aug 13th.
• Quilts of Valor Sew day is August 17th from 9:30 AM until 2:30 PM
• Exploring Embroidery is resuming on August 18th from 7 to 9 PM
• Remember the 25th of the month is "12 Months of Christmas" = free Christmas projects.
• August 23rd features "Wool Club" from 1:00 PM until 4:00 PM. You can join the wool club at any time!
• Sew....It's Friday, happens on August 26th join us for a "free day of sewing"
• Scrappy Saturday is on August 27th stop by to pick up your free patterns for more ideas.
• Don't forget the once-a-month Fat Quarter Friday Sale - see sale section for details.
• Are you worried about getting your Nebraska State Fair entries done online? Well Sue says she is more than happy to make time for you at her house to do those entries, just give her a call 402.463.5202 (home). If that does not work Julie is ready and willing to help you too here at the shop. Call to schedule a time with her 402.469.0940 (cell).

• Guest Teacher coming to Calico Cottage - Save the Date September 24 for Cathy Kaufman (Certified Laura Heine Instructor) More details below. There are only a few spaces left.
  

By now most of you have had the opportunity to stop in and meet Julie and the staff at Calico Cottage. During the next few months, we will be featuring an employee so you get to know us just a bit better. Next up is Diane McLeod our Business Manager!

My family: Bill and I have been married 38 years. We have three grown daughters: Pamala Gregg (Justin), Cassandra Bishard (Luke) and Karissa McLeod. We also have been blessed with four amazing grandchildren: Braxton, Landon, Ellianna and Lillian. We were fortunate to be able to raise our girls in the area where we both grew up. We have a row crop operation and run a few head of Registered Polled Herefords. I have served the community by volunteering in several school and 4-H groups.

Julie and I have been close friends for quite some time. I have helped her in the shop on a casual basis the last several years. This is my first “paid off-farm” job. Although I took this position on a temporary basis, my family has adjusted to the change and I am enjoying the experience. We think it might be permanent.

I am not a quilter, although I have completed a couple of projects. The only part I enjoy is the part I hear many of you complain about…hand sewing the binding to finish the creation. My hobbies of choice are scrapbooking and handwork. Have you gone up to the third floor to see the selection of scrapbooking and cardmaking supplies Blu J has to offer?

Here are a few questions we asked Diane to get to know her just a bit better.

• Favorite Color: Pink, all shades from baby pink to fuchsia
• Favorite Season: I like seasons. I enjoy having something new to anticipate. However, I really do like snow. Nothing beats a good snow day, locked inside with the family. It’s like a surprise vacation.
  
• Morning/Night: Night Owl. I hate to get up and get going. I am much more effective and efficient during the night.
• Childhood dreams: I wanted to be my mom. She supported everything I attempted. Everyone thought well of her. She helped Dad on the farm. She was dedicated, strong willed, intelligent, and compassionate.
• Inspiration: My love for God, family and Country, without them there is nothing.
• Favorite food: I love roast beef with potatoes, gravy and corn on the cob. And then there is milk chocolate covered caramel.
• Best Vacation: My sister, Karen, and I took all six of our kids on a trip through western Nebraska. We went to Cody Go-Carts, Chimney Rock, Carhenge, and Front Street. The trip culminated with a stop at the museum where our maternal grandparents have an extensive collection. It was great to share our heritage with our children. We photographed each girl wearing a treasured dress of our great-grandmother. 5 generations have worn the dress.
• Words to live by: Listen, smile, agree and then do whatever you were going to do anyway.
• Notions: I love the new Creative Grids Rotary Cutter. Magnetic pin holder, ViviLux Light, seam ripper, and a calculator.

August - "Picnic Friends"

July - "Feelin' Patriotic"

June - "Summer Tweet Summer"

May - "Brings May Flowers"

April - "Not just any rabbit... it's the Easter Bunny"

March - "No Shenanigans just Clovers"

February - " Love Hearts"

January - "Sledding through the Winter"

Each month on the first Wednesday of the month a new wrap for the month will be released!

Stop by and pick up your free pattern and/or (kit includes pattern) for $ I7.49.

• Check out the Sidewalk Sale Deals on August 13th
• Fat Quarter Friday on August 19th - Take a chance and draw for your discount on the fat quarters. You may draw prior to shopping for the fat quarters. There will be some great deals on the "fats".
• Manic Monday August 22nd "All Fabric Sale" - Buy 1 yard get the second yard off the same bolt 1/2 off

• Who - Cathy Kaufman, Fabric Artist, Certified Instructor.
• What - Fabric Collage Workshop, Featuring Laura Heine Techniques/Class - Teeny Tiny Collage Patterns (about 16"x20"). You pick your design not limited to the picture.
• Where - Calico Cottage
• When - September 23rd (Hastings Quilt Guild) or September 24th (Anyone can attend either day) *Note Friday is full and there is only 3 spaces available on Saturday.
• Fee - $90 per day (you may attend both sessions or either one) plus the pattern and your supplies. Cathy is doing a price reduction of $15 per registration. If you have already paid the full amount, there will be a refund waiting for you.