A Quickie

My plan was to post one link -- ONE LINK -- and then get up from my chair and walk away from the computer. But then I clicked a link to a blog where there are zillions of links to tutorials and other fun stuff and now I bet I'll be online for the next six hours.

First off, the link I was going to put up is for The Apron Queen's Kick The Bucket Apron Giveaway. You create a Bucket List on your blog and then link it to her blog (and on her blog via Mr. Linky) and you'll be entered in a giveaway for a vintage apron. Since the Apron Queen will be picking winners on Fridays for a couple weeks, you have more than one chance to win.

I just made an executive decision: I am not going back to lovestodream and checking out all the links tonight. For now, I am just going to click one . . . here's a cute owl envelope you can print out. I'll save the rest of the links for when I have more time to spend clicking

Maggie's Birthday

Last week, MySpace sent me a few emails about a friend's upcoming birthday. I ignored the messages at first because I ignore pretty much everything that I get from MySpace, but they kept coming so I finally opened one. It was about my dog's birthday. How sad I forgot she was turning 15 years old this month. And, then I also forgot to mention it on her actual birthday yesterday. Good thing she doesn't read my blog.

Happy (belated) Birthday, Maggie!


(Dang. Her feet are huge.)

My Plans For Today

My mom and I were passing through downtown San Juan Capistrano the other day (it's about two blocks long) and she saw a sign for a rummage sale this Saturday at the church basilica. I went to the one they held two years ago and even though they really didn't have anything that good, I was excited to go my very first church rummage sale. I convinced her we need to go today. I have visions of vintage aprons and embroidery patterns, piled up in huge stacks on tables, for sale, and no one but me interested in buying them. I can dream, right?

I'll post any goodies I find but I am not counting on it based on the last time I went. (I can probably pick up a 1980's Mr. Coffee if anyone is interested.)

Chicken Scratch Goes Global

Apparently, chicken scratch is sweeping Europe.

Kissy-Cross has a pattern for a chicken scratch owl on her blog. (There's a widget to translate her German blog into English or French at the top of the right sidebar.) She also made a chicken scratch biscornu (!!!) and a heart, and she shares the pattern for the heart.

Then I saw a link to Vick et pique et colle at LaGattaC and found more chicken scratch. A link takes you to this page (English version).

Have a great weekend!

Vintage Thingies Thursday - Kitchen Towel

After realizing it was time for Vintage Thingies Thursday, I went looking for this kitchen towel and was shocked and appalled to find it in the drawer, ALREADY PRESSED. [Cue Twilight Zone theme.] I tend to iron things minutes before I am going to wear it or use it so that was really bizarre. The ironing board is usually set up in my bedroom, in case I get the urge to do some pattern transferring, so maybe I've been sleep-ironing. Who knows. Anyway, my mom picked up two of these towels at an antique store years ago, one for me and one for herself, and when she no longer wanted hers, I claimed it.



For more Vintage Thingies Thursday, check out today's entry over at Confessions of an Apron Queen. And, for more information on how to be a part of Vintage Thingies Thursday, go here.

One More Apronista Giveway

The Apronista is having another apron giveaway. All the details are in this post. You have until Sunday evening to enter so go leave some comments now.

Little Stickers and More

I finally got a box of full sheet labels (thanks, Susan!) and just now printed out a set of The Toymaker's Little Stickers. (The colors look washed out because of my flash.) There's a link to the pdf on this page, under Fun and Whimsy.

Now, I'm trying to figure out what to print next. A few possibilities:

doe-c-doe's bookplates

bookplates from My Home Library

Emily Martin's bookplates on CraftSanity

While I was searching my saved links list for those last two, I found one to Roberta Baird's cute freebie page. There are paper toys (Santa, snowman, turkey, leprechaun and robot), a mouse paper doll, some coloring pages, and a sewing pattern for Gigi the giraffe.

Break? What break?

Who am I kidding? Like I could take a break from blogging. [eyeroll]

I'm trying to get caught up with my email tonight, answering some and deleting the ones I no longer need to keep. That Martha Stewart woman sends me an awful lot of email. More than my friends do. (Maybe your friends never email you because you take too dang long to respond.)

Back in April, Martha sent me an email about making oilcloth lunch bags. Somebody mentioned on the comments how there was a nice tutorial for these bags on Skip To My Lou. Skip To My Lou is also where that yummy caramel corn recipe came from. The one I make at least once a week.

To make Martha's bird-embroidered quilt, there are patterns of all the state birds, which you could use for another embroidery project if you weren't a quilter.

I thought the handkerchief nursery pillow was cute, but I like anything to do with hankies.

One of these days, I will make one of Martha's tomato pincushions.

Speaking of yummy food, I recently made Italian Baked Chicken and Pastina after seeing Giada De Laurentiis make it again on her show and it was really good. Easy, too. The recipe calls for pastina or any small pasta but I used it penne and it was fine.

