Newsletter November 06-StudioKat Designs

November 2006

The StudioKat Designs Newsletter
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

HELLO and Welcome!- It's time for another newsletter and once again, the four-legged members of my family have dominated my activities. After giving us 16 1/2 years of friendship & devotion, we had to say goodbye to our little buddy Jake, a few weeks ago. He was a most excellent companion, and I miss him terribly.
But let's get on with it, and by the way, you may notice that the font for this newsletter is larger, many of you have requested such. Also, especially for the convenience of our AOL friends, all of the hotlinks are listed in order at the bottom of this letter, and as always, if you prefer, you can go to www.studiokatdesigns.com/nov06.htm to see the online version of the newsletter.

Feline Quote for - "Many cats simply pounce to their own drummers." Karen Duprey

New on my Website!-
My friend Ann Horton, of Wilson, NY, (you know, Felix's Mom), has been a busy girl this month, and she has certainly kept me entertained with three, count 'em THREE, great cat videos! You can see them ALL by clicking on the following links; You'll love the Mystery of the High Water Bill, the Growling Kitty, and then my personal favorite, which you can now see on Jeter's web pages, the Cat-In-A-Bowl!

Kudos to Karen M., of Littleton, CO, who submitted TWO adorable Cordicella pictures for the website, one with a distinct holiday "flavor!" Click here to check them out!

Quiltshop Spotlight- QuiltersShowcase.com
Instead of spotlighting a quilt "shop" this month, I want to let you know about a really cool quilter's blog that's new on the web, called QuiltersShowcase.com It's a great place to go, to check out new patterns, products and other pertinent news! I think you'll love it.

New at StudioKat Designs-Coming Soon! The Gadabout!
I'll be releasing my next design, The Gadabout, sometime in late November. It's got an unbelievable amount of dedicated storage, in the form of 2 exterior zippered pockets, and 3 pocketed interior areas, for such things as a cellphone, your PDA, and keys, as well as a generously roomy main compartment. As usual, I'll announce the release in the next newsletter, on Dec.2, but if you want to order it before then, you can place the code SKD12 in the Coupon Code Box at checkout, and receive $2.00 off until the end of the year!
I've made it a priority this time, to use some pre-embellished fabrics in my sample bags. Many of you have told me that you love the embellishments on my samples, but you either lack the time, skill, or creativity to attempt it on your own. But now, since there are so many beautifully pre-embellished fabrics available, it's possible for everyone to create an expertly embellished bag, without really being an expert at all!
The pattern cover bag was created with black corduroy fabric, with a embroidered/ sequined border. I also have featured a black moleskin bag, made with fabric which had been pre-"ribboned", (I love the look!), and a very striking black & white bag , made entirely with pre-embroidered fabric. I think you'll agree the effects are lovely.
Here's an even more interesting idea for you though! Applique-artist, Erica Lineberry, of Eclectic Threads Clothing , approached me about the possibility of collaborating on a project, and I agreed. I sent her a few fabric cuts, and told her to have at it, and i think you'll agree, the finished appliqued bag is stunning. So if you're like me, and love the applique "look", but not the "process", you might want to consider this possibility. Need an applique on the front of your skirt? Looking for a way to personalize a gift for that guy on your list? Send it to Erica, either before or after construction, and leave the hard stuff to her. Interested but need more info? Just email Erica at ThreadMaster@eclecticthreadsclothing.comand get the details!

Need a Great Gift for Someone SPECIAL? Check out these Handbags!
As many of you know, I periodically replace sample handbags from the trade show tour, to sell on my website. And just in time for Christmas, I have added ELEVEN bags of various types to my 'Handbags For Sale' page. So if you'd like to give a handmade gift to someone special, but you just don't have to the time or inclination to make it yourself, then check 'em out!!

