The first order of new fabric arrived this week, that was very exciting; now to get it received and then out on the floor.  You will see from the photos that we have some displays in the front windows but much work to do yet!

Please keep sending me your comments about what you would like to see in the new shop, I value your input.  We are also busy compiling a program for classes this spring, stay tuned for that.

Linda

More notions on order

Assigned and not quite ready

not quite ready for classes yet!

you will see on the signs, business cards, etc a watermark of a flowering pink tree…this is a photo I took in Victoria a few years ago when my dear friend Cathy and I were visiting in February!!

I am missing my own sewing and quilting time, my hands are getting itchy to work with fabric again.  Soon I will be working on new samples for the shop, can’t wait to share them with you.  I also have some new projects I want to share with all of you so stay tuned for more details to follow shortly.  I have been snapping lots of photos but alas my camera cable (to upload photos) is missing in the move….hopefully it turns up soon.

Let me address some of the questions that have come up thus far:

• will we have classroom space? – absolutely!  It will be an open and welcoming space and I hope to keep it pretty filled up with happy quilters.  One of my favorite quilt shops in AB (The Chicken Coop in Mundare) is run by the fabulous Val, who welcomed my friends and I in to her classroom space any day it wasn’t booked, at no cost.  We spent some wonderful days there visiting, shopping, laughing, and even quilting.  I would very much like to open my classroom to small groups [of quilting friends], just give me a call to book your day.  I will have coffee and there are [of course] at least 2 coffee shops on the street.
• will there be parking available? – Yes!  There is street parking in front of the store (both sides of street) and a loading zone (perfect for dropping off your sewing machine for classes or sewing days).  I will also be offering one hour free parking at the City parkades vouchers (the Library parkade is the closest, I think).
• Bus service?  – Yes, there is a bus stop on the street, I don’t know all of the bus routes just yet but will keep you posted, or feel free to post here if you know which buses stop on the 800 block of Fort St.
• Bicycle parking? – yes, again, right in front of the store.
• I belong to a local group who previously met at Satin Moon – will you have room for us? - Yes, I am happy to welcome you to the new Satin Moon Quilted Garden, my classroom space is your classroom space.  I will be setting up those times with you soon, to begin in February.

Please, keep sending me your questions and comments, I want Satin Moon Quilted Garden to be your shop too!

Linda

looking from front to back of store, the before

Linda

Store front

Hello everyone!  Please allow me, Linda Rafuse, to introduce myself as the new owner of Satin Moon.  I am thrilled to be re-locating to the beautiful city of Victoria and over-joyed to become a part of the local quilt scene.  I know I am joining a very talented pool of local quilters, designers, teachers, and authors.  I look forward to building a relationship with each of you.

I suggest I am a perfect example of Generation X; this will be my 4th (and final) career change.  I began my career in Psychiatric Nursing, have worked in the Health Insurance industry, and most recently in Adult Education (health-related).  I have always hoped for the right opportunity to exercise my entrepreneurial spirit.  

My quilting passion began about 7 or 8 years ago when my cousin, Cheryl, re-located to Alberta after having lived in Alaska.  She worked with neo-natal babies and was so impressed by the colorful little quilts placed over the isolettes that she asked a colleague (Ann) to teach her to quilt.  I was somewhat reluctant at that time; although I had always wanted to quilt…I thought I didn’t have enough space, enough time, maybe not enough talent.  Does any of that sound familiar?  Well, after the first class I was hooked!  I had long been a garment sewer but discovered quilting is so much more fun!!  The colors, the textures, the creativity and freedom to invent…what’s not to love?

I have been involved in the Sherwood Park Quilt Guild and volunteered in a number of roles with the guild.  Guilds are an excellent place to make friends, learn more, and continually be inspired.

I have been working with Brenda and Gordon at Satin Moon to ensure the successful continuation of Satin Moon.  I’m sure you will agree they are a fabulous couple, and I want to thank them for all of their support.   

I will be moving the shop early in the New Year and it will then be known as Satin Moon Quilted Garden.  I can tell you that I have selected a new location in downtown Victoria (lots of parking and close to transit too) and I ask for your patience while I get all those pesky details worked out.  I hope to have the new store open by early February.  In the meantime I will keep you posted on the progress and some new things that I have coming up….please, stay tuned for more news…there will be no interruption in online ordering during this transition.  I am anxious to meet all of you as soon as possible!

Warmest wishes,

(and a few of my own quilt projects),

Linda

“May you find joy in unexpected places, may you feel at peace in your corner of the world, may you find comfort in the little things, may you feel loved.”
Author Unknown