Happy Anniversary!

This weekend is the anniversary of this iteration of The Cotton Patch! 

The Cotton Patch has been around a long time - just about 20 years in all.  For those that don't know, The Cotton Patch was started by former owner Judith Locke, although I'm unsure what the year was!  I remember mom going there when I was in middle school, so maybe the late 90s?  I know someone can hop in the comments section and set me right!  But mom worked for Judith for a few years already, when in 2009 she asked mom to buy the store.  Mom thought she was joking, but...

-- 12 years later --

...here we are!  The last 12 years have gone by awesomely fast, it's like we blinked our eyes and the decade was gone!  We are so happy and grateful to have spent the last 12 years doing what we love and having the privilege to meet so many wonderful people along the way.  It has been Diane's dream come true to be a shop owner, and she revels in the fact she can be in the shop talking, laughing, and creating with so many fun, talented people.

First, we want to thank you - yes, YOU specifically.  If it weren't for you - everyone who comes in, shops online, reads our newsletters and blogs, stops by our show booths, and follows us on Facebook - we wouldn't be here now.  Thank you from the bottom of our hearts to everyone who has stuck with us through the years and become our friends and to everyone who is just visiting for the first time.  We are blessed to have you here and for the friendhsip and community you have given us.  

We also want to recognize the people who make the shop what it is at the counter and behind the scenes.  

• Carol is such a talented quilter and appliquer. Her opinion is counted on a lot (when she says, "oh yuck"). She has saved our backside many times too!
• Rosie keeps everything from our kits to block of the months and pre-cuts looking nice. She is so kind about it and says "That's ok I will help you Diane." We appreciate all she does for us and her laughter. She has a great sense of color too!
• Donna keeps Diane on her toes and laughing too. She knows all too well that Diane's folding abilities leave something to be desired (we kid - kinda). She is in charge of taking the Linus Quilts to Portland. Her wit is something we all look forward to. She is a fantastic foundation piecer and teacher.
• KJ does our sign language interpretation for block of the month. We are delighted to have her so we can be more inclusive to all our quilters. KJ also is growing so much as a quilter and it has been fun to see her develop and get her style.
• Sharon has wonderful ideas and helps so much with making samples. Not only does she do that she has been at the counter helping customers. She is another extrememly talent seamstress.
• Ardith retired earlier, but she and Diane had lots of fun working together and we've never known anyone that loves to sew like she does. She always has great ideas and creative ways.
• Lily is our newest member of The Cotton Patch family. She works the counter and does samples. She is a lovely person and we've never seen anyone catch on so fast. It's awesome and we're happy she's here with us.

For those that don't know, we're a family-owned shop, so family keeps this barge afloat too.

• Diane of course owns the shop and it's her vision that's made the shop what it is now. She is a lifelong sewist and draws on that experience to make the shop so well rounded. There wouldn't be a Cotton Patch without her!
• Mychal is Diane's son who handles a lot of the instrumental behind the scenes things that keeps us moving like the store website, computer orders, and the banking. He also works at the counter too (and knows his stuff!)
• John is Diane's "son-in-law" and when he is not working as a Park Ranger and fire fighter (the guy is going to have a busy summer), does our social media, videos and advertisments. He is really good and does such a professional job!
• Lauren is Diane's daughter, and she does so much from samples, proofing my patterns, fabric ordering, working behind the counter, and curating the blog (she tries not to break the fourth wall but can't help it - hi!). She helps with the day to day decisions too.
• Lee is Diane's husband of 35 years and knows my sewing madness. He has seen it since the beginning and I am so thankful that when I came home from work 13 years ago he said if you want to, go for it. He also helps in shop helping at counter or hanging quilts.

We are so excited for what the years to come bring - we're not slowing down any time soon.  And, if I were you, I'd keep an eye to the Facebook page and your Newsletter :-)