Out of the Archives....

In celebration of Halloween I am posting some designs from "the archives." Once upon a time when I sold my bags on eBay - these were VERY popular items. More tomorrow!

Kristina Wins!

Congratulations to Kristina Bubar for winning the Canadian Gospel Music Association's Covenant Award for "Inspirational Album of the Year." Click here to visit Kristina's website and to download several of her songs!

A Busy Week!

The kids were on Fall Break last week and my family came to visit! Friday was mom's birthday - Here she is with her newest grandchild - Peter Stanton Aldridge. He is named after my father.







Stanton has a big brother named Gray. This is Gray "looking tough." : )












The boys have one big sister named Isabelle. For grandma's birthday she did a very special presentation of Breath of Heaven.

Runner-Up Ruby!

Hooray! Out of of 500 entries to Manolo's contest, my little poem is a runner-up! Check out all of the entries.

A Pageant Notice Appears in the Walk-in Closet

The stiletto stared haughtily at the peep-toe,
A superior glint in her eye;
“The loveliest shoe in the closet is ME
There’s no need to even apply.”

The Birkenstock laughed in a natural way,
“Why you’re lovely alright, that’s for sure.
How often do you go out? Once in a while? Why,
I’VE been on a national tour.”

The sneaker remarked “Well I’m comfortable too,
And I’m practical, stylish and fun.
I help her stay fit and I go to the gym
I am the most valuable one.”

The pump said, “Well look at me, I go to WORK.
Responsible me, I’m the best!
Without me the rest of you wouldn’t be here,
And she wouldn’t be wonderfully dressed !”

The boot had been quiet right up until then,
But felt that she had to speak out.
“I keep her feet warm in the winter,” she said.
“I’m the one that she can’t do without!”

The flip-flop chimed in “In the summer it’s ME!
I go to the beach and the pool
I’m easy to slip on and off and I’m hip -
And so trendy and casual-cool.”

(The sandal considered the flip-flop cheap trash
Not worthy of even a thought
While SHE showed the pedicure off with great flair
Yes, she was the best of the lot….)

The peep-toe declared she had retro-chic charm
And got to go swing dancing too,
Why, no other shoe was as perfect as she
Not the Blahnik or even the Choo.

The shoes all continued to argue and brag.
Each had a unique point of view.
But no one else matters – Manolo is here!
So…Which is YOUR favorite shoe?

**

Submitted by Laura Kluvo

Super Fantastic Runner Up
Manolo’s Super Fantastic Essay Contest

WHAT?!?! They've Reintroduced Dream Pets?!?!?!

Why hasn't anyone told me about this? These are like the Beanie Babies of MY childhood. I have an original Hawaiian Hound and a Honolulu Harry. I always wanted the Ladybug. Hmmmmm...I think I still do....

Loves to Dance

We have new neighbors! Courtney is 11 years old, in the sixth grade and loves to dance. Can't you tell? This pink necktie skirt is a perfect fit. She thought it might be a little long, but I'm sure her mom will agree with me - it's just right.

I'm still cracking up over this....

....can't ...catch .....my...breath.....

Autumn Update at Cut + Paste!

Check out the great new stuff at Cut + Paste. Feels like Fall....

Vintage Velvet Patchwork Backpack!

Try saying THAT five times in a row! Yes, I am sewing. Here's something new. I have a little bit of the vintage velvet quilt top left. Probably only enough for one more project. I think I'll do another backpack. This one was a special order and I really like the way it turned out. I added the crocheted pansies because the quilt was really damaged and I had to cover up some tears. Now of course, the pansies are my favorite part!

Kristina is Nominated for a Covenant Award!

I'm so proud to call this talented vocalist my friend! Good luck Kristina!

Moving On....

What was I THINKING? Hello? I watched LOST on Wednesday and it is by far the stupidest program ever. Second only to "The Cut." I don't know why it seemed so good when I was watching the first season on DVD. The Wednesday night episode was completely ridiculous...and VIOLENT. So, please forgive me and we'll get back to the subject at hand.... which is my other obsession....

