StudioKat News                      July 2011
 In This Issue-
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Customer Comment
of the Month
"This newsletter brightens my day and i too have to read it 2 or 3 times before I share it."
Suzann M
Van Nuys, CA

Hello and Welcome-
So if it's 95 degrees with 82% humidity, it must July in North Carolina. Hopefully its a little cooler where you are, but even if it's not, just grab yourself a long cold drink & click here to watch this month's installment 'cuteness'. Just watching it is guaranteed to make you feel cooler!
Then come right back, & we'll get started!
If you have comments or suggestions about our Newsletter, please feel free to write to us at info@studiokatdesigns.com
 
 
 
  If you're having trouble reading this email- Click HERE for  web version
 
Bobbin Around the Web- ByAnnie.com
When Annie Unrein of ByAnnie.Com approached me at Quilt Market about trying her Soft & Stable in one of my bag designs... I was skeptical. But she showed me the difference it made in HER bags & is was so undeniable, that I took a sample home and gave it a whirl, and the verdict is....  
I LOVE IT!
I am TOTALLY sold on this material, so much so in fact, that my new pattern for Fall will feature it's use. Will it work on our other patterns? I think it just might & we'll be investigating this possibility in a few upcoming Blogposts. Stay tuned for more info because we may be looking for a few people willing to take part in a couple of controlled tests.  :)
And in the meantime, if you'd like to try Soft & Stable in a controlled test of your own, just click here
 
 "Handbag of the Month" Gallery-
Thanks to everyone who participated in last month's contest! The winner was Phyllis Houp of Newburgh, ME. 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 beautifully embroidered Quattro.
 
The July Handbag of the Month contest promises to be just as exciting, so without further ado...Check out this month's nominees, then cast a vote for your favorite.

(Click each individual picture for a larger view)

 
First we have classy Quattro, crafted by Laurie Dewey of Midland, ME. Laurie said she made the dreaded mistake of buying fabric before the pattern came, only to find that the canvas she had chosen was VERY difficult to work with on this design. It came out beautifully, but Laurie strongly reiterates that cotton is the fabric of choice for this bag.
 
 
Sue Jenkins of Mesa, AZ loves to work with novelty fabrics and thought this bra-enhanced fabric from Timeless Treasures would be the perfect 'supporting act' for our Quattro design. Sue used fusible batting in the straps and the result is just lovely. Sue also sent a closeup of her Quattro's zippered closure and unique side pockets.
 
This engaging Odyssey Backpack was 'fashioned' by Margaret Johnson of Cypress, CA for her daughter. As interesting as the fabric is though, it's the red/black striped bias tape that takes this project to the next level! It's fabulous and I would've loved to see her daughter's face when she saw the interior of her new bag, wouldn't you?
 
Carol Finck of Astoria, OR has had this red-patterned fabric for some time & when she saw our Quattro design, she knew exactly what to do with it. It was a small remnant, so she had to piece the side pockets, & applique the back, & the red fabric she had dyed to match is the PERFECT finishing touch!
 
 
Here's a closeup of the Encore Purse Insert that Carol Finck made for a friend. And it's just as good-looking from the back!
 
 
 
Here's a sweet heart-warming story! Donna P of Monroe, MI suffered a stroke a few month ago and she says she has been making bags as part of her therapy for her arm and leg. And if this elegant Boho Baguette is any indication of how her therapy has been progressing, i would say that Donna is on the road to a full recovery!
GREAT job!
 
 
 
Crafts have been part of Donna P's life since she was 10, so it's no wonder that this activity has helped her gain her strength back. This Boho Baguette is perfect for summer. Donna credits her sister and her best friend as being integral encouragers!
 
 
 
And last but certainly not least, I can imagine heads turning everywhere that Deena Kohls of Cornville, AZ carries her Quattro! This fabric combination really does it for me and I love the red polka-dotted interior as well.
 
 
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.
 
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. 
 
 
 
Feline Quote for February-
"After scolding one's cat one looks into its face and is seized by the ugly suspicion that it understood every word. And has filed it for reference."- Charlotte Gray
 
Sponsor 'Picks-of-the-Month'- 
PursePatterns.ComLapTop Bag pattern
Vicki Welsh Hand-Dyed Fabrics- Gold-to-Sky gradient-dyed fabric
Material Girls Online store- African Wax Fabric
All DunnDesigns.Com- Twice is Nice Jacket
 
Website Spotlite-  Pin Peddlers
The Pin Peddlers were our backyard neighbors at the Spring Quilt Market this year, and fine neighbors they were. They didn't even seem to mind my hubster referring to them (affectionately of course) as the 'PinHeads'.
If you've never seen the fine selection of pins and charms available thru Pin Peddlers, then check it out. They have Quilt Charms, Quilt pins, Sewing & Needlework pins, and even a pretty good facsimile of a StudioKat charm! And here's a fun thing... the Fall Quilt Market is presenting an exciting exhibit focusing on pin collections! Twenty-five collections will be chosen, in honor of the 25 years that Pin Peddlers has been in business! For more info, click here.
 
