June Quilt Retreat

Okay, So who doesn't love a good mystery?  Becky & I are down here at the Carlisle Inn in Walnut Creek, Ohio on retreat. We arrived on Sunday and will be headed home on Thursday.  Today I finished trimming up the Witches Brew Bedrunner blocks & got the blocks pieced. I love how it turned out.  We'll be hanging it at the NQA show in Columbus in about a week & a half.  

So, back to the mystery.  The first day & a half that we were here at retreat, I worked on a project that I'm not allowed to share just yet. So, you'll have to wait in breathless anticipation till I'm allowed to reveal the gorgeous fabrics and the pattern that they evolved into!  I promise you that it'll be worth the wait!

Off to Portland for Spring Market!

 

Becky and I left this morning for Portland, Oregon for Spring Market.  Tomorrow we will start setting up Ruby Blue Quilting Studio's first booth that will showcase Becky's new book "Seamingly Scrappy" published by Martingale along with some of her new designs.  Traveling to Oregon has some logistical challenges when you are hauling quilts, items for the booth and a weeks worth of clothing.  I will never be accused of packing lightly! By the end of the day, there were 3 cities, 6 bags of luggage and 2 tuckered out quilters!

 

Quilt Market is a shop owner's dream.  One stop shopping for all the latest fabric, books, patterns, new designers and we get a chance to catch up with some of our favorite designers and friends. Stay tuned for a sneak peak of Becky's booth and more yummy stuff at Spring Market.....

Wow! What a retreat!

We just got home from retreat at the Carlisle Inn in Walnut Creek, Ohio.  All I can say is "Wow".  What an incredible place!  We had 19 ladies all together quilting in the conference room.  It was so relaxing & there's so much to see & do in Holmes County when you need a break from sewing. Our favorite choices were a little retail therapy to help boost the economy in Berlin, Charm & Walnut Creek. Or, going next door to the Der Dutchman to enjoy an endless buffet of Amish cooking. (The carbohydrate coma followed shortly after the visit to the buffet.) The ladies starting filing in on Wednesday & we had till Saturday night to quilt!  It's like Heaven on earth! Another bonus to the retreat was that we missed all the snow (10" at the shop in Chardon) while we were celebrating the first day of Spring.

The Conference Room - Before

The Conference Room - After

 

 

The bedrooms are wonderful!  There's a great view from all sides of the hotel.  Although, we didn't spend much time in the rooms, it was a welcome site after a long hard day of quilting.  I was able to finish my Glacier Star.  It's a Judy Niemeyer pattern that I'll be teaching shortly.

 

 

 I also worked on my next Mariner's Compass that is Judy's new Technique of the Month that just came out in January.   We're still working out some of the colors, but it was great to have the time to sew & the space to lay it out & see how it's coming together.

 

  We've scheduled another retreat at the Carlisle Inn this August.  It seems so far away, but it'll be here before we know it. I'm sure I'll have plenty of projects lined by then to work on.  Hope you can join us at the next retreat.

 

 

Quiltworx in Montana

I left for Montana this morning to spend a week at Judy Niemeyer's quilt retreat.  I've been in the state for barely six hours and have seen so many incredible sites.  We flew over Glacier National Park as we were coming in for a landing.  I've barely put my camera down, there's so much to see. I've seen beautiful mountain ranges, 7 rainbows (so far), storms rolling in, an eagle. Oooops, no wait, false alarm, it was just a seagull.  But you never know, I may see one yet!  (8 rainbows)

The rest of the ladies should arrive tomorrow & then the rubber hits the road on Tuesday morning!  We'll start learning the new Technique of the Month that Judy has designed.  Can't wait to get started. Make that 9 rainbows..

This is the sewing room where we'll be working.  And this is the deck where we'll be relaxing after all that hard work.. . .

10 rainbows!  Now I know why Ohio doesn't have so many rainbows, Montana's hogging them all!

See you tomorrow with more from Montana.  Beth

Wildwood Show!!!

