tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-67917370987567764882024-03-05T21:22:42.337-05:00Beautiful BloomsAbout the beautiful blooms in my life, my family, my friends, and my business, and whatever else strikes my fancy!Maria McGillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16509014196994380594noreply@blogger.comBlogger34125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6791737098756776488.post-5692969512352700412011-11-08T12:00:00.000-05:002011-11-08T12:00:42.635-05:00Swappincrafts Halloween Costume Contest<b><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Only for members of SWAPPINCRAFTS!!</span></u></b><br />
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<script language="javascript" src="http://www.zoomerang.com/Survey/Poll/Embed/WEB22DQMGZFYWB?e=t" type="text/javascript">
</script><noscript><a href="http://www.zoomerang.com/">Online Surveys - Zoomerang.com</a></noscript><div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type='text/javascript' src='http://www.etsy.com/etsy_mini.js'></script><script type='text/javascript'>new EtsyNameSpace.Mini(5269451, 'shop','thumbnail',4,2).renderIframe();</script></div>Maria McGillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16509014196994380594noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6791737098756776488.post-90310507193153609562010-09-21T09:15:00.000-04:002010-09-21T09:15:35.349-04:00Perfect Bag #1In my quest to find the perfect bag, my first adventure was Amy Butler's Kimberly Bag.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXUqZNxbT-ydx-9S9EIuZwQJW4OXtKZik8fWvkYQn5otMnYXG0H6ho0xabg0D3RjEPzRj9v7ceNA10X9zvlwBE3XkD1_UtlNeCbsgAYMtGDlMWN4wB0R6vBfzz98iDbEoSZx2MC8Yiqee6/s1600/kimberly_cover_med.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXUqZNxbT-ydx-9S9EIuZwQJW4OXtKZik8fWvkYQn5otMnYXG0H6ho0xabg0D3RjEPzRj9v7ceNA10X9zvlwBE3XkD1_UtlNeCbsgAYMtGDlMWN4wB0R6vBfzz98iDbEoSZx2MC8Yiqee6/s320/kimberly_cover_med.jpg" /></a></div><br />
I love Amy Butler's designs, both fabrics and patterns and when I saw this pattern I definitely wanted to try it out. And I just purchased some really cute fabric from Henry Glass - "Fandango" and as a coordinate, "South Hampton".<br />
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It's a cute design - not too low that my stuff would have to be dug deep inside the bag. But what I wasn't prepared for was how long it was, about 19"! I wasn't prepared for that. It kind of feels like I should be carrying a half-rifle.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw5ifHRJZa9NRRixJOZuEFXkelyFO3h9CE96_fhlA554IBqo-UJzElozyt58oWqp3R5QlCpnZ_T2s_DU5RzAqnTmubWhbVBsmn11WI-rRL9c99vnGVGdgGrCFtbk5WJfWEQYVGJrsC1YOf/s1600/P1030989.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw5ifHRJZa9NRRixJOZuEFXkelyFO3h9CE96_fhlA554IBqo-UJzElozyt58oWqp3R5QlCpnZ_T2s_DU5RzAqnTmubWhbVBsmn11WI-rRL9c99vnGVGdgGrCFtbk5WJfWEQYVGJrsC1YOf/s320/P1030989.JPG" /></a></div><br />
The pattern doesn't call for any pockets inside, but what woman does not need pockets???? So I added a couple.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR4eOasbxduI39RbafcI1fsivSGfV_VWxMmktvqAAyApqaX6MUqFbUEhiOjXuefUUT1KlMPvWSlAHCXo9uOY_amBBZlhiLtjBZ7mGty6Y3RFkeVF8U4EPqzEHO4GOXxfVDt872YbmYeOGz/s1600/P1030987.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR4eOasbxduI39RbafcI1fsivSGfV_VWxMmktvqAAyApqaX6MUqFbUEhiOjXuefUUT1KlMPvWSlAHCXo9uOY_amBBZlhiLtjBZ7mGty6Y3RFkeVF8U4EPqzEHO4GOXxfVDt872YbmYeOGz/s320/P1030987.JPG" /></a></div><br />
I've been using it since I made it a few weeks back and I've had a number of positive comments. I'm also getting used to the length. I've managed to carry my wristlet wallet, my extra keys, my phone, and a few other essentials in it. It's full so I can't put much more in it, but I like that. No need for more stuffing.<br />
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So far, it's a keeper, but I think I'll continue looking for that Perfect Bag.<br />
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Next up, another Amy Butler bag. This time it's coming from her new book, Style Stitches.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkSEmInfMeo_Z0_Po20CdgleZgGkTTH5gUqFN9TBtwtXdzCsOvAivIgXP5ZRbfdiDqV3I2mHBgF-kuGVyDRO98xiapQELvtt1QtP23DnEMpmoZiapHggmzR84HeWqnOX-olhiFs2aRsSUf/s1600/AB+style+stitches.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkSEmInfMeo_Z0_Po20CdgleZgGkTTH5gUqFN9TBtwtXdzCsOvAivIgXP5ZRbfdiDqV3I2mHBgF-kuGVyDRO98xiapQELvtt1QtP23DnEMpmoZiapHggmzR84HeWqnOX-olhiFs2aRsSUf/s320/AB+style+stitches.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Hint, it's not the cover one but I'll write about it in my next blog!<div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type='text/javascript' src='http://www.etsy.com/etsy_mini.js'></script><script type='text/javascript'>new EtsyNameSpace.Mini(5269451, 'shop','thumbnail',4,2).renderIframe();</script></div>Maria McGillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16509014196994380594noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6791737098756776488.post-28042044117791003632010-09-07T15:39:00.000-04:002010-09-07T15:39:10.509-04:00Who doesn't love ice creamSo I thought summer was over since the weather turned colder last week and my kids start school TOMORROW!! But today it's almost 90 degrees and hot! So what to do? Have ice cream of course!<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 15px;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><b> <u>Breyers Sundae Scoop-Off Contest </u></b></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 15px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial;"><br />
</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 15px;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Breyers® is in search of the next great sundae with the Sundae Scoop-Off Contest and you have a chance to win! From now through September 13, 2010, the Sundae Scoop-Off Contest is challenging America to create original, family-friendly ice cream sundae recipes including 10 or fewer ingredients. View complete contest requirements and enter the recipes at <span class="Object" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT3070" style="color: darkblue; cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none;"><a href="http://www.breyers.com/" style="color: darkblue; cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">www.breyers.com</a></span><<a href="about:blank" style="color: darkblue; cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">http://</a><span class="Object" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT3071" style="color: darkblue; cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none;"><a href="http://www.breyers.com/" style="color: darkblue; cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">www.breyers.com</a></span>> for a chance to win $10,000, a trip to Chicago featuring a private cooking lesson with renowned pasty Chef Gale Gand and one year of FREE Breyers® ice cream. The sundae recipe entries will be judged on taste, creativity, use of Breyers® ice cream and presentation.</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 15px;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 15px;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">I told my kids I used to work at an ice cream shop in college and of course we had to make a brownie ice cream sundae. Yum!! That certainly made them finish their dinner.</span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 15px;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Disclosure: I am posting in the blogger promotion on behalf of Breyers and may receive product as a result of my post.</span></span><div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type='text/javascript' src='http://www.etsy.com/etsy_mini.js'></script><script type='text/javascript'>new EtsyNameSpace.Mini(5269451, 'shop','thumbnail',4,2).renderIframe();</script></div>Maria McGillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16509014196994380594noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6791737098756776488.post-72450838580554581322010-09-01T13:47:00.000-04:002010-09-01T13:47:24.522-04:00The Perfect BagSo I'm on a quest, and I'm probably not the only one. I'm looking for the Perfect Handbag, for me. Good thing I sew and sell bags because this may be a long quest. Nothing wrong with all the bags and bag patterns out there. I just need one to fit me.<br />
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When I first started sewing bags for myself I started out with a simple tote style, with pockets all around.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv9YMKnvijCg9f3Nf2EkzufT1q72Qy-XD6Yn6T3jhwgHO7nvuOT6tFji8PNoa8uR2OABZ7_KKSdrYcCqdt0AowECTTutFFvmDtiiUn9OshHzg42cNltN4OTVSXoVkGHKuYs-y8MaOiJPOQ/s1600/5930_105402494331_105383494331_2158813_6393779_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv9YMKnvijCg9f3Nf2EkzufT1q72Qy-XD6Yn6T3jhwgHO7nvuOT6tFji8PNoa8uR2OABZ7_KKSdrYcCqdt0AowECTTutFFvmDtiiUn9OshHzg42cNltN4OTVSXoVkGHKuYs-y8MaOiJPOQ/s320/5930_105402494331_105383494331_2158813_6393779_n.jpg" /></a></div>I had a lot of requests for that style. But for me it was too big - I had a tendency to overstuff it, and then when I made a quick turn in the car, it overturned with everything in it. But it worked.<br />
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Then I was given the chance to test out a new pattern for Venezie Designs - the Chelsea Bag.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0zDQcfC4yqZSs3ki3YNa4a-z-VshUTR1yUFZ37DyFiKWwzPZOU_5j3SoY0I4-jxRcJsM9i7MS9MiEDZoY4OYdZgEmkEhcpv9Hq4H46BMJ40g-Ve3Dxmhkm7Iv2keRf8JnldK6uhPxNt5-/s1600/16469_171843029331_105383494331_2836432_732620_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0zDQcfC4yqZSs3ki3YNa4a-z-VshUTR1yUFZ37DyFiKWwzPZOU_5j3SoY0I4-jxRcJsM9i7MS9MiEDZoY4OYdZgEmkEhcpv9Hq4H46BMJ40g-Ve3Dxmhkm7Iv2keRf8JnldK6uhPxNt5-/s320/16469_171843029331_105383494331_2836432_732620_n.jpg" /></a></div>I LOVED my Chelsea Bag. I was so excited with the one I made that I brought it into my daughter's preschool before I even had a chance to clip all the little threads out so I could show it off. And in turn, got a number of orders for the bag and even my own modified diaper bag version.<br />
