private Sale

Now that Christmas is behind us let us look to the new year for new beginnings. I would like to clear my shelves in my shop and start with new items. In January the USPS will once again raise their rates. So with both of these in mind I am going to have a sale. This is the only place you can get the code tho. It is "surprise 25". You just enter it at checkout to get 25% off your items purchased. This sale will end December 31st at Midnight PST.

This year avoid the rush

If you haven't started your Christmas shopping yet, what are you waiting for? Now is the time to start looking for the perfect gifts for those you love. My husband is one of thirteen in his family. Now multiply that times two, add in the kids, those kids having babies of their own and you now get the overall picture of what I go through every year. Not an easy task my friend. My husband insists that everyone gets a gift.

I start by contacting the parents to find out what each child is into this year. With the child's age in mind and their interest and coming up with a thought provoking gift. It can be quite challenging for some of them. I have one that is into fashion or jewelry design. I pulled together a book on hemp bracelet making, enough hemp to make several along with the beads and a storage box to keep them in. After all this is a skill she can use for a long time. Another wants to learn to crochet. I found a dvd that shows the basics, a book also and some material and hooks. One of my younger nieces is into zebras. I found some great material to make her a zebra doll and will make her a dress that she will be able to wear for a few years as well. A lot of them are quite artistic and in college. We fully encourage them with gift cards to their favorite supply stores.

Having such a large group to buy for and a limited budget, I am always on the lookout for a good bargain. The only thing I won't do is compromise quality. I look for good American made products. They aren't always easy to find, may cost just a little more but I want my money to stay here in the USA. I also support handmade in america artisans. I shop on #Artfire to see if any of my gifts can be found there first before I shop any where else.

Remember that paying cash will also save you money in the long run. With credit cards charging upwards of 26%, if you are not paying the balance in full each month, that bargain you bought is no bargain. So do a little shopping each week and when the holidays roll around you can enjoy them. Instead of the masses at the mall.

Catherine

One sweet story

The following story comes by way of my mother-in-law. I don't know where she gets these but I just had to pass this one along because it made me smile. Hope it brings one for you as well.

  A Child's View of Thunderstorms

  A little girl walked to and from school daily. Though the weather
  that morning was questionable and clouds were forming, she made
  her daily trek to school. As the afternoon progressed, the winds
  whipped up, along with lightning.

  The mother of the little girl felt concerned that her daughter would
  be frightened as she walked home from school. She also feared
  the electrical storm might harm her child.

  Full of concern, the mother got into her car and quickly drove along
  the route to her child's school. As she did, she saw her little girl
  walking along.
  At each flash of lightning, the child would stop, look up, and smile.
  More lightning followed quickly and with each, the little girl would
  look at the streak of light and smile. When the mother drew up
  beside the child, she lowered the window and called, "What are
  you doing?"
  The child answered, "I am trying to look pretty because God keeps
  taking my picture."

  May God bless you today and every day as
  you face the storms that come your way.


The link below will take you to another cute one. Enjoy.
http://www.youtube.com/embed/pfxB5ut-KTs?rel=0

Catherine

Should I do this?

I am thinking of adding a section to my website. "Ready To Stuff" There are several reasons I would do this.
First being it would drastically cut down on the shipping costs. I could send the item in a padded mail envelope instead of a box, unless you order several. Second, you would have a hand in making it. They would come already made with the facial features in place. The bunnies tail would be attached if you ordered that one. Bear in mind that not all of the "critters" I make will be available in this category.
What I would like from you my readers is some feedback please. Leave a comment with your thoughts on this and I will update here by end of July.
Thanks so much,
Catherine

Summertime at last

With school coming to a close we look forward to spending more time outdoors. This of course means spending more time in the sun. For those of you with small children you not only have to think about the harming rays of the sun but what to do about sunburn as well. You can't keep them in all day but you can keep them out of the sun during the most harmful time, which they say is between 10am and 2pm, when the sun's rays are the strongest. Follow the instructions on your sunscreen bottle. Should they get a sunburn there are products that can help aleviate the burn. One such product can be purchased over the counter. It is called SARNA. It is an anti-itch lotion and has a cooling effect as well. Apply it liberally to the area as often as needed.
The other thing that comes with summertime of course are the mosquitos. While most of us do not like the smell of the repellent, we hate the bites even more. One sweet smelling remedy is AVON'S Skin So Soft. Not only will it help repel those pesky mosquitos but it will help keep the skin hydrated as well. I believe AVON even makes a new formula specifically for this. We don't want any West Nile Virus attacking our children this year.
However you look at it, your children will thank you in their older years, that you looked out for them. Remember a burn in childhood can often lead to skin cancer in our later years.
Have a safe and fun summer.
Catherine

