TGFV

Thank Goodness For Vacation! We had a wonderful Christmas with friends and family, hope you did as well. The highlight for me was the Christmas Eve service at our former church. Our new holiday tradition is to spend the day with my family in SC and then stop on the way home for church. We moved 7 years ago and we all miss our church family very much. I look forward to the once a year visit and although it still makes me a little 'home sick', the overwhelming welcome is worth it.

My machines are enjoying a few days off for yearly maintain & servicing. I'll start production again on Jan. 4. I'm excited about adding some new products, check out the great new quilted travel essentials below. I had a limited selection that were top sellers for Christmas. The additional colors & patterns will be fabulous Mothers' Day, Shower & Graduation gifts. I've got a bee in my bonnet for a website re-do/update, but it's so much work and I'm too cheap to pay someone...sounds like a good summer vacation project. I'd like to thank all of you that helped make 2009 a great year for Basement Bags and hope you will continue shop with me.

Do you have something special planned for New Year's Eve? I'd love to do something fun...we usually stay home & rarely stay awake 'til midnight...how lame!

Hot ticket...

Quilted duffle & garment bags are hot ticket gift items this year. Not the best picture (maybe Santa will bring me a camera & photography lessons!) but you get the idea.

This one is navy with navy & white polka dot ribbon, monogrammed with kelly green thread...prep-a-licious!

A few precious minutes...

Made great progress on my orders this past

weekend so today after school I took a few ME minutes.

First, a much needed manicure (chemical finishes on fabric play havoc with the cuticles!) and then a not-so-needed-but-oh-so-yummy Peppermint Chocolate Chip Shake from Chick Fil A....marvelous treats! And the perfect incentives to get me back to work this evening. Check back tomorrow for pics of the adorable duffle & garment bags that I stitched up tonight.

Right now it's bedtime...sweet dreams!

Where are the elves?

I could sure use some sewing/embroidery elves...
this is what's cookin' in the basement today

Set of cosmetic bags and travel mug
Christmas tree CuTees

Classy Shoe Bag

Train CuTee for Palmer

Can Wrap

We have our first Christmas party tonight. Semi-formal affair...dinner, dancing...always a great time. I can't wait! Hope you are staying dry & warm and having a fabulous weekend.

And the winner is....

Judy Meggs from The Green Hanger Shop

Congratulations to Judy and thanks to everyone who entered.

Drawing was made through Random.Org, results can be seen at this link

http://www.random.org/draws/details/?draw=1114

Just some of it...

Here is just some of what has left the basement in the last few days. A slide shows would be nice, huh? I need to learn how to do that! Anyway, enjoy. We are off for a movie date and it won't hurt my feelings if you order something while I'm out!

Psst...don't forget to sign up for the giveaway!

Personalized Cosmetic Bags
Lime Green Tote

CuTees


Slippers and more slippers!

Snazzy Pillowcases

Holiday Hand Towels

Another Green Tote

and

more monogrammed cosmetic bags!

Hope you had a safe and happy Thanksgiving. We had just the girls this year and it was so relaxed. Hopefully, we'll catch up with the rest of the family for Christmas. Speaking of Christmas...I've heard so many people say they were completely finished with decorating and shopping. Honestly, Christmas is not my favorite holiday, but I do sort of like preparing and celebrating during the month of the actual event. I just don't see the fun in getting ready for one holiday before the paint has dried on the previous one. I do know this time of year is fabulous for my favorite sport, people watching!

Have a super Saturday night, y'all!

Giveaway!

I am busy in the Basement this weekend, but I wanted to take time to announce a Giveaway! T0 celebrate my 125th blog post, I will be giving away a monogrammed tote!

made out of oil cloth (15" x 14")

The giveaway ends at midnight Saturday, 11/28/09, a winner will be drawn on Sunday 11/29/09.

Enter by leaving a comment on the blog.

Extra entries can be earned by:
1. Posting about this giveaway on your blog (leave a comment to let me know)
2. Writing about this giveaway on Facebook (be sure to tag me with @Basement Bags)
3. Announcing this giveaway on Twitter (use hashtag #BasementBagGiveaway)
4. Sign up to be a follower on my blog (leave a comment to let me know you already are a follower)
5. Sign up to be a Facebook Fan
6. Become a follower on Twitter

This tote would be a great gift for someone special on your gift list (including yourself!) and it can be ready in time to be placed under the tree!

Good Luck!

Everyday things

I often tease that I'm on a mission to 'monogram the world'. Monogramming transforms those everyday things into something special. I'm at home today nursing a sore toe (had an ingrown toe nail removed yesterday...how gross & painful!) and using the 'dayoff' to catching up on some little projects.

CuTees

Long sleeve tee shirt with Christmas Design and name or initials

email Susan@basmentbags.com to order

$18.00 each plus shipping

this is Coopers' shirt, there's also one for Jack & baby Paul...what a Susie!!! ;)

Whew!

