calicodaisy

The Holiday Rush Begins ...

2011-11-08T11:07:00.001-05:00

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... and I haven't even started decorating for fall yet! Hello, blogworld. I miss you. Two things keep me from spending time here: 1) Studio and transcription work are steady, steady. Thank the Lord! 2) Due to #1, I am behind in my One Block Over blocks and just cannot allow myself the pleasure of blogging about anything until that commitment is fulfilled! I'm really strict about those things, and I have to tow my own line! I've only just finished June, so ...
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You can see my progress at my OBO Flickr set. The ladies have had some fantastic ideas, the latest being the light/dark block for June.

I do have so much to chat about, including going to The Country Living Fair in Atlanta last month. Alas, that's nearly old news now, but it was so nice and fun to meet and greet folks we craft bloggers know from our little world. LOVED the Earth Angels tent.

Well, I must keep my promise and use my free time to sew blocks. I nearly have Love in the Mist complete. Straightening the half-square triangles is giving my eyes lots of exercise!

Moving Right Along!

2011-09-08T13:46:00.002-04:00

calicodaisy handmade

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September! It has started out well. The days of August to the present have been filled with so many varied events, I felt like I was going through the weeks in a fog. Not sure things have slowed down any this month; however, my girl is a freshman in college locally and we are sharing my car, so I have a bit of forced time management while being home bound a lot through the week, and that does me a lot of good.

Once again, all my transcription work is done at home now and just in time for car sharing. We’ve been moving rooms around and shuffling the extraneous items place to place while setting up new work and living areas.
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Over Labor Day Weekend, I made the big choice to pull up the horrible, stinking, totally shameful carpet from the family room. It is better to live on the plain sublfoor than that mess. Once that was done, the fireplace was painted! It looks beautiful. Eight and a half years I wrestled with that choice, and I love it. Just the rest of the decisions to make now. That's just the primer you see in the photo. The final color is Lowe's Valspar Cream Delight. Will show soon. We were just going to paint the subfloor as noted around the web until we could put down hardwoods (you must check out that link!), but this isn’t the first floor of the house, and the noise and echoing is pretty crazy. You can see what the room looks like in better days - nice and pretty on this set.

A surprising discovery by my husband, though. As our home was custom built 33 years ago by the builder who lived here, the workmanship is pretty awesome and thoughtful. We knew the paneling is real wood, however, after taking a door frame off , Michael found that it is about 3/4” pine. We think we have discovered our very own, reclaimed hardwoods! Michael can taken the paneling down, cut up into various sized lengths, and lay the floor. Is that amazing? It certainly is to our budget. Now I can use that savings for furniture! First, though, when the paneling is removed, drywall must go up, and then color choices. My head hurts! My plan of action, though, is to just open a favorite magazine, find a look that I like, and copy. At least it gets done, and I can always make decorative changes later.
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In the studio, things have been buzzing right along. Nothing very new to show, since sewing embroidered pillow covers has become my forte! I’m so pleased. Square items that I am familiar with makes the multiple orders go fast! The pillow covers above are the largest I have made so far at 20". They are living happy in their new home on pretty sofas. Thankfully, my friend, Liz, is back this fall to help keep me organized and use her sewing and creative skills to move the orders along. Oh, I have a coupon code to use in my calicodaisy etsy shop, as noted at the top of the post. It's received some usage already! Please pass along to any interested parties you know. Start thinking about holiday orders! I’m on a 3-week turnaround at this point, so if you hope to shop with calicodaisy for gifts, early is definitely better! Especially with free shipping on orders of $50.00 or more.
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My only time regret at this point is not keeping up with my One Block Over Bee squares. They are a forgiving group of ladies, but I don’t want to disappoint, especially because my blocks started off the year! I can’t allow myself to sign up next year, unless (hopefully they read this with good thoughts), they let me participate by being the coordinated embroidered block person. I could be the 13th on the team, I thought, creating a quilt label or embellished block that fits in to the chosen quilt design. We’ll see what their tolerance level for me is when the time comes. The block above is the Maverick Star. It was fun and works out great with not much precision required! Anyway, I probably need to take a day off from ALL work and get those done. I've completed through June, though. The shame of it all is, once I get started, a block may take as little as an hour to put together.

So, I have two kids in college now. I’ve also been in a bit of a funk realizing how fleeting life is, and my baby girl is now me -- 29 (??) years ago. I started university at 17! Really, I did! October birthdates will do that. I’m feeling a bit old and worn out; only 47 next month, so not that old, but calculating "29 years ago" as starting college seems crazy! I feel more ill about that than dealing with the horrible carpet! I have plans to pull myself together, though, now that I’m not running kids around anymore. Time to pretend like I’m 19 again with my whole life ahead of me (but with all my hard-earned wisdom!) and pay attention, within reason, to my own self. That encompasses so many things, but obviously a healthy lifestyle plan (so I can allow myself to appear in photos), traveling -- that starts in October when BFF Lynda comes to visit and we go to Atlanta for the Country Living Fair, learning new things -- I want to take some classes on web design and graphic design so I can do a better job with my own website and maybe create some calicodaisy fabrics, and exchanging the time spent on the kids to time spent building calicodaisy handmade up a couple of notches -- just up far enough to sustain the budget and ensure good savings and investment for the future. So, all good things, right?

Well, time to get back to the homekeeping part of healthy living. I allow myself to lose hours in the laptop! Music by Pandora hypnotizes me as well, I think. Must clean the kitchen and get to the studio for sewing.

A New Chapter Begins

2011-08-17T00:54:00.001-04:00

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Today is the first day in 18 years that I don't have a child ready for the first day of school! I need a new hobby now to fill the time. Well, I just have to get through the paying of the tuition and books and all that goes with kids in college, and then I can see what's left over!

First up, though, in October, one of my BFFs will come in from Memphis to visit for a week. We plan to have a little sewing retreat together here and then head over to Atlanta for the Country Living Fair! So excited to actually go to the fair I've read about for years and to go with Lynda! Two more BFFs and a favorite SIL live in the Atlanta area, so I will be reveling in lots of sisterly and gal-pal love for a few days! Maybe I'll meet some blog friends, too. Let me know if you're going.

There have been a lot of embroidered pillow covers flying out of the studio. Did I tell you that I finally learned to use the six needle machine? Maybe I did, but it deserves to be mentioned again. It's like having an employee. The machine is sewing out designs while I'm sewing up the piping and pillow covers at the same time.

A client request came for a large-scale embroidered monogram. After about a month of searching out quality large-scale fonts, we both fell for the one pictured at the top. The design is very lush and substantial. Thanks to Mallory there is a new product for the calicodaisy shop.

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Links to the Serena & Lily Kate bedding and requests for matching pillow covers have been coming my way. Pink and limey green damask. So serene and lovely, and I'm glad to accommodate!

The One Where calicodaisy Goes Toddlers and Tiaras!

2011-08-11T10:05:00.000-04:00

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Now that I can post again, I have a few months of catching up to do! There are a number of things to show and tell, but the most darling of all is the custom dress that went to the Lollipop pageant last month. The mama of the little 3-year-old darling sent me a photo a few months ago, and we created our own version of the dress.

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Not that I want to get all caught up in this, but, I have to say, when it was over and I received a photo of the Little Miss all sassy in her dress and pink rubber boots (!), I'm pretty pleased. Going down to the studio now to sew up two more outfits for this weekend's pageant. The little one above and her friend will be the prize presenters, and their mamas have requested matching outfits in a casual boutique style. Nothing like waiting to the last minute, but there was no way around it with the schedule.

Free At Last!

2011-08-07T19:27:00.002-04:00

Can't stay signed into blogger. Cannot comment on blogger.

Phrases above for those who google them. Thank goodness, I think I am out of the blogger loop sign-in / sign-out nightmare! I haven't been able to comment for months since Blogger had the glitch in the spring. I've barely been able to stay signed in to post or make changes on the blog. I have been so upset, I even began a wordpress blog just in case, but, really, I don't have the brains to figure that out right now! Later.

Anyway, if you googled yourself here, this is what I did: After reading a post on Blog Guidebook yesterday as well as countless other things I don't understand, a little thought came to mind to google "enabling third party cookies." I found these instructions on Feedjit, followed them, and it seems to have done the trick! I have commented and am now posting without signing in, signing out. It's a good day!  A banner day!

Okay, I don't know anything else about it, so don't ask me. I only hope I have truly left this loop of despair!

Summer Stitchin'

2011-08-03T01:07:00.000-04:00

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Lots of this going on since last we spoke. Drum roll, please: I finally learned to use the 6-needle embroidery machine! Such a burden off the shoulders! It's marvelous and very fast. Must keep fingers out of the way. New shelving is up in the crazy, messy sewing room, which is actually less crazy and messy.
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Here is a fun block I sewed today for the One Block Over Bee, the Japanese x / + block. Jump to the description and tutorial on this post. You'll love it.
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.Can you believe this little confection? A custom dress for a 3-year-old princess to wear in a pageant last weekend. If you click over to the calicodaisy FB page, you can see the dress in action -- all dressed up with pink rubber boots!
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A number of these have gone out through the shop in the last couple of months. It's so much fun to be part of clients' home dec designs. This set flew off to NYC last week. The "k" is made to match the Serena and Lily Kate bedding set. So pretty!

To cap off the summer, my boy is on his way home from his year in Germany! If all flights arrive on time, I'll have both my chicks under one roof on Friday. Of course, the year flew by, and it's hard to believe that this time last year, we were wondering how we were going to manage getting him everything he needed to live abroad. Now he is just a world traveler. Hoping my turn is next!

Fresh Eyes - Fresh Design

2011-06-22T22:49:00.001-04:00

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A new client dropped by calicodaisy requesting an initial monogrammed pillow cover. When she sent a photo of her nursery decor so I could match colors, I was happy to tell her that I actually had the coordinating colorway of the same fabric. What a shrewd pre-shopper am I! After she looked through my gallery of products past, she came up with the wonderful idea of combining the birdcage embroidery with her daughter's name and the coordinating home dec fabric as the piping. It is so nice to get a fresh look at my own designs through another's eyes. I'm so bombarded by new fabrics and embroidery designs and projects, that once one idea is accomplished, I've moved on to the next forgetting about what's in the files. Thanks to yet another client's awesome idea, The Birdcage with Name design, there's a fresh new idea on the books.

Costa Rica Missions - Helping Some Friends

2011-06-20T20:11:00.001-04:00

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Blog friends: I couldn't figure out how to post this on my personal FB page, so the next best thing was the blog. Of course, feel free to participate, but mostly I am posting here so the parents of the teens going on the missions trip have a spot to link their contacts.

A little calicodaisy handmade fundraiser for my young friends, Taylor and Anna, who are off to Costa Rica on a missions trip to help spread the Good News teaching the Bible in Costa Rican public schools and minister to children through all sorts of activities. They've done loads of fundraising with the help of their parents, but now we're hoping to top off the remaining balance, so all they'll have left to do is pack!

Because everything is handmade by yours truly, we have to keep it simple! I'm sticking to embroidered initial / monogrammed pillow covers, because they are squares and I can move through them fairly quickly.

There are four sizes listed: 12" square, 14" square, 16" square, 18" square.

All calicodaisy handmade shop pillow cover sales using the coupon code TAYLORANNA2011 will glean the girls 25% of the proceeds plus give YOU free 1st class shipping in the US. It's a deal all around!

50 sales at the 14" size should do the trick.

Please do not use the coupon code for anything else in the shop. Because my work is labor intensive, I can't help the girls with any other product but the Letter - Initial It pillow covers. So, if you do use the coupon code on any other product, I'll just send you a little message, so we can straighten things out.

Because I'm just one person, it is a first-ordered, first-scheduled process! Right now, I've got about a 2.5-week turnaround, but that may increase based on the response. When you order, I'll give you a send-out date with a request for a little grace time should this be a wildly popular campaign.

Be sure to Be A Fan and "like" the calicodaisy handmade FB fanpage, and you can keep up with our progress.

If you have any questions, please contact me through the calicodaisy FB page, the calicodaisy etsy shop, or the girls' parents.

Late Night Charms

2011-06-01T09:43:00.001-04:00

manly / all boy charm packs

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Progress is slow, but I have surprised myself with a few very cleaned-out rooms in the apartment / studio. I have been able to deal with each item rather than just packing it away. You know, keep, give, trash. The shame of it is it really doesn't take too long when one just decides to do the job.

The gal who manages a dress shop nearby told me she has a degree in Interior Design and bemoaned the fact she was managing a dress shop. Immediately, I invited her to use the apartment as a canvas if she likes to show off. Hope she takes me up on it; I really need new ideas. (If you are reading this, K, I really mean it! Anytime.)

Meanwhile, while winding down after hours of my other computer work, I am washing, ironing, and folding fabrics and also breaking some down into the destash and charm packs. See my new Manly Set at the top? There are two of those in the The Handmade Fair shop. I keep thinking it would be great if I could make a guy quilt with the charms to show off how great the charms come together, but I can't. I have to depend on sewists reading the blogs who show off modern quilts and then those same sewists running around the internet looking for boy and manly fabrics. Please pass on the link to any interested parties you may know. That would be so nice.

Okay, off to dry the hair and get ready for work away from home today. I'm technically "off" the next four days, so we'll see if I use my time wisely on the homefront along with the high school graduation festivities.

