"Kat Bytes"          May'14
the monthly newsletter for StudioKat Designs

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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Testimonial
of the Month
"While I don't order much from  your site, I really enjoy the entire newsletter when it comes. Thanks for this entertaining and informative publication. I learn a lot and get many smiles and chuckles!"  
Bette R in MN

 
Here's 3 good reasons from April to checkout our FaceBook page! 
From 4/23/14--
A fun way to fee butterflies!
From 4/26/14--
a totally "beaded" VW
From 4/22/14/14--
dress up your stairs & show your favorites at the same time!
 
 
so...Join us TODAY on FaceBook!
Click HERE for more info
Hello and Welcome-
Well I've got to say, I'm feeling a little blue... here it is May and normally this studio would be a fury of activity getting ready to travel to Spring Market... but not this year. Most of you know that we're trying something new, forgoing Spring Market in favor of 2 new retail shows later on in the year and that's exciting, but in the meantime my heart feels like it should be in Pittsburgh. It's OK. It was the right decision so I'll just keep focused on finishing this new pattern and share with you a picture of a person that's been a major distraction for us this year! (at right, click image for a bigger view) She's a doll!

So whatcha say? Shall we proceed?
If you have comments or suggestions about our Newsletter, please feel free to do so at info@studiokatdesigns.com
 
 
 
Can't see the pictures?
 
 
 "Handbag of the Month" Gallery-
Congratulations to Lynn Worthy of Rotherham in the UK. She is the winner of our April contest in a photo finish which wasn't decided until the last day of voting! Lynn wins a $25.00 SKD gift certificate and a permanent place of honor on our website. Click here to see her beautiful Boho Baguette ! And if you voted for Avalon Boullt's Quattro (which was a VERY close 2nd) you'll get another chance to support that entry in December when we host our 4th annual "Battle of the HOM 2nd's"!

So...are you ready to see this month's entries?
We've got a bevy of 8 beauties to share with you this month, so without further adieu, check out this month's nominees, then cast a vote for your favorite. 

(To see BIGGER pictures: Click on each individual image)
This brilliant Guardian was created by Jennie LaVine of New Baltimore, MI. Here's the zippered card caddy area... great for storing those pesky loyalty cards you can never find when you need 'em.  And I just LOVE the zipper pulls that Jennie used which are actually EARRINGS!
 
 
 
 
 
And here's another fabulous entry by Avalon Boullt of Phoeniz, AZ. Avalon made this Quattro
"a little more wild" because it was for her sister! And here's a peek at the zippered main compartment.
 
This luxurious Harmony Handbag was submitted by Sharon Wright of Melissa, TX.  Melissa chose to add D-rings to her bag handles and I like this look. Here's a peek at the roomy main storage area.
 
And isn't this a fun, summery Carolina CarryAll? It was created and submitted by Dara Wamsley of Mineral Wells, TX. Dara also created a matching set of Porta-PocketsPLUS Inserts to help her stay totally organized!
 
 
 
 
Next up...a feline-friendly Uptown Saddlebag by Debbie Connally of Latrobe, PA. If you love cats, then you'll  agree that this bag would be FUN to carry! Debbie created a matching Porta-Pockets Purse Insert to organize her friend's bag.  
Dale Whyte of Santa Cruz, CA is back with another terrific Baggalista. Dale made this one with travel themed fabric since she plans on taking it on a fun Hawaiian cruise! Don't you just love the polka-dotted zippers and strap?  :)  
This "jaguar"-inspired Guardian was created by Marilyn McAllister of Aberdeen, NC as a gift for her Mom. Here's a peek at the concealed carry compartment, and Marilyn completed the look with some cat-print zippers.
 
And finally, here's Jenny Durey's third Trifecta! Jenny hails from Sydney, Australia and had totally worn out her old Trifecta. Here's a peek at the totally organized core area which is zippered between the front and back compartment. And I really like the embroidery that was added to the front pocket.
OK, ready to vote now?
 Only one vote per MONTH, per email address.
    
 
Calling ALL entries! 
Everyone gets a prize and YOU might be our next "Handbag of the Month" WINNER!
 
We're now accepting entries for our next contest, so get "snappin"! Then attach your jpg or gif image to an email and send it to: info@studiokatdesigns.com
 
Blog with us!-  A Work in Progress
We're in the midst of the NINTH edition of one of our most popular series, the Purse Pattern Chronicles. All posts in this series are all preceded with a PPC9 notation. And if you're new here, and you want to catch up or if you missed any of the posts from last month, don't worry, they're all listed below.
 
