It's Fall, Ya'll! Greetings from North Georgia!

Dawsonville is where I call Home, and in my neck of the woods, we have the most wonderful place called Uncle Shuck's Corn Maze. Located just north of the North Georgia Premium Outlet Mall, on Hwy. 53 (GA 400 north to Hwy. 53, turn left towards downtown Dawsonville, and it's on the right - you can't miss the really big corn field), it's a hotbed of activity at this time of year. Schools plan day trips around their visit to Uncle Shucks, and families from far and near make their pilgrimage to the wonderful corn maze. Pumpkins as far as the eye can see, along with hay rides, a petting zoo, and of course, the corn maze. Kids run around for hours (it seems) through a winding path of 8ft. corn stalks, enjoying the Fall air, and looking forward to picking out the biggest pumpkin in the patch before they depart. Makes me want to watch the Charlie Brown special, "The Great Pumpkin". Hey, I've been watching that TV special for years and years, and I never get tired of it. So . . . to get you in the mood for Halloween, here is a photo of Two Scarecrows made from the Country Threads pattern (one of my all-time favorite pattern companies in Garner, Iowa). I made this same Scarecrow for myself a few years ago, and it's been one of my best sellers this season - only two left!

Last week's Oktoberfest in Big Canoe started out almost a disaster with having to deal with high winds. But once I took that silly canopy down, and spread the quilts out on a tarp placed on the ground, business quickly picked up, and sales were brisk, despite the recession. My quilts are always affordable, and one thing I've noticed is that when people are concerned about the economy or any uncertainty in the state of the nation, they spend more time at home, feathering their nests and doing "around the house" projects. Quilt shops are busier than ever, selling their wares to women (and a few dedicated "quilter men") and Christmas gifts are slowly taking shape in the form of quilts for friends and loved ones. My longarm business is very steady, and my internet sales have dramatically increased from last year. So, mark your calendar for my next show in Gainesville, GA, at Holiday Marketplace on November 7 & 8. This is my biggest show of the season, and I'll be showcasing new Christmas quilts and wallhangings that are sure to please every shopper.