Addendum to Tuesday

One of my favorite people and quilters, fabricsnquilts, included one of my creations in her "Twitter-rific "treasury on Etsy. I'm so excited, I've never been in an Etsy treasury before!!! Lots of other great items, too. Go look and comment.

WHERE DID MARCH GO?

Well, it's the last day of March!! Already!! If I remember correctly, March came in like a lion and it's going out like a lamb here today. A bit of a shower this morning, but the clouds have dispersed and the sun is shining. Looks like we will have a lovely spring day.

Of course, with the rain and sunshine the grass will continue to grow and I will continue to mow. Yesterday I edged and trimmed and mowed. Too bad you won't be able to tell in a couple of days. Just like cleaning the house - it never lasts long!! Oh, well, it seems it's the only way I'm going to get any exercise.

My sales drought continues. The only thing I've sold online since January, I think, is a pincushion and that was to one of my online buddies. (You know who you are!) I've never had one last this long before, but I'm keeping up my hopes that it will end soon. At our next Quilter's Corner Red Tag Sale, most of my totes will be 50% off listed price so keep your eye out for some great deals. In fact, they will be on sale at all my venues just to be fair to all my customers.

I want to wish all of you a Happy April. I hope no one falls prey to bad April Fools Day pranks. And I really hope no one falls prey to this awful worm/virus that's supposed to rear its ugly head tomorrow. Be sure your virus protection program is up to date and, if you're running on a PC, be sure you've gotten all the Microsoft updates to ensure you have the designated patch.

Good Tuesday, all!!

NEW TOTES

I listed two new totes yesterday - one in great summer fabrics from the Tutti Frutti collection and the other a super quilter's tote in two fabrics by Debbie Mumm. I so enjoyed making both of them because of the fun fabrics. I have them listed on ebay, Etsy and Bonanzle so get over to the venue of your choice and have a closer look!

Tutti Frutti Tote

Quilter's Tote

NEW TEDDY BEAR QUILT AND BURP CLOTH SET

I just listed another baby quilt, this one has a matching burp cloth. I just love the print in this one. It has all sorts of teddy bears in an all-over print. I paired it with a pretty dusty pink with white flannel on the back. I had enough left for one burp cloth. This would make a great shower gift. Anyway, I like it!

FEELING FOOLISH

Woah!! I thought it was spring,but it sure doesn't feel like it. And that seems to be everywhere!! It's cold and windy this morning and with the moisture still in the air it's really uncomfortable out there. Of course I'm so glad I'm not in Amarillo with the blizzard. (Not that I'd want to be in Amarillo at any time!)

I did a stupid thing last night. I have one covered litter box in the bathroom and one of my cats, Missy, likes to hide in there. I was washing my face last night and she decided to nip at my leg (no injury from that). In reaction I turned and kicked at the litter box. The problem is that I was wearing flip flops at the time and actually hit the box. I split the nail on my big toe and almost lost part of it. I washed it off, slathered it with Neosporin and put a bandaid on to hold the nail in place. The nail seems pretty secure this morning, but I can't wear regular shoes. Good thing I don't have to go anywhere today. Makes me feel kind of foolish; kind of like when my grandpa kicked the pig and broke his toe! lol I always said it served him right so I guess I deserved it, even though the box is fine as is Missy. I think I saw her laughing behind her paws.

IT'S FRIDAY AGAIN!!

Well, I guess I should be careful what I wish for. Yesterday afternoon we got about 2" of rain in a relatively short period of time. It came down hard enough for the street in front of the house to temporarily flood. It's the lowest spot on the block and sometimes the drains get overwhelmed. I just love standing in the garage watching all the yahoos in their pickup trucks speed by creating lovely waves up the driveway. Maybe I should invest in surf board? We had enough water that one of the neighbors' trash can was floating in the street. Luckily the water subsides as soon as the rain lets up.

They were predicting more rain for today, but I think it's all north of us. That's ok with me. I don't need anymore water in my backyard lake at present. I hope that goes down enough that I can mow the grass that is growing as I type.

Time to go and scoop all the litter boxes. My favorite chore! NOT!! lol However it is a necessary evil.

If the sun holds out for tomorrow I can get pictures of a quilt and a quilting tote done tomorrow so I can show them off and get them listed in my various venues. So I'll at cha' later!!

This isn't the latest flood, but this is what it usually looks like. The water is up over the sidewalk.