Japanese Crafts, Fashion and Pop Culture. WHAT? Yes, I admit it. I have quite a collection of Japanese Quilting, Crafting, Sewing and Fashion magazines and books. Here is a sampling:

What Did We Do Last Night?

Glad you asked!

Ken and I have several friends who sing in the Orpheus Male Chorus. Their Fall Concert series opened last night with a tribute to "Stage & Screen." We always enjoy this group. There's something tremendously endearing about a group of men all wearing tuxedos singing together. And these guys are GOOD! Honestly... I think I enjoy this a little more than Ken.... I couldn't resist a little humming along on the Gilbert and Sullivan stuff.... I can be SO ANNOYING! That makes it even more special that he took me to see this on my birthday. What a dream husband I have.

Today Is My Birthday!

...and I would love it if you would post a happy message on my blog. Thanks!

UPDATE - I'm home for lunch checking my e-mail and I have EIGHT birthday messages! YAY!

Do You Like Bright Colorful Pop Art?

Here are some of my favorites. First is Pamela Brooke. Here is a link to her eBay store. Next is Jelene Morris. Jelene also has a blog. It seems to be down right now, so I'll have to link it later. Third is Layla Palmer,who I just discovered on the Jelene site. Layla has an eBay store too.

What Is This?

I spotted this towel in an antique mall. The hand is appliqued onto the towel. It is large enough to slip your hand inside like a glove. What the heck? Then I read the tag.......












It's a HAND TOWEL..... : )

Purple Velvet Gypsy Skirt

Here is a skirt from my Fall 2005 line.

Look At What Carly Gave Me!

Aren't I lucky? I get lots of great thank notes and gifts from my students but this is really special. It's a collage from Carly. If you look closely you'll see sewing references as well as London references. I'm sure my legions of blogfans will remember Carly who came over and made a necktie skirt, a gypsy skirt AND a tote bag. All of her projects turned out great. She is now back in London teaching art to young hoodlums. THANKS AGAIN CARLY.

Happy Anniversary to Ruby!

I just realized that I have been blogging for a year! Thank you to everyone who reads this and especially to those who comment - you are the best!

I have been sewing like crazy - I'll have new designs to post later today or tomorrow. I've been working on purple velvet gypsy skirts with paisley waistbands and flowing ribbon trims. Doesn't that sound lovely?

BUT... I'm a little embarrassed to admit that I have been completely obsessed lately with my DVD collection of the first season of "Lost." I have never seen this show - it airs on Wednesday nights when I'm at choir - but I have of course heard plenty about it and have friends who love it. SOoooo when I heard it was coming out on DVD and I got a discount coupon to Barnes and Noble on top of the "membership" discount - well I knew I had to buy it. Once I started I couldn't stop. Now I have finally watched the whole thing. It's really good isn't it? I can see why it has won so many awards. I'm hooked. What did I miss on the first episode of the new season? I recorded the second episode so I saw the recap - but I want DETAILS! Also - the actor who plays John Locke in my opinion is superb.

Well this is supposed to be a blog about fashion design - I'm off to take some photos!

My velvet messenger was in the paper on Friday!

Unfortunately the on-line version of the article doesn't have the photo - the actual newspaper did! Of course you've already seen this design - I hope it sells!

Happy Birthday William!

Yesterday was my baby's ninth birthday. It was also his flag football team's first game. Our team (the Raiders) won the game and Will made an interception!

Green Purse Swap

I have just completed my first Craftster swap! All of the bags are green. I made this one for my partner:








And she made this one for me!

What is Amigurumi?

I don't know. Maybe "Cute Crocheted Japanese-style Miniature Stuffed Animal?" Anyway, you can check them out here. This almost makes me want to take up crochet.... I said almost.