Currently we are in the works of setting up our booth at the Wildwood Show with all sorts of new fabrics and notions that have arrived in recent days. We'd love to see you at the show - here's the details:

Where: Mentor Senior Center, 8484 Munson Road (Route 615), Mentor, OH (In front of Civic Center)

When: Sunday, November 6th from 10-4

How Much: Admission is $3

What Will I See: There are at least 14 vendors, several quilts on display made by members of the guild, a section of Challenge Quilts by the guild to vote on, refreshments, and last but not least - a quilt size quilt to raffle!!! Tickets for the raffle quilt are $1 each or 6 for $5.

It's going to be an exciting day with much to see and the weather is supposed to be nice, so grab a friend or two and make a day of it. Can't wait to see you there!!!

Samples

Ssssoooooo? Are you ready for Quilting Around Chautauqua this weekend? We're almost ready to pack the car, head up North and see all the quilters attending this year's show.

This year the show features the amazing Jinny Beyer, her quilts are breath-taking and she pieces them all by hand... yes, by hand. So, if you can, plan on coming up at least for a few hours to see all of the quilts and vendors at the show.

We will be in the Anthoneum, in our typical spot. We are probably only one of close to 60 or so vendors, so bring the wallet - or better yet, bring your Husband's credit cards... He'll never know :]

One of the samples we will be bringing with us is our sample of Paganini by Miss Rosie. It's one of her Schnibbles patterns so with a Charm Pack and some background you too can have this adorable small quilt.

 Once finished (these were taken right after the quilting was finished) this quilt will have scalloped borders and the cutest ever striped bias binding....

The swirls quilted on it were just too perfect to go with the Java fabric by Deb Strain for Moda. We have these patterns available in the shop and we will have them with us at the show this weekend.

We can't wait to see you all at the show, and if you can't make it to the show, the girls will be holding down the fort at the shop, so stop by there too!!!

Some pictures for ya!

We've settled into our new shop and finally got our sign up:

 Doesn't it look lovely?! Remember, we're between Joey's and Cameo Jeweler's in the Washington Post Plaza...

 Oh, and we got these awesome decals for our windows...

 But if you haven't been to the new shop - when you step in the door this is what you'll see!

 We still have all the same goodies like Civil War Fabrics, Batiks, 1930's prints, and so much more.

Including this latest collection to arrive - Peek-A-Boo by Red Rooster. These adorable bears look so cuddly, they'd make a prefect baby quilt! Know anyone that's expecting - I sure do!

We also have a bunch of Christmas fabric that has recently arrived - but hurry, it's going fast!!! Many more batiks are arriving all the time as well as a few Civil War lines that I know should be here shortly.

We'll keep you updated with the latest here in the shop (like maybe a sale and a Shop Hop or two in the future!) and any classes that we might be offering. For the latest class list click here.

Speaking of classes, we have acquired a classroom space within the same plaza that can meet our needs for some of the larger groups we've been having. It also can be available if you need to lay out a large quilt and don't have the space along with other things. Ask about using the space and if you have any questions (we do have to work around the class schedule) give us a call or stop in!

That should do it for now - I'll be back with more info for you soon!

Come take a class!

We've gotten together with our teachers and compiled a calendar full of different techniques, skill levels, and just all around fun.

If you have any questions on the classes listed below or would like to sign up, please e-mail us at cottonpickersquiltshop (at) gmail (dot) com or call us at 440-279-0610.