Will there be a monogrammed purse under your Christmas tree?

Working hard in the basement! This is the time of year that going to work Monday-Friday is like resting..lol. Had to come up & take a couple of 'sunshine breaks' , we're having beautiful weather.

Happy Sunday, y'all.

'Tis the season...

....to get orders in for Christmas! I've got lots of great, affordable gift ideas...grab a cup of coffee and come shop with me at Basement Bags.
I'd love to make something special for everyone on your gift list, including you!!

Just finished this Fancy Zebra bag. It's off to FL tomorrow morning. Unfortunately that's the last set of those adorable polka-dot handles. But I have plenty of zebra fabric and can makes shoulder straps from fabric or black webbing...almost as cute as the handles.

I never get tired of making gift sets for baby showers. This set includes a newborn cap & bib, burp cloth with ice cream cone applique and a onesie foofed up with ribbon and appliqued letter.


I'll be sewing all weekend...thankfully, I'm in the mood. Y'all take care.

Did you hear that?!?!?

At the end of the evening news, Brian Williams said "50% of all children in America are on Food Stamps and 90% of African American children are". That is a shocking statistic. What happened to personal responsibility? Seriously, do politicians and feeble minded freeloaders think there is any balance or fairness in that amount of 'dependency' in our society? Sure, my heart bleeds for the poor children. My exasperation is with the adults who contrived the system and those who feel entitled by it or worse, abuse it. And to add to the agony...my radio station just switched to it's 'All Christmas Music All The Time' format...for crying out loud! let us get the witches & goblins packed away first! Anyway, I made these cute things today.

Personalized totes, lunch bags & houndstooth clutch

Are you a Gator fan?

I'm not really into sports. During my college days, tailgating at Clemson was the best. NC State is my North Carolina team pick. Although I've never been to a game, my brother claims NC State is just like Clemson, minus the lake. I'm definitely more of an ACC girl, but have to admit this 'Gator Bag' turned out pretty cute.

Monday & Tuesday we are out for Fall Break....I'm extremely excited. I'll most likely spend my 'time off' catching up in the Basement. School is great, but working at home is wonderful!

It's rainy and cool here today...wish I'd made vegetable soup or chili. Oh well, we're not above eating the canned stuff.

Hope you enjoy what's left of the weekend!

They're back!

Hot flashes, irritability, memory loss, night sweats....menopause symptoms! I've lived through adolescence (mine & the girls!) wild college days (again, mine & theirs!), 28 hrs. of HARD labor, an unhappy marriage, excessive weight gain (and loss and regain), single parenthood, financial difficulties, and I swear right now menopause feels like the plague to end all others. It got really bad this summer. So after lots of research, a few trials with home & OTC remedies I finally decided to try a mild antidepressant. We are not strangers to psycho-girl drugs in our house and they have helped us maneuver through some tough times. Since mid-August the meds seemed to be doing the trick and symptoms were much better...until this past week...and now they're back with a vengeance. I'd love to hear about your experiences, especially coping mechanisms, if you are living with this special life event. And we thought menstrual cramps were the curse. Ha!

I've got lots of work to do in the basement, but think I'll take part of the day off and go to 'Christmas Made in the South'...check out the competition. Y'all have a great weekend.

Haven't left ...

.. the house all weekend. Actually don't think I've been outside since arriving home Friday after school. We've had no visitors. I've done no housework, except a few loads of laundry which need to be put away. I've cooked only one meal. But I've been busy in the basement! Check out these super personalized gifts, all under $20!
Child Tote Bags

Wet Bathing Suit Bag

Checkbook covers

Show us what you make

Clutch Bags for Bridesmaids

Over at Kelly's Korner, her post yesterday was 'show us what you make' and there are some fabulous sites (over 400) full of handmade goodies. Check it out, but come on back to Basement Bags for the real cute stuff! Speaking of, here's some of what I made this week....

It's wonderfully 'fallish' here today...love it. Sleeping late this morning was heavenly! Paul is doing great, although we
still don't know the cause of his sickness. I have several fun projects to work on and look forward to sharing when they are finished.
Hope y'all have something fun planned for the weekend.

Thinking Christmas yet?

I know some of you are already shopping for Christmas ... heck, so of you may be FINISHED shopping for Christmas!!! For those of you that are still in the 'planning' stages...hope you'll remember all the fabulous, reasonably priced items at Basement Bags.

I just reduced the price of monogrammed slippers to only $18.oo...now that's a deal! a stinkin' cute personalized gift for less than twenty bucks!

