HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Wow! I know I say it every year, but what happened to last year? It went by very fast. It's true that the older you get the faster time seems to go. I guess being busy with cats and sewing and just life in general makes the time go. 

This time last year I was running back and forth to the Emergency Vet Clinic to see Micha who was hospitalized after a severe crash due to kidney failure. We were able to keep Micha with us until he passed away May 22. We still miss they little guy a lot.

It was a year of dealing with various feline medical issues, but those have tapered off as the year progressed. I'm seriously praying for no medical crises this year. Please. Twitty is doing well, finally, on his thyroid medicine that's applied to his ears. Buddy is maintaining on his glaucoma treatment, though his vision is waning. Max, my medical standout for 2011, is doing quite well on his rather large insulin dosage. Everyone else seems to be hanging in there with minor issues only.Me? I can't afford to get sick so I don't.

Business in my Etsy shop was down a bit this year, but then everyone is trying to cut back, including me. I've had the chance to make some amazing baby clothes quilts and I'm so grateful for my loyal customers. I made a lot of tote bags this winter and will continue to include tote and diaper bags in my inventory. I learned to make some simple coasters and soon every one of my friends and family will have their very own set!! I love to make them and see what fabric combos I can come up with. 

I'm hoping to take a beginning quilting class this year. I took one in 1999 and the wall hanging I made then is among the few quilted items I have finished since. I'm also hoping to branch out into more traditional quilting style in some of my totes and things. I'm also looking into matching accessory sets to go with the totes. 

My big wish for this year is a new sewing machine. I have two Brother machines, the newer computerized one has stitch regulation problems and needs to go to the shop and the other older and simpler one probably needs a tune up. They have both been great machines even though I probably  haven't taken the best care of them as far as maintenance is concerned. I guess I'll see how much it costs to get the newer one in running order and then decide what to do. I have so many other things I want to tackle and I need a good machine to take that next step.

My family is doing well. My son still likes his job which is a blessing in itself. So many people go to work each day just dreading it. That's no fun, I know from experience. The grandkids are doing well in school and granddaughter will graduate from high school this spring. Och! That make me feel old!

I know that 2012 was a learning year for me and I'm hoping I can carry over those lessons to make 2013 the best year ever. I wish that for everyone who reads my blog. I know that if we put our minds to it, we can make this world a better place this year. Are you with me?

Happy New Year, y'all!!

NEW KITTY FABRIC RAGGIES

I finally got around to using more of the cat fabric that my friends have given me and made two little raggies. The first is made from 42 6" blocks using 21 different fabrics (22 if you count the fabric on the reverse). It measures 29" X 34", the perfect lap quilt or crib quilt or even a table topper. Some of the fabrics are recent and some are vintage and they all combine to make a cat lover's quilt.

The second raggie is smaller - 19" X 19" - and would be a perfect table topper, security blanket or even a bed for your fur person. It's made from several cat prints by Debbie Mumm.

Both raggies are in my Etsy shop in case you just have to have one or both.

I'm sure you remember how all this started. I was trying to raise money to pay for Mimi and Mikey's medical bills. Well, it was all worth it as they are growing into beautiful kitties. Especialy Mimi. See for yourself in this recent picture.

Beautiful, isn't she? And she's quite the talker, too. She wants to thank all of you who sent good wishes for her and her brother's recovery.



NEW "MAXINE" TOTE JUST LISTED ON ETSY!

I found this great "Maxine" fabric at a local fabric store a while back and thought it would make a great tote for a dear friend of mine. She's a big Maxine fan and this fabric was totally perfect. So I got enough fabric to make her a tote and one for me, too. Well, I had enough left over to make one to list so someone else can have the total "Maxine experience".

The fabric has a great retro-look aqua background with Maxine and her funny sayings on circles scattered all over the fabric. I added a cool orange button for the loop and button closure. The inside is a pretty aqua just a few shades lighter than the outside fabric. Also inside are two great pockets with more Maxine!

Just head for my Etsy store for your opportunity to experience Maxine in a whole new way!!

NEW FAT QUARTER BUNDLES IN MY ETSY STORE

I just listed two new fat quarter bundles in my Etsy store. (To go to my store you can click on the link under the pictures on the right where it says Grandmabarbara.) Both are perfect for those fall projects you are itching to get working on.

First is a bundle of four fall-themed fat quarters. They are full of the great darker tones we like for fall and winter like orange, brown and gold. The themes include leaves, flowers and squash! The squash fat quarter is a design by Debbie Mumm and is very cute.

The next bundle consists of two Halloween prints with the classic motifs of pumpkins, black cats and candy. The pumpkins are full of personality, the black cat is the cutest kitten and the candy is my favorite candy corn. Too cute.

If you go check out my store, I'm sure you will find the perfect fabric for that new project you are planning. I still have more fabric to list so, if you don't find what you're looking for, please contact me and I'll see if I have it somewhere in this stack of fabrics.

IT'S TIME TO DESTASH!

Yes, it's way past time for me to destash. For the uninitiated that means selling off some of the fabric you just had to have several years ago that's just been sitting in a drawer or a bin ever since and you forgot what you were going to make out of it. So, that's what I'm doing. I've listed several fat quarter bundles and some fabric and flannel yardages in my Etsy store. I've still got a ways to go so, if you don't find something that interests  you right now, keep coming back. And if you are looking for something in particular, please email or convo me and I'll let you know if it's somthing I have.