Destash Weekend

2011-05-28T08:54:00.002-04:00

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Really, I'm finally doing it and doing it the way I didn't want to do it! What I WANT to happen is to create the dreamed-of studio space without packing up and then having to unpack. You know, the packing up is easy; the unpacking ... well, things can get lost in a time warp when out of sight, out of mind. However, we've lived here eight years, so I'm off to pick up boxes now.

My biggest problem has been HOW to arrange the place. I'm a dreamer, not an organizer. At Barnes and Noble last week, I saw the new issue of Studios magazine and was so glad to see layouts of the ladies' work spaces. That will be in hand in a few hours as I begin to pack up the place. I have already warned the husband that a couple of new fabric shelving units need to be built. Have you seen Anna Maria Horner's new addition studio? I'm waiting for her to show photos of the furnished place.
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Meanwhile, I must destash fabric as well, even my favorites. Not entire lengths of fabrics but portions of like items. The listings are at The Handmade Fair shop; sort of a crafter's garage sale. Postings are slow, as I waste time coordinating the "perfect sets" and then must photograph and edit. What would be faster is if I could just take a picture of a shelf, post it, and say, "Which one do you want and how much?" Surprisingly, several All Boy Charm Sets have been ordered recently. Nice, too, I think, that all my fabrics are washed, dried, and ironed as soon as I bring them home, so that little job is passed on in these sets.

Thanks for your nice and helpful comments on my last post and, as always, your good advice, Jean! You go before me in growing your children and enjoying new little grandkids, and I love your memories. We march forward to commencement this week! Very excited now.

Happy Weekend.

What Now?

2011-05-24T10:18:00.000-04:00

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Today I drove my baby girl to her last day of high school. As I walked out of Brueggers with her rosemary olive oil bagel, toasted with butter, (and my fizzy Diet Coke), I had a flash of her in 1st grade all dressed up in a sweet little sundress I made for her with hand-embroidered flowers and ivy across the bodice, anklet socks, and Mary Janes. The sudden surprise of hot tears blinded me for a moment.

What now? This is a little reminiscent of that most difficult day a few years ago, but not the same grief. I'm very excited for her and am looking forward to watching her grow into what she is to become. However, I just want to hold my baby again and remember for a while.

I heard a song the other day with the phrase, "Just five more minutes." That's what I'd like right now. Just five more minutes of the hot, sleepy, 2-year-old napping on my chest. Or the 3-year-old who loved getting all muddy while dressed up in fancy dresses. After watching "Hello, Dolly!" one evening and adoring the costumes and swirling hems, she stood naked in the bathtub YELLING at me, "You don't dress me right!" Or the 5-year-old who wanted a wedding cake for her birthday party.

Meanwhile, I have brownies in the oven, fudge frosting at the ready, and cold Diet Coke in which to drown my tears in for a few hours before I pick her up from school one last time.

Fresh Ideas

2011-05-19T12:12:00.002-04:00

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So, I had to come out to Brueggers to post on my blog today. I still can't stay signed into blogger from my main home computer. I tried to read about the issues but to no avail. Any advice? Secondly, I've been thinking about switching over to wordpress or typepad, but, again, the effort seems huge. I'd like to attach my blog to my dot com address, as that's what folks come to from my business cards, but making the decision alone is just too much for me. What do you think?

In an effort to have a product I can reproduce without actually spending hours creating, I've come up with a new idea for my "The Handmade Fair" intended-college-savings shop that I hope will pump up the college fund. Printable (print yourself) fabric labels. My first, The No Fuss Stitch Border Label, a very simple idea is shown above. To keep it simple, the only customizable option on the design is the customer's wording. I have created several designs, some with color, but this is the first. The great thing is the sewist can print off one page as needed onto transfer paper and then iron onto her chosen fabric. It's so easy and quick. I ironed my set out on different colors of twill and a tone-on-tone, light colored cotton. Works great. You just have to decide how you want to control any fraying, if you do. Pinking shear cuts, tight zig-zag to sew on, fray check, etc. There are more details in the listing description.

Please consider ordering PDF for yourself or as a gift or ask about the other designs I'm developing.

If you don't sew, another great and probably obvious use is just ironing directly onto clothing items for kids going to camp or the elderly who need to stay in nursing or residential homes. I have found great resources for digital art; it's just a step-by-step learning process that has to be fit into my sewing and embroidery schedule. One very good thing about working with digital art, though, is, as I become more comfortable with the concept, I also have the ability to turn digital art into embroidery designs. However, I can't even allow myself to go there yet!

Anyway, I am on a mission to seriously PUMP up the college savings account and try to do that with the the proceeds from THF; I am trying to help the kids not start out life already in tuition debt. My girl graduates in a few weeks, and art school is looming in the future!

My Diet Coke is running out, the Brueggers clerks keep walking by checking out my (clean) stocking feet up on the opposite booth, the dog needs to be picked up from the groomers, and I have initial pillow cover orders to fill -- all before heading back to the hospital to work this evening. AND I need to find a new dress to wear to a wedding on Saturday and to my daughter's graduation. Ugh, taking care of myself ... that might be the hardest job there is to take on yet!

A Banner Day!

2011-05-09T00:14:00.000-04:00

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Just a pun to show off my new banner made in Picnik. Every four months or so, I learn one more thing. My first attempt was using this pretty red and cream chevron; however, I thought it was too holiday-ish, so I moved on to my most favorite floral design for my final choice. So excited to know how to layer now -- without having to learn Photoshop.

Thanks to the lovely digital creations of Ink Obsession Designs, I have loads of "papers" and clip art to play with. Thanks, too, to everyone who shares Picnik knowledge on the blogs and makes fun videos that demonstrate exactly what to do.

I tried to make a personalized FB calicodaisy fanpage button (see sidebar). It's a bit kooky, but it works. Will have to tweak in another four months!

Next up, a fabric label design ...

Ch-Ch-Ch-Changes …

2011-05-03T19:00:00.004-04:00

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This ball keeps turning faster and faster. I barely catch my breath, and it's back to work or onto whatever it is that needs doing next.

However, it looks like everything changes again in a month. Seasons of life and the changing of the daily pattern.
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My girl graduates from high school in early June and prepares for her next adventures in life. Happily, that will still be close to home right now and she will stay with us for at least the next year. As she is our second and last and her brother is in Europe, I need her here for just awhile longer.
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My work life is busy, pretty much 24/7 right now. When I'm not working at home on the computer or in the studio, I'm getting ready to hit the road for the office at the hospital. In a few weeks, though, if all goes according to plan, a new software platform goes into effect, and I'll be working at home 100% once again, which I'm really looking forward to. Just in time, because my girl will be driving my car to college and work – if we don't get another car, and I just don't see us having another payment! So, for a little while anyway, I plan to just relish puttering away at home with no worries about being work-presentable and getting there on time and using all those freed up driving hours for much missed activities around here.
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Have you been following Pink Chalk Studios and Kathy's One Yard Wonders Sew Along? Well, this week, they are up to my project in the book, the Beach Time Towel Tote. I'm anxious to hear the reviews on my pattern writing skills. I sent Kathy a link to my towel tote set, so she and the person who sew it up know that it's much more than just a terry towel transformed into a tote bag.
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Well, that really sums me up right now. Lots of finished items have been mailed out the last couple of months. I love the big appliqué monogram (see above) for a little one's nursery, and my favorite project has been the "mr. and mrs." pillow cover set created just in time for the wedding season.

Speaking of weddings .... Loved it! I would also love to have a backside view as nice as these girls do. That's another (not so) little project I can work on when I'm spending more time at home! Oh, to be young and lithe again!

All In A Day's Work

2011-03-23T09:18:00.003-04:00

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Oh, how I miss posting! Not sure anyone out there misses my postings, but I love to talk here. However, a lot of work is keeping me very busy and I've been reading and working toward better internet business strategies as well, so there's no real time or creative writing energy left. Above is a photo of my photo shoot area in my studio. The lights my husband rigged for me last year are getting used regularly now. (West Elm home dec fabric on that tote up there.)
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To me, this photo of the fabric storage bucket is just perfect. I love how clear it is, and, yet, I really don't know what the difference is that makes one picture better than another in the same environment. I'm counting on Camille to teach me that as she becomes a more fantastic photographer everyday.
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I have to go now. Need to be at the hospital for work in just an hour. If you want to see what I've been up to most, check out the "Pillow Styles" gallery in my flickr gallery. Pillow cover sales have been marvelous!

Labeling Myself

2011-02-24T10:53:00.002-05:00

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The past couple of months have been full of new ideas and organizing the old ones. You wouldn't believe the progress made in the studio apartment since January. I've gone about out that plan for years(!) now, but, finally, with the help of a couple of great friends, things are slowly coming together. I think the guy at the local thrift shop gets nervous when he sees my car pulling in -- again! However, no photos until it's done, maybe a couple more months.
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The calicodaisy etsy shop has been buzzing with custom orders for monogrammed pillow covers. Looks like the initial-only monogrammed pillow covers are the new trend. Other than finding great fonts in large sizes to embroider out, one letter makes the job very easy.
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What do you think about my new shop and avatar logo for calicodaisy etsy? I've been following Ink Obsessions for more than a year trying to come up with a design for the brand. None of my specific ideas have been really perfect yet, but Erin creates shop and blog graphic sets through her Erin Bradley Designs etsy shop, and I found the design above which seems just right for the shop and avatar appearance.

Now that that's settled, I need a new fabric label design. I can go with the design at the top of the post, as Erin has an M2M service for made to match graphics in proper sizes for labels, stickers, etc. My problem is that both "calicodaisy handmade" and "calicodaisyhandmade.com" are long URL names to use on a label, and I feel like I need the ".com" address on the label so folks can find me online. I can add ".com" on the square logo somehow, but in my mind's eye, I worry that it is too heavy and ruins the pretty little square.

I've been reading a lot of "the art of business" information lately. My head is full, but I'm trying to take one idea at a time. It seems to me that I need to figure out another URL to shorten my ".com" address and tie the two addresses to the designed website I already have (just what I need -- to own another url address). Last year I thought of using CDH dot com – for calicodaisy handmade, however, a consulting group has that one. Thinking on it, I could add a word right after CDH that means something to the business, like cdhsews dot com. If that turns out to be a good idea, my logo could be something like CDH with a whimsical flower superimposed over or around the letters and the shortened URL right underneath, and that might pull everything together.

Do you have any ideas for me? Does a better short word come to mind to add right after CDH?

Sweet! Couple of Weeks

2011-02-15T20:38:00.001-05:00

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The last couple of weeks have pointed toward one moment: The moment our son returned from Germany on school break yesterday, Valentine's Day. Just perfect. The weather was gorgeous, the flights were on time, and I am so happy to have everyone home right now just where they should be!

Do you crochet? I made up those little hearts at the top on Sunday during breaks at work. Once I got going and timed myself (I am production oriented and like to know down to the minute what my efforts are worth!), each took about six minutes. A garland should be ready for next Valentine's Day; however, now I'm thinking about a petite flag garland created out of stripey sock yarn. The heart pattern is at Skip To My Lou. She always has fun things to try.
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Work in my studio this month has been pillows, pillows, pillows. The monogrammed pillow cover above flew off to Brussels last week. Belgium?? It's inconceivable to me that someone from Belgium where beautiful handcrafting abounds (right? lace, and I'm sure other needle arts) wanted something custom made by me. A man, no less, who was designing something for his sweetie. Sweet!
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A new design came to me from an etsy customer. Letter pillow covers. Just the initial monogrammed with a period after. Fun. Typographical. New idea. The hardest part of this is finding substantial fonts to fill the area without looking lost.

Well, I stayed home from Bible study tonight because I've been in the studio sewing half the day and online designing with new folks that have stopped by the shop. I never got to my transcription and must turn that in by the stroke of 12, so must move on.
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Meanwhile, I'll be delighting in the handcrafted chocolate champagne truffles my boy brought home to his mama. Lush! Love! Sweet!

For French Inspired Decor

2011-02-02T17:16:00.001-05:00

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My studio time seemed to be all about pillow covers in January. A couple of custom orders required that I run out to the designer home dec fabric store, and I found these great fabrics. The one at the top is ooh la la gorgeous! Wouldn't a chair upholstered in that be fantastic?
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This one is such a a great find. A feedsack design style on lovely home dec fabric. The theme is "Tea en Provence." Love it in the lumbar pillow style. Going back down to sew up some more designs this evening.

Full Start to the New Year

2011-01-30T10:43:00.003-05:00

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The end of the January? Good night! This was a quickie. Well, except for the week everything shut down in South Carolina for snow. Now that it's over and we didn't lose power or have any ice damage, I will say it was a lovely view out my front window for two days.
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In the meantime, I've spent the month finishing up the 2010 One Block Over Bee and getting a start on the new. I'm in love with the Fairy Tale house block we all made in December. I need to track down the fabric used for the center and make one of those for my own! If not a whole quilt – when do I actually get that done? – then a wonky block as above quilted and sewn into a pillow cover.