Good news

Paul got to come home today. Yeah!!! They put in a PICC line so he could get IV meds at home while we continue to wait for test results. He looks great and his Mom & Dad are so happy to be home. I know big brother Jack is also glad that they are all together for the first time in almost two weeks. Thanks again for all of your prayers and well wishes. In a situation like this one doesn't think about the cost until everything settles down...no doubt it will be staggering.....guess we shouldn't worry about it. Just heard 'they' voted and passes the first bill on Obamacare. I'm sure they will take care of us good ole working middle class folks and our medical needs.
Raise your hand if you believe that.

Baby update, beauty products and compacts

First, thanks for all of your concerns and prayers. Your well wishes mean so much to us. We still don't have a firm diagnosis. Maybe a viral infection, maybe a metabolic disorder...test results aren't all in and more test have been ordered. Paul was moved to the main hospital in Charlotte yesterday...bigger facility, more specialists, parents feel good about the change. We are hoping for some answers soon...in the meantime, please continue to keep us in your thoughts.

Wanted to share my new favorite beauty product. Clinique Even Better Moisture and foundation. I had been using a very expensive glycolic acid
skin care line and just didn't feel like I was getting enough 'bang for my buck'. A few months ago, when it was time for new foundation, I got the Even Better and almost immediately noticed improvement. I decided to try the moisture. In just a few short weeks my skin is smoother and more even toned than in years. Hubby even noticed without being prompted! And it's much more affordable than the other stuff, that alone makes me feel better.

I love repeat customers! Makes me feel like they really appreciate my work. Last year Molly ordered cosmetic bags for the girls on her cheer leading team...black and white polka dot with red monogram. This year she ordered them matching compacts. Too cute!
Happy weekend y'all.

PICU

Paul has been in PICU since Sunday night and they are still doing test. Hopefully we will have a definite diagnosis by tomorrow. They believe he has one of the TORCH infections and are working to pinpoint which virus is making him sick. He will be hospitalized until the virus is no longer active...could be a month or more. We got to visit today... I was able to hold & feed him and he was responsive. His Mom said he'd had a good day and that he was more alert this afternoon than he'd been. Our precious baby is not out of the woods yet, but we are encouraged that he will continue to improve. The doctors & nurses have been wonderful and we are confident that they are doing everything possible to take care of Paul. Please keep us in your thought.

As life takes us down this bumpy side road, I have to reminded myself that things happen for a reason, to have faith that we will understand those reasons, and hope we have the courage to rise to the occasion. Business has been slow for the past few weeks, which usually worries me, but with the events of the last month, the extra time is a Godsend. I did finish this set of burps and matching bib.

I'm loving the fall weather, it's my favorite time of year. Hope life is being good to you this week!

Rough Start

This is week three in the life of our new baby Paul and unfortunately it's been a rough start. First week his Mom ended up at the ER, then the OR for a D & C. Second week she got mastitis....been there, done that and in my opinion it's one of the worse of the 'female things'. Then 2am Sat. morning we got a call to come stay with 2 yrs. old big brother Jack, they had to rush baby Paul to hospital. He had been extremely fussy and had high fever. He is still in the hospital and we are waiting for test results. Poor baby had a 'full work up' which included a Lumbar Puncture (spinal tap). They are thinking it's some type of viral infection and he's improving but it's scary for the little guy to be so sick. In this situation my maternal instinct to 'fix everything' leaves me feeling useless and frustrated. Luckily we have lots of family here that have pitched in to help. Jack has been wonderful, but taking care of a toddler wears me out! Please keep Paul and his parents in your thoughts. Hopefully when this passes we will have all sweet sunshine and fluffy teddy bears.

Weekend

We spent the a rainy, but very enjoyable weekend in Sevierville, TN. My Dad and Nina (my bonus Mom) had a condo for the week and invited us and my brother to join them. The drive up was a little dicey, it rained most of the way. Saturday morning we ate the breakfast at the fabulous Apple Barn ... then we HAD to walk it off with a little outlet shopping. Seriously, a little is the truth, I went into only one store, but we won't talk about how much a spent in that one store. It was Chico's for crying out loud and I had a gift card! Then it rained buckets all day long, but it was the perfect excuse to stay in and just catch up, we had a wonderful 'visit'. Today the weather was beautiful, a day made for convertibles. Loved the ride home with the 'top down' but I swear my neck got sunburned.

I finished up an order of clutch bags that you see pictured here. This is a great time for me to share my 'secret weapon' for clutch bag making....my Hubby the 'crimper'. He crimps the frames and then hand polishes every bag. What a man! Of course, crimping is only one of his talents. He is one of those guys that can do everything. The kind that makes it hard for daughters when selecting potential life partners. Not many guys can measure up to Danny Daddy! He also brings me coffee (while I'm getting ready for work) and makes my breakfast every morning! I am a lucky girl!

Still here...

