Cat Haven Crafts

2011-12-08T11:37:00.000-06:00

Just stopping by briefly today to post about a sweet cross-stitch freebie I came across. It was stitched on linen using DMC threads - 304, 349,415, 433, 435, 699, 702, 838, 977, 3799, 3865 - and finished as an ornament. I think its just gorgeous! Here is the chart too! This little pattern is from Gazette94. She has over 120 free patterns, so get a cup of hot apple cider, sit down, relax, and have fun browsing through her
patterns. There is an adorable cross-stitch of a sweet kiss under the mistletoe! I hope you are all having a great time getting ready for Christmas!

AND WE HAVE A WINNER!

2011-12-06T11:00:00.005-06:00

Using a random number generator, Gina of Cat Nap Inn has won the little ornie! Please send me your address and I'll get the little stitchery out in the mail to you.

Also, because of all your great interest in this little item I will be making another this week (maybe not exactly the same) and offering it as another giveaway! Will post it soon.

Also, I will be making some to offer for purchase once my blog shop is opened.

Thank you to all who entered, I had a hoot reading about all your kitty names. They will be source of inspiration for my next rescue!

2011-12-06T10:00:00.000-06:00

Hi All,

My apologies for not posting the winner of my giveaway yet. I am just getting back on my feet after a really nasty cold and sinus infection. I will try to get the winner's name out later today or tomorrow. I am so sorry for the delay!

We are having our first (unexpected) snow today! Maybe an inch or two. The roads were really slick this morning on my way into work. It took almost 45 minutes for me to go 3 miles!

Will post more later! Have a wonderful, wintery day.

2011-11-24T06:00:00.000-06:00

May you all have a wonderful day filled with much to be thankful for! Safe travels too!

Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving Free Graphic

2011-11-18T10:54:00.001-06:00

Good Fall Morning every

one! I wanted to share a sweet vintage image coming by way of Amy's Pick of the Day

which is a bit of verse to celebrate the season of plenty. When you go to her page, be sure to click on the image first to see the full size image. Then right click (Mac: control+click) and “save to” your computer desktop or a folder of your choice. This process will ensure you get the best quality of the image. You can use this image to make place holders for your Thanksgiving table or perhaps an applique on a tea towel. If you send Amy an image of what you made, she will post them on The Vintage Workshops' Facebook page.

This also reminds me of something I would love Santa to bring me this year .... a color printer/scanner/fax machine! I would love to be able to do some crafts with images printed to fabric. Please tell Santa for me!

Here's wishing you a lovely fall weekend. I'm looking forward to some R&R with a good book, a kitty on my lap and some mulled cider.

Grandma was Plump!

2011-11-16T14:30:00.003-06:00

glitter-graphics.com

Today while looking for a cute Thanksgiving blinky for by blog, I came across this one. It caught my eye because having your loved ones homes is such a blessing but the other reason was because it reminded me of my dear Grandma Mary. She was a jolly (plump) woman who loved her sons and grandkids. She loved to cook for us and she did enjoy her cooking! If you asked for ham for a Sunday dinner, you got ham and roast beef! Same with pies and cookies. She lead a wonderful and simple life with very little but lived with love and thankfulness. This got me to thinking ... when did "grandmas" have to stop looking like the one shown here and had to start looking like Joan Collins?

She looked so huggable and I loved hugging her! Her plumpness was so comforting and reassuring. That's what I remember most about her and how she loved us and her wonderful smile. I certainly thought she was beautiful because of this. Maybe this is how our grandchildren should remember us and not our waist size? It's something to think about.

HAPPY VETERANS DAY

2011-11-11T08:00:00.011-06:00

THANK YOU to all who have served their country (past, present, and future). May we always teach our children how fortunate we are to live in the USA with our very precious freedoms and to respect all those who sacrifice for our safety (EMTs, paramedics, firefighters, and police too!).

PAFA Winter Wonderland Giveaway

2011-11-10T22:18:00.001-06:00

There are so many wonderful contributions from very talented artists in this giveaway! Don't miss this one. Please stop over at PAFA's Blog to see all these winter wonderfuls!

Kitty Christmas November Giveaway

2011-11-09T12:51:00.001-06:00

I thought I should get busy and get my November giveaway posted! I hope you all like it. I modified a little pattern from Kitty Kringle's Pattern Book. This little ornie was stitched on fiddler's cloth and backed with wool. I aged it with my very own "secret" technique that I will share with you all someday.

Now for the giveaway rules:
1. You must be a follower of my blog and leave a comment on this post only (new followers welcome).
2. You can post about my giveaway on your blog (additional entry).
3. You can tell me the names of your kitties (additional entry).
4. The giveaway will end November 30th at midnight.
5. I will draw the name of the winner by December 3rd.

Cat Haven Crafts November 2011 Giveaway

Good luck to all who enter! We are having a wintery day here ... drove to work in snow, sleet, rain, and 35 mph winds! All at the same time. It can really mess up a girl's hairdo! My kitty's refused to go out on the porch this morning! I don't blame them. I would love to be home stitchin' on a day like today!

Christmas Ornaments Made from Felt

2011-11-08T10:02:00.000-06:00

Good morning! Whew, I have been busy. My daughter and her husband have bought a house (only 1/2 block from me) and will be moving at the end of the month. So we are all caught up in boxing up and moving things around. I have been stitching a little, but not as much as I hoped. However, I did finish my Christmas giveaway that I will be posting about soon.

Today, I just wanted to share some sweet "free" Christmas felt/wool patterns from Better Homes and Gardens that I came across. There are over twenty to choose from. Here are a few that caught my eye!

It's rainy here today and blustery. The perfect day to whip up some home-made chicken soup, corn bread, and to spend the evening stitching with a kitty curled in your lap. Sending wishes for a peaceful Tuesday.

2011-11-04T13:11:00.004-05:00

As part of my November giveaway, I asked you all if you used blog templates and if you did, whose did you use? I got many responses and thought I would provide information about some of them. Please take some time to visit the blogs of these creative gals.

Twin Creek Primitives

Twin Creek Primitives is also known of TCP. The blog templates and graphics here are all free and the templates come with directions on how to use them. TCP also sells her creations on eBay at Twin Creek Primitives eBay. Quite a few of my followers use TCP graphics and templates.

The Cutetest Blog on the Block
Another site for finding free templates is The Cutest Blog on the Block. You can find all sorts of freebies here: background, banners, blinkies, and buttons to name a few.

Amybug's Primitive Attic

The graphics and templates at Amybug's Primitive Attic are not free, but they are beautiful. One very helpful item that Amybug sells are "Selling Templates: that may be useful for those of you who are thinking about selling your primitives via a blog site.

Scrap-e-Blog

Scrap-e-Blog provides free blogger backgrounds. Currently there are seven Thanksgiving backgrounds available that are very prim and cute. You can also request custom headers.

Well, I'm signing off for today, so here are wishes for a purrrrrrfect fall weekend!

November Giveaway Winner!

2011-11-03T08:37:00.001-05:00

Just a quick post today to let you know who was the lucky winner of my November giveaway. Please congratulate Traci at York Mountain Primitives. Traci please email me your address and I'll get your winnings in the mail right away.

And remember, I will be having another giveaway soon which will feature some fun Christmas ornies (maybe even one of my wool kitties!).

Have a wonderful fall day! Cat Haven Crafts

Fiddler's Cloth and The Giveaway

2011-10-31T13:20:00.001-05:00

Well, Happy Halloween Day! It has been very busy this past week here at Cat Haven! We have been doing a lot of leaf raking, house cleaning, and getting ready for my daughter and son-in-law to move out of our house into their own in a few weeks! They have been with us for about a year now (since they moved back to Iowa from Oregon) and though we love having them with us, we are slowly running out of room now that Little Henry is here! They are so excited and so am I since their house is only a 1/2 block from me!

Anyway, in my down time I have been doing some cross stitching because its easy from me to do with watching Henry in the evening. I have purchased some fantastic patterns from Primitivebettys and Country Rustic Primitives. I will be posting the finished little cupboard tucks soon.

As I was looking over these patterns, I found that some of the patterns recommended Fiddler's cloth. However, I had no idea what Fiddler's cloth was, so I did some searching. In case you don't know, Fiddler's Cloth is a very popular Aida with a homespun country look. It's a blend of 50% Cotton, 42% Polyester, and 8% Linen. This is a great cloth for primitive pieces because you get a more country feeling from Fiddler's cloth because it has lightly irregular threads. I like it because its also much softer than Aida. The only drawback with Fiddler's Cloth is that it doesn't come in a wide range of colors -- it only comes in tan shades with darker nubs within the fabric. If you are looking for rustic cloth for cross stitching, I would recommend it!

Don't forget, my give away ends at midnight tonight! Good luck to you all. And yes! There will be a giveaway in December (just haven't decided yet what it might be, but it will have a cat theme!).

Herbs and Free Kitty Halloween Cross Stitch Pattern

2011-10-18T09:17:00.005-05:00

I wanted to share with you all a really cute (free) cross stitch pattern I came across today from Silver Cute Dwarf which is called "Boo" and something I'll be stitching this week! I love it.

The other thing I'd like to share is a bit about herbs. I love herb lore! They have along history as a natural remedies—and many other more unusual uses, too (especially if you’re bothered by a pesky witch or two this Hallow’s Eve!). Here are a few!

Basil - A cup of basil tea after dinner helps digestion. Ease a headache by drinking tomato juice blended with fresh basil.

Chives - Bunches of chives hung in your home were used to drive away diseases and evil.

Dill - Romans made wreaths and garlands out of dill. Dill keeps witches away.

Fennel - Bunches of fennel were used to drive off witches. It was used in love potions and as an appetite suppressant (don’t you wish!).

Garlic - It was thought to give strength and courage. Aristotle noted garlic's use as a guard against the fear of water. It's also been widely used against evil powers.

Marjoram - The Greeks believed it could revive the spirits of anyone who inhaled it.

Mint - It was believed to cure hiccups and counteract sea-serpent stings (especially important to those of you living by water!).

Oregano - Also used for scorpion and spider bites.

Rosemary - Rosemary in your hair will improve your memory. It will protect you from evil spirits if you put a sprig under your pillow.

Sage - Thought to promote strength and longevity and believed to cure warts. American Indians used it as a toothbrush.

Thyme - Burning thyme gets rid of insects in your house. A bed of thyme was thought to be a home for fairies.

Folk lore aside some herbs do help fight winter colds and flu, especially herbs known for their strong scents—rosemary, thyme, sage, basil, oregano, lavender, and others. They have high concentrations of volatile oils that have antiseptic and antibiotic properties that bolster the immune system. To ease sore throats, make your own gargle by adding a teaspoon or two of any of the following to warm water: cider vinegar, sage, chamomile, lemon juice, or raspberry leaves.

Have you ever heard of Cats Ear? It’s also known as False dandelion. Historically, dandelion was prized for a variety of medicinal properties, and it really does contain a wide number of pharmacologically active compounds. Dandelion is used as folk remedies in North America, Mexico and China. Cats Ear and dandelions are completely edible and if you ever get a chance to visit The Amana Colonies in east, central Iowa, try their dandelion wine!

October Giveaway! Better Late Than Never

2011-10-17T09:55:00.000-05:00

Good morning! Let me introduce my October giveaway items for you. I hope you will all like what I have to offer this month. The last day to enter will be midnight on October 31st. I will draw the winner no later than November 2nd and will mail out your goodies in time for you to enjoy them for Thanksgiving decorating. The little crow pillow is a design from Need'l Love's "Autumn Threads" book created by Lyn Hosford called "Out on a Stem" and I've stitched it up using some great wools. The little pin keep is a quilt pattern called "Flying Geese" and the "Enjoy Today" stitchery is from a pattern by "Hudson's Holidays."

Here are the giveaway rules:
1. You must be a follower of my blog (new followers are always welcome!).
2. You must comment on this post only.
3. For an extra entry, you may answer these questions: Do you use blog templates? If you do, whose do you use?
4. You may post this giveaway on your blog for one additional entry!
Good luck to all who enter.

