I believe....

...there are two things that should 'stay done' once they have been accomplished

1. weight loss
2. house cleaning

I hate doing both.

Pretty in Pink

Pretty in Pink Gift Set: onesie, bib, burps

For someone who claims she is not a shopper, I sure am doing a lot of click & buy on the computer...does that really count as shopping? Anyway, it's too easy - will have to keep an eye on that bottom line. Bought lots of new embroidery designs today {I adore this baby stuff} and with instant downloads I don't even have to wait for packages to arrive. Look for them soon on the website.

Tomorrow I'm off to visit my Mama for a few days. I hate to leave the basement, but it's always nice to go home. The trip will include a stop at Mary Jo's {FYI...monster fabric store in Gastonia, NC}...Ooh, that's more shopping isn't it? It's business! Now, hush.

Hope you have a wonderful week and weekend...catch ya on the flip side {is that corny or what?}

Good wedding, good fun...good God it's hot!

My friends Chip & Dianne

Opening line of the 'welcome speech' from Father of the Bride: "could they have picked a hotter day for an outside wedding?" I think not. It was a stifling 94 degrees @ 6pm .... add our famous Carolina humidity and we were all melting within minutes. Still the bride was gorgeous, the ceremony was memorable, the food was scrumptious, the band was fabulous, sharing time with friends was priceless ... all-in-in an A+ evening.

Too fast...

" Golfing Baby" Gift Set: bib, burps & hooded towel

Navy Tote


Black Tote

Black tote

My first week of vacation just flew by! I can't account for every minute (that's one of the great things about vacation-you don't have to!) but was busy in the basement and just enjoyed being on MY schedule. Above are pictures of some the completed projects. The baby gift set was bartered for house cleaning....sewing is soooo much more fun than cleaning house! She got an adorable shower gift and I got a clean house...that's a win/win in my book. I also finished 8 bikini bags, 2 cosmetic bags, 4 personalized key fobs, monogrammed 6 napkins and a bread basket cover for a wedding gift. I read 'Sail' by James Patterson, walked at least 30 minutes everyday, went shopping for the infamous 'black wedding outfit' and treated myself to a manicure/pedicure. All-in-all a pretty productive week for someone on vacation.

Help me out here ladies...

One of my hard & fast rules is that guests should not wear black or white attire to weddings. (good ole' Southern etiquette here) I don't wear white before Easter or after Labor Day either, thank you very much! Back to my point...Today the Best Saleswoman in the entire world not only convinced me to wear black, but also a belt and bling! Don't know if I'll recognize myself! I say she is the best for several reasons. First because of my rule, second because I do not recall the last time I wore a belt...definitely pre-Rachel Ann...so that's at least 26 yrs.! Always thought a belt would draw attention to my middle, which is not my best figure feature. (biggest, doesn't qualify as best, right?). When Best Saleswoman suggested it, I went alone, just being nice, 'cause she had spent a tremendous amount of time with me. I felt she had been honest about this looked good or that didn't...so she put the belt on me and wow! was I totally surprised, it looked great! In the bag, that came home with me! Then she picked out the perfect earrings and bracelet , more in the bag! She quoted a Ouiser line from Steel Magnolias ..."The only thing that separates us from the animals is our ability to accessorize". Hope Best Saleswoman was working on commission today. Whew, that was a long way around to get to my question: Do you think it is alright to wear black to a 6pm wedding?

First Monday

First Monday...sounds like a great name for a weekly children's activity at church, but in my world, it's the first Monday of summer vacation...waaahoooo!...or maybe not?....this is my day so far:

• wide awake at 5:30 am
• WW weigh-in up almost 6 lbs.
• hubby departed for week long business trip
• 20 minute embroidery project has turned into hour long affair 'cause the blanking thread keeps breaking

This is the day I've been working towards for months and I'm not sure isn't going down in the books as one of my best. BUT wait, I am still wearing my shower wrap, sipping coffee and have no plans to leave the basement today... ain't life grand!

School's out for summer....