Yes, I'm Sewing!

I went to the fabric store the other day looking for midnight blue velvet.... Somehow I came out with a pile of upholstery samples.






I made this bag with them.






I had been hoarding this WONDERFUL vintage rose trim for years - Isn't it just the perfect touch?

Lucy and Lily

I didn't have time to post this yesterday so I'm catching up today. Lucy and Lily were working on these projects at lunch! Lucy is working on a sock, and Lily is working on a wristband! Aren't they great?!?!? As usual, when the Craftster conversation turned toward knitting I headed for the door. Later!

AZ Craftsters Meet Again....

We started out at 10:00 at the Phoenix Public Market. It was EXTRA FUN today because of the Mariachi Band and the Dancers who performed. Chris, Denise and I mostly bought FOOD.... but I also purchased something VERY special...

My grandmother's church always had a church Bazaar. As a young married person I bought several of the "Handtowels with crocheted top/loop with button that goes over the oven handle things..." You know what I mean, right? Someone send me a link to a bizarro collection of these - please!

Anyway, after seeing my great interest in these - my grandmother would pick them out especially for me and send them every year. She died several years ago and I miss her. When I spotted the ladies with the display of these towels I knew I had to have one. Imagine the display...perrhaps 50 or 60 of these in pairs, back to back, carefully priced and packaged in plastic baggies. All of them lined up like little soldiers for my perusal. How could I choose? One of the ladies came to my rescue pointing to the one in the middle "It's Precious Moments," she confided. I felt so special knowing that she was willing to part with such a rare and valuable item. I mean you just don't see these every day. "I'm getting this for my daughter." I told her. "Oh there are two!" What a deal. For five dollars I got TWO of these towels. My day was now complete - but there was more to come...much more....

I excused myself to visit the Arizona Antique Show. For the first time in my life I bought nothing. It was a bust. Absolutely nothing. I wasted no time catching up with Chris and Denise at City Bakery and who was there to greet us? An entire family of knitters! That's right, the husband, the wife and the two daughters all knitting! Here is a link to their website.

These are my kids!

Our "old" computer is broken. It hasn't worked in ages. No internet - nothing works. We figured maybe we had a bad virus and we wanted to just "wipe it clean" but I KNEW I had some really cute photos on there so I was hesitant. Well.... Ken's friend John Matush came over and took the machine home with him. He downloaded all of my files onto a cd and then "wiped out the hard drive." I put the files on my "new" computer and look what I found.... These are my children - Christmas 2003. Clockwise from the top left there's Dan, Kaitlin, Matt, James and Will. Note that James has a bright green cast on his arm!

Denise Makes a Necktie Skirt!

Yes....Another victim for Mama Klu. Oh, it started innocently enough - "Come on over and sew, Denise. I'll show you how to make a necktie skirt for Aria (her 8-year-old daughter.)" Meanwhile I am gleefully chuckling "Mwah ha ha ha.... give me two days with this one and I have her converted for sure. Tom Cruise has nothing on me." Well after two mornings of sewing, sure enough, Denise is talking about making Halloween costumes, following patterns and coming back to learn to use the serger! YAY! Great job, Denise!

Best Wishes to Gus and Cami!

Ken and I attended a wedding on Saturday. It was really wonderful.
Guess where they met...

Really Great Bags!

There are many many bag designers online. Here are a few of my favorites:

Sophisticated Kitsch, Magnolia Pearl, and Ruby Tag bags. Enjoy!

How to Help.

There are many many worthy relief organization out there helping the victims of Hurricane Katrina. As Americans we are always ready to reach out to those in need. The "on-line indie craft community" has come together in a unique way to offer their products for sale to benefit the Red Cross. As a buyer, you receive the goods, but ALL PROCEEDS go to the Red Cross. The crafters and artists have donated their goods. So, let's all make this effort successful and SHOP!

Happy 17th Birthday Ryan!