January was full of organizing activities. The loveliest day was the day when my friend, Robyn, spent her day off helping me execute the organization two rooms in the downstairs apartment. The blue room is looking great again (it's been about two years since I could say that), and the guest room is ready for company and/or for when my son returns home from Germany and lives downstairs during his senior year of college!
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My husband has a January birthday, and I made him what I understand to be perfect Red Velvet Cake cupcakes. Now, you know me. If it's not chocolate, pretty much I don't waste my calorie intake on it. I only want rich, chocolatey cake when I eat cake; well, that or my friend, Teresa's, cream cheese pound cake, the only other best cake out there. When I told the man I was making his favorite cupcake recipe for his birthday, he said, "Why don't you just pick some up at Publix?" Uh, hello? Game on! If my first batch didn't turn out absolutely perfect, by jiminy, I would try, try again until I could be featured on Food Network. However, my combination of ideas from Martha Stewart, Paula Deen, and The Pioneer Woman recipes turned out perfecto! The frosting was lush and not too sweet. I even took a few to work with me and had the ladies there do a Cupcake War and grade me on texture, taste, and beauty. I won! By the way, I picked up a beautiful Red Velvet Cupcake at Publix a couple of days later, so I could try their version. I'm thinking that mix is from the box. Speaking of chocolate ... I have a yen for my double layer favorite.

The Ice Storm Cometh - Soup's On!

2011-01-09T12:54:00.001-05:00

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Well, the current news is that it will be icing and snowing after midnight tonight. That just shouldn't happen here in South Carolina, at least in my part. It totally cramps my schedule! Plus, I work this evening and will be driving home late and hope it holds off. However, we must be prepared. The grocery store was half empty last night, and I decided to stop in this morning to pick up some items for soup and salad, and Publix was packed! My daughter cooked up a Publix recipe for Pasta Fagioli a week or so ago, and it is so yummy. As I was picking up the ingredients to make it today, I decided adding meatballs would make it even better. Recipe below.

So, New Year, New Quilt Bee at One Block Over. I have the January block again, but my excitement of planning the block and sending out the packages to everyone is completely dimmed by the fact that I have two blocks left to complete for 2010. My shame hangs heavy on me, and I would have traded out January to someone else but didn't want to mess up the planned order. The photo at the top of the post is the October 2010 block I completed last week. Those fabrics are lovely together.

Drats! I just checked the OBO site to grab the link, and wouldn't you know, Linda has already sewn my block (please go to OBO and see). It is just gorgeous! I collected the Meadowsweet fabric set last year, and it has sat nicely washed, ironed, folded, and stacked waiting for me to get on with something. The bee is the perfect way to use all the designs well and get the job done. My favorite block from last year was a patchy log cabin, and I chose that style for mine this month. This has the potential to be a truly gorgeous quilt. Based on my history, though, I should probably hire out the sashing and quilting so it gets done in a timely fashion.
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So, what's for Sunday dinner at your place? If you have no idea but want something warm, cozy, and very quick to put together, check out the recipe for the Pasta Fagioli at this link. My tinkering included:

1. Pasta on the side for the wheat-free people here to choose whether they want it or not. I like "stoup," as Rachael Ray would say, so my bowl will be loaded appropriately.

2. Bag of small meatballs -- because I love them so.

3. No sundried tomato pesto at the store, so I used sundried tomato spread found right next to all the pasta sauce jars at the grocery.

4. I drain the canned beans.

Well, stay warm and safe. Pray with me that Jack Frost stays away, if not completely, at least until I'm back safe and cozy at home. Oh, yes, and a note to the electric company: Please put a blanket over the transformer that powers my older neighborhood and send a warm blast through all our above-ground power lines.  We really need the electricity to stay ON during the storm.

2011 - Happy New Year!

2010-12-31T20:23:00.001-05:00

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On this New Year's Eve as I pack away the last of Christmas 2010 and plan my first day of 2011, the upcoming year looks much more promising than the last few. As always, hopes are high, but the path ahead appears far more solid and secure than it was this time last year. Of course, that security is always linked to my business success, and, if nothing changes for a while, things are looking good.

I pray everyday for the Lord to hold steady, please, and allow me to rest in a firm schedule and not be madly seeking out new accounts. The stress of marketing myself and striving for security had driven out all the room in my mind and schedule for the other important things in life. Recently, I've begun to long for quiet days working at home and doing laundry and making dinner. I miss my local friends and visiting and running around. I had all the time in the world it seemed in 2008 and 2009, but that free time was not welcome and was filled with worry because business was nearly nil and I was searching, searching, searching. 2010 opened with the return of all my accounts, but it totally took the whole year to make up for the two past years and settle into a routine that works for our current needs and pushes me forward.

On the other hand, to be in charge of your own work success is quite exhilarating. Perseverance is everything. Follow your dreams. Be flexible but keep your eyes on the goal. And, remember, most successful folks you can point to often failed several times before the big time. Hopefully, I'm in good company!

So, a new blog banner for the winter season has been found and embellished. I like sticking to a white background but love to find a new blog header every few months. I found this vintage bird banner design at The Background Fairy. There are matching buttons, too.
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Do you have a new e-reader in the house? I've sewn up several e-reader cozies (manly ones, too) and have them listed in the calicodaisy etsy shop.

This was really a banner year and holiday season for calicodaisy handmade. I don't think I could have handled one more order, and that's a very good thing. Every year, I blog and talk about getting my studio organized, but it is so hard to stop the moving vehicle. So, I've taken things on one bite at a time instead of focusing on the whole job and getting weary, and the results are beginning to show. You know, my little fantasy is to be featured in Where Women Create, and that isn't going to happen unless I have something wonderful -- studio and designs -- to share with others. It could happen!

Sometime soon that little photo of One Yard Wonders up there on my sidebar is going to change -- to One Yard Wonders 2! The authors wrote to me earlier this year and asked if I had another pattern to offer using a specific type of fabric. I sent in two ideas, and one was chosen. Obviously, I am thrilled. All thanks to blogging, I tell you. So many opportunities have presented themselves through the blogs.

Well, I leave you to watch the ball drop! My son has already rung in 2011 over in Germany. Due to the snowy, cold weather, travel was backed up pretty bad in Europe this year, so he and his friends didn't attempt to visit Venice for the New Year as planned. Though I'm sorry he missed out, I was glad to know he was nice and cozy and safe in his university town. They made a good decision to stay "home."

Wishing you a Happy 2011.

Peppermint Bark And All Things Christmas-y

2010-12-24T08:26:00.001-05:00

Merry Christmas! This month went by so quick! Lots of work, lots of orders, and finally lots of holiday preparation for the family worked in amongst all the work on the list.

I tried my hand at Peppermint Bark last year and got it just right this year. The pretty box above was put out for a holiday brunch last week and is nearly gone. I meant to make another batch, but that may be late tonight.
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For my holiday brunch last week, I planned to make my favorite Farm Chicks chocolate cake frosted in layers of chocolate and happened to be reading the Farm Chicks blog, and look how she decorated her wintery version of the cake, so I had to as well. The little woodsy candies are at World Market. The logs taste like very luscious KitKat bars.
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Early this month, I had a request for a pillow with heirloom applique embroidery. I have always loved the look and had to search for a timeless font created for the embroidery machine. It looks beautiful! This is definitely a new design option for 2011!

Well, I'm off to work a short shift at the hospital today. As always planned, our good friends will come over after Christmas Eve services to spend the evening with us. My husband and dad will put out a spread while I'm gone today.
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This is the first Christmas without one of our children, as my son is in Germany for the whole school year. Thanks to Facebook, Skyping, and affordable VOIP lines, the separation has been a lot easier on me than it might have been. We are putting up the webcam tonight, so the family and good friends can see and talk with him. I don't feel too bad for him, though. He's been to Nurnberg Christmas Market twice and has been eating handcrafted chocolate champagne truffles!

Merry Christmas!

cheers!

2010-11-28T13:40:00.000-05:00

A couple of weeks ago, a new customer found me while looking for a Bonne Nuit pillow cover. She then directed me to a catalog link online and asked if I could embroider out a cheers! pillow cover similar to the one shown. Of course! Here is my version, however, the design can be done up to match any decor.

Custom Orders turn out to be some of the best ideas for my shops!

Monogrammed Holiday Door Ornaments - Fan Page Info & Giveaway!

2010-11-18T12:52:00.001-05:00

This monogrammed holiday door ornament was the most popular calicodaisy handmade holiday item to go out last year.

In an effort to make good use of my calicodaisy handmade fanpage on FB and reach new readers, I'm offering free shipping for those who "LIKE" the fanpage and then make an order for a monogrammed door hanger by posting the request on the fanpage through November 30, 2010.

Please consider being a fan and posting on one of your social networks sharing the calicodaisy blog and fanpage with your friends.  Sharing like this really is such a great way to get the word out, and friends telling friends equals a ton more folks than I could ever reach myself.

To "share the wealth" with you, I'll have a giveaway for one pesonalized door ornament. In order to be part of the giveaway drawing, please, do the following:

1. Be a Fan of the calicodaisy handmade fanpage.

2. Post a blurb to your blog, FB page, or Twitter about the fan page and personalized ornament and copy your post as a new post on the calicodaisy handmade fanpage, so I can see read it, too.

3. Comment here on the blog that you did the above, so I can enter your name into the fishbowl. I'll put your name into the bowl for each post you make above - up to three chances for a blog, FB, and/or Twitter blurb.

     If you don't blog and/or are unable to comment here, let me know through my e-mail link listed in my profile.

That effort is worth a chance for one of my pretty monogrammed ornaments, isn't it? The drawing will be held on December 1, 2010. Thank you!

Buona Notte

2010-11-01T21:39:00.000-04:00

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I'm working on a good night, well literally working and working on having one. You know, I've said before that my best products come from the ideas and suggestions of clients. I spotted the "bonne nuit" stamped - not embroidered - pillow cover in the Pottery Barn catalog a couple of months ago, and embroidered out my own version of the pillow cover for my shop. Shortly after, I received a request from a new customer with an Italian flair for a pillow messaging "Buona Notte." Nice! So, I created a listing for her without a photo, as the pillow cover was not sewn yet, but a description with photos of other completed pillow projects. Just hours later, another gal e-mailed me and asked if I would "make a Buona Notte pillow for her like the one described in the current listing." A custom order just from the description! Awesome.

I have been practicing on the big machine in the last week. Nothing real to show yet. Trying to get the threading down and keep my fingers intact!

Bonne Nuit, Buona Notte, Good Night, Sweet Dreams ... back to work.

today IS the day!

2010-10-19T15:06:00.002-04:00

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At the end of 2008, this lovely machine arrived in my studio. However, in the 21.5 months since it has lived here, I have NEVER learned how to use it. It's been such a burden on my shoulders; I just haven't had the time and have been afraid of the effort. You know, though, how one is forced into action every so often? Well, today is the day.

A couple of weeks ago, I designed some lovely, monogrammed, linen pillow covers with a new customer. Please, click the green link and see the inspiration photo. However, the pillow covers are 20" and require an 8" center monogram. No problem, I say, and purchase the embroidery font. Well, there is a problem: The largest hoop for my one-needle embroidery machine isn't wide enough for the font. Ha! I've never experienced that. Immediately, I think, hmmmm, well, see what Miss 6-Needle has to offer. Thankfully, I have the proper hoop for the big machine, and finally the time has come to dust the poor thing off, oil her, stick the how-to video in (as well as visit the store for my lessons), and start using the 6-needle and 6-threads-at-one-time machine! Of course, I have begged patience from my customer and offered a little thank-you-for-waiting gift, but I'm pretty excited. My dad will be, too, as he sponsored the purchase way back.
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You know what this means, though, and I've been a little afraid of the idea. When I am able to use this machine to its full potential, I can have "inventory" like a real shop because I can multitask and embroider leather bags and get inside the pocket of a diaper bag and easily embroider socks and, and, and -- just like a brick and mortar embroidery shop. I think a lot of my resistance to learning to use this machine is wrapped up in being responsible for the possibilities it holds. I'm weird like that. Today is the day! Well, this week is the week anyway. It's already 3:00 PM, and it does have to be dusted and oiled, but the monogrammed pillow covers are due, and I'm hoping she doesn't want a refund!!!

The Destashing Begins

2010-10-17T14:20:00.000-04:00

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For nearly a year, I've been loading up a box full of planned scraps from the ends of my fabrics while cutting out my projects. Reading about a new Scrapalong going on in the bloggy world right now was the impetus I needed to start packaging the pieces into Fabric Stash Packs.
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The Priority Flat Rate envelopes are stuffed full. I've got the packs priced at $10.00 and listed in my devoted college savings shop: the handmade fair. There are just these two right now, but there are loads more where these came from. Please consider forwarding the listings -- or sharing with the facebook link on the etsy listing -- to any interested sewists you know.

And since I mentioned FB, I have an FB account for calicodaisy. I only chat about crafting there and meet up with blog friends. Nothing personal going on there. There is also a calicodaisy handmade fan page, which I don't use to its best potential yet. Please be a friend on the FB page and/or "like" the fan page -- and, again, "share" with your friends who might be interested in my work. That would be such a nice compliment to me and gives me a lovely opportunity of marketing to those I may never meet. Thanks!

Off to work the Sunday evening shift! Hope the rest of your day is lovely.

Missing You & The Handmade Fair

2010-10-15T17:55:00.002-04:00

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Really, I am missing hanging out in all my favorite blog spots and having comment conversations with my blog friends. However, I have LOADS of work right now, and I must tend to that. This time last year, I was just devastated with barely any work available for me, and now I can't clean house, I'm gaining weight because I'm eating on the run, and I'm passing on lots of the social events of this season because I have to keep on schedule. All good, though.

Quilt Bee friends -- if you call me a friend anymore :( -- I will catch up. We just need to paint the downstairs apartment this weekend in anticipation of a big Fall show I have here with some other friends in sales in early November, and I have to prepare the area. Then I'm free.

