SWEET STITCHES QUILT SHOP

Sweet Stitches Adds the Daylight Product Line

July 1, 2020 Chesterton, IN -

Sweet Stitches Quilt Shop is excited to announce a new product line - The Daylight Company line of lamps, magnifiers and lightbox products.

Whether you are a sewer, quilter, or just enjoy doing crafts, quality lighting is key to producing your best work and protecting your eyes.

Crafters love to relax with projects in the evenings but understand that artificial light can make it difficult to see fine detail, sew accurately and colour match correctly. The Daylight Company has designed exceptional craft lights, magnifying lamps and lightboxes since the 1980's that provide high-quality light for quilters and craftspeople alike.

Daylight lamps are engineered to simulate natural daylight, which is the best for clarity and colour matching, and the most comfortable for your eyes when doing detailed tasks. We think you will immediately notice the difference when you experience a daylight product. And wait until you see these lightboxes with optional cutting mats! - can you say Foundation Paper Piecing?

Sweet Stitches Store Opens with COVID-19 Restrictions

May 4 2020 - Chesterton, IN

Recently, Governor Holcomb and the State of Indiana have established a phased sequence of steps to reopen businesses as the shelter in place requirements are eased. You can link to the State information by clicking here. The next business milestone is dated May 4. In anticipation of this eventuality, we have given much thought to how we would handle this circumstance. Between the two of us, we have discussed our responsibilities as a member of the business community as well as our concern for our employees, our family our customers and friends. While there are many thoughts on this topic, in the end, each business, each customer, each individual must make their own personal decisions.

Based on our reflection, we have decided to open our business as of May 4, thus permitting customers to enter the store in order to provide products and services in full compliance with the state’s Phase 2 requirements. To this end, we have established a protocol that we will follow, at least for the time being, as we learn and experience what our new normal will be. As we move forward, we may adapt our protocols based on the developing circumstance.

Staffing – for the time being, Joan and Rob will staff the store. Additional team members will only return once we have a good sense of where this circumstance takes us.

Curbside – Sweet Stitches will continue to provide and encourage curbside pick-up. Your order, be it placed online, by phone or email will be processed by the next business day and brought to your car. We ask that you pre-pay curbside orders to minimize the number of times we must exit the store. Now that we will have customers inside the shop, please call when you arrive for curbside pickup. We are committed to curbside to support those customers that may not feel comfortable entering the shop.

Social Distance – The idea of maintaining distance is key to minimizing viral spread. To this end, Sweet Stitches will place a limit of 6 customers in the shop at any one time. It may be the case that you are asked to wait prior to entering the store. We appreciate your understanding as we do our best to comply with the State's guidelines. With this policy, we must also ask that only shoppers enter the store. Chauffeurs, tag-a-longs, chaperones will need to wait this one out. We will support and expect that customers remain at least 6 feet (about 2 arms’ length) from other persons and staff.

Masks – While we will limit the number of persons in the store to ensure sufficient space, we will encourage the use of masks that provide an additional measure of safety for all.

Entry – We will have hand sanitizer available just inside the door for your use upon entry. While we know touching fabric and products is a big part of the buying experience, we will ask for your mindfulness as you shop to minimize contact and to please be certain your hand sanitizer is fully dry prior to touching any fabric. For those that would prefer, staff will be happy to pull fabric bolts and products.

Classes – At this time, Sweet Stitches will not conduct nor schedule classes be they one on one or group. During this time, our classroom will exclusively be for staff use.

Let’s be Smart – If your work or family situation puts you at high risk, if you do not feel well, if you fall into any high risk category, we will encourage you to shop online while utilizing our curbside service and to not enter our store at this time. If we all work together and care for one another, not only where Sweet Stitches is concerned but across the board, we can get through this while minimizing infection rates and allowing businesses to reasonably open and get people back to work.

We will update you as things move forward.