I just read on The Apronista that Heavenly Hostess now has a store in Orange. That isn't too far from me. Reason #147 I need to get my driver's license back so I can take a ride up there. Even if I just go in and drool over the aprons.

Jazz Is Finally Going Home

I'm still taking a blogging break but this is one of those things that makes me do a happy dance so I have to share.

A Cocker Spaniel was rescued after Hurricane Katrina and then adopted by a couple in Texas. Nothing was done to locate the dog's owner. And, when Shalanda Augillard discovered the couple in Texas had her Cocker Spaniel, Jazz, they refused to give her back. So they all went to court. And, the judge decided the dog belonged to the adopters because Ms. Augillard failed to prove the dog was her Cocker, even though there was DNA evidence showing the adopted dog was a perfect match for Jazz. And, now, the Texas Court Of Appeals has overturned that decision.

"Because we hold that the evidence is legally insufficient to support the judgment of the trial court, we reverse and render judgment in favor of Augillard."

Yes!

Hopefully, Tiffany Madura and Richard Toro will soon get Jazz back to Shalanda.

Friday (how creative)

If I don't type this out, I won't do it, so let me say that I am taking a little break from both reading other blogs and posting to my own so I can catch up on a few things. So, enjoy these links and have a great weekend!


If you collect older Barbie dolls, or just like seeing someone's else collection, you have to see the cool Barbie stuff Lindsey posted on Two Crazy Crafters for Barbie Wednesday.


There's another cute free embroidery pattern over at Pimp Stitch (I like the boy in the short pants on the right). (Um, aren't short pants just called shorts?) (Is my blood sugar low?)


And, in even more cute embroidery freebie news, Annie Oakleaves is sharing a sneak peak of her "eenie" patterns that will soon be sold in her Etsy shop [link via Feeling Stitchy].

I keep linking to cross stitch freebies that were posted on LaGattaC. If you have some free time, you should spend some time overthere. I usually only link to ones I might stitch one day so it's worth checking out for designs you might stitch. Two recent finds on LaGattaC are Gazette 94, a French blog where you are "welcome to download anything you like." There's a variety of x-stitch charts there: biscornu, hearts, ornaments. I really like this one. And, Lalasan is another blog with free designs. I like the elephant.

Vintage Thingies Thursday -- Shakers

Alert the media! I actually remembered to post something for Vintage Thingies Thursday!

I found these doggie salt & pepper shakers at a local antique store. There are no markings on them so I have no idea where they came from or how old they are. They both have "Japan" stamped on the bottom but I don't know how long ago they migrated to the US. They cost more than I should have paid but I was going through a dog collecting phase and they were cute. The dog on the left came with the polka dot ribbon and I left it on 'cause I liked it.

For more Vintage Thingies Thursday, check the links at Confessions of an Apron Queen.

Peony Party

Look who had a peony party. I can't believe she didn't invite me.

Notice all the peonies in this photo. I am soooooo jealous.

Another Scottie Dog Freebie

Ok, one more dog-related entry but this one is about cross stitch charts.

I'm not sure why I like Scottish terrier designs so much. I've never owned an actual Scottie dog. Maybe it's because the shape is so recognizable. Well, there's a nice chart with six Scottish Terriers on Les croix et moi. You'll have to email Carole the blogger to get it. I sent my request in both French and English to be on the safe side but I don't think it's necessary judging from her response. For her contact info, check the English translation of the entry. (I couldn't get Google to do that but Babel Fish did. Weird.) More of Carole's free charts are here (in English).

There's a chart with a small dog in several different positions at Les petits bonheurs de Miss T. You can see all of the blogger's freebies beginning here (in English).

(I had some trouble with creating links tonight so please let me know if something doesn't work. Thanks!)

Got Any Spare Change

I know. I know. Two posts in a row about dogs in need. I promise not to make it a regular habit.

If you look at my sidebar, you can see I'm all for adopting from animal shelters and dog rescues. I try not to ask for donations for specific groups or animals too often -- the Blogathon being the exception. I blogged for 24 hours last July in an effort to raise money for a Shih Tzu rescue group. And, I had planned on doing that this summer too but it looks like the Blogathon organizers are taking a year off so there won't be an official one this year. That's too bad because I'm sure some of you would have wanted to join in. It's a fun way to raise money for a favorite charity. Maybe we can all do it in 2009.

Anyway, I received an email from Tammy at Southern Shih Tzu Rescue the other day with the most pitiful pictures of a little dog who had been found by the side of the road covered in motor oil. Since small dogs aren't known for getting under cars to change the Valvoline and somehow getting themselves covered in it, you know this was done to him on purpose. How sad is that? He also has eye issues, is infested with fleas and ticks, has sarcoptic mange and is heartworm positive. If you can spare any amount, even five bucks, to help get this poor little guy well again, please click here for information on how and where to send a donation.