Sunday I finished up two stitcheries that I had been working on. The first is a free pattern from Threadwork Primitives and the second is a pattern by Country Rustic Primitives

Now, I'm off to read up on all your blog news that I missed this weekend! Hope you receive a blessing today!

Selling Poll Results and Some Fall Photos

2011-10-13T11:06:00.004-05:00

Good morning all! I hope you are having a glorious fall day! First of all, I would like to share the selling poll results that I received during my September giveaway. The majority of you indicated that you would prefer to purchase prims from me from a selling blog but a close second was from Etsy and lastly (and not many) preferred eBay. So, with that information in mind, I am working on creating my selling blog (any tips would be greatly appreciated) and hope to have it up and running in a few weeks.

The second thing I'd like to share today are two purchases I recently made. A little while ago I purchased an herb rack from Firecracker Kid Primitives and this weekend I finally got it up on my wall. Here is a photo of it with some of my Halloween ornies. I really, really like it!

The next item I purchased was from Wicked Faerie Queen -- a cute little painted Halloween box.

I also wanted to share with you some of my Halloween decorating (I don't do too much anymore because of working full time and the time it takes to put up and put away things) that make me smile!

And lastly, little Mr. Nicky trying out the new throw blankets (they weren't out 5 mintues before he climbed up here!). Take care and remeber to hug those kitties today!

For Kathy at Tolentreasures

2011-10-06T13:23:00.000-05:00

I was reading Kathy's post at her blog TOLENTREASURES and while I enjoyed reading about her weekend, her "scarey" story kindof gave me goosebumps. So, as I was browsing around the Internet today (and BTW, this post has nothing really to do with crafting), I came across this photo:

It was taken in 1950 and shows the image of another "creepy" guy. It was taken by a National Park Service photographer during massive renovations of the White House (yes, the one in Washington DC) in 1950. In the background, a group of men stand to the left. But there is an odd, translucent figure, standing alone, to the right. I'm not saying what he/it is, but here is a larger image of the photo. Kinda weird, isn't it.

Need a Haystack or Two?

2011-10-05T10:44:00.001-05:00

Just a short post today -- I wanted to share this little tutorial that I came across at Wee Folk Art for making burlap haystacks (perhaps your kitty won't want to chew on these!). They can be made any size and the tutorial is very easy and step by step. So if you don't feel like cleaning up pieces of hay all over your house, try out one or two of these haystacks.

What Cheer Flea Market

2011-10-04T13:01:00.001-05:00

This past Saturday I went to the What Cheer Flea Market with my daughter and grandson, Henry. I haven't been able to go with her in ages so this was special and extra-special since it was Henry's first time there! He had a ball!

I wasn't able to do too much walking because my ankle is still in "the boot" but we did visit some great vendors! Especially the gals who have a booth at the Majestic Lion Antique Center in Des Moines. I've posted some pictures of their wares below. I loved looking at all the fall decor but went home with just another addition to my vintage glass refrigerator containers (that I actually use all the time). Molly bought an antique butter mold and Henry got a vintage, wooden abacus (can't start math too young!).

This weekend we are going to try attend a local auction that always seems to have one or two things I would just love to have. Until the next post, enjoy your day!

We Have a Winner!!!

2011-10-03T12:11:00.000-05:00

My apologies for the delay in posting the winner of my first giveaway! My Internet link was down. But anyway, I am back and the winner is ..... Kathy H. So Kathy, please email me at: allmycats@yahoo.com with your mailing address and I will get your little Scaredy Cat pillow mailed out to you. If I do not hear from you by Friday, October 7th at 5 pm EST I will pick another name.

Thank you all for your entries and responding to my question about eBay vs. Etsy vs. a Selling Blog. I will post the results to this question soon.

Also, please stop back in a few days as I will be having an October giveaway!!!

Some Fall Comfort Food

2011-09-29T13:08:00.003-05:00

We are having a wonderful fall day here in east central Iowa! Just the perfect day for some comfort food for supper. Here is a little recipe for Macaroni and Cheese from "Yankee" and takes about 25 minutes to prepare and feeds 4-6. Here are the ingredients:

7 tablespoons salted butter, divided
3/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
1 8-ounce package ziti, macaroni, or your favorite pasta
4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups milk
1/4 teaspoon kosher or sea salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Pinch crushed red-pepper flakes
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
8 ounces (about 2 cups) extra-sharp Vermont cheddar cheese, shredded
1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Preheat your oven to 350°. Melt 3 tablespoons butter in a large skillet. Add panko and stir until coated; set aside. Cook pasta according to package, stopping 2 minutes shy of suggested cooking time. Drain and set aside. Meanwhile, melt remaining 4 tablespoons butter in a large, heavy saucepan over low heat; whisk in flour until smooth. Cook, whisking continuously, about 1 minute; don't let mixture brown. Add milk gradually and cook over medium heat, whisking continuously, until mixture is thickened and bubbly, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat; add salt, pepper, red-pepper flakes, mustard, and cheeses, whisking until melted. Add pasta; then spoon mixture into a lightly greased 2-quart casserole or four lightly greased 2-cup baking dishes. Sprinkle with breadcrumbs. Bake 20-25 minutes, or until bubbly.

I enjoy with some crusty bread and a side of broccoli!

Sending some virtual hugs your way (and let your kitties roll in the fall leaves today).

Prim Plush Blanket Throw

2011-09-28T12:20:00.002-05:00

When we went Up North a few weeks ago the cabin we stayed in had the most wonderful throw blanket -- all soft, warm, and plush. I thought I might like to have a few to replace several in our family room that we have used really hard over the last few winters. So, when I came home I searched the Web for United Weavers plush throws. To my delight I found a pattern that is very prim, has all the colors I wanted, and at a price that I was thrilled to get! They also make this pattern in a rug, too. If you are interested in this throw or any others that United Weavers offer, I would suggest going to this Web Site
to purchase one. They are having a 20% off sale on these blankets and the price is the lowest I've found online. Also, use this coupon code for ANOTHER!!!! 20% (summersale20)! There are no shipping charges either! I can't wait for them to arrive because the nights are getting colder here and I want to put our old family room throws in our car trunks for "just in case" winter troubles!

2011-09-28T10:44:00.000-05:00

Good morning all you crafty ladies! I hope you are having a wonderful, fall day. It's been very foggy here this morning, but nice and cool and crisp. I just wanted to remind you that my Scaredy Cat Pillow Giveaway ends 9/30 at midnite!

I also want to share with you a free pattern for a thanksgiving wool applique pillow. Click here for instructions and the pattern. I am thinking of stitching one up this weekend.

Kim also has compiled 101 Festive Fall Tutorials over at her blog. So, please take a minute and visit her at Everything Etsy

Some of you have asked about the wool kitties I used to make and sell and whether or not I will be making and selling them in the future and the answer is YES! So please stay tuned. I may not get around to making my fall/Halloween kitties, but I most likely will be stitching up some of them for winter/Christmas. Thanks for asking!

Totally Unrelated to Crafting, but ....

2011-09-27T10:43:00.001-05:00

I know this is totally unrelated to crafting whatsoever, but I thought this You Tube video was hilarious and so am sharing it with you all - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fgTyiaDmytw and also this from LOL Cats. If you view the You Tube Video you will understand the kitty.

Weekend Wanderings

2011-09-25T21:01:00.004-05:00

Hello! I hope your weekend was wonderful. I was able to get some things done even though I an limping around. I fell a few days ago ... I am really such a klutz ... and hurt my left ankle and foot. I am now wearing a boot and am not supposed to put weight on that foot ... we'll see how that goes. A few weeks ago I dropped a large rock on my other foot and broke two toes. I'm thinking that these are signs from God telling me I must spend more time sitting and stitching! :)

I had a wonderful time on Saturday with Henry as he visited his first pumpkin patch. Doesn't he look like he is having the time of his little life?

I have to laugh at the first picture in this post (scroll back to it). I'm wondering about the meaning and purpose of the "pumpkin" catapult in the right hand corner of the photo? LOL!!!

I am also thrilled and humbled that I now have more than 100 followers! To celebrate, I will be having another giveaway in October. And I will be tallying up my questionnaire about eBay vs. Esty vs. a Selling Blog as soon as the give away is over. But I can probably say that I will not be going back to selling on eBay. Here are a few items that I've finished, need to be stitched into pillows or mini-quilts, or stuffed that you might find on my selling blog one of these days. The first photo is a little mini-quilt/wall hanging that I made up from a free design offered recently by Shirley Hudson over at Hudson's Holidays;

This little saying makes me smile every time I see it. I am also making a little pillow from the pattern on muslin, too. Here are a few of my items. When/if I sell them, I will let you know who is the pattern designer, but right now I can't find the original patterns in amongst all my patterns (thanks for not asking me to get up and look, the foot you know! :) )

All in all, it has been a wonderful weekend ... the corn is looking good, spent time with my grandson, my daughter and I spent some good quality time together and she made a DELICIOUS bacon/spinach/broccoli quiche for supper for us all! Well, the work week starts early tomorrow so I'm off to get into my PJ's and enjoy a cup of chamomile/lavender tea! Hope you all have sweet dreams tonight.

Sending You a Little Humor Today.

2011-09-22T11:06:00.001-05:00

When parking on the north side of the church, please remember to park on an angel.

The church office will be closed until opening. It will remain closed after opening. It will reopen Monday.

Let us join David and Lisa in the celebration of their wedding and bring their happiness to a conclusion.

The beautiful flowers on the altar this morning are to celebrate the birth of David Alan Belzer, the sin of Rev. and Mrs. Julius Belzer.

The Rev. Adams spoke briefly, much to the delight of his audience.

At the evening service tonight, the sermon topic will be “What is Hell?” Come early and listen to our bell choir practice.

For those who have children and don't know it, there is a nursery downstairs.

Ladies, don't forget the rummage sale. It is a great chance to get rid of those things not worth keeping around the house. Don't forget your husbands.

Questionnaire :
"What is your Church Preference?"
Answer : "I prefer a red brick church."

The Low Self Esteem Support Group will meet Thursday at 7 P.M. Please use the back door.

On Sunday a special collection will be taken to defray the expense of a new carpet. All those wishing to do something on the new carpet will please come forward to get a piece of paper.

There is a sign-up sheet for anyone wishing to be baptized on the table in the foyer.

Scouts are saving aluminum cans, bottles, and other items to be recycled. Proceeds will be used to cripple children.

The Pastor would appreciate it if the ladies of the congregation would lend him their electric girdles for the pancake breakfast next Sunday morning.

The preacher will preach his farewell message, after which the choir will sing, "Break Forth With Joy".

The visiting monster today is Rev. Jack Bains.

The concert held in Fellowship Hall was a great success. Special thanks are due to the minister's daughter, who labored the whole evening at the piano, which as usual fell upon her.
A new loudspeaker system has been installed in the church. It was given by one of our members in honor of his wife.

Eight new choir robes are currently needed due to the addition of several new members and to the deterioration of some older ones.

Remember in prayer the many who are sick of our congregation.

We pray that our people will jumble themselves.

Don't let worry kill you off - let the Church help.

Next Sunday Mrs. Vinson will be soloist for the morning service. The pastor will then speak on "It's a Terrible Experience."

The sermon this morning: WOMEN IN THE CHURCH The closing song: RISE UP, O MEN OF GOD

Twenty-two members were present at the church meeting held at the home of Mrs. Marsha Crutchfield last evening. Mrs. Crutchfield and Mrs. Rankin sang a duet, The Lord Knows Why.

The third verse of Blessed Assurance will be sung without musical accomplishment.

The eighth-graders will be presenting Shakespeare's Hamlet in the church basement on Friday at 7 p.m. The congregation is invited to attend this tragedy.

It's Drug Awareness Week: Get involved in drugs before your children do.

Illiterate? Write to the church office for help.

The outreach committee has enlisted 25 visitors to make calls on people who are not afflicted with any church.

ANOINTING OF THE SICK ... If you are going to be hospitalized for an operation, contact the pastor. Special prayer also for those who are seriously sick by request.