With Kind Regards,

Rob and Joan Crookston

Sweet Stitches Quilt Shop
1585 South Calumet Rd
Chesterton, IN 46304
M - Th 10:00 - 5:00
Fr, S 10:00 - 4:00

Sweet Stitches is now an Authorized Janome and Elna Dealer

Chesterton, IN - Sweet Stitches is now a Janome Dealer. As of October 1, 2019, Sweet Stitches will carry the full line of Janome and elna sewing, quilting, embroidery and Long Arm Machines. "We are pleased to add the Janome product line to the shop," said Rob Crookston, Sweet Stitches co-owner. "Janome has recently added several new machines that will dovetail nicely with our current sewing machine offerings." Now included as part of the Janome line is the M7, one of the largest quilting machines on the market, as well as the new 550 embroidery machine that boasts a larger hoop and a patented closure system that are examples of the innovation that is the hallmark of the Janome Design.

Quilters of all skill levels can find encouragement, inspiration and creativity at Sweet Stitches Quilt Shop. Located in Chesterton, Indiana just a few miles from the natural beauty of the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore, Sweet Stitches Quilt Shop is your destination for fabrics, notions and all things quilting. We carry a wide variety of brights, batiks and reproduction fabrics as well as notions, patterns, books and Elna sewing machines. Our large classroom offers students everything they need to learn and grow their quilting talents. From fabric selection to project advice to training on your new machine, our friendly, knowledgeable staff is ready to assist. Stop by the store or click the "Shop Online" link to view our wide variety of products ready to ship direct to your door.

1585 South Calumet Road Chesterton, IN 46304
219.250.5942
www.sweetstitchesquiltshop.com

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2019 Row by Row Block Announced

Chesterton, IN - Sweet Stitches Quilt Shop has revealed its Row x Row Experience Block for 2019. Row x Row officially begins June 21st and the theme this year is "TASTE THE EXPERIENCE". Similar to last year, there are new row sizes available to the participating shops and Sweet Stitches has selected a 21"x 12" block. This year's row brings back memories of family fun and barbeque. Sweet Stitches encourages everyone to participate in Row x Row this Summer and support brick & mortar quilt shops in your area and all over the US, Canada and Europe. Participants can collect a free pattern from each shop you visit and purchase fabric kits to create your own experience. Happy Rowing!

Sweet Stitches Becomes accuquilt Dealer - Sewing Seminar Planned

January 2, 2019 - Chesterton, IN - Sweet Stitches Quilt Shop has announced that beginning January 2019, the shop has been named a Signature accuquilt Dealer and will carry the full accuquilt line of products. Launching a fabric cutting line of products in 2008, the accuquilt system helps quilters create accurate fabric cuts each and every time. Accurate cuts save time and fabric that allow quilters to get to the fun parts of quilting!

As a added benefit of the design and safety inherent in the system, the accuquilt product line can assist those quiltmakers with arthritis, shoulder issues, sight limitations, and other physical ailments to continue quilting and to be creative.

As an accuQuilt Signature Dealer, Sweet Stitches Quilt Shop is exclusively authorized to carry the full line of GO! products including the GO! Big Electric Fabric Cutter, GO! Qubes, and many more products in the accuquilt line!

Beginning January 2nd 2019, Sweet Stitches will have accuquilt products available in the shop and will provide demonstrations of the products.

accuquilt and Sweet Stitches will team up for a Product Demo and Seminar to be held February 1st and 2nd 2019. An accuquilt national trainer will be in the shop to conduct a seminar about the product and the many quilt projects you can accomplish with the system. This will be a highly educational event with lots of creative ideas to get you thinking about your 2019 projects. We will provide more information about this event in the next few weeks. Save the dates of February 1st and 2nd!

Sweet Stitches Announces Major Expansion and Renovation

11/2/2018 Chesterton, IN - Joan Crookston, owner of Stitches Quilt Shop, announced to the crowd gathered for the November First Friday Demo Day that a major expansion and renovation is planned. Joan stated that "a doorway will soon be created between the current shop and the suite next door. Over the upcoming holiday season, the shop will close to allow a new floor to be placed and the rearrangement to provide additional space for new product lines, expanded classroom area and adequate room to display and demo machines".

Sweet Stitches Quilt Shop plans to complete these renovations in time for a grand re-opening of the shop in conjunction with its 2nd anniversary January 3rd 2019.

Summer Sewing Education Seminar to be held at Sweet Stitches

Sweet Stitches is hosting a Summer Sewing Education Seminar August 1 - 4 featuring National Sewing Educator and speaker Amy Meek. Amy, a native of Chesterton, has taught and trained across the U.S., Mexico and Europe. Amy is looking forward to her visit to her home town to see old friends and to make new ones at Sweet Stitches.

