StudioKat News             September 2010
 In This Issue-
New for Fall- The DittyRoo
St Theresa's Textile Trove
BJ's Designs & Patterns
Fresh Trend.Com
137 years of Popular Science
The Caboodle Ranch
Dog Friendly Destinations
Stuff on my Cat.Com
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Hello and Welcome-
Well it's September, and that only means two things to us. #1- we're starting to make our plans for theFall International Quilt Market, and #2- we probably have a new  bag pattern to show you! And guess what? BOTH of these things are true!  
So whatcha say? Shall we proceed?
If you have comments or suggestions about our Newsletter, or if you just feel like telling us something, please feel free to do so at info@studiokatdesigns.com
 
 
  If you're having trouble reading this email- Click HERE for  web version
 
Feline Quote for September-
"I take care of my flowers and my cats. And enjoy food. And that's living."  Ursula Andress
 
New at StudioKat Designs- The 'DittyRoo'
 
Today we are officially releasing our newest handbag pattern, the DittyRoo, so named because of the easy-to-use, exterior kangaroo pouch. It's the PERFECT place to quick-stow your keys, phone, or anything else you need FAST access to! And if you're into patch-worked exteriors, you might be pleased to note that we've uploaded a new Kattrick, featuring this new design, and you can print your copy by clicking here, or by going to our KatTrick embellishment page
And here's a NEW feature we're trying with the DittyRoo! We've uploaded some pictorial helps (actual step-by-step color pictures, in pdf format) to further illustrate a few of the construction steps. You'll know that help is available for a particular step, (by download only) when you see the little camera graphic.So are you ready to get started on YOUR DittyRoo?
For more info, & to see many more pictures of DittyRoo samples we've made, click here. And as usual, we're celebrating the release with a $2.00 off coupon! When ordering online, simply type the word DITTYKAT in the coupon code box at checkout to receive your discount. Or if you prefer to order over the phone or by snail mail, simply send your check or money order for $10.00 (plus $3.50 to cover shipping & tax) to the following address; 
StudioKat Designs
137 S Hemingway Ct
Advance, NC  27006
(But don't delay too long, because this coupon promotion expires on September 20, 2010)
 
Sponsor 'Picks-of-the-Month'- 
The Material Girls Online Catalog- Asian fabric from KonaBay
AllDunnDesigns.Com- Double Delight Vest pattern
 
 "Handbag of the Month" Gallery-
The voting is over for our
August Handbag of the Month Contest!
Thanks to everyone who voted in last month's contest! The winner was Linda Stokes of fantastic Key West, FL. 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 breathraking Boho Baguette.
 
The September Handbag of the Month contest promises to be just as exciting, so withobut further ado...Check out this month's nominees, then cast a vote for your favorite. 

Think you've got what it takes to win?
Come on! Join in on the FUN! 
    
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
 
      And HERE are the fabulous entries for this month...(click pictures to see an enlarged versions)

This most excellent Encore Insert was created by Monty Martin of Conway, SC. She very smartly added ribbon loops to make it easier to grab and pull the zippers, as well as satin ribbons as 'lifters', since this insert will be used inside a big, deep shopping bag! Here's how the other side looks.
 
 
 
Bobbie Lacoy of Pittsburg, NH says that this Carolina CarryAll was a challenge for her, but she persevered and look how beautiful if turned out! She LOVED the fabric and thought it would make a pretty bag. She was RIGHT!
 
Lynn Hudson of Apex, NC also created an Encore Insert, but she fashioned hers entirely with music-themed fabric. (Here's how it looks empty.) Lynn says she is very pleased with the result, especially since she can fit all of this stuff into her Encore with no problem at all.
 
 
 
This gorgeous Carolina CarryAll is also one of Lynn Hudson's creations. This bold and striking bag has a distinctly Asian motif. It's totally lovely!
 
And if you're a coffee nut, (and who isn't?), then you'll flip over this coffee-inspired Harmony Handbag, submitted by Cindy Weeks of Fredericksburg, VA. She also created a matching Encore Insert toorganize the inside of her new bag. They look great together, don't they!  
 
And finally, here's a fun and whimsical Cirque Sac, sure to turn heads everywhere. Kat of Lakewood, CO calls this her 'Betty Bag', and I think it's fun and adorable. She said she purchased the fabric 3 years ago and this is the very 1st handbag she has ever made. Heck, even the side view is as cute as a button!
 