Thank a Veteran

As Memorial Day approaches my family ponders if my dad will want to participate in this year's services. He is a member of the Knight's of Columbus and a veteran. He has always participated. However last year our mother died and my dad just hasn't been the same. He truly misses her. Never mind all the bickering that went on between the two of them. Even now he still talks to her. But my dad's spirit seems to be broken. He doesn't want to do much of anything. Forget the fact that his legs can no longer support him. They were both shattered by a postal truck many years ago. Although they were repaired by an amazing doctor and he has used them for as long as I can remember, they are now failing him. So is his health, but at 85 years old he has had what he calls a good life and "damn it I'm ready to go."

So we "kids" talked it over and decided that if he wants to do it then of course we will support him. After all he can be so stubborn. Just like my mother was! After all he won't be marching in a parade just doing an Honorguard at the downtown fountain square while they lay the wreaths at the Veteran's Memorial. I just don't know how long he would have to stand, but he could have his walker with him. I keep telling him there is nothing wrong with a little help...especially at his age. "Oh yeah? What do you know?"  Well a little bit. Used a walker while recovering from hip replacements. On oxygen all the time now. So I too have my cross to bear. Anyway will see.

But this Memorial Day as you are out with your family, watching the parade or enjoying a meal out. When you see a Veteran...say THANK-YOU. Let them know that you are grateful for all they have done so that you can enjoy all the freedom we have. While watching the parade stand up when they pass and shout at the top of your voice....! If your out at a restaurant and see someone in uniform, go up to them, say thank-you. Maybe you can't pay their bill but offer to pay say $1 or whatever you can. Who knows maybe others will join in. Our military personnel don't make nearly enough for what they do.

No matter what time of year it is...whenever you see a veteran,,,you should always say THANK YOU.
With out them we would be just be another third world country, not the BEST DAMN PLACE IN THE WORLD.

Stay safe and don't drink and drive or text!
Catherine

Choose Your Words Well

I have always been one to speak freely. Sometimes I have hurt others with what I have said. I learned at an early age that there are consequences to what I say and therefore have learned to "think before I speak." This story reminds us that words once spoken can never be taken back. Teach your children well.

Choose Your Words Well
======================

A certain good woman one day said something that hurt her best
friend of many years. She regretted it immediately and would
have done anything to have taken the words back. But they were
said impulsively in a moment of thoughtlessness, and as close
as she and her friend were, she didn't consider the effects of
her words before hand.

What she said hurt the friend so much that this good woman was
herself hurt for the pain she caused. In her effort to undo
what she had done, she went to an older, wiser woman in the
village, explained her situation, and asked for advice.

The older woman listened patiently in an effort to determine
just how sincere the younger woman was, how far she was willing
to go to correct the situation. She explained that sometimes,
in order to put things back in order, great efforts must be made.

She then asked, "Just what would you be willing to do to repair
the harm done?" The answer was heartfelt. "Anything!"

Listening to her, the older woman sensed the younger woman's
distress and knew she must help her. She also knew she could
never alleviate her pain by living her life for her, but she
could teach, if the younger woman would first listen and then
learn.

She knew the outcome would depend solely on the character of the
younger woman. She said, "There are two things you need to do to
make amends. The first of the two is extremely difficult.

Tonight, take your best feather pillows and open a small hole
in each one. Then, before the sun rises, you must put a single
feather on the doorstep of each house in town.

When you are through, come back to me. If you've done the first
thing completely, I'll tell you the second."

The young woman hurried home to prepare for her chore, even
though the pillows were very dear to her and very expensive.

All night long, she labored alone in the cold. She went from
doorstep to doorstep, taking care not to overlook a single
house. Her fingers were frozen, the wind was so sharp it caused
her eyes to water, but she ran on through the darkened streets,
thankful there was something she could do to put things back the
way they once were.

Finally as the sky was getting light, she placed the last
feather on the steps of the last house. Just as the sun rose,
she returned to the older woman.

She was exhausted but relieved that her efforts would be
rewarded.

"My pillows are empty. I placed a feather on the doorstep of
each home."  "Now," said the wise woman, "Go back and refill your
pillows. Then everything will be as it was before."