Recently, a number of new customers have come to my etsy shops - calicodaisy and the handmade fair - and have worked with me on custom orders. I've been so pleased to be "found" through googling and etsy searches and then chosen to create the design desired. I can't wait to show you the final products.

You know, I have the two shops set up in etsy for a purpose. The calicodaisy shop is to market my new ideas and build my label. The Handmade Fair is all about saving college funds for the kids in my family (mine and the cousins). One of the cousins is a freshman and needs a ~~little~~ big tuition pump. My kids are used to me marketing my designs over the years and they don't really think of this as big income driver, but I know it is. I've never gone out on a limb and really campaigned for a big sale at one time, but this is very important and needs a good go. So, here goes:

At The Handmade Fair, there are already a number of items ready to ship, like the Roundabout Cowl / Scarf shown above.

I have "The All Boy Charm Packs" ready to go and can put together more. I have a boxful of our favorite quilting fabrics cut into charms ready to be packaged. The fabric is washed and the charms cut; just let me know what flavor you are looking for. The "charm" of these packages is that the fabric is prewashed and ironed and then sliced, so no shrinkage or running colors to worry about.
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There is a new scrapalong going on in blogland (just google it to find), and I have my first fabric destash package ready to ship.

There are crocheted baby hats, scarves, throw pillows, camera strap covers (padded and non), and you can go through my sold section and ask for a design that has sold before.
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Custom embroidered / monogrammed piped pillow covers have been my big sellers lately and are the easiest items for me to put together -- they are squares and easy to get out. The pillow covers are listed for $25.00 for one, however, if you read through the listing you'll find a discount when ordering two identical covers and a SPECIAL of "buy four get one free." Think of graphic holiday designs or phrases, sports themes, favorite sayings like above or anything else that is popular. Have you fallen for pillow covers in the PB and Anthropology catalogs but can't take the price? Let's design one together. Check the calicodaisy gallery for a number of fonts and designs I already have -- look at the sets on the sidebar.

It would be so amazing if I could meet this tuition need through my own hands in my own little shop. Thanks for bearing with me and, in advance, for any early Christmas or birthday or personal shopping you might do at The Handmade Fair.

Okay, I'm off to work again! -- michele

Rush

2010-10-06T07:27:00.001-04:00

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Sorority Rush season is in full swing right now. Greek gals are looking for fun Big and Little Sister gifts, and I love it when they find my shop! Florida State University AXO sisters came by the shop last week for a second year of embroidered pillow cover orders. Fun!

Beauty In The Bowl

2010-09-27T17:51:00.003-04:00

I have no words. Really. Patty Hallman, a South Carolina, award-winning photographer, had a photo session with this sweetheart cozied up in my crocheted baby bowl photo prop. Must show in extra-large fashion! more later ...
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Thank you, Patty!

Sunday: It's What's for Dinner

2010-09-26T11:07:00.002-04:00

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Yesterday, doubling casseroles for a friend's family and ours was on my list. I made two different recipes, one old and one new. The new one I tried was Greek Lemon Chicken and Rice. It is so wonderful -- and quick! -- that I wanted to share with you, just in case you haven't decided what's for dinner. It's such a cozy dish; the rice is creamy without a "cream of" involved, and there is not much fat in it at all.

Greek Chicken and Rice

2-3 Tablespoons olive oil

2 pounds of chicken breast cut into bite size pieces

1 yellow onion diced

1 green pepper diced

2 cups long grain rice

4 cups chicken stock

Juice of 1 lemon

1 can Progresso cannelloni beans (optional, my contribution to the recipe)

1/2 cup of kalamata olives, pitted (optional)

1 teaspoon dried oregano

salt and pepper to taste (I added a good amount as I like things savory)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a large Dutch oven over medium heat, warm 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add half the chicken and brown, about 5 minutes stirring around every so often. Remove to to a plate. Add a little more oil and brown the rest of the chicken. Remove to a plate.

Add a little more olive oil, if needed, and saute onion and green pepper until tender, about 5 minutes. Turn off heat. Add in chicken broth, rice, and the rest of the ingrediants. Add chicken back into the pot and stir to mix.

Cover the pot and bake until rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed, about 50 minutes.

Let me know if you try it! Enjoy!

Fresh From The Pumpkin Patch

2010-09-23T23:45:00.002-04:00

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Hello! Are you ready for something sweet? A precious little one in a Pumpkin Patch Cocoon Set. The lovely mama of this little man is friends with a local photographer, Leigh, and I totally lucked out in the baby model department.

When planning what new scarf design to crochet this fall for my shop and holiday shows, I came across these cocoon sets and had to make them. Look at his little toes poking through! And the twirly stem on top!
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The Pumpkin Patch Cocoon Set is just in time, not only for Fall and Thanksgiving photo sessions but just for new babies to have a sweet little stroller set and comfortable Pumpkin Halloween costume.

Just need a Pumpkin Hat? That's an option, too. Custom orders are welcome.
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And with The Holidays right around the corner.... This set not listed yet, but you know where to find me!

Un Bonne Nuit For Me Please!

2010-09-15T21:13:00.002-04:00

My boy is winging his way over to Germany right this minute for his junior year of college. The online plane tracker tells me he has crossed over Nova Scotia and is over the open sea! So, I'm settling in to ~~blog~~ work until I hear that his feet have landed on solid ground. Then he has all sorts of details to take care of: money exchange, train ticket, luggage, and a trip by train to his university's town.

The university provides the students studio flats, and there are university cafes here and there where the they can eat at a discount.  Two girls at his US college just returned from the spring semester in the same program - which ends in July, actually, and one has sold him her bike she left in a locker there, so he will have some manual transportation anyway.

We are very excited for him, but a bit sad to have him so far away!  We'll miss a 21st birthday and the Christmas holidays, but he will come home on his spring break for a bit and then go back to finish up the year.
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So, I am hoping for a Bonne Nuit and good sleep tonight after I hear from him. That's my segue into: Look at the embroidered pillow cover I made after seeing a similar one in the Pottery Barn catalog. This font is my favorite; it's so pretty and modernly classic. I'm putting it the college-savings and Germany student spending account shop at "the handmade fair."

My calicodaisy handmade design work is coming along very nicely with a lot of local and custom orders, and I'm getting ready for the fall/holiday bazaar time right now. I don't love all the craziness leading up to shows, but it's the time of year I meet new customers and catch up with returning ones.

pottery barn embroidered pillow cover

In With Prim

2010-09-13T09:00:00.002-04:00

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The other day I received a lovely convo from Donna of Folk Art by Donna who let me know she included my Prim Pumpkin Pile Pillow in her Prim and Proper Halloween Treasury set. I am so pleased! You'll have to go by her place and the treasury to check out wonderful Prim Art.

Right now, everything is about sending my son off to Germany for his junior year! I haven't really faced it much until RIGHT NOW. I am so happy for him, but this will be the first time he is away for a lllooonnnggg time, and so far away! We'll miss his 21st birthday and Christmas, but he will come home on his February break and then go back again. We hope to travel as a family to visit him in June, but that will be quite a savings project!

To my Bee Friends: If you're still checking in with me ... A bee sewing day is coming up. After sending my son off to Germany this week and now that the summer is over, everything will settle back into place, including my sewing time.

west elm

2010-08-26T13:56:00.001-04:00

While visiting friends and family in Atlanta a few weeks ago, I came across a West Elm shop and popped in for a look around. I love all the textiles available for ordering furniture. That wasn't going to happen, so I strolled over to the kitchen area and found napkin sets on sale.

This "Hourglass Novelty" pattern caught my attention, and in my studio yesterday, it was matched up with some cozy wool suiting for pillow covers and added them to my shop.
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Have you been by Spoonflower today for your free 8" swatch? It took a while to find a small pattern to make the swatch useful, and I decided upon these elephants in red. I can see it as a pocket on something or the front side of a zip pouch. Stop over there and get yours. Spoonflower is also participating in a fundraiser for Heifer International, so you can put your swatch money there if you like.

calicodaisy slip scarf

2010-08-24T14:32:00.001-04:00

A keyhole scarf design was weedling its way through my creative mind over the weekend. I wanted to get to it all day on Saturday but put it off until housework and computer work was complete -- or at least attempted. Finally, I made it to the studio late Saturday evening and started with the prototypes. This is the third scarf finished last evening while watching our family favorite, The Closer.

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I'm naming it "The Slip Scarf," as one end of the scarf slips through the other. It's reversible and is self-bound with the main fabric. This scarf is sewn up with an amazingly gorgeous paisley and backed with a brushed cotton plaid. If you stop by the shop, you'll see more views.
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I made another for my friend's birthday gift. She lives in South Florida, so she doesn't get the chance to dress "warm" too often there. Thus, I made hers with two cottons in shades of brown for a fall look but a Florida weight.
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Another set of All Boy charm packs at The Handmade Fair, too. These packs featuring a Ride Em Cowboy print from the Happy Trails line.

All Boy Charm Packs

2010-08-22T13:46:00.002-04:00

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Over the last year I've been collecting manly and boy cotton prints to use in my projects and to create my "All Boy" Charm Packs. The packs today include 60 - 5 x 5 charms, six each of ten prints.

The fabrics are prewashed before cutting, so you know that your projects will turn out true to size, and the worry of colors bleeding is taken care of. Add some great solids to the charms, and you'll be all set for a great design. Just remember, prewash any fabrics you use, so you won't get any sizing surprises.

Two are listed in my - The Handmade Fair - shop today. Some David Walker "Oh Boy!" dinosaurs are in these sets. I have lots more to put together, however, I'm already stressing over color and theme combinations. Geez! I wish I could just go freestyle and zip, zip, zip, but, no, I think of what the blocks will look like together.

pile of pillows

2010-08-17T20:42:00.005-04:00

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Some new pillow covers were finished for the shop this week. I'm very drawn to the numbered designs for linens popular at the moment. I spotted a printed design like this some time ago and combined embroidery software files for my own version of the look. This one is ready to go, but the design can be custom ordered in any color combination and embroidered out on a totebag or dish towel.
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This 14" pillow cover is sewn up in a blue and brown home dec fabric that has a flocked design. The chocolate brown piping creates a great frame for the floral scribbles. Find this pillow cover here.
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My favorite is this one, though. I bought the whole length of this home-dec toile off the remnant table at Hancocks last year intending to do something big with the fabric in a room but haven't decided what that is yet. While searching about my stash for just the right look for a friend's monogrammed pillow for, I couldn't resist using some of it for her. Hope she loves it as much as I do. I have just a bit more set aside to sew up one more monogrammed pillow cover in this style if you'd like one.

2010-08-12T23:14:00.004-04:00

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Have you heard about the "Next" button yet? Michelle at greetingarts posted about a new Google Reader feature she found through the blog grapevine that led back to directions from Oops.

Essentially, you put the "Next" button up on your favorites bar, and when you hit it, you automatically go to the next blog post in your reader line up -- onto the actual blog! So, the blogger gets her "hits" for google analytics (if that's important to her/me), and the reader actually lands on the blog and can get back to experiencing the blog site and all the little pretties, the sidebar, and the other features the author designs on her site. I mean, we don't decorate just for our own pleasure! Anyway, it's easy, you should add it!

Quick edit: I've been strolling through my next button for the last little bit since I posted. Rather than just scrolling down your reader list and only catching the words and a thumbnail shot of the blogs you like to keep up with, the next button is like turning the pages of a magazine. Someone should figure out how to connect the next button with the right arrow key, so the hand isn't always on the mouse.

My next studio completions this week were the camera strap cozies / covers yesterday, the Manly patchwork cover posted previously and the blue medallion one above.
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My previous next (get that?) was the monogrammed towel set for my friend's son who is off to his freshman year in a couple of weeks. We moms must keep them stylish and clean!

Putting A Little Man In the Mix

2010-08-12T13:27:00.001-04:00

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Generally when buying fabrics and thinking up new items to create in the sewing room, it's all about what the girls want. In the last year, though, I've been concentrating on picking up fabrics suitable for the men / guys / boys in my customers' lives. It's getting easier, as a number of designers are putting out really up to date prints for men. However, I've taken my college-aged son with me several times to the fabric store and had him take a gander through the quilting cottons to see what he likes. All I see first are the flowers and pinks and trendy looks that I like for myself. He sees the darker colors and geometrics I rarely notice. My eyes are getting keener for suitable fabrics, though, and I've rounded up quite a few great prints over the last year for my man-stash, as I call it.

Over the holidays last year, I nearly put together two quilt tops for my husband and son. Alas, not finished yet, but the fabrics are great. I've been slicing and dicing the leftovers, too, to put together manly charm packs for my shop. All fabrics are prewashed, so no worries about shrinkage or colors running.

You can see several of the fabrics in my Manly Camera Strap Cover I've listed today in my "college savings" shop, the handmade fair. I've got to get on with all that saving!!

The manly and boy charm packs should be in there soon!

Just Getting By ...

2010-08-10T16:17:00.001-04:00

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Do you ever feel like you're running and crawling at the same time? That's my mode at the moment. At the beginning of the day with the promise of about 17 hours before me, anything seems possible. Lying back in the bed at night, I can't remember if I did anything important.

I'm just chugging along in the sewing room. A One Block Over Bee block was completed last night; uh, that's the June one. Now for a paper-piecing July block, and I haven't opened the envelope for the August one, though I know it's a strip block, and I'm familiar with that pattern.
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Baby gifts and going-to-college items such as embroidered pillow covers and towels are going out as well. Isn't the little firefly darling? Another custom bridal garter to make and send out this week. Then, as has been planned for some time, 5-inch charm packs for boys quilts (prewashed fabrics) are getting organized for a photo shoot and listings in my shop this week or next.

