Sunday, December 16, 2012

Now What?

So the final day of business as usual at Heirlooms and Comforts Quilt Shop has come and gone. We want to thank all of you who have faithfully shopped with us across the 28.25 years that we have had the quilt shop. We have seen many friends come and many friends age with us and many friends precede us to greater reward. There have been "family" joys shared and doubled by doing so;there have been"family" sorrows shared and abated. The staff has been incorporated into our family and the customers have become our friends.

We have seen wonderful quilts planned and created. It has been a pleasure to share our knowledge of fabrics, threads, tools, and techniques with those who had questions. Hopefully many more projects will be photographed and shared with us when they are completed.




Thank you for all the great years and for sharing in our recent Retirement Sale. Ten shoppers during the last six weeks qualified for prizes that were awarded on Saturday morning. Everyone contributed to a successful sales event. Thank you all!!
Sara





Now What?
Heirlooms & Comforts quilt shop will now become Heirlooms & Comforts Husqvarna Viking Dealership with special store hours: Tuesdays 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Our phone number remains 864-639-9507 where you can call to leave messages when we are not in the shop. We will check the machine often to retrieve messages and requests. We will return calls as soon as we can. Service questions can be emailed to bobbyb@heirloomsandcomforts.net which will get you the fastest information of all methods. Notice that we will begin our new schedule on January 8, 2013.

Our focus will be on sales and service of Husqvarna Viking sewing machines, sewing and embroidery machines, accessories, and instruction in the use of these machines. We will offer feet, hoops, designs, stabilizers and other supplies as required for the proper operation of the Husqvarna Viking machines.

Email
You will notice that there is a provision in this email and on our web site (which will be updated and continued) for you to opt to continue receiving our occasional emails when there is information to pass on, or I just want to write. Please opt for the mail you wish to receive so that you don't miss out on what will be happening.

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Sunday, December 9, 2012

Final Days!

Our Huge Wall to Wall Retirement Sale will come to an end on Saturday, December 15th at 3 p.m.! Every single item of merchandise on the Fabric Side of the store remains on sale at 1/2 OFF the regular retail price or more.  

The more you choose, the more you save! Clean off the bolt of fabric or buy more than five yards of a single fabric and get an extra 10% off. (75% off fabric excluded.) Lots of bolts of fabric remain on our shelves for you to choose from. About half are batiks and many are very skinny! You'd better check us out for your best bargains. 

Prices are changing daily as we sell down! You'll want to stop in often to see what is new, and remember, remaining store fixtures are on sale now. This is your Last Chance to Save on every single item in the store.

The Prize Contest is coming to an end! This is your last week to win in our Fantastic Prize Contest. You can deposit your daily Prize Dollar awards up until 5 p.m. on Friday, December 14th when the Contest ends. Prizes will be awarded to the Top 10 Contestants at 11 a.m. on Saturday, December 15th.  

You will receive Bonus Prize Dollars each day when you present this letter at the Contest Desk starting Wednesday. This is your last chance to catch up and win!
Wednesday December 12th 50,000 Bonus Prize Dollars
Thursday December 13th    75,000 Bonus Prize Dollars
Friday December 14th       100,000 Bonus Prize Dollars

After the Retirement Sale Ends! Our Sewing Machine Sales and Service will continue after the Holidays. We will be closed from December 17th thru January 7th. For Machine Service during these dates, please send an Email to: bobbyb@heirloomsandcomforts.net and starting January 8th, we'll be open every Tuesday from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m.

Thank you all for your valuable patronage over these 28 years and we look forward to seeing you in the New Year!
Happy Holidays,
Sara and Bobby Ballentine

P.S. Remember, you have until 5 p.m. on Friday, December 14th to deposit Prize Dollar Awards to your account. We will announce the Top 10 Prize Winners on Saturday, December 15th at 11 a.m. so please join us for the fun, the excitement and the final day of savings on every single item in the store.