The young woman was stunned. "You know that's impossible!
The wind blew away each feather as fast as I placed them on the
doorsteps! You didn't say I had to get them back! If this is
the second requirement, then things will never be the same."

"That's true," said the older woman. "Never forget. Each of
your words is like a feather in the wind. Once spoken, no
amount of effort, regardless how heartfelt or sincere, can ever
return them to your mouth. Choose your words well and guard
them most of all in the presence of those you love."

~Author Unknown~

I learned at an early age that there are consequences to what I say and therefore have learned to "think before I speak." I sometimes slip up and then wish I could just disappear before I have to see it in the persons eyes that I have hurt them.  I can't take it back or make it better. So today's little lesson is to teach your children to think before they speak and not to hurt those they love.

Catherine

I Am A Guardian

For most of us we consider our dogs, or any of our animals, part of our family. We usually get them when they are very small and as they grow so too does our love for them. While most people call themselves pet "owners" I have chosen to forgo that awful word. I do not believe that we can truly own a living, breathing creature.  I instead prefer to be called a guardian. After all do we not watch over them and protect them, just like we do our children? We keep them safe..on a leash, in a fenced in yard, up to date with all of their shots.
In return we get unconditional love from them. A wagging tail when we return home after a long day at work. A companion to snuggle with when we are sick. Someone for our children to play with and teach them what it means to love with all your heart. All they ask for in return is to be treated with kindness.
I have been very fortunate to have had many different pets thru-out my lifetime. They included dogs, cats, birds and even bunnies. The hardest thing of course is knowing when it is time to say goodbye. Being a good guardian then is the hardest thing you will face. Sometimes your fur baby is just in too much pain to enjoy life anymore. Only you and your fur baby can make that decision. I have always been there till the end, holding my fur baby one last time. It hurts but knowing they are no longer in pain has always helped. That and I have an amazing veterinary staff that understands all of my actions involving my babies. God bless them.
For those of you who are crying...STOP. This is not meant for you to weep. It's to let you know how much joy there is in sharing your life with a fur baby! It's enormous. The love they give us is worth all that and so much more. I do not like to end on a sad note so....

I recently came upon a video that just made me smile. I know you will like it too. ENJOY! Catherine

Just PUSH

My motto has always been a little prayer can't hurt. So whomever you pray to, with that in mind read on and enjoy today's little story.

JUST PUSH

A man was sleeping one night in his cabin when suddenly his room filled with light, and God appeared.

The Lord told the man he had work for him to do, and showed him a large rock in front of his cabin.

The Lord explained that the man was to push against the rock with all his might.

So, this the man did, day after day. For many years he toiled from sun-up to sundown, his shoulders set squarely against the cold, massive surface of the unmoving rock, pushing with all his might! Each night the man returned to his cabin sore and worn out, feeling that his whole day had been spent in vain.Since the man was showing discouragement, the Adversary (Satan) decided to enter the picture by placing thoughts into the man's weary mind. (He will do it every time!)

"You have been pushing against that rock for a long time and it hasn't moved." Thus, he gave the man the impression that the task was impossible and that he was a failure. These thoughts discouraged and disheartened the man.

Satan said, "Why kill yourself over this? Just put in your time, giving just the minimum effort, and that will be good enough."

That's what the weary man planned to do, but decided to make it a matter of prayer and to take his troubled thoughts to the Lord.

"Lord," he said, "I have labored long and hard in Your Service, putting all my strength to do that which you have asked. Yet, after all this time, I have not even budged that rock by half a millimeter. What is wrong? Why am I failing?"

The Lord responded compassionately, "My friend, when I asked you to serve Me and you accepted, I told you that your task was to push against the rock with all of your strength, which you have done. Never once did I mention to you that I expected you to move it. Your task was to push. And now you come to Me with your strength spent, thinking that you have failed. But, is that really so? Look at yourself. Your arms are strong and muscled, your back shiny and brown; your hands are callused from constant pressure, your legs have become massive and hard. Through opposition you have grown much, and your abilities now surpass that which you used to have. True, you haven't moved the rock. But your calling was to be obedient and to push and to exercise your faith and trust in My wisdom. That you have done. Now I, my friend, will move the rock."

At times, when we hear a word from God, we tend to use our own intellect to decipher what He wants, when actually what God wants is just simple obedience and faith in Him. By all means, exercise the faith that moves mountains, but know that it is still God who moves the mountains.

