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StudioKat News March 2010 | |
In This Issue-
ALL NEW!- Kat Talk Forums
Sneak Peek at Carolina CarryAll
Pin Peddlers
Grabaroos
Ms Linda Made It
All People Quilt.Com
'Em Are Leather
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As most of you know, this is the BIG weekend for the movie industry. The Academy Awards will be bestowed on Sunday evening, and in honor of that, this newsletter will be devoted to 'all things Oscar'. I've been working VERY hard, finishing up our new pattern so that I can have a clear, unencumbered schedule for when my new grandson arrives (in about 25 days). So... we better get started, because that little boy might decide to come early!
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
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Feline Quote for September- |
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"Just watching my cats can make me happy." Paula Cole |
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"Handbag of the Month" Gallery- |
We're introducing a whole new format this month!
From here forward, all the voting will be taking place on our website, (not some other place in cyberspace). It will be commercial free, and once you vote, (emphasis on the ONCE, because you can only vote once per month, per email address) you will see how the voting is going, by percentages. I hope you enjoy the new format, as it addresses many of the suggestions I have received along the way. So, without further ado...
Check out these pics, all received in February, then cast a vote for your favorite. The entrant receiving the most votes at the end of the month wins a $20.00 SKD gift certificate and a permanent place of honor on our website. Darlee Byron of Vancouver, BC was the lucky winner in our February Contest. Click here to see her winning entry, a totally "green" Lollapalooza made from recycled denims. Think you've got what it takes to win?
Come on! Join in on the FUN!
To enter the"Handbag of the Month" contest, just attach your jpg or gif image to an email and send it to: i nfo@studiokatdesigns.com.
And HERE are the fabulous entries for this month...
(Click on each individual picture to see an enlarged version) |
Robin Teske, of North Little Rock, AR submitted this terrific Mezza Luna, which she uses to carry her Irish dance shoes back and forth to dance class. Is this cool, or what? She said she'll be carrying it in the St Patrick's Day parade in Little Rock this month! Get me a picture Robin!
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Zelva submitted this gorgeous Encore Insert. She really didn't supply any information about her creation, other than that she made it to go with the harmony Handbag below.
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Wouldn't you love to know what type of fabric this is? Zelva made this Harmony Handbag to coordinate with the Encore shown above. I think it has a fabulously 'rich' look. |
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Harriet Lee of California says she secretly loves all the great compliments she gets on her embroidered Bellagio Bag. I wonder which side they like the best, because the back is way cool too! She used one of the designs on Loralie's Fun Ladies CD to make a perfect bag for shopping!
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This beautifully embroidered AbracaNiche was submitted by Lisa Mechem of Morgan, UT. The embroidery design is courtesy of Anita Good and Lisa says she was mirrored a paisley design to get this effect. Well done Lisa! |
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Tammi Mooney of Hillsboro, ND says she and her two friends get together every week for food, fun and a sometimes even a little sewing! Recently they decided to take on a Lollapalooza as a group project. Tammi's version (at right) is a vision in batik.
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Debi O'Brien's Lollapalooza version included the use of home dec upholstery fabric for the exterior. It's makes for a very smart bag, don't you think? I would imagine that this bag has attracted a lot of attention in Mayville, ND., don't you think?
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Can't you tell that these three girls had a blast making their Lollapalooza's? This one belongs to Song Smeby of Portland, ND. Evidently she's made 5 or 6 others to give as gifts already, and this Lollapalooza is the first one she's managed to keep for herself!
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This denim Harmony Handbag was created by Patty Benzing of Mayfield, KY. She lined her bag with a nice batik print. Great choice Patty! |
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| Patty also is the creative force behiind this inspired Lollapalooza! The exterior is a patterned batik trimmed in gold. It has just the right glitz to really dress this bag up, don't you think? Patty liked it so good, that she fashioned some matching accessory items as well. I bet this is a fun set to carry! |
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OK, ready to vote now?
Just click on the link below to cast your vote.
NEW THIS MONTH- Only one vote per MONTH, per email address.
and come back next month to see who the winner is! | | |
Looking for a place to talk about your projects? Looking from some advice about a pattern? Or maybe you just want to touch base with some like-minded friends over a cup of coffee every now and again? Then maybe you need to check out the "Kat Talk" Forums, the new message board system we launched this month on our website. "Kat Talk" will take the place of our old Chat Room, and I think you'll like the faster pace and more lively interaction. And don't worry, youre still welcomed to upload photographs and strut your stuff! |
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"All the art of living lies in a fine mingling of letting go and holding on." Henry Ellis |
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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 February, don't worry, they are all listed below.
