The front of Caroline's skirt
Saturday, March 26, 2005
Special Orders
Some special orders are better than others. I did two special orders this week and they were each wonderful!
First, my new friend, Joyce - a widow - aked me to make a bag for her daughter, Adele, from her husband's ties. She had been saving them for "something special." She brought me a selection of ties that included the bow tie that he wore at Adele's wedding. I was able to work it into the design. The ties even smell faintly of dad's cologne...which I left of course. I am very anxious for Joyce and Adele to see this bag. I hope they like it.
Then I had a special request from a mom in Texas. She wanted a necktie skirt for her daughter, Caroline. She had the ties all selected. WOW! I was really excited to see a collection of GORGEOUS pink and purple NEW ties! NEW! I hardly ever work with brand new ties and it was a real treat. Didn't this skirt turn out great? I'm anxious to hear how they like it.
If anyone out there is interested in a custom design like one of these, please caontact me at kluless7@cox.net - thanks!
First, my new friend, Joyce - a widow - aked me to make a bag for her daughter, Adele, from her husband's ties. She had been saving them for "something special." She brought me a selection of ties that included the bow tie that he wore at Adele's wedding. I was able to work it into the design. The ties even smell faintly of dad's cologne...which I left of course. I am very anxious for Joyce and Adele to see this bag. I hope they like it.
Then I had a special request from a mom in Texas. She wanted a necktie skirt for her daughter, Caroline. She had the ties all selected. WOW! I was really excited to see a collection of GORGEOUS pink and purple NEW ties! NEW! I hardly ever work with brand new ties and it was a real treat. Didn't this skirt turn out great? I'm anxious to hear how they like it.
If anyone out there is interested in a custom design like one of these, please caontact me at kluless7@cox.net - thanks!
Wednesday, March 23, 2005
Sunday, March 20, 2005
New Designs For Spring 2005!
Here are several of my new vintage calendar towel bags. They are lined in contrasting fabrics and have inside pockets. The straps are trimmed with rick rack - of course - and the fronts are trimmed with rick rack and appliques. These calendar towels are all from the late 70's and early 80's. Aren't they fun?
Saturday, March 19, 2005
Friday, March 18, 2005
Thursday, March 17, 2005
Home From L.A.
We are home from Los Angeles. We had a great time - lots of shopping! Here is a photo of Kaitlin in front of a store in the textile district. She is wearing a hoodie from my spring line. More later!
Saturday, March 12, 2005
Friday, March 11, 2005
My Family
I was reviewing the last post and realized that the references to my various children could be confusing. Ken is my husband - I'm Laura. Matt is the oldest - age 23 and a senior in college. Kaitlin is next - age 19 and a sophomore in college. Then comes Dan - age 16, James - age 12, and William - age 8. The oldest two are "out of the house." The three youngest boys live at home. Have a great day!
A Really Bad Day...
I had big plans to stay home all day on Wednesday sewing and watching the Project Runway Marathon.... HA! First I had to drive William (my second grader) to the bus stop. Dan (the 11th grader) usually comes too but he wan't ready so I had to turn around and come back home to fetch him after Will's bus picked him up. I picked up Dan and took him to his friend's house (Kelly who usually drives him to school.) But Kelly had overslept and was running late so I had to drive Dan all the way to school. On the way there he said he hadn't had breakfast and asked if we could stop somewhere. We had time so I agreed. (He should have had breakfast while I was waiting at Will's bus stop. Are you following this?) By the time we got to Dan's school it was late and I got caught in the dreaded "drop-off snafu." Anyone who drives their kids to school knows what I mean. I returned home to find James about ready to leave. This is the easy one - he is in 7th grade and WALKS to his bus stop. BUT he had a Science Fair Project on one of those big boards and asked if I would drive him. I drove him to school too and When I finally arrived home it was 8:45. I took a shower and sat down to sew.
After about 15 minutes - the POWER went out! Arghhhh... I decided to make the best of it and moved into the kitchen where I have a skylight and could see very well. I windexed off the counter and started to cut out a new project. The phone rang and it was Dan asking me to pick him up - he "Didn't feel well..." I explained that there was no power and I didn't think I could get the garage door open but that I would try.
I went out to the garage, disengaged the electric door opener and tried to lift the door manually. I got it up, but it wouldn't stay. I tried several things. I stood on a chair, I got a ladder, but it just wouldn't stay up. I tried to call Dan back but he didn't answer his cell phone. I returned to the task. Now here is a word of advice: If you have to lift a large and heavy garage door by yourself be certain you are lifting from the absolute CENTER of the door.