This cute flannel with pastel handprints would be perfect for something for the nursery. I have a half yard of it.

I have two yards of this polar bear print flannel. Can't you see some cute PJ's for Christmas? And a red tshirt to go with them? Hmmmm!

I also have these assorted floral fat quarters in one bundle. Might they be just the thing to add into that quilt you're planning?

And I have three partial bolts of really nice homespun plaids in red (above), green and blue. Perfect for so many projects.

So go check out my Etsy store and keep checking back. I know I have just what you're looking for in a drawer or bin just waiting for you.

NEW ETSY LISTING

Just wanted to let everyone know that I've posted a listing in my Etsy store for a custom baby clothes quilt. Followers of my blog can get a 10% discount on any item in my store. Just convo me and let me know what you've purchased or are interested in. www.grandmabarbara.etsy.com

PINK RIBBONS AND ROSES BAG

I have a project drawer where I put fabrics I think will make something nice. I also have bags of squares, FQ's and strips I've received in swaps. So I was looking for something to sew the other day and found a bag of strips I had tucked away waiting for inspiration. I wanted to do another ditty bag using strips so these strips seemed to meet my needs. I pulled out some pink ribbon and pink rose prints and went to work. Now I have it listed in my Etsy store. You can see it at http://www.etsy.com/listing/48454223/pink-ribbons-and-roses-ditty-bag-sewing



This bag is the perfect size for sewing supplies, cosmetics, lingerie or whatever. I think it would make a cute gift bag to fill with wonderful goodies for a special friend. It has a velcro closure and a cute floral button.

If you would like one in a special fabric, just let me know. I can make them from strips or from one piece of fabric.

NEW APRON

Do you remember that I made two bib strip-pieced aprons before Christmas last year? Well, I finally got around to making a half-apron using the same fabrics and it turned out soooo cute!! It has an off-center bottom point and a handy loop at the waist to hold that "wiping towel" that everyone uses when they're cooking or baking.

I still love the classic American colors in this fabric collection. It has the gray-blues, rusty reds, golds and greens that go with just about everything. This apron would be perfect for protecting your duds while creating those wonderful summer feasts. And it looks so festive!

Anyway, I just wanted to share this with you 'cause I'm really proud of the way it turned out. I have it listed on Etsy with free shipping so go check it out. http://www.etsy.com/listing/45205281/strip-pieced-half-apron-moda-american

BLUE, YELLOW AND DENIM TOTE

I listed another tote on Etsy the other day. I love the color combo of two shades of blue with yellow. I added more of the recycled denim for the bottom and I think it works well with the fabrics. The tote has a bit of a retro look with the stripes and the geometric print in navy, aqua and yellow. Inside is a nice yellow tone on tone print. I used that for the pockets and the straps, too. I love the denim on the bottom as it's a tad sturdier. Anyway, just wanted to show off another creation.






I'm currently working with a new wallet pattern from "THIS & THAT" by Sherri K. Falls. It's got nifty credit card pockets on the inside as well as a zipper pocket. I'll be posting some pictures as soon as I come up with something presentable.

BACK TO SEWING, AT LAST!

A few days ago I finally fired up the ole sewing machine and got down to making totes. The first uses charm squares from MODA - these are called Rural Jardin by French General. I love the classic French floral designs in these great colors. I lined the tote with a cream tone on tone print. I'm thinking of listing this one on Etsy so, if you're interested, keep an eye out.



The second tote is made using charm squares from the Glory collection by Kathy Schmitz LLC for MODA. I combined the patriotic print squares with squares of recycled denim for real down-home American style. The lining is a deep red tone-on-tone tiny floral print. This is the third tote I've made from this collection and I think I'm gonna have to make one for me! It's perfect for all those casual outfits. Although this particular tote is already spoken for, if you want one, let me know.


I have one more set of charm squares ready to sew up into a tote. They are from the Kashmir IV collection by Sentimental Studios for MODA. If you are familiar with the Kashmir collections, you know that they are lovely paisley prints and this particular one is in pale pinks, blues and greens. The tote will have a pale green lining and pale pink straps. I should have a pic posted in the next couple of days.

Along with sewing I've been taking advantage of the great weather we've been having to do some yardwork. There is something very theraputic about pulling weeds and trimming shrubs, don'tcha' think?

SOME FAVORITE THINGS

You know how it is when you're searching online for something and you don't find what you're looking for,but find something even better? Well that happened to me last night. I've been looking for some of these little fairy ornaments that I bought at the Texas Renaissance Festival. One booth there is the only place I've ever seen them, but I keep looking. Well, I was searching on Etsy and came across this wonderful artist who makes all sort of whimsical things. The store name is Kymsart777. The artist has purses, scarves and lovely jewelry, but the greatest thing in her store are her ornaments. They have images of vintage fairies and wonderful quotes. I can't describe them well enough; you just have to see them. My favorite has a cute little fairy and the quote "I don't want to face reality . . . . it keeps giving me dirty looks." The ornaments measure about 2" x 2" and run $7 to $9 and are one of a kind. I guess I'm gonna have to buy one, huh? Anyway, I just wanted to put this out there for whatever it's worth. If you need a little gift for yourself or someone else, try Kymsart777 on Etsy.