Please place your donation in the envelope along with the deceased person you want remembered

Jean will be leading a weight-management series Wednesday nights. She's used the program herself and has been growing like crazy!

The 'Over 60s Choir' will be disbanded for the summer with the thanks of the entire church.

Please welcome Pastor Don, a caring individual who loves hurting people.

When I was the "maintenance guy" at my former church, I left a note attached to a receipt in the office for the secretary. Note read: "Van Battery died." The secretary was concerned that she didn't know this church member, and asked how she should announce his passing in the bulletin.

Over the massive front doors of a church, these words were inscribed: "The Gates of Heaven". Below that was a small cardboard sign which read: "Please use other entrance

Fall Ember Day #1 Report

2011-09-21T10:38:00.001-05:00

Well, today is the first of the Ember Days for this fall. Here in east central Iowa it will be 5 degrees below average for this time of year, mostly sunny, and windy. So folklore says that's what our October will be like. The Old Farmers Almanac forecasts October to be 2 degress below normal, little rain, and mostly sunny for the majority of the month. Maybe there is something to Ember Days after all! We'll see.

The picture is some of my fall decor this year. The beautiful quilt I got at a auction a few years ago and the little pillow I stitched up last year.

Hope you have a great Ember Day!

Ember Days and a Chance for an Additional Giveaway Chance!

2011-09-20T09:15:00.001-05:00

Good Morning! Do you know that tomorrow begins Ember Days for the last half of 2011? What are Ember Days? Well, folklore has it that the weather on each of three specific days in September will foretell the weather for next three successive months; that is, Wednesday forecasts weather for October, Friday for November, and Saturday for December. So if you'd like an additional chance in my September Giveaway for the "Scaredy Cats Welcome" pillow, reply to this post and tell me: 1. What state you live in; 2. What your weather was like on 9/21; 3. What your weather was like on 9/23; and What your weather was like on 9/24!

I also wanted to share with you a little item I finished on Sunday evening. It's Pattern #13 Halloween from Christian Patterns. Instead of framing it, I made it into a little quilt. It hangs above my fire place mantel. I also stitched up the little crow pillow and the "frost is on the pumpkins" banner a few years ago.

Christian Patterns has many a cute stitchery patterns for sale. Here is one with a little kitty on it. I have this pattern and will be stitching it up (someday!). Well, I'll sign off for now with a wish you have a sweet fall day!

I'm Baaaack.

2011-09-18T20:23:00.000-05:00

Just a real quick note to let you know I'm back from Up North. I will post more about my trip in the next few days. I wanted to thank all of you who have signed up for the giveaway so far and I will be visiting the blogs of all my new followers too! I am really looking forward to tallying up your comments about selling blog vs. eBay vs. Etsy.

I managed to get in some quality stitching time, too! Now on to the task of catching up on all your news!

Til next time, Cat Haven Crafts

AFK and AFN!

2011-09-09T10:38:00.003-05:00

Good morning! I see that I have some new followers. Thank you so much for joining me. I have looked around your blogs and am very inspired! Today's post is short because I am going to be AFK and AFN (away from keyboard and away from needle) for a few days! Hubby and I are finally going on our summer vacation UP NORTH! Hope to find some prim goodies on our trip! So, if you have any questions about the giveaway, I may not be available to answer them. And if you are a new visitor, please sign up for my September Scaredy Cat Giveaway. If you like the graphic in this post, please visit Country Life Graphics. Gail has an amazing offering of prim graphics for you to enjoy.
Have a wonderful weekend!

CAT HAVEN CRAFTS HALLOWEEN "Scaredy Cats Welcome" GIVEAWAY

2011-09-07T19:24:00.000-05:00

Okay, here it is, just as I promised! I hope you will like my little giveaway prim kitty pillow. This little pillow is made from heavy weight muslin cut from a vintage seed sack and grunged using oven scorching and coffee staining. The lettering was stitched free-hand and the cat, moon, and star are made from quality, over-dyed, recycled wool that was appliqued using a blanket stitch. The pillow was completely hand-sewn (no machine stitching). It is filled with new polyfill. It measure 6" by 8". The giveaway will run until midnight September 30th (2011). There are just a few rules in order for you to be included in the drawing.

And here they are, you need to:

Be a follower of my blog.

And Answer this question through this post - Where would you most likely shop for a Cat Haven Crafts handmade primitive? On eBay? At Etsy? or through my blog? Or any other suggestion?

That's it! If you follow the giveaway requirements, the contest is open to all. The reason I am asking where you would shop is that I have sold my items previously on eBay but am considering selling in a different venue and I would really, really like your opinions to help me make a decision.

Also, for an additional chance to win, you could post my giveaway on your blog's sidebar, just let me know! Good luck to all and I'm looking forward to meeting a few new followers (I hope!)

Cat Haven Craft Giveaway Coming Soon!

2011-09-07T09:30:00.002-05:00

Yes, that's right! I have a cute little Halloween giveaway coming in the next few days. It is my first giveaway and my way of saying thanks for all the giveaways I have won in the past year or so! Please stay tuned. Also, please see my sidebar today for some new giveaways you might want to enter.

Free Pattern - Scaredy Cat Cup

2011-09-02T08:53:00.001-05:00

It's trying so hard to rain here this morning! A few drops here and there, but nothing to dance about. Would be nice if we get some precipitation soon! Everything is so dry here. Even the leaves are starting to fall from the trees way ahead of their normal fall schedule. And speaking of Fall, I want to share a freebie pattern offered by Country Sampler. It's for a prim little wool Halloween ornie. You can download it here - Scaredy-Cat Cup Pattern. It will print out a nice, color PDF file for you. If you make one, please send me a picture and I'll post it here. Well, it time to get back to work. And if I don't post anything for a few days, have a safe and happy Labor Day (make sure to keep your kitties inside during high traffic times this holiday weekend).

NEW POST and GIVEAWAYS

2011-09-01T09:30:00.003-05:00

Good Autumn Morning to you all! I'm enjoying getting caught up on all your blogs since I've been away. Today I wanted to let you know that I've posted some new giveaways I've come across and also to introduce you to a new blog I've found. I think you will enjoy it. Please visit Cathy at her blog Orange Sink to see all her rug hooking projects she has made and is making! They are beautiful. Until next time, blessings and remember to hug your kitties.

Knitting Nigtmares

2011-08-28T10:11:00.005-05:00

For those of you who would like a little chuckle, I would suggest visiting my daughter's blog today. Raise your hand for anyone who has actually worn a sweater like these or wanted to when they were in vogue. Oh, the horror (kinda like leisure suits ... everyone wanted one until they saw a photo of themselves wearing one!) http://mollymakesdo.wordpress.com/2011/08/28/knitting-nightmares/

Because it has a cat on it!

2011-08-26T11:23:00.004-05:00

Good morning everyone! Still no rain here (about 60 some days and counting) but the temperatures and humidity are getting more enjoyable and Fall is almost here. This morning I thought I'd share a link for a sweet freebie redwork design from Bird Brain Designs. I'm beginning to like the idea of stitching up my own hand towels. What a nice way to put some smiles into cleaning up around the kitchen! I'm also thinking about how to make this into a cute little wool pillow stitchery. I have some vintage seeds sacks that I can also use to make a little pillow or use to make my own hand towels. Might try it this weekend.

Last night I also tried my hand at making a "pasty" which is a really great dish for tight budgets. It's a little like a pot pie without the pot! The pasty came from England to America when mining started going bad in England during the 1800's. No one knows for sure though whether the Cornish invented the pasty, or whether they picked it up from some other group. Regardless is really a delishious, simple meal! Here are a few pictures of my first attempts at making it. I've included a recipe if you've never tried it! I added some Emerl's Steak Rub for a little more flavor. I've used just potatoes (Yukon variety), carrots, celery, and onion although some recipes call for rutabaga and other veggies.

Pasty Recipe
The amounts for ingredients can be adjusted to taste. If you like more ground beef or potatoes, add some. If you prefer less rutabaga or turnip, use less. This recipe makes about 8-10 pasties. Note: if you use a pre-made, frozen pie shell you will need one for each pasty. Once made and baked they can be frozen for another meal.

2 lbs ground beef (uncooked)
3-4 good size potatoes
½ large onion
4-5 celery stalks
½ rutabaga (optional, but I suggest at least trying it.)
½ turnip (optional)
12-15 baby carrots
Salt and pepper to taste
Directions: Chop potatoes into small squares. About the size of a French fry, cubed. Chop rutabaga, carrots, and turnip into smaller squares. Chop onion into small pieces. Combine everything in a large mixing bowl. (By hand is easiest.) Roll out pie crust to approx. 9” diameter circles, one for each pasty. For each crust, put in about 1 cup of the mixture of veggies and ground beef, onto one half of the crust. As you scoop it into a cup, it’s easy to see that you get a good variety of all ingredients. Fold over the crust. Pinch together the edges. Place small slits in the top of the crust. Bake at 375 for one hour. They are ready to eat! Enjoy. You can eat them with ketchup and brown gravy is good too. But, they are a complete meal in themselves, so the ketchup or gravy isn’t even needed to enjoy your pasty! I eat mine as is. They can also be frozen if they won’t be eaten in the next couple days.

For frozen pasties, they can be heated in an oven at 350 for about 40-45 minutes. After about 20 minutes, I cut them in half, to help the middle of the pasties thaw and heat thoroughly. As a variation, my sister adds a can of Cream of Celery soup to the beef and veggie mixture to help moisten it.

So what does this have to do with crafting? Well, nothing really. Although, re-heating, pre-made pasties for supper leaves SOOO much more time in the evening to enjoy your crafts!

BTW, did you notice the zip lock bag in the background full of veggie scraps? I save them and then use them to make vegetable stock/broth for soups and such. Nice to have on hand, full of vitamins and minerals minus all the preservations and other mystery items found in canned goods today. I will post about how to make this broth another day.

Have a great Friday and remember to hug you kitty today!

And Now ... Presenting the Real Reason I Haven't Been Crafting!

2011-08-25T13:25:00.000-05:00

Well, its been a long time my friends but I thought I would stop by and say hello and introduce you to the reason I haven't been crafting since last January. Please meet by grandson Henry (aka, Little Bear). Henry arrived here on February 8th! What a joy he is and I get to see him everyday. Here are a few pictures for you. I hope to get caught up with all your happenings in the last 8 months and start crafting again (I sure do miss it!).

Cat Haven Crafts Says Hello!

2011-08-25T04:59:00.000-05:00

How I've missed you all! Just a short note to let you know that I will be posting and crafting again. I've much to share, especially my new grandson, Henry. Please stop back for more Cat Haven news and pictures of Henry.

Cat and the Fiddle Win!

2011-01-06T14:18:00.002-06:00

Hi All, Hope your New Year's has started out really well. I have no complaints (so far). I'm even able to remember to write 2011 instead of 2010 on my checks. We are in the process of tearing up our kitchen floor to put down laminate. Why are we doing this? Well, I am married to Tool Man Tim and we NEVER have anyone do something that Tool Man can do.

And yes, I helped! I'm the clean up crew and floor nail puller. Hopefully we will get the flooring this weekend. After we get the floor in hubby would like to tackle the cabinets. We are thinking of painting them white or cream to brighten up the kitchen since its so small and doesn't get a lot of natural light.

I also won another giveaway! This time the winnings will go to my new grandson who is set to arrive anytime after January 11th. Isn't this Cat-and-the-Fiddle blanket just adorable and it is hand made by an absolutely wonderful gal named Carol.

Carol makes wonderful items. I love the little kitty scarf that she has listed in her Etsy Store. Please take some time and stop by and browse through her store, CC's Kittenknits

I'm still busy with work, the house, and the new arrival and haven't had much time to craft, but I did go through my pattern stash and have picked out some projects to work on for spring and Valentine's Day!

We had a lovely snow last week, but now its all gone and it's just cold outside and kinda brown. The kitties are staying warm, though. Here is a picture of Oscar and Ms. B. snuggling. Aren't they cute!

