Blogtoberfest Finale

Couple of Batty Bats checking out the loot. And eating as much as they possibly can before mom says to stop.

Little O says, "just a little bit more, mama?"

Well, okay, since you called me mama and not mommy. Sure bud, anything.

(later, I realized that O can't quite balance sugar like his big brother - he was uncontrollable for a good hour after this photo. Lesson learned.)

Boo!

Everybody getting ready for spooking tonight?

Have a safe and happy night.

Happy Halloween!

Hear the Rustle?

Kindergarten Projects

Most every day.

Drawings.

Penmanship.

Pasted, cut, markered, and crayoned.

I love to see what Sam brings home from Kindergarten, but have a hard time sorting it into a keep pile and 'I don't know what happened to that (trash)' pile.

But yesterday, this little hat was adorning Sam's head as he got off the bus. And as he walks, the ears flap up. So cute.

So Clifford.

Naked Bag for Brainstorming

I have been thinking about how to adorn this purse for a week now. I need help. The flap at the top (thing that all of the sudden resembles a tongue) is intended to be the snap. It is going to attach at an angle, closer to the right side. It was too boring down the middle. Problem is...if I use a magnetic snap, then I need to cover it with beads or embroidery. I don't care for sew on snaps. They never come apart and you end up pulling out the stitching before too long.

Problems:

1. Snap with decoration, if so, what? OR Frog closure??? think Asian inspired.

2. Bead work. I have some shiny black swarvoski/checz glass beads that I wanted to attach. What kind of pattern, placement on the purse? None at all?

Love to hear your thoughts...

Fuzzy Funk

Wow.

I am just feeling better today, after a week of common cold, which then turned into a sinus infection.

I knew I didn't feel well and when Friday came, I had officially checked out. The pain was immense and I could barely stand up. Did a couple rows on a new purse (it's gonna be my biggest one yet!) but that was about it. The Halloween costumes are still occupying 80% of the dining room table and all the little fuzz balls have drifted to the floor and look like tiny bugs.

But, now that I am out of the fuzz, I realized life passed me by. My favorite blogs were updated, there were milestones I missed, and a general feeling of 'oh crap, I missed that'. And I think that is why I got really sick. I just needed to stop. I can't do everything (I'm still going to try).

So, as little O says above, one more day and I'll be back to my less fuzzy self and hopefully much more interesting and funny posts.

Picnic Dinner

I missed yesterday for Blogtoberfest...sorry folks. Just couldn't do it. Although I am feeling better, I am wiped out. Now I have sinus pressure. I have heard people say, "oh, my sinuses hurt" and didn't think much of it. They are just complaining about a little congestion. Today, right after lunch, it hit me. I first thought I had some beef stew stuck in a tooth and it was giving me pain. I did, but that wasn't the problem. My entire right side of my face from gums to eyeball felt like I was punched in the face by a mad kangaroo.

Last night, with my state of being, we had a picnic dinner. Taquitos, tomatoes and green beans. And a raisins.

Each boy had their 'fabric' (aka blanket), and we hung out. It was nice.

Oh, and the raisins. We eat them with a spoon.

So as not to get sticky fingers.

I'll be back to my old self soon, I promise. Thanks for hanging in there! Oh, I am deactivating some items in the shop for the craft show this weekend, so if you are eyeing something today, catch it before it is gone tomorrow.

$150,000.00

For Clothes.

Two Months and five days of clothes.

66 days of cloths.

Let's do the math...$150,000 minus the $4902 for men's clothing and the $92 romper (did anyone notice what little Trig was wearing that night? Or were you like me, playing along in the 'who's got the baby now' game?)

That brings the total to $145,006.
Let's just say there was $20,006 on other items (that may have not fit and they will be returned or were for her daughters, someone, check for Peas in a Pod receipts.)

Now we are left with $125,000.

For 66 days.

For the sake of the Republican Party, lets assume that she has a new outfit every single day.