Classes

February 2011


February 2 - Wooly Wednesday - 1pm-5pm

February 9 - Wooly Wednesday - 1pm-5pm

February 10 - Marti & Me Club - 6:30pm

February 11 - Jo's Little Women #10 - 10am

February 12 - Marti & Me Club - 10am

February 15 - Charmed Living Table Runner - 6pm-8pm

February 16 - Wooly Wednesday - 1pm-5pm

February 19 - Invisible Machine Applique (pt.1) - 10am- Noon

February 19 - Beginning Rug Hooking 10am-Noon

February 22 - English Paper Piecing - 1pm-3pm

February 23 - Wooly Wednesday - 1pm-5pm

February 26 - Beginning Rug Hooking - 10am-Noon

February 26 - Charmed Living Table Runner - 1pm-3pm

March 2011

March 2 - Wooly Wednesday - 1pm-5pm

March 5 - Invisible Machine Applique (pt 2) 10am-Noon

March 8 - Marti Michell Log Cabin Quilt - 10am-2pm

March 9 - Wooly Wednesday 1pm-5pm

March 10 - Marti & Me Club - 6:30pm

March 11 - Jo's Little Women #10 - 10am

March 12 - Beginning Rughooking - 10am - Noon

March 16 - Wooly Wednesday - 1pm - 5pm

March 17 - Beginning Rughooking - 6pm-8pm

March 19 - Marti & Me Club - 10am

March 23 - Wooly Wednesday - 1pm-5pm

March 26 - Beginning Rug Hooking - 10am-Noon

March 26 - Feathered Star Quilt - Mary Huey-10am-4pm

March 30 - Wooly Wednesday

More classes and events are being planned as I'm writing this, once we have more information I will post it on here as well as out website. Have a great day!

The Winners Are...

Well, we've moved, survived the holidays, and are ready for the new year. The new space is so nice, we feel at home already. If you haven't been out to see the new shop, we can't wait to see you! If you've been I hope you like it! I will upload pictures soon now that we have things on the walls and have "settled in" a bit.

But what you all have really been waiting for. All purchases in December came with a ticket. Depending on how much you spent, you received more tickets. What exactly were those tickets for? We're drawing 2 tickets - one for a Grand Prize basket filled with goodies and one for a Gift Certificate to the shop! And without further ado, the winners are:

445233

444764

Check your tickets and let us know if you are one of the winners! If no one comes forward with the winning numbers in a reasonable amount of time we will re-draw them so still hold onto those tickets until further notice!

Thank you for making our transition to the new shop a welcome and successful endeavor! Many good things to come in 2011, stay tuned for more!

Have you heard the rumors?

Well, it's true! Cottonpickers is moving to Chardon!

Welcome to the new home of Cottonpicker's Quilt Shop:

 We will be right there where C Star Nails was in the Washington Post Plaza at 209 Center Street (Route 44) in Chardon beginning November 23rd! (We'll be closed November 22nd to move)

It's right around the corner (less than two weeks away) and we are so excited! In anticipation of the move we are realizing that we have alot in the store, so if you all would be so kind to help us out with that there will be a Moving Sale in the very near future. We're currently working out the details, so stay tuned and as soon as I know them I will pass them along.

 If you aren't familiar with Chardon or cant remember where the Washington Post Plaza is, it is also the home of Joey's Italian Grille (where the Hilltopper was), Mike's Jersey Subs, and the Central Perk Coffee Shop (complete with homemade ice cream). If nothing else, this move only sounds bad for my waistline...but the sacrifices we make for our business...

This plaza also has many other shops that I forget at the moment but it's between Washington Road and Cherry Avenue, also kiddy corner from the Post Office. We will be just North of the Square and just South of Giant Eagle.

We are so excited and hope you are too! I can't wait to show you pictures of the inside of the shop, but it's covered in construction dust right now, so we'll hold off on pictures until it's beautiful and full of fabrics. Are you as excited as we are?

Sailing Away to France (kinda)

We've got the latest line in from French General for Moda, Maison de Garance. It's the traditional French General reds and creams with the addition of the most luscious chocolate brown you have ever seen. This picture does not do the fabric justice by any means, come and and see/feel it for yourself!

 As promised more batiks arrived recently. These are just a few from Edyta Sitar of Laundy Basket Quilts latest line Bon Voyage for Moda. Her color choices for her fabrics are so rich and vibrant without being too loud, and the stripe-ish looking one, what a catch! You don't see many of those types of batiks around.

We should have more batiks and a mish-mosh of other fabrics arriving in the near future. We'll keep you posted as to when they arrive.

Also, check back soon for a big update on the shop. Big news in store, just wait until you hear the details!

Paradise and Flowers

Paradise is here. For those of you who love fall, yes that could be what I'm talking about but in this case, it's not. I'm talking about the Paradise Batiks by Moda! We have them - ALL OF THEM, and trust me, many ladies have already been eyeing them up for the last couple days since they came in and I don't think they'll be around long.

 All three shelves are part of this line (minus a couple stragglers I see now that I already took the pictures)

 There's bright colors, warm colors, fall colors, everything you imagine to see in paradise.

 Don't you just hear the Jimmy Buffet music playing, the waves crashing and feel the sand between your toes and the margarita in your hand? Okay, a girl can dream atleast...