I was off to one side and I heard a horrid screeching sound. The door was now stuck. I hopped down from the ladder and saw that the door was crooked, bent and hopelessly stuck. Some of the wheels were off the track. There was no way I was getting out of there. I was officially imprisoned.
I called my husband Ken and asked if he thought he could fix this. He is an engineer and really good at these things usually but he explained how dangerous garage doors were and how the tension in the spring held tons of force etc. etc. and this was a job for a professional. So I called the first garage door repair place in the yellow pages and they said they could be there between 11:00 and 2:00. I was certain that meant 2:00. Also, there was a miniumum charge of $49.00 for the service call... $199.00 to rewind a cable... $149.00 to reset the spring. If the bent panel had to be replaced that would be more. $$$$ etc. etc. So I feared the worst.
Meanwhile the power came back on. Dan called and said he was returning to class. He now felt "better..." Arghhhh.... I'm pretty sure he just went to the clinic to poop.
Anyway, I sat down to sew again and Ken called to say that he had a call from the bank to let us know that our checking account was overdrawn and we had until 4:00 their time to make a deposit. Ordinarily this wouldn't be a big deal. I can wire funds from my account here in Scottsdale to this account in Florida. But I was still waiting for the garage door guy.
BUT THERE IS GOOD NEWS - The Project Runway Marathon started at 12:00 and I had six new blank video cassettes! I set the first one to record the first two episodes. The garage door guy arrived and fixed everything for $314.00.
I headed to the bank and transferred funds by 12:30 my time. That's 2:30 their time - plenty of room before my 2:00 deadline. Things were improving....
But of course there was more to come.
My oldest son Matthew has been planning a trip to Florida to visit my mom for Spring Break. He has had airline tickets (he and his sweetheart Kelly are traveling together) since January. Well he called to ask if he could leave Kelly's dog here with me.
Please understand that we have never in 25 years of marriage had a dog. My husband absolutely forbids it. He won't even change the dirty diaper of his own child. He does not want to clean up after a dog. Matthew knows this. He had two months to figure out what to do with the dog. But he irresponsibly waited until the last minute. This way he can blame me. I can feel guilty. I'm going to be in Los Angeles with Kaitlin over Spring Break and I won't even be here to take care of the dog. Whatever.
At about 4:00 I called the bank to make sure the money had arrived...but I still had a negative balance. The bank was closed. I left a message. At least I had four episodes of Project Runway on tape. Not everything was bad.
After about 15 minutes - the POWER went out! Arghhhh... I decided to make the best of it and moved into the kitchen where I have a skylight and could see very well. I windexed off the counter and started to cut out a new project. The phone rang and it was Dan asking me to pick him up - he "Didn't feel well..." I explained that there was no power and I didn't think I could get the garage door open but that I would try.
I went out to the garage, disengaged the electric door opener and tried to lift the door manually. I got it up, but it wouldn't stay. I tried several things. I stood on a chair, I got a ladder, but it just wouldn't stay up. I tried to call Dan back but he didn't answer his cell phone. I returned to the task. Now here is a word of advice: If you have to lift a large and heavy garage door by yourself be certain you are lifting from the absolute CENTER of the door.
I was off to one side and I heard a horrid screeching sound. The door was now stuck. I hopped down from the ladder and saw that the door was crooked, bent and hopelessly stuck. Some of the wheels were off the track. There was no way I was getting out of there. I was officially imprisoned.
I called my husband Ken and asked if he thought he could fix this. He is an engineer and really good at these things usually but he explained how dangerous garage doors were and how the tension in the spring held tons of force etc. etc. and this was a job for a professional. So I called the first garage door repair place in the yellow pages and they said they could be there between 11:00 and 2:00. I was certain that meant 2:00. Also, there was a miniumum charge of $49.00 for the service call... $199.00 to rewind a cable... $149.00 to reset the spring. If the bent panel had to be replaced that would be more. $$$$ etc. etc. So I feared the worst.
Meanwhile the power came back on. Dan called and said he was returning to class. He now felt "better..." Arghhhh.... I'm pretty sure he just went to the clinic to poop.
Anyway, I sat down to sew again and Ken called to say that he had a call from the bank to let us know that our checking account was overdrawn and we had until 4:00 their time to make a deposit. Ordinarily this wouldn't be a big deal. I can wire funds from my account here in Scottsdale to this account in Florida. But I was still waiting for the garage door guy.
BUT THERE IS GOOD NEWS - The Project Runway Marathon started at 12:00 and I had six new blank video cassettes! I set the first one to record the first two episodes. The garage door guy arrived and fixed everything for $314.00.
