So I've been sulking a little lately in anticipation of Pocket Full of Stitches (PFOS) closing this Spring. My favorite travel odyssey every July was to fill the car with snacks and drinks and trek on down to Lubbock, TX with my daughter and/or husband for the annual Christmas in July sale. So when Nancy and Rhea announced their much deserved retirement, I was happy for them but.sad for their customers and designers alike. All good things come to an end right? WRONG!!!!! I just became aware that two POFS' employee's are purchasing the business. Oh happy day indeed! This info is on their website so I'm not spilling any beans here. In fact, as usual, I was probably the last to find out.

In their usual generous fashion, when they announced the closing they offered 25% off painted canvases. Ears perked I hit the website with my Christmas gift certificate in hand and treated myself to a canvas I would not otherwise invest in but that I very much wanted to stitch something by this particular designer. Well it arrived yesterday and when I opened the box there it was, wrapped with care and tulle. It looked as nice as a diploma! See. They do everything with such thought and style, it's part of the joy of going to the shop; your treated like royalty at Harrods!! Once opened I saw how beautifully painted this Brenda Stofft piece was and I noticed a card in the box. You can see it here.

I don't know, it's just the idea that the staff at PFOS put so much heart in everything they do. Maybe they should change their name to Pocket Full of Special Touches. Customer service goes a long way with me and when you pair that with well informed helpful staff and a well stocked shop, I'm happy to drive the 6 + hours. Indeed, there are many fine shops around our country, I just wanted to publicly say how pleased I am that this wonderful west Texas business will continue to thrive and satisfy customers. Woo Hoo! P.S. I'm not planning on putting this in my stitching queue until 2011. : (