Well, the teenager ended up making only the tiniest dent and I do not think I can expect much more. Having said that, he and I did get some Janome feet onto the site. There has also been a Block of the Month program added which begins July 1st. I also finally figured out the code to enlarge images - so you can click on the new items to enlarge the item you are interested in to see them a little better. i will work on getting all of them 'enlargeable' over time - I am hoping to work on it over the weekend. For those of you who do not know, it is CANADA DAY weekend - therefore the shop will be closed and I will have some extra time on my hands unless my family manages to drag me away somewhere...

It has been a few months since any effort was put into this website and I deeply apologize to those of you who repeatedly come back for new content and I give you my word that I will set aside some time to do what I can as soon as I can. I am hoping that I can enlist the help of my teen aged son to do some of the actual content, leaving the 'pretty' stuff to me.

For those that do not know, there have been very significant changes at Sugar Shack during 2008 - the largest of those being a move to a proper store front from the small shop in my rec room! It has been a wonderful, exciting roller coaster ride with many ups and downs - the up of course being more room and more fabric and the downs being a complete and utter lack of time to do things like up date the website and (yes, get ready for this one) sew.

Having said that, I recent began to sew again so I had better be able to find time for this! :o)

So, short story long, there will be LOTS of new things add. JANOME sewing machines, parts and accessories have been added to the shop as well as parts and accessories for every other brand imaginable. We also now carry Kwik Sew patterns, apparel fabrics, Sulky Blendables as well as an assortment of other wonderful threads, a huge assortment of quilting patterns, a huge assortment of notions, a full line up of needlework accessories and supplies... and it will all be made available to you!

I hope you have enjoyed this website and that you will come back often to see what we have added - I promise to add something new each week until it is all there for you. I have employees now to help me - isn't that wonderfully amazing! :o)

Have a wonderful day - Tina

Wow!! It has been a really really long time since I wrote on this page - Tavish is like two and there have been many more additions to my family. Not children of my own (four is enough thank you!) but those close to me.

The one closest to me, was the birth of Noah. My niece (and best friend) Brandi and her husband Trevor's son on March 10th. He is a wonderful little man who comes to the shop every Monday to work with me, his cousin Victoria (my daughter) and his Mom. Oh ya, did I forget to to tell you? The shop has grown - A LOT!

The shop went from being a small cozy spot in my home to a huge bright place in sunny downtown Trail! You should try to stop by and see the huge amount of fabric, notions, patterns, and JANOME sewing machines we have added to our inventory!

sweet not-so-little (9 pounds, 12 ounces!) Tavish!!! 

I am please to annouce that the Davidson clan has welcomed its latest addition - a much needed boy!!!

I am so happy - I ALWAYS cry when there is a new baby, especially into my wonderful family.  This has become much worse since I have had my own and have gained the understanding of the love that passes between mother and child.  :o)

Congratulations to very proud Mum, Dad, grandparents, and more aunties, uncles, and cousins than one wee babe can count!!

Really and truly, no excuse is good enough. I have been really busy, but how long does it take to write a note to say HELLO WORLD and to update everyone on what I have been up to - what Sugar Shack has been up to!

I have been, with the help of Keelan Murtagh of Marketing for Good, been very busy trying to market Sugar Shack both to the world and in the Kootenays. So far I am not able to retire but have been seeing small results and I have every confidence that my great success is right around the next corner!

I am finding it a bit challenging at times to remain level headed with my huge amount of responsibility. The short people in my life are growing quickly and I am torn between them and running this business and managing this home... I wish that Steve would come home, I need the help and I need the companionship of an adult!

Enough feeling sorry for myself, who knows when I will write again...

13/07 2006: Looking for a new home... This lovely three year old registered yellow lab needs a new home.  Her name is Lacey and she is currently fostering with my friend in Fruitvale, her previos owner loved her very much but felt that she did not get enough attention with her working all the time.  She is a very good natured dog - friendly and outgoing AND good with children.   If anyone is interested, please contact me soon or it may be too late - my friend may decide that three big dogs is NOT too many!!  or worse, I may decide that two big dogs in my small house and yard would be okay.  She really is sweet - just look at her to see...