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New at StudioKat Designs- The Carolina CarryAll
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At long last, I'm getting very close to releasing my newest handbag pattern, The Carolina CarryAll. I started working on this bag way back in October of 2009, but family issues, a vacation, the building of our studio and the impending birth of my first grandchild have conspired against me getting it released in a timely manner. But I'm almost done now, and here's a picture of it (click on the picture for a larger view).
I'm anticipating releasing this bag sometime in April. I should be able to tell you the exact date in the April Newsletter, so stay tuned until then. :) | |
Are lapel pins your thing? Looking for a cool gift for a sewing friend? Need some prizes and awards for your Quilt Guild? Then you need to check out Pin Peddlers. You can find every pin & charm imaginable, and they're all "just charming". The selection of quilt & sewing related items is HUGE, but you'll also find a big variety of patriotic, seasonal and school-related pins.
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Are you constantly getting paper cuts, needle pricks and ink stains on your fingers and hands? Maybe you need to check out Grabaroos, the form-fitting glove that has grippers on every single finger. They say they're perfect for free-motion quilting, sewing, crafting, sewing scrapbooking. |
Can you tell that I'm almost a grandma? I've got this over-powering desire to shop for cute baby stuff! And look what I found? From her home studio in South Carolina, Ms. Linda is a designer of Boutique-style children's clothes. I love the " Flirty Frogs" pants outfit and the " Sand Castle Girl", but I also love the little boy outfits. It won't be long now.... |
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You might recall hearing or seeing stories about Oscar, an aloof cat kept by a nursing home, who regularly predicted patients' deaths by snuggling alongside them in their final hours. Well now you can read about Oscar in a new book, "Making the Rounds with Oscar: The ExtraOrdinary Gift of an Ordinary Cat", by Dr David Dosa. Dosa does not explain Oscar scientifically in his book, although he theorizes that the cat smells odors given off by dying cells, perhaps like some dogs who scientists say can detect cancer using their sense of scent. Either way, Oscar is a special guy who insists on being present when others turn away from life's most uncomfortable topic: death. | |
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Thanks to Mary Bumgarner of Winston-Salem for sending this very cool video of a choir simulating
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There's blogs and tutorials all over the place that are devoted to making stuff for little girls, but if you're looking for cool stuff to make for little boys, then here's the blog for you. Made by Rae will help you celebrate the boys in your life, and I have a vested interest in this topic, since I'll be joining these ranks in just a few short weeks, when I get to meet my grandson! Rae features lots of tutorials and free patterns for you to enjoy, and regularly invites guest bloggers to feature items that are boy-related, like this cool fold-up cuff pants tutorial. |
My dad's been at it again, and here's another cute video he found of an insistent cat who wants to play. (It's a tuxedo cat... no surprise there!) |
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New Word of the Month- Linkrot (lĭngk-rŏt) |
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(v.) When a link on a webpage becomes extinct. |
An alert reader in NY passed along this touching story about Pretty Boy, a 22-year old cat, commonly referred to as the Mayor of Seventh Street, where he was a fixture for over a decade, making his rounds on the south side of the block between First Avenue and Avenue A, as shops opened and closed and renters moved in and out. His death in June of 2009, of natural causes, unleashed a storm of emotion. It's a very sweet story and you can click here for a slideshow with more pictures of Pretty Boy. |
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Leather goods that are soft, durable, custom-made and washable. WASHABLE? You betcha! From purses to pillows, from backpacks to clothing, you'll find it all in buckskin at 'Em Are Leather. I think the bags are fabulous, here's one of my favorites. The prices are very reasonable and here's a cool thing... You can even purchase a bag of leather scraps to use on a custom leather project of your own! Hmmm... I might be getting an idea here!
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Did You Know?- A Cat Called Oscar |
During World War II, a cat called Oscar served on the German battleship Bismarck. When the Bismarck was torpedoed Oscar was rescued by a British sailor on board HMS Cossack. Five months later HMS Cossack was sunk but Oscar was rescued by HMS Ark Royal. Only 3 weeks later a German U-boat destroyed Ark Royal and Oscar was rescued again. The naval authorities then decided that Oscar had had enough and posted him on land. Oscar never received any medals but probably didn’t care. According to British naval records, Oscar died peacefully in 1955.