 
OK, ready to vote now?
Just click on the link below to cast your vote.
Remember- Only one vote per MONTH, per email address
 
    and come back next month to see who the winner is! 
 
Blog with us!-  A Work in Progress
You can enjoy an insider's scoop to 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 August, don't worry, they are all listed below. 
 
 
 
Bobbin 'round the Web- St Theresa's Textile Trove
It seems that everyone wants to know more about Terrie Mangat's beautiful fabric line, 'On the Rio Grande' (featured in this DittyRoo sample on the right). And since we're officially releasing this pattern on this newsletter, we thought it only fitting to let you know where you can secure some of this magical fabric, since it's a bit difficult to find.The only place online that I found that carries all three of the fabrics I used in this sample was St Theresa's Textile Trove. If you order from this site, the three fabrics I used were as follows:
TM12-BLUE- for the bag exterior
TM15-BLUE- for the lining TM18-BLUE- for the edgings
Don't forget to buy EXTRA exterior fabric if you intend to piece the 'scenes' in the spots you want. I would recommend getting 1 1/2 yds.
 
As 'Funnie' as Real Life-
 
 
 
 
          (click cartoon to see the enlarged version)
 
 
Video of the Month- Dog vs Deer
Click here to view this cool video of a Labrador Retriever playing ball with a young deer. (If you watch closely, you'll see a tuxedo cat observing in the background, (probably instigating the whole thing!)
 
Website Spotlite- BJ's Designs and Patterns
Art quilts & wall hangings are simply fascinating and BJ's Designs and Patterns has some of the best, and here's the deal... many of them are available in pattern form now. I especially love the ones that feature animals, (isn't the zebra fabulous?), but you may also like looking at the ones featuring shoes and cars, as well as her many award-winning entries. BJ's Designs & Patterns is a wholesale site, which means you cannot purchase patterns directly from her, but, if you click here, you can see a list of stores (including internet sites) which carry her patterns.  :)
 
 
SmileGram- A NEW Virus Warning
There is a new email virus going around. Luckily it only affects those who were born prior to 1950. Here are the symptoms:
  1. it causes you to send the same email twice.
  2. it causes you to send a blank email.
  3. it causes you to send email to the wrong person.
  4. it causes you to send it back to the person who sent it to you.
  5. it causes you to forget to attach the attachment.
  6. it causes you to hit 'SEND' before you've finished.
  7. it causes you to hit 'DELETE' instead of 'SEND'.
  8. it causes you to hit 'SEND' when you should hit 'DELETE'.
It is called... the 'C-Nile Virus'.
 
A Cool Place to Shop- FreshTrend.Com
I don't know about you, but I'm always in the market for a cool and unusual gift. I get so tired of giving folks another stupid shirt or tie or what have you. So I was really happy to find FreshTrend.com, the home of some of the most unusual, yet useful gifts! Some of my favorites were the 'Hang on the Wall Aquarium', these 'Funny Sleeping Bags', this 'USB Wall Socket Wall Socket', and this 'Ice Cream Scoop & Stacker'. Have fun shopping!
 
Cat Video of the Month- Funny Cats
Click here for a new montage of funny cat clips, most of which I haven't seen before. It's a great video, but I have no idea what the background music is, or what language it's in... maybe Korean? Japanese?
 
Blog of the Month- Abstract City
I ran across this blog quote by accident a few days ago and I LOVE it. Cristoph Niemann is an illustrator by trade, so his blogs are comprised almost entirely of cartoon like pictures with captions. The subject of this particular entry describes what it's like to take a night flight from New York to Berlin (with a layover in London). It's completely accurate (even if your final destination was Munich, or Budapest, or Calcutta), and if you've ever flown overseas, you will love it! Click here to read.
 
Quote of the Month- 
"Cannibals prefer those who have no spines."  Stanislaw Lem
 
Look What I Found OnLine- 137 years of Popular Science
 
 Rocket ships, dinosaurs, sports medecine, computers and the future of technology-Popular Science has covered it all in its 137 years. Now, the magazine has partnered with Google to offer its entire archive for FREE browsing. Each issue appears just as it did at its original time of publication, complete with period advertisements. It's a fascinating trip down memory lane for science buffs!
 
New Word of the Month- Abdicake   (ăb'dĭ-kāk)
(v.) To give up the last piece of cake to someone else.
 