When everything seems to go wrong............................Just P.U.S.H.

When the job gets you down......................Just P.U.S.H.

When people don't do as you think they should............Just P.U.S.H.

When your money is "gone" and the bills are due..............Just P.U.S.H.

When people just don't understand you...............Just P.U.S.H.

P = Pray
U = Until
S = Something
H = Happens

Pass this on to all your loved ones and friends who may need it,
they may get it just in time.

"Though no one can go back and make a brand new start
anyone can start from now and make a brand new ending."

"Friends are quiet angels who lift us to our feet when our wings have
trouble remembering how to fly."
May God Bless And KeepYou

So pray to your God, whomever HE is that your family stays safe.
Catherine

A Site Worth Seeing!

When you think of handmade what comes to mind? Well clothes obviously. But there is so much more. When you actually think about it your two hands can make almost everything you need.
 From basic furniture

 to books on making basic furniture.       

The dishes we set the table with

and even the tablecloth too.

You can even find place card holders.

All of these items can be found on a site called ARTFIRE.COM. There are amazing shops there with an amazing mix of items. So go ahead. Have a look and you just might find something you will like that was handmade.

Catherine

Cell Phone Info

Every now and then I get some great information that I feel should be passed on. Below are 4 such examples. These are for your cell phones. They work on all of them.

FIRST   (Emergency)

The Emergency Number worldwide for  Mobile is 112, and can be dialed even if the keypad is locked.

SECOND   (Hidden Battery Power)

To activate, press the  keys *3370#. Your cell phone will restart with this reserve and the instrument will show a 50% increase in battery. This reserve will get charged when you charge your cell phone next time.

THIRD   (How to disable a STOLEN mobile phone? )

To check your mobile phone's serial number, key in the following digits on your phone:    
  *#06# .
A 15-digit code will appear on the screen. This number is unique to your handset. Write it down and keep it somewhere safe.

If your phone is stolen, you can phone your service provider and  give them this code. They will then be able to block your handset so even if the thief changes the SIM card, your phone will be  totally useless. You probably won't get your phone back, but at least you know that whoever stole it can't use/sell it either. If everybody does this, there would be no point in people stealing mobile  phones.

And Finally....

FOURTH   (Free Directory Service for Cells)

When you need to use the 411 information option, simply dial:

(800) FREE411 or (800) 373-3411    
without incurring any charge at all.  Program this into your cell phone now.

I told you they were good!
Here is another good one.
Looking for unique gift ideas?
Head over to ARTFIRE.COM and check out the various artisans and their wares.
Have a great holiday.
Catherine

AHH Springtime!

Ahh springtime... The birds return, the trees start to bud, the days turn warmer. We all look forward to it after the dreary days of winter. We can shed that heavy coat, opt for a lighter sweater even go without one on some days. We plan ahead to those glorious days of summer! But don't rush it. Enjoy these days of new beginnings. Most people are in too much of a hurry. Slow down and act like a child again. Watch a sunset in amazement and awe with your children. Go for a walk in the forest preserves and see what is sprouting. Take a trip to the zoo and see the new babies. Have a picnic in the park. Make a kite, then go fly it. Help out a neighbor who can no longer do the chores by themselves. Teach them the value of community.
Live for today because it is a present that should be shared. Live each day as if it were your last and you will be able to say that you lived life to its fullest. Show your children that there is a life outside of their gameboys and iphones. That normal conversation is between people not a computer and a keyboard. I fear that if we do not then the next generation will be all sitting in cubicles typing away waiting for the other person to do something about anything.
So enjoy spring with your family....outside!

Family is priceless!