 Also arriving are the Fun Flowers by Lakehouse Dry Goods. The large print is a great panel to use as is or fussy cut for quilts, bags, or whatever. We've already had some ladies grab this fabric for a few bags and gifts (remember it's only a couple months or so until Christmas - just saying!)

I'm not sure if you can see it, but the white print does have a white on white flower with black centers, it's hard to see, but super adorable in person.

A few other things to update you on and keep in the back of your mind:

Get your ideas started for a Christmas Wish List. We know many of you have Secret Santas, or family members that would like to get you "just the right thing" for Christmas. We will have a notebook or something soon by our register that you can write down your Wish List. Just jot it down and hopefully then you will get just want you wanted!

Also keep in mind we will be starting a Block of the Month Program by This and That. It's called Vintage Memories and each month you get a small pattern. The great thing about this pattern is each month it takes minimal fabric (either fat quarters or fat eighths usually) so you get to pick and choose your fabric each month to make it your own! Their version of this quilt was made with Martinique by 3 Sisters for Moda and you can see more about it at their website by clicking here. (Picture borrowed from their website)

And last but not least, we will be at the Wildwood Quilt Guild Show on November 7th at the Mentor Senior Center. This is the last local quilt show until the Farmpark Show next spring, so come out and see us as well as several other vendors from the area before the unmentionable stuff starts flying.

If you have any questions about all of the items listed above, stop in, call us, or e-mail us for more information! I'll keep you updated as more things happen around the shop!

Trying it here too!

If any of you follow the Ruby Blue Quilting Blog, you might know I just made a button for you all to grab there. It worked well so I'm trying it for Cottonpickers too. So here it goes, once it's up and running I'll let you know! It'll look like this:

Not bad, only about 10 minutes this time around! It's up and running, grab it and post it on your blog proudly! Oh, and hopefully our new favicon comes up too! (Look to the left of your browser address)

Annandale by Jo Morton is here!

The gang's all here! All 27 gorgeous pieces are here and currently being cut into Half Yards and Fat Quarter bundles to add to your Civil War stash or to be the jumping off point for a new quilt! There are several wonderful prints in several different colors to drool over...Trust me, just wait until you see them you'll be drooling too!

We will have all of these pieces with us this weekend at the Streetsboro Quilt Show (Friday and Saturday) at Faith Baptist Church in Streetsboro. To see more information on this show and others that we will be attending this year, visit our post by clicking here.

Alright, since we are currently in a cutting frenzy here at the shop I do not have pictures of all of the prints from Annandale, but here's a few. You can view all of the prints on Andover Fabric's website or by clicking here to view the entire collection.

Come and see us on the road, we have a few shows down and a few more to go so there's still plenty of time to travel around before the unmentionable stuff starts flying. Stay dry these next few days and if worse comes to worse, it's perfect weather to start a new quilt project! Put some goodies in the crock pot and sew away! We'll keep you posted as more fabrics arrive!

Traveling for business (and a little pleasure!)

Or alot of pleasure! You know they say there are two reasons why people travel - business or pleasure. We ask why not both?! This weekend we will be in Chautauqua, so if you're coming out to the show, stop in the Antheneum and see us. Beth and Donna (with Crows on the Lodge Wool Studio) will be there with plenty of fabric, wool, and all sorts of goodies to make your shopping trip complete. It's going to be perfect weather to relax by the Lake and do a little retail therapy at the same time.

For more information on the show visit millcreeksew.com or for directions to the Chautauqua Institute visit ciweb.org or click here.

On another note, we had some new arrivals in recently. Bliss by Bonnie and Camille for Moda came in and it's absolutely gorgeous! We have some yardage on the bolt and a few Layer Cakes available still. Also showing at the shop (and traveling to Chautauqua this weekend) is Becky's quilt featured on the Moda Bake Shop which uses the Layer Cakes. To see the "recipe" click on the link to see Blissful Confection, or go to madebakeshop.com.

Also arriving last week was Happy by Me & My Sister for Moda. This is a great line for the little princess in your life. Wouldn't it make a great lap quilt or even pajama pants? (I was going to say sun dress, but I think it's not the right season for that much longer...) Stop in and see it for yourself!

