StudioKat News                January 2013
 In This Issue-
Cook Collections.Com
Marie Madeline Studio
TurnStyleVogue.Com
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
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Customer Comment
of the Month
"Thanks so much for the 20% off coupon!. I LOVE making bags so I am sure I'll be able to put it to great use and I've already looked at many of your archived newsletters. I can tell that you really enjoy what you are doing!"
Sheryl Stephens

Hello and Welcome-
So the holidays are over, the weather outside is frightful and the kids are back in school, so you know what THAT means, right?...
It's time to
get back to sewing!
So with that in mind, we've loaded this issue with inspiration to kick start you! 
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
 
 
 
 
 
Feline Quote for November-
"There is no more intrepid explorer than a kitten."
     Jules Champfleury
 
 "Handbag of the Month" Gallery-
Thanks to everyone who participated in last month's contest! Carol Tata of Au Gres, MI was the winner of our annual "Battle of the 2nds". She wins a $25.00 SKD gift certificate and a permanent place of honor on our website. Click here to see her winning entry, a gorgeous Bellagio Bag that was always one of my favorites!
 
So now we're starting a brand new year and our January contest promises to be a close race. So check out this month's nominees, then cast a vote for your favorite.

(Click each individual picture for a larger view)

This graphically inspired Uptown Saddlebag was created using a Fat Quarter pack by Mandy Mitchell of the UK. I love how our new polka-dotted zipper provides the perfect touch! Here's a peek at the  back of this bag.) Mandy added that despite it's complicated "look", that she thought this bag went together very easily and hopes to have several more made in time for the Holidays! Can't wait to see them!
 
 
 
 
And wouldn't it be great to just manufacture your own perfect exterior for your next bag? That's exactly what Veronica Johnson of Old Beach, Australia did for her Uptown Saddlebag! She used her embroidery machine and Sashiko's "Designs in Stitching" to fabricate her dream exterior! She even applied matching stitches to her strap, which you can kinda see here. And because Veronica can't wear yellow, she chose yellow for the lining, PLUS, it makes it easy to find things in her bag!
 
 
And this is a show-stopping Uptown Saddlebag if ever i saw one! It was created by Viera Kubalova of Bratislava, Slovakia (which incidentally is one of my favorite places I've visited!) The back is equally beautiful and here's a peek at the main storage area and the flap storage area.
 
 
 
June Guske of Queensland, Australia decided to make up this Quattro as a challenge to herself. It's bright and cheerful and I would love to carry it, wouldn't you? June says that she lined it in yellow to go with the bright theme of the pattern!
 
This "initialized" Uptown Saddlebag is the work of Laura Maki of Arlington, MN. She told me she used some cool batks she received for her birthday and added her initials in a coordinating color. Laura also added a pen/pencil loop to her interior which you can see here. GREAT job Laura!
 
And can you believe that Bobbie Greiner of Bemidji, MN chose to fashion her Trifecta in SILK? I can't imagine that this was an easy task, but Bobbie said it wasn't too bad since she first fused it to interfacing. Here's a closeup of the front pocket area. She wisely used cotton batik for the hidden core area. And I just couldn't resist including a very cute picture of the two kittens who wandered into Bobbie's life a few weeks ago. Arent' they adorable?
 
And speaking of unusual fabric choices, Viera Kubolova of Bratislava enjoyed making her 1st Uptown Saddlebag so much (above) that she decided to use laminated fabrics because its going to be so snowy when she hits the Christmas Markets! (Wish I could go too!) Viera said that while the lamination did add some additional bulk in the seams, that it wasn't too terribly difficult to work with. Good to know, right?  
 
 
 
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.
 
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.
 
 
 
 
Our 1st Annual
Purse Insert of the Year Contest!
You asked for it and it's coming in June! That's when we will have our very 1st Purse Insert of the Year contest.So use the contact info above to enter YOUR Purse Insert TODAY!
 
Blog with us!-  A Work in Progress
Featured this month on our blog is our annual "Year In Review" series AND we've started unveiling our new design for spring in our SEVENTH "Purse Pattern Chronicle" series! If you're new to our blog, or if you missed any of the posts from December, don't worry, they're all listed below. 
 
Click HERE to sign up for our BlogFeed
 
 
Bobbin Around the Web-  CooksCollections.com
A former decorative accessories and gift rep of ten years, Donna Cook began making tabletop mannequins eight years ago. With a life long love of textiles—both vintage and new, she has turned her fabric and trim collection into a workroom where she creates whimsical and fantastical mannequins.
 
The first time I noticed Cook Collections at the Quilt Market I wondered about the connection, but have since learned how ideal the mannequins are for the display of jewelry, and other accessory items! They also make gorgeous and unique table and floor lamps!
 