This past weekend my sister, Deb, came to my house to assist me. I have a craft fair coming up March 23rd and I have so many stuffed animals to stuff, that I asked for some help. Deb is currently working as a home health aide and trying to get a medical assistant position in a dr's office. She works long hours for little pay. Home health care is not an easy field to work in. Mostly you work for an agency that takes on cases/clients and then they pay you an hourly wage. You have no benefits. This means no vacation days, paid holidays, health insurance or dental. You are at their mercy to give you a decent "job" and hope that the hours they give you are enough to live off of. This is not the case for my sister. If I could list the company name here I would. It's a shame they keep her on a thin chain to work this case  or that one,--"When they come back out of the hospital/rehab." Meanwhile she can't pay her bills because they won't give her enough hours elsewhere because "we're holding you for so and so."  I wish I could pay her for the time she helps me but alas I too am one of those that struggle to make ends meet.
Anyway, Deb arrives Friday afternoon and takes me to the bank and post office. My car is sitting in the garage-dead battery/electrical issues! Argh-those cost a small fortune to track down. Don't get me started there. LOL. When we get back to the house and settle in for the weekend, it's girl time. PJ's on, wine glasses filled, dog out and stuffing materials gathered and ready. We turn on the tv to catch up on taped episodes of our favorite shows. While we listen/watch we stuff the critters. Before you know it the husband comes home from work. He makes dinner, he's great like that, and afterwards we finish all of the ones I had sewn. Wow!
So Saturday I showed her how to layout a pattern on the chenille. While she cut patterns I stitched some of what I had cut earlier in the week. By the time she left Sunday she had cut another full box for me to sew. She must have cut up 3 spreads. I will be very busy the next 2 weeks with sewing, stuffing and putting on the face details.
I love my sister! She goes with me to the fairs and helps me do the setting up, selling and taking down. Without her help I couldn't do it. Once last year the husband went with me. We had a great sale day that day too.
So as I have said, FAMILY IS PRICELESS!

Today's Sorrowful Thought....HAVE FAITH

Today I am probably going to ramble BUT please bear with me.

 HAVE FAITH!

That's all, just a little faith. In God, your fellow man, that everything will turn out alright. Now I'm using God here as an example. We all may believe in a different God, but whomever your God is,  just for today,  say a prayer to him. That our leaders of all of the nations may one day find peace. That our doctors may one day find a cure for cancer, or diabetes or whatever you want a cure for. That the hungry shall have food, the homeless a home. That animals shall no longer suffer at the hand of a human, nor a child for that matter! There are so many things to pray for and yet we have countless things to already be grateful for. We must pray for these as well. I believe we get the good with the bad. How else will we know what we have? I pray the Catholic Church finds a new Pope to lead us all.

HAVE FAITH!

I pray for my friend who's husband just committed suicide. The helplessness one feels to do such an act. It is the ones left behind that will surely play the endless questions of  "What if?" over and over in their mind. Never getting the answer they so desperately want to hear. I pray for those who have lost their faith, that they may find it again. I pray for all of those whose live this man touched. Be they father, lover, brother, son or friend, find some of the peace that he now has. They will need it to carry them thru what will be difficult times in the days and weeks ahead of them.

HAVE FAITH!

I am blessed to have a wonderful husband who takes care of me in sickness and in health. I do the same for him. Being on oxygen I can barely climb a set of stairs let alone clean the house, he is such a good house-husband.
In richness and in poor. We are struggling to pay our debts that we have but an end will come and then we will finally be debt free..forever!  Looking forward to October 2014 when we make that final payment.
And most of all we are blessed with many friends and family. Another friend just found out he may have stage 4 cancer. He is getting married this weekend. So you see, they support us thru the good and bad times. Keep us laughing, hug us when we cry.

HAVE FAITH!

So today I say a prayer to my God for all of these things. Please keep my friends and their families in yours. I hope you say a prayer to yours for all you truly believe in. Amen.
Catherine

What to buy for a baby gift?

So you have a baby shower coming up. What do you do? Buy a present that everyone else does or go for something that no one else would possibly think of?
First you have to know if the sex has been determined yet. Will the present be for a boy or a girl? As we all know buying a present for a girl is a lot more fun but it can be just as rewarding searching for that special gift for a boy as well.
Let's take a look at gifts for girls first. You could do the usual thing like a diaper bag or a crib mobile. But what about a dress set that was crocheted with matching booties and hat in the mothers favorite shade?  How about some handmade bibs and you could pair them with some homemade diaper rash cream?
What about a baby quilt that could be added to as the child gets older the quilt gets larger? See you just have to be a little creative in your thinking.
Now for a boy you could go for a crocheted hat and diaper cover. Maybe a stuffed animal? (I make several that can be handed down thru the generations.) What about felt booties in dads favorite sport team? Of course you could get t-shirts with dad's favorite team also.
For both girls and boys don't forget the grandparents! Logos with them on it go a long way as well.
If the sex is known and a name has been chosen this is even better as you can have things personalized.

Now if you are giving a baby shower here is a really cute idea, for either a girl or a boy.
Get one of my baby dolls in the correct ethnicity. Leaving just the "diaper" on it and use that as the centerpiece for the shower with a little note that says "Baby WHO?" Then present the baby to the mom-to-be. That can be your present! I make them in both boy and girl versions.