There are many many wonderful quilt shows and other related quilting activities happening in this wonderful province.  I have been doing some reasearch and stumbled upon this bit of information that may be of interest anyone who quilts or anyone who simple enjoys the beauty of the art of quilting.  Check it out!

My friend who lives a few doors down has the most beautiful poppies growing like weeds in her garden.  I love poppies - well, I love flowers especially when they come back year after year.

She let these poppies do their thing in her vegetable garden this year and they have taken over - but they look so amazing that it is anything but a hostile take over.  They have cross-pollinated to produce so many colours of pink, purple and red that I couldn't even tell you.  Some have soft round petals and others resemble shaggy pompoms.  I hope that you can get a little bit of an idea from these photos.

Enjoy, Tina

P.S.  If you are interested in seeing more photos or getting some seeds, please contact me and I will be happy to help.

Everyone is invited to come out and celebrate Canada Day on July 1st at Beaver Creek Park.  If you would like to come (and we would love it if you did), keep going toward the Waneta boarder crossing after you pass Wal-Mart, the entrance is on the right hand side, immediately after you go over the bridge that crosses the creek.

It should be a fun filled event with plenty of opportunity see what Sugar Shack and other area craft merchants have to offer - as well, I think I heard something about free cake!  Hope to see you there...

Just a quick note to let everyone know that we have many exciting things coming up including a loyalty discount program, our newsletter (finally), discounts to consignment clients, a beginner sampler quilt kit, a Block of the Month kit, several other new kits, new fabric monthly, and if you are really lucky we will develop the scavanger hunt idea we are working on which will make everyone who makes a purchase eligible for great quilting prizes!!!

We have also begun running 24 hours super sales of everything in our inventory with the exception of items on consignment.  Come back often so that you don't miss out!

All very exciting stuff, but you have to return often to make sure that you do not miss a thing and so that you are the first in your guild to have the latest and greatest Sugar Shack creation!

We would also like to let everyone know how much we appreciate all of the wonderfully positive feedback that we have received.  It means a lot to us to know that our hard work is being appreciated!  Please keep it coming - we would even welcome some 'constructive critisim' if anyone out there thinks we should be doing something a little bit differently, we are here for you and want to hear all of your ideas and suggestions.

Till next time, keep on stitchin' - Tina

I found this list (click here) and thought it worth passing along - just some 'quilter's wisdom' - enjoy!

Hope you all had a wonderful June weekend!  Tina

I have been so busy that I have not had time to write anything the least bit interesting.

I did my first craft fair and it was wonderful!  (I have been spending lots of time outside with my kids.)  I am feeling like things are finally really starting to happen.  I sold some fabric and some kits and I got to talk to and meet a lot of people.  It was really great and I learned a tremendous amount.  I am looking forward to my next event at Beaver Creek Park on July 1.

I have been assembling some ideas for a more interesting BLOG.  Something with quilting how tos and maybe some parenting information, and gardening tips.  What ever strikes my fancy.  I just need to do this in the morning when Victoria is napping rather than at 1 am!

If anyone knows of any other events that I may like to participate in, please email me and let me know.  I would love to pick your brain and hear your ideas!

I feel like it has been forever and a day since I last wrote so I thought I had better get on it!

First of all, I wanted to let any local person reading this that I will have a booth at Castlegar Sun Fest this coming weekend (June 2nd).  If you are around PLEASE come see me and all my goodies!

Second, I want to apologize for being so out of touch.  I have been really busy with the fabric and trying to get ready to go to Castlegar as it is my first true selling experience I want it to be perfect and I have been working on all kinds of fun stuff for you.  For those of you who cannot take advantage of coming to see me in Castlegar, please feel free to call or email me and I can send you (for a limited time only) a free 4" square of any fabric that you may be interested in.

It is almost 1 am and Victoria is usually up around 7 so I best get to bed!  I will be adding a new kit as soon as I can get a good photo so stay tuned!

Goodnight for now - Tina

I gotta go and get stuff done so that you can see it too!

I am going to get it listed as quickly as I can, a few prints already are - and create some amazing quilt kits for every skill level.  Tell EVERYONE you know - it came at last and from now on will keep coming every month (and possibly twice in June!)

Come back soon - I promise something wonderful.