Amy will conduct several lecture demo classes presenting how to get the most out of your sewing machine with quilting and specialty feet, decorative stitches and machine embroidery tips and tricks.

Quilting Feet - Amy will show you which feet will help you piece faster and more accurately. See what is trending with free motion quilting and ruler work. See how to make your machines throat plate a quilters best friend and learn how to use your quilting feet for best effect.

Feet to be discussed:

> ¼’ foot > Clearview ¼” foot > Blind Hem foot

> Walking foot > New ¼” foot > Convertible Free Motion Foot

> Ruler Foot > Machine Rulers

Decorative Stitches - You can't have enough stitches, the more the merrier! Learn how to use decorative stitches to your advantage; why you need different needles and how to use decorative threads in your quilting.

Specialty Feet - Attach your glitz and embellishments to your projects with specialty feet. Learn how to use a ruffler for your gathering and ruffles. Learn how a gathering foot works. Find out how a borderguide foot will help you keep your lettering straight. See how an applique foot will let you steer in the right direction. She will talk needles, bobbins and threads too!

Feet to be discussed:

> Beading Feet > Ribbon Sequin Foot > borderguide foot

> Snap on Ruffler > Gathering foot > applique foot

Machine Embroidery - Learn the latest tips and techniques for your home machine embroidery projects. Learn how to incorporate and quilt on your embroidery machine. Discover what all an embroidery machine can make in the hoop!

AGENDA

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One Stop Quilt Shop Hop - Kokomo, IN - July 27-28, 2018

Chestertson, IN - Sweet Stitches will participate in the One Stop Quilt Shop Hop to be held at the Kokomo, Indiana Event and Conference Center July 27 (9-5), July 28 (9-4).
The shop hop features 29 Quilt Shops under one roof.
Plenty of vendors, demos, games, prizes and inspiration all in one place.

We hope to see you in Kokomo!

If you need any additional information, we have fliers at the shop or please call or email.

2018 Row by Row Announced

Chesterton, IN - Sweet Stitches Quilt Shop has revealed its Row x Row Experience Block for 2018. Row x Row officially begins June 21st and the theme this year is "SEW MUSICAL". Unlike in past years, there are new row sizes available to the participating shops and Sweet Stitches has selected the new 18"x 18" Square. This years row brings back our favorite tomato pincushion character from last year's row in a block is called "Sew, Rock & Roll". Sweet Stitches encourages everyone to participate in Row x Row this Summer and support brick & mortar quilt shops in your area and all over the US, Canada and Europe. Participants can collect a free pattern from each shop you visit and purchase fabric kits to create your own Sew Musical Quilt. Happy Rowing!
Link to our Row by Row Page.

Sweet Stitches Adds Artistic Quilter to Shop

May 1, 2018 Chesterton, IN
Sweet Stitches is expanding its Sewing Machine offerings to include the Artistic Quilter SD-16 Free Motion Quilting Machine. This fabulous Machine has 16 inches of throat space and a stitch regulator. The SD-16 is a great alternative to more pricey long arm quilting machines and will take up less space in your sewing room! Stop in to see our latest machine in person.

Full Service Machine Maintenance and Repairs Announced

4/22/2018 Chesterton, IN
In November of 2017, Sweet Stitches Quilt Shop entered the sewing machine market and became an authorized elna dealer. Today, the shop is pleased to announce the expansion of services to include Full On-Site Machine Maintenance and Repairs of most brands and models of sewing machines. "We are fortunate to have a lower level to our building, part of which has been converted to a repair shop." Stated Rob Crookston Co-Owner of Sweet Stitches, adding: "Typical maintenance for machines will be completed at our shop and will not be shipped to other locations for service."

The shop can clean and provide general maintenance, lubrication and adjustments for most sewing machine brands and models including Embroidery Machines and Sergers. Pricing and availability will depend on the type, model and condition of your machine.

Call the Shop at 219.250.5942 or email to info@sweetstitchesquiltshop.com for a quote and to schedule your machine.