The Hacienda Collection is my absolute favorite, followed closely by The Naughty Nannettes but they're all definitely worth a look! Enjoy!
 
 
 
 
 
'HOT'Links-of-the-Month'- 
      check out these terrific offers from our sponsors
Trish Stuart.Com- check out the Yummy New Wool project
PursePatterns.Com- Check out our SPECIALS!  Selected patterns on SALE!
Material Girl Quilts-  I love this NEW striped "Animal Tail" fabric!
Oliver+S- Check out the new pattern- Keep Your Cool Smartphone Case
All DunnDesigns.Com- New project sheet- Click HERE!
 
Website Spotlite- Marie-Madeline Studio
The Long sisters grew up without realizing that some people actually bought curtains and pillows, instead of making them themselves.  Marie-Madeline Studio, named after their grandmother and great-grandmother, was launched in December 2007, with a vision for encouraging and inspiring others to make beautiful things. Their exclusive line of sewing patterns debuted that same year, and their online fabric store opened soon after. Don't forget to check out their Blog while you're here and at right you can see how terrific their Booth looked at the Fall Quilt Market!
 
 
As 'Funnie' as Real Life-
 
 
Click image to see an enlarged view
 
Video of the Month-
I've watched this video of an adorable little penguin who likes to be tickled NUMEROUS times because it's so dang cute! Click here to watch and I dare you not to smile!
 
Cat Video of the Month-
And speaking of funny- thanks to alert reader Amanda W. for sending me this hysterical video of a totally crazy cat attacking a Christmas tree over and over and OVER again! Click here to watch!
 
Blog of the Month- TurnStyleVogue.Com
Shari is a 40-something wife, mother, mother-in-law,  ESPN stalker, sports enthusiast, beagle parent, small-town girl, corporate legal professional turned self-proclaimed home stylist who loves vintage, character-driven décor pieces that have a story to tell, which is all great, but I LOVE her Blog which encompasses a little bit of ALL of this. Here's a couple of my favorite posts;
 
 
 
Quote of the Month- 
"Effort is its own reward if you allow it to be."  Seth Godin
 
Look What I Found OnLine- Discover Your Next Destination
 
Trip Tuner is a fun and unique way to figure out where to go on your next vacation! Just move the six sliders to indicate where you fall on various scales, such as Urban/Lively to Remote/Quiet. Based on the way you rate the six categories, you'll instantly generate a list of destination suggestions and GET THIS... when I tried it, one of my suggestions was the Amalfi Coast of Italy, which believe it or not, is on the short list of places we would like to visit next summer!  AMAZING!!!
 
 
 
Tutorial of the Month- A Sharp Little Idea, Get it?
I don't know about you, but I'm hard on my pin collection (you know, the kind that you store in a pin cushion, NOT the kind you wear on your lapel). Which might explain why I was excited to run across this adorable tutorial for a pin cushion that not only store your pins but works at keeping them sharpened each and every time you push them in place!
 
Click here to check it out and get your set of instructions, pictures and a materials list.
 
 
Cat Picture of the Month-
 
 
Click image to see an enlarged view
 
New Word of the Month- "Shoegating"
(shü-gāt'ĭng)(v.)
Walking behind someone at a distance too close for comfort, much like tailgating in a car.
 
GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. -- Have you noticed how celebrity Marie Osmond seems to be everywhere these days?
She and brother Donny are singing together again in Las Vegas, she's losing pounds with NutriSystem, she's fainting on "Dancing With the Stars" ...
Now you only have to open any of the myriad quilt magazines to see her face inside them, too. Osmond not only designs fabric for Quilting Treasures, but she also markets home sewing machines for the Janome company.  (click HERE to read more)
 
 
  Recycling isn't just about plastic jugs and aluminum cans anymore! You can also find new uses for items sitting around your house, otherwise known as "repurposing". RealSimple.Com features favorite repurposing ideas, like the one pictured at left, putting medications in a locked cosmetic or lingerie bag as an easy way to keep curious kids away from medications in your purse or medicine cabinet.
 
Monthly Trivia-
Today is Tuesday, the 8th day of January and there's 356 days remaining in 2013. January 8th is also a very special for three major players in the entertainment industry.
Game show host extraordinaire Bob Eubanks is celebrating his 76th birthday today. Back in the day, Bob hosted one of my favorite afternoon shows, The Newlywed Game. He shares his special day with two of the movers and shakers of the music industry, the King of Rock & Roll himself, the infamous Elvis Presley and also with David Bowie.
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, here's three ways you can celebrate the day anyway!
Thanks for all of your loyal support
and here's hoping 2013 is happy and healthy for all of us!
 
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StudioKat Designs, www.studiokatdesigns.com