I will get it on as quickly as I can - but if you are local and you want a sneak peak - give me a call!  250-364-3309

30ish bolts all in one glorious day!!!

I wanted to to take a few minutes today to say a little something about family.  I am one of the luck few who not only has an abundance of family, but also an abundance of support from my family.

To begin with, I am blessed to have in my life a kind, gental, caring, supportive, loving man who I beleive to be a much better person than I could ever hope to be (although I am way funnier!) and four gorgeous, fun, happy, smart wonderful children.

My parents are amazingly supportive and are always eager to help (especially with my kids).  My Mum has spent countless hours at my home helping me to remodel - yesturday she finished smashing out my patio as we are going to be putting in a new one.  My Mum - smashing out cement with a sledge hammer.  I cannot imagine doing it and I am 20-something years younger than she is.  My elderly Italian neighbour gave her heck, telling her it was a man's job.  (I will have to tell you about my neighbouthood some other day - there is a lot to tell!)  Anyway, she and my Dad are both wonderful and amazing.

My in-laws are equally wonderful.  They are a less active in the remodeling of my home but they are madly in love with the kids and will take them anytime.  They are crafts people (they are lapidarians) and have been very supportive of this project.  I have bounced more ideas off of my father-in-law than anyone except for my self-employment coordinator at Community Futures.  They are kind and wonderful people (that is how Steve ended up so great!).

And there is more!  I have a wonderful extended family.  My Mum is one of six - girls!  I am one of 17 grandchildren (only four boys out of the lot) and there are 17 great-grandchildren (and another due in September).  I am blessed to be a part of the most amazing group of people one could hope for and I am eternally grateful for the love and support that I have received from them over the years.  There have been a few thing I do not know if I could have done or gotten through without 'the Aunts'; each of them has helped me, supported me and loved me when I really needed and when I didn't.

So - thank you.  All of you.  I love you and I would not be who I am or have what I have if you were not a part of my life.

Tina

Call me crazy, or is the internet getting more and more complicated.  Now I am told that I need to BLOG (which this is, by the way) and get myself an RSS Feed Reader.  What is that you ask?  Well, your guess is a as good as mine!  If anyone out there has any words of wisdom to pass along to me - so that I do not have to read and read and read to figure this out - I promise I will be eternally grateful.

Don't get me wrong - I love what I am doing here but it has NOTHING to do with quilting or any other artisic endeavor and although, admittedly, I enjoy it, it is sometime very overwhelming, mind numbing, dry, and tedious stuff.

I remember when I was in grade 4 and we got a computer in our school.  One computer for the whole school.  As a matter of fact, one computer for the whole district!  Now they are unavoidably everywhere - and that in many ways is a good thing as I would not be here if I did not have access to the internet which in itself is amazing - and new.  I remember a movie a few years ago about the internet, the movie depicted it in such a space aged way and now a lot of us use it everyday.  My older kids have had it in their lives as long as they can remember - it is all so strange to me.  And the worst part of it is, just when I think I get it, it changes again!

I would love to here what anyone else has to say on this or any other issue, so contact me and let me know what you are thinking!

I am sorry to all of you who have been patiently waiting for the fabric to arrive.  I, personally, have not been so patient - all my nails have been chewed off and I think I am getting hives!

On another, equally gloomy note, I had a display at the Wantea Plaza over the weekend and sold nothing.  That was my first public display and it was very discouraging.  It is my hope that the fact that I was not there to make the sale and that I left my display in the hands of my father in law at his lapidary booth may have had a tiny bit to do with it.  I will be putting my best foot forward at the beginning of June in Castlegar.  I will keep you posted for dates and times!

For now, I am going to say goodnight but before I go, please have a look at the information and instructions I added in the Fun Stuff section.

Have a wonderful May day!  Tina

Fabric buying started off really fun and has turned into the most frustrating experience!!

Meeting with my wonderful sales rep was great.  She was helpful and kind (a quilter of course) and kept me from buying an entire inventory of pink floral fabric (I LOVE pink).  Now it seems the fun is over... my order was set for April 23 - it is May 3 and some of it has still not been received in the wholesaler's warehouse.  I CAN"T TAKE IT ANYMORE! and am having them send what they do have so that I can touch it and maybe even use it to create another (hopefully more substantial) unique quilt kit!