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But alas, a year later I need something else. So now I'm on a quest for the next Perfect Bag. I've picked out a few patterns I want to try:<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><b>Amy Butler's Kimberly Bag</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSpWUGRwV2ER1YPMk-DDIYd-0IxuDoxXS9DFkoMM4CAHD3Fn9Tsriw1lTFEJpPEgVZQm7NSfXyOJdFXhv04Y60ouBu5X7ccnLa4DDwgLpsX43r_emobqYzy5ty_Vt83WZnfIWaqlYBS6e0/s1600/kimberly_cover_med.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSpWUGRwV2ER1YPMk-DDIYd-0IxuDoxXS9DFkoMM4CAHD3Fn9Tsriw1lTFEJpPEgVZQm7NSfXyOJdFXhv04Y60ouBu5X7ccnLa4DDwgLpsX43r_emobqYzy5ty_Vt83WZnfIWaqlYBS6e0/s320/kimberly_cover_med.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Patty Young's Stella Bag</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbIaY3C5Yul5IRCsRhqmuND8ti7igVKT0hyphenhyphenatmdxMPOYqu0A86sgX5zHnwvqHNT3iXAOGHQFYsPlygELCEJdc808db8pzt7IlRQypKz_K1f_yGXVe0453dNTvISUh2twL-xAdhANezk_z-/s1600/stella.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbIaY3C5Yul5IRCsRhqmuND8ti7igVKT0hyphenhyphenatmdxMPOYqu0A86sgX5zHnwvqHNT3iXAOGHQFYsPlygELCEJdc808db8pzt7IlRQypKz_K1f_yGXVe0453dNTvISUh2twL-xAdhANezk_z-/s320/stella.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><b>Amy Butler's Sweet Harmony Bag</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijVGpl_TQdJPlnWFpJb-kyON1F53FcKupUYVIH_jLHDjEv1MLmMnQO9IrYRuNWd1POtzQUEVs82UWKFELHqP7krwe5Vi7RZVRddkowK4haycn_JCmUcomrdLemUg58aVWJe_NUKhnk_437/s1600/sweet+harmony.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijVGpl_TQdJPlnWFpJb-kyON1F53FcKupUYVIH_jLHDjEv1MLmMnQO9IrYRuNWd1POtzQUEVs82UWKFELHqP7krwe5Vi7RZVRddkowK4haycn_JCmUcomrdLemUg58aVWJe_NUKhnk_437/s320/sweet+harmony.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">a backpack</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGD-ItQPxWOV4X0-Xp_ma0Dkmz51yAd8mc8YCnhL-AI6VnCRlPL2t5ox-CZIpVVMnqilZN14VU-9BgshRvys1tBmjWrYuqOpeXgliKNBPj2sKZkQJAYyeqrlSYgHOwnP9CUEZnJreGHxBL/s1600/B5505.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGD-ItQPxWOV4X0-Xp_ma0Dkmz51yAd8mc8YCnhL-AI6VnCRlPL2t5ox-CZIpVVMnqilZN14VU-9BgshRvys1tBmjWrYuqOpeXgliKNBPj2sKZkQJAYyeqrlSYgHOwnP9CUEZnJreGHxBL/s320/B5505.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">or a sling?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh40xVfSgSnvYYFC67s9Ofon5wn6hNPtrZU-phPu0Xy9jxeh_QYdkrjccXjvTHJO9O2T9cR_A5v6-6MJZb9wbxk3iATSQjq4ZUTY_Ys0YBQi3xFky4XuNs3Z7dPbh0Ctiq0kfOm6KeeZl5p/s1600/B5054.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh40xVfSgSnvYYFC67s9Ofon5wn6hNPtrZU-phPu0Xy9jxeh_QYdkrjccXjvTHJO9O2T9cR_A5v6-6MJZb9wbxk3iATSQjq4ZUTY_Ys0YBQi3xFky4XuNs3Z7dPbh0Ctiq0kfOm6KeeZl5p/s320/B5054.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Wish me luck!<br />
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And if anybody has any recommendations, let me know!<div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type='text/javascript' src='http://www.etsy.com/etsy_mini.js'></script><script type='text/javascript'>new EtsyNameSpace.Mini(5269451, 'shop','thumbnail',4,2).renderIframe();</script></div>Maria McGillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16509014196994380594noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6791737098756776488.post-87081067287052567272010-08-04T18:27:00.000-04:002010-08-04T18:27:38.772-04:00They're not just braceletsJust when I thought the sillybandz craze would be just that it comes up with even more stuff my kids would want. And I'm thinking it may be a good vacation "treasure" as we road trip up the northeast.<br />
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<a href="http://www.GooglyBands.com/">Googly bands</a> have come up with rings and necklaces too! The rings are so cute, and my girls think so too. It was announced on their <a href="http://www.googlybands.wordpress.com/">blog</a>. And of course I had to see it. What will they come up with next???<div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type='text/javascript' src='http://www.etsy.com/etsy_mini.js'></script><script type='text/javascript'>new EtsyNameSpace.Mini(5269451, 'shop','thumbnail',4,2).renderIframe();</script></div>Maria McGillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16509014196994380594noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6791737098756776488.post-5932748512438196192010-07-14T18:38:00.002-04:002010-07-14T18:38:10.126-04:00The Obsession ContinuesDid you know that there's more brands out there other than the SillyBandz? Well, there's also Googly Bands, which I find to be equal to the SillyBandz, but more affordable - I actually found a pack of 12 for a $1 at the Christmas Tree Shops! Compare that to 24 bands for $5!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHD0XtlMngwu_Ky9OaFwXBEEWlp0u7MBuBVDruAwsM0vSRHEPfh2kXz8OqkLsyoXBng0Eq9HRTgtVf96h05aYkRLNd_xgS6g6h_xyszwXDo1OAlDv3MlfBnlrYypVylEbbDNo7Y4wu2PEp/s1600/googly+bands.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHD0XtlMngwu_Ky9OaFwXBEEWlp0u7MBuBVDruAwsM0vSRHEPfh2kXz8OqkLsyoXBng0Eq9HRTgtVf96h05aYkRLNd_xgS6g6h_xyszwXDo1OAlDv3MlfBnlrYypVylEbbDNo7Y4wu2PEp/s320/googly+bands.jpg" /></a></div><br />
So I got this message today that Googly Bands is officially retiring all Series 2 bands. And they're inviting everybody to join them in the Official Retirement Party on Thursday, July 15, at 2PM PST. Rules will be posted at 2PM at <a href="http://Facebook.com/Googlybands">Facebook.com/Googlybands</a>. They're giving out tons of prizes live during their hour-long party. Will you be there? I'm going to try!<div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type='text/javascript' src='http://www.etsy.com/etsy_mini.js'></script><script type='text/javascript'>new EtsyNameSpace.Mini(5269451, 'shop','thumbnail',4,2).renderIframe();</script></div>Maria McGillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16509014196994380594noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6791737098756776488.post-77026464358269080632010-06-25T08:33:00.000-04:002010-06-25T08:33:08.141-04:00ObsessionsI'm not much for allowing my kids to get into whatever fads are popular at the moment. But this time I've mellowed and my kids are now part of the Silly Bandz craze. You know, the shaped rubber bands that kids have lined up to their elbows, schools have banned (of course it's now summer vacation!), and kids love to trade. The kids of course are not brand specific - they look for all kinds, glow-in-the dark, glitter, princess, baseball, whatever.<br />
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So yesterday, at the grocery store, of all places, I found the Phillies logo ones.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdARaio5bYK-3b5zeD1iPlJo4tzFN2A2dmGci6RKEUXRKYEDgE-9q5QtZRt0PbRGhq-jsssxnYgcvJAIenYHTdW-40DwpSBCHyPnj9ZTvRuxTwkbd6NdHe7qOSNngZ6r4Z8AcuLzLivsc7/s1600/phillies+logo+bandz.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdARaio5bYK-3b5zeD1iPlJo4tzFN2A2dmGci6RKEUXRKYEDgE-9q5QtZRt0PbRGhq-jsssxnYgcvJAIenYHTdW-40DwpSBCHyPnj9ZTvRuxTwkbd6NdHe7qOSNngZ6r4Z8AcuLzLivsc7/s320/phillies+logo+bandz.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Pretty cool - my favorite is the Liberty Bell. I like the fact that it's state specific. So now, though I won't wear them except to take them off the floor and hold for a child, I'm obsessed with finding other state specific ones. Not necessarily sports specific but something along the line of the Liberty Bell, something my kids can learn about. Hey if, anyone can help me out, and keep in mind I have 4 kids who all collect them, even the 2 1/2, going on 12, collects them, leave me a comment!<div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type='text/javascript' src='http://www.etsy.com/etsy_mini.js'></script><script type='text/javascript'>new EtsyNameSpace.Mini(5269451, 'shop','thumbnail',4,2).renderIframe();</script></div>Maria McGillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16509014196994380594noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6791737098756776488.post-22949520190565400592010-06-22T21:21:00.000-04:002010-06-22T21:21:04.430-04:00Time fliesTime flies when you're certainly busy. Good busy, so not really complaining. I can't believe though that I last posted almost a month ago.<br />
<br />
So what have I been up to since?<br />
<br />
One big project was a Christening dress for the daughter of friends of ours who surprised me and asked me to make them one. I was extremely flattered and wanted to make sure it was as adorable as the little girl. So I used Carla C (the Scientific Seamstress! - we have a lot in common, LOL!) Precious Dress and used the white eyelet material I used for my girls' Easter dresses.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNPKAQfOZmaPbIu0zTD7OChZPRTvUFq4q0xgcIQSNwmBYbU89FxY5157BOuchMeuyvQ-l960LbdS9Mt1iUt6bfXD64Xd26SCvvRfiFywvLFbzBB4i0TDG832DxGLEGrk9hr6y2BXuZcym8/s1600/P1030552.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNPKAQfOZmaPbIu0zTD7OChZPRTvUFq4q0xgcIQSNwmBYbU89FxY5157BOuchMeuyvQ-l960LbdS9Mt1iUt6bfXD64Xd26SCvvRfiFywvLFbzBB4i0TDG832DxGLEGrk9hr6y2BXuZcym8/s320/P1030552.JPG" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc0QFqIRFSmUyApdsOH4LYWx2g2sNeXOzzp1Jo0mUAA0on5AWzunXNrrx7WxoNcGcuIRe4KCgu1UoFjhsokFjbvaHMaDc6eh41dLlXSeKdeT_FV53ZCCi1EysafsPkmkbHlrjb0_eqSeab/s1600/P1030553.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc0QFqIRFSmUyApdsOH4LYWx2g2sNeXOzzp1Jo0mUAA0on5AWzunXNrrx7WxoNcGcuIRe4KCgu1UoFjhsokFjbvaHMaDc6eh41dLlXSeKdeT_FV53ZCCi1EysafsPkmkbHlrjb0_eqSeab/s320/P1030553.JPG" /></a></div>Then I found a free tutorial for a Baby bonnet that I used to make the matching bonnet<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjztqnixNZqTuy5PWSTKSxaXUzIeFGn8cV87dP-A7wTAZeH1P5W_909MyxO9ZqYB7LZJ_0q72bhEkgwYxKdXx7tv9pVtko_3jA5AuSoSdYP-tWK7Bnw-aPMcajR7E1887hvilhKXS9zVgGd/s1600/P1030557.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjztqnixNZqTuy5PWSTKSxaXUzIeFGn8cV87dP-A7wTAZeH1P5W_909MyxO9ZqYB7LZJ_0q72bhEkgwYxKdXx7tv9pVtko_3jA5AuSoSdYP-tWK7Bnw-aPMcajR7E1887hvilhKXS9zVgGd/s320/P1030557.JPG" /></a></div>Had to borrow my youngest's baby doll to model the bonnet.<br />
<br />
The Chritening took place in Maine on Father's Day - June 20th, so I had it mailed out the first week of June to them. I can't wait for the pictures of the Christening!<div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type='text/javascript' src='http://www.etsy.com/etsy_mini.js'></script><script type='text/javascript'>new EtsyNameSpace.Mini(5269451, 'shop','thumbnail',4,2).renderIframe();</script></div>Maria McGillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16509014196994380594noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6791737098756776488.post-45962836254788666072010-06-22T09:26:00.000-04:002010-06-22T09:26:16.532-04:00Quick Post!So, I've taken another break - had a craft show to work on and a few more customs, all of which I'll try and post about in the next few blogs. But in the meantime, I'm entering a few contests and need to promote them, LOL! Hey, why not, you don't win anything unless you play, just like the elusive powerball or megamillions jackpots.<br />