DREARY THURSDAY

It's another dreary day that threatens rain, but doesn't follow through. It's been cloudy and cool for the past few days and we did get about a quarter inch of rain last night. We could sure use more. At least the weather is an incentive to stay inside and sew.

I'm currently working on a cute sewing tote made from two Debbie Mumm fabrics. The base color is a lovely milk chocolate brown with touches of citrusy yellows, greens and oranges. The pockets are trimmed with a yellow-gold crackle print. It will be the perfect tote to transport all of your quilting goodies to a class or quilting bee. There will be plenty of room for scissors, rotary cutters, thread, needles, pins, rulers, templates and, of course, fabric. I should have it finished today, but the weather will play a role in when I can get good pictures. Watch this space for this great tote.

HYSTERICAL VIDEO - MUST WATCH!

Etsy tweeted about this great video. I watched, I laughed, I retweeted. Anyone who loves crafts whether it's to buy, make, sell or whatever will get a real kick out of this one. Go watch: http://naughtysecretaryclub.blogspot.com/2009/03/craft-talk.html

MONDAY AGAIN

Funny how Monday rolls around about this same time every week! I made a comment to a friend that Monday isn't half so bad when one is retired, but still has an element of "ugh". It's been a typically weird Monday for me. Got to bed late last night so I've been a bit sleepy all day. I did get a short nap in though I think the cats thought I was dead. I laid down on the couch and closed my eyes. I felt movement around me and opened my eyes to see Barney and Twitty just staring at me. Then I tried to sleep again and 23 pound Kurt decided to sit on me and make sure I couldn't get up. Finally I got about a 30 minute nap and feel a bit less foggy. Good thing as I have a Goddess Girls meeting tonight and I always want to be my best for that.

No sewing today, but did get important errands done. The most important being getting the cat food. I also got the renewal sticker for the car, some lottery tickets, Buddy's glaucoma meds and Micha's supplement and fluids. Whew!!! After today I'm really hoping one of those lottery tickets pays off!

It is very windy outside and I fully expected to see the Wicked Witch of the North go flying by on her bicycle!! The wind means the weather will be changing and they are predicting rain for the next three days. That will be good sewing weather.

I haven't had much luck in selling my totes and crib quilts lately and am looking for something new to make. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Guess I should do some research on what's selling in the handmade arena.

Off to get some chores done before leaving for my meeting. I hope everyone has a great week!

L'IL COWGIRL RAG QUILT

I finally got my little cowgirl quilt listed today. I made it with some Robert Kaufman fabric - a vintage style cowgirl print and added in a red print and a chambray blue solid. It's backed with dark blue flannel.

INCREDIBLE DEAL

Mookie Designs on Etsy has a great deal on 3" denim squares. I don't use anything that small, but it's a great deal for only the shipping + 20 cents. Check it out http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=17223601

We don't want to waste this fabric, do we?

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

"If we had no winter, the spring would not be so pleasant; if we did not sometimes taste of adversity, prosperity would not be so welcome." Anne Bradstreet

And, speaking of spring, I want to wish everyone a happy Spring Equinox/Ostara!! The wheel continues to turn.

QUILT PICTURES

These are my two recently finished crib quilts - the teddy bear one for boys and the ballerina for girls. Both are backed with two layers of flannel and are the perfect size for a crib or car seat. They would also make a great "lovey" or security blanket for a toddler.

I can't wait for you to see the next one. I'm hoping to have it finished by the end of the weekend. Hint - it has little cowgirls on it!

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

"Let no one ever come to you witout leaving better and happier." Mother Theresa

She did have a way with words, didn't she?

HAPPY ST. PATRICK'S DAY

A Happy St. Patty's Day to you all!! It's a neat day for me since I have a fair amount of Irish blood running through my veins from both sides of the family. My dad's mom was a Darnold and my mom's grandfather was a Miller from Ireland and I know there are more. Anyway, I'll be wearing the green today in honor of all my Irish ancestors, listening to "Ireland's Call" on my Celtic Thunder CD, but no corned beef and cabbage. Maybe a pint of Guiness later! LOL

NEW QUILTS ON ETSY

I just listed two new crib quilts on etsy - one for boys and one for girls. Go check them out http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=22376545 and http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=22376889

QUILTERS CORNER GROUP RED TAG SALE

My Quilters Corner group is having another Red Tag Sale starting today. I've relisted several totes at reduced prices. Check them out here http://search.ebay.com/_W0QQfgtpZ1QQfrppZ25QQsassZgrandmaQ2abarbara

For other great buys search eBay using QCG Red Tag or QCG RTS. Don't miss out on some great deals!