Don't even know how to spell/type words to express how excited I was when that last bell rang at 11:00...finally, summer vacation! I had some wonderful students this semester, their projects were amazing and I will miss them. Overall test scores - 97% proficient!!! Don't meant to sound boastful, but that's good ya'll...real good! Love what I do, but I am sooooo very happy for a break. 'Course I've got several weeks worth of BB work 'on the table' so it's not likely that I'll get too lazy over the next 8 weeks.

Five good things...

Monday isn't usually my favorite day, but today was an exception. Here are five reasons:

1. it is the last Monday of the school year.

2. my students did outstanding on NC State post assessment test (VoCats) - 100% proficient- WOW!!! - sure made me look good!

3. was complimented multiple times on my 'cute' outfit (was even told I smelled good?!?!?!)

4. we had dinner with our 'local' daughters/husbands/grandchildren...very nice...may be the beginning of a weekly tradition

5. it is the last Monday of the school year. Oh, did I already say that? well, it deserves two spots 'cause I'm oober excited!

The Right Tools

The "Rachie Clutch" is one of my best selling bags, but one of the most frustrating to make...until now! The sewing part is a snap, but attaching the bag to the frame has resulted in the muttering of many 'ugly' words. However, as with most tasks, having the right tools makes the job a breeze. After some research and web-shopping, I found a couple of purse-making tools (one is actually called a purse making tool) and some kick-ass (pardon me!) glue. I'm thrilled with these experimental bags that I made this morning. Don't you love the new frames with the extra large ball clasp? So very trendy! During the web-shopping couldn't help noticing, again ,that my bags are soooo reasonably priced compared to many out there. Clutches just like mine (minus the monogram) for $50-75?!?! Would be interesting to know how many they really sale. I know there are lots of people that think a high price tag automatically means better products. And some of those same people love to throw around brand and store names. Whatever floats your boat...guess it's cool to have the same thing hundreds of other people have. Still I'd put a Basement Bag up against any out there for quality, price and customer service. I can say that with confidence 'cause I know the owner. ;)

Have it your way

"Custom designs" is my middle name. Sometimes my customers come up with the best ideas and I love making items that are totally unique. In this case, a bride-to-be selected colors to match her wedding theme....her bridesmaids will loves these cute bags!

Going with an 'early bedtime' tonight. Sweet dreams!

Zero

Zero is the number of full school days left in this year!!!! Yippee!!! Four exam days then "school's out for summer"!

Iced tea, please

87 degrees at 7pm, are you kidding?!?! did we skip ahead to July when I wasn't looking? So here's the real kicker...the air conditioning unit upstairs went out yesterday. Wonder which I'll fret about the most...sleeping in a stuffy bedroom or paying the repair bill? It's always something. Thankfully it's cool in the basement. I'm loving all these baby gift orders!

Why?

Why are weekends so short? Especially ones like we just had here in NC. Two days of the most gorgeous weather you can imagine. Boating, skiing, connecting with 'lake friends' after the long off-season, dinner prepared on the grill, glass(es) of wine by the chiminea, hours of carefree leisure...a totally perfect lake weekend! Of course our frivolity means no 'order processing' in the basement-I'll catch up this week. Tomorrow is the last regular Monday...are you keeping tack with me?... 4 days, then exams...the end is in sight!

Just added 'Home" by Michael Buble' to my IPod...what a mellow tune-aah, that anticipation of coming home ... my favorite place in the whole wide world ... home. Have a good night and here's wishing the days of our work week pass quickly.

Rained out

Our lake weekend got rained out. We had maybe half a day of sunshine and D skied a couple of times. Three of the girls came down and we enjoyed catching up & dinner from the grill. I made yummy chicken salad and L brought the best fresh strawberries. Crazy how sunshine & water make me want to eat non-stop...the scales were not friendly this morning! Anyway, summer showers are typical at the lake and normally I don't mind. We have a metal roof over the porch and 'sky chairs' so I can usually sit there for hours getting lost the sound of the rain. Very relaxing. However, after 'resting' so much this Spring following my surgery, I had no patience for just sitting around this weekend. So we packed up and came home yesterday. Sleeping in my own bed is so much nicer. Used my day off at home to put together another baby gift set. Hope you enjoyed the holiday weekend.