My Girl ...

2010-07-29T12:16:00.000-04:00

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... is EIGHTEEN today! We love and adore her and are so proud of her! She's a stunner, too, isn't she? My best and dearest friends tell me she looks like me, but I don't believe it!
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Adults and Camille's friends often remark to me how lovely and kind she is. I'm always saying, "Everyone loves Camille. Everyone doesn't love me (I can promise you that), but everyone loves Camille." She is such a sweetheart and, though we used to worry about her gullibility, has quite the head on her shoulders and is a straight-shooter. Not too much drama at all.
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A couple of months ago at a special dinner honoring Camille's class at church, the youth leaders shared a few thoughts about each person. After commenting on her loveliness and kindness, one of the leaders said that the most surprising thing about Camille is the girl is bold. She stands up for what is right and doesn't let wrong happen around her without lovingly but directly pointing it out and attempting to deal with it. My heart just about swelled out of my chest. I have to say, she inherited that directness and quick discernment of folks and situations from my mother and me. However, the Lord has blessed her with the grace and kindness and beauty and love of others that softens her boldness and draws people to her. Magnificent!
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That said, card shopping is not my favorite thing to do. Often, the verses are too sappy, too stark, too ridiculous. However, my people do like to get their cards. Upon walking into Hallmark and straight to the 18-year-old section, this verse appeared before my eyes:

You've been so beautiful since the day you were born.

No one could have imagined then how lovely and how loved you'd be now.

Everywhere you go, happiness simply happens. You just shine.

From the inside out, you are so beautiful ... and so loved.

Never a truer birthday tribute for my girl.

(and her father loves her, too! -- but this is MY blog!)

Sweet Daisy Wedding

2010-07-27T14:47:00.001-04:00

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My dear friend, Leslie, has a daughter getting married next month. An outdoor, daisy-strewn event has been planned, and I offered to create the ring bearer pillow and garter. Simple white linen, a bright pink gerbera daisy, and silky ribbons create a sweet pillow for a little man to walk down the aisle. There is a wide satin ribbon across the back that he can slip his little hand through and hang on to the diamonds!

A Whirlwind of Summer Block Piecing

2010-07-22T00:53:00.003-04:00

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Toward the end of 2009, I joined a second quilting bee, the 2010 Round Robin Quilt Bee. At the time, I didn't have so much "real" work on my calender, so it sounded like a great opportunity to learn more quilting skills with the pieced block designs that were coming my way.
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However, have things changed! My work calendar has filled up since the late spring, and my bee work fell a bit behind. There was a bit of a glitch with the round robin schedule, and I ended up with five blocks to piece in May and June. I'm new at this traditional piecing, and the prospect of sewing each block -- five! -- with the members waiting on me was quite worrisome.
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Along with figuring out each bee member's instructions, I must coordinate fabrics, and you know how I worry over getting fabrics just right. So, all my free creative time the last six weeks has been spent bee block piecing. The one at the top of the post was my May block for the One Block Over bee. Carol's batik block above turned out stunning! I don't think I could do that again.

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You might notice a common theme among several of these blocks -- half quarter squares -- triangles! I've got my game on now, though, especially since noticing a lovely little stitch option on my machine called "1/4-inch."
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My goodness, I've been tediously marking out 1/4" lines to guide me for the last six months and not quite getting a perfect block. How long have I had my machine?? Well, things are looking up on that seam requirement now, as it's an automatic function for me. The snail's trail block came out exactly right.
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This Christmas star block finished up the backlog but had me in fits, even with the new found stitch option. Two of the corner blocks were cut and sewn three times! Things were so bad, I nearly ran out of the neutral color and had only small strips. I sewed a couple pieces together to create a 3" block just so I could have new triangles for the "bear claw (?)" corners. Please see the lovely closeup below for a sweet ending to my mad summer of piecing! Next up: A paper pieced block for Doris. The skills building continues!
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Fabulous Fourth!

2010-07-06T18:03:00.001-04:00

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What a great weekend for our family! For once, we were all in one place, of one mind, and having fun. It's a good thing! As promised, the weather was gorgeous. No humidity and in the low to mid 80s. Fantastic for South Carolina!
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This is how our weekend began: A lakeside wedding at sunset. Isn't this a pretty wedding scape? This young bride planned the wedding herself, and nothing could have been more perfect. Her grandparents have a lovely place on the lake designed to handle crowds, and everything went so smoothly.
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Here is the pirate-themed garter on the bride, and my girl caught the bouquet -- but we are saving her wedding date for hopefully at least a good five years away, not that there are any beaus on the horizon at the moment.
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The sweet couple. At the top of the post is the sun setting low after the ceremony, and then the fireworks kicked off at dark.
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And then we had a marvelous Fourth of July afternoon and evening at another family friends' spread. Along with a big BBQ, the couple brought in a local chamber orchestra to play for us (like we were at the Boston Pops!) and then choreographed a private fantastic fireworks show! It was just lovely!
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Camille and I fit in blueberry picking on Friday. The blueberries taste wonderful and have been washed, dried, frozen, and baked in two different desserts: The crazy blueberry breakfast cake we love and a blueberry-studded lemon meringue pie. Going back for more later this week!
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On a cherry-berry note, a cherry-embroidered tea towel was ordered this week by a favoite blog friend. This was my sampler towel to test out the colors in the design and is now in the shop. Looks Scrumptious!

Linen Love

2010-07-02T12:58:00.003-04:00

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Gosh, I'm head over heels for linen! I've been picking up linen-mix pieces over time and using it for monogrammed pillow covers and aprons. However, this week I bought 100% natural linen. The heft and the silky feel at the same time is so lovely. As with all my fabric, I ran it right through the laundry, dried, and ironed it to get the shrinking done with. It took a while to get the hang of mitered corners, and I don't quite have an exact 90-degree angle, but who cares?? I now have lovely linen towels hanging in the kitchen. A little twill across the top corner makes the hanging handy.
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The Mouse at a Tea Party embroidery design is so darling. The design worked out on the grayish-creamy fabric just called for aqua and red.

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I have a few unembellished linen towels as well. These are just right for someone who wants to hand-embroider a design herself or the towels can be embellished or personalized by me as desired. I'm thinking monograms for that vintage, used linen look (without the antique linen to worry about) or a cool sleek font for the modern kitchen. Napkins next, I think, and maybe some pillowcases.

Hey! I just noted Blogger added back the spell check! Thank you, Blogger!

More...

2010-07-01T15:30:00.000-04:00

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Wedding garters! Making these is like scrapbooking. Once you get started arranging and stacking embellishments, it's hard to stop. Plus, all the stuff was out and I was supposed to be working on PAID orders, so, obviously, I was creating something else! The chocolate brown satin and organza embellishments are so lush together.

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And this one ... Black, White, And ... Glitz or Kitsch? Just in case someone is in the market for a piratey garter with the jolly roger button like I made yesterday, I've got another one ready. However, I wasn't going to add that embellishment permanently yet. There is an option here to go Glam with a black ribbon, satin yo-yo, and rhinestone button. Talk about dressing up or dressing down!

The Pirate's Bride

2010-06-30T18:41:00.002-04:00

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This week I've been working on a young friend's bridal finery. She is having an outdoor wedding Saturday. Thank goodness a big rain is wiping out the humidity as I write, and I understand we should have some lovely summer days through the 4th! Here's hoping; this is South Carolina, so it can be quite muggy. The bride is young and cute and forgot that the rest of us might not hold up to lovliness for the duration of the wedding in the heat and humidity. That and mosquitos! I think I'll be wearing one of those new clip-on bug inhibitors. Maybe if it's embellished, no one will notice.

Back to the bride: My creative help involved embellishing the veil by handsewing floral lace with little pearls all around the edge and then a coordinating string of rhinestone flowers across the edge of the comb. Very simple and so sweet. The bride is a little thing with a mop of red curly hair. She doesn't need much embellishment herself!
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The wedding decor is lovely in teals and white, but for the groom, all things pirate are in order. So, here and there will be little details of the piratey sort. Thus, the garter. Isn't it great? I had just discovered this little jolly roger embroidery when the bride told me her idea. How perfect!

Two Reveals

2010-06-26T12:36:00.001-04:00

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Big doings at our place this week. First, a little bartering and DIY with a contractor friend brought us this fantastic tiled backsplash! I'm thrilled with it. I've waited so long. Following the plan for my INSPIRATION KITCHEN, the cabinets will go cottage-white next. When that will happen, I'm not sure, but I'm forging ahead the best I can.
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Maybe a new router for the workshop along with a swank pink toolbelt, and I'll be cutting out new cabinet doors! We'll see. I'm loving the dark gray tiled floor in the inspiration kitchen link above.

Mary Engelbreit's Fan Fare Cookbook arrived with my recipe inside (page 144)! The publisher sent two signed copies, and I immediately sent one to my friend, Lynda, who originally shared the recipe with me. At the top of the post is a closeup of the mosaic backsplash and a view of the cherry cheese danishes I made from a recipe in the book. Very yummy!
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Also, they chose to include my little story and description of the recipe, so "my words" are out there in the world. We also have M.E.'s artwork included on "our" pages. It's so sweet that the drawing is of a dark-haired girl, as Lynda's oldest two kids were adopted from Korea. When Lily was little, I used to send Lynda the paper dolls M.E. put in the back of her magazines, one of which was an Asian girl. So, this is quite the special surprise!

A Lovely Giveaway

2010-06-15T21:28:00.000-04:00

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One of my favorite blogs to land on is Ravenhill, and Emily is having a lovely little giveaway party of luscious twine in cool, summery colors as well as one (or several?) of her little pieces of art, scrappy embroidered hearts.
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You'll have to stop by and comment on the giveaway post for a chance to win, but then go back and scroll through her blog and read and see the beautiful descriptions of her area of Norway.

calicodaisy goes to France!

2010-06-14T14:44:00.002-04:00

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Where in the world might you find some calicodaisy? In about a week or so, in Dordogne, France! Fabulously French stopped by calicodaisy handmade and ordered a custom embroidered numbered pillow for her little inn called Maison No. 20. Well, if I can't get there myself, at least something from my hands can! You'll have to check out her blog and site to see what lovely company of linens this pillow cover will join.

Eymet, France:

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Did I mention my son is moving to Germany next year for his junior year of college? We plan to visit, and I'm thinking a little train trip to SW France will be in order where we might stop by a sweet little inn, look into one of the rooms, and say, "Hello! I know that pillow cover!" Who knows? And if you get there before me, please tell her I sent you and take a picture for me!

Summer Begins!

2010-06-03T10:26:00.003-04:00

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No alarm woke me this morning! No, no. Summertime is here, and I'm not required to make the two roundtrips to the high school everyday anymore. You know, my girl is 17-1/2 and still not driving. That should change over the summer with a license and driving school. I hope, anyway. Considering her age, I'm not exactly sure how long she'll have to wait for her "real" license. Actually, I don't want to know right now because I might be disappointed to find I'll be tripping it to the school for a few months in the fall! I'm going to stay in blissful ignorance on that subject for the moment.
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Looking back over the last six months, I noticed a few glorious starts to a month where I had such a great outlook and blogged my joy and hopeful plans. Each time, reality set in and dashed those plans! Not this early June! Last weekend I got busy downstairs in the apartment and blue studio room (old photo above) putting things back in order and planning cottagey paint colors for the apartment. I made it back to the sewing room and created the batik squares and triangles block for one of the participants of the 2010 Round Robin Quilt Bee. There are two more bee blocks to think about and finish this week, though the envelope with fabrics for one of them must be located under a mountain of mail!
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A couple of weeks ago two of my bridal garters were purchased the same day from my "the handmade fair" shop. I am so pleased that brides from different ends of the country chose my bridal confections for their big day! I'm anxious to make more now.

So, I'm getting prepared for a little break this weekend. A dear friend is visiting, my oldest friend since 9th grade. I did a little personal beautification yesterday at the salon. The hair is a lovelier shade of blonde, and my toes are painted a coral-pink color named "Meet Me At The Deli." Absolutely appropriate, as I make a double run to my Brueggers each morning for my bottomless DC and often meet friends there! Of course, there's housework to do and some business to tend to through tomorrow, but the outlook for a fun and carefree weekend spent with a good friend is quite motivating!

Making A Name ...

2010-06-01T00:09:00.004-04:00

Earlier this month, I needed a name badge for a Chamber of Commerce event I attended. The idea has been on my to-do list for a good while, but there's nothing like whipping out a new project 45 minutes before leaving the house. I came up with this test logo a few months ago and worked up an embroidery design. The daisy isn't just right, but it was available in my flower stock. Anyway, the badge shows off both my business name and a small bit of my machine embroidery work. The logo is arranged inside a "patch" frame. In steps, the machine creates a sort of applique, and then on the final step, I added some coordinating fabric under the hoop, the last set of stitches catches it all, and I trim away the excess fabric. That machine and software are amazing!

On that note, I need new fabric labels for my goods. I would really like the kind that are double-faced and fold over, so that when sewn into the seam, the label pokes out and can be read from either side. Any suggestions?

Fun for Me!

