Technology

My mind is blown....again! In my lifetime so many technological changes have come about. Hey,even the word technology wasn't in every day vocabulary when I was growing up. I haven't taught for over 10 years but even 10-15 years ago I'd say something in my class and the kids would go "Huh?"...like phonograph, cassette or transistor radio...dating my self here! Teaching kids how to tell time on a real clock, not digital, became a real challenge and so many other changes.
I remember, over 20 years ago, my cousin was the first person I knew who had a cell phone. We went shopping together and I was holding her handbag while she tried on some clothes and of course, her purse rang and I nearly jumped out of my shoes! 

Yes, I've jumped on most of the band wagons and truly appreciate the convenience, the knowledge, well, everything about technology. 

Today had a weird techno-twist. Grandson #1 had a baseball game and as usual the score boards weren't working. Sometimes innings are so long that it's easy to forget outs or innings and definitely the score. Grandson #2,younger, said "Baba, get Score Simple"...my turn "Huh?"...in 30 seconds he downloaded a baseball scoring app for the iPhone. Piece of cake! In fact the official scorer kept coming to me to double check the  numbers...cool!

Buttons

I have never done this before but I am referring you to another post on another blog. It is amazing, moving and in a very different way, all about the buttons.

Holocaust Memorial

Tape Measures

Who knew that little pocket tape measures would become a bit of a pet rock for me?!
A magazine mini-feature, a wholesale order of size and over 250 sold by me directly!

So what's the problem? Is there a problem? A little one....I want to hear if YOU have any ideas for designs...I'm a bit stuck. 
Usually the fabric is my motivation. Plenty of straight patterns are out there and of course holiday themed (which don't sell!) and kid-like prints.

I was excited when I found the states of the US

and the ones specific to knitters.

Animals are popular,too

Food! 


And of course, buttons!



I've done special orders...professional football teams,colleges and baseball. (Of course, it is all predicated on finding the right fabric and honoring licensing laws.) I've even made some tapes from treasured clothing scraps.

So...what else can I look for? Throw your ideas at me...I can take it!!!!

Wine,anyone?

The Teacher Is Back!

Good start to 2013...some sales, some project completions and the crazies have died down. We had guests this past weekend...the boys! The parents "wanted to get rid of us" as the 7 year old stated and so down the road they came. I am happy to say that although I am tired, I am not exhausted! They got along, listened and were really well behaved but oh, how times have changed!  Children make you mark time!

The 10 year old had to rewrite and revise a composition/essay/paper (whatever they call it today) and had been fighting his Mom about doing it so my son said "Ma, can you help?"...sure! And we did....peacefully. I loved when he came up with a better word substitution than I did. Remember, I was a teacher for many years.

The little one is really reading beautifully with a terrific vocabulary and I was thrilled to see and hear this. One of their favorite things is to go to the bookstore since I rarely will say no to a book. The little one had some trouble making a choice. Two he picked were just beyond challenging and way too hard and unhappily he put them back.  Finally, they both made their selections and we left. In the car I tried to explain to them both not to be a page turner. Don't just say the words but understand their meanings.

We then started a vocabulary game and they were doing great until....Grandpa said "You have to use your cerebellum"...and blank looks crossed their faces. I said "You use them everyday. What is it?" and without skipping a beat the 10 year old said "Your penis?"....out of the mouths of future men!!!

Hanging Head In Shame..........

The thing is, I like to write. So why is keeping this blog current such an effort on my part? WHY?
Nothing since Nov.15th? Shame on me.
A smack on the back of the hand is due.

Okay, let's move on. 

It's almost 2013 and I am not going to-again-resolve to be better at posting. Either I will or I won't and you can be the judge as I admire and am in awe of all of you who do what I apparently can't. There's lots of things I can't (and don't want to) do but we'll see.

So a quick catch up....

Four shows this season...3 terrific,one awful so generally pretty okay. 

Lots of online sales...yippee. 

More contacts for potential wholesale...whoop!

We're all healthy...yes!

The kids are huge and doing great in school...A+!

DH resigned as chorus director...major yay!!!

The 5 pounds still hovers...oh,well.

To all the sometimes and always readers, please stay tuned. I love hearing from you but no promises about regular postings. After all, it's almost resolution time and they're made to be broken, right?

To all my past customers, a huge THANK YOU and I hope you return in the future.

 

Happy,healthy and prosperous 2013!!!

One Of A Kind

One of a kind....what does that mean? Well, there's one. And it's the only one. There will not be any more. To me, it's that simple.
Yesterday, 2 people on Facebook went at it regarding a pair of my handwarmers. Each posted "I want". To the one I deemed more serious I said "One of a kind!'" In truth, this was the 4th of the kind as I was able to get more yarn after pair #1 and #2 sold. (There is still a #4 but different style)  But now for sure there's no more. I received back from both what my retail-career husband calls "babble"...excuses... #1-"Tomorrow when I get paid" and #2-"Let me ask my friend if she likes them". Neither asked me to hold them and I would have, but no request.
Guess what? Today they sold to person #3. And that, my friends, is what happens to those who hesitate. When buying from independent crafts people online, make no assumptions regarding availability.
Like it?
Want it?
BUY it!!!

The top pair are gone and bottom is still available and then that's it!!!!

Everything Old Is New Again

We have a wedding to attend next week a mere 800 miles away! We debated about whether or not to go and one condition was that we both had the right clothes to wear and shopping (read:spending more money) wouldn't be necessary. Once that was determined we responded yes to the invitation. My friend is shocked & thrilled that we're coming and said she didn't expect it. I told here, sure, ours was a throw away invite "They'll never come!" But all kidding aside, we are looking forward to it.
I took out that 'little' black dress and a jacket that works great with it and then searched for the shoes/heels/torture containers! I do not wear heels except for...weddings! I'm tall enough and have bad feet.
Anyway, the shoes appeared to be fine but style-wise, I wasn't so sure. They are 12 years old!
I decided I'd make 2 stops to find new shoes and if not, oh well. Not only did they have to be stylish but not big bucks. I might not wear them for another 5 years. At the 2nd stop, I found a great pair, partially comfortable and the price was excellent. On the way home I remembered I had an evening bag that would work great. Bingo!
This is a very sentimental piece. My father was a leather designer and in his day very modern and clever. I only have 2-3 of his pieces & the bag is older than I am and we know, that's old.
I took it out and it instantly made me smile. As I opened it....rrrrip....the stitching was coming out on the sides...dryness,old age (just like me!). Glue? Nope. I have a machine but wouldn't dare attempt it. I took it today to a real old style shoe repair shop and gave him the details and could you please have it done yesterday? Pretty please? Well...45 seconds and $3 later the bag is perfect! I am so silly excited to be able to use it. It will hold a tiny comb, a tissue and little else but I will have my Dad's work in my hand at a special wedding 800 miles away.
I can't wait!

It's hard to tell but it is patent leather and black fabric. Yes, the lining is discolored...so what?! And how about that change purse? Adorable!!!