Eight regular days, four exam days and two workdays...not that I'm keeping track or anything!

Do your kids know?

At school yesterday my students (and I) were so excited to have a holiday weekend coming up. I asked what they had planned...assorted answers-going to 'the race', the lake, the beach, sleep all weekend (teenagers!)...then someone asked "what is Memorial Day anyway?" Are you serious?!?! Are our kids really this misinformed? add to my shock & amazement, no one could give a clear answer. I don't teach history, but jumped on that opportunity to stamp out ignorance. I would like to think we teach this in public education, but just in case-do your kids know the meaning of our holidays? know more than it's just a day out of school? I hope you have something great planned for the weekend...hope it includes remembering the men & women that gave their lives defending our freedom.
For us, the 'girly boat' is primed and headed to the lake. Have fun & be safe!

Grocery shopping

My weekly trip to Super Wal Mart has become intolerable so it's time to shop around for a new grocery store. Love Harris Teeter, but it's just too expensive. Food Lion is ok, nothing to write home about and their produce isn't usually too great. BiLo was my favorite in SC, but there aren't many stores around here and it's changed ownership anyway. Today I tried Target...much better than Wal Mart, but again, the prices are much higher. I buy pretty basic stuff and it probably cost 10-15% more at Target than Wal Mart. I just don't know if the great selection and variety, cleaner store, buggy that actually rolls, associates that look like they bathed before coming to work, fewer screaming children with not-as-scary parents and mega cute clothes & home deco are worth the extra money. Gees, wish I wasn't so 'frugal', it'd be a no-brainer. Wonderful Wednesday...three down & two to go!

Babies and big girls...

Here's another bib/burp cloth for a sweet baby boy ... I'm liking the look of the fabric patch and band instead of just ribbon.

My babies are big girls now and there seems to be a dark cloud over them. A few days ago Hannie got twisted up on the stairs, fell and sprained her ankle. Second degree sprain, will be in walking boot for about 6 wks. Not so good for college girl that earns rent money as a waitress! Then today some jerk(s) broke into Rachel Ann's car (broad day light, in the parking lot of her office building)...smashed the window, tore up the console trying to get the CD player out, took her IPod and GPS. Just makes a mother sick when 'stuff' happens to her children, no matter how old they are. Hopefully the cloud will show it's silver lining and something happy will happen for my babes.

Lucky baby

Another rainy day in NC, another great day to be in the basement. Just finished this gift set (bib, burp cloth, diaper cover & pacifer clip) for a lucky baby girl. I am thankful for my talents and love sharing it with others, especially precious babies.

I'm moving on to a Sunday afternoon ritual, ironing my clothes for the week. I know...nobody irons anymore, except me. I don't put my clothes in the dryer and it's just not in my nature to be wrinkled. So I turn on PBS and iron-very relaxing- nerdy perhaps, but satisfying. Let's see, three more Mondays 'til summer vacation, that's doable!

Something new

Took a few minutes and Mom's suggestion to stitch up a new product... Personalized Tissue Cover...what do you think? No more ripped up plastic and messy tissues all over your purse. I can totally see a fabulous set of matching purse accessories...tissue cover, cosmetic bag, lighted compact mirror, key fob...this is a preppy girls dream! I'd love to make something special for your favorite babe (and that can be YOU!)

Sleeping late this morning was heavenly , can't wait to do it again tomorrow! Unusual rain storms off & on all day...perfect 'stay inside & sew day'. It's Race Week in our corner of the world, so most 'locals' stay home if at all possible. But it sure is some good people watching if we venture out.

BTW...car has been inspected, oil changed, washed inside & out (including the engine...a Danny thing) and tires will be rotated on Monday...I am 'good to go'! Time to close up shop for the day...had just enough work in the basement to say "I didn't have time to do laundry" . Works for me. Sweet dreams!

Alive and well...

I've been awful about posting and taking pictures of projects but I really am alive & well & working away down here. Nothing spectacular happening in the basement but here's a quick update...WW total 23.8 lbs!!!...17 regular days/4 exam days/2 work days left 'til summer vacation!!! plenty of orders on 'the list'!!! so many ideas that I can't wait to stitch up!!!...oh,please hurry end of school.
Made a quick trip to SC for Mothers' Day...very nice to see family and share a special day with my 'Mama". Hope all of you Moms had a memorable day.