2010-05-13T23:39:00.005-04:00

First up, I received an e-mail newsletter today from Mary Engelbreit (the company, not the person), and I was reminded that the cookbook for which one of my recipes was accepted is coming out next month. I hopped over to Amazon and searched, and found the listing for ME's Fan Fare. I clicked on the "look inside!" link, chose index, scrolled down to main dishes - chicken, and found my Auntie Lynda's Comfort Chicken Casserole in print! Blogging is so fun and has brought me so many new friends and opportunities!

Earlier this month, I received the announcement that another of my patterns made the second OYW book! Hooray! The gals sent me the fabric last week to sew up the item, and I just love it. The fabric is from the Alexander Henry Fashion For Home Collection. I need to check out the rest of the line. The fabric itself is a very lush home-dec weight. So, now I have to complete the instructions so no errata belong to me down the road and sew the item up in the chosen fabric. I'd really like to make it to Minneapolis for the next book launch. Wouldn't that be fun? Since I'll be part of both books, now, I think I could plan a trip like that. I've never been to Minnesota, and I believe a little visit to the Mall of the Americas might be in order. Is that still a cool place?

Our Own Prom Princess

2010-05-06T11:59:00.002-04:00

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Here she is all happy and ready to go! Just a quick review of some prom photos of our girl and the group of friends who went together. I must have been too distracted to get photos of her alone in the dress. The girls' small group leaders from church came to the Old Mill where everyone gathered for photos, and I know there will be great ones of her out of those. If you're interested enough to scroll through to the end, check out the last shot, one of my favorites, of all the beauties from the back side.

Good Days Often Require A High Price!

2010-05-04T09:14:00.001-04:00

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Just when I'm getting a little rest and beginning to enjoy life at the moment, the next thing arrives! Right after I finished blogging about successfully tailoring my daughter's prom dress and had two days of no transcription work sheduled ahead of me, my computer crashed. Lovely. Because I work all day and all night (seemingly) online, this happens about every 2.5 to 3 years. I do go through computers! This time, I have the backup of another computer purchased last year and a backup drive that has all my stuff, but there is still the big switch. So, that's what I've been doing since Friday night. So then, no prom photos to share yet.
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However, I am happy that Margaret of Q4 (my nickname for her blog) has posted about a quilt she recently designed for her child's teacher which included a little embroidery from my end. She sent me the center block of her quilt, and I personalized it for her.
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Margaret is a recent long-arm quilting machine artist and has really been honing her skills. Every quilt she "quilts" looks better than the last. Look close at how she scrolled around the embroidery in the center block. It's such a nice tight scroll. You'll have to take a look through her blog and then send her one of your quilt tops to long-arm.

I sent Margaret a quilt top at the holidays that came back lovely. I'm supposed to be finishing the binding on it for Jacquie's Spring to Finish Challenge. If all these surprising, mindbending payments for nice days will STOP so I can think, maybe I'll meet that challenge. Until next time, you can picture me installing all my work and embroidery software onto my backup computer and hoping that a couple of sticks of new memory in my lovely Dell will restore the other one!

P.S. I'm posting this without spellcheck, which I don't like to do. Presentation is everything!

TGIF And For My Blog Friends!

2010-04-30T22:27:00.002-04:00

This Friday evening is ending sweet!  Five lovely blog friends - listed below - answered my SOS and walked me through ideas for altering my daughter's prom dress.  Success!

The technical bits: A fitting with the dress inside-out for marking.  Straps taken in.  Hand-sewing done at the decollete.

Just before creating some inside darts at the side seams, we had a second fitting and decided all that was needed was following Kristie's final GENIOUS advice (pardon my French, please) -- boob tape! It comes just like double-sided Scotch tape in the dispenser. We put a length along each edge of the bodice and taped it to her skin, and we put a couple strips at the deepest point of the V and taped it to her strapless bra.

For testing purposes, I have her cleaning the downstairs family room. I told her folding all the clothes and straightening up should be a good indication of how well the stitches and tape will hold out tomorrow. She even passed the Dad review. He didn't see anything he didn't want to see or anything he doesn't want the boys to see!

Prom pictures on the next post. Pretty photo above taken early this month when we were spring cleaning inside and out. Recently, I came across the Tuesdays with Dorie blog, was intrigued, and borrowed the book from my library. Camille made the lovely marbled pound cake for us. My son planted the little side garden for me. April has been a beautiful month of sunny days and blue skies!

Thanks so much to the ladies below who responded to my SOS and set me in the right direction and out of the way of panic!  Now I can get an early night's rest -- if I stop blogging.

Pam, Wendy, Kristie, Margaret, and Mary.

S.O.S.! Prom Dress Alteration Advice Needed!

2010-04-28T22:56:00.003-04:00

My daughter chose a darling dress for her first prom! I was surprised she wanted a short dress, but by the looks of the catalogs and the shops, it looks like they are all the rage.

The dress arrived today, you know ... just in time for the prom on Saturday! Anyway, it was hard to get a good shot in the evening light with all the irredescence, but here it is. The color looks great on her and everything fits, except for the bodice! There must be a half-inch of padded cups built in, and the bodice practically stands up on its own.

I don't think this is a case where stick-on "falsies" augmenting a strapless bra can work. The bodice stands out from her body. I really think I need to adjust the bodice somehow or add a bandeau of matching tulle inside.
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The dress came with a "shawl" of tulle, useless for that, but it might be handy with alterations. I'm not a tailor, and I really need some advice if you have any.

Below are some shots of the bodice and back of the dress. Also, I put several pictures on my flickr gallery. Can you take a look for me? It is a well contructed dress, too. The straps are covered in sequins, so if taking from the back is the answer, how do I do that with a professional look?
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April - Beautiful

2010-04-17T09:17:00.003-04:00

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This month has been glorious to date! Windows open, refreshing cool breezes, blue, blue skies, and A TON OF WORK! On this 17th day of April, I'm exhausted, both physically and mentally, and have a fuzzy mind this morning but have to log into work in just a few minutes.

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Easter Sunday was lovely, including a great church service, the same gorgeous weather, and beautiful children (see above). We found the Liberty of London dress on clearance at Target for $15.00. Only the shoulder button was missing. Amazing catch! My son was elected to the student government at his university and bought a three-piece suit for the inauguration service. He does love manly dress clothes. He sent us an article from the university paper that covered one of the meetings last week and which included the name Senator Chisholm. Fun! Proud!
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When I can transcribe no more and have free time away from the spring gardening and other household projects we've been working on, I steal away to the sewing room to relax. Three bee blocks were completed this month. The first two were for the 2010 Round Robin Block Exchange. A Batik Maple Leaf for Wendy and a Rainbow block for Rene. The leaf was fun and turned out more stunning than I expected due to the batik. The rainbow block is perfect for a stash buster or to feature a fabric line. I've been collecting all the Meadowsweet pieces and wondered how to use them well. I thought I could show off small squares of each fabric in a quilt of these blocks and sash in one of the larger prints. Just a thought…
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The last set of blocks is for Jacquie in the One Block Over Bee. I'm all hip for Red Crosses now. Great idea. She has been collecting these blocks from friends for a while, and if you go to the bee blog, scroll down a bit, you'll see a number of these blocks on her design board.

I leave you with this shot of my favorite springtime sight, my blooming dogwood in the front yard. Someday, I will have a pink one.
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Old News / New News

2010-03-29T09:43:00.002-04:00

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Look at this! I've gone international! Well, One Yard Wonders has anyway. A British version, Sew A Metre, is in the works and due out at the end of May. Fun! I've saved it to my wish list, so I can have this version, too.
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Also, this morning I noticed a comment on a previous post that a gal made up my Beach-Time Towel Tote (page 118 of OYW, if you've forgotten) as a gift, and she blogged about it! What a lovely surprise to read this morning. Just in case you missed all my excitement and info last fall when the book came out, I did create a flickr set to show off the attributes of the bag, as OYW only had one photo per project, and, unless one reads the description well, you might think it is only a towel/fabric combo tote, but it's really so much more. Check it out; it's the right time of year to whip one up! (Just forgive the lack of stylish fabric used on the prototype. I made this tote ages ago before I discovered the most cool fabrics out now!)

For The Wedding Planner

2010-03-26T11:53:00.001-04:00

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A couple of new embroidery designs for the newly engaged and upcoming bride and groom are available for sewing out. These will look great on t-shirts, bags, acessories, home dec, etc.
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Please contact me at my calicodaisy handmade shop if you would like to design something special.

(The actual digital embroidery designs are not for sale.)

On a related subject of weddings, my 22nd wedding anniversary is today! Too bad we don't plan ahead ... this could have been a beautiful 3-day weekend away.

One Step Closer ...

2010-03-21T13:55:00.000-04:00

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... to being a real shop and better organizing my time and energy. I've wanted to automate my shipping for a while but didn't know which direction to go. After gathering lots of information from like-minded business friends, I decided on this Zebra LP2844 postage printer. I like that it is self-contained and small and not just another piece of office equipment requiring its own piece of furniture. I'm looking forward to using it often!

calicodaisy on Etsy Weddings Showcase

2010-03-20T09:45:00.002-04:00

Today I have a spot on the Etsy Weddings Showcase. If you pop over, use the drop down menu on the showcase page to choose "weddings."

Of course, I purchased the spot earlier in the month to showcase my wedding garters and hoped I chose a day when upcoming brides and their moms were cruising Etsy.

Have you used this option before when listing your items? Twice last year I purchased spots, once in the Ultimate Bridal Shower and once in the Baby category, and it worked out well for me. Even though I only sold one or two items on each of those days, the exposure and return customers were worth it. Plus, both times new customers had great ideas for me which added to my inventory list.
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To participate, just go to the "Your Etsy" page. At the far right of your listed items, you'll see the "promote" option. Just click that and follow the path to choosing the proper category and date to be showcased.
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Too bad I forgot about my showcase day this week! I had plans for some ring bearer pillows and more casual garters with embroidered monograms. I'll just have to do it again when I'm ready. This pretty flower is destined to top a ring bearer pillow. Love the 3-D look for this little presentation of loveliness.

A Gentle, But Very Important, Reminder

2010-03-18T17:57:00.001-04:00

Oh, friends. I just received the most shocking news. This is the part of reaching the middle years of life that's worrisome to me. A neighborhood friend, a beautiful woman of 51, passed away in her bed Tuesday evening of a heart attack. I remember Tuesday evening; I was blogging on the couch watching the news. I understand that earlier in the day after exercising, she called her husband to say she didn't feel well. He told her to stop and get rest and see the physician before she exercised anymore. I can only imagine that, as a woman, mom, wife, busy, healthy person, she thought it would pass. That evening, she went to bed early. Her husband fell asleep on the couch for a bit and then woke and went to the bedroom to find she had passed away.

Julie wasn't my close friend, more of an acquaintance, but we used to attend the same church and waved when we passed on the road. She was very quiet and obviously loved by many. Her boys are marvelous. It is because of her husband we found our great home+apartment seven years ago when looking for a place to live with my grandmother. She leaves two sons, the same ages as my children, and a lovely husband. Our hearts are weary for those three men.

So, ladies, the gentle reminder what we already know but just forget to take seriously for ourselves: Heart Health! Let's take good care of bodies and hearts - for ourselves and for our husbands and children -- and be sensitive to what our bodies are telling us. If you feel particularly strange or have palpitations or your girlfriend tells you see is having such odd symptoms, GET A FAMILY MEMBER OR FRIEND and go your physician's office or to the ER that very day.

Please send a little prayer over to South Carolina that this family may feel the Lord's comfort and grace.

Liberty of London - In The House!

2010-03-14T11:11:00.003-04:00

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It's a very good thing that I am scheduled to work today, otherwise, I'd be scouring all the Targets in town for the Liberty of London goods revealed today! I actually went to the nearest Target yesterday and found my first pieces of affordable LoL; a storage basket ($8) and some little frames ($4 each). Bedding sets were featured ($60.00), but I didn't see if those included sheets, which is what I'm hoping to find as they will be immediately repurposed!
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Of course, I began this morning at the local Bruegger's for my DC and a bagel and, for once, sat down to make a chore list for my kids today (we'll see how that goes!) and to look through April Country Living, a great issue this month. There is a feature of the LoL floral inspired items and some of the goods at Target. Take a look!
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The colors are fabulous. I'm loving the floral tennies.
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These floral tins will be scattered about the house, I'm sure, and my daughter is already anticipating some LoL tops and floral dresses to add to her spring wardrobe. (Aren't we glad that "beautiful" is stylish again for our daughters?) I haven't seen a price on those yet, but I'm hoping they fit the budget. I'm so ready for spring now and freshening up the home decor!

Sweet Bottoms

2010-03-10T22:11:00.002-05:00

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Spring is bringing the stork around again! Not to leave a little bundle at my house, of course; just to carry some sweet little orders away.
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These little personalized bloomers are wending their way to Idaho. Baby Violet! What a pretty name to pick and have splashed across a sweet bum.
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I've also rediscovered my Roundabout Burp & Bib pattern. Isn't it crazy how we just go from new idea to new idea and forget about the one that was so highly important just a few months ago? I had such a surprise when I sold a pattern last week; I actually had to think for a minute where I had stored the PDF file! And, then, another sold this afternoon. Wouldn't you like one, too?
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Well, obviously, with the baby bloomers order in process, I had to cut out a Roundabout to include in the package for some new exposure. This one is quite eclectic in pink mushrooms and whimsical owls. Fun, though, to mix it up like this.

Stripping -- Late To The Game!