All of these ideas can be viewed over here: www.artfire.com.

Just enter a search item and happy looking!
Till next time.
Catherine

What makes your heart go pitter-patter?

Do you remember the first time you fell in love? I do. It was with my first dog. Yes it was. Are you ready for this? The post man delivered her to our door! Now I am talking a ways back now, all of 1960. She was an English Springer Spaniel with a silky coat. Her ears were like velvet.
I had a yellow stuffed dog that I use to sleep with. One day she got ahold of it and it slowly became hers.
She played with it endlessly. Time passed. I remember one summer she mated with a neighbors dog. We children looked forward to the birth of the puppies. Mom and Dad not so much. One Sunday we went on an outing, up to the lake, to go boating, water skiing and swimming.  These were always fun times. Sometimes the neighbors would join us and this particular day was no different. Only it was.
Auntie Em's son John was home from the Marines and would be coming too. It was a great day. Till the tow rope for the ski board broke and whipped back into the boat and smacked me across my eyes. I still remember this because that night she had her puppies.
The next morning my mom came in to see how I was feeling, all bandaged up, eyes swollen shut. They didn't know if I would see again. She placed a tiny warm little puppy in my hand. I squealed with delight. It wasn't until a week later that I actually got to see all 6 of them.
Shortly after they went to their new homes our mom met us at the door one night as we came home from school. She sat us down and said that she had some bad news to give us. "C" had turned on her that morning
when she came back from taking us to school and had to be put down. I think the whole neighborhood
heard us that day. When my dad got home all he said was-that's it no more dogs.
When my mom was gathering up the dogs things to donate them to the animal pound, I saw she had my yellow dog. I took one look and wailed. She handed him to me and I grabbed him, running to my room crying.
The things we love and cherish, no matter how tattered, are still precious. To this day I still LOVE the English Springer Spaniel and the memory of my yellow dog.

Are you really getting free shipping?

Now a days everyone is looking for a bargain. Be it a coupon for the grocery store, a $5.00 off when you purchase more than XX amount or even free shipping. But are you really getting it shipped for free? In my opinion I would have to say probably not. More than likely what has happened is they have marked the price of the item up to defray the cost of those shipping charges. Unless they are a huge chain like Joann Fabrics that can offer free shipping every now and then, more than likely you will have to pay to have an item shipped. More often these days you will find that you have to spend a certain amount to get that free shipping. That's fine if you need to order a lot from that retailer, but what about from a smaller one. Take me for instance. I have a very small business. I sell maybe an item or two at the most at any one time. I usually ship via USPS. I do however have the option to print my label at home. I also have several choices on how I want to ship the package. Do I want it to go by Priority Mail? Regular post? Or can I save even more with a feature they now call Regional Mail? Here again it depends on how soon the customer wants the product. If they can wait the extra mailing time I would recommend the Regional Mail, it drastically cuts down on the cost. In the end we are all looking at the bottom line and keeping the money in our own pockets and if I can help my customers out then that is what I do.

Till next time,
Catherine

So you want to make a chenille stuffed animal

I have seen several inquiries on my webpage for "how to make a stuffed animal from chenille." Although it is not hard, it does require patience. I could go on and on about it but I will make this short and to the point.

Things you will need:
very strong sturdy scissors
#18 sewing machine needle-for your sewing machine
chenille*
animal pattern**
* and ** see footnotes
WARNING: Not all patterns are suitable for chenille. But I have found that enlarging it helps a lot! I go to the public library and increase them by 10-15%, then try again. Sometimes that's all they need. Just remember to do ALL of the pieces the same.

First. Decide what you want to make. A rabbit, teddy bear, a dog or cat? You get the idea.

Second. Decide do you want a new pattern or a vintage pattern? New go to the store and pick one out  OR
you can check out online shops for both new and vintage patterns.

Third. Choose your chenille.  If you are fortunate enough to have one from grandma, that's great. If not, then you need to purchase it. Again you will need to know how much you need. You can purchase pieces as small as 6 inches square all the way up to a full spread. Read the descriptions carefully. If you are purchasing a vintage chenille spread it should state that it is cotton. If the description states it is a cutter, than even better because it should not cost as much as one in pristine condition. I myself would never cut up a truly pristine  one.  Now try and decide on a spread because the more you look the more you fall in love with them.