Get your FREE pattern! ID Tags
OK, I was in the airport in July, waiting for my bag to come down the carosel, when I noticed that 3 out of every 4 bags on the line were BLACK! How was I going to tell my bag from the others? Suppose someone else takes my bag by accident, and gets the one-of-a-kind souvenirs I shopped so long to find? I vowed I would never have to go through this again, hence here is a second free pattern for you to enjoy, an ID Tag for your suitcases, book bags or laptop carriers.
It makes up FAST (less than an hour), & requires little more than fabric scraps, and it makes a GREAT little gift for teachers, friends & family! Make them up in the colors of your alma mater, or personalize them in some other way to make them special for you, or your lucky giftees!
You'll need to download BOTH the ID Tag Instructions, AND the ID Tag pattern templates. You say your super-slow computer won't download things too good? I'll be glad to send you a copy of both, but please send a SASE along with $1.00 to cover the extra postage.

Surf HERE for Neat INFO!-Essential Reading Before Flying
To check or not to check? I suggest you check out the site of the Transportation Security Administration before you pack for your next trip. Posted here is the most current and detailed information on airport screening procedures and baggage contents restrictions. Take a few minutes to review the rules and you can spare yourself some annoying surprises at the terminal!

Love Handbags?- MandyB Bags.com
If you have very definite ideas about what you'd love in a new handbag, then I have the perfect place for you to shop. MandyB Bags.com features a great array of handbags and other accessories, all made from vintage and recycled fabrics. My favorite function on this website is the "Design Your own Bag" page. You can choose between more than 10 different exterior shapes and oodles of different fabrics options, all from the comfort of your own home!

Did You Know?- A cat's ear is controlled by more than 20 muscles! These muscles help the cat to use its ear like a satellite dish, swiveling it around to identify the faintest of noises.

SKD Promotions Update-The HolidayShopHop
The FabShopHop for October has just ended, but lo and behold, here comes the Holiday Hop! That's right, beginning Saturday, Nov. 4th, we'll be hoppin' again. The HolidayHop runs through December 16th, so there's still plenty of time to register and WIN!

Laugh Lines-
Now that I'm approaching my Social Security years, I'm more aware that some outfits worn by younger folks, should probably not be worn by older folks. For example, the following combinations definitely DO NOT go together!

A nose ring & bifocals

Spiked hair & bald spots

A pierced tongue & dentures

Unbuttoned disco shirts & a heart monitor

Thongs & Depends

Surf HERE for FUN!- A Mind Reader Game
Here's a fun thing to check out- especially if you have kids in the house! You can make a symbol appear on your computer screen without touching a single key. No kidding! The national Institute of Environmental Sciences includes this mysterious game, called the Flash Mind Reader, on their site. Simply pick any two-digit number, add the two numbers together, and subtract the total from your original two-digit number. Find the corresponding symbol on the chart provided and start at it a while, and VOILA, like magic, this symbol will appear on the page's crystal ball. You have to see it to believe it! (They even include an explanation of how it works, but beware... you may need a kid to translate the explanation to you.... I did!)

Monthly Trivia- Besides November being the month in which some people start to get serious about Christmas shopping, (I don't get serious until early December), November is also National "Fun w/Fondue Month". Did you know that fondue originated in Switzerland, as a way of using up hardened cheese? It was melted w/wine in a communal pot & became dip for leftover pieces of bread. Who knew? November is also Peanut Butter Lovers' Month, celebrating America's #1 sandwich.
Today, November 2nd, was birthday to American frontiersman, Daniel Boone in 1734. He shares the honors with the "Bird Man" himself, (and no I do not mean Larry Bird!) Burt Lancaster, who was born on this day 93 years ago, in New York City. And if today is your birthday, that's GREAT! Here's a big Happy Birthday to ya! And if today is not your birthday, you can celebrate the day anyway, by getting some peanut butter, and smearing it onto half'a Hershey Bar, cover it with the other half, and ENJOY! Now THAT'S what I call a sandwich!

Well, that's it for now, so until next month, remember!
Sewing Forever, Housework Whenever!

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