The Republican Party gives clothing and styling budgets of $1,893.94 PER DAY.

PER DAY!

And even if she has a change of clothes (two outfits for 50% of the days): $1,262.63 PER DAY.

but...

it's for charity.

Now that is Maverick.

'The expenses include $75,062 spent at Neiman Marcus in Minneapolis and $41,850 in St. Louis in early September. The committee also reported spending $4,100 for makeup and hair consulting. The expenses were first reported by Politico.com.
The RNC also spent $4,902 at Atelier, a stylish men's clothing store in New York. Other purchases included a $92 romper and matching hat with ears for Palin's baby, Trig, at Pacifier, a baby store in Minneapolis.' - Associated Press, Oct. 22, 2008

Project Updates: WashMyCloth has had a successful week and is on to more purses. I just finished felting a new 'Fortune Cookie' purse. Still haven't gotten the name, but it is red and black and sits in your hand like it was meant to be there.

Momma Wash has a craft show this weekend, if you are in the area, drop me a comment, I'll tell you where it is. Soaps, floral wreaths, and some yet to be decided items (the Meyer just may be rubbing off on her).

I HAVE to get some yarn on the loom. Once this week is over, and I finish (read, start) the Halloween costumes, I am all over that yarn!

Coughing In or Checking In

Good Evening!

I am popping in quickly to let you know that I have absolutely no desire to sit at a computer right now. Feeling under the weather (what really does that mean? under the weather - how can you be on top of the weather?). Either way. I am coughing and clearing my throat and sneezing and blowing. These are the days I am grateful I don't work in an office where I would have to get dressed and move my body to another building. Not to mention all the co-workers I would annoy.

So, here is a little project I have had in mind. Thinking purse.

But I am going to go think about it on the couch, in my monkey pjs.

Night All! (or good morning)

Mixing Paint

We bought red.
We bought lime green.
We bought turquoise.

All beautiful.
All vibrant.

Until they are mixed together.

Why can't I just let boys be boys and not get upset with the mucky gray brown purple slop that adorns every "craft project". I actually yelled at them yesterday. It drives me nuts.

I am going to challenge myself to allow them to be free, and walk away if I need to.

Well, even though I walked away yesterday, it technically made it worse. You see a two year old painting with red paint may, by chance, get a tad bit of red paint on his arms and a smidgen on his wrist and a touch on his fingers and that said 2yr old may want his Binky that perhaps is on the brown suede couch.

Red paint. On my brown couch.

I only wish he would have mixed all the colors, at least then, it would have matched.

Studio Space

Blogtoberfest is challenging and although I could recap my day, or more specifically a 23 minute period, with the boys, I asked my Twitter friends for an idea. 1337Art asked if I had ever written about my studio space. Small chuckle.

Why not, the space was tidy, as is most days. The glorious autumn sun was casting a magnificent glow. I am usually a little embarrassed of my meager space. The wall color is off just a tad, but I guess I can live with it.

The stools could be a little softer, perhaps a nice vintage cushioned stool with a back. I love the way the carpet massages my tender just pedicured feet as I walk around from this view to the other side with my four sewing machines.

When I was pregnant with our first son, my husband and I attended a parenting class at the hospital. One night's lesson was about breathing and focusing through the pain. Our instructor asked for the women to close their eyes and find their "peaceful, relaxing space". Mine looked like my studio above, with three sewing machines and one Serger, all perfectly threaded with what ever the color I needed. Stacks of fabric more scrumptious than the largest fabric store. The sharpest scissors that made the most glorious sound when cutting. A notions wall with thread and ribbon and all the tools I would need to do my current project.

It was only until after we all opened our eyes and the instructor was suggesting the places we were...beach, mountains, private island. Nope, I was in my studio. Am I a freak? I mean, who wants to be pregnant on an island where I can even have a cocktail? And the sand? I can't imagine getting that out of places I can't even reach when pregnant.

Screeech.