Life is crazy busy, but I'm still here. My only exciting news is our new grandson, he is so sweet. His Mom had a little set back, gave us a scare and a Friday night at the hospital. She is fine now and all is well. I have been running the machines wide open ... thank you wonderful customers! Sorry I don't even have a project picture to share. What a slacker!
Back to work now...promise I will try to post something fabulous next time.

He's here!

Precious Baby Paul

Proud Susie

Weekend

It's been a productive weekend in the basement. Didn't take pictures of everything, but here are a couple. The tote and two sets of monogrammed towels will be graduation gifts for May '10...I do love the customer that plans ahead! Hope you ladies will remember me when you start making out your Christmas gift lists and order early.

I designed a logo and embroidered hoodies and polo shirts for the 'Fine Arts' teachers at a neighboring school. Their school colors are purple and teal (like those soooo much better than our orange/black..yuck!)

Speaking of orange & black, these key fobs are not for Halloween, they are the colors at Northwest Cabarrus High School, where I teach. My class usually makes these as a fund raiser for our program. The past two years were have made over $800 ... great way for the students to realize that sewing can be a profitable skill. I made up a 'batch' because we wanted to include one in a gift bag for a special guest coming to our school on Monday. The Governor is coming to visit us! We were named a 'School of Distinction' and it's a huge honor to get all the extra attention.

Despite my political opinions about this Governor, I think it's great from our students to have this experience and for our school to get the recognition.

Cute Hats and Green Dresses....

I have a customer, Deborah, who just opened her own web store reallycutehats.com featuring these precious fleece hats! With fall upon us and winter just around the corner, these cute hats are the perfect accessory for your little sweetie pie(s). Go check out her 20% off special on school spirit hats.

Another friend, Judy, has an eco-friendly boutique that is a fabulous place for us practical-minded & budget conscience girls to shop for special occasions. Her website is for buying and selling beautiful, handpicked clothing. She connects buyers and sellers of pre-owned "wore it once" wedding and party attire...'Green dresses', if you will. I love this concept! Hope you will visit her site The Green Hanger Shop.Com

I'm very glad it's Friday...was this really a 'short' week? Have a stack of orders to process, so I'll be in the basement all weekend....send me some love.

Come on Baby Paul

We are anxiously awaiting the arrival of our Baby Paul. He is due around the 25th, but his Mom wishes he would come sooner...like yesterday! Maybe he's been waiting for his slacker 'Susie Mama' (me) to make him some cute baby stuff...here's the first installment. Stay tuned for more.

Giveaway clutch

Giveaway Clutch for 'Life of a Southern Bell'

Bag for the traveling shoes

Finished these two items this evening...the 100th Post Giveaway Clutch and a snappy shoe bag. My wonderful postman, LG, will pick up the packages at my back door & get them on their way...if you mail packages and haven't used USPS Click-n-ship, you should...best thing since sliced bread! WooHoo for never going to the Post Office again!!!

Now it's time for bed! Sweet dreams

AWOL

Absent without leave? or just crazy with back to school?...either way, I've neglected my blogging and miss it. Hopefully my body & mind will adjust and I will get back to normal soon...normal, really? Whatever that is. Our new early start time for school is kicking my butt...have to be at my duty post at 6:45am. I've always gotten to school early, but now that is on time...amazing how much difference 15 little minutes makes to us "I hate mornings people". Anyway, between school, trying to keep up in the basement and the new workout plan that hubby & I are doing together, I'm going to bed exhausted every night and back to living for the weekends!

I've also neglected to take pictures of projects but remembered to snap this one before shipping out this cute Tooth Pirate Pillow.

The pillow has a back pocket for the tooth and the 'loot'. I also make a girl version with a whimsical tooth fairy design.

Hope you are having a great week...tomorrow is hump day!

Winner!!!

Congratulations to "Life of a Southern Belle", she is the winner of my 100th post giveaway! Thanks everyone for entering...wish I could send each of you a clutch!



I used RANDOM.ORG to select the winner and 'Rachintherealworld' was actually first name drawn. Since she is my daughter I didn't think that would look on the up & up, so I did a second drawing. I feel sure Rach will be compensated in the end...lol.

http://www.random.org/draws/details/?draw=805

Shining new faces

I have three classes full of the most delightful students...I'm so excited about working with them this semester...but righ now, I'm too tired to wiggle!

Don't forget to enter the giveaway!

Lunch bag-Flower Girl Gift...what a cute idea!

100th Post Giveaway

100th Post Giveaway Clutch

WOW! Can't believe this is already the 100th post...man, I 'talk' a lot! I'm giving away a Basement Bags Clutch bag to a lucky blog friend. The winner gets to select the fabric, monogram style and thread color. Here are the entry rules:

1. Giveaway begins 8/23/09 and ends 8/28/09 (midnight)
2. Comment on this post for one entry
3. Post about the giveaway for one entry (tell me here that you are posting)
4. Post my Basement Bags logo on your blog for one more entry (copy & paste logo below)