<br />
This one is for the <a href="http://www.rayovac.com/PowersYourSummer/">Rayovac Powers Your Summer Promotion</a>. Come check it out!<br />
<br />
The first 99 bloggers to promote the Rayovac Powers Your Summer Promotion won a prize package from Rayovac<br />
<br />
Wish me luck!<div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type='text/javascript' src='http://www.etsy.com/etsy_mini.js'></script><script type='text/javascript'>new EtsyNameSpace.Mini(5269451, 'shop','thumbnail',4,2).renderIframe();</script></div>Maria McGillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16509014196994380594noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6791737098756776488.post-88280885870350322482010-05-25T08:25:00.000-04:002010-05-25T08:25:22.537-04:00I'm back!I'm back! Well, I actually haven't gone anywhere, would've loved to have gone to Quilt Market, but that's another blog sometime. I've just been off the blogging, tweeting, facebook radar for a bit with the weather turning warmer, means I'm outside with the kids more, and custom orders. It's been non-stop, not complaining, it's great actually. Orders are good and I'll post pictures in the next few blogs. But first...<br />
<br />
It's Try-It-Tuesday!!!<br />
<br />
One of the things I love to do is test out patterns for designers and give input on how easy or not it was to follow, how well or not it was written, etc. It's like being an editor but I actually have to go through the pattern and make it, so I'd say I'm a "SEW-ditor"? I think I like that better than Pattern Tester, kind of like a "Domestic Engineer." Anyways, I digress...<br />
<br />
So my Try-It-Tuesday feature this month is <a href="http://twopeasinapoddesigns.com/sprouts-sewing-patterns/">Two Peas in a Pod</a>'s Patsy Ann Apron Top! I met Trish on Twitter and she was looking for testers and I volunteered. I'm so glad I did. She gave me the opportunity to test out her Apron top and I made a couple. I've been dying to show them off on my blog but I had to wait until she was ready. In the meantime, my girls modeled them for me at school!!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgofR_HDQqJMBReHipQFrPYtOjEFIKGUdZwzjRO43yHyrWcS5rNCPBpq8vNpKZYdkKoyZhyJipShpc5KSvTEsXk9z8f16rQFa53I9iYYFb0QVgKt0iiQWHRcPZpp4XNGiRhgZM4_535Xo7x/s1600/P1030376.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgofR_HDQqJMBReHipQFrPYtOjEFIKGUdZwzjRO43yHyrWcS5rNCPBpq8vNpKZYdkKoyZhyJipShpc5KSvTEsXk9z8f16rQFa53I9iYYFb0QVgKt0iiQWHRcPZpp4XNGiRhgZM4_535Xo7x/s320/P1030376.JPG" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuiNhMLyThnimCVe7zevQFiyZh2TEFV-u1E73cfITj5oe-zjAXtpB50MFsxiaOhohOTsAKNR2I0GWXQ2lK4wkb-cdpFFOmddmEkegAkE_wppzAAGqcs51UU3PLrV9NQy0LdqECWylXc5Lh/s1600/P1030377.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuiNhMLyThnimCVe7zevQFiyZh2TEFV-u1E73cfITj5oe-zjAXtpB50MFsxiaOhohOTsAKNR2I0GWXQ2lK4wkb-cdpFFOmddmEkegAkE_wppzAAGqcs51UU3PLrV9NQy0LdqECWylXc5Lh/s320/P1030377.JPG" /></a></div><br />
This is Kathleen wearing the size 2T I made using <a href="http://www.modkidboutique.com/">Patty Young</a>'s Mezzanine prints. She's wearing it on top of a simple pink dress she already had but the apron top really added so much more to it! I had so many compliments and inquiries. <br />
<br />
The pattern is great for a beginner! Simple, well laid out and so much fun to make! They can be done in less than 3 hours, just like the rest of her "pea-sized patterns." And the sizes range from 2T to 9. You can purchase her pattern directly through her <a href="http://twopeasinapoddesigns.com/sprouts-sewing-patterns/">website</a> or they'll be available on her <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/twopeasinapoddesigns">etsy</a> shop by June. Or if you'd rather not sew and would like to have me make you a custom one, <a href="mailto:mariamcgill462@comcast.net">contact me</a> directly!<br />
<br />
I'm thinking of making a matching top for myself and a matching dress for an American Girl doll. The pattern doesn't include those sizes but I'm sure I can figure it out from what Trish had laid out.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type='text/javascript' src='http://www.etsy.com/etsy_mini.js'></script><script type='text/javascript'>new EtsyNameSpace.Mini(5269451, 'shop','thumbnail',4,2).renderIframe();</script></div>Maria McGillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16509014196994380594noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6791737098756776488.post-24134254770120827152010-04-28T07:11:00.000-04:002010-04-28T07:11:14.218-04:00And More Winners!!<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #632035; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, Verdana, 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Thank you to all who entered my <a href="http://beautifulbloomsdesigns.blogspot.com/2010/04/try-it-tuesday.html">Try It Tuesday Giveaway</a> for the two fun games I reviewed from <a href="http://www.McNeillBrighterMinds.com/">McNeil Designs for a Brighter Mind</a>.</span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-family: Times, Arial, Verdana, 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br />
</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-family: Times, Arial, Verdana, 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">And the winners are...</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-family: Times, Arial, Verdana, 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br />
</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-family: Times, Arial, Verdana, 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">For the You've been Sentenced! game</span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE2KwYOLnq4u3Ax5guDtr_wWdGb33XKNJ_ifsElKGlSvz4TBhabpiI_zJLgO0znystZiMwMil5iuSqsH-zjDUSNL4EGD1TOLsP2Iy2RZsRCC16kP5xCnFBHL0WfUvFiUe3l5G1kt1HS-7K/s1600/P1030214.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE2KwYOLnq4u3Ax5guDtr_wWdGb33XKNJ_ifsElKGlSvz4TBhabpiI_zJLgO0znystZiMwMil5iuSqsH-zjDUSNL4EGD1TOLsP2Iy2RZsRCC16kP5xCnFBHL0WfUvFiUe3l5G1kt1HS-7K/s320/P1030214.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-family: Times, Arial, Verdana, 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">the winner is:</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-family: Times, Arial, Verdana, 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #632035; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, Verdana, 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"></span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-family: Times, Arial, Verdana, 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br />
<dt class="comment-author " id="c8690423825315551983"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/profile/04856609290477722639" rel="nofollow" style="color: #bf277e; font-weight: bold;">Emily</a> said...</dt><br />
<dd class="comment-body"><div style="line-height: 1.4em;">youve been sentenced !<br />
thanks!<br />
emmy1981 at aol dot com</div></dd> </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, Arial, Verdana, 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, Arial, Verdana, 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Congratulations Emily! Please <a href="mailto:mariamcgill462@comcast.net">contact me</a> with your information so I can pass it along to <a href="http://www.McNeillBrighterMinds.com/">McNeil Designs for a Brighter Mind</a>.</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, Arial, Verdana, 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, Arial, Verdana, 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">For the Twisted Fish game:</span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO3go7DZmBayY7P0VDoS3GXqvVUGtKp9H8YTWnCRNcqOAViYBEGN4RR7SokKF5NFTjG5fDkg94V7LUnbrRmfOQpN8ZltIhKcq8D4lcq-wcskRuRulp4UcE0JENySQ7buis_TjN0snChK90/s1600/P1030215.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO3go7DZmBayY7P0VDoS3GXqvVUGtKp9H8YTWnCRNcqOAViYBEGN4RR7SokKF5NFTjG5fDkg94V7LUnbrRmfOQpN8ZltIhKcq8D4lcq-wcskRuRulp4UcE0JENySQ7buis_TjN0snChK90/s320/P1030215.JPG" width="308" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, Arial, Verdana, 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">the winner is:</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, Arial, Verdana, 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #632035; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, Verdana, 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"></span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, Arial, Verdana, 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
<dt class="comment-author " id="c8539316075362081652"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/profile/02726694465024908465" rel="nofollow" style="color: #bf277e; font-weight: bold;">Margie</a> said...</dt><br />
<dd class="comment-body"><div style="line-height: 1.4em;">I'm interested in the game Twisted Fish. It's closer in age to my little one! Thanks.<br />
<br />
tccsreading (at) yahoo (dot) com</div></dd></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, Arial, Verdana, 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, Arial, Verdana, 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Congratulations Margie! Please <a href="mailto:mariamcgill462@comcast.net">contact me</a> with your information so I can pass it along to <a href="http://www.McNeillBrighterMinds.com/">McNeil Designs for a Brighter Mind</a>.</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, Arial, Verdana, 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, Arial, Verdana, 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Thank you again for all the entries! This has been fun so watch out for May's Try It Tuesday feature.</span></span><div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type='text/javascript' src='http://www.etsy.com/etsy_mini.js'></script><script type='text/javascript'>new EtsyNameSpace.Mini(5269451, 'shop','thumbnail',4,2).renderIframe();</script></div>Maria McGillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16509014196994380594noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6791737098756776488.post-19305528121459365352010-04-27T07:52:00.000-04:002010-04-27T07:52:54.475-04:00We Have A Name and A Winner!!Before I get started with the names of the winners for this fun giveaway, remember to enter my <a href="http://beautifulbloomsdesigns.blogspot.com/2010/04/try-it-tuesday.html">Try It Tuesday Giveaway for the fun games from McNeil Designs</a>!! The giveaway ends midnight, EST, on Monday, April 27 and winners announced on April 28.<br />
