First Snow!

There is nothing like a first snow! It's like it almost brings out the kid in me.. reminiscing about waiting to see if it had snowed so much that school would be canceled, snow ball fights, winter boots and scarves. Despite all the exciting things that snow brings, there is something so pure and still about a first snow.It was thrilling to wake up and peer out the window at the cold, white blanket that covered the ground...it even brought out a few friends. I think only Leo showed up today, but a busy little squirrel was running here and there, evidently just as excited as I was.As much as I love snow, I always hate to see it go. Snow doesn't last long here, but that was OK for today because...

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Have you ever felt like your day was like trying to drive a wagon that was stuck in the mud? Well, I had one of those days today. Even though I got several things accomplished, I just don't feel like I can see the results. So my stack has been somewhat transformed and I am on the verge of finishing several purses, but managing several different projects today took up quite a bit of my time.I did a little sewing, some e-mailing, cleaning, jewelry inventory, ...and oh yeah, I placed a fabric order today. Joel Dewberry and Anna Maria Horner. Two really great designers from Free Spirit Fabrics. Just a little sneaky peak of what's to come from Anna Maria.....

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2:05 on the Nose

While in the middle of working, my husband announced to me today that he was headed to the Baumarkt (that's the home improvement store) He had then further explained that he just needed to get out and have a little distraction from his current project. No big deal, right? Well, yes except...he never takes a break from work like that. Once he is focused, he is really focused. To pull him away from work is almost like a little kid being pulled away from his favorite toy to take a bath...it takes a little effort and coercing. But I thought nothing more of it and kissed him upon return as he headed back to his desk. Thirty minutes or so later, he shows up at my door with a big bouquet of flowers....

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Sunday Afternoon Musings

Aren't Sundays great?!? I can't really say that today provided anything that was particularly spectacular or anything that will get filed away in my highly cherished memories section, but it was everything that a Sunday should be. We started out our morning slow with what has seemed to become our Sunday morning tradition...fresh croissants, eggs, and BACON! It truly is the highlight meal of the week. We piddled around a little bit here and there and then decided to go for a walk.Where we live is great. If we turn to the right and drive for two minutes, we are at the mall. Close to bakeries, butcher shops, and home improvement markets. If we turn to the left and walk about two minutes we are...

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Zippers Shouldn't Be So Hard!

At recent selling events I have had many customers ask if it would be possible to make purses with zippers inside to make them feel a little more secure about credit cards, ID's, and such. So on my fall/winter collections, I have started adding zippers and pockets to the inside. It took me some time to find "how to sew a zipper" instructions that were clear and easy to follow. But I did eventually find something, which I decided to pass along. (hopefully easier to understand than what I found)Step1.) Cut your purse interfacing as you would normally (or whatever project you are working on)Step 2.) Cut two rectangles larger than the size zipper you are planning to use. For example: I sew with...

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Leo, Eddie, Harry, and Lucy

So who says that you have to venture out deep into the forest to experience nature? Why not let nature come to you?Just a few days after we had gotten back from the States, we noticed that we have a few "new" guests in our back yard. Even though they were never invited, they are more than welcome guests. What a delight and pleasure to discover that a whole family of pheasants have decided to make their "turf" within view from our living room and my work room. For the last two weeks, our guest family have wondered across our back yard looking for food and exploring the grounds. The thing is...we don't really live in the country. We are not directly in the city, but we are definitely in a built...

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I Made the Front Page!

OK, so I'm really excited! I have been listing some of my products, mostly my fabric, since July of this year on a site called Dawanda. Basically the site sells handcrafted items and supplies in Europe. I think the site started in Germany and now England and France are launching "sister" sites that are connected with the main site. You can literally find items from all over the world who are trying to reach European buyers. I've had some good luck with selling fabric.They have opportunity for members to create what are called pinboards to post on the main site. This is a collection of items that a member puts together of other sellers items based on a theme, color, or whatever floats your boat....

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Superwoman Power Potion

Have you ever seen fabric so beautiful that the only words you can use to describe them are words that normally pertain to food? ...Words like delicious, scrumptious, and tasty. Colors and patterns that leave you drooling and gives your fingers an "itch" that just won't leave until you get your scissors out and your hands on them.I am absolutely in awe at some of the fabric designers out there right now. When I read on their blogs that they are moms, introducing new paper and stationary lines, writing their own books, and such, it kind of leaves me asking... how do they do it all? I do have to admit that I often have my hands in many different pots, but I don't have kids or deadlines for manufacturers...

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So Let's See What the Hype is All About

I can't really say that I know why, but I decided to jump on the blogging merri-go-round. That's right, just like I have gotten "lemming" fever or something.So what have I done all day...that's right, sat at my computer for way longer than I should have trying to think of a name for my blog. My husband and I have gone back and forth, almost each time, topping the others list with the most ridiculous name that could be thought of. I dare say that there are others out there who have come up with more ridiculous names, and even worse, have decided to use them. (don't tell anyone, but I think my husband won tonight's contest)I finally decided that instead of spending the second half of my evening...

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