Some special orders are more fun than others....

...and this was a fun one!

A skirt for Cora to match her cute new shoes! My AZ Craftster friends helped me choose the ideal fabrics. I hope it fits!

The Ruby Slouch

Presenting.... The Ruby Slouch! I have been working on this design for a while. It's kind of tricky, but I like the way it turned out. This one is for me.

Retreat in the Pines

I spent Friday and Saturday with my girlfriends in Prescott. Even though it was only about a 2-hour drive you can see that it is quite different from the Scottsdale desert where I live. Linda's log cabin is beautiful and the pines are fragrant and refreshing. I'm on the far left, then there's Judy, Karen, Mary, Gail, Mandy, Sherrie, Debbie, Star, Linda and Wanda.

AZ Craftsters Meet Again...

...and I forgot to take photos! Oh well.

We started the day at Gracie's Thrift in Tempe. It seemed like a good idea since everything was 50% off. Well guess what? Everyone else in town seemed to have the same idea! The store opened at 9:00. Apparently there was a line outside and everything. We arrived at 10:00. I immediately headed toward the neckties. I was VERY selective - only choosing clean, nice beautiful pink, purple and paisley ties...and a couple of others... Ummmm okay I found a total of 23 ties for 50 cents each. Not the best price but certainly a good price for a choice selection of ties. I also got a pair of natural-colored jeans for a "super-secret" project.

Chris found some great stuff - a wool sweater for felting, a knife rack and a teapot in a pattern that she collects! Carole found some vintage sewing goodies, and our new friend Kathleen found some clothes for her daughter and a bunch of vintage crafting books. We had to wait in a very long line to check out so it's a good thing we had each other to keep company.

Afterward, Denise met us at SAS Fabrics. I have a "Special Order" for a gypsy skirt for my friend Cora. She wants it to match her new VERY CUTE shoes. I brought one of the shoes into the fabric store and the girls helped me to find just the right fabrics. I hope Cora likes our choices.

Carole had to leave, but the rest of us went to lunch at Haji Baba. Naturally I had never been there or to ANY Middle Eastern restaurant....unless you count Greek. I had no idea what anything would taste like so I just ordered a "Combination Plate." Everything was scrumptious!

Ryan and Dan

This is my son, Dan and his sweetheart, Ryan. Dan is the middle of my five children. He's a senior in high school. Don't they look happy?

Always Sewing!

I liked the size and shape of the necktie schoolbag so I used the same pattern to make another bag from a vintage crazy quilt top. (Please note that this was an UNFINISHED quilt top - I don't cut up perfectly good quilts.) Anyway, it turned out pretty well....

So I made another....
Am I obsessed?

Check this out!

Purses made from zippers!

Look at my Counter!

It's closing in on 50,000 hits! It seems like I should celebrate or something...

Scarfles Go To Summer Camp!

Every year I send my friend Cassie a camp Care package. This year I thought she would have fun with a box of scarfles and other skirts to share with her cabin. Do you think they had fun? Cassie is the one in the rainbow skirt.

Carly's Adventurous Artwork

I've just added a link to Carly's blog. She is a mixed media artist working as a teacher in London. Be sure to check out the links to her artwork. It's fabulous.

Carly Makes a Tote

Carly was back again to finish her tote bag and just to generally hang out with Kaitlin and I! Didn't the tote turn out great?

Carly makes a necktie skirt

Hi this is Carly! Desperate to learn how to sew before I begin teaching textiles in a secondary school in London, Laura came to the rescue. She has offered to give me a few sewing lesson while I'm home for the summer. Today we made a necktie skirt! Very cute and I'm sure the kids in London are going to have as much fun with this as I have. I can't wait to learn more!
Please check out my blog.

Tutorial for Necktie Schoolbag!

I made a couple of adjustments in the schoolbag. It's a little smaller - five ties across instead of six. I worked very hard on this tutorial yesterday. Give it a try!