Alright, we're currently in the process of folding the last little bit of fabric and finishing last minute details before packing all of the "stuff" in the car and remembering to leave enough space for people and luggage. Can't wait for the show, see you there or stop in at the shop and see Becky this weekend. Keep you updated as more comes in!

Spice Chest is here!

Jo Morton's new line Spice Chest is here! It's wonderful and gorgeous - just like we knew it would be! It even comes with a "cheater" panel that is perfect for those quick and super easy projects. It is now here and ready for the taking so come and get it! We are currently in the process of making Fat Quarter Bundles including each piece from the line except the "cheater" panel. Came and see it for yourself!

We'll be back to update you once more stuff comes in!

On the road again!

We're heading straight into fall which means plenty of quilt shows to visit. We've got the list of where we will be going to below with some information on each one. Give us a call if you have any questions on these and just to let you know we still have a few spots open on our October Retreat, call us to reserve your space! Come and see us, we'll be in several different neighborhoods across a state or two. Here's where you can find us (we'll still be at the shop as well during the shows):

The Crazy Quilters Guild Quilting Extravaganza
Sunday, September 12th   3pm-6pm

Grace United Methodist Church
1725 Drexel Avenue NW
Warren, OH 44485

Over 12 Vendors, 50/50 Raffle, Free Demos, Chinese Auction, Free Refreshments, Door Prizes and much more!

$1.00 admission donation requested
*Proceeds used for the Home of the Brave Service Project

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Shop Owner's Night (Public Quilt Show!) by That Quilt Guild I Belong To (T.Q.G.I.B.T.)
September 21, 2010 6pm

Western Reserve United Methodist Church
4580 Canfield Road (Route 62 East)
Canfield, OH

16 Vendors plus Quilt Ladders by Bill Davis. Includes 9 new vendors. Open to the public - bring a friend! Door prizes, 50/50 drawing, free refreshments will be served.

$2.00 Admission

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Quilting Around Chautauqua featuring Kaye Wood
Friday, September 24th - Class Day
Saturday, September 25th - 10am-6pm
Sunday, September 26th - 10am-4pm

Chautauqua Institution
Route 394
Chautauqua, New York

Maps available at the Welcome Center. Over 65 vendors, hundreds of quilts on display, lectures and classes held all weekend (pre-registration required by calling Mill Creek Sew at 814-866-8227)

$3.00 Admission. Classes and lectures at an additional fee. For more information contact Mill Creek Sew at 814-866-8227 or millcreeksew.com

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28th Annual Streetsboro Quilt Guild Show
Friday, October 1st - 10am-8pm
Saturday, October 2nd - 10am-5pm

Faith Baptist Church
9890 State Route 43
Streetsboro, OH 44241

12 Vendors, Door Prizes (with proceeds going towards the Streetsboro Community Food Pantry), Many quilts hanging

$3.00 Admission

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Mayfield Township Historical Society Quilters 13th Biennial Quilt Show
October 9th & 10th    9:30am-4pm

Mayfield Village Civic Center (Former Mayfield Methodist Church)
6622 Wilson Mills Road (SW Corner of Wilson Mills & SOM Center)
Mayfield Village, OH

Many quilts on display, vendors from local quilt shops, raffles, door prizes, tea and cookies.

$3.00 Admission

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Wildwood Quilt Guild Annual Quilt Show
Sunday November 7th   10am-4pm

Mentor Senior Center(in front of the Mentor Civic Center)
8484 Munson Road
Mentor, OH 44060

14+ vendors, Many quilts on display, Queen Size Raffle Quilt, Gifts Sew Special (projects made by the Guild Members for sale), Free Refreshments.

$3.00 Admission.

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Just a little bit more to show you, these arrived this week and more to come shortly!

Some Paula Nadelstern by Benartex arrived. These would be awesome for a Stack-N-Whack - just saying!

Also some more batiks came in - just a small taste for you of the other 60 or so we expect in within the next month or two!

And we're working on a new little thing - I'll update you more later. Here's a sneak peak!

Come visit us whether we're here or there and see what's new!

New Goodies!

Alright, I know we have so many more fabrics coming in shortly, but we got a bunch in this week I need to update you on. Stay tuned for more to come in the near future. I promise there's so much coming in I forget what all to expect!

