Cheryl Rosti walked into Bluebird Quilt Studio in Nampa with a handful of T-shirts and asked for help making them into a quilt. The shirts that her boyfriend, a firefighter, had given her displayed fire stations logos and designs. The twin-sized quilted spread now keeps him warm on long nights at the fire station.

"That was my first one, and he's gotten a lot of good comments on it. Now I have plans for a couple of baby quilts for friends," Rosti said. "I like going to the studio for the quilting process. I have a machine at home but everybody there is so nice - it was fun to get together with them. They were very helpful and had lots of ideas."

Cindy Hess was meeting friends for lunch when she first noticed the quilting studio. A friend had given her a quilted pillow for her birthday, and she wanted to make one herself.

After a beginning quilting workshop at the studio, an applique session and a machine quilting class, Hess has created several quilted pillows and throws, completed a couple of quilt kits, and is currently working on full extended-size quilt in a single iris chain pattern. She is contemplating buying her own quilt top machine, she said.

"I'm addicted - it's so fun," Hess said. "I'm at a time in my life when I have the time and resources to do this. It's relaxing and rewarding. It's like going to a quilting spa because you get so pampered."

Shirley Blakeley opened the Bluebird Quilt Studio in November. Marilyn Nelson is the store manager. Together they have more than 35 years experience quilting and teaching.

"We have both been quilters for many years and want to share this fun and fulfilling hobby with others. Our primary goal is to encourage, support and teach those who want to learn," Blakeley said.

This is their first business venture. Beginning to advanced quilting and sewing classes are available for adults and kids beginning at age 8. Quilt groups also meet at the studio, and Kids Quilt Camp will be held March 24-28 during spring break. The studio has seven part-time employees.

You can also rent Big Blue, a long-arm quilting machine that adds a decorative stitched finish to your quilt top. Custom quilting services are also available.

"We have a studio area that is unique to Bluebird Quilt Studio. This is a place where you can come and quilt," Nelson said. "Bring your project or problem, use our new Brother sewing machines or bring your own. For a small fee you have space, tools and whatever help you need. We'll even cleanup after you."

AROUND THE VALLEY

Gas station opens at Sam's Club in Nampa

Associates of Sam's Club, Nampa, are hosting a grand opening today beginning at 9 a.m. The event will celebrate the opening of a new on-site gas station and car wash at 5725 E. Franklin Road, Nampa.

The True You training sessions now available

RossAnne Gibson, Deena Jordan, Christine Dietzel, certified consultants for Carol Tuttle Dressing Your Truth System, are now offering The True You training sessions in Boise.

The sessions are available to women of all ages, with men's programs to be added in the near future. Participants gain an increase in confidence, style, and success during a process that enhances self-knowledge while gaining the tools to make the best-possible clothing and personal-grooming choices, organizers said.

Training is held at 2828 Camden Place, Boise. A 2-day session is $595. For information or an appointment, call 724-7640. Web site: www.celebratingthetrueyou.com.

Massage Envyopens in Meridian

Massage Envy, a collection of franchised clinics offering professional, therapeutic massage services, has opened at 1180 N. Eagle Road, Suite 105, Meridian.

Services include 11 therapy rooms with licensed and certified massage therapists specializing in Swedish, deep tissue, pain management, sports, trigger point therapy and prenatal massages.

Call 343-3689. Web site: www.massageenvy.com

Stephanie Eddy: 377-6481

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