Okay, so maybe the above picture is just that peaceful, relaxing space in my dreams and not my REAL studio. But why would you want to see the real space? Truth is, I really don't have one space. My stuff is ALL over. I am trying to get it all down in my 'real' studio, but it isn't quite fitting. And the lighting..."terrible" just doesn't even come close.

My other Twitter pal, Macaroniandglue works in a pantry. Maybe it makes us stronger? Working in unfortunate spaces only encourages the creative spirit? Maybe? I usually sit there thinking, man, I am working in a hole.

Cystic Fibrosis Boo Bash

Can you guess the boy? First pick is Little Man, second is Big Boy. This was BB's costume when he was one and a half, and LM's when he was one and a half. It had to be shortened for LM, but he was fortunately able to wear it last night to the Cystic Fibrosis Boo Bash. The best part of this costume, is the tail. Just long enough where it hits the ground and bounces as the child runs or moves.

Twice, LM was chasing his tail, so funny. And one girl guessed BB's costume correctly. Again, he wore last year's costume. I can't be expected to make two costumes two weeks prior to Halloween! I am more of the 29th kind of girl. I was hoping to start the base this weekend. They both want to be the same thing, so that is kind of exciting. I don't allow commercial heroes or anything that is plastic yet intended to look like fabric. I want to let their imaginations work and come up with something they think is neat, hence BB's costume last year. His idea. Completely. Have you guessed yet?

Growing up, my parent's made our costumes. We always had great costumes. It was one time in life where I felt like I was in with the in-crowd. Being someone else, in an impeccable, well crafted way beat that plastic super hero every time. My parent's also liked making us a set...mouse and cheese or Princess Leia, Darth Vader and a Jawa. I was also once a baby bottle. And don't imagine anything easy...this was foam core and pantyhose wonder. I have no idea how I even got to school with that thing.

Oh, and after three years of the Monkey Costume...we finally got first place in the costume contest last night. It was pretty fun. LM was crying and tired, so it was a quick acceptance, but nice. We gave the ribbon to BB, since it really was his costume first. But, shouldn't it have been for me???

And BB last year...

Was a Slug.

This year...you will have to wait and see.

What Is Cystic Fibrosis?
Cystic fibrosis is an inherited chronic disease that affects the lungs and digestive system of about 30,000 children and adults in the United States (70,000 worldwide). A defective gene and its protein product cause the body to produce unusually thick, sticky mucus that:
clogs the lungs and leads to life-threatening lung infections; and obstructs the pancreas and stops natural enzymes from helping the body break down and absorb food.
In the 1950s, few children with cystic fibrosis lived to attend elementary school. Today, advances in research and medical treatments have further enhanced and extended life for children and adults with CF. Many people with the disease can now expect to live into their 30s, 40s and beyond.

If you would like to donate to Cystic Fibrosis, you may do so here .

Pink October Garden: An Oxymoron

What is happening to our climate? Above are my Hardy Pink Cyclamen that didn't have leaves the first two years. But, this year, we have leaves and they are shooting up everywhere! I purchased the bulbs on line and after they didn't leaf or bloom, I got a full refund of another 6 bulbs. I, of course, can't remember where I planted them, but it is like an Easter egg hunt or an I Spy game every day. Very exciting.

Most of you will recognize the simplistic beauty of the Cosmo. I had five or six little plants and this one just doesn't want to quit. I do remember clipping all the dead blooms off as soon as I saw them, wonder if that was the difference.

Have yourself a pink October, it is quite a sight mixed with the browns and golds and reds we usually take the most pleasure in this time of year.

(Half way through Blogtoberfest...only half way?)

Sports Illustrated Kids 2008: Derek Andrews !!!

Congratulations, Derek. Job well done. Thanks for everyone that voted for him. Well deserved.
Go get 'em!