I'll sign off for now and try by best to find some time to visit all of my blog friends and see what you have all been crafting!

Stay warm and hug a kitty today!

New Year's Resolutions

2010-12-29T14:51:00.001-06:00

I hope all of you had a wonderful Christmas and hope you have a safe and happy New Year! One of MY new year's resolutions is to get back to crafting soon, but the only one I think I can keep! However, I asked my kitties what resolutions they would make for 2011 and here's what they had to say!

• I will not puff my entire body to twice its size for no reason after my human has finished watching a scary movie.

• I will not help myself to Q-tips, and I must certainly not proceed to stuff them down the sink's drain.

• I will not lean way over to drink out of the tub, fall in, and then pelt into the box of clumping cat litter.

• I will not use the bathtub to store live mice for late-night snacks.

• I will not play Herd of Thundering Wildebeests Stampeding Across the Plains of the Serengeti over my humans' bed while she’s trying to sleep.

• I will not try to leap through closed windows to catch birds outside. If I forget this and bonk my head on the window and fall behind the couch in my attempt, I will not get up and do the same thing again.

• I will not stick my paw into any container to see if there is something in it. If I do, I will not hiss and scratch when my human has to shave me to get the rubber cement out of my fur.

• I will not check every door when it rains because I will believe my human that it will be raining on all sides of the house.

• Birds do not come from the bird feeder. I will not knock it down and try to open it up to get the birds out.

• I will not play "dead cat on the stairs" when my human is trying to bring in groceries or laundry, or else one of these days, it will really come true.

• I will not swat my human's head repeatedly when she's on the family room floor trying to do sit ups.

• When my human puts me into the Cage Of Death for a trip to the vet, I will not try to use my own urine as a corrosive agent as it will not eat through the cage walls.

• Dry cat food is both tasty and nutritious, and it is always available. I will not starve myself and act pitiful all day long in anticipation of the canned food.

• I will not walk on the keyboard when my human is writing important emiognaioerp ga3qi4 taija3tgv aa35 a.

• I will not eat spider plants and then hallucinate behind the toilet.

• I will not soak my catnip toys in the toilet to make tea.

Cheers to you all and give your kitties a little milk on New Year's eve! See you in 2011!

WIZARDS IN WINTER

2010-12-22T09:27:00.000-06:00

Just wanted to share this amazing video of a Christmas light display from 2005. Its fantastic! The lights are synced to Transiberian Orchestra's "Wizards in Winter." Happy Christmas, Harry, Ron, and Hermione! :)

Giveaway Thanks and To All a Good Night!

2010-12-15T19:46:00.001-06:00

Good Evening, Ladies (and Gents)! I am long over due in thanking two wonderful artists. I recently one two giveaways. The first artist I need to thank is Rose at Baskets by Rose. This picture doesn't do it justice! It is absolutely beautiful and is hanging above my fireplace mantel. Please stop by and visit Rose at her blog sometime today!

I also won a lovely little hand stitched ornie from Susan at Chucklebees! She is a sweetheart. She would love a visit from you! Take a minute a stop by and see her Christmas kitties!

I also purchased an adorable candle ornie from her and she sent me a little something extra (a cinnamon heart ornie) that I tucked in my dough bowl full of miniature baskets! Thanks, Susan!

I am so thankful to have won such wonderful handmade items. They are making my home more prim and homey this Christmas!

We are supposed to get mucho snow tonight and tomorrow morning! I love when it hides all the orange electrical cords going to the outside Christmas lights! Lastly, before I bid you all good night here is a picture of Kezzie posing in the bay window and Louie looking very regal!

Have a warm, safe, and cozy night, all!

THE YULE LOG

2010-12-14T10:13:00.003-06:00

The burning Yule log was a symbol of the light that would return after the dark days of early winter. It gave people an excuse to gather with family and friends before a roaring fire. The tradition is an old one, going back to the Druid custom of choosing a large log from an apple or oak tree, lighting it afire, and praying that it would burn forever. A good prayer considering that they did not have modern conveniences like fuel oil, electricity, and generators in case the power went out! In England, the log was selected months before Christmas Day because it was believed that all who brought it in from the woods would be protected against harm for the ensuing year, everyone lent a hand, making the event itself a festive time.

Today the Yule log is a large wooden log burned in the hearth as a part of traditional Yule or Christmas celebrations in several European cultures. It can be a part of the Winter Solstice festival or the Twelve Days of Christmas, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, or Twelfth Night.

Did you know:

One large log lasts two to three times longer than the same volume of smaller logs.
That you should burn only seasoned wood?
Wood-burning stoves are three times more efficient than standard fireplaces.
For the prettiest flames, burn birch or maple.
Add a handful of pine or hemlock needles, rosemary sprigs, or sage branches to your next fire to add natural incense to the room.
Did you know that one cord of wood burned as firewood provides the heat equivalent to that produced by burning 200 to 250 gallons of heating oil, depending on the type of hardwood you are using?
That the best wood to burn is rock elm, shagbark hickory, white oak, butternut hickory, beech, red oak, yellow birch, red elm, white ash, and white elm?

We have a fireplace but don't use it anymore to burn wood. It needs some repairs so I burn candles in it instead. That suits me just find because with hot flashes I don't need any additional heat sources! I do have an ambient DVD that I can play on my TV that plays the sounds of a burning fire put without the heat! I play that in the winter when we have friends and family over! Its great - no heat, chopping wood, or ash to carry outside!

Hope you are all staying warm today. It's a brisk 7 degrees here is eastern Iowa! BRRRRRR! But my hotflahses love it! ;D

CHRISTMAS WITH CATS!

2010-12-13T10:05:00.002-06:00

Advent Poinsettia from Wee Folk

2010-12-08T08:52:00.003-06:00

Good Morning, All!!! It is a very, very cold morning here in Eastern Iowa ... only 9 degrees with a wind chill of 1 degree. A good day for thermal underwear! My kitties have decided its pointless to ask to go out on the porch as mom just isn't paying the heating bill out there and it is cold enough to freeze tails off!

This morning I wanted to share with you a lovely "FREE" wool applique poinsettia pattern from WEE FOLK! It is a lovely, bright and fun blog. There is even a large section of free patterns of things like gnome and dollhouse accessories, toys, kids crafts, apparel, household, and tutorials. Whenever I need a smile, I browse around this blog. It is so bright and happy. If you have a spare moment today, take a break and head on over to this sweet blog!

Giveaway Items, Gift Item, Homemade Christmas

2010-12-07T11:31:00.007-06:00

Deck the Halls
with Mounds of Catnip!

Well, its been awhile since I've posted but I have enjoyed visiting all of your blogs with pictures of your holiday decorating and holiday activities. Honestly, some of you make my head spin (but in a good way!!)! I am keeping it very simple this year because: #1 - simple is good; #2 - don't have as much time this year to put into decorating; #3 - my fibromyalgia is acting up so I only have so much energy and it needs to be divided up between work, home, and other things. If you're up to spending a few minutes with me, I will show you some of my decorations, kitties, and the giveaway items I won from Debbie at Woolen Sails!
First a few pictures of my kitties. The first picture is Louie and my son-in-law having some bonding time. Louie has decided that he really, really likes our Ben

Next here are the wonderful Items I received from Debbie at Woolen Sails. I've used museum sticky tape to stick her little quilt up on one of my cupboards. The little pillow is nesting in a grain scoop next to one of my reproduction lead kitty banks, and with the red wool and green pre-cut wool pennies she gave me, I am going to make up a little Christmas penny rug for myself which I am also going to stitch the Christmas stitchery to.

I've also done a few other stitchery pieces. One I will finish into a little tuck pillow for a shelf or dough bowl and the other I will be taking to Hobby Lobby to have them put into this old rustic frame I found.

Now for some photos of my simple Holiday decorating. Most are in natural light and a few are taken without a flash. They are very simple as I said this year. But at night with all the other lights out and just the twinkle lights on it is still enough to give my home a little Christmas spirit! First photos are of my kitchen. Please notice the little feather tree that was given to me by Valerie at the Wooden Acorn! The little kitty ornie buttons on the tree are my own design and the other ornies I picked up new for $1.49 at a local thrift store.

I also wanted to share a little picture of myself in 1960 posing with St. Nicholas from when my family and I lived in Italy. Inside the little bag that Santa gave me were some chocolates and hard candy. Notice how skinny Santa is! The next pictures is a caricature of my husband as Santa drawn by his old army buddy. I love the cigar!

Well I hope you are all going to have a very Merry Christmas and Catmas! Thanks for stopping by to visit. Hope to blog again soon! .... But maybe just a little catnap first. ;D

THANK YOU TO PUMPKIN THE CAT!

2010-12-02T09:32:00.000-06:00

I've been away from things for a few days dealing with an awful migraine ... but enough of that! Today when I was browsing through my email and blogs, I found out that a wonderful kitty named Pumpkin was kind enough to to pick my name for a surprise gift from the nice lady she lives with! I am so excited!!!! If you would like to visit Pumpkin and Susan (her human) you can find them at Chucklebees! Susan makes some of the cutest prims around!

I also thought I send you a little humorous Christmas cheer from Straight No Chaser called the Christmas Can Can! It makes me smile every time I hear it. ENJOY! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7E-47VmFopE

Flat Tires and Kitties

2010-11-29T12:32:00.000-06:00

Just wondering if your Monday started out interesting? Mine did. My car tire exploded!!! Yep, on my way to work, ran over a pair of scissors in the road (of all things). Hubby is getting it repaired as I write this. Thankfully, I was only a half hour late to work.

We had a lovely Thanksgiving (hope you all did, too!) and a wonderful potluck at church on Sunday! Wish I could eat like that every day!!!! I have a question for all you cross stitchers out there ... do any of you know where I could find the pattern to this adorable kitty pillow? The designer was/is Kitty and Me Designs. From JCS Ornament Issue 2007. Stitched 2007 for a Christmas Ornament exchange on the Cross Stitch Crazy posting board. I'd love to find the pattern and stitch it up for myself with a little prim touch here and there.

Also, the giveaway items I won from Debbie over at Woolen Sails arrived and I will post pictures soon! They are awesome, especially the wool and wool pennies she sent in lovely prim Christmas colors. As I write this post, it is getting darker and darker outside ... we are in for some rain/slush/snow this afternoon. Wish I was home, drinking some tea, sitting on my couch with my kitties and reading a good book! (I will be soon ... only two more hours at work to go!). Well, I'm signing off for today. Hope you've had a good day and don't forget to visit my sidebar for some new giveaways!

NEW COUNTRY SAMPLER GIVEAWAY

2010-11-24T10:05:00.001-06:00

Feather your primitive nest with this assortment of handpainted fabric birds, old-fashioned lighting and more!Winner will receive an assortment of handpainted fabric birds, a fragrant jar candle, an electric taper in a metal holder and a striped towel provided by The Old Granary proprietor JoAnn Gilchrest, whose home is featured in Country Sampler’s January 2011 issue. Deadline for enteries is February 1, 2011. Good luck to all!! Click here to enter!

ANOTHER FANTASTIC HOLIDAY GIVEAWAY!!!

2010-11-23T11:55:00.000-06:00

Please head on over to Thumbleprims Studio! This is an amazing giveaway I'd like you all to know about. Hurry, hurry the deadline for entries is midnight on December 6th. Good luck to us all!

FREE PENNY RUG PATTERN!!!

2010-11-22T13:07:00.002-06:00

I hope you all had a great weekend! Mine was very restful! But before I go any further with today's blog I have to share a picture of my kitty, Nicky. Nicky loves wool, he loves balls of thread, he loves all my craft pens, he loves rolling in freezer paper, and most of all he loves yarn! We came home to find him curled up in one of my daughter's knitting projects ... doesn't he look absolutely content!!! He is also a kitty who loves to sleep on his back with his feet in the air ... its hilarious!