<br />
<br />
Thank you to all the comments submitted for the name of my new bag. There were over 20 suggestions to choose from! But I could only pick one. And the winning name for my new bag style is:<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">EMBRACE</span></span></span></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;">And the person who suggested this name was</span></span></span></b></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
<dt class="comment-author " id="c5052364897230950865" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/profile/01332210701563376987" rel="nofollow" style="color: #bf277e; font-weight: bold;">Claude</a> said...</dt><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 22px;">I would say: cherish, squeeze, cuddle, embrace or nestle.</span></div><dd class="comment-body"><div style="line-height: 1.4em;"><div style="text-align: center;">Beautiful bag, I love it!</div></div></dd></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Congratulations! You won this bag</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_cC5z_i9ly0pqwYYY8JDx4DBvNpde6nrvZe5lBX9U4lXXRy0ZtdtSs6ZOTEoP2fWpxX0y1y1X37TfBz9lUG-kPMxvNl8FAXrU-IPxFSbtDYtHnZBYccDa1ScHmm5B45Ax5z6FshrlG36U/s1600/P1030309.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_cC5z_i9ly0pqwYYY8JDx4DBvNpde6nrvZe5lBX9U4lXXRy0ZtdtSs6ZOTEoP2fWpxX0y1y1X37TfBz9lUG-kPMxvNl8FAXrU-IPxFSbtDYtHnZBYccDa1ScHmm5B45Ax5z6FshrlG36U/s320/P1030309.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Please <a href="mailto:mariamcgill462@comcast.net">email me</a> directly to claim your prize!</span></div><div><br />
</div><div>And now for the second Giveaway, a custom version of this bag - you get to choose the fabrics, I used random.org to generate a winning number from the 41 comments I received and the winner is:</div><div><br />
</div><div>Comment #30 </div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #632035; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, Verdana, 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"></span><br />
<dt class="comment-author " id="c5904160179733716167" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/profile/18441467802384579624" rel="nofollow" style="color: #bf277e; font-weight: bold;">msilba</a> said...</dt><br />
<dd class="comment-body"><div style="line-height: 1.4em; text-align: center;">I'm a new follower through google friend connect</div></dd></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div></div><div>Congratulations! <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Please <a href="mailto:mariamcgill462@comcast.net">email me</a> directly to claim your prize!</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px;"><br />
</span></span></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type='text/javascript' src='http://www.etsy.com/etsy_mini.js'></script><script type='text/javascript'>new EtsyNameSpace.Mini(5269451, 'shop','thumbnail',4,2).renderIframe();</script></div>Maria McGillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16509014196994380594noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6791737098756776488.post-65760011171492978582010-04-25T22:34:00.000-04:002010-04-25T22:34:13.497-04:00Another new productBefore I talk about the new product, don't forget to enter my giveaways. The <a href="http://beautifulbloomsdesigns.blogspot.com/2010/04/name-bag.html">Name the Bag Giveaway</a> ends 4/26 and the <a href="http://beautifulbloomsdesigns.blogspot.com/2010/04/try-it-tuesday.html">Try It Tuesday Giveaway</a> ends 4/27!!<div><br />
</div><div><br />
</div><div>I just finished a custom order this weekend that I really enjoyed and will start to make a few more to carry in my shop - a diaper bag set - includes a diaper bag and a changing pad organizer.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBcr1X7-GzBkxupUs4CHHlvLbK_y4utAGGeyKLoU_H1TcWDtbYxF60Z6C-sm3qvHOJKS3tBcg6NGk5ql9GTUq-icD-EMKMrwioczXoiJDCZfTLeYB2GKRFyZXNHRL_SVg5K4o2XcxZ4B3V/s1600/P1030417.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBcr1X7-GzBkxupUs4CHHlvLbK_y4utAGGeyKLoU_H1TcWDtbYxF60Z6C-sm3qvHOJKS3tBcg6NGk5ql9GTUq-icD-EMKMrwioczXoiJDCZfTLeYB2GKRFyZXNHRL_SVg5K4o2XcxZ4B3V/s320/P1030417.JPG" /></a></div><b><br />
</b><br />
<b>The Bag</b><br />
The bag itself is an oversized version of the Chelsea Bag from <a href="http://www.veneziedesigns.etsy.com/">Venezie Designs</a>. I tested the pattern for Karen and started carrying the bag in <a href="http://www.beautifulblooms.etsy.com/">my shop</a>. It's been a big seller locally. So when I got the custom request I suggested the Chelsea as the design, but larger, with even more pockets inside to hold all the stuff you need for a child or two.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM6rYTeXvcKtmTsUcF2zNfDZCIsc9ejNvYK30ZA4c4whXYOUJmYN-Aace4NFLre7ubq1J0os0N5QMYMlRnjHVpJ7oM6dx2htJKZDnb3lSJPjHAB6c6gBwSrdJDQrJFG_XDPhpbqFwteYe9/s1600/P1030419.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM6rYTeXvcKtmTsUcF2zNfDZCIsc9ejNvYK30ZA4c4whXYOUJmYN-Aace4NFLre7ubq1J0os0N5QMYMlRnjHVpJ7oM6dx2htJKZDnb3lSJPjHAB6c6gBwSrdJDQrJFG_XDPhpbqFwteYe9/s320/P1030419.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiUSfGg_l3plrxehagIjMlRWXx15URARLzdQOQbCkZ8LNjb3_RLbiKcNWbrpqVZli18CDLA8T7dCUTTqGZ0McrLA2jmAIS4MXr4Ff9AXlN-FHKFo4OaxC5vaIjGmosFp8GR3aB4AytDsdJ/s1600/P1030418.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiUSfGg_l3plrxehagIjMlRWXx15URARLzdQOQbCkZ8LNjb3_RLbiKcNWbrpqVZli18CDLA8T7dCUTTqGZ0McrLA2jmAIS4MXr4Ff9AXlN-FHKFo4OaxC5vaIjGmosFp8GR3aB4AytDsdJ/s320/P1030418.JPG" /></a></div>It even has a pocket on the outside I can embroider a name or applique an initial onto.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4Ts0_Xq6urt-PazOCvlRuXFp0W4nj_1X3nh_Go3lHran98kbRX7Y88X5hYn7Epw7wbQCs2mNl5a37HEJdz0XoVnXZw-GFNTqfPugjpF3DInIJCnb2RwiFnYyiYObNlDV-f_tBol-PRqOt/s1600/P1030420.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4Ts0_Xq6urt-PazOCvlRuXFp0W4nj_1X3nh_Go3lHran98kbRX7Y88X5hYn7Epw7wbQCs2mNl5a37HEJdz0XoVnXZw-GFNTqfPugjpF3DInIJCnb2RwiFnYyiYObNlDV-f_tBol-PRqOt/s320/P1030420.JPG" /></a></div>Easy access into the bag to grab what you need yet it till holds everything in with a decorative drawstring closure.<br />
<br />
<b>The Organizer</b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimjMBDv3ur4DXRlQ_OaAfmt9cVjBJzm-2ZLHR1XTdYKixqG7dEU72ShIYWlv7xtunAHJsGTb5NH2ljRU72qN5B7YAt14N6cuDo8OEQEri-ou7Zo79b-I71B8wFEMXdTSeeqagNdUwT-yxM/s1600/P1030421.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimjMBDv3ur4DXRlQ_OaAfmt9cVjBJzm-2ZLHR1XTdYKixqG7dEU72ShIYWlv7xtunAHJsGTb5NH2ljRU72qN5B7YAt14N6cuDo8OEQEri-ou7Zo79b-I71B8wFEMXdTSeeqagNdUwT-yxM/s320/P1030421.JPG" /></a></div>This was a specific request from the customer. Even pointed out the organizer she wanted. Funny thing was that I had the very same organizer when I was changing a few diapers. I only have one left and I'm getting her potty trained this summer!!<br />
<br />
So I measured it, analyzed it and came up with my own similar version, with a couple of changes for convenience. When you open it up it lays out as a large changing surface to put the baby on and a section with pockets for diapers or wipes and an elastic divider to hold tubes of diaper cream or powder or purell, whatever you need to change a baby.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIeLWyDGC9anj6g2y5N6a4o8_TwhdYk9wWbpxvg7KNYIes3Im9RoW-lRRvmRQlscyKKwtgieZ5gIRqrdBfg3trT9P09kA2UgV4KBfp-3GWMlXIHhSRUi2QzLcBl2btaln1VZMYT-34mUfZ/s1600/P1030422.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIeLWyDGC9anj6g2y5N6a4o8_TwhdYk9wWbpxvg7KNYIes3Im9RoW-lRRvmRQlscyKKwtgieZ5gIRqrdBfg3trT9P09kA2UgV4KBfp-3GWMlXIHhSRUi2QzLcBl2btaln1VZMYT-34mUfZ/s320/P1030422.JPG" /></a></div>The organizer folds in thirds<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6yhszyrSx5wf79BtNjYgJj5fap5yhkD6odrLzv3RKiPvO-nhaGF4940WIHqpVs1dHfZ8RkfqW2KV3VCtkImZVTjPrmfCp1pRF_F8x0xZ-ig9I4ijnD6i8ygkN5lK-x5ksPV0Kmp-m6eR5/s1600/P1030424.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6yhszyrSx5wf79BtNjYgJj5fap5yhkD6odrLzv3RKiPvO-nhaGF4940WIHqpVs1dHfZ8RkfqW2KV3VCtkImZVTjPrmfCp1pRF_F8x0xZ-ig9I4ijnD6i8ygkN5lK-x5ksPV0Kmp-m6eR5/s320/P1030424.JPG" /></a></div>It has a velcro closure that can easily be opened when you may only have one hand available. There's also a wrist strap with a snap ring to be able to hook it up to a stroller or a bag or wear as a wristlet.<br />
It's machine washable but I recommend line drying because of the metal snap hook.<br />
<br />
I wish I had the set when my kids were younger and I was at the stage of at least 3 kids in diapers!<br />
<br />
</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type='text/javascript' src='http://www.etsy.com/etsy_mini.js'></script><script type='text/javascript'>new EtsyNameSpace.Mini(5269451, 'shop','thumbnail',4,2).renderIframe();</script></div>Maria McGillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16509014196994380594noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6791737098756776488.post-63248159010210021402010-04-20T08:38:00.000-04:002010-04-20T08:38:41.911-04:00Try It TuesdayI'm in a giveaway mood. I think I'll have another one that I'm going to try every month - Try It Tuesday Giveaway.<br />
<br />
For my very first Try It Tuesday I was lucky enough to be chosen through <a href="http://business2blogger.com/">Biz2Blogger</a> to test out a fun award-winning word game called You've been Sentenced! It's from <a href="http://www.McNeillBrighterMinds.com/">McNeil Designs for Brighter Minds</a> and can be played by 3-10 players ages 8 and up.<br />
<br />
<b>About You've been Sentenced!</b><br />
You've been Sentenced! is an innovative language game which utilizes pentagon-shaped cards containing conjugations of funny words, famous names, and familiar places. With a hand of 10 cards, players build sentences, challenging their ingenuity while trying to score the most points per round, constructing a grammatically correct and justifiable sentence.<br />
<br />