 
A Good Read-  The War of Art
 
 
First off- I'm not in the habit of recommending too many books, but The War of Art by Steven Pressfield is one of those must-have reads for any person who feels a calling to create, whether it's as a writer, an artist, or as an entrepreneur. It's written like a 165-page daily devotional, split into 3 sections, and each page being filled with common sense practical inspiration.
If you have a creative vision or if you are merely trying to achieve a personal dream: READ THIS BOOK. You'll love it!
 
Video of the Month-  Evil Chihuahua
This is an adorable little video featuring a Chihuahua teasing a Dobermann with his toy! It's GREAT!
Click here to view.
 
As 'Funnie' as Real Life-
 
 
 
 
(click image to see the enlargement)
 
Cat Video of the Month-  I'm a cat... no wait...I'm a bunny!
This video is just awesome. I've been accused of manipulating my cats into funny situations, but this has me beat by a mile! Click here to view.
 
 
Here's a peek into the life of a fiber artist. Elizabeth's Blog documents her teaching, her work and her thoughts on art life. You can check out her BlogStore & her website, by clicking here.
 
 
Quote of the Month- 
"Every closed eye is not sleeping, and every open eye is not seeing."   Bill Cosby
 
Look What I Found OnLine- LonelyPlanet.Com
 
This comprehensive site is packed with travel information. Pick a destination anywhere in the world and gat an overview, best times to travel, history, tips, practical hints, activites, restaurants, places to shop, and MUCH more. Find articles on helpful topics like packing guides for travelling with hand-only luggage, Where to go in July (and in other months), and Travel Etiquette 101. This site also includes a section to buy tickets, & to reserve hotel rooms.
 
New Word of the Month- Zebralane
(zē'brə-lān)- (n.) The striped area between the interstate and the turnoff lane where cars go when drivers can't decide what to do next.
 
Cats in the News- Cat Playing with Dolphins
You've probably seen a version of this video already since it has made it's rounds through all the major news networks, but just in case you missed it, or want to see it again.... click here to watch a video of a cat loving on a dolphin! It's wonderful!  
 
Sewing Headlines-  Project 'YumWay'
Have you ever made a dress out of primarily candy wrappers? Well this was the challenge at this year's Chocolate Fest in Burlington, Wisconsin. Click here to read the whole article.
Pictured on the right is Emily Nedolski, wearing the dress that stood out as the winner of this years Runway show.  Great job, Emily!
 
 
Did You Know?-
that over 1/4 of the bones in your body are in your feet?
 
Cat Site of the Month- The Cat's Meow
 
  • The Cat's Meow is Catster.com's scratching post for all things cute, fluffy and feline. Stop by on weekdays for your fix of aww-worthy photos, videos and stories, as well as exclusive contests and giveaways.
 
Spring Quilt Market in Review-
Salt Lake City, Utah- The Deseret News published a review of this Spring's Quilt Market. Click here to ready this reporters take on what was notable and new!  
 
Cat Picture of the Month-
 
 
 
                                              (click image to see the enlargement)
 
 
Monthly Trivia-
Today is July 7th, the 189th day of 2011. (There are 177 days remaining.) And in case you didn't know it, today is also the first day of the "Running of the Bulls" in Pamplona, Spain, as part of the annual San Fermin Festival in Pamplona - which sees hundreds of people run from bulls let loose in the city's streets. I didn't know that this was a more than one day event, did you? This year's festival will take place from July 6 to 14, so there's still time to get in on the fun, if you're so inclined. As for me? After watching this video, I can't believe there's this many idiots who take part!
On a safer note, there is birthday cake to be eaten today in honor of Doc Severinson, former bandleader for the Tonight Show. He's 71 today. He shares his special day with Jorja Fox of CSI fame and one of my favorite characters, Richard Starkey, otherwise known as Ringo Starr of the Beatles, who believe it or not, is also 71 today!
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 watching a few reruns of The Tonight Show or CSI, but do me a favor and stay away from bulls. If you want an insider's take on the "Running of the Bulls", I suggest reading The Sun Also Rises, by Ernest Hemingway. It's as close as I intend to come to running with bulls!
 
Well, that's it for now, so until next month, remember!
Sewing Forever, Housework Whenever!
 
 
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StudioKat Designs, www.studiokatdesigns.com