To Face or Not to Face

If you have been on Etsy, you probably have seen Etsy's number one seller, The Black Apple. She has also been on Martha Stewart making her dolls. From this link, you can get the pattern for her doll and watch the segment. As far as pattern's go, this is pretty simple. I wanted to try it to get an idea of how she constructs her dolls. Gretchen and I (Carmen watched from the lounger in the family room and asked when dessert was going to be served) each made two dolls. The arms were tough to turn inside out, but the rest was fairly easy. The directions calls for painting the face on AFTER the doll is fully constructed. Yikes.

Now I have these two cuties and am afraid to paint on a face. They already have some issues with unmatched neck and holes in their armpits. Now a face. What if I totally screw up? What if brown hair doll turns out looking like she just got hit by a car? And what if dirty blonde gets made fun of by Gretchen's brown haired cherry wearing doll because her face looks like a Mr. Potato head that was created by a two year old? This is serious. I could potentially waste an entire evening. (It wasn't a total waste, we had this amazing peanut butter cup frozen yogurt. Craving now. Thanks for finally serving us, Carmen.)

I don't want two dolls that can't look at each other, though, do I?

So, do I try it? Or just name them Anna and Lucy and send them off to their new home?

Banner Part Two

A new dress. (I don't wear dresses)

A new hair color. (Then I would have to keep coloring)

Rearrange the furniture. (My kids do that for me daily)

Some people do those things...I get a new Etsy banner. It was time for a change and my very talented sister in law, Lisa, whipped this up for me. You can see it much bigger and better in my shop . This is my photo of the Weaver Bird- A Blanquilt all folded up.

Lisa has an Etsy shop with a cool selection of black and white jewelry and buttons and is also a with graphic designer and many designs are available through her Image Factory. This multi-talented full time working mom of one uber cute little guy also has a blog, (maybe this will entice her to update it winkwink).

She is super cool and extremely talented. Thanks, Lisa...for all you do for me!

Pretty Posie Buttons from gWhizStudio, available right here...tell her Carrie sent you!

Kay Update...

She is under her beacon, in her chair, needling away...

Niche

My dad and I had a conversation yesterday in his backyard (ohhh, I should show you photos, it is lovely) about what my niche was. He asked if I was talking about my product niche or my target market niche. Originally, I thought just my product, but before he finished his sentence (which actually was some time, my Dad LOVES to talk) I changed my answer to 'both'.

I joined Twitter a couple days ago and installed SiteMeter on this blog. I thought, since I haven't had a sale in 28 days, what the heck. Nothing to lose, Twitter is free and is the fastest, easiest site to set up. I now have 148 people following me. That means, 148 people are able to see what I post - limit of 140 characters. I post updates on my blog, I post new items I list on Etsy, but try not to overwhelm folks with constant "buy from me" posts, as I am noticing on Twitter. And since joining Twitter, I believe my blog hits have multiplied immensely. (Join me @washmycloth on Twitter - Twitter is fun to say, isn't it? Close second to crotch-eting).

I need to focus, let's call the above paragraph my 'Ode to Dan', my Dad. It is nice to have a little background and out loud brainstorming, right?

So, onto my product niche. I have no idea what it is. I can do a bunch of things, but not sure what I do the best, or what I like to do the best. I love making the felted purses, but they take a lot of time. Love weaving, but that takes much much longer than any little purse. I love the blanquilts and embroidering on them, but piecing the top together doesn't bring out the best 'Carrie'. I get a little frustrated. Could it be that I am working on the floor on a pink rug with only a pair of scissors, swatting tiny cars away and my arm or hand or torso as my measuring tool and it is 11 pm when I get the urge to work on something other than watching tv?

I digress, Ode to Dan. When considering a niche, I am also thinking "what can I make and sell low to get high volume of sales?" There are folks on Etsy that list new items daily. Product that you set yourself up to make multiples at one project time. I just can't do that. Some would say (not me, for sure) that makes my work more unique or valuable - but the sales aren't supporting that theory.

I spoke a couple posts about my orders from Yummy Goods, if you haven't seen this blog where Melissa shows photos of her shop, you should. Anyway, the colors I am working with now, are great. Lime green, bright sea blue, hot pink, happy colors. But now, I have little hanks* of cotton yarn that aren't big enough for much...except for little flowers.