Thank you
We wish to thank all of you who brought in food items for the Clemson Community Care pantry. This agency fills quite a need in the local area for those who need assistance in feeding a family and themselves. Your generosity is appreciated by the staff of Heirlooms and Comforts and those who deliver the foods to the persons who are in need. Thank you for participating in this project! Three large boxes of food will be given to Clemson Community Care.

Top 20
Monday the Top 20 Contestants list will be posted at the Contest Desk. Come in to see how close you are to qualifying for one of the 10 prizes to be awarded on Saturday morning. You could be closer than you think to having a winning score!

Machine Bargains
At Heirlooms & Comforts there are several bargain machines that you can purchase at bargain prices:
  • Viking 1100: $199 A workhorse machine ready to sew quite a lot.
  • Viking Designer II or Quilt Designer II Embroidery Unit only: $125 for an embroidery unit to make your Designer II into an embroidery machine. This one was hardly used at all by the previous owner.
  • Huskystar 215 machine: an entry level sewing machine at an unbelievable price of $50.
  • White Quilter: basic machine for $50. This one comes with a walking foot!
  • Software Update bargain: We have one Upgrade package for 4D Embroidery Extra to 5D Embroidery Extra. If you missed the big push to upgrade your 4D program when 5D was introduced, now is the time to get that update at 25% off the price. Talk to us for the very specifics. 
Husqvarna Viking Machines During this last week of our H&C Retirement Sale not only do we have quilt shop bargains galore, we have some really low prices on many of the sewing and the sewing-and-embroidery machines. In fact they are so low that we cannot advertise the prices according to our dealership agreement with Husqvarna Viking. You must come into the shop to get the prices. We promise that from the Floor Model Designer Diamond DeLuxe all the way to the Sapphire 835 and the new Opal and the mechanical Emeralds, you will find low prices like you haven't seen in a long time. These are good for only this short time; so, don't let these six days pass you by without a look at what you have been wishing for. Get your Santa by the hand and bring him in to make the deal!!

New Email Lists - Don't Forget
Don't forget to go to our web site to opt for continuing to receive our emails. You have an opportunity to choose which email (or emails) you want to get weekly. We need to know soon since the format for that function will change really soon.

UPDATE YOUR EMAIL PROFILE

Sunday, December 2, 2012

Everything is 1/2 Off!

Starting Wednesday, December 5th, everything goes to 1/2 OFF! The price of every single item of merchandise on the Fabric Side of the store will be cut to 1/2 Off the original retail price - or even lower - during our Huge Wall to Wall Retirement Sale. In some cases prices will be much lower.

More Specials Starting Wednesday! While the Sewing Machine side of the store is not included in the 1/2 Off pricing, there are great deals to be had so be sure to check out the new specials in this area starting Wednesday!

Last Chance! You only have one week left to Special Order your new Sewing Machine, Sewing Cabinet, Software and Machine Accessories at the low sale prices if you want them to arrive in time for the holidays! All Special Orders are subject to the manufacturer's in-stock position.

Extra Bonus Prize Dollars! Present this letter at the Contest Desk on Wednesday and receive 30,000 Extra Bonus Prize Dollars! Remember, the Contest Score Boards are updated every morning so stop in often to see how close you are to being our Grand Prize Winner.

Our Help is Needed! Clemson Community Care is running out of supplies to feed the less fortunate so we are asking for your help and we will reward you for that help! Bring in any non-perishable Food Item and we'll give you 50,000 Extra Bonus Prize Dollars for each item you bring. (Limit 3 items per day per Contestant thru December 11th.) These are the items that they need the most...Peanut Butter, Mac & Cheese, Any Dry Pasta, Pork & Beans, Tomato Sauce, Mixed Vegetables... but any and all donations will be greatly appreciated!

See you Wednesday!
Sincerely,
Sara and Bobby Ballentine 

P.S. Stop by our Contest Desk and present this letter - it's good for 15,000 FREE Prize Dollars each day, except Wednesday, and 30,000 on Wednesday only.
(All offers are good thru Tuesday, December 11th and while quantities last.)