Origins: The contraction of the words abdicate, to relinquish power, and cake a common desert food found in many nations.
Example: Is anyone going to eat the last piece of cake? I was but I'll abdicake in your favor.

 
Cats in the News- Caboodle Ranch
Caboodle Ranch is a 30 acre non-profit cat rescue society; founded by a single individual who cared enough to make a difference in the lives of cats. It was unintentionally founded in 2003, when a series of unfortunate events finally lead to its creation. Click here to read the true story that started with one man and one cat - who never really got along well with each other. You also may enjoy the HUGE Photo Gallery, and some truly AMAZING videos. (Don't miss the one showing the Ranch at dinner time... it's unbelievable!)
Thanks to alert reader, Peg Rice of Westport Island, ME for sending us this story!
 
According to this article from the Associated press, the hottest bags for fall are fit for a lady. Replacing the large, heavily embellished bags of recent history are vintage-inspired ladylike models topped off with an interesting handle or two. The new direction for handbags this season is a return to a structured, ladylike handbag,” said Ken Downing, senior vice president and fashion director of Neiman Marcus. “With the sharp tailoring and appreciation for men’s tailored details, the structured bag is the go-to bag.”
To read more of this story, click here.
 
 
Did You Know?-
that more people are allergic to cow's milk than any other food?
 
A Cool Internet Activity- Dog Friendly Destinations
Remember poor Snoopy being turned away by the sign that read "No Dogs Allowed"? Don't let that happen to your pooch! This travel site lists accomodations, parks, attractions, stores, and outdoor restaurants where dogs are welcome all over the world. You can search by location (country, city, state), or by destination, such as campgrounds, beaches, attractions, and dog parks. And don't forget to check out the site's blog for the latest dog news.
 
 
 If you like to do machine embroidery, (or if you're just fascinated by it, as I am), then you might like to check out the July/August 2010 issue of 'Designs in Machine Embroidery', because there's a feature article in it by none other than Nancy Zieman, illustrating how to achieve this very look with our Trifecta pattern. Simply click here to download the entire magazine article.
 
Cat Site of the Month- Stuff on my Cat
No smoke and mirrors here. The purpose of this site is to display pictures of cats AND stuff. Cats wearing stuff... stuff on top of cats...cats on top of stuff... you get the picture, or shall i say click HERE to get the pictures. And just in case  you feel like getting in on the fun, you can upload your own picture too!
 
Cat Picture of the Month-
 
 
If you loved the Blues Brothers, then you will enjoy this cartoon!
 
(click photo to see the enlarged version)
 
 
 
Surf Here for FUN!-  Get it Write!
Since a new school year is starting, you might be interested in this handy tool for the highschool and college students in your life. PaperRater analyzes academic papers for plagiarism, spelling, grammar, style, word choice, and readability. This FREE service is maintained by linguistics professionals and graduate students, and allows you to correct many common mistakes BEFORE you turn in your papers. PaperRater also icludes a vocabulary builder and a blog with helpful writing tips. It's like having an English professor at your service 24/7!
 
Monthly Trivia-
Today is Monday, September 6th, the 249th day of 2010. There are 116 days remaining, (and only about 30 days remaining until we start being barraged with Christmas itemsin stores and on TV). This is also a holiday in both the US and Canada, that being Labor Day. It was also on this day in 1997 that Elton John sang "Candle in the Wind" (one of my favorites) at the funeral of Diana, Princess of Wales in Westminster Abbey. Of course he changed the words a bit for this occasion to, "Goodbye England's Rose". It sure doesn't seem like that long ago does it? Click here to see Elton's tribute to his friend, Diana.
On a much happier note, today is also the birthday of 3 great American comics, (all with names that begin with 'J'). Jane Curtin, Jeff Foxworthy and JoAnne Worley were all born on this day (in 1947, 1958 and 1937 respectively). And just in case you are unfamiliar with their work, I've included a favorite clip for each below...
And if today happens to be your birthday too, 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 the Comedy Channel, or if you feel like going out, I recommend going to see "The Other Guys" at the movies. It's very funny and remarkably clean fun! (I know that many of Will Ferrell's  movies can have silly humor, with strong language, but this one has neither!)
 
Well, that's it for now, so until next month, remember!
Sewing Forever, Housework Whenever!
 
 
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StudioKat Designs, www.studiokatdesigns.com