I will keep you posted - when I know, you will know!!
Enjoy the sun ~ Tina

P.S.  We are going to be displaying quilts for sale at Waneta Plaza this weekend from Thursday until Sunday - come and check it out if you are in the area.  There will be quilts, handmade jewlery (some of which can be seen in our consignment shop - H & J Lapidary, Beadhive, and Moda Designs will all be there), and I do not know what else, you will have to stop by and see for yourself!

Quilts for sale from $80.00

In an effort to simplify my life just a touch I decided recently to purchase a second hand copy of EQ5.  I got it for a really great price - which is the kind of price I need as I have been trying to channel all of my money into shop renos and fabric purchases.  The reason, however, for the great deal, is that it was missing its instruction manuals.  I am normally very adept a picking up software so ASSuMEd that it would not be problem as it was designed for a crowd that may not be the most computer savy bunch around - boy was I wrong!!  It is not straight forward. 

I have drawn a block and for the life of me cannot figure out how to save it as a pieced block!!  I am trying to professionalize the patterns included with my kits but at this rate, is it worth the time??

If anyone out there would like to share their EQ5 wisdom (or lack there of) with me I would be very interested in hearing (?) about it so please write to me - for now, I have added my paper piecing instructions as a little treat (and a preview) to keep you coming back for more!!

Happy spring ~ Tina

The weather has been so nice here in southern BC that I have not been able to drag myself into the house for long enough to get my store stuff and my computer stuff done!!  I have been trying, but it hasn't been working for me.

I have been spending lots of time outside with my family and with my extended during the day and lots of time creating and brainstorming in the evening after the short people have gone to bed.  I know I promised (ages ago) some tips and other goodies and I will work on getting some for tomorrow or the following day... maybe I can find a fun pattern to share - I guess you will have to come back and see!

Talk to you soon - Tina

The sun is shining, the birds are chirping, the perennials are working their way up and out… it is so hard to stay inside on such a beautiful Sunday morning! I always feel such a renewal in the spring. I lived in Vancouver, British Columbia for about 10 years (and loved it and miss it!!) and in the spring when the sun finally came out to stay after all of that miserable rain it always felt so good. I never wanted to miss a day of it. Here, back home in the Kootenays, I feel a bit better about working in doors as I know that it will be, as it always is, a beautiful year and I will have many opportunities to play in the garden when the work is done!

Having said that, it really isn’t ‘work’. I have been doing a bit of fine tuning of my site and working on sewing a little chicken pin cushion that I had on my mind (I will be adding kits for it – and possibly completed chicks in the not to distant future). I have also been listing items for sale on eBay (magazines mostly). I am having so much fun at ‘work’ that I feel like I am getting away with something…

I promise to try to be more interesting, and to provide some quilting, sewing, and crafting tips and maybe some photos in my next posting. For now though – have a wonderful spring day. Tina

and so were we!

My kids and I spent the day outside in the warm spring weather.  It was very nice to be out in the sunshine AND the sunlight provides the perfect light to take photos of products that I have for sale.  I listed a wack of stuff on eBay this evening - knitting and crocheting magazines mostly - if anyone is interested I woul dbe happy to direct you to my auctions.

I found out today that my fabric will be a week later than I was orginally told :o(.  Last year at this time I was waiting for my overdue baby and this year my overdue fabric - is it a trend???

Tomorrow, I think I will be adding some more stuff to the site and a new flower bead to my front yard.  I am sure that it will be a very productive day!

These are here for you to see how cute they are ~ and why I have to stay home for them!

Well the weekend is over so I guess it is back to the grind stone… well obviously that is not the case. I love what I do and am beginning to more and more all the time. I love the ‘quilting’ part of it – the sewing, the fabric (especially the fabric)… but I also love the consignment part of it as I love to deal with people and I love to see their work and bring it to others. This really is my perfect ‘job’. When I first started working on this I read a quote that I loved: If you find a job you love you will never work a day. It is so very true.