I headed to the bank and transferred funds by 12:30 my time. That's 2:30 their time - plenty of room before my 2:00 deadline. Things were improving....
But of course there was more to come.
My oldest son Matthew has been planning a trip to Florida to visit my mom for Spring Break. He has had airline tickets (he and his sweetheart Kelly are traveling together) since January. Well he called to ask if he could leave Kelly's dog here with me.
Please understand that we have never in 25 years of marriage had a dog. My husband absolutely forbids it. He won't even change the dirty diaper of his own child. He does not want to clean up after a dog. Matthew knows this. He had two months to figure out what to do with the dog. But he irresponsibly waited until the last minute. This way he can blame me. I can feel guilty. I'm going to be in Los Angeles with Kaitlin over Spring Break and I won't even be here to take care of the dog. Whatever.
At about 4:00 I called the bank to make sure the money had arrived...but I still had a negative balance. The bank was closed. I left a message. At least I had four episodes of Project Runway on tape. Not everything was bad.
Saturday, March 05, 2005
Suffering from PRW!
That's Project Runway Withdrawal! Anyone else? Will there be a season two? Will season one be available on DVD? WHEN? I mean I probably saw each episode five times.... And of course I now know how it ends - but I still miss it! I always felt like the part I was most interested in - the actual MAKING of the clothes - was the part that the producers showed the least. Like here's the assignment - and then the shopping - and then the drama in the apartments - and then the twist - and then voila - we're done - time for the runway! I want to see more of the actual designing - the pattern drafting - the cutting, the seaming, the fitting, the adjustments. Yes they did show some of it - but not enough! I miss Project Runway!
Thursday, March 03, 2005
Working on my Spring Line
I'm busy busy busy sewing away on new designs! Ruffled Minis, Rainbow Hoodies, and Messenger Bags are piling up in the sewing room! I've donated a couple of things to charity auctions - that's always fun. For Daniel's school fundraiser I took one of the Phys Ed t-shirts and converted it into a hoodie. Jessica wore it to class to promote it and got a lot of interest. The auction is on March 12th. I donated a necktie skirt and a bag to a church fundraiser. That auction is the 5th. I'll keep you posted.
Meanwhile my Randomonium Messenger bag is still sitting on eBay with NO bids :(. There's still time though... we'll see...
Meanwhile my Randomonium Messenger bag is still sitting on eBay with NO bids :(. There's still time though... we'll see...
Saturday, February 26, 2005
Thursday, February 24, 2005
Vintage Daisy Dishtowel Messenger Bag
Here's another Dishtowel Messenger! This one features a vintage enamel daisy pin. Hope you like it!
Wednesday, February 23, 2005
Vintage Dishtowel Messenger Bags
Even though I haven't been posting - I HAVE been sewing. Here are some of the vintage dishtowel messenger bags. What do you think? I think that as long as I live I will probably never make anything as uniquely kitschy and amazing as this Pineapple Messenger.
More to come.... but what's the point? I can't possibly top this!
More to come.... but what's the point? I can't possibly top this!
Monday, February 21, 2005
New Designs!
Remember the lot of vintage kitchen towels that I purchased last month? Wellllll... I've been working on some messenger bags featuring these linens. Photos to follow.
Friday, February 18, 2005
Introducing.....
The Swishy Skirt! After many false starts and start-overs - I have finally finished my swishy necktie skirt. Do you like it?
Packing Up
Yes, it's true. I am packing up the neckties. I have just a few more necktie projects to post.
Do you like the pink rhinestone pin on the handbag? Guess what? I got it at JoAnn's! I used my 40% off coupon too so it only cost a couple of dollars. Isn't it great?
In every lot of neckties there are always a few of these novelty-type character ties. Looney Tunes, Disney, Flintstones, etc. There are also what I refer to as "clown" ties. Big dots, bright stripes - really ridiculous "what were they thinking?" ties. I have combined these in this skirt. Pretty nuts, eh?
Do you like the pink rhinestone pin on the handbag? Guess what? I got it at JoAnn's! I used my 40% off coupon too so it only cost a couple of dollars. Isn't it great?
In every lot of neckties there are always a few of these novelty-type character ties. Looney Tunes, Disney, Flintstones, etc. There are also what I refer to as "clown" ties. Big dots, bright stripes - really ridiculous "what were they thinking?" ties. I have combined these in this skirt. Pretty nuts, eh?