Had a little 'trading places' episode with daughter, Hannie. She's borrowing my car while hers is getting a 'check up'. A few minutes after she drove away the phone rang and she informed me that my inspection sticker had expired. Isn't talking on the phone while driving illegal?!??! Maybe I will report her! Must admit she did a pretty good 'mother' imitation...scolding me for not being responsible, going to get a ticket...blah, blah, blah...she must have a tape recorder in her head, cause I swear she played it back verbatim. Lord, is that what I really sound like?!?!? And then only seconds later another call with more rantings that I was 3,000 miles over the scheduled oil change...engine would blow up...blah, blah, blah! So like every good wife, I found D and fussed at him for not taking care of my car...car care is 'man work'! Now.

All done!

Zebra bags are finished, packed up & ready for shipping. Whew! glad to be done with that project. Now we're on to orders that got 'delayed'...thankfully, the work never ends!

I'm seriously on the 'countdown'. As usual, students have awful 'senioritist'...even the freshmen! All of you teachers out there know there comes a time in the semester(year) when it just needs to be over! We are quickly approaching that point. Fortunately, since my curriculum is a very 'hands on' I'm able to keep them busy with fun projects so each class period just flies by. Still, hurry June 12!!

Our girls are busy with life...Dana & Hannie are studying for exams and scramblin' to complete final projects-I am sooo jealous that they will be finished with school next week!...Rach is working hard to diagnose all the genetic disorders of the world, studying for 'boards' which she will take in Sept and trying to win the Jeopardy trip to Galapagos (she's been once, but thinks going with Alex would be fabulous)....Lauren is relieved for tax season to be over and starting to look pregnant. BTW, she is having another boy, due in September. I was secretly hoping for a girl, but honestly will be happy with another beautiful, healthy baby of any gender. That's it from the basement today...have a restful Sunday & a great week!

One down...

...and four to go! for this week. The countdown is on...27 regular days, 4 exam days, 2 work days, then glory! summer vacation! I have lots of Seniors this semester and our excitement level & anticipation of June 12 is about even. Twenty-seven years in high school, wonder if I'll get a diploma this time?
I'm finally feeling almost normal...still having to be very careful about my diet. I'm still using WW online, but not doing so great with tracking and exercise. Total loss is 20.4 lbs and I"m within ounces of the 10% goal...hoping to hit that milestone next week.
I'm making remarkable progress on the 'big' order. 53 out of 71 bags finished. Rach was here this weekend and for the price of a 'Mexican date' she rolled up her sleeves and helped. She learned how to 'finger press', cut & seal ribbon and tie zipper pulls. She was also my 'spell checker' which is real important when one is making personalized items. None of the girls have ever shown much interest in sewing, but it's nice to know they can help in a pinch...maybe it's genetics?!?!?
Time to turn on the machines and get busy. Hope you had a great Monday.

Zebramania

Been away so long, had to think about the password before signing in...it was the same thing at school last Monday after being on Spring Break. We ended our week with a wonderful trip to Wilmington/Carolina Beach.

This morning I am knee-deep in zebra print cosmetic bags, there will be 71 of them when I am finished. It's a fun project, but I see black/white stripes every where!

Thanks everyone for your patience while I'm so busy...35 more school days and maybe we'll get all caught up.

This is great!

It's final-I want to be a stay at home Mom! I know my children are grown and don't live here anymore, but that shouldn't matter. Yeah, hubby will reply "wish in one hand....". I just l-o-v-e being at home! Spring Break should last forever! The countdown 'til summer vacation will start Monday and believe me, June 12 can't get here fast enough. Although I enjoy teaching & love my students, this working 'outside' the home is simply overrated.
Since I'm still 'recovering', we're taking it easy this week. I've almost caught up on orders and we are taking a quick trip to Wilmington tomorrow. Got my fingers crossed for a couple of clear & warm days. I'm no sun worshiper nor do I care about 'tanning', but sunshine and ocean sounds are soooo relaxing.
Been doing a little closet cleaning. Between WW and surgery, I've dropped a size or two. Went shopping Monday with the explicit goal of buying something that was NOT black...came home with black linen pants, blk/white sweater, blk/white/taupe jacket, blk sandals, and green pants...lol...one out of five? Goal accomplished!