Great Holiday Gifts
At Heirlooms & Comforts you can do holiday shopping for wonderful Husqvarna Viking products including machines and accessories for members of your gift list.  As an addition to our Retirement Sale we have marked terrific prices on sewing and embroidery machines and on special order sewing cabinets.  Don’t miss this chance to purchase a great gift for the sewing enthusiasts on your list—the clock quits ticking at H&C on December 15 for the year 2012.  There are also embroidery design packs that have been reduced by 40% for this special event.  Even though the dealership will continue, we have great bargains in store for you!  Come early for best choices.  Offers good while supplies last.

Update your Email Profile:
For a number of years you have been receiving a joint email featuring both H & C and VSQ shops. With the changes forthcoming at H & C we are changing this format to one in which each store will be sending their own email separately. The last joint email will go out on Sunday December 16, 2012. In order to facilitate this transition we are asking each of our customers to update their email profile. When you update your profile you will have a choice of which shop or shops you would like to receive emails from:  H & C or VSQ or if you would like to receive emails from both shops then you can select both. This will take only a few minutes of your time so all you have to do to start the process is click on the update profile link below.   Thank you, and if you have any questions please reply to this email and we will assist you.


UPDATE YOUR EMAIL PROFILE

Sunday, November 25, 2012

Time is running out to Save!

Starting Wednesday, November 28th, ALL remaining Schmetz Machine Needles, ALL Elastic, ALL Piping & Cording and ALL Buttons & Cover Buttons will be slashed to 1/2 OFF the regular retail price! Every single item in our store remains on sale during our Huge Wall to Wall Retirement Sale!

More Discounts Starting Wednesday! Merchandise from every department is represented in our Blowout Section and has been cut to 75% OFF the regular retail price or more! Be sure to look for the Fat Quarter Special pricing starting Wednesday.

Display Quilts on Sale! You have been asking about the display quilts and those that will be sold are marked and are ready to go. They make a great holiday gift with that personal touch!

Extra Bonus Prize Dollars! Present this letter at the Contest Desk on Wednesday and receive 20,000 Extra Bonus Prize Dollars! Don't forget to find the misspelled wurd in this letter so we can double your Prize Dollar awards for the day. This offer is good on Wednesday only.

Bring a friend along! We'll give you an additional 5,000 FREE Bonus Prize Dollars for each friend you bring to the store that registers for the Prize Contest. No limit to the number of friends you can bring and this offer is good any day during our sale. They can all help you become our Top Prize Winner!

Time is running out to Save! Our sale must come to an end soon so shop now while we still have a great selection. We are cleaning out the backroom, office and under-stocks so new things are coming out to the floor daily at the sale prices. Stop in often to see what's new and before it's too late!
Sara and Bobby Ballentine

P.S. Stop by our Contest Desk and present this letter - it's good for 10,000 FREE Prize Dollars each day, except Wednesday, and 20,000 on Wednesday only.

(All offers are good thru Tuesday, December 4th and while quantities last.)

Everybody needs an Uncle John
Thanksgiving holiday brings family and friends together for celebration and expressions of gratitude for each other. We, thankfully, had ALL of our immediate family together, the seven grandchildren for the first time all together. One of the emerging pleasures of this gathering is to learn that all kids need an Uncle John who will first of all help Grandpa blow the fallen leaves into a "gianormous" pile in the backyard. Then, just for the FUN of it, toss each guy who can control himself at least a little bit, into the center of the pile. I hope you can see in the photo the absolute glee on the faces of the toss-er and the toss-ee.

This was good, but wait until you see the photo shots of a posed family of 16. There is a priceless one of the six grandsons and the "belle of the ball" in Jackson's lap. Thankful grandparents here for a beautiful family, even when the first grandson has a "shiner" and cuts resulting from a fall off the ladder from the tree house.

Sunday, November 18, 2012

Beat the Black Friday Rush!

Starting Monday, November 19th, take an EXTRA 10% OFF the already low discounted price on ALL remaining Fabrics, including the Batiks, when you clean off the Bolt. That's right! When you purchase whatever is left on any bolt of fabric, we'll take another 10% OFF the already low discounted sale price and you'll save even more!