2010-03-02T10:55:00.002-05:00

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To keep up with the fun quilting crowd, I made my first attempt at strip quilting. Stephanie put out a challenge a good while ago to use up stash by strip quilting and to show off what one has accomplished. Without formally entering the challenge, the strip quilt block has been on my mind. I put together a stack of lovely blue, brown, and green florals to create some charm packs for my shop and wanted to sew up something to show off the fabrics together for presentation. This project accomplishes two projects at once. This pillow cover was the perfect chance to sew up a "quilt" without trying to manage a full quilt and not finishing!
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Though I still don't have my indoor lighting figured out, here is a closeup of the quilted pillow cover and the fabrics all together. I wasn't sure how to quilt the piece, so I went with a machine straight line. Maybe a stipple would have been better; definitely some handquilting around the diamond would have looked great. Also, I didn't notice when auditioning the blocks around that the green and brown floral sort of clumped together and looks like I made a design error. Oh, well, I'll get used to it. The pillow will look great as an accent on the bed in our room.

I'll have the 40-piece charm packs and/or fat quarter stacks together soon, if you're interested. The butterfly garden set (above) is in my shop now. All fabrics have been washed, dried, and ironed before cutting, so no shrinking or color bleeding to worry about.

Pretty In Pink and Lime Green

2010-02-24T21:39:00.003-05:00

While surrounded by a mountain of paperwork, all I want to do is get creative. I'm not allowed, though. I must finish 2009 before 2011 arrives.

Nearly there: All papers are now organized in monthly folders and receipts in corresponding envelopes. Look close, and you'll see Jan and Feb 2010 are already filed as well. All that's left is to itemize the individual items in the proper accounting categories. Won't my accountant be happy with me!! There is just the little matter of payment that must be attached....

Between duties, then, I want to show off the pretty Ballerina Bride garter above. The lace is so filmy. I'm so anxious for a real bride to choose one of the little creations I've added to the handmade fair shop.

Oh, and a new crocheted scarf design is on my shelves. The Shelly Scarf is designed by me -- not too difficult -- with a pattern in the works, but this one is in the shop. I've done all the math so one can make it longer. The scarf works up very quick, probably around 90 minutes, as I've used a large crochet hook. Use a smaller hook and thinner yarn, and you would have a very filmy, lacy confection around the neck! What do you think? Isn't it great how it rolls up and looks like a rosette?

Something Old, Something New

2010-02-22T15:09:00.001-05:00

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Well, everything new here, but the sentiment tells the story. One of my BFF's in Atlanta is soon to be the mother-of-the-bride! That has put us in the wedding crafting mode, and I've taken on the bridal garter design and ring pillow. This rosette design with ivory lace is my favorite.

I couldn't stop at just one of course!
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Playing with my light stands in the living room:

This shoot was set up on the piano bench with the light stand very close to the subjects. Lots of practice needed and numerous attempts at getting the lighting right. My photos still required the flickr editor to correct the exposure.

Mike / Tim The Tool Guy Was Here

2010-02-18T11:54:00.001-05:00

So, my super duper light stands are built -- and ever so much more sturdy than a girl might dream! Once Michael got going, he came up with bigger and brighter ideas! Extra lamps, the lamp clamps actually specially attached to the wood, and individual power boxes on each post. I just hope I can move these babies around and not start a fire! No, no, he does excellent work.

I had some photo sessions with flowers and a few studio items but only came out with a few shots that were properly lit. Actually, I still need to put in two more bulbs. Also, I probably should read about and understand my camera settings; that could be a big help! Next shoot will be done at the breakfast table to see if the overall lighting is better in the kitchen.

This photo came out nice and bright. The block is for the second quilt bee I'm in, the 2010 Round Robin Block Exchange. The block I chose is "The Chisholm Trail." That's our name, so it was an easy choice to make.

A closeup of my pretty Valentine bouquets. The lighting is nearly there but not quite. I was hoping this setup would be a perfect fix right off the bat! No such luck, but I'm a bit closer. Here are a couple more shots of the light stands.

Spoonflower and My Stuff Up In Lights

2010-02-13T08:52:00.004-05:00

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Last month a new etsy customer found my shop and requested a pillow cover made in the Amy Butler fabric above. At the same time, she asked if I would be interested in sewing up more pillow covers from art fabric by Spoonflower she found at Wall Candy. Soon after, this charming bird fabric arrived, and I was so glad to have the opportunity to touch and feel some Spoonflower fabric. Wow! I am impressed. The fabric is a tight woven cotton, shiny, and very fluid -- like really great bed sheets. Edit: Emily of Wall Candy (blog) tells me that the fabric is the organic sateen. I carefully sliced it up and made the pillow covers. They are just darling, and the etsy shopper did a great job matching up fabrics just shopping online, too!
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My wish for studio lights to photograph my products has nearly been granted. I think this is my Valentine's gift -- or it might be just a coincidence, not sure. My husband checked out the Pink Chalk Studios post I sent him to explain what I needed, and he picked everything up this week. One stand is made, and he might have the other ready later today.
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I googled around a bit seeing what photographers use for light bulbs that are quickly accessable, and these were suggested. It would be great if these are perfect, so I don't have to buy the more premium bulbs suggested. If this is the appropriate lighting now, I won't have to wait for the sun to be in the perfect position casting just the right light on the front porch for photo shoots. Yeah! One more restriction crossed off my list!

A Crafty Keep Calm Series

2010-02-09T14:56:00.003-05:00

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Something new in my embroidery design repertoire: A Crafty Keep Calm series. I've designed several embroideries based on the "Keep Calm" idea incorporating our favorite crafty skills, the first two shown off today. The "Keep Calm and Sew!" and "Keep Calm and Carry Yarn" are mantras most of us totally get. The 12-inch pillow cover and the knit/crochet yarn project keeper can be found in my "handmade fair" etsy shop.
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This sewing machine embroidery design is a new favorite find.
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The embroideries can be ordered as ready-to-ship items from my shop, custom requests for specific colors on specific products, or embroidered out on a fabric panel for sewists to incorporate into personal projects. I'll be listing the fabric panel option at the calicodaisy shop soon. Plus, I have finally found a crown embroidery I like so much more than the one used on the themed print products so popular right now. The design has been embroidered out, but the pillow cover needs to be sewn up for the photo shoot.

A Virtually Real Quilt!

2010-02-08T14:28:00.002-05:00

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Look! All the January quilt blocks have arrived for me!, me!, me! from the One Block Over virtual quilt bee. This mosaic gives a preview of the lovely real quilt to be. Now I have to decide sashing colors and a backing. I believe I am going to piece another set of blocks to create a queen size quilt -- I think! Sheesh! Just another set of big choices and decisions ahead. Each of the blocks above are arranged in alphabetical order by sewist. You'll find the individual photos along with each creator's blog site at my one block over flickr set. They are so much more beautiful in person; I'm so happy to have all this work done just for me.
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Special Announcement: I'm a new blog mother! This weekend, I helped my friend, Cyndi, create a new blog for herself and to introduce a line of yummy candle products she offers. She wasn't sure what to name her blog, and I encouraged her to choose something catchy that describes her but would not peg her into just one hobby or business idea. We came up with gingerlime glow. "Gingerlime" because that is her favorite candle scent. "Glow" because "gingerlime" alone as a blog name was taken already (though we couldn't find it anywhere) and the word glow conjures up a warm feeling as well as describes a candle. I explained what little I could about page design, but she's already a bit techy, so I lent her my Blogging for Bliss so she can figure it all out and then teach me a better way of coding my pages. Anyway, please visit Cyndi's page as time goes by and check out her candles. The line is a lovely, long-lasting candle product and accessories. We made a trade recently, and I chose a silvery round candle holder set with rhinestones; it reminds me of a pretty crown. When I get my gingerlime candle set in it, I'll have to show it off here.

February Fresh!

2010-02-01T11:30:00.001-05:00

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Wow! It feels as though the fog of January has lifted from my mind! It's cold as ever here in South Carolina, but the sun is shining and I feel very refreshed today with this promise of a new month ahead.
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A new stash of fabrics was found at Hancock Fabrics last week. After waiting two weeks for the 50% off sale + an extra 20% off the total, I loaded up on my favorite Hancock's store brand, Absolutely Cotton. I'm thinking pillows, linens, charm packs, drawstring bags, bias tape ... Anything is possible with these gems. I've washed the lot and am on to ironing and folding them this week.

Here are my other fresh and freshly renewed items up this month:

STUDYING:
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I worked through this Breaking Free Bible study when it first came out ten years ago, and now my current Ladies' Bible study group chose to do the revised version. I didn't want to do it again -- so much to learn and take on for one like me who takes everything so seriously when it comes to my faith. However, I'm ten years older, I'm committed to the group, so here I go. We are in Week 2 - my favorite week from the last round. This time, because I am so much older and oh, so much wiser (right!), I hope to study the course as a student of the concepts and try not to get swept away (though I probably will) in the instant emotion of what I discover but take on the lessons and incorporate them into my life and daily living. Trying not to get overwhelmed by the big picture but to take on daily truths allowing those things to develop as they are designed.

LEARNING:

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Friends, I have had this machine for 14 months and haven't turned in on because I am afraid of it! Push me, hold me accountable, give me advice! I am truly ashamed of myself to have wasted such potential all these months. That weighs on me like a cloud every time I look at the machine. Send me a kick in the pants, please!
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REMODELING/REDECORATING:

We HAVE to get the tile backsplash up, the cabinets painted, and the laundry and bath remodeled. I am making an appointment for a professional to come by this month. If we can't afford the professional, maybe the power of DIY will set in. My husband really is a wonder at all DIY projects. The new countertops (not pictured, but Wilsonart HD) went in sometime last year -- I think!, or was it the year before?

LISTENING:
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The Harry Potter Book-On-Tape/CD Fest started a bit early this year; I usually wait until April or so and listen into the summer months while driving around town. Oh, how I love HP5 - The Order of the Phoenix! The angst of the teenager, the incredible story line, and the voice of Jim Dale. We own all the books, but I don't even look at them. I only want to hear Jim Dale act out each and every character of the story. Haven't listened to these yet? You MUST! I'm only interested in Books 5-7, but you should start from the beginning and listen to how Jim Dale grows the characters and voices according to JK Rowling's development. Fascinating!

Beauty In The Box - Part II

2010-01-25T19:03:00.001-05:00

My One Block Over Bee blocks have been rolling in all month.

Each block is prettier in person, and they are stacked right here at my desk so I can move them around and play with the arrangement.

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My hope is that these will be put together as soon as possible after all blocks arrive, so we can see a finished product.
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Too bad the bee only gets together virtually; I could use the hands-on help to decide what to do.
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Several of us have already moved on to Heather's February wonky log cabin block. I'm in love with the colors she chose. I need to switch out the sofa in the family room, so I can make some throw pillows in this combination!

Good News Hard News

2010-01-24T12:14:00.001-05:00

As I ready myself this Sunday morning to work yet again (thankfully, thankfully!), I am reading some blog posts and listening to Don Moen and Friends streaming on my computer. This radio show touches my heart and encourages me every time I can listen in. Today's topic is Hope. To understand Hope, though, we must understand and face Fear. He has such a great mix of music, words, and interviews that express the Hope of Christ conquering Fear.

My goal this morning was to write something important about things that are heavy on my heart right now, but, of course, this crafty blog is really not the place. I just scrapped that and am moving on. Honestly though, my heart is heavy as I keep up with just the goings on in Haiti as well as the goings on in my own life. I've been growing up a lot the last couple of years now that I'm sort of an "orphan" with no elder to turn to above me, and it is liberating but painful and frightening as well to be the top of the family heap (along with my husband) - thus my thankfulness to be reminded not to give in to fear while listening to the show noted above and to find my fear diminished as it seems ridiculous in comparison with the devastation in Haiti.

So, to get these things off my mind and get to work, I will list what I want to share with no extra words. Each of these items are Good News and Hard News combined, but what JOY will be found as each issue is resolved and struggled through and for which inidividual sacrifices are made.

This Isn't Grey's Anatomy. Kathy from Pink Chalk Studio told us about this young physician. Just read her story and follow her links, and then you'll know what I know. Amazing!

The Howertons. I don't know this family. One of the bloggers mentioned their story, and I feel like they've been mine for the last week as I prayed for them and the little one left behind in Haiti. Can you believe? The boy they have been trying to adopt for three years arrived in America yesterday! Stories like that are going on all around our country!

The Don Moen and Friends Show.

Third Day Song of Hope and Restoration. There is Real Hope and Peace and Relief even in the chaos we see and live everyday.

And a couple more Third Day Songs:
Revelation
It Feels Like I'm Born Again

Beauty In The Box

2010-01-21T21:37:00.001-05:00

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Goodness! Look what arrived today. This beautiful Meadowsweet from Pink Chalk Fabrics. More is on the way from Jane's Fabrics, hopefully in the box tomorrow. HOWEVER, I -- MUST -- HAVE -- MORE! I'm planning a tablecloth for the breakfast table with the green medallion. The colors are so beautiful and rich and creamy. Included in my Pink Chalk package was ...

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... some AMH Little Folks. Lovely! So soft and silky. I've been longing for Liberty of London for years but just cannot pay that price per yard of cotton. This is the answer to that little dream. This fabric will make beautiful scarves, skirts, summery dresses. The drape is lovely. I hope she creates more florals in this fabric weight.