Points vs. Fat grams

Do you remember when 'low fat' dieting first hit? was that some time in the 80's? Remember stories of women fighting in the grocery store to buy SnackWell fat-free cookies, so they could go home and eat the whole box! "0 fat grams", they would say...but 100,000 calories...dah!...that's advertising for you. Anyway, the concept was to eat less than 30 grams of fat a day...remember how impossible that seemed? Well, my post-surgery diet is low fat, less than 20 grams per day. I thought, no way! but soon discovered that too much fat equaled pain! so my average fat intake for the past two weeks has been between 13-18 grams per day....impressive, right? So you'd think the pounds would be dropping off, right? Well, not so much. However, enough pounds lost that my WW points have dropped...that's a good thing, right? All I really know is this: yesterday I prepared a lovely Easter lunch for my family...glazed ham, macaroni & cheese (the real kind made with elbow macaroni, extra-sharp cheese, eggs,milk, baked in the oven), deviled eggs, green beans, steamed carrots, dinner rolls, and lemon pound cake w/ice cream and I ate grilled chicken breast (unseasoned) & green beans. Oh well, at least they looked happy.

Did I mention I'm on Spring Break this week? .... YIPPEE!!! Have lots of sewing to catch up on and might do a little closet cleaning, but I'm mostly going to rest and hopefully get well.

I made this lunch tote and cosmetic bag last night...love the fabric & colors.

Hope you have a great Monday!

Happy Easter!

Been pretty slack with the blogging and pic posting...hopefully I'll be back to 'normal' soon. We're on Spring Break next week and it will be nice to have some unscheduled time. Hope you have a wonderful Easter!

This is one of projects from today-monogrammed church bag...Florida Gators?!?!?...I just make what the people order...lol. I'm negotiating an order for 71, yes! SEVENTY-ONE cosmetic bags...that will be a record and I may hate zebra fabric in a couple of weeks!

Just cuttin' grass

I'm told (now) that one of the biggest problems with laparoscopic surgery is that the recovery seems to be going well, people get a false sense of being 'back to normal', then they over do it (something as routine and innocent as cutting grass) and wham! pain!!! Who would have thought riding a lawn mower could play such havoc with ones insides? I'm also told to feel relieved that a trip back to the hospital wasn't necessary...I mostly just feel stupid!

Thanks everyone for your patience & well wishes these past few weeks.

Back to work

Surgery is not something that I would opt for very often and I have enjoyed a few days off, but it is time to go back to school. As expected, my substitute fell in love with 'my girls'...I've been teaching for 28 yrs. and can honestly say this is collectively one of the best groups I've ever had...all three classes! Really look forward to seeing them and the projects they have worked on in my absence.

Today I made another jon-jon for baby Jack and an 'airplane' outfit for Cooper. Maybe if the weather cooperates the boys can 'match' for Easter. My girls tell me they hated being dressed them alike, but they grew up alright! So will Jack & Cooper. It makes me happy for my babes to look cute.

Leslie also shared the 'lemonaid award' with me, thanks! Stay tuned, working on my list.

I'm honored...

The Gifting Gumshoe bestowed this lovely award to me! Thanks!
Per the rules: these blogs are exceedingly charming. These kind bloggers aim to find and be friends. They are not interested in self-aggrandizement. Our hope is that when the ribbon of these prizes are cut, even more friendships are propagated. Please give more attention to these writers. Deliver this award to eight bloggers who must choose eight more and include this cleverly-written text into the body of their award.

I'm relatively new to blogging and this is my first award so hope I'm doing this correctly. Below are my lucky picks!