Bobbin Around the Web-
  Kate Mitchell's patterns feature clever methods which help you make the most of your time! One of her
trademarks is the One Day Mystery Class in which a quilters can really make an interesting quilt top in one day! I like this cute little baby quilt, and as a life-long admirer of all things "jester", this Jester quilt pattern really caught my eye! And while you're here, be sure to check out Kate's FaceBook page and Etsy shop!
 
 
Website Spotlite- Kimberbell Designs
Kim Christopherson is the owner and creative force of Kimberbell Designs, a sewing, quilt, and embroidery design pattern company. Kim is also the co-host of The DIY Dish, an online sewing, quilt and craft show. I can't decide
 
which I like better, Kim's "Bench-Pillow of the Month" patterns, so fresh and bright, or her Wall Hanging patterns which are whimsical and fun! And while you're here you might want to give Kim's FaceBook page a "like" to keep up with her future offerings!  :)
 
'HOT'Links-of-the-Month'- GREAT offers from our sponsors
FaveQuilts.Com-download a FREE eBook with patterns for Babies! 
The Quilt Pattern Magazine- Click HERE to read about our Small Kennel Quilt Team!
Material Girl Quilts-Click HERE to see a fun African fabric we're using for our new design
All DunnDesigns.Com- Download Special! Use discount code KAT2 to get 10% off
Immedia Print- We print patterns and MUCH MORE! Click here to see our various services
Platinum So n Sews- Shipping is always free within the USA- click here to shop
Calico Cali Designs- Get 25% off purchase w/coupon code CAT25. (once per customer)
PursePatterns.Com- Click HERE to check out this month's pattern bargains!
 
Two to View-
 
 
 
So... you think that cats don't greet their housemates when they return home after a long day away? Think again... and click HERE to watch this cute as a button video!
 
 
 
 
 
 
And speaking of hugging, have you ever heard of an affectionate chicken? Click here to watch because seeing is believing!  :)
 
Quote of the Month- 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
click image to see a larger view
 
 
 
Get busy making these eight sewing projects which include a sewing machine cover, a sewing machine mat, a versatile sewing caddy for your ironing board or armchair, a tub cover, a tie on pin cushion, a chatelaine, a square pin cushion and needle book.
Click HERE to start!
 
 
 
 
 
Save those scraps!
Here’s a big new collection of free tutorials and patterns to help use up those fabric pieces and remnants you have tucked away in your craft room! No matter how big or small that little piece is, you should find something here to make with it.  :)  
Click HERE to get started and enjoy!
 
New Word of the Month-  Docuphobia
(dŏc'ū-fō'bē-ə)  (n.) The fear of using documentation, usually resulting from some previous traumatic event such as programming a VCR.  Just so you know... my husband has this!  :)
 
 
 
Wait a minute!
Is that a cat inside a table? Created by Ruan Hao, CATable is a functional wood table that's designed for both people and cats! Like we've seen many times before, there's been a growing trend of transforming livable spaces for the comfort of your cat.  (Click HERE to read more)
 
 
 
Cat Picture of the Month-
 
 
Click image to see a larger view
 
The Daily Mail- UK: As devotees of a quiet and contemplative pastime, they would be the last to make a fuss about it. But quilters, it seems, have every right to celebrate their craft after researchers found that it is ‘uniquely’ good for you. A study found quilting improved well-being in ways that physical and outdoor activities could not, and offered a creativity that had been ‘stifled’ in the modern world.  (Click HERE to read more)


 
 
As 'Funnie' as Real Life-
 
 
 
Click image to see a larger view
 
Monthly Trivia-
Today is Friday, May 9th and its the 129th day of 2014, and there are 236 days remaining in this year.
Today is also a notable day in two US households where there will probably be cake and candles before the day is done. Candace Bergen, star of TV's Murphy Brown, is celebrating her 68th birthday today, and piano man/ pop artist Billy Joel his 65th. And if today is also YOUR birthday, here's a great big "Happy Birthday to YOU" from StudioKat Designs. And if today is not your birthday, you can celebrate the day anyway by reading this Candace Bergen interview from 2012 (did you know she has suffered a stroke? I didn't.), or by clicking HERE to enjoy a very early video from Billy Joel's illustrious career!
 
Well, that's it for now, so until next month, remember!
Sewing Forever, Housework Whenever!
 
 
Why Not Pass along the FUN?

 
 
Note to other webmasters: If you want to use an excerpt
from this newsletter in your publication, please ask me first.
StudioKat Designs, www.studiokatdesigns.com
137 S Hemingway Ct
Advance, NC 27006
1/866-409-8634