BOW WOW/MEOW TRIVIA

Be sure to use the links on the right side of my blog to go to FreeKibble.com and FreeKibbleKat.com to answer the daily trivia question and have 10 bits of dog kibble and 10 bits of cat kibble donated to shelters. It only takes a minute and the questions are quite fun and informative. Where else can you help so many in such a short time and enjoy doing it? They are great causes and it won't cost you a penny, tho' you can make donations, even through PayPal!

DIFFERENT DIRECTION

My little teddy bear crib quilt has sold already from my Etsy store so I'm going to be concentrating on making a few more crib quilts. In looking at recent sales, those are what has sold so . . . Keep watching here for new creations!!

BIRTHDAY PRESENT

This is the tote bag and accessories I made for my granddaughter's 14th birthday. I really like the smaller size (tho' it wouldn't work for me!) She told me she really likes it and carries it to school. She said she likes bright colors and this tote has all of 'em! The wallet is lined in the solid bright pink fabric. The button on the wallet is a vintage one I got in a recent mystery box swap in on of my ebay groups. Isn't it just perfect?

NEW BABY QUILT

I just listed this cute little crib quilt. I'm trying so hard to use up the fabrics in my stash. I think this print was in a bunch of fabric I got from a lady on Freecycle a couple of years ago. Anyway, it was just enough for the quilt. The red was leftover from my grandson's Christmas present. I did have to buy the blue, but it's something I can use on other things.

I'm also working on another strip quilt. This one in all shades of green. I have three blocks done and may post some pictures later.

BUDDY THE CAT UPDATE

Just got back from Buddy's appointment with his eye doctor (this cat has more doctors than I do! LOL) I was right in thinking that his eye looked bigger again. The vet confirmed that the pressure was back up. He still doesn't know for sure what's causing it, but he's so surprised that Buddy still has vision in the eye. He said the pressure must have increased slowly so as not to damage the nerves. I asked if there was anything else that could be done and he said that eye surgery on cats usually wasn't very successful. Dr. Hermann said to continue the pills and the eye stuff and gave me drops to give twice a day. Whew!! We go back in three weeks for another recheck. I have to add that Buddy was sooo good. Having someone look in your eyes will all sorts of devices would be disconcerting to me.

I'll do an update after the next vet visit unless something comes up beforehand.

QUOTE OF THE DAY

"Cats are intended to teach us that not everything in nature has a purpose." Garrison Keillor
(Big thanks to FreeKibbleCat.com for that one.)

MY FAVORITE TWITTERS

I'm new to twittering, but I've found some interesting and, in some cases, hilarious ones to follow. For cat lovers there are Sockington and his "friend" Pennycat. As is typical of cats, Sockington is very full of himself and Pennycat never misses a chance to point that out. Sockington and Pennycat also have their own websites.

I am also following two foreign language twitters to try to buff up my Spanish and French - French Byki and Spanish Byki. Sort of like a word a day calendar, but on Twitter. And each one has a link to a website where you can hear the word spoken and see and hear it in a sentence. I may have to sign up for Italian, too!

AmericaHandmade is another great one - spreading the word about buying American Handmade items. She features lots of different artists and crafters.

I also follow a lot of my fellow quilters, Etsy, Facebook and, of course, Dr. Phil (?). I'll keep adding to my favorites list as I find more.

CHECK THIS OUT

I just finished my new project - a cool new diaper bag! It's from a new pattern that I've been eyeing for a long time and finally bought. I used some of the Daisy Kingdom "Blue Jean Teddy" fabric that's been hanging around for a while. There's some blue chambray for the outside pocket trim, a bit of green gingham around the top and a great red for the lining. It has four outside pockets and inside there are pockets all the way around. The outside side pockets are the perfect size for bottles (see pictures). I'm hoping to make more of these and even some "daddy diaper bags" in more guy-oriented fabric. Some men just aren't comfortable with the frilly stuff.

NEW PROJECT

I started working on a new project this evening using a new pattern. It's going a bit slow as I am actually following the instructions. I'm hoping to have it finished sometime tomorrow so stay tuned for the results.