Niche? Probably not, but they make me happy for now.

* I am laughing out loud because prior to the letter H, I had SK...I knew something wasn't quite right. Maybe my niche is renaming things and changing their pronunciations.

Appling in October

"Fall Recess".

It is a little break for three days, including tomorrow's Columbus Day, that successfully makes the new student never want to go back to school. He has been in classes for a month, and he gets five straight days off. Today, Sam said he "never want to go back. They make me listen and follow directions."

Oh, if he only knew.

Hope you are all having a wonderful weekend.

With such a great weekend, it is hard not to think back to this day two years ago...oh the pain. Seven days with out electric, a three and a half month old, and a sump pump without any power.
Devastated our mature tree population, the damaged trees are still struggling to beat the odds and thrive once again.

Shaken World

When people come to visit us, we usually end up in the family room with the glass doors open. Through the glass doors, you see my tiny neighbor lady doing needlepoint in her back room. Sitting in 'her' chair, curtains wide open, always. Oh, she really isn't too tiny, it is just that she is so far away and I think it sounds cute.

Friends joke about what she is doing or why her light looks like a lighthouse beacon. Our first couple weeks here I was a little uncomfortable about it. I could see so clearly into her house, that for sure she could see me lounging on the sofa doing nothing but watch television (that is all pre-blog).

Not so much anymore. In fact, what I usually say to our friends is that seeing Kay do her needlework from 7:30 to about 10:00 pm every single night of the week, means that things are okay in this world.

But, things aren't quite right in this world. Our country is at war. Our people are divided. Our economy is empty. And Kay isn't in her chair. Doing her needlepoint.

It has been several days that I have noticed. She was outside cleaning up the yard and inspecting my yard (maybe someday I'll share those stories), so I know she is okay. But, I don't like that change.

Shake up my country, throw 37% of my 401K away for the past three months, let India make a 4x6 foot car called the Nano by a company called Tata...but put Kay back in her chair.

With her light.

And her needlepoint.

Right where she belongs.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Congratulations Judy and Dave on your wedding today. I am sure it was beautiful. Wish we could have shared your joy today. Best Wishes for a lifetime of happiness.

Happy Friday - Blogtoberfest Continued

Meet Chinchi.

She is warm and oh so pretty. Do you like, or is she just another same ol' same ol'?

And she is available right here in the shop...let her be your friend!


Good News: Yummy Goods has ordered another couple dozen wash towels and mitts. This is great news. A repeat order! However, 24 is a lot. My fingers are showing some fatigue with the constant twisting motion. Typing is actually good for them, stretches them in a different way. They did pick a couple new colors, a bright blue, slightly turquoise and a lime green. Love them.

** Had to save this post as draft and wash the boys and I did something to my hand while wet wrestling Little Man like a fisherman trying to get the hook out of a fish. All to put on a diaper. Not such a good result.

I would love to stay and chat, but I have stories to read, songs to sing and yarn to crotch-et.

Yes, crotch it. It makes it less granny if you say it that way!

Pay It Forward: KZ Originals

Available from KZOriginals.Etsy.com: Stop wasting your money on, napkins, paper towels, etc...Instead join the "green" force and help save our Mother Earth. 4 double sided quality Flanny Naps. Blue, Gray, White Stripes. Great for: Dinner time; Pack one in your child's lunch; Keep one in the car for those emergency spills; Take it with you to the gym, to wipe your face while working out; Keep one handy by your favorite chair where you rock your little one. You never know when you may need a burp cloth.-Also great for cleaning use.

I think it is time to tell you about my new friend.

Her name is Karen.

Karen didn't win the Giveaway we had a couple weeks ago.

Since Karen's story of Betsy is now in my shop, I wanted to share with her, something from me. My kind of thank you - stuff. In fact, I tried to send her something and she said, "no thank you".