Thank you so much!!!

Attention Dog-loving Southern California Residents

UPDATE: I heard that a foster home has been found for these doggies. :)


Lhasa Happy Homes is desperately in need of a foster home for a Lhasa Apso mom and her newborn puppies. They're currently at the Bakersfield shelter but LHH will be getting them on Wednesday. Please contact Randee at lhasahappyhomes@aol.com if you can help. And, please pass this on to anyone in the Southern California area who might be able to foster these dogs. Thank you!

Happy Father's Day

This is another image from that cd of dog greeting cards. I'm pretty sure my dad has some slippers just like that one below.

Happy Father's Day!

Chicken Scratch Apron

I was bored so I went looking for aprons on Webshots and found a wonderful collection of vintage ones, including this chicken scratch apron. I am sooooo jealous of the lady who owns them. Click the photo so you can see it up close.




I feel weird because I'm writing this on June 12 and scheduling it to post tomorrow. I don't know why I need to share that.

Happy Friday the 13th!

A Busload of Freebies

This past weekend, I wondered if I should start a blog just for links to free x-stitch charts and embroidery patterns. It sounded like a great idea for like half a second. Then I realized I was insane. I still have links to post here that I stumbled upon back in March. Of 2005. And, if I'm always behind with posting them even though I spend 99% of my time online, how in the world will I ever manage another blog in addition to this one, plus read all the blogs I (try to) keep up with every day? So, forget that crazy idea for now.

I've joined another network, Stitchin Fingers. This one is for anyone interested in textiles. I heard about it thanks to Gina at Patra's Place. It was started by SharonB of In A Minute Ago and there are over 600 members already. I still have to add some photos and join some groups -- I'll probaby join the one for redwork.


The summer theme for Tie One On is gingham. I am bound and determined to make an apron (FINALLY) for this one. I'm thinking of adding some chicken scratch to it too.

On to the freebies . . .

Deepa recently sent me a link to Tiny Garden, which has a bunch of free patterns (click the downloads tab at the top). I'm not sure if some of the patterns (the ones with the girls) are embroidery or crewel or what (I'd love to hear what you guys think). I can't get Google to translate the site so I'm going to link to the photos. You can then click the Downloads button on each photo page to get the pattern and instructions. Edited to add: Thanks to Meggiecat and Angela, we now know that Babel Fish will translate the Downloads page to English.

a freaking adorable chicken coin purse with a zipper
floral alphabet
walnut pincushion
cute little purse
coasters with little bag
flowers in a pitcher
small case for needles and scissors
girl with pink flowers
girl in pink dress with giant flowergirl in blue with yellow flowers
girl with red flowers
girl with yellow hat
girl with blue and purple flowers
girl in pink with purple flowers
girl in green


You'll find lots of cute charts at Mausimom's Freebies (English translation). Deepa sent that one too. Thanks, Deepa

Little Clover Garden is a Japanese site with some simple cross stitch charts that would be cute for pincushions and needlebooks (English translation). If you go to this post on Aurelle's blog, you can see what someone made with the Happy Stitches chart. It's really cute.

I think Aurelle's chicken is cute too.

La Fee Rie is the new site of Faby Reilly who blogs at Le blog de Faby. She has some really nice free biscornu charts.

Have you been to Aury's blog, Acerca del bordado yet? You have to see her Quaker style animals. The latest is a kangaroo. And there's a giraffe and a snail, and several others -- you can click on the "freebies" label to see them all plus Aury's other free charts.

Aury is participating in the Old Sampler SAL. You can find the chart here (Google translation). I really like the part with the bunnies and deer under the tree. In addition to the SAL, there are more free charts at Ricamo Le Tue Idee, including the Italian Sampler that I had previously seen but forgot to save the link. The chart is here. Clicking the British flag at the bottom of the page will you give you the English version.

Looking for a free fox cross stitch chart? Check out all the free projects at AOK Corral Craft & Gift Bazaar.

That should keep you busy for awhile. :)

I Won An Apron

I cannot believe I keep forgetting to share the pretty apron I won last month from Loral at My Vintage Charm. I had seen it on her blog but it wasn't until I opened the package that I realized there were polka dots and baby rickrack and cherries and a scalloped edge along the waist. I totally love it.

I love this fabric.

Loral not only sent the apron but a bunch of other goodies too: soap that she made (it smells so good), lip balm (I've used it so much, I think it's already half gone), recipes on pretty cards, and a needlebook (more cherries!).


I love it all. I am so glad I entered her giveaway. Thank you so much for everything, Loral!

By the way, Loral and her sister have an online shop.