1. All Things Southern & Preppy (Preppy 101)

2.. A Southern Accent

3. Confessions of a Preppy Bumpkin

4. Odom: Party of Five

5. Rach in the Real World

6. the smith family

7. Through Cooper's Eyes

8. Adventures of a Southern Newlywed

This is my heart

We gathered to celebrate our last March b'day and for once I remembered to snap a pic. Here are six of my reasons for living (from left to right) Rachel Ann, Lauren - holding baby Jack, Hanna, Cooper and Dana. Looks like Beau got her head in this shot too. We enjoyed pizza, cake & ice cream, but mostly just being together!

PS...we do have men in our lives...Danny & Dean were here, Brian was at work.

Nip, but no tuck

So the gall badder won and was removed on Thursday. Surgery went well. Other than the terribly bloated abdomen (which they say is normal) and the wobblier-than-usual head, I'm recovering nicely. To my disappointment the surgeon forget to do the lipo, tummy tuck and face lift...oh, well! we'll, save that for another day.

Made this precious jon-jon for baby Jack yesterday while I was 'resting'. The picture is not great, one day I will master the camera! These cute airplanes are one of my new embroidery designs and fonts, hope you'll visit BasementBags to see them all.

March is a big b'day month in our family. We're having our last of what seems like weekly parties today. Rach will be 25 tomorrow...that makes me feel old as dirt! Enjoy your Sunday.

Almost Monday, again?!?!?

Where did the weekend go? and I had an extra day...sort of. Spent most of Friday with the doctor, as my digestive system has been acting quite ugly! She asked a zillion questions, poked around, then ordered a bazillion blood test and an ultrasound...abdominal, not baby/pregnancy kind...Lord, help us if that were the issue! I remember those too-the excitement of finding out if it's a girl or boy (although 'back in the day' ultrasounds were still iffy on gender identification). This time the news will likely be gallbladder or ulcer or more of our yucky old friend, IBS. Hmmm, I think girl babies was much better news! Anyway...I'm just like "fix it already"! So tired of feeling blah and hopeful for some answers. Sorry this isn't my typical 'look at this cute stuff I made' post...didn't actually do much sewing this weekend-just needed to whine a little to someone other than poor D. To borrow the words of my heroine, "After all...tomorrow is another day' and I hope you have a fabulous Monday.

Crazy for Paisley

I l-o-v-e paisley and my #1(meaning oldest, not favorite) daughter does too. I'm thinking she'll be looking for a dress & hat to match this clutch for the upcoming Carolina Cup...isn't that how it works - accessories first?!?!?

Ahoy!

Maybe it's Spring Fever Frenzy or March Madness (for the basketball fans), but I can't get new products online fast enough. The new machine is amazing and it's exciting to make even more cute-fun stuff! I just added Onesies to the Basement Babies collection. The quality of this onesie is impressive: super soft 100% cotton, double stitched neck/arm/leg binding, three sturdy crotch snaps and lapped shoulders for easy on and off. Onesies are available in several sizes and colors and there are lots of design options. As I read blogs, seems like everyone is pregnant! Hope you'll remember this for a perfect gift for the baby in your life!

One for her, one for me

I adore the gift shopper with the 'one for her, one for me' philosophy. Everybody wins! It's getting hard to be in the basement so much with the gorgeous Carolina blue sky & sunshine peeking through the windows! Spring fever is setting in...hold on the weekend is coming!

Beau & Ru

Here are Beau & Ru with their 'doggie stuff' bags...cute canines, huh?

Exciting additions

So, Friday I hurried home from school, anxious to use the new embroidery machine! And a few short hours later, melt down! I had lots on the 'to do list' and the first attempt on the 'wonder machine' was a total disaster! I was too tired to figure it out and very frustrated to have this new toy and not know how to use all the features. Shot off a quick email to new online friend, K , and she responded right away with several great suggestions...thanks again! Anyway, I'm slowly but surely getting the hang of it. Completed all the orders and made some great samples to add to the website. Don't you love the slippers? Those are going in the Easter Baskets of some lucky girls! Thanks to my brilliant webmaster, hubby D, everything is posted and I'm ready for new orders to come rolling in! I added the totes, lunch bags (see above), and monogrammed onesies and diaper covers (bloomers)-hope you'll check 'em out. More Bib/Burp sets and caps will be coming soon.