I believe in the idea that if you do something good for someone, and you will get something good in return. Big Boy actually said that to Little Man a couple days ago - I couldn't have been more proud.

Please, take a couple minutes to check out Karen's shop here and her blog right here. You won't be disappointed.

Although I talk about ETSY.COM in almost every single post, I want to remind you all that even if you don't buy from me or Karen, please support Etsy. As you look at your gift lists, take 20 minutes to browse through Etsy. The items are unique and affordable. They will often come wrapped for free, sellers will send directly to your recipient if you ask, artists will do about anything to get your business. You will even get a hand written note of thanks...and you won't waste a drop of gasoline.

Sports Illustrated Kids: Derek Andrews

Vote for Derek Here, you can vote once per day.

Despite a condition that weakens his muscles, Derek still made his baseball league's All-Star team, a hockey select team, and was the leading scorer on his soccer team. After winning a local bank's essay contest, Derek used his prize money to put on a magic show at the children's hospital, help organize a book drive for a Buffalo school, and buy supplies for elephants at The Buffalo Zoo.

"My best sports moment came this summer while I was playing soccer. I played on the Sponge Bobs in the Clarence Division 4 House League. I played in this division last year and scored only four goals all season. The leading goal scorer on my team last year (my best friend, Joey) had 12 goals. This season, I got off to a great start and scored 19 goals in the first nine games. I really wanted to score 20 goals, but had no luck in the next two games. I still had 19 goals going into the last game of the season. In the last game, I didn’t score in the first or second quarter. Near the end of the third quarter, the ball came free around the mid-line. I started dribbling, went through the defenders, and shot the ball into the corner of the net just as the referee blew the whistle to end the quarter. I jumped in the air because I was so happy to have scored my 20th goal. I ran over to my coach, who’s also my dad, and he gave me a big hug and told me how awesome my goal was. I felt great because I had done something I didn’t think I would be able to do."

Vote for Derek Here, you can vote once per day.

I don't know Derek, and don't work for Derek, I just think he is a good kid. And good kids should get good things.

Banana Nuffins

We have had some old bananas around here lately. And they aren't all fruits.
Pamela's Baking and Pancake Mix is quickly becoming my favorite replacement flour mix. This batch only made six muffins, but unlike my last batch of the same, these had the muffin top. Last time they sunk.
Tonight is another Presidential Debate. The last Presidential one was quite boring, I am hoping this one will be better.
These posts are boring. Sorry. Maybe this blogtoberfest wasn't the best use of my time.
Happy Tuesday.

Foot, Pliers and Lost Tooth

It started with a foot. Heel, specifically.

Then a little blood. A pair of pliers as assistance (just someone joking around...)

A lot of wiggling, refusing to eat until it fell out, even if it took 3 days. And then the spittle of a little white tooth falling.

At first I was concerned, but then our dentist (Sunday afternoon, good to have a friend as a dentist) said that it was time. I know kids loose teeth, but my kids are still babies. Well, I guess not anymore. We just didn't prepare for it. No little toothy pillow or box or fairy bell. Just a baggie. And not even a great baggie, no name WalMart baggie.

The tooth fairy takes any vessel.

Today, still in a bit of shock, Sam asked if bread is a good thing for a kid with one tooth to eat.

Romeo & Juliet, Sinking of the Titanic and the Chicago Cubs

The greatest tragedy of the above list...Bartman, black cats and a billy goat.

The Cubs Losing, again.

At least they are consistent.

On to year 101.

To Wish List or Not to Wish List

WISH LIST - GET THE BUTTON HERE!!!

Some cool cats in Etsy just posted about the new feature available through Amazon.com.

I know there are haters of the wish list out there, but here is why I love the wish list.
1. I can feel like I am buying just by adding to a list.
2. I don't tell anyone I have a list, so it isn't like I am soliciting gifts
3. For the boys, they enjoy thinking about things and seeing the pictures of them all together.
4. Again, for the boys, family members ask me what they want anyway...why not just use the wish list...
5. It is totally fun!

and 6. Now you can use it for things you want from my shop at Wash My Cloth!