I had a great surprise in the mail too! Valerie from the Wooden Acorn sent me, as a gift, a lovely feather tree. I had admired the one on her blog that she had decorated! What a sweet lady to do this. I hope you'll take a minute and visit her at her blog. Anyway, I was inspired to design some ornaments for my new feather tree. Of course, they had to be about cats! I had some kitty buttons on hand and here is the first one I made. I have another type of button that says "Meow." I might make some of these to sell, too.!

And now for the free pattern I promised! This is my own little design I call "Snow Flurries" that I thought up this weekend. I've listed my finished one on eBay. All you need is some nice thick wool, some iridescent beads, and some snowflake buttons (I purchased mine on eBay and I'll list the store at the end of the tutorial) or you could stitch your own.

1. First trace an 8" circle on freezer paper and iron it onto the wool you will use for your top layer and cut out.
2. Next trace an 8" circle on fusible web and iron it onto the wool you will use for your bottom layer and cut out.
3. Now for the penny circles ... trace eight 1 1/2" circles onto fusible web and iron onto your wool and cut out.
4. Remove fusible web from your penny circles, space evenly on your top wool layer and iron into place.
5. Sew penny circles to top layer using DMC perle cotton thread (No. 8) using a blanket stitch.
6. Sew snowflake buttons onto penny circles.
7. Sew beads onto buttons and around buttons.
8. Now its time to add the bottom layer of wool! CAREFULLY, iron the front and back pieces of wool together being very careful not to scorch or melt the beads or buttons.
9. Now, using a double thickness of DMC perle cotton thread (No. 8) finish your penny rug by sewing the front and back pieces of wool together using a blanket stitch!
10. Carefully, iron out any wrinkles and use a lint brush to pick up any strays threads or wool bunnies and you are finished and ready to display your penny rug.
11. Please feel free to use this pattern for crafting and selling, but remember it is copyrighted by Cat Tales and please give me credit if you sell this product on line. You are not permitted to sell this pattern.
12. If you would like to purchase the snowflake novelty buttons at the site I did, please contact me!

I hope you will send me pictures of your finished penny rug!!!! Happy crafting and give your kitties a treat for me today! :)

Hudson's Holidays is having a TREMENDOUS GIVEAWAY!!!

2010-11-19T15:11:00.002-06:00

You don't want to miss this one! This is a great giveaway from Shirley Hudson over at HUDSON'S HOLIDAYS! She is giving away four, count 'em, four of her fantastic CD's filled with her great artwork and patterns. So rush on over and get in on the fun!!!! Also, have a great weekend. Oh, and BTW, your kitties all told me they would like you to make them a new little catnip mousie from some of your scraps this weekend! Smiles and kitty kisses.

Found a Cute New Blog!

2010-11-17T08:57:00.000-06:00

Good morning all! I just wanted to share with you all a new blogging friend I just found! Please stop in to visit her when you have some time. She is new to the blogging world and you can find her at Libbie's Home!. She is also having a wonderful giveaway to boot! Hope you have a catastic day!

More Gnome Kitties

2010-11-15T17:58:00.001-06:00

Hi All, hope your Monday was wonderful! Things for me were a little weird at work today, but now I'm home and can get stitchin'.

Here are a few more gnome kitty pictures I hope you will enjoy.

I also had a little time to stitch up a wool candle mat from a design by Primitive Gatherings. I love the bright colors in this! It was really fun to stitch up and you can find it at my eBay auction site - cat_tales_booksandprims

Don't have much else tonight, gotta go get supper ready!

Take care and hug those kitties!

Louie the Gnome Kitty

2010-11-12T09:42:00.002-06:00

Yesterday, my daughter had another OB appointment and found out that everything is A-OK with her and baby boy. We even got to see his profile on the ultrasound! He is set to arrive end of January/beginning of February! In a family of girls, he is our first boy and we can't wait! We are having so much fun visiting all the great thrift stores here for baby clothes -- What deals on hardly worn items! He already has a better wardrobe that I do.

Molly has been feeling a lot better and is knitting away ... she has made baby boy one sweater already, and several hats. Here is Louie modeling one of the little gnome hats. We may have to make one for Louie as he seemed to really enjoy wearing it!

It has been a long week for me and my fibromyalgia has kicked up (I am trying to kick it back) so I hope to have a restful weekend (its supposed to rain here and that usually inspires me to sew and read). Hope you all have a great time the next few says and as always, love to see what you make and hear from you! May the fabric always be with you!

Tuesday Greetin's!

2010-11-09T13:19:00.001-06:00

Good Tuesday everyone! I just wanted to report that Kezzie is doing very well and he gets his stitches out tomorrow. We seem to have the litter box problem under control by using litter I found at PetCO called Cat Attract. Kezzie really likes it. Its scoopable, he doesn't track it like the other litters, is deodorized with natural chlorophyll, and has a natural herb blend that attracts cats (I can't smell it though). He has consistently used only the litter box for the last three days so that means he is healing up well and he likes the litter. Kezzie is staying in our bedroom until we can retrain him with this litter. He doesn't seem to mind. He has a window to look out of, his food and water dish, and a nice comfy bed to stretch out on. And humans to snuggle up to at night.

I did manage to get some stitching done. One is from a free pattern offered by Primitive Bettys!. I haven't cross-stitched since the 1980's but her pattern looked so lovely I had to try it!

I also did a free-hand Christmas cross-stitch with a little wool holly added to it. And I also finished my "Be Thankful" kitty. All are available at my eBay auction site. I've also purchased a few more holiday cross-stitch patterns to try! However, I just received a request for 12 of my signature kitties so I don't know how much time I will have outside of that order! When it rains, it seems to pour!

Hope you have a great day stitchin! I may be back tomorrow to chat about some more litter box help! Until then, have a lovely day and don't forget to smile at your kitty.

Kezzi and Turkeys

2010-11-03T10:00:00.000-05:00

Thank you all for your well wishes for Kezzie. The vet gave Kezzie the all clear for a bladder obstruction and sent us home with a medicine to reduce the inflammation to his bladder (sort of Advil for kitties, but not Advil, of course) and gave us more pain meds for him. It seems to be helping, but we are still having a litter box issue which I hope will resolve as his pain improves. We have two litter pans (which we clean out each morning) that we put on our shower floor so that he could have a "bathroom" all to himself. He piddles sometimes in the pan with litter, sometimes in the pan without the litter, and sometimes on the shower floor? So I'm not sure what this is all about yet. The vet also put him on a strict diet of Hills C/D for cats with bladder problems ... it comes in dry and wet. So he gets both! He loves them! Thankfully, that wasn't too hard especially since he is my Mr. Picky.

Today, Bird Brain designs published this cute little design. I'm thinking I will try to do this in punch needle (waiting for my cameo punch to arrive .... thanks for all the advice, ladies!!!) but it would also look cute in wool applique or embroidery. Click here for the free pattern.

SHARING A KITTY COASTER PATTERN

2010-11-01T08:54:00.002-05:00

Good Monday Morning All! Hope your Halloween was fun and very spooky! Ours was kind of quiet. My mom and dad came up to visit and mom said "Don't buy any Halloween candy, I have tons, and I'll bring mine." So okay! Great plan. Mom and dad arrive late Sunday afternoon about 1 hour before trick or treat time begins. Mom says "I forgot the candy." Oh well, so we look around the house to see if there is anything we can give out as treats - granola bars, bananans, oranges .... nothing. So mom answers the door for the first little girl and says we don't have any candyand gives her a dollar. The little girl's eyes get big when she see the money and says "Gee, thanks, maam!!" Since we didn't want to go broke we then turned off the porch light. Thankfully no one came back and egged the house!

Kezzie report. Kezzie did well over the weekend but it still exhibiting signs of a blockage so I am going to take him back to the vet after work today, so please keep your fingers crossed for him that it's just the effect of surgery and not something else. Thanks bunches!!!

And now for the free pattern! This cute little "kitty coaster" pattern was in my free issue of Creative Times
Supplies:
• Cotton fabrics of your choice, 2 rectangles 8” x 6” for each Kitty Coaster
• Warm and Natural batting, 1 rectangle 8” x 6” for each Kitty Coaster
• Ruler, marker pen, scissors, needle and thread, tacky glue (optional)
• Thin Ribbon or Raffia or Perle Cotton and ¼” rusty bells (optional)
• Trace kitty pattern onto card stock or cardboard.

Cut out your Kitty shape. You will make a “sandwich” layering warm and natural, with right sides together from 2 of the same rectangles of cotton fabrics. The wrong side of your cotton fabric should be facing you. Trace your Kitty pattern onto the wrong side of the top fabric. Your tracing line is your sewing line. Stitch, leaving opening at bottom of layers as indicated on your pattern. Trim seam, and carefully turn right side out. The warm and natural should now be in the middle of the two fabrics and inside the Kitty. You might need to use a chop stick or other small tool to turn the ears! Press. Whip stitch the opening at the bottom of the kitty closed. Top stitch ¼” from the edges all around the Kitty. Add bow or raffia (with tacky glue) or stitch a small rusty bell (optional) as indicated on Kitty pattern. Finished! These Kitty Coasters would make great teachers’ gifts, hostess gifts or make upa bunch using fabrics for each holiday or occasion throughout the year.

Take care and don't forget to hug your kitty today!

Halloween and Cats!

2010-10-29T09:44:00.001-05:00

Hi All! I've been very busy with no time to post. Have had a very sick kitty for the past month. Kezzie has had a very hard time. First, he had some type of trauma to his jaw and had to have all his teeth pulled from the left side of his jaw including his incisors and then had to have his tongue repaired. We don't know what happened (he doesn't go outside?) He is a jumper and likes to get up in high places and we think he hit something when he was jumping down from a high place. He came through this like a trooper. Then last weekend he started with some behavior that usually signifies a UTI so off the the vet he went again this Tuesday. Seems he has a bladder stone ... his bladder is the size of a walnut and the stone was the size of a marble so he was really uncomfortable. Came through the surgery fine and brought him home last night. He is having trouble getting to the litter box so he is being confined to one of our bathrooms much against his will. I am going to call the vet to see if this is normal after surgery. After all this expense, I've decided to get cat medical insurance for my cats. I've signed up Kezzie and Oscar so far and will get the rest on board over the next few months. I checked out several companies and the one I chose was the easiest on my pocket book. I've got a $250 deductible for each cat and then a co-pay of 30%. This way I can recoup some of their medical expenses for illnesses, routine check-ups, vaccines, and dental cleanings. The company I went with is PurinaCare

Now a little about Halloween and cats from my Vet's office: He suggests keeping your little furry babies indoors on Halloween, especially our little black kitties. You might want to keep your kitties in another room with the door closed when opening the front door for your trick or treaters so they don't run outside. Use candles around kitties with caution - they could either get burned or knock the candle over and start a fire (this happened to someone in my church recently from a kitty knocking over a candle in the bathroom). Also, candy or gum sweetened with xylitol is toxic to kitties. And remember all forms of chocolate can be harmful potentially resulting in poisoning or even pancreatic inflammation from the high fat content.

I hope you all have a great weekend ... I have a thousand chores to finish outside before it gets too cold, so you know where I will be this weekend. Happy stitching and Happy Halloween.

Cats and Ibuprofen and Tylenol

2010-10-22T11:15:00.000-05:00

I'm sure all of you kitty mommies out there know about this, but I thought I would remind you all that cats (and dogs) should not be given human OTC medications including ibuprofen. I'm writing this because a friend on Facebook had an injured cat and someone recommended baby ibuprofen for the cat and she gave it to him.

Cats who consume ibuprofen can undergo devastating effects. Significant damages include bleeding stomach ulcers and rapid kidney failure. In any case, a few days without treatment will lead to the cat's death. Cats will experience severe abdominal pain from ibuprofen. Tylenol is fatal to cats. Please take you cat to the vet if he/she needs pain medication. And remember if your pet in injured and in pain they may also need antibiotics (and even surgery) so get them to the Vet as soon as possible!

Advice Needed!!!!

2010-10-19T08:55:00.003-05:00

I would love to learn to needle punch, but don't know where to begin! Would any of you have some advice for a beginner? I would be interested in knowing what supplies I need and advice on an easy beginner's pattern. Thanks in advance!