Tuesday, February 15, 2005
Artist's Studios
Don't you love seeing the spaces where designer's work? Thanks to Ann Fisher for compiling this list and allowing me to link it!
Monday, February 14, 2005
Sunday, February 13, 2005
A Super Saturday
Yesterday was "AZ Craftsters" day at the Coffee Talk Coffee Shop in Mesa. We had tons of fun. Three new girls joined us. It was rainy, which in Phoenix is a treat! Everyone says "Don't you love this GORGEOUS weather?" I knew these girls would be knitting so I brought my vintage "crazy daisy" winder just to fit in - HEY - it's a yarn craft - close enough!
Meanwhile, there was a meeting of the "Red Hat Society" at the same place at the same time. What a riot these women were with their purple dresses and red hats. (Now here's a hint, ladies... If you are planning to wear an all-purple ensemble, and you are even SLIGHTLY overweight - PLEASE avoid the red-violet shade associated with Barney the dinosaur. Thank you.)
Along with the red and purple was some pink and lavender. Apparently, if you aren't quite ready for the Red Hat society, you can be a junior member and wear these more sedate colors.
What a hoot - these women were very friendly (they passed our gathering on the way to the restroom) and obviously having a great time.
After the Craftsters, I visited another Antique Show. This time I was "allowed" to purchase fabric, so I did.
Meanwhile, there was a meeting of the "Red Hat Society" at the same place at the same time. What a riot these women were with their purple dresses and red hats. (Now here's a hint, ladies... If you are planning to wear an all-purple ensemble, and you are even SLIGHTLY overweight - PLEASE avoid the red-violet shade associated with Barney the dinosaur. Thank you.)
Along with the red and purple was some pink and lavender. Apparently, if you aren't quite ready for the Red Hat society, you can be a junior member and wear these more sedate colors.
What a hoot - these women were very friendly (they passed our gathering on the way to the restroom) and obviously having a great time.
After the Craftsters, I visited another Antique Show. This time I was "allowed" to purchase fabric, so I did.
Friday, February 11, 2005
I Went Shopping Yesterday!
Yep. I spent about an hour and a half at SAS Fabrics. This is one of those "Fabrics By The Pound" places. What fun! I want to get out of necktie mode and begin some Spring projects. Sooooo I got some citrus-colored Pucci-inspired stretchy fabrics for ruffled mini skirts. How's that for a departure? Meanwhile, I have finished an emerald green necktie skirt for a charity auction. I have one more "special order" necktie handbag to complete, too. But I'm determined to get started on the Spring stuff. I'll keep you posted!
Thursday, February 10, 2005
Hot Pink Necktie Skirt
Yes, I'm obsessed with red and pink!
I'm putting away the neckties soon, I promise.
I'm putting away the neckties soon, I promise.
Wednesday, February 09, 2005
Tuesday, February 08, 2005
In Keeping With My Valentine's Day Theme...
I'd like to present this red plaid handbag with a black velvet ribbon and vintage scotty dog pin!
Monday, February 07, 2005
BIG NEWS!
My Rick Rack Ruby labels have arrived! Aren't they great? I had excellent service from Lisa at clothinglabels4u.com. I've added a link. If you are looking for custom woven labels at a reasonable price, try Lisa.
Thursday, February 03, 2005
Welcome to February
Well, I survived a month with no fabric purchases! In fact, now that it's February, I don't seem to have the urge to rush out and shop... What's wrong with me?
I'd like to say that I spent the month sewing like a fiend and "using up" much of the fabric that I already have - but I really didn't. I did less sewing than usual. I did some cleaning up and clearing out - but not enough to make a real difference. Neckties are everywhere. I believe I've been working on necktie projects for long enough...almost...and I'd like to declare that on March 1st I will put away the neckties until August. There I've said it.
Oh and one more thing. I am WAY overcommitted. I've got to say "no" more often. I'm going to commit to more time at home and more time designing. I know that's a little too vague - I'll tighten up this resolution later. Meanwhile, I'm making necktie daisies. What are YOU working on?
I'd like to say that I spent the month sewing like a fiend and "using up" much of the fabric that I already have - but I really didn't. I did less sewing than usual. I did some cleaning up and clearing out - but not enough to make a real difference. Neckties are everywhere. I believe I've been working on necktie projects for long enough...almost...and I'd like to declare that on March 1st I will put away the neckties until August. There I've said it.
Oh and one more thing. I am WAY overcommitted. I've got to say "no" more often. I'm going to commit to more time at home and more time designing. I know that's a little too vague - I'll tighten up this resolution later. Meanwhile, I'm making necktie daisies. What are YOU working on?
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