Another doggie bag

We all know about sibling rivalry, but what about 'dog cousin rivalry'??? Or maybe it's really just a sister thing--either way, looks like this bag is getting dubbed as the 'doggie stuff tote'! That works for me, I just enjoy coming up with new designs. If you have a pet pal maybe you'll treat them to this cute accessory! It will be on the website soon.

For the love of dogs

All of our girls have 'inside' dogs and like children they have tons of doggie stuff to take along. We even have one 'career' dog that goes to work several days a week (her

'mom' has a pet friendly office-what a concept!?!?). Anyway, this should be a great tote for getting all of Beaus essentials from here to there. (BTW Beau is a girl, but the name works) Stitched this up on the 'new' machine - took less than 1/2 the time of the old one -think it's a keeper!

Church bag

Did someone say we are in a recession? Basement Bags has been a one woman 'economic stimulus plan' this past month-without government bail out money no less!
First the basement 'face lift' and then yesterday I went totally bonkers and finally bought a new embroidery machine. I'm an emotional wreck, such a huge decision. You see, although I love having nice equipment and supplies, I hate spending money! I am serious about my little business, but still consider it a 'profitable hobby'. I've been looking at this machine for almost 2 yrs....pricing it, researching it, watching YouTube video demonstrations, chatting with other small business operators...it's just intimidating to me...like buying the machine was saying 'you are doing this business stuff for real now'. I'm thrilled because with the new machines, my monogramming capability has increased tremendously. I can now do pre-made totes, lunch bags, hats...almost anything! Such ambivilance! Hurry summer vacation so I can really learn how to use this wonderful new machine! I stitched up this 'church bag'....just playing around-design could be larger, will take some practice to get everything just right. What do you think?

Not so bad

If you are a follower, you know my Saturday mornings & sleeping late are cherished. IF the alarm goes off, it's an accident, we (D) forgot to unset it and then I'm usually 'mad' (for a few minutes) - however today the alarm was intentionally set and I had to drag myself out for Saturday School. Just unnatural! And to make matters worse, it's a gorgeous, warm, Carolina Blue Sky kinda day. How funny, four inches of snow on Monday then five days later, 70 degrees. Anyway, school was not so bad and we have one make-up day behind us. Although I should be in the basement working, my new Threads magazine and the front porch hammock are screaming for me attention. Later.

Oh, joy!

Did I enjoy the day off? Maybe not so much since getting the call that we will make up the time on Saturday! But honestly...1/2 a day on Sat. vs. whole day of Spring break....gotta vote with our 'leader' on this one. And I really did enjoy doing the 'SuSu' (that's Grandmother at our house) thing today, so I'm not complaining. The four-day weekend sure spoiled me, could definitely get used to this schedule. I've always thought switching the allotment of days in the week and weekend would be a great idea....work two days, have five off...now that's a schedule!

Some of you might be wondering what happened to my WW updates, still on 'the plan', have just forgotten to share. I'm down 14.2 lbs!!! Feels good.

Sent out this purse & checkbook cover this morning (click pic to enlarge). Thank heavens for USPS click-n-ship and carrier pickup! My local guys do a fabulous job and are greatly appreciated.

Ya'll have a great evening now!

Questionable call

We have a wonderful Superintendent and he seems to make good decisions-but I have to question our 'no school' today. Yes, there is still snow on the ground- yes, the 'weatherman' said there would be 'black ice' everywhere- yes, the temperature is still below freezing, so the original two-hour delay made sense...but the early morning call informing me of no school???? Oh well, everything happens for a reason. I'm needed for 'Grandmother Duty' and am happy to be available. Too cold in the basement for sewing today!

Snow? without dancing?

It's true. It's snowing like crazy and I didn't even dance this time! Looks like we'll be getting a three-day weekend, it's all good. Guess we'll have a Saturday school or dip into Spring Break to make this up, but we'll just take it one day at a time.

I forgot to take pics of several orders before I packed they up...finish some really cute slippers and more zebra print checkbook covers. Above are some precious baby gift sets. Is that dinosaur adorable or what?