So my kids aren't over the age of 7 yet but my oldest loves to read and I thought this would be a great learning game for him. Here's what I got in the mail:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE2KwYOLnq4u3Ax5guDtr_wWdGb33XKNJ_ifsElKGlSvz4TBhabpiI_zJLgO0znystZiMwMil5iuSqsH-zjDUSNL4EGD1TOLsP2Iy2RZsRCC16kP5xCnFBHL0WfUvFiUe3l5G1kt1HS-7K/s1600/P1030214.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE2KwYOLnq4u3Ax5guDtr_wWdGb33XKNJ_ifsElKGlSvz4TBhabpiI_zJLgO0znystZiMwMil5iuSqsH-zjDUSNL4EGD1TOLsP2Iy2RZsRCC16kP5xCnFBHL0WfUvFiUe3l5G1kt1HS-7K/s320/P1030214.JPG" /></a></div>Not only did I get the game but I also received 5 add-on decks.<br />
<br />
The cards are pentagon shaped and each side has a variation of a word - the original word, a plural version, a verb version, a past tense, whatever. And each are associated with points. My husband, my son and I played the game one night, not to its proper instructions, we wanted the 7 year old to get the idea of making sentences first before trying to defend them, and we all had a blast. My son was in fits of giggles making up sentences with the cards he was given. I've also found that I can take the add-on decks to my kids' sporting events and we can play while we hang out and wait for the duration of the game.<br />
<br />
I highly recommend this game. It's fun and educational!<br />
<br />
But that's not all. I also received another game from McNeil - <b>Twisted Fish</b>.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO3go7DZmBayY7P0VDoS3GXqvVUGtKp9H8YTWnCRNcqOAViYBEGN4RR7SokKF5NFTjG5fDkg94V7LUnbrRmfOQpN8ZltIhKcq8D4lcq-wcskRuRulp4UcE0JENySQ7buis_TjN0snChK90/s1600/P1030215.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO3go7DZmBayY7P0VDoS3GXqvVUGtKp9H8YTWnCRNcqOAViYBEGN4RR7SokKF5NFTjG5fDkg94V7LUnbrRmfOQpN8ZltIhKcq8D4lcq-wcskRuRulp4UcE0JENySQ7buis_TjN0snChK90/s320/P1030215.JPG" /></a></div><br />
Twisted Fish is a similar game to Go Fish but has "13 unique, outrageously humorous fish characters in five different color suits that you must ask for specifically. In addition there's 8 unique Zinger Wild Cards that all have a different wild function and makes the game FUN to the very last card every game!"<br />
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Twisted Fish is for ages 6 and up, but I've played it with my 6, 4 1/2, and 2 1/2 year olds, and can be played with 3-6 players.<br />
<br />
Another fun game! I've taken this to events and played it there too. Great entertainment that keeps the kids occupied instead of the handheld ds systems everybody seems to have. So if your kids like Go Fish, they'll love Twisted Fish!<br />
<br />
Here's the giveaway:<br />
<br />
McNeil Designs has been kind enough to provide the same You've been Sentenced! game along with the 5 add-on cards for one of my lucky readers! They are also providing a Twisted Fish game for another lucky person. So I'm giving two games away!<br />
<br />
Here's how to enter - leave a comment for each to up your chances!<br />
1- Leave a comment telling me which game you'd like to win<br />
2 - Follow my blog through Google Friend Connect<br />
3 - Follow me on Facebook! <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Beautiful-Blooms/105383494331">Beautiful Blooms Fan Page</a><br />
4 - Follow me on Twitter! <a href="http://www.twitter.com/mom2etck">mom2etck</a><br />
<br />
And don't worry if you're already following, just leave a comment that you do.<br />
<br />
Contest is open until midnight April 27 and winners will be announced on April 28!<div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type='text/javascript' src='http://www.etsy.com/etsy_mini.js'></script><script type='text/javascript'>new EtsyNameSpace.Mini(5269451, 'shop','thumbnail',4,2).renderIframe();</script></div>Maria McGillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16509014196994380594noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6791737098756776488.post-54479354480004952562010-04-19T15:45:00.000-04:002010-04-19T15:45:07.924-04:00Name the BagI just made this really cute bag. I've been dying to make a slouchy bottom bag, something with more shape than the bags I already make. I finally did, first as a wristlet.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbbZfhl_lF_4ddqfvOk6umWqAfm_Wx7R0NuYPQrsaLVksEzZvfGPGdZDjlRXrX9wFodRPdL1HV84YjMsWkExdAS4dJY-2h4T4WpnX5-ZeaCUW1iP2jyqrK4wH-Xo8QcxQSfoXcw0m623vO/s1600/P1030309.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbbZfhl_lF_4ddqfvOk6umWqAfm_Wx7R0NuYPQrsaLVksEzZvfGPGdZDjlRXrX9wFodRPdL1HV84YjMsWkExdAS4dJY-2h4T4WpnX5-ZeaCUW1iP2jyqrK4wH-Xo8QcxQSfoXcw0m623vO/s320/P1030309.JPG" /></a></div>And here's the inside:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDFO58wmTUzy5cKlLizA62Ll7Xom7jAhP5MNZ0OWJM-YPN5Gkl5kYlqjPQ5ftQvB1SCLhH75CkSKADD_WJh4fwjWYm-mWTRzPlO2-hkEBc3L4DWDEF8qI6YVTKGgoJ0WZuIy6dyjb2xpSH/s1600/P1030310.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDFO58wmTUzy5cKlLizA62Ll7Xom7jAhP5MNZ0OWJM-YPN5Gkl5kYlqjPQ5ftQvB1SCLhH75CkSKADD_WJh4fwjWYm-mWTRzPlO2-hkEBc3L4DWDEF8qI6YVTKGgoJ0WZuIy6dyjb2xpSH/s320/P1030310.JPG" /></a></div>My camera phobic daughter subsequently decided to make it her bag. But luckily I made two!<br />
<br />
Now I need a name. I was thinking along the name "Charmed" or even "Hugs" since I already have a KISS bag, but not sure.<br />
<br />
So, as my tweeter friends have done, I'm going to have a Name the Bag Giveaway. You name it and you can have the bag. Just leave a comment.<br />
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And for kicks, I'll make this a double giveaway. Second giveaway - win a custom bag like this, but you get to choose the fabrics!!<br />
<br />
All you have to do is, comment for each of these:<br />
1 - Follow my blog through Google Friend Connect or let me know if you already follow<br />
2 - Become a fan on my facebook fanpage: <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Beautiful-Blooms/105383494331">Beautiful Blooms Fan Site</a><br />
3 - Follow me on Twitter: <a href="http://www.twitter.com/mom2etck">MOM2ETCK</a><br />
4 - Retweet this and let others know!<br />
<br />
Contest will be open until midnight EST April 26 and I'll announce the winners on April 27!<div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type='text/javascript' src='http://www.etsy.com/etsy_mini.js'></script><script type='text/javascript'>new EtsyNameSpace.Mini(5269451, 'shop','thumbnail',4,2).renderIframe();</script></div>Maria McGillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16509014196994380594noreply@blogger.com38tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6791737098756776488.post-13724245219652802682010-04-11T22:03:00.000-04:002010-04-11T22:03:11.032-04:00Everything But The Kitchen SinkHave you seen my Bare Necessities Mini Keychain Wallets that I make and sell in my <a href="http://www.beautifulblooms.etsy.com/">shop</a>?<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWDZAYGbr5l1qTpYQ9yZfgKMAPCsn-N8zT3OC9axy-K_QBmiF9NPcymEOPqV00bktc1aWm-iKcpTEu3nrpHRqzTr_iVdN_CBlUO-6hg81XKy_DdcPGYBVcmGa5vtSwMc7rNvY5RmU5kPd-/s1600/P1030155.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="217" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWDZAYGbr5l1qTpYQ9yZfgKMAPCsn-N8zT3OC9axy-K_QBmiF9NPcymEOPqV00bktc1aWm-iKcpTEu3nrpHRqzTr_iVdN_CBlUO-6hg81XKy_DdcPGYBVcmGa5vtSwMc7rNvY5RmU5kPd-/s320/P1030155.JPG" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI2iPnByRYQk7PAKw5xby3Bzb49GhYIOd1wJXYxPeVS779LNKtVfj4nnrqF1igmcGDr52tuoKpATB4pHR4NdfSAa5qRFdExpyJrTYzkLQwyMSSM3oK9ZwLx5Lj3JWRDhsmecAFOBbKfMUF/s1600/P1030156.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI2iPnByRYQk7PAKw5xby3Bzb49GhYIOd1wJXYxPeVS779LNKtVfj4nnrqF1igmcGDr52tuoKpATB4pHR4NdfSAa5qRFdExpyJrTYzkLQwyMSSM3oK9ZwLx5Lj3JWRDhsmecAFOBbKfMUF/s320/P1030156.JPG" /></a></div><br />
It's cute, holds the minimum you need going out - a card, maybe some cash - and acts as a keychain. Really the Bare Necessities.<br />
<br />
Well this weekend I was making a new wallet, one I'm going to call Everything But The Kitchen Sink.<br />
Why? Well let's just say my son looked at it and asked me why it was such a big wallet, did the person have a lot of money? I just smiled.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW8qPj4VkA_HCA_JCEu-vEDmJsegg0_zgih79EOzvVOAAmp0v3r7aO_ldRKaKVFAbKIveNat4GhZfJtd81Ua73cutJ0WVpPJjJn-WksyKESFxAAITyn76MGwt_7HuSrMwRgWQztgBpV5ud/s1600/P1030347.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW8qPj4VkA_HCA_JCEu-vEDmJsegg0_zgih79EOzvVOAAmp0v3r7aO_ldRKaKVFAbKIveNat4GhZfJtd81Ua73cutJ0WVpPJjJn-WksyKESFxAAITyn76MGwt_7HuSrMwRgWQztgBpV5ud/s320/P1030347.JPG" /></a></div><br />
It looks normal at first from the front, but then you open it up and it explodes into this:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg06w7EC3274woStVx_x6gG27ayz7Oc4rwQhfXw0AHfM8iJMEFCe10XZEbDwveq1IwOoUIDTmdDJWmwbsemdA6YlDlRpvMks0K-plJB_HrhFHBmWq8oOB1V2ismS-fL_p9bUiDZt_bBOaMB/s1600/P1030348.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg06w7EC3274woStVx_x6gG27ayz7Oc4rwQhfXw0AHfM8iJMEFCe10XZEbDwveq1IwOoUIDTmdDJWmwbsemdA6YlDlRpvMks0K-plJB_HrhFHBmWq8oOB1V2ismS-fL_p9bUiDZt_bBOaMB/s320/P1030348.JPG" /></a></div><br />
It has 8 card slots in the back section, a zippered compartment for coins and whatever else likes to fly around in a wallet, and 4 additional sections for whatever you'd like in there - money, coupons, receipts, again whatever. It looks like an accordian on the side, and closed up it's already 2" thick. It even has a detachable wrist strap.<br />
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Impressive wallet design I got from <a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=44563018">NapkittenPattern</a> on etsy. It was actually for a customer request. I'm still debating on whether to make more to sell. What do you think?<div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type='text/javascript' src='http://www.etsy.com/etsy_mini.js'></script><script type='text/javascript'>new EtsyNameSpace.Mini(5269451, 'shop','thumbnail',4,2).renderIframe();</script></div>Maria McGillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16509014196994380594noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6791737098756776488.post-69179765313743781452010-04-08T20:31:00.002-04:002010-04-11T21:44:34.950-04:00Ultimate Blog Party 2010<a href="http://www.5minutesformom.com/16471/ultimate-blog-party-2010-is-coming/"><img alt="Ultimate Blog Party 2010" src="http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k210/5m4m/buttons/events/blog_party_banner_horiz.png" title="Ultimate Blog Party 2010" /></a><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I just joined the 5 Minutes for Mom 2010 Ultimate Blog Party! It starts this Friday, April 9th, to celebrate the community of blogging. With over a 100 donated <a href="http://www.5minutesformom.com/ultimate-blog-party-2010-prizes/">prizes</a> including a Gift Certificate from <a href="http://www.beautifulblooms.etsy.com/">my shop</a> (it's listed as #85 in the US only category) and from several vendors I highly recommend checking out!! I finally got through the list, WOW! And my personal faves are:</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">US15 – Win a $25 e-gift certificate to the <a href="http://www.thedisneystore.com/" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #660033; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank">Disney Store</a>.<br />