Just in time for the Gift Giving Season! Every single Sewing Machine and Cabinet is on sale as well. If we have sold out of any current item, you can still Special Order it at the low sale prices and we'll guarantee delivery before the Christmas Holiday. Don't forget ALL of our Software, Software Upgrades and Machine Accessories are on sale too!

Free Coffee or Tea! There is a chill in the air and we'll be serving Coffee and Tea
to warm you up while you shop this Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday.

We'll be open this Monday and Tuesday, November 19th & 20th from 10-5 and from
10-2 on Wednesday, November 21st. We will be closed Thursday thru Sunday and reopen on Monday, November 26th with our regular store hours.

Don't forget to stop by the Contest Desk each time you visit our store to collect your FREE Daily Prize Dollars. You could be on your way to being named our Grand Prize Winner.

Even though we will be closed for the holiday weekend, we will be working hard to put together next week's specials as our Huge Wall to Wall Retirement Sale continues.

Watch your mail for the next Sale & Contest announcement; it should be arriving in your mailbox on November 26th!

All of us at Heirlooms & Comforts want to wish you and yours a safe and happy Thanksgiving weekend!

Have a safe and happy Holiday!
Sara and Bobby Ballentine
& the entire Staff at
Heirlooms & Comforts

P.S. Stop by our Contest Desk and present this letter - it's good for 5,000 FREE Prize Dollars each day.

(All offers are good thru Tuesday, November 27th and while quantities last.)

You Never Know
At Heirlooms & Comforts these days you never know what might happen. Items could change in discount amount at any time. There could be Door-buster Specials pop up when you least expect it - especially in the sewing machine department. That means you should continue to come in just about every day to see what has changed or to pick up a great bargain. Things can happen overnight sometimes. You never know.

Sunday, October 28, 2012

Crisp and Sunny

Crisp, sunny days and cool nights bring great delights with the season. Are you ready to cocoon with your sewing machine? Do you have the supplies needed for a cocooning? What about fabrics and patterns for making table runners for the holiday seasons and for making cuddle quilts and bed quilts? Now is the time for collecting these items to be prepared for a crackling fire in the fireplace and plenty of things to sew. Oh! Don't forget to have enough good, strong, new threads to make sure the things you sew stay sewn forever. Have you had your machine cleaned lately? A well-cared for machine makes the sewing process much happier. Include fresh, new needles for your project, too. Ensure simple pleasure of creating beautiful projects with good preparation.

Speaking of simple pleasure, what better fun than one boy and a big mound of fall leaves just piled up on a crisp fall afternoon? Simple delight for jumping with full abandon - never mind the dust and the minor scratches. Just jump in the middle.

Similarly we elders can "jump in the middle" of our sewing projects!
Sara 

H&C Weekly Feature - Clean Off the Bolt
At Heirlooms & Comforts this week we will feature Clean Off the Bolt week. You can buy all that is on a regular price bolt at 25% off when you take it all. If you choose a sale price fabric you can increase the discount by 10% when you buy all that is remaining. There are lots of skinny bolts on the shelves waiting for you to come in. Next week is the annual trip to Toccoa for the Quilting in Toccoa Fall Retreat and we take a lot of fabric to supply those participants. So, it is urgent that you come before the trailer is loaded for the last trip we will make.

Viking Educator Visit
Our Educator friend Barbara Moore from Husqvarna Viking will hold an all-day Trunk Show and Demo Event at Heirlooms & Comforts on November 13 starting at 10:00 AM. She will be featuring the Husqvarna Viking Designer Ruby DeLuxe and the exciting new Opal line of sewing machines while spotlighting the newest products and projects. There will be great embroidery projects and features, easy embellishments that can be accomplished by almost any machine in our line-up. As many of you know, Barbara has so many great ideas and methods for using H-V products. The newest embroidery collections from H-V will also be featured in this program. There are new feet to learn about, too. The tuition for this all-day event and your lunch and door prizes is $10. Sign up right away for a relaxed day of fun and fellowship while learning about new products!! Space is limited.

It is just two weeks before Barbara's visit; so, don't wait too long to sign up. Do it today to save your seat. Join us for the fun.

