StudioKat News              December 2010
 In This Issue-
Handbag Sample Spree at SKD
Diane Springer Designs
'Mondocized' Zippers at SKD
Mochi Mochi Fiber Art Ties!
Seams Like a Dream Quilt Designs
Pin Peddlers
Kaleidoscope Kreator Software
Paint in My Hair
The NEWS Accessories
Newsletter Sponsors
 
 
for Decembers Pick of the Month
 
 
   for December's Pick of the Month
 
 
for October's 'Pick of the Month
 
Click for more info about
 
 
 
Got Sewing Questions?
Need some Sewing Advice?
or do you just need someone to shoot the breeze with?
Have your answer with the click of a mouse... (or cat)!
could be just what you're looking for!
 
Follow Us on
 
Hello and Welcome-
First things first- We are proud to say that our readership now tops 15,000! Thanks to each of you for supporting us & helping us reach this important benchmark!
And now, with the Quilt Market in our rear view mirror, this newsletter is loaded with fun sights and items in this, our"Quilt Market Issue", but first, click here to see what my amazing grandson can do now!
OK-with that out of my system,
shall we proceed?
If you have comments or suggestions about our Newsletter, or if you just feel like telling us something, please feel free to do so at info@studiokatdesigns.com
 
 
  If you're having trouble reading this email- Click HERE for  web version
 
Feline Quote for September-
The problem with cats is that they get the exact same look on their face whether they see a moth or an axe-murderer. 
Paula Poundstone
 
Sponsor 'Picks-of-the-Month'- 
All DunnDesigns.Com- FREE tips, patterns & downloads
Vicki Welsh Hand-Dyed Fabrics- Creative Kits
Material Girls Online store- Delicious Batiks
 
Handbag Sample Spree at SKD-
That's right- your eyes are not deceiving you!
We're having a clearance sale at SKD and we're selling off LOTS of our design samples (like the one to the right). They're all in perfect condition. Most have been on the tour, making appearances at trade & trunk shows, but it's time to clear a few out to make room for new ones. So if you're looking for a unique gift for someone special (or even for yourself)... Click here for more details.
Please note: All sales are first come-first served. Each sample is one-of-a-kind. There are no duplicates.

 
Bobbin Around the Web- Diane Springer Designs
Our next-door neighbors this year were Dianne & Brandy Springer of Dianne Springer Designs, & we had a lot of fun getting to know them and learning about their fabulous products. Dianne is probably best know for her "Quilt In A Cup" project, but I really loved her "Quilt on a Chair" and her "Hooked on a Quilt" projects too!
 
 
 
 
 
 "Handbag of the Month" Gallery-
For the 2nd month in a row, our Handbag of the Month contest was neck-to-neck, and was not decided until the last day! The winner was Shannon Maciejewski of Almont, MI. Thanks to everyone who made this a VERY exciting contest. She wins a $20.00 SKD gift certificate and a permanent place of honor on our website. Click here to see her winning entry, a silky, beautiful Harmony Handbag.
 
The December Handbag of the Month contest promises to be just as exciting. We just have 3 entries this month, but they are still worthy of your support, so without further ado...Check out this month's nominees, then cast a vote for your favorite. 

Think you've got what it takes to win?
To enter our"Handbag of the Month" contest,
just attach your jpg or gif image to an email and send it to: info@studiokatdesigns.com
 
      And HERE are the fabulous entries for this month...
(Click each individual picture for a larger view)

 
Linda Ross of Lake Saint Louis, MO created this gorgeous Carolina CarryAll using quilted irridescent rayon/poly fabric and a gold satin lining. She said the exterior rayon frayed like crazy, but it worked out well, since it was stabilized (as per the instructions) by the cotton backing material she stitched it to. As much as Linda enjoyed making up this beauty, she says she'll be using cotton the next time!
 
 
 
Nicole Mays of Sacramento, CA, proudly brought her Odyssey Bag to the Quilt Market so that she could show it to me. It was beautifully constructed and Nicole plans on using it as a shop sample in her quilt store, Quilter's Corner. Great job Nicole!
 