Another Freebie From Pimp Stitch

Oh wow! Pimp Stitch already has another free pattern up. This one has an owl and a cupcake. I really should go to bed but now I want to whip out the ironing board and transfer this baby.

Free Sunbonnet Sue Redwork Pattern

I think I've linked to SunbonnetSue.com before but I just discovered that Kim, the woman behind the site, has a blog too. And, on this post is a link to a pdf of a Sunbonnet Sue redwork pattern.

***** If you're looking for more free redwork patterns, click the REDWORK and EMBROIDERY links in the left sidebar. *****

Another Apronista Giveaway

Woo hoo! The Apronista is having yet another giveaway. This one is for a red, white & blue apron from Carolyn's Kitchen. You have until Friday the 13th to enter.

Diabetics, Wash Your Hands First

I know some of you either have diabetes yourself or have a diabetic in your life so please read this post and the comments on it over at Diabetes Mine. And, for those who have no interest in clicking that link at all, the post is about the importance of washing your hands before testing your blood sugar, especially after you've been serving a gooey loaded-with-sugar birthday cake all afternoon.

And, here's an excellent tip for diabetics who need to know how to hide their insulin pump on their wedding day. You mean, I can't just stick my hand down the front of the dress and pull out my pump like I do now?

[waving at all the Googlers who are here looking for free redwork patterns]

Peonies

Last week, my mom took me to have some bloodwork done (I'm still not driving) and afterwards, we went to Trader Joe's. I don't know if Thursday is the day they get flowers in but they had some really gorgeous ones and it seemed like everybody was buying a bunch or two. We got some peonies, which were tightly closed up into small balls. Within an hour of being put into some water, one of mine looked like this. I want to know how they keep them from opening at the store. And, unlike the peonies from my yard, they have the best scent. I swear I could smell them from across the room. What incredible flowers.

peony
Originally uploaded by PipStitch

Maggie's Flower

Hey, Maggie, put your head down so we can see your flower.

Maggie
Originally uploaded by PipStitch

Thank you!

Maggie
Originally uploaded by PipStitch

Happy Caturday!

That's my sister's cat, Missy. I call her Satan.

Pimp Stitch

I just discovered Pimp Stitch by following a link from CraftGossip. They're just getting started and it looks like it's going to be fantastic source of cute embroidery patterns. Check out the really cute embroidery freebie from Missy Ballance (of Crafty Carnival) on the Pimp Stitch blog. I want to go stitch it up right now.

Happy Thursday

Seeing all the different ways to make flowers at Pink Paper Peppermints inspired me to come up with another flower for my dog Maggie's collar cover. I decided to make this fabric flower.

Sorry for the lousy photo. I took three of them and the other two are super blurry. Some day I will actually read the manual for my camera and learn how to take better pictures.

The flower tutorial was very easy to follow. I only had trouble when I was attaching the button. I didn't want to use a shank button because Maggie likes to roll around on her back and I was afraid it would poke her. I had made the collar cover for Maggie after I saw the fancy felt one at Bella Dia back in December. Her regular collar goes inside the felt one and this way she's still wearing her ID tags.

I just realized something as I was looking at that picture: the felt is from a wool sweater I washed, I did a chain stitch on it, and the material for the flower is from a sheet. Before I started reading craft blogs, I would never had done anything like that. Thank you to all the Crafty Bloggers out there for getting me to do more than cross stitch!

Speaking of collars, there'a tutorial on making a recycled collar (using the old buckle) for your dog or cat at Keyka [link via Craft].

Up until now, every pinkeep I've ever seen has been made from a cross stitched piece but take a look at this one. It's from a vintage embroidery pattern and done in redwork. Very nice.

Tip Nut will be sharing a set of Laura Wheeler gingham flowers embroidery patterns starting this week. And, have a look at Tip Nut's list of links to a bunch of crafty, kitchen and household printables.

The June challenge at The Floss Box is "to make something out of stuff that would otherwise be thrown away." Read all about it here. Also, Emily recently posted a tutorial for a stumpwork snail which looks really interesting.

Thank you so much to Jenny at All Sorts for hosting the A Post A Day In May challenge. I didn't post every single day but according to Blogger, I did post 39 times this month so that averages to at least one a day. I still haven't checked out all the participating blogs but I did find a few that I really like and will keep reading. (FYI: Jenny posted a list, if you want to go click some links and find more blogs to read, because I know everyone is seriously lacking in that department).

Saving the best for last: Kellie is having an apron giveaway and Barbara is giving away some vintage fabric. Woo hoo!

Adopt A Shelter Cat Month

June is Adopt-a-Shelter-Cat month. Here's a kitty who needs a home. Click the photo for more information. And, refresh the page to see more adoptable cats.

Nothing At All Like Real Life

I feel so sweet and innocent now.


OnePlusYou Quizzes and Widgets