You can visit our Machine Repair Page by Clicking Here

"With Great Fanfare" Named QOV Quilt to Represent the State of Indiana

4/9/2018 Chesterton, IN
9/6/2018 Update

"With Great Fanfare" a quilt by Joan Crookston was selected to represent the State of Indiana in a Quilts of Valor Foundation book "Quilts of Valor, A 50 State Salute" that was published by Schiffer Publishing and is now available in shop and online by clicking here.

The quilt was created by Joan and quilted by Judy Holden. The book will feature one quilt from each of the fifty states with a page for each quilt and quilter. "I was honored to have my design selected to represent the State of Indiana" said Joan, "The Quilts of Valor organization does such good work for a wonderful cause and I am proud to be associated with them."

Joan created the quilt as a challenge from String-A-Long Stars and Stripes local chapter chairperson Flo Schneider. Accepting the challenge and a scrap bag of fabric, Joan pieced and hand appliqued the quilt following her own design which was based off of Red, White and Blue bunting you might hang for the Fourth of July. When completed, the quilt top was handed over to Judy who Joan says, “brought it all together with a five-pointed star pattern that has created beautiful texture in the open spaces of the quilt".

The quilt was donated to Quilts of Valor and Flo nominated the quilt for consideration to the QOV Foundation. The quilt was judged at several levels during the selection process. Displayed for the first time at the String-A-Long Quilt Show at the Porter County Expo Center April 7 and 8th, the quilt will travel with the QOV Foundation to conferences and shows. In late summer, the quilt will return to the shop for a short time for the book release and then awarded to a veteran in thanks for their service.

Congratulations to Joan and Judy, for supporting the Quilts of Valor Foundation with this awesome display of talent and patriotism.

"With Great Fanfare"
Designed, Pieced and Appliqued by Joan Crookston
Quilted by Judy Holden

String-A-Long Quilt Guilds 17th Biennial Quilt Show

The String-A-Long Quilt Guild’s 17th Biennial Quilt Show “A Spring Garden of Quilts” will be held April 7^th (9am-5pm) & April 8^th (10am-4pm) at the Porter County Expo Center. There will be over 200 Quilts on display for you enjoy, 16 vendors to shop (yes Sweet Stitches will be one them), a beautiful raffle quilt to take a chance on, raffle baskets of all kinds, and silent auction quilts that will raise funds for Kits for K-9’s.

For more information Click Here

2018 Row By Row Fabric Plate Has Arrived!

While Row by Row does not officially launch until June 21st, Sweet Stitches has received this years RxR Fabric Plates!
Don't wait too long, like last year, this year's plate is certain to sell out as quantities are limited.
Fabric plates are available in store or on-line.

Sweet Stitches 2017 Row was a big hit. Joan is actively working on the this years Row following the theme of "Sew Musical". An announcement and unveiling will be made in a few months when the new is row is ready Rock and Roll...

2018 Pre Game Mystery Quilt Announced

Pre-Game Mystery Party

Join our team Sunday, February 4, 2018 for our second annual Pregame Mystery Party!

The kick off starts at Noon and the game ends at 5:00 pm just in time to get home for the Super Bowl. The shop will open at 11:00 am so you can huddle up with your fellow players, find your position and get your machine set up for the kick off clue at noon. Every half hour from 12:00 to 5:00 you will receive a new clue to work towards the goal of building your mystery quilt. Your mystery quilt top should be complete by the end of our game day and we will provide border measurements for a post game finish at home. The mystery quilt will be a finished size 64" x 82" quilt - a nice lap size quilt for cuddling on the couch.

This team event is limited to 11 players, so sign up soon! Sign up is $25.00 for the day and it must be paid to hold your spot. Each player will receive a list with fabric requirements and pregame prep work you will need to complete before game day comes around. There will be half-time food and drinks provided for our players and a little signing bonus for each player that day . So sign up soon, pick those team colors, get your game plan together and join Coach Joan on the field for a day of fun!

Sweet Stitches Becomes an Official Quilts of Valor Shop / 2018 National Day of Sewing

Great News - Sweet Stitches is an Official Quilt of Valor Shop!

We are excited to be part of this wonderful organization! The mission of the Quilts of Valor Foundation is to cover service members and veterans touched by war with comforting and healing Quilts of Valor. We are now a drop off location for donated items such as fabrics (100% Cotton Quilt Shop Quality), Quilts, Quilt Tops and Pillowcases that you wish to donate.