 
 
This vibrant Carolina CarryAll was fashioned out of pre-quilted fabric by Carole Snyder of Catasauqua, PA. (Don't you just love the 'blingified' jewel adornment on the front?) Carole said she found it in a jewelry box she inherited from her Mom.
 
 
OK, ready to vote now?
Just click on the link below to cast your vote.
 Only one vote per MONTH, per email address is allowed.
 
Blog with us!-  A Work in Progress
Enjoy an insider's scoop on what's happening behind the scenes at StudioKat Designs, by signing up for our blog, "A Work In Progress". If you're new to our blog, or if you missed any of the posts from last month, don't worry, theyre all listed below. 
 
 
'Mondocized' Purse Zippers- Now available at StudioKat Designs
Have you struggled trying to find zippers to match the fabrics you've chosen for your handbags? This is especially a problem when you need a "Purse Zipper" for either the Trifecta or the OdysseyBut not anymore!!
 
We now have a whole selection of zippers that will match virtually any fabric you select! Sound incredible?
 
Read more about these amazing zippers by clicking here

 
Website Spotlite- Mochi Mochi Fiber Art
  So I ran into my friends at Mochi Mochi Fiber Art again in Houston, and of COURSE they were featuring gorgeous new quilt designs, (all asian-inspired). But here's the deal... a new feature this year were some extraordinarily wonderful ties. They are all hand-painted on luxurious butter-soft leather. Just click on the picture at left for a larger view, or click here to see many more. They're quite avant garde and a PERFECT gift for that edgy guy in your life!
 
 
Kate Colleran & Elizabeth Balderrama are the creative force behind Seams Like a Dream Quilt Designs and
I love the fact that they are from Connecticut (hy home state). It was a pleasure getting to know them better & learning about their products which range from table-runners & stockings to quilts (here's my fave). They've also introduced a new pattern series... and here's a hint, "It's the BOMB!"
 
 
A Cool Place to Shop- Pin Peddlers
 
It turns out that we actually knew Tom & Audrey Brendle of Pin Peddlers, from years ago when we all attended the same church, (and before any of us had even heard of a Quilt Market). We just recently figured this all out and here's the deal...they have simply the best darn selection of quilt pins & charms on the planet! And of course they have some terrific charm holders as well! Enjoy!
 
 
Cat Video of the Month- The Christmas-Wrapped Cat
 
In a our February 2010 newsletter, we featured Flippy, in his "How to Wrap a Cat' video, but here we have the sequel, 'The Christmas Wrapped Cat'.  ENJOY!
It has come to our attention that dear Flippy passed away this past July at the ripe old age of 16. RIP Flippy!
 
Video of the Month- 'Being Skinny'
Everyone knows that we are smack-dab in the middle of the "Eating Season", so what better time for a video about a skiny girl... or IS she????  Click here to enjoy this light-hearted look at an actual Japanese commercial for some type of tuna.
 
Surf Here for FUN!- Kaleidoscope Kreator Software
 
 
Now you can create beautiful, one-of-a-kind kaleidoscope designs from your own photos with just a few clicks of your mouse with Kaleidoscope Kreator Software. You can use this cool software in your quilting, sewing, fashion & accessories, as well as scrapbooking, card making & other paper crafts. Aren't the Christmas ornaments the coolest? Just imagine the possibilities!
 
Laura Gunn is a self-described mother, artist, compulsive crafter and the designer behind Poppy Patterns and the Poppy Fabric collection for Michael Miller. All this, and her blog is lots of fun to keep up with as well. There's even a few free patterns to download, like this cool "Infinity Scarf", (which would make a great Christmas gift), or this "Morning Poppy Quilt".
 
Quote of the Month- 
"For a lot of people, the weekly paycheck is "take home pay", because home is the only place they can afford to go with it!"   Charles A. Jaffe
 
 
The Claim: Dark cats cause more allergies than light ones.
The Facts: Cats, love them or hate them, are among the most common causes of allergies, affecting twice as many Americans as dogs do. So is it true?  Ckick here to read more.
 