As for my other job - kids #1 through #4 and the husband. I had, as predicated, a very busy weekend. With four kids Easter is like a mini Christmas. We spent a whack of money. There was an egg finding frenzy, the kids were all tired and wired on candy by noon and each and every one of them need a nap, but of course only the baby could be talked into doing so. She was hilarious – she had more candy on Easter Sunday morning that she has had in her whole almost one year long life. She was giggly and goof (even more than usual). It was very sweet

So, as I was saying, back to the grind stone. I do not have a lot planned for this week as far as additions to the website go – the fabric is going to be arriving on Monday or Tuesday and I need to get organized to do kits for it and to yardage for sale. All very exciting!!

Talk to you soon – I hope you had a nice Easter weekend.

I love the weekends.  My husband works away most of the time so that is the only time we get to spend togther so you won't be hearing anymore from me for a couple of days.  In the meantime, keep coming back to see more great kits and wonderful consignment items coming soon!

The gorgeous quilts were handmade by two women on Vancouver Island.  They are for sale but I have to take some decent photos and decide on a price.  If you are interested please let me know – we are open to offers…

13/04 2006: Bright and Cheerful Crib Sets Photos have FINALLY been done for the gorgeous crib sets handmade by Imagination = Creation.

I am finally getting some opportunity to flex my creative muscles by sewing!!!

Another kit was added today. That is two this week – both done entirely by me! I have to admit it feels really good being able to have my job and my favorite hobby all rolled into one! I am going to make sure that I do not find a way to involve my garden in this project as I need to do something besides taking care of my children that has nothing to do with ‘work’!

Speaking of my garden – I am getting very anxious to start planting. I love to watch things grow from seed! If anyone out there wants to share gardening hints or tips, I would be happy to post them here in honor of our up and coming growing season. I will also accept, of course, any quilting tidbits that you think others may find interesting…

I know, I know the promised kits are not there yet!  I promise that at least one will be on by the end of tomorrow!

The weekend – as usual – flew by. Over before I can even begin to relax and enjoy it! There is always so much to do and it is so busy in the house with everyone home – four kids fills (and messes) the house quickly.

I did not do too much worth remarking about although I will mention that I began work on a ‘woodsy’ table runner (to kit, of course) and I am having a great time doing it. It should be fun for all of you, so keep checking back for more details!

Tomorrow photos will be added for the cushion cover kits (at least one of them!) AND several completed quilts that I received, for sale, from a talented quilting duo on Vancouver Island.

Make sure you check back to see the gorgeous items just waiting for you to call them your own!

07/04 2006: Tomorrow... I plan to get at least one of the upcoming kits listed in the store by the end of tomorrow! It is paper peiced and very beautiful. For now, though, I must get to bed as it is getting late and my sweet little Victoria tends to be up about 7!   Until next time, here is a photo of what will become our latest addition of items for sale...

What a busy week I have had!! Here, there and everywhere!

Today I made a journey with some of my fellow quilters to a ‘Meet and Greet’ at a neighboring quilt guilds’ meeting hall in Nelson BC. It was wonderful and I saw so many incredibly beautiful quilts that when I left my mind was swimming with colour and pattern. It was marvelous and I hope that they realized how grateful we were to be invited and how impressed we were with their talent.

Thank you ladies for your hard work and inviting us to join you in the display of your talents!

As a member of the Trailing Threads Quilt Guild in Trail, British Columbia I was busy this evening setting up for our month long quilt show.  If you are in the area you should try to get in to see it – there are some real works of art being displayed.

The show is being held in the Visac Gallery which is on the lower level of Selkirk College in our downtown core.  There is no charge to get in and a free draw for our door prize to boot.  The door prize is, of course, a quilt.  It is a spectacular ‘star’ quilt done in earth tones featuring a lot of burgundy – it is very beautiful and has been worked on by most of the members of our guild!

AND WILL BE HERE SOON!!

We are very pleased - and more than a little excited - to tell you that we are expecting our first shipment of fabric at the end of this month.

It isn't a large shipment but it includes a very beautiful MODA line that we hope you will like as much as we do.  We will make up some kits to help simplify things for you or you will be able to buy, by the meter.  The choice is yours!

The expected arrival date for this shipment is April 25^th but be sure to check back before that for samples of fabrics and patterns and previews of our exiting original kits all within this gorgeous line!

From this point forward, we will be receiving at least one shipment per month so please come back often so as not to miss the wonderful fabrics and the gorgeous, original kits being add everyday!