Hmmmm.... that's TWO cats named Oscar in this newsletter. Oscar seems to be a very noble name for a cat, don't you think? |
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A Cool Internet Activity- Oscar Fashion
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If it's March, that means it's time for the Academy Awards, which I generally watch, but not because I am avidly interested in which movie wins.... Oh No. I look forward the the Oscars in order to analyze the Red Carpet fashion, of course! And I know I'm not alone. And here's a cool website where you can see best-dressed icons of the 2009 Oscars, as well as the worst-dressed. Or how would you like to be on the list of the worst-dressed Oscar HISTORY! So who do YOU think will amke the list this year. Tune in March 7th and find out! |
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Laugh Lines- Have You Seen These Signs? |
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At a Gynecologist's Office- "Dr. Jones, at your cervix."
In a Podiatrist's Office- "Time wounds all heels."
On a Septic Tank Truck- "Yesterday's Meals on Wheels."
At a Proctologist's Office- "To Expidite your visit, please back in."
On a Plumber's Truck- "We Repair What Your Husband Fixed."
On Another Plumber's Truck- "Don't Sleep with a Drip. Call your Plumber."
On a Church's Billboard- "Seven Days without God makes one weak."
At a Tire Shop- "Invite Us to Your Next Blow-out."
At a Towiing Company- "We don't charge an arm and a leg. We want tows."
On an Electrician's Truck- "Let Us Remove Your Shorts."
In a Non-Smoking Area-"If we see smoke,we will assume you're on fire & take appropriate action."
On a Maternity Room Door- "Push. Push. Push."
On a Fence- "Salesmen welcome! Dog Food is expensive!"
At a Car Dealership- "The best way to get back on your feet - Miss a car payment!"
Outside a Muffler Shop- "No Appointment Necessary. We hear you coming."
In the Front Yard of the Funeral Home- "Drive carefully. We'll wait.
At a Propane Filling Station- "Thank Heavens for little Grills."
At a Radiator Shop- Best Place in town to take a leak!"
On the Back of Another Septic Tank Truck- "Caution!- This Truck if FULL of Political Promises." |
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Your Cat Might Own You IF- |
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your desire to collect cats intensifies during times of stress. |
You know it's true. Every potluck get-together has a "winner" - the recipe that gets requested the most, gets gone the fastest, required the most skill. With the rise in popularity of simple at-home entertaining, you'll want to check out this site to make sure your next potluck dish gets the prize. From appetizers and salads to main dishes and desserts, you'll find hundreds of winning options here! So...... ladies and gentlemen, Start Your Ovens! |
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As 'Funnie' as Real Life- |
 Click cartoon to enjoy at FULL size. |
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So, how can we end this 'Oscar' edition of our Newsletter, without checking on the King of all Oscars ( Oscar de la Renta of course), to see what's going to be hot this Spring. I'm thinking that all of you Project Runway fans might enjoy seeing Oscar's Spring 2010 runway show at Mercedes Benz Fashion Week. Click here to check it out. I really loved this glittery skirt, but this look really had me bumfuzzled. I guess it's nice to know that even Oscar has a 'what were you thinking' moment!
And if you smell birthday cake, it's probably because Penn Jillette (eccentric magician extraordinaire) is celebrating his 50th birthday today. This also was the birthday of 70's icon, Andy Gibb. I loved the 70's and here's a little video of Andy performing one of his disco hits to help you remember those fabulous times. And if today is your birthday too, here's a great big 'HAPPY BIRTHDAY to YOU' from StudioKat Designs. And if today isn't your birthday, you can celebrate the day anyway, by making a big piece of double-chocolate cake 'magically' disappear! |
Well, that's it for now, so until next month, remember!
Sewing Forever, Housework Whenever!
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Why Not Pass along the FUN? |
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It's never been easier to get your friends in on the FUN! If you enjoy this newsletter and want to forward a copy to a friend, you need only click on this link and enter their email address!
(Note to other webmasters:)Authorship credit is the only payment I receive for this endeavor, so if you want to use an excerpt from this newsletter in your publication, please ask me first.
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