Swap Goodies and New eBay Items!

2010-10-17T20:44:00.005-05:00

Scaredy cats are always welcome at my house!

The weekend is coming to a close and tomorrow is another work day! Sigh, how I wish I could retire and spend my time doing what I love ... crafting, baking, sewing, and decorating. Someday ... but just not today. My weekend was lovely, beautiful weather and I got a chance to relax. Finished a lousy book (somehow I couldn't put it down, but I will not buy its sequel) and started a great book by author Steve Alten called the "Grim Reaper" ... somehow seems appropriate for the season, no?

On Saturday, I received some swap goodies from a good blog friend, Gina! She swapped for some of my hand dyed wool. She made two autumn hand towels, two Halloween pillows from vintage Halloween post card fabric, a absolutely adorable kitty purse, and some great smelling wax ornies. Scroll down to see what she sent and where they have found a home in my house. She makes the neatest stuff and has great ideas! Please visit her at Cat Nap Inn Primitives.

I also had some time to sew a little turkey pincushion and an acorn pillow that I've listed on my eBay site.

I made a trip to Goodwill, too, to see if I could find any wool garments that I could recycle to add to my wool stash! I was really lucky, I found several black wool skirts and a cream colored wool skirt and a checked blue wool skirt. They are all 100% wool and so should felt nicely when I wash and dry them. The cream and blue wool will be used for some winter penny rugs and the black wool will be for some of my signature kitties ... so stayed tuned, there might even be a giveaway coming up in December from Cat Haven Crafts!

Haven't received the Feliway for the cats yet, but I did go to PetCo and find some homeopathic drops to put in their water bowl that seem to help them all get along. I'll give it two weeks and then if its still working, I'll post about it.

Well, my eyes are getting heavy and the kitties are already making themselves at home in my bed ... so that means its time to turn in too. Hope all is well out there with you all and that your kitties are having sweet kitty dreams.

Pumpkin Legends

2010-10-14T09:16:00.006-05:00

How do you fix a jack-o'-lantern?

You use a pumpkin patch!

Now that my daughter and son-in-law are home, I expect we will be carving JOLs this year. They are both Halloween enthusiasts and love to concoct their costumes. Here is my daughter at one costume party. She went as a Star Trek Red Shirt, you know the one who always gets killed in every movie or show! Her costume came complete with a phaser burn!

The Irish brought the tradition of the Jack O'Lantern to America. But, the original Jack O'Lantern was not a pumpkin.The Jack O'Lantern legend goes back hundreds of years in Irish History. As the story goes, Stingy Jack was a miserable, old drunk who liked to play tricks on everyone: family, friends, his mother and even the Devil himself. One day, he tricked the Devil into climbing up an apple tree. Once the Devil climbed up the apple tree, Stingy Jack hurriedly placed crosses around the trunk of the tree. The Devil was then unable to get down the tree. Stingy Jack made the Devil promise him not to take his soul when he died. Once the devil promised not to take his soul, Stingy Jack removed the crosses and let the Devil down. Many years later, when Jack finally died, he went to the pearly gates of Heaven and was told by Saint Peter that he was too mean and too cruel, and had led a miserable and worthless life on earth. He was not allowed to enter heaven. He then went down to Hell and the Devil. The Devil kept his promise and would not allow him to enter Hell. Now Jack was scared and had nowhere to go but to wander about forever in the darkness between heaven and hell. He asked the Devil how he could leave as there was no light. The Devil tossed him an ember from the flames of Hell to help him light his way. Jack placed the ember in a hollowed out Turnip, one of his favorite foods which he always carried around with him whenever he could steal one. For that day onward, Stingy Jack roamed the earth without a resting place, lighting his way as he went with his "Jack O'Lantern". On all Hallow's eve, the Irish hollowed out Turnips, rutabagas, gourds, potatoes and beets. They placed a light in them to ward off evil spirits and keep Stingy Jack away. These were the original Jack O'Lanterns. In the 1800's a couple of waves of Irish immigrants came to America. The Irish immigrants quickly discovered that Pumpkins were bigger and easier to carve out. So they used pumpkins for Jack O'Lanterns. And anyway, it does sound better than Jack-o'-the turnip!

Good Evening!

2010-10-13T21:01:00.001-05:00

"When black cats prowl and pumpkins gleam, may luck be yours on Halloween." Irish Saying

Well, I would like you to meet Vlad d'Kat tonight. He has been rolling around in my head for a while now, so I drew up a pattern, cut out the wool, and stitched him up! And please don't be scared, Little Vlad isn't as fierce as he looks! You can find him hanging out in my eBay store.

I bid you all good night and look forward to reading your blogs tomorrow (Vlad and I are very sleepy!).

Shopping for Christmas!

2010-10-12T09:03:00.007-05:00

This morning I recieved a little email from Erica's Craft and Sewing Center. In it was a coupon for a 20% discount and so I couldn't resist browing the site! I wanted to share with you all what I bought and also let you in on the discount. The coupon code is COMEBACKOCT if you decide to purchase anything at Erica's! The link will take you to Erica's wool and woolfelt department. I can't wait to get started on these. My only regret is that it's about time to stop making Halloween crafties! Next year I think I will start to work on Halloween patterns in July - I love the colors and patterns so much, I could stitch Halloween goodies all year long!

I also finished a penny rug last night called "Cats and Jacks" that was designed by Cath's Pennies!. It turned out so nice (in my humble opinion). I used the tan wool I coffee stained using Cath's recipe and the pumpkins were cut from some wool that I hand-dyed. It's hard to see in the picture, but the orange wool is mottled. Please visit Cath's blog to see more of her wonderful patterns. She has some adorable patterns for Christmas/Winter. She also has great tutorials, too!

I think I told you all that my daughter and her hubby are home from Oregon and staying with us awhile. She has finally gotten over severe morning sickness and is doing well. Baby boy is doing really well. However, Molly and hubby have two cats, so we now have a houseful!! One of their boys is a young black cat named "Hex" (or as I call him catzilla) and the other is a senior gray cat with one eye called "Yar" (get it? Think pirate and eye patch). We are having a slight problem with territorial marking (not sure who is doing it) so I think I am going to go over to PetCo and buy some Feliway. I've used it before and it does work. So hopefully it will again. My last resort would be to cage the offenders when we are not at home but I don't really like that idea! Hey Kady, any suggestions????

Well, I must get back to work to earn kitty kibble money, so I wish you all a very happy Tuesday and alot of time to do what we love to do - stitching!!!

Making a Bird Seed Wreath

2010-10-07T08:52:00.001-05:00

Soon it will be hard for birds to find things to eat or maybe you are a birdwatcher and like to leave out treats for your feathered friends? When my daughter was younger, we had a tradition of making peanut butter, bird seed bagels and tying them to one of our trees with red ribbons around Christmas time! Today I came across a recipe for making a simple homemade bird feeder. If you have kids or grandkids this might make a neat Saturday afternoon project. I found the recipe on a very neat website called The Rustic Lodge Lifestyle.

First you could make up a batch of bread dough or (like me) use a one pound frogen bread dough. Roll out your dough into a rope about 30 inches long. Cut the dough lengthwise into three strands and braid them together and place them on a greased cookie pan. You can also grease the outside of a round cake pan and use it as a form - although it works just fine without one, too. Cover with a tea towel and let rise until doubled. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees fahrenheit.

Bake your wreath for about 20 minutes. Then brush with whisked ege, cover with wild bird sead and bake for another 10 minutes.

Let dry undovered for 24 hours. Then hang it outside where the brids can enjoy their Thanksgiving or Christmas present! You could even add orange food coloring to the dough for a Halloween treat!

This recipe was adapted from 365 Ways to Prepare for Christmas. Hope you enjoyed reading about this and maybe if you make a wreath up you will post a picture of it on your blog or if you don't have one send you picture to me and I'll post it on mine! Have a great day full of harvest blessings!

A New Prim Blog

2010-10-06T14:26:00.001-05:00

I just came across the cutest primitive blog called Chucklebees and Susan is having a great fall giveaway. So please stop by her BLOG and browse through all her wonderful handmades. Definitely some fall eye candy here!

99 cent SALE!

2010-10-04T19:27:00.003-05:00

... When black cats are seen,The moon laughs

and whispers, 'Tis near Halloween.

Hi All. Hope you've had a really lovely fall weekend! It was just glorious here in my little spot on the globe this weekend. The weather was perfect and I got so much done getting my yard ready for winter, but I over did it and now I'm a little under the weather ... did too much yard work this weekend and have a bit of a sore back. Any remedies you'd like to share???

I did some stitching this weekend and decided to have a 99 cent sale on my eBay site. This is one of the items I am listing. Its a little SKAT CAT candle mat. I love scat cats and collect them. Do any of you collect any particular Halloween ornies? Below my candle mat picture, I thought you might like to see a few more of my Halloween decorating pictures.

I'm thinking that it may be a short fall here in Iowa. The corn and beans are already being harvested and we've had two frost warnings the past two evenings ... brrrrr. I had to turn on the heat. Looking forward to browsing your blogs after I'm done with my post! Take care and make sure you give your kitties a hug tonight!

Just Wandering What You're All Doing Today?

2010-09-29T14:43:00.002-05:00

New Blog Friend

2010-09-28T11:26:00.003-05:00

I just made a new blog friend! And I hope you will find some time to visit her blog at The Homespun Loft! Her name is Charlotte and she lives within Dartmoor National Park, Devon in England -- maybe she will send us some pictures? I would love to see where she lives within the park, how about you? She makes darling items and at The Homespun Loft you can find Homespun fabrics, tinware, spicy mug mats, hand crafted items and loads of other prim this ‘n’ that. It's really a sweet little place! Welcome, Charlotte!

ACORNS!

2010-09-27T20:35:00.001-05:00

"The acorn becomes an oak by means of automatic growth; no commitment is necessary. The kitten similarly becomes a cat on the basis on instinct ... but a man or woman becomes fully human only by his or her choices and his or her commitment to them ... people attain worth and dignity by the multitude of decisions they make from day to day. These decisions require courage." ~ Rollo May

Yes, my mind in on acorns this evening! Raking acorns, that is! That is what I did after work today. Raked up bags and bags of acorns. Whereare all the squirrels???? Obviously, not in my yard. My pin oak had a bumper crop of acorns this year and I'm sure I'm not done with all the raking, but on the bright side I think I worked off maybe a calorie or two! I also finished up a little acorn wool pillow tonight that I've listed on my eBay site based on a freebie pattern from Bird Brain Designs. I used some of the wool that I coffee stained and baked that I talked about in my last post.

Lastly, does anyone know anything that a person could DO with acorns??? I'd be glad to hear about it!

Smiles and Sweet Dreams Tonight.

Wool, Crafts, and My Kitchen!

2010-09-26T22:48:00.000-05:00

FINALLY! I have had some down time to do a little wool dyeing, sew a little and just plain relax!

DYEING WOOL!

I haven't dyed any wool in ages and was really wanting to try the method that Cath's Pennies Designs talked about in one of her recent blog entries. I took a section of a vintage wool blanket I had that was sort of a dirty linen color and viola! a lovely aged color I call "coffeeshop" (I have a habit of naming my wool colors, don't know why since I don't really sell them). Here is picture of the wool soaking in its soap bath and then the final result! Thanks, Cath, for this method! Its super easy and extremely easy to clean up!

This wool is really a great color! It just came out dark in the photo! I also dyed some more wool and tried a mottling effect that I learned from The Woolen Needle ladies.

I really need to get some wool dyed green (I'm running low) so I will probably be making my rounds to the thrift stores soon to see if I can find any quality wool clothing or wool blankets to recyle! BTW, I didn't use any dyes fancier that RIT to dye my wool. Maple Leaves and Harvest started out as a pink wool. I overdyed them using yellow dye to get the "Harvest" color and used yellow dye and then chocolate brown to get the "Old Maple leaves" color. The "Cranberry Ice" was done with pink wool overdyed using chocolate brown RIT dye and the "November Sky" was created from a dirty linen color wool overdyed with kelly green RIT. "Fudge Swirl" was made from the dirty linen color wool overdyed with chocolate brown RIT. I love dying wool as I am never sure what I will end up with because you never know how the wool will take up the dyes!