Sunday, October 21, 2012

Changes

For a long time many of you have heard me say that life is a series of changes. I believe that strongly. As I looked at the natural world around me this early fall I was reminded of this truth with the leaves falling from the trees before they could give us the beautiful colors of autumn. I thought about how some years they float to the lawn into a carpet of multicolor. Not this time. They just dive-bomb.

I have spent the last 28 years working happily among the colors of fabrics, threads, and embroideries with wonderful co-workers and customers. These have been good years and I have a multitude of friends and acquaintances over this state and neighboring states. I have gotten acquainted with some "quilting stars" across the country and those have been enriching experiences - some better than others.

Now is the time for a change for me and my family as I have reached an autumnal stage in my life. I achieved what for me is a milestone age in August and find that I am ready for yet another change by altering my routine to semi-retirement and the freedom to travel and "Grandmother" those precious grandchildren who have entered the lives of Grandpa and me. Four of the seven live west of the Mississippi River and need to see us more often.

Those of you who have depended on Bobby's excellent service on your sewing machines don't panic! Bobby has no plans to give up his service customers. We will continue the Heirlooms & Comforts Husqvarna Viking dealership on a Concierge basis keeping special hours to serve customers who wish to have Bobby care for their machines and to purchase Husqvarna Viking products.

There will, we hope, be someone who will take the "baton" of the quilt shop and run with it for the future. As for Grandma Ballentine, the time has come for sewing, gardening, and travel. Those six little boys and Eleanor are going to see more of their grandparents Ballentine. This is a family tradition that we want to perpetuate.

Thanks for the good times, ladies, with Heirlooms & Comforts and the world of the quilt shop. It has been, sometimes, back-bending work, but most rewarding in friendships forged and fondly remembered. I wish to move out of this chapter of my life like the leaves of a colorful autumn floating gracefully to the ground, making a carpet of varied color even more intricate than before.

Maybe, as some persons have suggested, I will write about these 28 years - oh my! That would read with quite a variety of moods.

One of the stages of my life was as a high school English teacher. That experience left me with a love of the poetry of Robert Frost. Contemplate this conversational poem from him:

Stopping By Woods on a Snowy Evening

Whose woods these are I think I know.
His house is in the village though;
He will not see me stopping here
To watch his woods fill up with snow.

My little horse must think it queer
To stop without a farmhouse near
Between the woods and frozen lake
The darkest evening of the year.

He gives his harness bells a shake
To ask if there is some mistake.
The only other sound's the sweep
Of easy wind and downy flake.

The woods are lovely, dark and deep.
But I have promises to keep,
And miles to go before I sleep,
And miles to go before I sleep.

Be on the lookout for more information about the change of hours for Heirlooms & Comforts. Classes and events are not altered at all for the next few months. We have business as usual for some time yet.
Sara 

Barbara Moore
Our Educator friend Barbara Moore from Husqvarna Viking will hold an all-day Trunk Show and Demo Event at Heirlooms & Comforts on November 13 starting at 10:00 AM. She will be featuring the Husqvarna Viking Designer Ruby DeLuxe and the exciting new Opal line of sewing machines while spotlighting the newest products and projects. There will be great embroidery projects and features, easy embellishments that can be accomplished by almost any machine in our line-up. As many of you know, Barbara has so many great ideas and methods for using H-V products. The newest embroidery collections from H-V will also be featured in this program. There are new feet to learn about, too. The tuition for this all-day event and your lunch and door prizes is $10. Sign up right away for a relaxed day of fun and fellowship while learning about new products!! Space is limited.

Opal 650 and Opal 670
These two new machines from Husqvarna Viking are designed, engineered and built by Viking and are the "darlings" of the line-up right now. They are great machines with features that most enthusiastic sewers wish to have on their sewing machine. Bobby has become a fan of this model for its style and grace. He thinks this is a great engineering coup for Husqvarna Viking and a great buy for our customers. It is lightweight for taking to class or to workshops. This is the ONE that we have been wishing and waiting for. Come in to try it out; you'll love it. There is a terrific introductory price on each of these Opal models, too.