December 06 Newsletter-StudioKat Designs

December 2006

The StudioKat Designs Newsletter
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

Happy Holidays and Welcome!-
It's almost Christmas, but you'd never know it to look at my house. That's because every year I'm involved in a big Christmas pageant at my church, and between the marathon rehearsals and the performances themselves, I just cant think about getting ready for Christmas until it's finished. (I love doing it, but it's always good when it's over.) As a matter of fact, if you're reading this on the weekend of Dec 1-3, I'm probably in an orchestra pit at this very moment, so if you're in the area, feel free to come check us out!
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/dec06.htm to see the online version of the newsletter.

Feline Quote for -
It's really the cat's house- we just pay the mortgage!" Unknown

New on my Website!-
J. King of Catalina, AZ sent in an adorable picture of her bookend tuxedo kitties, one of whom has declared the kitchen counter top HIS! (Maybe it's a tuxedo cat thing?)

New at StudioKat Designs-It's finally HERE! The Gadabout!
HURRAY! The Gadabout pattern is finally here! 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! You can check out all the storage and embellishment possibilities by clicking here.
And don't forget, you can get $2.00 off the retail price of the Gadabout, when you order online. Just type SKD12 in the coupon box at checkout. (Offer ends Dec 31, 2006)

FREEBIE time! The Bling Bag!
Got room for one more free pattern? Then check out my newest freebie, the Bling Bag! This padded jewelry pouch not only keeps your valuable safe, but also organizes your jewelry neatly. No more tangled chains! It makes a great gift for teachers, hairdressers, housekeepers and friends! From now on, make sure your jewelry travels in as much comfort as YOU do! It's easy to get your free pattern. Just click here to download your illustrated instructions, then click here to download the pattern pieces you'll need.
Say your internet connection downloads at a snails pace? Not to worry! I'll be glad to snail mail you a copy of the instructions and templates. Just send your request, along with $1.00 to:

StudioKat Designs
137 S. Hemingway Ct.
Advance, NC 27006.

A Great Book to Curl up and Read with your CAT!- 90 Minutes in Heaven- A true story of Death & Life- by Don Piper with Cecil Murphy
Written in straight-forward, simple style without a lot of "religionese," Don Piper tells the story of his devastating accident, his brief time in heaven and his return to a life full of pain and questions. I read it cover-to-cover in two hours and then loaned out my copy. I would recommend this book to just about anybody -- to those with questions about faith, questions about prayer, questions about life and death and the pain which we all face to some extent. You can find out more about this fascinating book by clicking here.

Surf HERE for Neat INFO!-Too Much Turkey?
So what do you do with all that leftover turkey? Sure, you can make turkey sandwiches. But if you're hungry for something a bit more exciting, get inspired at RecipeGoldmine.Com . Much Turkey! From Gobble Gobble Casserole, to Mexican Turkey Tortilla Soup , there's a recipe to please any family!

Cats in the News-
Alert reader, Mary Lou Poteat of Dover, TN, has one useless cat for sale! Thanks Mary Lou, I think I know this cat!

Love Handbags?- Queen Puff Puff.Com
Here'a a neat little handbag shop on the web. Queen Puff Puff.Com features reasonably priced bags with a vintage flair. Each bag is a beautifully made limited edition. (My favorite is the Chloe.) It's also a great place to look around and gather inspiration!

"Catsite" of the Month- A UNIQUE gift idea
Need a unique gift for the person who has it all? How about a good night's sleep? Don't reach for those pills, just reach for your CAT! Seriously, a cat's natural low frequency purring is known for it's exceptional therapeutic calming and stress relief effects. Now you can get the therapeutic benefits of purring without all that bothersome fur, by clicking here to download 40 minutes of high quality purring. A cat's natural steady lulling purr also soothes babies with colic, and helps prevent stress-related headaches.

Surf HERE for FUN!- Play Jeopardy Online!
If you can't get enough of Alex Trebek and this hugely popular game show, try your hand at the online version. It's fast-paced fun that covers the same kinds of categories you see on TV. Or test your music knowledge with the new online Rock & Roll Jeopardy. You can also find out how to become a contestant, take a 360 degree set tour, check out the message board, and even buy a Jeopardy ringtone. Without a question, this could be the answer to a dull afternoon.

Listen UP!-
Julie Andrews recently did a concert for AARP, and sang a favorite from the Sound of Music, "Favorite Things". There were a few changes to the words, to fit in with the AARP theme. Here are the new words to this tune:

Maalox and nose drops and needles for knitting,
Walkers and handrails and new dental fittings,
Bundles of magazines tied up in string,
These are a few of my favorite things.

Cadillacs and cataracts and hearing aids and glasses,
Polident and Fixodent and false teeth in glasses,
Pacemakers, golf carts and porches with swings,
These are a few of my favorite things.

(Chorus)
When the pipes leak, When the bones creak,
When the knees go bad,
I simply remember my favorite things,
And then I don't feel so bad.

Hot tea and crumpets, and corn pads for bunions,
No spicy hot food or food cooked with onions,
Bathrobes and heat pads and hot meals they bring,
These are a few of my favorite things.

Back pains, confused brains, and no fear of sinnin,
Thin bones and fractures and hair that is thinin,
And we won't mention our short shrunken frames,
When we remember our favorite things.

(Chorus)
When the joints ache, when the hips break,
When the eyes grow dim,
Then I remember the great life I've had,
And then I don't feel so bad.

Monthly Trivia-
December is the month for light displays, Christmas pageants and trips to Gramma's house, but if you'll be in the Connecticut area, you might want to check out Mystic Seaport's "Lantern Light Tours", a night-time traveling drama where you can step into Christmas past. You may find yourself riding in a horse drawn omnibus, kicking up your heels in the tavern, or spying on silver-haired St. Nick. "Lantern Light Tours" are offered on Thursday- Sunday evenings for just about the whole month.
And speaking of kicking up your heels, I'm sure Britney Spears will be doing so, since she's celebrating her 25th birthday today. (Along with her 2 children under age 3.) Or maybe she can invite tennis great, Monica Seles (washed-up at age 33), or TV anchor Stone Phillips (going strong at age 52), to join her, since it's their birthday too! And if today is YOUR birthday, here's a great big Happy Birthday to YOU, from StudioKat Designs. May you have MANY more! And if today is not your birthday, you can get in on the action anyway, by checking out a light show, or by crossing a few items off your Christmas to-do list. What ever you choose, here's wishing you good health and good company to make this holiday season, your best EVER!

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

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