Our first event for the year will be The National Day of Sewing which will take place on February 3, 2018 from 10 am until 4:00 pm in the shop classroom. The National Day of Sewing takes place at this time every year as quilters, quilt groups and shops get together to make quilts as a nation. This is our second year hosting this event at our shop and we would love to have our customers and friends join us.

Come into Sweet Stitches Quilt Shop on Saturday, February 3, 2018 between the hours of 10:00 am to 4:00 pm to sew a "String" quilt block for the Quilts of Valor Foundation. Our classroom will have Elna sewing machines set up for you to use and all materials will be cut and ready for you to sew. Members of the String-A-Long Stars & Stripes Group will be there to help anyone wanting to make a quilt block to honor a veteran.

Everyone that participates February 3rd will have their name in a drawing for one of three Sweet Stitches Quilt Shop Gift Certificates ($25.00, and $15.00 and $10.00 gift certificates) We will draw names at the end of the day. (winner need not be present). We will give the winners a call and certificates can be picked up the following week during our business hours.

We look forward to hosting more QOV sewing events throughout the year and working towards covering all our veterans in thanks!

Sweet Stitches Becomes an Authorized ELNA Dealer

November 2017
Sweet Stitches Quilt Shop is now an authorized ELNA Dealer !

We are excited to expand our business and offer one of the best sewing, quilting, embroidery and serger lines available.

Stop in to learn more about the ELNA models

eXpressive 920
eXcellence 780
eXcellence 730 PRO
eXcellence 680
664 PRO
eXperience 570
eXplore 340
Star Edition

Visit our Machines page by clicking here.

Row by Row November 1st 2017

As of November 1st, 2017 Row by Row kits can be ordered on-line for immediate shipment or may picked up at the shop.

The 2018 Row by Row theme has been announced and will be "Sew Musical". Stay connected to Sweet Stitches through the website, newsletters and Facebook to find out what is in store for the spring 2018 Row by Row and Joan's design!

2017 -18 Block of the Month Announced

***NEW*** Block of the Month Quilt – Starts August 31, 2017.

12 beautiful floral hand embroidery blocks called Sadie's Keepsakes by Black Cat Creations

***COMING SOON*** Block of the Month Quilt – November 2017.

Pieced quilt in purple and blue batiks called " Mystical Prisms" designed by A Wing and a Prayer Designs in Timeless Treasures Batiks.

Click Here to learn more.

2017 Row by Row Announced

Sweet Stitches Quilt Shop is pleased to announce its 2017 Row by Row On the Go quilt block. This unique block will be a hit for any quilter or collector. Be sure to stop by the shop during the Row by Row Experience starting June 21, 2017 !

Shop Till You Drop - One Stop Shop Hop in Kokomo, Indiana July 28-29, 2017

Sweet Stitches will participate at the Shop Till You Drop - One Stop Shop Hop in Kokomo, Indiana on July 28 and 29, 2017. The event will host 30 quilt shops under one roof at the Kokomo Events Center located at 1500 North Reed Road. There will be games & prizes, Fun & Lots of Fabric! Brochures about this fun event are available at the shop. Be sure to mark your calendars.

Illiana Quilt Shop Hop 2017 Announced

Sweet Stitches Quilt Shop will be part of the Illiana Quilt Shop Hop 2017 running from June 16th thru July 1st. This Shop Hop takes you to 11 shops in Illinois and Indiana. You can purchase a passport for $5.00 at Sweet Stitches which will get you 15% off 1/2 yard cuts or more at all 11 shops. You will also receive goody bags from each shop and if you visit all 11 shops and have your passport stamped at each shop you will be entered into a drawing for some great prizes! Grand Prize is a Janome Jem 760, Second prize is 110 fat quarters and there are 11 third place prizes for $25.00 dollar gift certificates to each of the 11 shops.

This years quilt theme for the shop hop is "Illiana through the Year". Each shop has created a block that will represent one month out of the calendar year. Sweet Stitches will represent the month of August and we have created a Sunflower block. Each shop will also have a March block on display as there are 11 shops and 12 months in a year. You can collect kits made by each shop to represent their month for $6.50 per kit or you can pre-order all 12 kits before June 9th for a discounted price of $72.00. After June 9th all 12 kits will cost $78.00. All shops will have the same hours (check your local time zones) during the shop hop, Monday thru Saturday 10am - 5:00 pm and Fridays open until 6:00 pm. Stop by Sweet Stitches to see the blocks, purchase your passport and grab a map before you hit the road on your shop hop adventure.