 
Look What I Found OnLine- A Video Time Machine
This cool site provides a peek into the past with videos of TV, sports, music, news, and more from each year, going as afr back as 1860! You can check out Marilyn Monroe's TV debut on the Jack Benny show in 1953, experience a Jefferson Airplane performance from 1967, or witness the coverage from the Tiananmen Square massacre from 1989. Just pick the types of videos you want to view, and click on a year to see the selections from that year... or refresh the site to see a random year.
 
New Word of the Month- Cashtration
The act of buying a house, which renders the subject financially impotent.
 
Handbag Headlines- The NEWS Accessories
What began as a school project for artist Dahli Coles is now an extensive line of accessories known as THE NEWS. Created from recycled newspaper, each unique piece has been cut, sewn and laminated with a durable water resistant finish.
The News accessories are comprised of recycled newspaper and soft, durable water resistant laminate. Designs are one-of-a-kind, handmade to last and built for everyday use! Choose from  handbags, wallets, or other accessories.
 
 
Sewing Tips- 
Purchase your notions when you purchase your fabric - thread, zipper, bias binding, interfacing, etc. Check your pattern envelope for what you will need to complete your project.
 
As you get ready to send holiday packages this year, check out this site for advice on shipping containers, cushioning materials, & proper closure and label placement. Whether you're sending apparel, books, electronic equipment, housewares, toys, or TV's, the packing advisor is easy to use: just provide the type, size and weight of the merchandise you want to ship, and view the packaging guidelines.

 
Surf Here for FUN!- It's All About Turkey
 
Preparing a turkey dinner can seem intimidating if you've never done it before, but Eat Turkey.Com makes it easy! With recipes, checklists and helpful hints, even old pros will find something new. Check out the seasonal menus, wine suggestions, and turkey purchasing pointers. Watch the turkey cooking videos, learn turkey facts and trivia, and learn how to use turkey to "upgrade" your favorite meals.
 
Question of the Month-
If con is the opposite of pro, is Congress the opposite of progress? 
 
Cat Picture of the Month-
 
I LOVE this picture of a mother cat cleaning her little one's face... or is she just looking for something more to eat? I don't know.. but it's adorable anyway!
                                 (Just click the image to enlarge it)
 
 
 
Cat Site of the Month- Under the Paw
I love this blog! Under the Paw has some really cool videos about cats and other creatures as well. Check out this awesome video of a little owl for example. And have you ever seen a little cat play like THIS? Is this not the cutest little cat ever?
 
As 'Funnie' as Real Life-
 
 
 
(Just click image to enlarge it)
 
Monthly Trivia-
Today is Monday, December 6th, the 341st day of 2010. There are 25 days remaining. It's also St. Nicholas Day, which is celebrated in Northern & Eastern Europe. Did you know that the person we have come to know as St Nicholas was actually the Bishop of Myra and that he was renowned for his great kindness & generous aid to those in distress? Traditional celebrations included gifts left in children's shoes (the origin of our American Christmas stockings). Good children received treats, (cookies, candies and nuts) while naughty children received switches or lumps of coal. Today- especially in families of German extraction, children still put a shoe outside their bedroom door on the eve of St Nicholas Day, and expect to find candy or coins in their shoe on December 6th.
Today is also the birthday of singer/songwriter Macy Gray. She shares her special day with 'desperate housewife, Teri Hatcher, and also with the late, great comedian, Wally Cox, who they say is best known for his role in Mr. Peepers, but I didn't know that. I thought the only thing he ever did was be the center square on The Hollywood Squares game show. And if today is also your birthday, here's a great big 'Happy Birthday to YOU' from StudioKat Designs, and while you're at it, there might still be time to put a shoe outside your bedroom door. If you've been good, you just might have a surprise in it when you wake up!
 
Well, that's it for now, so until next month, remember!
Sewing Forever, Housework Whenever!
 
 
Why Not Pass along the FUN?
It's never been easier to get your friends in on the FUN! If you enjoy this newsletter and want to forward a copy to a friend, you need only click on this link and enter their email address!  
 
  
 
(Note to other webmasters:)Authorship credit is the only payment I receive for this endeavor, so if you want to use an excerpt from this newsletter in your publication, please ask me first.
 
StudioKat Designs, www.studiokatdesigns.com