This is not the first time I have heard of someone other than the owner of the store browbeat a person new to quilting. It happens.....why? Reasons could be as different as the people involved. Maybe the person "beating" you in that manner wanted to appear superior to you, as in "I know more than you, so listen to me." Maybe that person was just trying to drum up more business for the shop owner. Maybe you weren't yet one of their store's groupies and she didn't have the time to deal with a newbie. Who knows...... Questions for a new quilter: are you planning to make a large bed quilt your first time out? Perhaps you could make a few blocks to see if the Log Cabin block is really for you? I agree that watching videos on beginning quilting and the Log Cabin block would be helpful. I made a baby quilt using the Log Cabin block and do not think it would be difficult for a beginner. I agree with Beverly that buying jelly rolls for your project might not be the best. They could be cut incorrectly and not on the grain of the fabric, and, learning to correctly cut your own fabric pieces for the quilt block is a very important part of the learning process, in my opinion. We're here to help you in any way we can. Teresa

Wow-what a really strange story! Where's Sherlock Holmes when you need him? I have to say, there were lots of things that didn't add up for me. For instance, the letters didn't start until this family arrived on the scene. Why did they keep renovating? and refinancing? Why sue the prior owners for not disclosing one weird letter? The girls easel. The conversation with one neighbor about another 'weird' neighbor, who he was sure was a suspect. Then, at the end, the homeowner admits to sending out anonymous creepy letters to get the neighbors back??? Then my thought was...'could he be 'the watcher'? It's speculation, but lots of questions for sure.

Some nice greens and gray-greens above above. I think whatever color you choose for siding should be darker than the current white, but not too dark - just of equal visual weight to the brick below. More of a midtone. Light colors come forward, dark colors recede - thats why theres somewhat of a disconnect between upper and lower parts. Getting those more in balance visually will help. Maybe you intuitively know this and thats why you want to paint the brick (white I assume - to balance out the top)? But why take a route that involves expense, frequent maintenance, and if wrong products are used - spalling and deterioration of brick, mold issues. The breathable mineral based stains are indeed a much better option but my opinion - with an antique house (yep, yours is close if it isnt already) at some point the value is in working with what you have instead of making inalterable changes to it merely to follow latest fads. You still have plenty of room for updating color schemes and integrating new or contemporary elements into it in an eclectic kind of way. My opinion - red brick is classic, entire ancient Roman towns were built out of it - used on up through current times. I dont know about your neck of the woods but its still in use here in midwest for new construction - in context of contemporary color schemes. I think the current dislike of it is just a blip. Sorry, i just cannot think of one single reason to change it ..... if that's what you are looking for? If previous owner has already painted or messed with it, maybe....

I feel your pain! I had the reverse problem. When I was married I had to stay with my in-laws in their tiny but lovely cabin in Canada. There was nowhere to go for any quiet time. We slept in a walk through bedroom between to five year olds and 8 adults. It was a nightmare. Plus they all spoke French so I did not even have any idea of what they were saying. I had a total panic attack. This visit was for ten days. I told my then husband I could never do it again. He did not understand and said it would hurt their feelings if we were to stay in nearby hotel or airbnb. For the next visit I was certain that he would understand my need for a seperate place to stay. He would not do it. I was so stressed out about that visit. Especially given the fact that we hosted his niece for six months to go to high school abroad and of course, stayed with us. I was the one to drive her everywhere. It is a long story. Then, the entire family came and stayed with us at the end of her program. It was all more than I could handle. It was right after that visit that we were to go visit them. Long story short (or even longer...given all I have typed here), I had a panic attach or maybe I should say a nervous breakdown and we did not go. My husband resented me to no end. I think honesty is the best policy. However, I would say it in the nicest way possible. Maybe something like this..... We are looking forward to your visit, we got you a hotel (or airbnb) five minutes away. We thought it would be nice for each of our families to have our own space. Then discuss activities you all will be doing together. If they are hurt or insulted then that is just what is going to happen. Never put yourself in a situation where your own mental health will sufffer greatly. Maybe others will disagree with me, but having gone through it I know that is what I would do. My breakdown was no laughiing matter and it was the beginning of the end of my marriage. Sorry for this extrememly long post! Amy