Craft Hope for Haiti

2010-01-17T09:57:00.002-05:00

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If you haven't already heard, Craft Hope has set up the Craft Hope for Haiti etsy shop with all proceeds going to Doctors Without Borders and their work in Haiti. Crafters from all over are donating items for sale there. I sent a couple calicodaisy handmade items in to be listed, a Nigella laptop cover and a Ralph Lauren Soft Storage Bucket. Not sure when they will be listed, as the founders of the shop are working hard to get everything put together. This is a great opportunity to safely support the important care needed by the Haitian people.
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While you are thinking about this, please stop by The Howertons blog. The mama was in Haiti visiting the child they've been working on adopting for the past three years when the earthquake hit. She was trapped in the country for a few days but then had the opportunity to get home, but she had to leave her longed-for adopted son in Haiti - heartwrenching! They are working hard and praying to get him home to the US. Nearly all the paperwork had been finalized and now this. This desperation for the nearly-adopted children is consuming families all over the US. Please pray for a quick resolution for the children and the waiting parents.

My Mailbox Makes Me Happy

2010-01-13T09:46:00.006-05:00

.There have been more than the usual bills and junk mail in my box lately! My One Block Over Bee blocks are coming in from all over. I could never have guessed how beautiful they would be. You know how I worry over getting things right. I'm so glad I bought that bundle of fabric for the scrappy scarf-a-long I never made! And now to see the color combinations and style the bee participants are sewing up is so wonderful and inspiring.

I love this warm color combination at the top of the post sewn by Amy, and the same coziness was created by Shelly. Then, on the creative side, I was so surprised to see Angie's shooting star design (right below). All of them with the same pattern! I'll show more on the next post, but you can check the bee blog link above to see them all.

Yesterday I was at my LQS picking up some home dec fabric I need and was drawn to a specific set of fabrics. Isn't it funny when that happens? One is surrounded by every color and texture and potential sewing ideas, and something special or familiar just draws you in. The bolts had colors that felt so perfect together to me. I slid the bolt forward and saw that it was Riley Blake again. It may have been from the Just Dreamy line. I was wishing I had one of the blocks with me so I could compare colors and see if I should buy some of that line to add to the additional blocks I'll be making to get this quilt a bit bigger than the pattern calls for. I'm thinking I may not sash this quilt in the spring green Kona cloth that you see in the corner blocks of the frame but use a tone-on-tone calico out of that set. Something new to obsess about now …..

So, last week, Margaret at the Q4 (I coined that nickname for her -- hope she doesn't mind) invited folks to participate in a Round Robin Quilt Block Exchange. I couldn't help myself and joined it. ~~The leader is looking for one or two more participants, if she hasn't already found them. If you are interested, go here to the~~ ~~2010 Round Robin Block Exchange~~ ~~and let Alicia of lucyquilts know. You can read all about it there~~.

Okay, laundry, kitchen, general pick-up around the house, clocking in at noon … Uh, I think I have to run back to Bruegger's right now and get a DC refill for strength!

Mary Engelbreit and Me

2010-01-12T22:24:00.004-05:00

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Good night! A lovely e-mail arrived this evening notifying me that a recipe I submitted was accepted for an upcoming Mary Engelbreit cookbook that will be published in June 2010! I'll receive an autographed copy later in the summer, though I think I'll have to pass it on to one of my BFFs who developed that recipe with me years ago. Published in two books in one year? Who could have guessed?

ME's Home Companion magazine was one of my favorites for years. My BFF above and I would get on the phone every month or so and read through it together and point out our favorite articles and projects. I sure miss that magazine, so this really is a bit extra special to be part of the ME Home Companion world.

Busy With My Bee

2010-01-07T11:02:00.003-05:00

The blocks I chose to have made for the One Block Over Bee are beginning to show up on the bee blog as well as in the mail! You'll have to pop over there and see. So I wouldn't be last to create my own choice of block, I got to it last night and finished this morning. I wanted to have it done before bed, but this one block took me a couple of hours and at 12:45 AM, I found that I had sewn the last strip on backwards. My fingers were just too numb to fix it at that point, so all was finished this morning. I'm so glad 11 others are making a block. I'm not sure I would want to make all these myself. The thought of the sashing and putting them all together makes me a little nervous, too.
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Did you participate in Jacquie's "Joy In The New Year" WIP Challenge? I did and got four out of five projects done. I finished one and a half of the quilt tops for my guys. I'll be showing those soon when complete. Jacquie was giving out prizes for those who participated in the challenge and completed projects. The pillow above was my contribution to her prize cache. I was hoping to win the #1 prize of her neighborhood quilt, but another lucky gal won that little beauty.

Otherwise, my days have been filled with work and embroidery design files and still sorting out the sewing room. It's soooooo coooollllldddd here! We expect a bit of snow tonight, but I hope it is just a dusting. South Carolina + Snow = Way Too Much Trouble! Plus, our home and neighborhood are older and all the phone and electric lines are above ground. If we lose power, it's such a bother. Okay, I'm off to dry my hair and get dressed to clock in at my desk at noon -- I have to look good for myself! Plus, I need to run up to Bruegger's for a DC refill and over to Zaxby's for a Grilled Chicken Salad for my lunch all before my shift starts.

Happy New Year! 2010!

2010-01-01T12:46:00.003-05:00

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Wow! I am so ready for 2010! I'm looking forward to a year STUFFED with work to make up for 2009 as well as honing my machine embroidery machine and design software skills. In November, I successfully transformed two local businesses' logos into embroidery designs for their uniforms. I'm catching on just a bit more in the design field with each project I take on.
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One new activity for 2010 that has me very excited is participating in my first virtual quilt bee! Doris of Threads of Conversation organized the One Block Over Bee and invited me to be part of the group. I am thrilled! I have longed to be part of a bee for a while but was too timid to ask, as I don't have any real quilting skills. Be sure to stop by the bee blog and scroll through the members. Everyone on the list but me has created a number of quilts.

I took the January block so I could get my choice over with and not worry about comparing my decision to the other girls. I didn't want to risk getting too many ideas running around in my head. This way, too, I can see what's up with the process and then learn and practice the rest of the year.

The fabrics for my block are from the Bloom and Grow line from Riley Blake. The set pictured was purchased from Material Gal. The block will be this pinwheel/star combo. Each member of the bee received a baggie containing a combination of prints plus two solids for the little frame around the pinwheel. The frame and the prints will be the only constant in the blocks. Each member can choose to add more fabrics, embellish, or change the configuration of the design. My biggest concern is getting the blocks back and putting them all together promptly!
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Today, I begin my studio clean out! I'm packing everything up but the essentials, cleaning the floor of all the scraps and threads that have gotten everywhere, rearranging the cutting table, setting up new tables so my machines sit in a row (Lowe's has the folding, 6-foot "banquet" tables on sale this week), and working on the task lighting. You know, I say "I am getting started," but, really, my husband has to do most of the above. I'm a total delegator and planner and a very weak laborer. Truly, my hands are built for fine motor skills, and I have no strength for big jobs. It's a burden …. He doesn't mind, though. The basement studio shares space with the laundry and utilities of the house, so it's a good project to do together. I just took panoramic photos to show you, but, other than the peek above, the view is just too horrible to share until the project is at least begun. They say pictures don't lie, but I tell you, it doesn't seem as awful through my rose-colored glasses!

Merry Christmas Morning!

2009-12-25T11:43:00.000-05:00

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Sssshhhhh!!!!! It's 10:15 AM, and the house is completely quiet! That's the thing about teenagers; they sleep in and give Santa a break. However, due to the fact that I have to "clock in" at my desk at noon, present time has to wait until 6:00 PM! That's the breaks. You snooze, you lose --- just a few hours though.

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We had a great Christmas Eve with friends who come by each year. The house was cozy and warm. Now, though, it is raining cats and dogs! In six hours, the road outside is flooded. However, I'm glad we aren't in the midwest with the snow and blizzards! If you are there, I hope you and your family are safe and happy together. Cheers!

Actually, I hear my peeps coming down the hall .... Show time!

Christmas At The Chisholms

2009-12-22T09:03:00.001-05:00

Welcome! The Chisholms are ready for the holidays now. The decorations are up. We have a beautiful tree. Goodies are being put together, and packages prepared for friends. Even though it didn't feel like I was on top of our family and friends preparations, I guess I have been stockpiling and preparing all along. After the last order was sent out on Friday, everything came together pretty quick around here.
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This arrived in the mail on Thursday. It's my Turning 20 quilt all quilted up! Originally, I just wanted the stipple effect, but Margaret at Q4 has been honing her skills and wanted to try some feather and swirls (I think). I gave her carte blanche and said go with it! I plan to bind it as soon as I can! However, my daughter absconded the unfinished quilt nearly immediately and snuggled under it all night. After she went to bed, I folded it right up and put it away.

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See how pretty my foyer scape is? It's all about Gai and the tablerunner and other treats she sent when we participated in a Christmas in July swap this summer. She embroidered and quilted a tablerunner, and she embroidered the sweet little doorhanger you see on the closet handle. Perfect!
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Look a little closer, and you can see my brothers and me one Christmas way back in the 1970s!

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Today I'm off with my visiting father for a little shopping and drop-ins at friends. Then more squirreling away in the studio still putting together my gifts for husband and children, which I think are coming along well. I'm hoping for a little downtime over the weekend to catch up on the 1000+ blog posts on my Reader to see what I have missed these busy weeks.

I wish you a Merry Christmas and a Peaceful and Happy Holiday!

One Week Countdown

2009-12-18T10:20:00.005-05:00

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Hello! One week before Christmas, and my house still looks like a messy Thanksgiving just passed! My dated goals are long since missed now. The calicodaisy holiday business has done well this year, but everything has taken a lot more time than I ever dreamed when creating my to-do list. So, there is a beautiful tree standing in the family room since Saturday undecorated! There are Christmas cards unopened in a stack waiting for me to open and place in the proper Christmas card viewing area. There is a box of cards ready to be addressed and signed still waiting to be addressed and signed. My dad has been here visiting for one week today and has been watching the mad rush of a family in this season running in and out all day and night for business, work, parties, shopping, school, groceries, fabric store, office store, post office, post office, post office, post office. The last package is mailed now. Today is the last day of high school.

As the mother and Queen of this household, I decree: TONIGHT EVERYONE WILL STAY HOME AND CREATE A LOVELY CHRISTMAS ATMOSPHERE -- WHETHER HE OR SHE WANTS TO OR NOT!!! Thank you.

On another note, here are some wise words that you might remind me of next year but may take heed and keep in mind this year:

1. It takes longer than you think. As noted above, I've missed all my early finish dates.

2. TRACK THE PACKAGES YOU MAIL OUT!!! Okay, there is an awful story to go along with this. Would you please say a little prayer today that there are extra deliveries today to the actual post office where this should arrive, so that my new lovely customer can at least go by the post office and pick up the Priority mailed box sent on Monday but needed to be there yesterday for her Christmas party tonight? Oh, my goodness. I always track and insure packages, especially one this important and expensive. Monday, there was a new gal at the counter, and she was worried about tagging the large box with Priority and didn't go through the normal questions of - Do you want to insure? Do you want to track? All I was thinking about was getting this package on its way on time and then getting on with the rest of the day's work. ~~It's not there! It can't be tracked~~! My friend is a post office carrier here, and she told me to call ahead this morning to the receiving post office and see if the carrier has the box ready to be delivered. The post office person was as kind as she could be, and I heard her speak to the carrier, and he doesn't have my package. However, my gal is receiving the package she ordered from NY just not from me this morning. Remember, don't forget to ask for tracking and spend the 70 cents and TRACK YOUR PACKAGE!!!!

EDIT, EDIT: I called the Peoria post office again just now to see if an extra delivery was made today. The woman who answered the phone told me that as they sorted the shipment, one of them spotted the street address of my package and pulled it! They called the carrier back or sent a runner, and the box will be delivered today. Whew! Now we know how one might track a package without a tracking number, but don't let that happen to you. Give up the 70 cents and track the thing!
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Alrighty. All I want to do is sit here and blog and see all the great last minute ideas, but I'm off to the .... go ahead and guess .... the post office again. This time it's personal business. But I will pin the above badge on my chest to be sure MY PACKAGE IS TRACKED!!!! Feel free to make one for yourself as a reminder.

A Good Read and 2 WIPs Complete

2009-12-10T12:20:00.004-05:00

The December issue of Country Living is a good one. There are some great ideas for crafting your own Christmas and baking your own, too. I'm loving those yellow walls in the photo.
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Here are some etsy features. I'd love to turn a page in a magazine and see an item of mine randomly listed there!
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This is for Stephanie! I have found the perfect iron for us in this CL issue -- An Amish flame-heated iron! You're more likely to find one than me, as you live closer to the farming villages up there.
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I finished up two WIPs for the "Joy In The New Year Challange." Custom fabric storage buckets for a friend were delivered this morning!
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My goal is to have five WIPs complete for the challenge. The backing is finished for the Turning 20 quilt top I am sending out for long-arming, so that is #2 done. The strips are cut and one set of blocks ready to hopefully quilt the first throw for my husband and son's gifts. Those will be #3 and #4 on my challenge list and are one-third of the way done, #5 is the binding for my daughter's quilt. I've got 14 nights to complete those three items .... maybe just the quilt tops will be done then, and I can just send them to the long-arm gal and get it done right! We'll see how frenzied I am at that point. AND, I've volunteered to send in a couple of prizes for the challenge. The embroidery is done with just the sewing up to do, so I guess those can be considered #6 and #7.