MY KITCHEN!

Since I've shown you a photo of my stove, I thought you might like to see photos of the rest of my kitchen. Almost everything in the photos are "make do"! The pine hutch came from a friend's garage sale; the hoosier cabinet came from my hubbies farm and was in pieces when he began to work on it. The oak table is from an old farm house. Two of the oak chairs are from an auction and the other two my hubby found on the side of the road and refinished! The high chair I recently got at an auction and the same is true of most of the crockery! The spice cabinet was in a tool shed on my hubby's farm until I claimed it! Enjoy my humble abode!

CRAFTING!

Well, it will soon be that time of year when the lawn doesn't call my name any more (just the snow shovel now and then when it snows) so my crafting time is pickin up again. I was able to sew some things and get them listed on eBay and also get some patterns cut out (and I also got all my laundry done too!!!!). Have fun browsing through some of my finished items and come back later to see if I've found any new giveaways for you to enter! Blessings and have a wonderful week.

Adorable E-pattern!

2010-09-24T11:03:00.004-05:00

I was browsing today and came across this wonderful, whimsical e-pattern from Homespun Annie! I think it is one of the cutest and original patterns I've seen in awhile (of course, take in mind that I am drawn to anything that has to do with kitties!). You can find it HERE. You might also want to visit ANNIIE'S BLOG, TOO!

I hope you all have a fantastic fall weekend! I hope to be back next week with some new woolie creations of my own to share with you all!

Savings and Giveaways

2010-09-23T10:59:00.000-05:00

Good morning fellow stitchers! Just wanted to pass along a fall sale going on at Colonial Crafts. If your stash of patterns is getting low, go over and browse a bit - http://www.colonialcrafts.com/category.php?sale=1. Enjoy!

Remeber to stop by my blog from time to time and check out the giveaways you can enter! Just scroll down and look for them on the left of the screen.

Great Day for CornBread

2010-09-17T23:04:00.004-05:00

When the air gets dry and cool and the leaves start to fall from the trees, I begin to think about crock pot stews and chilli. I am always looking for great corn bread recipes and thought I'd share one I came across from Bishop Hill Colony Bakery (I figure if its from a bakery it has to be good! :) So here it is, sweet corn cake. Enjoy and let me know how your's turns out!

While you are here, you might want to check out some of the giveaways that I've just found out about and posted on my sidebar. Good Luck, Everyone.

INGREDIENTS

1 cup cornmeal

3 cups flour

1 1/3 cups sugar

2 Tbls. baking powder

1 teaspoon salt

2/3 cup vegetable oil

4 large eggs, beaten

2½ cups whole milk

DIRECTIONS
1. Preheat oven to 350ºF.
2. In a medium bowl, stir together all dry ingredients. In another bowl, mix together oil, beaten eggs and milk.
3. Gently mix dry and wet ingredients together just until moistened.
4. Pour batter into a 13"x9" pan.
5. Bake 30 minutes. The bread is done when a knife inserted into the center comes out clean.

Ember Days Are Almost Here!

2010-09-14T09:13:00.002-05:00

Do you know what Ember Days are? I didn’t until I read my Farmer’s Almanac this morning. It says they are four separate sets of three days all within the same week (Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday) set around the four seasons that were originally set aside for fasting and prayer. The Farmer’s Almanac also says that folklore says that the weather on each of the three days foretells the weather for three successive months. So for September’s Ember Days, Wednesday forecasts weather for October, Friday for November, and Saturday for December. Make a note of the weather on September 15th, 17th, and 18th and see if the old tales are true! Now is also the time to plant trees (early Fall), have weenie roasts, chop wood (especially hard woods like oak or walnut) so it can season for a year for use during next year's Winter, make a scarecrow, make apple dolls, make pumpkin bread and pause a minute to enjoy the miracle of Autumn!

Ecclesiastes 3:1-8:
All things have their season,
and in their times all things pass under heaven.
A time to be born and a time to die.
A time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted.
A time to kill, and a time to heal.
A time to destroy, and a time to build.
A time to weep, and a time to laugh.
A time to mourn, and a time to dance.
A time to scatter stones, and a time to gather.
A time to embrace, and a time to be far from embraces.
A time to get, and a time to lose.
A time to keep, and a time to cast away.
A time to rend, and a time to sew.
A time to keep silence, and a time to speak.
A time of war, and a time of peace.

Fall Graphics - Myspace 2.0 Layouts

Please Meet Kitty #6 and Kitty #7

2010-09-13T19:15:00.001-05:00

I always debate on telling people how many kitties I have, but you are all friends and I know you'll understand that I just can't resist a sad kitty story. So please meet Nicky, kitty #6. I found little Nicky as an abandoned kitten right before Christmas four years ago. He is a very sweet little boy whose best friend is Oscar (our very large puma, er, tiger cat). Nicky would also like Ms. B to be his girlfriend but she's having none of it! Here is Nicky lounging on the patio posing with my scat cat pillows! Isn't he handsome! Nicky also plays fetch and is the only cat that always comes when you call his name. I figured when we got Nicky we would have a full house so to speak, but last October, Louis (aka, Lou C Fur, King Louie, Luigi) came to live with us (as I said I'm a softee!). Louie also started out life as a rescue cat with part of his tail missing and with one of his ears broken. As you can see he is very regal and his ear has healed up, but his tail, though fluffy, is kinda short. Louie has claimed me a his human and sleeps on my shoulder every night. Louie also gives kisses and has his own water bowl and crumchy bowl (of course!). This is a picture of Louie sitting on "his" stove. He is one gorgeous cat! Here is a picture of my autumn porch with Oscar, Ms. B, Nicky, and Louie enjoying the fresh air.

I also want to share with you some of the things I've just listed on my eBay site that I worked on this past weekend. In case you didn't know, all my stitching is done by hand - I don't use a machine to stitch any part of my woolies.

Well, Ms. B is doing her rain dance and I guess we are in for quite a storm tonight ... if I survive, I'll see you (or at least read your blogs) tomorrow! Good Night and sleep well!

This I Know to Be True ....

2010-09-09T22:43:00.000-05:00

Milestone Weekend!

2010-09-08T13:41:00.001-05:00

Well ... I knew it was coming and yes, it finally happened! On Sunday, September 5th, I was able to officially order off the 55 and older menu! What an event! I'm thrilled (yeah, right)! Wow, I guess I've been around awhile, haven't I? The weather here in eastern Iowa is finally wonderful and fall is in the air and my daughter is on her way home from Oregon and should be here in a few days (as well as her hubby!) It's been a year since I've seen them and I can hardly wait! Happy Wednesday and I hope you are having some great fall weather, too! P.S. Check out all the great giveaways listed on my sidebar.

Can Your Cat Predict the Weather?

2010-09-02T20:34:00.000-05:00

Well, gee, its raining here again in the midwest. Wow! it hasn't rained for at least 27 hours! I guess we were overdue! Which got me thinking about my cat, Ms. B, the weather forecaster!

Can your cat predict the weather? Is your cat a feline barometer? Sailors put great stock in cats and weather. Cats on ships not only took care of the rat problem, they amused the crew and were believed to be very good weather predictors. Some went so far as to believe that the cat controlled the weather. If sailors saw a cat chasing its tail or playing with a dangling rope it was said to be stirring up a wind. Some sailors believed that the cat carried a "gale in its tail" and could release it at will. These believers made very sure the ship's cat was never harmed or killed, lest the gale be released. Scottish lore tell us that when a cat sneezes, it will rain soon. Folks from Britain and Ireland got more specific and said that weather could be predicted by observing the way a cat washed itself. If a cat washed their face it meant rain was soon due, but given how often it rains over there, the odds are in favor that rain is due more than not! On the other hand, an old English proverb goes like this: If a cat washes her face over her ear, 'Tis a sign the weather will be fine and clear. The folks from Iceland aren't concerned about the cat's grooming habits, but they do attach meaning to how the animal lies down. They used to believe that if a cat lies down with its paws stretched out in front of it that very bad storms were near. Ancient Japan worshiped a wind god who took the form of a cat, who raked open the sky with its claws and brought rain.

Now of all my cats (I still haven't told you all how many I have), Ms. B is my only weather forecaster. She does summersalts, chases her tail, and meows at me pitieously before and during storms. She is quite my little "weather channel" and seems never to be wrong. Since this has been such a rainy summer in the midwest she has been summersalting alot! She also seems to be able to predict earthquakes (not all of them mind you, but many of them) by doing the same meowing, summersalting and tail-chasing. Sometimes I feel so bad for her because when she meows I feel she is saying "Hey Mom, please make it stop!" She is a cute little gal and has fur as soft as mink. So, you cat moms out there ... any of your little furry companions have metaphysical gifts?

Cats and sewing ... a great life! I did finish another item tonight that has gone up on eBay. What a chore to list it though because I changed to a new template and had to remember how to set it up! Well, enough for now. You all have a sweet night! Talk to you soon.

AUTUMN OAK LEAF WREATH

2010-09-02T13:30:00.005-05:00

In these tough economic times, I know we all appreciate "freebies" ... for me I expecially love finding ones that are craft related. Today while just browsing I came across this free wreath pattern offered by RHYTHM of THE HOME who says the wreath, a symbol of eternity, reminds us of the circle of life; of how one season flows into another, only to return again and again. How beautiful! You really just need a wee bit of sewing and a simple stencil, to make this wreath. Also, stop by her blog for a visit at http://rhythmofthehome.wordpress.com/.

Browsing Tonight!

2010-09-01T21:38:00.000-05:00

Since I was having trouble nodding off tonight, I thought I would do some Internet browing using the words "autumn wool penny rugs" to see if I could find anything new and interesting and came across a newer blog called "The Wooden Acorn" ... its a great little blog filled with Valerie's wool stitching! She does a wonderful job. Visit her at http://thewoodenacorn.blogspot.com/ and see some of her creations!

From the Wooden Acorn Blogspot!

I like to spend time browsing on the Web looking for new ideas, new designers, and new crafters. I think we learn an awful lot from each other when we share!

Tonight I also stopped in at The Woolen Needle's site and found a great pattern I like called "For Every Season" and its their own Woolen Needle design. These gals have a wonderful store which is only about 20 minutes from where I live. I get most of my "special" wool from them and would spend all my time there if I could. They have a great little store. You can find this pattern at http://www.thewoolenneedle.com/index2.html. I might treat myself to it and the wool for my birthday which is right around the corner!

For Every Season Pattern by the Woolen Needle

Well, I feel sleep coming on and so I'm going to give in! Hope you all sleep well tonight!

Back to Normal (Almost)!

2010-08-31T20:08:00.001-05:00

Well, good evening all! I spent a nice, restful day at home today because, after two months, I finally went to see the doctor about an ear ache I've been having off and on (for about two months!) Well, it turns out I had a low-grade fever, a sinus infection, an ear infection (both ears), and an infection in my eustachion tubes (which is why I couldn't hear really well, either). So, I had a lovely day with all my antibiotics and such. I don't know why I put it off so long, except that it didn't hurt all the time (just most of the time!).

Anyway, I had a lovely surprise in the mail today. Cath from Cath's Pennies sent me one of her patterns! I just love it and will have to sew it up real soon. Thanks, Cath! I'll be sending you a little something in the mail soon as a thank you!. Isn't this just the cutest penny rug! You can find her blog and patterns at http://cathspennies.blogspot.com/

I have finally, almost, just about finished moving all my sewing stuff back upstairs to our computer room and in the process have cleaned house. I now have quite the tidy sewing area and a lot of stuff for my garage sale in September!!! I even have had some time to sew lately and have listed a few of the finished items on eBay. They are not my own design (except for what I've named them! One I call "Jack's Hat" and the other "Cro'ween"). The ideas for these two little Halloween pillows came from an online wholesale catalog. I also cut out another pattern that I'm going to be working on tonight as I watch TV. Hope you all have a great evening and remember don't delay in seeing your doctor! It really saves on the prescriptions!