<strong style="font-weight: bold;">Provided by:</strong> <a href="http://www.couponingtodisney.com/" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #660033; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank">Kristin @ Couponing to Disney</a><br />
<strong style="font-weight: bold;">Follow here:</strong> <a href="http://twitter.com/Couponin2Disney" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #660033; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank">Couponin2Disney</a> or <strong style="font-weight: bold;">Visit Our Fan Page:</strong> <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Couponing-To-Disney/183823376030" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #660033; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank">Couponing To Disney</a></span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">US50 – Win a $50 Gift Certificate to <a href="http://www.froggygirldesigns.etsy.com/" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #660033; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank">Froggy Girl Designs</a>!<br />
<strong style="font-weight: bold;">Provided by:</strong> <a href="http://www.froggygirl.com/" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #660033; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank">Froggy Girl Designs</a><br />
<strong style="font-weight: bold;">Follow here:</strong> <a href="http://twitter.com/froggygirletsy" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #660033; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank">froggygirletsy</a> or <strong style="font-weight: bold;">Visit Our Fan Page:</strong> <a href="http://www.facebook.com/froggygirldesigns" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #660033; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank">Froggy Girl Designs</a></span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">US83 – <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Pop-Art-Mickey-5-2din-2d1-Tasty/dp/B000XRGKFE" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #660033; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank">Disney Mickey 5-in-1 Tasty Baker by Pop Art</a>. An all in one table top appliance that bakes pancakes, cakes, quickbreads, biscuits and donuts and more into 6 bite sized shapes (Mickey mouse, Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck, Daisy Duck, Goofy and Pluto) in about one-third the time. It can even cook eggs.<br />
<strong style="font-weight: bold;">Provided by:</strong> <a href="http://www.poparttoasterstore.com/" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #660033; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank">Pop Art Toaster</a><br />
<strong style="font-weight: bold;">Follow here:</strong> <a href="http://twitter.com/poparttoaster" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #660033; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank">poparttoaster</a> or <strong style="font-weight: bold;">Visit Our Fan Page:</strong> <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Pop-Art-Toaster/103705354877" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #660033; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank">Pop Art Toaster</a></span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">USC 11 – Win a $50 gift certificate good towards any purchase in my <a href="http://www.priddycreations.etsy.com/" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #660033; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank">Etsy shop</a> or <a href="http://www.priddycreations.com/" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #660033; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank">my website</a>.<br />
<strong style="font-weight: bold;">Provided by:</strong> <a href="http://www.priddycreations.blogspot.com/" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #660033; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank">Priddy Creations Custom Designs</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><strong style="font-weight: bold;">Follow here:</strong> <a href="http://twitter.com/priddycreations" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #660033; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank">Priddy Creations</a>or <strong style="font-weight: bold;"></strong><strong style="font-weight: bold;">Visit Our Fan Page:</strong> <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Lumberton-TX/Priddy-Creations-Custom-Designs/126638772813?ref=mf" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #660033; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank">Priddy Creations Custom Designs</a></span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Lumberton-TX/Priddy-Creations-Custom-Designs/126638772813?ref=mf" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #660033; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank"></a>USC 17 – With the upcoming release of their iphone app in the next few weeks, <a href="http://www.cmomgo.com/" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #660033; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank">CmomGo</a> is offering up a $200 Apple Gift certificate. For moms that do not currently have an AT&T contract and have wanted that Iphone this will cover the cost of a 16Gig 3GS iphone with the signup of a 2 year contract with AT&T. For our moms that already have an AT&T contract with a different phone this can be used towards the purchase of a new iphone or it can be used for anything else at the Apple store! Our friends from <a href="http://www.cmomgo.com/" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #660033; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank">CmomGo</a> sure hope you use it for an iphone though!<br />
<strong style="font-weight: bold;">Provided by:</strong> <a href="http://cmomgo.blogspot.com/2010/04/iphone-giveaway-our-iphone-app-is.html" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #660033; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank">CmomGo</a></span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">NTL 11 – <a href="http://www.simplyfabulousbloggertemplates.com/" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #660033; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank">Custom Blogger Design</a>- valued at $100<br />
<strong style="font-weight: bold;">Provided by: </strong><a href="http://www.simplyfabulousbloggertemplates.com/" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #660033; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank">Simply Fabulous Blogger Templates</a><br />
<strong style="font-weight: bold;">Follow here: </strong><a href="http://twitter.com/simplyfabblog" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #660033; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank">simplyfabblog</a> or <strong style="font-weight: bold;">Visit Our Fan Page:</strong> <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Simply-Fabulous-Blogger-Templates/126237297395" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #660033; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank">Simply Fabulous Blogger Templates</a></span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Come join </span><a href="http://www.5minutesformom.com/16471/ultimate-blog-party-2010-is-coming/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">the Ultimate Blog Party</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">, it's open to bloggers and non-bloggers! Let me know with a comment that you've joined so I can stop by your blog during the party! Follow it on Twitter (<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">follow </span><a href="http://www.twitter.com/mom2etck"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">me</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> too!) under the hashtag #ubp10.</span></span></span><div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type='text/javascript' src='http://www.etsy.com/etsy_mini.js'></script><script type='text/javascript'>new EtsyNameSpace.Mini(5269451, 'shop','thumbnail',4,2).renderIframe();</script></div>Maria McGillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16509014196994380594noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6791737098756776488.post-27248245578281694542010-04-08T07:27:00.000-04:002010-04-08T07:27:45.560-04:00My Beautiful BloomsSo why did I come up with this name for a business? It sounds more like a florist than a shop for handmade goods. Funny thing is there's a flower shop with the same name located in Philadelphia too.<br />
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Well, partly because I wanted to have a name that was early in the alphabets for faster searches. Then I came up with flower names for each of my creations - check out the categories in <a href="http://www.beautifulblooms.etsy.com/">my shop</a>.<br />
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But as time flew and my creations evolved, I began to see that my Beautiful Blooms were the inspiration for my creations - my kids.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><b>My pretty little maids all in a row</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br />