Book Signing with Author Heather Hagen Bessler May 6, 2017

On May 6th at the Sweet Stitches Quilt Shop will host a book signing with local author Heather Hagen Bessler. Heather has written a wonderful book on Crazy Quilts called "Antique Crazy Quilts & Their Stitches". This book is a documentation of the Crazy Quilts in the collection of the Porter County Museum in Valparaiso, Indiana. Antique Crazy Quilts & Their Stitches is also a great reference for embroidery stitches and the step by step hand drawn illustrations are easy to follow along with too. Copies of the book will be for sale at the shop and the author will be here to sign your copy between 10:30 am - 1:30 pm. Heather will also have many of her embroidery pieces on display at the shop. Please join us on Saturday, May 6th to celebrate our local author and friend Heather Bessler.

String-A-Long Stars & Stripes Quilt of Valor Mystery Quilt May 4, 2017 Announced

The String-A-Long Stars & Stripes Quilt of Valor Group will hold a Mystery Quilt event on May 4th. Joan will lead a Mystery Quilt for the group that will be a fun way to get quilt tops made for Quilts of Valor. This free 'mystery quilt in a day' is open to members of the String-a-Long Stars & Stripes Quilt Group which is a wonderful organization to be a part of. The group meets to sew quilts for veterans and soldiers on the first Thursday of the month at the Westchester Library Service Center in Chesterton, In.

For more information on the String-a-Long Stars & Stripes Quilt Group visit www.stringalongqg.org.

Quilt Show April 22, 23 2017

Sweet Stitches will be a vendor at the Quilts Along the Kankakee Quilt Show in Wheatfield,IN

Saturday April 22 9am to 4pm
Sunday April 23 10am to 3pm

Location:
White's Residential & Family Services, Christian Haven Gymnasium 12501 North State Road 49, Wheatfield , IN 46392

February Shop Events Announced - National Day of Quilting / Pregame Mystery Party !

Sweet Stitches Quilt Shop Announces two shop events:

February 4, 2017 - Quilts of Valor National Day of Sewing

Sweet Stitches, along with the members of String-A-Long Stars & Stripes, is hosting the Quilts of Valor National Day of Sewing and we want you to be a part of it!
The Quilts of Valor Foundation honors Veterans for their service to our country though the gift of Quilts. Come into Sweet Stitches Quilt Shop on Saturday, February 4, 2017 between the hours of 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. The classroom and sewing machines will be set up for you to use and all materials will be cut and ready for you to sew. To learn more click here to link to the event page.
We hope you can join us to make a string block for a Quilt of Valor and thank a veteran for their service to our country.

February 5, 2017 - Pregame Mystery Party

Sweet Stitches will host a Super Bowl themed pregame party and mystery quilt project. Each half hour from 12:00 to 5:00 participants receive a new clue to work towards the goal of building your mystery quilt.
This team event is limited to 11 players. The cost is $20.00 for the day that includes food, drinks and a little signing bonus for each player that day. Join Coach Joan on the field for a day of fun!
To learn more lick here to link to the event page.

Sweet Stitches Launches New Website

Sweet Stitches Quilt Shop has launched a new website! The new website enhances navigation and ease of use for our visitors while retaining the online retail options and creating enhancements to the calendar function and presentation. The site takes advantage of the new branding and color pallet of the Sweet Stitches logo. We hope you enjoy the new look and functionality of our website!

Grand Opening a Great Success!

Thanks to all of you that attended grand opening day. We appreciate your support and look forward to seeing you back at the shop soon. If you did not have the chance to visit today, not to worry, we open at 10:00am Tuesdays through Saturdays!

FREEDOM BOUND BLOCK OF THE MONTH

$25.00 PER MONTH INCLUDED ALL BORDERS AND BINDING.
FINISHED SIZE 97" x 97"
PREREGISTRATION IS REQUIRED
LIMITED KITS AVAILABLE
STARTS WITH AND INTRODUCTION MEETING
SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 24, 2016 10:30 AM