PASTEL PAISLEY TOTE

I've been in love with Sentimental Studios Kashmir collections for a long time. The intricate and colorful paisleys are just facinating. Collection IV is the best yet, in my humble opinion. The colors are those great pastels that remind me so much of those wafer candies we used to eat when I was a kid. Anyway, when I saw the charm pack of the Kashmir IV collection, I just knew I had to make a tote. And here it is!!

For the tote lining I used a light green vintage cotton fabric while the straps and pocket linings are a soft pink.

I just listed this confection on Etsy so go check it out if you are interested. And don't forget that I take custom orders, too.

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?

A GUEST IN OUR HOUSE

I just wanted to post a pic of our handsome houseguest. Jessie belongs to neighbor and is staying with us while neighbor is out of town for a couple of days. He's a young adult and, according to neighbor, a real wild man. Of course being in a strange place with a bunch of strange cats has him a bit subdued for the moment. He does let me pet him and seems to like it.

This pic is of him in his crate where he has chosen to stay for the time being. The other cats are a bit curious, but don't seem to be fazed by our visitor. Jessie has been hissing a bit when anyone gets too close, but so far there have been no "incidents". I'm hoping Jessie will come out soon and provide a good playmate for Cody. At any rate, we are honored to have Jessie as a guest and I hope his stay is a pleasant one for everyone.

Since everyone likes the kitty pics so much, I thought I would post these. The first is like a "Where's Waldo?" Can you find Mr. G? Hint - he's in the tree somewhere.



Well, here he is, in his alternate look-out spot. Doesn't it look like he's smiling? He does look awfully comfortable.



And here's a pic of something new I'm trying in the pots this spring. This is Uno, a little feral cat I've been feeding. He's a real cutie and will let me pet him in exchange for food. No food, no petting is his rule. He's a sweetie, though.

I can't believe we are half-way thru March already. I know I've been busier than usual with yard work and a friend in the hospital, but wow!!! The weather here has turned very nice and mild. Lots of sun, some nice breeze and nice temps. This is the kind of weather we wish for when it's hot and humid in August or cold and rainy in January. Too bad it can't be like this all year, but maybe we just wouldn't appreciate it quite so much.

CUTE KITTY HOUSE

A friend recently brought to my attention a neat tutorial on making a fabric kitty house. Of course I had to try it. It was really quite easy once I got the pieces cut out. It is made with a stiff fusible interfacing called Peltex 71F. I drew the pieces out on the Peltex, cut them out and used them for a pattern to cut out the fabric pieces. If you are interested in making one for your furry companion(s), here's a link to the tutorial:


http://sewtakeahike.typepad.com/sewtakeahike/2010/01/a-cat-house-tutorial.html



As you can see, once I finished the house and put it on the floor, Momma Goldie immediately claimed it for her own. She does let the others use it when she is elsewhere. I'm thinking about ways to put her name above the door. Iron-on letters?

Later I made a pad to go inside to make it a bit more comfortable. I just took a 1" thick foam square, cut it so size and made a cover from the same fabric. Goldie said it is much more comfortable now.

I think this would be a nice house/refuge for smaller dogs as well. I don't know how much bigger you can go and maintain the structural integrity of the house. I think I'll make more one of these days, as soon as I can find more of the Peltex. I had to go to several stores to get enough for this one. This is Peltex 71F. There is also a 72F which is fusible on both sides if you want to have fabric on the inside, too. I'm thinking that you could wash this if necessary. Just pop it in the washer on the gentle cycle and probably air dry. Just my opinion.

CAT GARGOYLE

I may have just a run-of-the-mill house, but I'll bet you don't know anyone else with a genuine cat gargoyle on their garage roof!! This is what I saw as I drove in the driveway the other day after running errands.

It was Mr. G!! He was on the roof, enjoying the recently returned sunshine and keeping an eye on the neighborhood.

It's nice to know that someone is standing guard when I'm away from the house.

WHERE DID 2009 GO?

As I always say at this time of year, where did the time go? It's not like I was overly busy with things, but I guess it goes no matter what's going on. I do feel like I slowed down this year and that's not necessarily a good thing. I guess 5 years into retirement I'm just trying to find my way.

New Year's Resolutions? Not this year. I've done them for nearly 60 years and rarely have any of them lasted very long. I know what needs to be done and only promise to try to work some things off that list.

One thing I intend to do is to blog more and try to keep it interesting. I'll have more RenFest pictures this week and want to do more ancestor pics and history. I've been reading the authorized biography of Elizabeth, The Queen Mother, and it's a fascinating read. My life and my ancestors don't seem to me to be nearly that interesting, but there are a few good stories there.

I'm hoping that everyone in the world has a better year - that we learn to live in peace and tolerance - that we realize that our way isn't always the best way for others - that we understand we must work together instead of blaming the other person for all the woes in the world.

Peace, my friends.