Fourth. Now to cut it out. Again you need to have the vision of the completed project. If your fabric has a repeating design, (most do) then fold it in half with the chenille tufts ON THE INSIDE!! (I have learned it is easier to cut out.) Make sure you pin thru both halves. You need sharp, strong scissors. Pay attention to where each piece goes and what you want the final piece to look like. Remember to place each pattern piece accordingly! This is half of the battle.

Fifth. Prepare to sew. Read all instructions thru at least one time before beginning. Keep close by for reference. Follow instructions. For ears that have points I have found that when I get to the point part--I stop at the end of the curve, leaving the needle in the fabric lift the pressure foot and rotate the fabric 90 degrees put in 2 or 3 stitches again leaving needle in lift pressure foot and rotate fabric and finish off ear, this gives a great point. I also use a chop stick for turning and stuffing. When joining pieces remember to clip curves as needed and reinforce area to be hand-stitched where you will stuff-em.

Sixth. Stuffing them. Before I stuff them I have started putting the "face" on. Since I use buttons I like to make sure they are solidly attached. This way I can attach them on the inside! Same for the nose and tails.
Use small batches of stuffing to stuff-em. For hard to reach places I use a chop stick. You can also use a wooden spoon handle. Pack the feet firmly, remembering to smooth the fabric, shape as you stuff-em. Continue on until you reach the "breaking" point. REMEMBER YOU STILL HAVE TO CLOSE HIM UP!
And to do that, depending on what I am making, I will use either a blanket stitch of just a slip stitch. Just make sure it's secure enough to stand the test of time. You want him to last for a few generations to come.

FOOTNOTES:
*You can purchase solid color chenille at most fabric stores now.
**Here is where you have to have a vision of what it will look like when it is completed. This is where your sewing skills come into play. Where on the chenille will which pattern piece go to give you the stuffed animal you want?

Do you still want to make it yourself? If that answer is yes, you can always contact me for support. I know I wish I had someone when I wasn't sure on a particular pattern. My contact information can be found on my website: www.custardpuddingdreams.artfire.com

Oh and back to that question--If you do not want to make it yourself. Visit my website.
I would also like to know how many would be interested in kits, like ready to stuff or ready to sew.
So if you would drop me a note my email is: custardpuddingdreams@gmail.com.

Till next time,
Catherine

Welcome 2013! My new year goal

As we start 2013 with a clean slate we reflect on things we will change, hopefully for the better. I for one hope to change some of my health problems. Being on oxygen all the time can be a bit depressing. Having to be hooked up to one machine or another and trying to figure out just what you can and can't do. There is a whole list of things I can no longer do because of my physical limitations. Mostly house chores. I am so lucky my husband does as much as he does without too much complaining. LOL. The rest gets done a little here and there as I can get to it. Good thing it's just us and the dog.
My doctor keeps saying that if I exercise more that I will be able to do more. I can't walk up or down a flight of stairs without being out of breath so I don't get how that's gonna happen? I remember when I was doing my hip replacement rehab, I was on oxygen then, it took me almost 2 hours to get thru what should have been a 40 minute session, not including the cold packs afterwards, and I had to up my O2 intake also. Well we will see how it goes. It can only kill me. Right? My philosophy has always been, you gotta die of something, at least I'd know what did me in.
Continuing to look on the bright side of things, I am enjoy this time that the hubby is away. He is in sunny San Diego at a convention, while I am here taking care of home and dog. I did not want to go and sit in the hotel all day waiting, then go out all night only to come back sick again. No siree, not this year. I did that the last 2 years and wound up in the hospital when I came back, both times with pneumonia. So I decided I did not want a return trip this year. Hoping not to go there this year. Got my flu shot and staying away from all the sickies! At least I have been able to catch up on some cleaning.
I am also starting the new year with some lower prices in my shop as well as some new items. I have lowered my dolls from $45.00 to $35.00. I hope this helps those of you who where thinking of purchasing them. I know we are still in tough economic times. I do not think we are done yet and that there are even more tougher times to come. While a lot of us still struggle to keep a roof over our heads, I know even more struggle to put food on the table. That is why I have decided that for every doll I sell $5.00 will go to a food pantry to help feed a family in need. I will keep a running post here so everyone can see. I hope to make a $100.00 contribution this year. With your help I am certain I will make that goal.
Here is the link to my shop: www.custardpuddingdreams.artfire.com.