For all of you out there like myself that are in LOVE with the Civil War Reproductions, Miss Awesome Jo Morton has released yet another shirtings line, Attic Shirtings. There are 13 prints in the line and they are all so yummy, they won't last long at all. We have already cut some bundles of a Fat Quarter of each fabric in the line. Those won't be around much longer either so stop in and get one for yourself!

We have a few pieces of Fandango by Kate Spain for Moda. This is just the perfect fun floral line for the end of summer. It just screams Florida, beaches and umbrella drinks to me. Come and take a look for yourself, it's really bright without being too bright, just perfect for a bag, or something fun.

Also arriving this week is the latest line from Whimsicals called Bread and Butter. These fabrics are really warm and country feeling, just in time for the cooler weather we are having right now. Just think about it, time to start up your crock pot and quilt the day away!

And as a last little bit of summer beachy goodness, there are a few beach, sand, and sunrise/sunset prints. Just think about this one, work on a quilt with these fabrics and play one of those relaxing CDs with the beach noises - waves, seagulls, wind. You will have fun and be so relaxed, maybe that;s not such a good idea, the quilt will never be done. Although this could be your beach escape minus the sand all over, sunburn, and seaweed. Come check out these fabrics and feel relaxed instantaneously!

Sale is still going on through 4pm today. Come and see us, I will update you once we get more goodies in store! More demo days are being planned for the upcoming weeks, keep an eye out for the different techniques and tools we're showcasing to see if you wish to expand your quilting horizons! Until next time!

SALE!!!!!

If you haven't heard... we're having a sale! It runs through this Saturday, the 4th of September and we have all sorts of goodies for you like:

Pre-cut Half Yards are $1.50
Select Fabrics are $3.00 a yard (quantities vary)
Select books and patterns are 50% OFF
More is being added every day so check back and make sure if something catches your eye that you snatch it up, many things that were here on Saturday are not here today and I'm sure many of the items here today will not be here tomorrow!

We have many new fabrics and more due here any day now. We got these awesome wide batik backings. Yes, I did say WIDE BATIK BACKINGS. They are delicious and they're batik, what else can I say?

There are these adorable fabrics with those sewing notions and spools of thread that we can't get enough of. This line is called Miss Sew and Sew, perfect for those Secret Sister gifts that will be here before you know it!

Feeling hungry? You might not be yet, but you will be after looking at these scrumptious fabrics with cooking utensils and cupcakes! This line is called What's Cookin'? And I have a few people in mind this would be perfect for... just don't tell them they might get an apron or something...ssssshhhhhhhh!

Another yummy thing we got in recently are these Snuggles by Moda in pink and blue. They're soft and cuddly and would make the perfect baking for a little one's quilt. At 60" wide, for smaller quilts, you might not even have to piece the backing.

We also got some yummy 1930's fabrics in lately, this entire shelf is all new, gorgeous and waiting for you!

Also we have in at the moment (they won't last long I'm warning you!) The Lil' Twister and Twister Rulers. Come get them while they last, we've had these on back order for a long time and who knows once these are gone when the next shipment will come in...

We have plenty more on order that should start arriving any day now...batiks, Civil War Reproductions (Jo Morton's Attic Shirtings, Spice Chest, and Annandale), floraly girlie stuff like Bliss by Bonnie and Camille, Happy by Me and My Sister, Fun Flowers I & III by Lakehouse Dry Goods, Paradise Batiks, and many many more! We will keep you posted when they arrive.

What else? Oh, we are getting to fall, the weather will cool, the crock pots will warm up, and the fall shows will be upon us! We will be at Quilting Around Chataqua at the end of the month and we still have a few spots open for our October Retreat at Riverside Inn in Cambridge Springs, PA. We will be at the Streetsboro Quilt Guild Show, Mayfield Village Historical Society Show, Wildwood Quilt Guild Show, Shop Owner's Night in Canfield (yes this is a public quilt show), and possibly a couple others I'm forgetting at the moment. I will give you more information about the specifics and the dates for each event later, too much info for one day...

Alright, well we hope to see you in for the rest of our sale and if not maybe we will see you at one of the many upcoming shows. If you have any questions about anything listed above, please either e-mail us or call or stop in, we'd be happy to help you out!