</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyA9X4MZYCwfiMmhlxexqtEXbWe27P1DNhjhGLOh6mQBUv_TOpoIupd0RpFp0WmtZYCsyQbJ7tk0fcthDC886s9GGY686IVdRio_e759XS7tzoIqZOFDrEd38bNFvg0JH0gVPNVMdKPz2v/s1600/P1030327.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyA9X4MZYCwfiMmhlxexqtEXbWe27P1DNhjhGLOh6mQBUv_TOpoIupd0RpFp0WmtZYCsyQbJ7tk0fcthDC886s9GGY686IVdRio_e759XS7tzoIqZOFDrEd38bNFvg0JH0gVPNVMdKPz2v/s320/P1030327.JPG" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicI0Flw6FY8gzy5uUquuKH93A07Mt_S25gl6uFegPoxNGK4qp-MtGJaGR6c7NpW6LAR-BJMECcL7kHJeZVv7dCFfjk6XXtikNEAptSpTc5eL11GHNEh8FcqaCAkHeAyJG6hEVK8izObNop/s1600/P1030324.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicI0Flw6FY8gzy5uUquuKH93A07Mt_S25gl6uFegPoxNGK4qp-MtGJaGR6c7NpW6LAR-BJMECcL7kHJeZVv7dCFfjk6XXtikNEAptSpTc5eL11GHNEh8FcqaCAkHeAyJG6hEVK8izObNop/s320/P1030324.JPG" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT98o27G8Qttym2SqDD2kLPMiMBMoZ_8U_RZkOIZr5i9QV58sKjSyogIeh3xUgLt-nWhrTzatmUxrbKpg34F4C4em99y-miDmFx1ZEUV3gTfJMV5HvghAomPn__qzR32Py9M4SnjMlGNYn/s1600/P1030323.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT98o27G8Qttym2SqDD2kLPMiMBMoZ_8U_RZkOIZr5i9QV58sKjSyogIeh3xUgLt-nWhrTzatmUxrbKpg34F4C4em99y-miDmFx1ZEUV3gTfJMV5HvghAomPn__qzR32Py9M4SnjMlGNYn/s320/P1030323.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I made all three girls a new dress with eyelet material in their favorite colors and <a href="http://www.modkidboutique.com/">Patty Young</a>'s Frida dress pattern.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>And my little soldier</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZEcAr6QdjQawazyx122fnNRK76lETQ9OtlzBvy1ySPXRhbLzDjB7vF_NlfsVoDH66RweEAWWMVjUJN5d4jth72FOepEh9Q9kMApGlQS_gr81Tw3b07_rXPDBHHrnBTVMxPvPOGkjCAuAY/s1600/P1030325.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZEcAr6QdjQawazyx122fnNRK76lETQ9OtlzBvy1ySPXRhbLzDjB7vF_NlfsVoDH66RweEAWWMVjUJN5d4jth72FOepEh9Q9kMApGlQS_gr81Tw3b07_rXPDBHHrnBTVMxPvPOGkjCAuAY/s320/P1030325.JPG" /></a></div><br />
He didn't get a new outfit for Easter, but he did ask for a camouflage basket and I made one out of <a href="http://www.sewsensible.blogspot.com/">Sew Sensible</a>'s Boutique Easter Basket pattern.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type='text/javascript' src='http://www.etsy.com/etsy_mini.js'></script><script type='text/javascript'>new EtsyNameSpace.Mini(5269451, 'shop','thumbnail',4,2).renderIframe();</script></div>Maria McGillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16509014196994380594noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6791737098756776488.post-77981975178983211212010-04-06T08:57:00.000-04:002010-04-06T08:57:09.939-04:00Happy Anniversary!Today's our wedding anniversary. 8 years ago and 4 kids later.<br />
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Even back then I was being extremely frugal and crafty - $99 wedding dress, $6 clearance wedding shoes, chose tulips for flowers as they were in season, church decorated already for Easter, made the flower girl baskets, pew decor, ring bearer pillow, placecards (butterflies shaped cardstock on crepe paper flowers my bridesmaid and I made), etched all the centerpiece vases with a claddagh design and our names and dates. But we splurged on the honeymoon - in Venice. Ah, Venice!<br />
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Here's to looking forward to the next 8 years and beyond.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type='text/javascript' src='http://www.etsy.com/etsy_mini.js'></script><script type='text/javascript'>new EtsyNameSpace.Mini(5269451, 'shop','thumbnail',4,2).renderIframe();</script></div>Maria McGillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16509014196994380594noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6791737098756776488.post-36829018968307352872010-04-03T21:01:00.000-04:002010-04-03T21:01:05.127-04:00Happy Easter!I did it. I finally made my girls' Easter dresses this year. I had it planned with eyelet material I purchased the year before. I just couldn't figure out what pattern to use. Until I made Theresa's <a href="http://beautifulbloomsdesigns.blogspot.com/2010/03/im-in-love-with-patty-young.html">dress</a> using <a href="http://www.modkidboutique.com/">Patty Young</a>'s Frida dress. It was so easy to follow and had a few variations to the pattern I could follow to make these Easter dresses. It may have taken me a total of 24 hours total to make three dresses and they came out so beautifully.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTYOjcZDEXHUvVUX5D-HfoZSrn6ZHfo1oX3FkqAnLahEa0EvlE733X0GzUaciQAjVu-95Jxm2LOreFMMkfXMxiP-ZiyAICNZjWD7hzFVfuR7a_0Au3jPp08AfqZ9QEK5zyNneIRXfhsVA6/s1600/P1030312.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTYOjcZDEXHUvVUX5D-HfoZSrn6ZHfo1oX3FkqAnLahEa0EvlE733X0GzUaciQAjVu-95Jxm2LOreFMMkfXMxiP-ZiyAICNZjWD7hzFVfuR7a_0Au3jPp08AfqZ9QEK5zyNneIRXfhsVA6/s320/P1030312.JPG" /></a></div>Kathleen's dress:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhelPF-Zqsp-Sc8ZTDvxzpy2Y1FxIR_DLW08IP2bw7JJzqi8xHXze0u5jZa17y0hHkkNyQEHpROpqjlIYmf2zVfRkbDxJyaDYrcsR1pF9VkJjY0CrSn0wuJZmXsLPjaW-upSRJokTtit8sx/s1600/P1030314.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhelPF-Zqsp-Sc8ZTDvxzpy2Y1FxIR_DLW08IP2bw7JJzqi8xHXze0u5jZa17y0hHkkNyQEHpROpqjlIYmf2zVfRkbDxJyaDYrcsR1pF9VkJjY0CrSn0wuJZmXsLPjaW-upSRJokTtit8sx/s320/P1030314.JPG" /></a></div>Clare's dress:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_pBSVl07h891TrMzjodUJzgJSerMt36kkvqJAnX3EGenQ0gNE1pKBWv2y0p9MAEaIJmK0hNEaembdEz9iPxjq6SIX9Ky26l10NRRZoi0lfQE0wP180fi1_p9jEEaXtmtgyez2kL6LgDQJ/s1600/P1030315.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_pBSVl07h891TrMzjodUJzgJSerMt36kkvqJAnX3EGenQ0gNE1pKBWv2y0p9MAEaIJmK0hNEaembdEz9iPxjq6SIX9Ky26l10NRRZoi0lfQE0wP180fi1_p9jEEaXtmtgyez2kL6LgDQJ/s320/P1030315.JPG" /></a></div>and Theresa's dress:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQlPk2oLCc2BjEGscRWHHzu6R2jEHjxdyLrwUkHAxbVg9eg-ofhCIvOA6ojO-I2T9JEFAl4rUxsIz-i6ooqPVxMjDBYkqktVKUjtZpRnHFgO9f4OJ-RLkGL9-z5yxVD0QZPqvTW_-a-S09/s1600/P1030316.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQlPk2oLCc2BjEGscRWHHzu6R2jEHjxdyLrwUkHAxbVg9eg-ofhCIvOA6ojO-I2T9JEFAl4rUxsIz-i6ooqPVxMjDBYkqktVKUjtZpRnHFgO9f4OJ-RLkGL9-z5yxVD0QZPqvTW_-a-S09/s320/P1030316.JPG" /></a></div>I can't wait to get the girls' picture in the dresses.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type='text/javascript' src='http://www.etsy.com/etsy_mini.js'></script><script type='text/javascript'>new EtsyNameSpace.Mini(5269451, 'shop','thumbnail',4,2).renderIframe();</script></div>Maria McGillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16509014196994380594noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6791737098756776488.post-60525267652254321322010-04-01T19:25:00.000-04:002010-04-01T19:25:53.134-04:00Little Remedies ContestI just entered an interesting contest, please vote for me!<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #535353; font-family: mono-space, monospace; font-size: 13px; line-height: 15px; word-spacing: 1px;"><a href="http://www.littleremedies.com/vote/index.cfm?id=BBAEF351-DEBA-1C58-EE5424F6969A7F1C" title="Vote For Beautiful Blooms Designs"><img alt="Vote For Beautiful Blooms Designs" height="110" src="http://www.littleremedies.com/img/vote.gif" width="125" /></a></span><div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type='text/javascript' src='http://www.etsy.com/etsy_mini.js'></script><script type='text/javascript'>new EtsyNameSpace.Mini(5269451, 'shop','thumbnail',4,2).renderIframe();</script></div>Maria McGillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16509014196994380594noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6791737098756776488.post-36999590637288259742010-03-31T08:58:00.000-04:002010-03-31T08:58:49.900-04:00Birthday Treats for TheresaHappy Birthday to my little girl, actually the first of my 3 girls. Theresa turned 6 yesterday. Though the weather was yucky wet, we made the most of it with all kinds of stuff to celebrate her birthday.<br />
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Her first request was for a Sponge Bob cake. I made her brother a cake for his birthday, and she told me then she wanted Sponge Bob for hers.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS2w3GcTnuGqG6JNJMFObIVwacUjnL0QoJjbeNhJTg_Szuu7Z0cizMaNyM13fonqqC0Vc6xfrJ0MA7VpnkPk_wyAE8oXRUYQjHEBpyahl1QOB7bpiymwWGlhFRu23rik1MWToU1Tk28CO6/s1600/P1030307.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS2w3GcTnuGqG6JNJMFObIVwacUjnL0QoJjbeNhJTg_Szuu7Z0cizMaNyM13fonqqC0Vc6xfrJ0MA7VpnkPk_wyAE8oXRUYQjHEBpyahl1QOB7bpiymwWGlhFRu23rik1MWToU1Tk28CO6/s320/P1030307.JPG" /></a></div>I drew it looking at a picture from the balloon we got her.<br />
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Since we weren't planning on a big birthday party we decided to bring in snacks at school to celebrate. Theresa also asked me to make for each of her classmates a crayon roll. I made one for my son the other day out of extra fabric from another project and she wanted one too. So I did, 29 of them, as that's how many are in her class.<br />
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Here's a sample of one:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA6UEhum1Q89XA_hDFzeW6LTM2eumMvK0xnBo9_QFRs9Mfs5piUS73z14Eh9F6RRbk6hqw-6ff92-tE5qqwGBurgAEPhbeReDSoh_yBKUonlrIUyD1fbXC3r8QMu9pec7LGB8xRqsUw58D/s1600/P1030241.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA6UEhum1Q89XA_hDFzeW6LTM2eumMvK0xnBo9_QFRs9Mfs5piUS73z14Eh9F6RRbk6hqw-6ff92-tE5qqwGBurgAEPhbeReDSoh_yBKUonlrIUyD1fbXC3r8QMu9pec7LGB8xRqsUw58D/s320/P1030241.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>And all rolled up:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihtI8Ye-qVLDPZ1m03JlAKzsRAzJ5rCh8sxGCuCTME-qu5DEebzbUoNJbUUjGOWbysvEhxmfeMh2wvimItEWR1Ri7qbt_F_joP5Y-Kv5TGozn3t4MkHgys0ODUNZZ1OlEsrJ6i_pjgg0D8/s1600/P1030240.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihtI8Ye-qVLDPZ1m03JlAKzsRAzJ5rCh8sxGCuCTME-qu5DEebzbUoNJbUUjGOWbysvEhxmfeMh2wvimItEWR1Ri7qbt_F_joP5Y-Kv5TGozn3t4MkHgys0ODUNZZ1OlEsrJ6i_pjgg0D8/s320/P1030240.JPG" /></a></div><br />
Stay tuned, I'll be putting up a tutorial this weekend to celebrate Easter.<br />
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Happy Birthday Theresa!<div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type='text/javascript' src='http://www.etsy.com/etsy_mini.js'></script><script type='text/javascript'>new EtsyNameSpace.Mini(5269451, 'shop','thumbnail',4,2).renderIframe();</script></div>Maria McGillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16509014196994380594noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6791737098756776488.post-32330535704360373192010-03-27T09:36:00.000-04:002010-03-27T09:36:54.828-04:00Irish LuckI'm not Irish, just married into it. But the week of St. Patrick's Day I won 2 online giveaways - Wow! Not just one but 2 all in the same week. So I blame it on Irish luck!<br />