FINALLY DONE!

2010-08-27T09:32:00.004-05:00

Good Friday Everyone! Well, finally the HUGE project at work is DONE! I am also very close to getting my house ready for my daughter and her hubby when they move back home from Oregon the second week of September! They will be staying with us for a few months until they get a place of their own (I'm hoping they stay until after the baby is born!). So, things are winding down a bit and the lawn isn't growing like its on grass hormones (but alas, this summer's weather has not been kind to my garden) and I may have time to get back to sewing! I have acquired some great new fall patterns, have found some in my stash I'd forgotten about, and have a few ideas for some more of my Cat Tales design sitting kitties - can't wait to get started.

What I wanted to share with you today (especially all you gals out there who are so great with your really primitive designs) is a new magazine that will be out in October. It's called "Prims - The Art of Primtive Dolls" from Stampington & Company. You can order it here at http://www.stampington.com/html/prims_autumn10.html. Hope you have a great weekend and enjoy finding out about this new magazine!

Happy Monday

2010-08-23T09:21:00.000-05:00

Hi All,

Yes, I'm still here and so are my kitties. We have been busy rearranging the house getting ready for my daughter and her husband to arrive in two weeks. I am almost ready to move my craft room upstairs and should be back sewing in a few days (I can't wait). Until then, I leave you with some kitty humor (if you don't aleast smile, my apologies for having a really bad Monday!).

Good Morning All!

2010-08-11T09:15:00.004-05:00

If we treated everyone we meet with the same affection we bestow upon our favorite cat, they, too, would purr. - Martin Buxbaum

Well, my project at work is starting to wind up! So I have a bit more free time until the next big project starts in mid-September. Anyway, the weather here is still stickin' hot and muggy and it could get cool and dry any day now to suit me! I have been working on getting rid of all kinds of items at my house that I don't use any more BECAUSE my daughter and her husband are coming back to Iowa for good! She is going to go back to graduate school and he is being transfered (he is a retail manager). The reason I am purging my material house goods is because they are going to stay with us for a few months BECAUSE they are expecting!!! I am going to be grandmother! I am over the moon! The crazy part is that they have two cats and I have seven! We are going to build on an addition to the house just for the cats (just kidding)!

I have had some time to do some stitching and I've listed a few of the items on my eBay auction site. Some of them (including Old Salem) I'm sharing with you here. Hope you all have a great day of kitty cuddling and crafting!

Hope You All Have A Catnip Kind of Weekend!

2010-08-06T08:35:00.001-05:00

This is the cutest video of the "big cats" enjoying catnip! Hope you all enjoy it! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tklx3j7kgJY

Happy Friday Everyone!

2010-07-30T13:23:00.000-05:00

This summer is going by much to fast and I have too much todo before the end of October (stay tuned). Anyway, it was cool enough (less hot anyway) yesterday and I was able to work in my yard and today it is pouring rain so I have a great excuse not to go out there when I get off work! I am almost finished with "Old Salem" and hope to have him up on eBay in a few days. This will be a busy weekend - cleaning, laundry, groceries, and hopefully sewing. Hope you all are well and your little kitties, too!

101 Autumn Recipes - YUM!

2010-07-22T12:52:00.002-05:00

Just had to share this recipe that showed up on Gooseberry Patch's blog this morning! Will make it for our next church dinner and movie night and maybe sooner to munch on at home! Let me know if you vary the recipe at all!

Hamburger Crunch

2 lbs. ground beef
1 T. onion, minced

2 10-3/4 oz. cans tomato soup

1 t. chili powder

4 c. corn chips

8-oz. pkg. shredded Cheddar cheese

Brown ground beef and onion together in a large skillet over medium heat; drain. Stir in soup and chili powder. Spread in an ungreased 13"x9" baking pan; top with corn chips. Bake, uncovered, at 350 degrees for 20 to 25 minutes. Remove from oven; sprinkle with cheese. Bake for an additional 5 minutes, until cheese melts. Serves 6 to 8.

Fall $1 Sale at Country Life Graphics

2010-07-21T09:26:00.001-05:00

If you need some fall or Christmas clip art, head on over to http://www.countrylifegraphics.com/ because they are having a $1 sale on all their printables and their graphics collection are a low $1.49. I just love their art!!!

Nothing But Blue Skies

2010-07-20T13:56:00.002-05:00

That song has been going around in my head all morning. Although, I'm not really a CW fan, I have to admit I do like Willy Nelson. We've really had our share of "gray" skies here in the midwest all summer. This is what it looked like recently (looking north where the rich people live {not me}) from my back porch. You can see the storm front moving in (again!).

I have been working lately on getting my home ready for my daughter and her hubby to stay with us for a few months this winter (my little girl is expecting her first baby and we are over the moon)! They will be moving back to the midwest from Oregon. She and hubby are hoping to go back to school. Molly has been working in theater for the past several years and would like to get her master's degree. I can't wait. It's been so long since she has actually been home for Christmas!!!! So, I am painting rooms, moving my sewing area up to a our small computer room (major project), and getting the lower level ready for them (along with help from hubby and my mom and dad). And, yes, I actually did find time to sew last evening and actually have a few items listed on eBay. I've also cut out the wool for my first "Old Salem" of the season!!! Well, hope you all are doing well and your little furry angels are behaving (or if not, at least keeping you entertained!).

Meet OLD SALEM!

2010-07-13T13:00:00.000-05:00

Yes! It's time for fall crafting! My favorite time of year. I hope to get some time to sew soon. Work is very hectic, the lawn won't stop growing (as well as the field weeds in the corn), there are rooms in the house to be painted, and the basement to clean up! But I have managed to change my banner today! Whew! Please meet "Old Salem!" He is my own "Cat Tales" halloween kitty pattern that I have been sewing up and creating variations on for sale on eBay over the past years! I just love "Old Salem." Look for him on eBay in a couple of weeks.

LATEST ISSUE OF CREATIVE TIMES AVAILABLE

2010-07-13T08:25:00.000-05:00

Good morning! I hope you all are doing well. It is very humid and muggy here in Iowa this morning! Glad to be indoors with the air conditioner running. I just wanted to post a little note that the latest, free, issue of Creative Times is now available at http://www.creativetimesmagazine.com/current_issue.php

Give it a look! They usually have a lot of great ideas!

Enjoy the day and stay cool.

CHECK YOUR MEDICINE CABINETS

2010-07-12T09:32:00.001-05:00

Good morning all! I'm at back from a really restful vacation and saw this alert this morning and thought I would pass it on to you all!

McNeil Expands Recall To Include Additional Lots of Benadryl Allergy Ultratab, Children's Tylenol Meltaways, Motrin, IB, Tylenol Extra Strength, and Tylenol PM. McNeil Consumer Healthcare is recalling 21 additional lots of over-the-counter medicines, including Benadryl Allergy Ultratab, Children's Tylenol Meltaways, Motrin, IB. Tylenol Extra Strength, and Tylenol PM. This recall is a follow-up to product recalls that McNeil Consumer Healthcare announced on January 15, 2010 and June 15, 2010. These three recalls are due to consumer complaints of a musty or moldy odor that has been linked to the presence of trace amounts of a chemical called 2,4,6-tribromoanisole (TBA). After a full investigation, it was determined that the source of TBA and odor was the result of a breakdown of a chemical that is applied to wood used to build wooden pallets that transport and store product packaging materials. Although consumers have reported stomach pain, diarrhea, and nausea with the recalled product, McNeil has determined that the risk of serious adverse medical events is very low. For more information and a list of the 21 recalled lots numbers, please visit:

http://www.iguard.org/r/06dSs8RY80Y

CrossStitch Pattern Found!

2010-07-01T14:23:00.000-05:00

JulieF was kind enough to direct me to a Blackbird design that is very similar to Fred Tripp's painting. Any one who is interested can find it at this web site. It looks like a delightful pattern!

CROSS STITCH PATTERN - OUR FLAG

2010-07-01T13:13:00.000-05:00

I have and idea and/or challenge for any one who creates cross stitch patterns -- please consider creating one for Fred Tripp's oil painting called "Our Flag." A visitor to my blog saw my posting for 5/27/2010 and asked if I knew of a cross stitch patten for this painting. I can't find anything on the Internet but perhaps one of you fine ladies who have this talent could make one up some time! I would be very interested and I know the lady who asked me about it would be too! Thanks in Advance!

Still Here!

2010-07-01T09:02:00.001-05:00

Hi All My Blogging Buddies! Yes, I am still here and alive. I've just been incredibly busy at work and at home. I am leaving for the North Shore of Minnesota tomorrow for a much needed break. I've taken a bit of a break from crafting, too, because summer work and summer chores have been taking up so much of my time. Hope you and your kitties are all doing well. Will be back around the 12th of July. This year my mom and dad are going to house sit for us and watch our kitties so I am really relaxed about taking time away. I know the house, yard, and kitties will be well taken care of. Hope you are all enjoying the summer!

Take a minute and browse through some new giveaway contests posted on my sidebar.

Cats In Trouble Mystery Series

2010-06-11T10:59:00.004-05:00

If you are looking for a fun, cozy mystery to read please check out Leann Sweeney's second installment in her "Cats in Trouble Mystery" series -- The Cat, The Professor and the Poison! Cat fans, quilters, and cozy mystery reads will enjoy it I think. Leann has a quirky and cute sense of humor and you may just learn some interesting things about cats you didn't know. One reviewer wrote "In her second (book), Leann Sweeney once again gives cats lovers a mystery where cats take center stage in all aspects of the mystery. Jillian Hart makes quilts for cats, rescues cats and has three special cats of her own, Chablis, Syrah and Merlot. Jillian Hart may have a soft spot in her heart when it comes to animal welfare, but she is no push over. If a cat is in trouble, Jillian Hart will use her vast knowledge of cat lore, her intellectual acumen, her instincts and her heart to solve the case. In THE CAT, THE PROFESSOR AND THE POISON, Leann Sweeney takes readers more into the character of her sleuth as Jillian and Candace form a friendship. A reader gets to know one character through the other, catching a glimpse of the emotional character as well as the sense of humor they elicit. One is the perfect counterpoint to the other. Above all, these additional heartwarming insights into endear a reader to the series. The first book in the series, THE CAT, THE QUILT AND THE CORPSE is an outstanding introduction to the series, but the character developments and new mystery in THE CAT, THE PROFESSOR AND THE POISON marks the Cats in Trouble series as one well worth following. So turn your TV off, pour a nice cold glass of iced tea, have a seat out on your pourch, put your feet up, and have a good read! Hope this describes your weekend! See you all next week.

Happy Thursday Everyone - Take a Look at My GiveAway List

2010-06-10T08:27:00.000-05:00

It seems everyone is busy crafting except me! Oh, darn. Life has been a little busy lately for me ... especially since my lawn seems to grow 6 inches every day!

I also need to find my camera, too, so that I can post some pictures especially of the giveaway items I received from Kerri over at The Calico Rabbit. I just love the towel and the painted wooden sign and they will be fantastic additions to my kitchen.

If you have some time and enjoy giveaways, check out the ones I have listed on my sidebar ... and good luck and have a snow cone kind of day!

Kitty Pins by Another Linda

2010-06-03T12:26:00.000-05:00

If you get some time, head on over to AnotherLinda' blog. She is selling these adorable kitty pins and she has such a talent for whimsy!

I hope you are all doing well today. It is a bit cool here in east central Iowa. What a relief after quite a few days of high dew points and high temperatures. I might be able to mow my lawn this afternoon without the neighbors having to call 911! I don't have much to report craft-wise today as the weekend was full of Memorial Day activities and my hubby's 40th High School Reunion (I kept thinking I can't look this old! :) ). Rather disappointing sales on eBay this past week, but with the economy and the holiday, I'm not surprised. Has anyone else noticed that their sales have fallen off a little in the past year or so? I'd love to hear your take on things. Well, lunch time is over and its back to ensuring chemical safety for the university!