Happy Blogtoberfest, y'all, darn right, Joe six pack (I don't know why I added that - just sounds so funny to me.

Take Me Out to the Ball Game

Not sure what to say about the Cubs. So much promise. So much hope. So much disappointment.

I am going to try not to watch tomorrow. I don't think I can bear to see another error.

They couldn't possibly be cursed for real.

I want this success for the team, not for me or for Tom or for Frank, but for the Cubs and for my beloved city.

Go Cubbies! Let's get some runs!

Old Pic, New Thought

Last year, I took Sam to the Pumpkin Fest, he was 4 (this pic is age 3) he went up this jungle gym/slide thing. There were a million kids and two million parents looking for said kids. Well, I didn't technically lose Sam. He went up the stairs through a tunnel and didn't come down. The major design flaw of this play thing was that there were four enclosed tube slides. That came out in different sides of the play thing (I really don't have a word for it, totally hand made). Good for traffic flow, but not so great for a single parent trying to locate their child amongst a million. As soon as he came down the slide, I saw him. So technically he never was lost, just slower than all the others coming down. If you know Sam, this comes as no surprise.

Technically Wash My Cloth isn't lost in etsy world, but it seems as if it isn't being seen. I definitely need to work on my marketing, but without any sales lately, I am having a hard time justifying the expense to advertise. Other than advertising on blogs, websites, etc., there is the free marketing I like to call...wasting time. This includes blogging, reading and commenting on other blogs (not the highly read, because then you are that one kid in a million), and making comments in the forums of etsy. I made a comment in a forum last week and went to a couple blogs through that forum, posted some comments on blogs. The next day, I looked at my views, nothing really increased. I looked at people that marked my shop as a favorite, no new additions. I was quite depressed.

This morning, ready for another lack luster day in etsy world...I got this notification from Sydnei. Please check it out, she also has links to free giveaways...Christmas is coming and if you don't like the giveaway, I bet someone on your list will.

I guess wasting time does pay off.

Blogtoberfest

Although I missed day one, I'll post twice today to make up for it. A bunch of bloggers are challenging themselves to blog every day in October and I think I will try as well. The shop has been oh so slow and a tad depressing, maybe this will get my engines revving.

The well dressed gentleman above has been added to the shop. Taking pictures of this gem is very difficult. Tom tried to help, but those photo's didn't make the cut. I tried indoors, I tried outdoors, I tried holding it myself and photographing. I think I need to enlist a friend with steady arms and not so manly hands to help me out.

This bird is a Weaver bird, specifically a Speke's Weaver. They are fine looking birds, but the most exciting part of them is the nests that they weave and knot. It is truly amazing. I had a great video to share with you from YouTube.com, but can no longer find it. What I did find was this frame to frame video of a nest in progress. Another video available is a patronizing man in the sing songy voice telling me that the bird 'weeeaaavvveees'. A little too irritating to suggest it, but if you want to see the nest from first knot, try this video at your own risk.

I had started this blanquilt at the time I did the Hearts Blanquilt, but left it sitting for some time. I kept running out of material, then the colors didn't match (which turns out okay - and I actually like how they are placed), then I just didn't know how to finish it off. I thought about circles and trees and flowers and owls. But they all seemed too cliche to me. In a twist of irony, when I went to list the blanquilt, there was a treasury of cute little owls on the front page...ugh. So, I found the weaver bird and fell in love with him and his adorable little homes.

The price is high because it took a lot of energy, planning, measuring (not with a tape measure, but lengths of my hands), cutting, ripping out and starting over and the embroidery took quite some time.

And the real reason, I am not sure I can give it up. Maybe when I tire of it, I could drop the price, but right now, I need to touch it and look at it and be amazed how embroidery can really be used to paint a picture and to make an ordinary blanket a blanquilt.