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The first was <a href="http://www.wherewomencreate.typepad.com/">Where Women Create</a>'s Fabulous Friday Giveaway featuring <a href="http://www.barij.typepad.com/">Bari J</a>'s new fabric line and patterns. I was just eyeing her patterns and fabric recently. So I entered the giveaway, and I get an email to contact them - I won!! Here's what I got:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXEU3t2JSSiHPXeJON7p9PqErzVH8zxmVMRJTkpcBR_gAuEBHedTo1bSUlsxKdz4gBer-DYHEDuTH5js6lfgYS_PDzqWkRDsaKU-VAEF9SBzToUY3UDYofSEc7C1vk6IA3PO-43HDsaib9/s1600/P1030298.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXEU3t2JSSiHPXeJON7p9PqErzVH8zxmVMRJTkpcBR_gAuEBHedTo1bSUlsxKdz4gBer-DYHEDuTH5js6lfgYS_PDzqWkRDsaKU-VAEF9SBzToUY3UDYofSEc7C1vk6IA3PO-43HDsaib9/s320/P1030298.JPG" /></a></div>All 4 of her new patterns, 2 pieces of her fabric, and a personal Congratulatory note - Love it! I love the handwritten note - it's like a fabricaholic getting an autograph from a celebrity. No I'm not going to be a stalker, but I do follow her on Twitter! So now I have to finish the girls' Easter dresses and a couple of custom orders and I can get started with trying out her patterns!<br />
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And that same week, <a href="http://fatquartershop.blogspot.com/">The Fat Quarter Shop</a>, another of my favorite places to shop - check out their clubs - had a giveaway for Joel Dewberry's newest line - Modern Meadow. I saw a preview a while back and loved the Cool Stream colorway. So when this contest came about all I had to do was comment on my favorite colorway, easy enough, and I was entered. Well, I saw the followup blog and my name was next to the Cool Stream, another Wow! I won a fat quarter of each fabric in the Cool Stream colorway.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4mHdfHrUtnStzjib_wcU1_eo_BXytQZMc5g9ueUu89Eaf2AJW_WIGlr4KcBHckh85R-0bZjIHyPwhq9uw0b7cePcBzCyjb5PRpVY9wgZSin67e5fWdAmSxbIqz4gBWfGoJcX2y8xwc3hx/s1600/P1030297.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4mHdfHrUtnStzjib_wcU1_eo_BXytQZMc5g9ueUu89Eaf2AJW_WIGlr4KcBHckh85R-0bZjIHyPwhq9uw0b7cePcBzCyjb5PRpVY9wgZSin67e5fWdAmSxbIqz4gBWfGoJcX2y8xwc3hx/s320/P1030297.JPG" /></a></div>There's so much in there I don't know where to start! I can make a couple of purses, maybe a cute strip skirt, maybe a quilt, haven't decided yet. But it's mine, all mine!<br />
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So I have to thank my husband for the Irish luck. I did play the lottery hoping for third time's the charm sort of thing but didn't win. Oh well, these 2 wins were like winning the lottery for me.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type='text/javascript' src='http://www.etsy.com/etsy_mini.js'></script><script type='text/javascript'>new EtsyNameSpace.Mini(5269451, 'shop','thumbnail',4,2).renderIframe();</script></div>Maria McGillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16509014196994380594noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6791737098756776488.post-58500721225929957532010-03-24T08:48:00.001-04:002010-03-24T08:49:12.908-04:00I'm in love with Patty YoungOK Patty, nothing weird here but I'm so smitten by your fabrics and patterns I had to say it. Looking forward to your twitter response, LOL!!<br />
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This weekend I finally got enough nerve to cut into <a href="http://www.modkidboutique.com/">Patty Young</a>'s Flora & Fauna fabric. I hate cutting into fabric I love but this time I needed to do it. I wanted to make Theresa a dress. She's my oldest daughter and I'm at the point where I don't have tons of clothes in her size stashed away. Plus, I plan on making her and her sister's Easter dresses so I needed to practice.<br />
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So I decided on <a href="http://www.modkidboutique.com/">Patty Young</a>'s Frida dress pattern. Why? Well, one of my favorite online shops, <a href="http://www.aboveallfabric.com/">Above All Fabric</a> sells the patterns and fabrics as a kit. And I bought a bunch so I could try it out. I also thought the Frida style would be cute as an Easter dress using the eyelet fabric I've been holding onto for this project.<br />
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So this past weekend I started it and in less than 24 hours I had a gorgeous dress that I, my husband and Theresa especially loved! <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4bMYbbSa6Go6guYanThp0HomEf1lzu_L7NEAnPKHW-2XWDxjGJTqgEhKVHYd9l8lv9ZR30nqr47AGc8PLYzDSKdU_duRZdTsHO02z6HwJD5RPpe1BPIwt_KFkvKhLB_HRsb8mVvxNYE1j/s1600/P1030279.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4bMYbbSa6Go6guYanThp0HomEf1lzu_L7NEAnPKHW-2XWDxjGJTqgEhKVHYd9l8lv9ZR30nqr47AGc8PLYzDSKdU_duRZdTsHO02z6HwJD5RPpe1BPIwt_KFkvKhLB_HRsb8mVvxNYE1j/s320/P1030279.JPG" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGajx6OXJYnFbPvLCnNE_1GdmjLjI1ccoW7nOnOR_3vVLzywMxAygpI4iOR64LTtbcx26bo0aNewsIjCq1ZTCz5qYc85VN8edFb84x7ayN8MHiZko8nGu6dT5nPuocGc7eP8W90HYXrOC1/s1600/P1030280.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGajx6OXJYnFbPvLCnNE_1GdmjLjI1ccoW7nOnOR_3vVLzywMxAygpI4iOR64LTtbcx26bo0aNewsIjCq1ZTCz5qYc85VN8edFb84x7ayN8MHiZko8nGu6dT5nPuocGc7eP8W90HYXrOC1/s320/P1030280.JPG" /></a></div><br />
It was so easy, very well written and the fabric choices from <a href="http://www.aboveallfabric.com/">Above All Fabric</a> was perfect. And I have to say, that kit was overly generous. I ordered a size 6 but I got more fabric than I needed (as Melanie told me, it's to make sure there's enough if I wanted to make the style that calls for the most fabric and use it also for the lining) that I could probably use the rest for another size 2/3 dress (my 2 year old would love that!) or make a matching American Doll outfit - hehe, yes I have that pattern too.<br />
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Here's Theresa with the dress, did I mention before that she doesn't like having her picture taken?<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjkOzqj3WjE5wmLl81nbwtDX-k6kwJayqBrw02GOeYfhwiPLFyUy8MmwU-XHMtI2QlHrFyR502v9XGmyr-I9BzqHFeRa2FJqyJX93iSl05wdXhFIBrNcqUaTjy2Gy81hpLb3N6XnCc6VC9/s1600/P1030281.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjkOzqj3WjE5wmLl81nbwtDX-k6kwJayqBrw02GOeYfhwiPLFyUy8MmwU-XHMtI2QlHrFyR502v9XGmyr-I9BzqHFeRa2FJqyJX93iSl05wdXhFIBrNcqUaTjy2Gy81hpLb3N6XnCc6VC9/s320/P1030281.JPG" /></a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type='text/javascript' src='http://www.etsy.com/etsy_mini.js'></script><script type='text/javascript'>new EtsyNameSpace.Mini(5269451, 'shop','thumbnail',4,2).renderIframe();</script></div>Maria McGillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16509014196994380594noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6791737098756776488.post-18954622315471541482010-03-18T08:54:00.001-04:002010-03-18T08:55:26.365-04:00What a bag!!It's been quite a week since I last posted - crazy rainy weather, lots of custom label orders - some new, some repeat customers, YAY!, and a custom messenger bag order.<br />
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Wow, what a bag that was! I won a bid on <a href="http://www.beautifulblooms.etsy.com/">etsy</a> for a Custom Laptop Bag. It's a birthday gift from a husband to his wife (SWEET!) but the kicker was it had to incorporate somehow their 2 year old's artwork on the bag. I bid on it as I was just about to make <a href="http://www.amybutlerdesign.com/products/patterns_display.php?id=26">Amy Butler's Messenger Bag</a> and thought this would be perfect for it. I also mentioned I make my own fabric labels so I can easily print out the artwork on fabric and sew it onto the bag. I think that was what got the bid.<br />
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So we discussed fabric options, chose a combo from my stash, got the artwork, printed it out and I made the bag. That bag pattern is insane, definitely not for a beginner!! But the instructions are extremely concise. And it uses home deco weight fabric and uses at least a yard and a half each for the exterior and interior, plus canvas interfacing, so it's extremely thick and scary at points trying to sew through all the layers. Lots of pockets! After sewing it all up the bag is heavy - almost 2.5 lbs, where a regular tote bag I sew weighs less than a pound.<br />
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The result:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZoTmw6-9jium_XB0dKFJCqApYjlEhA7c-_GQl03KwdnIGXPuRU2mlx4Oi88So4jPPG-3hhnuAEwKCFwUNc0I2hZYd6JBUs-YWRUKRtZ3wWOV_pqouGuyKYnFEtr9Zc0jXHx6in2stVsqi/s1600-h/P1030265.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZoTmw6-9jium_XB0dKFJCqApYjlEhA7c-_GQl03KwdnIGXPuRU2mlx4Oi88So4jPPG-3hhnuAEwKCFwUNc0I2hZYd6JBUs-YWRUKRtZ3wWOV_pqouGuyKYnFEtr9Zc0jXHx6in2stVsqi/s320/P1030265.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The inside of the bag flap has the 2nd artwork:</div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYTBIy3hw2v69e_zOMrscKE24TQxtATbBVtV3Ac7lhzqElTYAXwLe2-LFGxbUa9EEbloLCL4hL1Mqs3XxBlFAa0oDNunXPlFISVVPEX-f0J1Yhv_4WMkhxcOufTo-S8LYyRgwcp9qYvokA/s1600-h/P1030266.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYTBIy3hw2v69e_zOMrscKE24TQxtATbBVtV3Ac7lhzqElTYAXwLe2-LFGxbUa9EEbloLCL4hL1Mqs3XxBlFAa0oDNunXPlFISVVPEX-f0J1Yhv_4WMkhxcOufTo-S8LYyRgwcp9qYvokA/s320/P1030266.JPG" /></a><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Interior - look at all those pockets!</div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP-8TR5bTHJI530GZPFotuh8jEtQTvmGT2kG-NhUEWLkzjB2Zq755IXEZituDPYdZ9SBb6urCT28YvcfDmq8bwXLHq-JbOPTctBI6-rgMI_1KNxqHyJE9-S-8MZF0GeNjROzHC9vLUNKyA/s1600-h/P1030267.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP-8TR5bTHJI530GZPFotuh8jEtQTvmGT2kG-NhUEWLkzjB2Zq755IXEZituDPYdZ9SBb6urCT28YvcfDmq8bwXLHq-JbOPTctBI6-rgMI_1KNxqHyJE9-S-8MZF0GeNjROzHC9vLUNKyA/s320/P1030267.JPG" /></a><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Front, under the flap - more pockets!</div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOf3mTC9sQrFrXLVHbQEIxHDkE_-g9B8S7Qg38zeyEpc5DhbT49tAAWl8UFshHoe20CW4AQ5GY5lEvxzyhY26XcFvdxk0LN0z9VTGMfe8y73Elfe9QpKyuXX1YVraDXFp3pgwam0-1QtCp/s1600-h/P1030268.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOf3mTC9sQrFrXLVHbQEIxHDkE_-g9B8S7Qg38zeyEpc5DhbT49tAAWl8UFshHoe20CW4AQ5GY5lEvxzyhY26XcFvdxk0LN0z9VTGMfe8y73Elfe9QpKyuXX1YVraDXFp3pgwam0-1QtCp/s320/P1030268.JPG" /></a><br />
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Beautiful isn't it? What a bag!!<div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type='text/javascript' src='http://www.etsy.com/etsy_mini.js'></script><script type='text/javascript'>new EtsyNameSpace.Mini(5269451, 'shop','thumbnail',4,2).renderIframe();</script></div>Maria McGillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16509014196994380594noreply@blogger.com1