If you have wintry weather, be careful and have a hot chocolate on me!

"it's Saturday!!@$!%@&*&#^%#@"

And someone forgot to unset the alarm clock!!! I was not a happy camper when that obnoxious sound awoke me at 5:15...for crying out loud! it's Saturday! I'm over it now, can't stay mad at D! Already finished these two cuties this morning - the flip flop ribbon is one of my favorites. The pacifier clip is a great way to keep track of that baby essential! (click the pic for a closer view) Hope you are having a great Saturday.

They're back!

Ok, ladies, they're back! Cutest little personalized lighted compact mirrors you've ever seen. No more fumbling in the dark to put on lipstick! These are made by stitching on kiwi paper, which is a special paper made for machine embroidery. Initially, I had trouble using the paper, it kept tearing and I was too busy to 'play with it'. I took them off the site-big mistakes! The request started rolling in, so I brought them back...shippment of compacts arrived today! I've perfected the stitching method and just love the results. Just one more accessory for gift giving or self-pampering!

I'm so glad tomorrow is Friday....we're sleeping late on Saturday!!!!

Zebra Print

I am not a 'pack rat' and was never one to have stacks of fabric, ribbon, buttons and other sewing notions like many seamstresses. That was before Basement Bags. I always keep the basics on hand, but used to buy materials one project at a time. Again, that was before Basement Bags! I was surprised during our 'make over' at how much stuff has accumulated. I definitely have a weakness for cute ribbon...drawers & drawers and spools & spools of adorable ribbon. It's fun for me when a customer orders a combination that I haven't put together before. This zebra checkbook cover and matching key fob are just too snazzy!

Checking 'em off

Here's what I finished yesterday. The matching cosmetic bag & checkbook cover are such cute accessories...great gifts for secret pals & birthdays. This set would also be a wonderful 'treat' for yourself! I love making baby gifts ...."Duckie" is a popular design and is great for boys and girls. Click the pic for larger view.

Minnie Mouse...

Now this is a box of bags! Twenty monogrammed cosmetics bags - black & white polka dot , trimmed in red to match school colors...going to a cheer leading squad in Ohio. I had thoughts of Disney World and Minnie Mouse the whole time I was working on this order. This is a big check off the 'to do list'. Time for bed, there will be more tomorrow.

Ready, set, .... wait!

Gracious, the 'go' part has eluded me this week. One reason (excuse) is it's been one of those unusually busy weeks...lots of extra stuff, Open House, appointments, blah, blah, blah...a couple of days I stayed in my 'school cloths' until bedtime! But the main reason (excuse) is that I don't want to be get the basement messy....isn't that the craziest thing? Fixed up this fabulous work space and now I don't want to work...I love just sitting here taking it all in. Unfortunately the 'honeymoon' ends right now...thanks to my wonderful customers, there is a stack of orders on the 'new' table that I have to get busy with. Hopefull I'll have good pics of a productive weekend to share. Forecast is calling for a cold & rainy weekend, so being 'down under' won't be so bad, especially since I have these sunny yellow walls all around me. Hope you have some kind of sunshine in your weekend.
BTW...for anyone keeping track...WW update...-12.8 and subtracting!!!!

Valentine's Day Face Lift

This face lift started with "D, I need a file cabinet" and voila!...face lift! Words can not express how excited I am about my new 'Basement Bags' space. D and I have just laughed at these before & after photos...we didn't realize how bad it looked! After all it was just a basement...hand-me downs, jerry-ridged, the K-Mart shelves and hodge-podge this & that was fine. However, as my business has grown and we spend more and more time 'underground' it really was time to freshen up a bit. D has been a great sport about this, unfortunately he lost lots of space in the transformation...but we aren't finished...he is getting a new table and we'll be adding more shelves on his side. No doubt there will be more additions and some tweaking as we work to get it all just right. I think we are both amazed that we did it all in one day! Of course, we were tired puppies when we went to bed at 1AM... unheard of for us! We'll tackle the rest of the basement in phases...more paint, new floor covering...more storage. OK...now I gotta get busy embroidering & sewing...new bills to pay!