Tuesday, December 15, 2009

CONTEST





Whomever can bring the most new fans to my Facebook Fan Page can win some wonderful prizes.

First prize: Set of three "Bottle Butlers," handmade wraps for your Christmas Spirits. (Your choice of two different sets, worth $25)
Second Prize: Same as above but no choice.
Third Prize: Large handmade pieced stocking made from luxury fabrics, worth$20
Runner-ups: One of the small crazy patched stockings, worth $15 each (only 7 available)

To see complete description of the above, go to my site and click on "Holidays" in the section box. www.TodaysBaby.etsy.com

Rules: Tell everyone whom you refer to mention who referred them in the comments on my blog.

Deadline: Friday, December 18 at midnight.
Prizes will be mailed Saturday, December 19 or delivered if you are local.

Thanks for participating.

Fan page: http://www.facebook.com/home.php?src=fftb#/pages/Designer-Baby-Accessories/20

Tuesday, December 8, 2009

Fallen Heros

I've been spellbound all day watching the memorial for the fallen officers. What a magnificent send off. Obviously many hours and days of planning and rehearsal went into this. To all those responsible--well done.
As we all celebrate the holidays and are hopefully surrounded by our family and friends, may we try to remember those four families who will not be so lucky.
Another reminder to count your blessings and never, never take them for granted. They can be gone in an instant.

Sunday, November 22, 2009

DARE YOU TO READ THIS

During this season, we get stressed and overwhelmed and family riffs seem to get worse. We are short of money, short of time and short of patience. Things don't go exactly as we would like and sometimes we think that life sucks. The Holidays are filled with frustrations, depression and disappointments.

I can't tell you how to think or feel, but I personally revel everyday in how many things I have to be grateful for, Holidays or no.

I look out the window and there is no war going on. I'm not in fear of my family getting tortured or killed.

I have a roof over my head and I'm cozy warm. The electricity isn't out so I have use of this computer, my TV, my stove, my microwave, refrigerator, hot water and lights.

When I go to bed, I'll sleep in a soft, comfy bed; not on the hood of a HumVee with the hot desert sun baking me and dust swirling around me.

I'll get up tomorrow morning and be able to walk unassisted to my kitchen where I have ample coffee and food. Then I'll get dressed in very nice clothes; more than I really need to cover my body.

I can pick up the phone or go to my e-mail and contact any number of family members whom I love dearly and who I'm sure love me. Oh, sure, like every family, I have a few real stinkers, but the ones who matter are always there for me.

I can't think of anything that I need that I don't have and if I get a little edgy during this season, then shame on me. And if you don't take at least a minute every day to count your blessings, then shame on you.

During this time, I wish you serenity and gratitude as a very Happy Holiday.

Linda C. Hall


Friday, November 6, 2009

INDIEBANDITAS BAZAAR




I hope by now everyone in the North Kitsap area is planning on attending the "IndiesBanditasBazaar" on Bainbridge Island starting Black Friday, November 27 and 28 from 10 am to 5 pm both days. For more information, go to their blog at: http://indiebanditasbazaar.blogspot.com/2009/11.

In case you've been living under a rock, you know that the entire bazaar features only handmade items made by many Northwest artists and crafters.

I will be there hawking my baby quilts, Christmas Stockings, Bottle Butlers and givaways. My crafty and creative daughter, Heather Lytle will be sharing the booth with me selling her adorable baby clothes and accessories that she has embellished with cartoons and cute sayings. The "Onesies" must be seen.

I would imagine that this is the place to find gifts for everyone in the family, even those hard-to-buy-for stinkers.

Whether you buy anything at by booth, be sure to stop by and say "Hey." See you there.

Linda Hall
www.TodaysBaby.etsy.com

Wednesday, October 28, 2009

Friday, October 16, 2009

Updates on my baby quilts and products listed on etsy.com and  random musings about life, recipes, rants and gratitude.

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Thursday, October 15, 2009

THE COPY


So, here's the quilt that was ordered by the repeat customer who wanted a copy of her previous purchase but in pink. The focus fabric is still by her favorite fabric designer, Anna Maria Horner. It's from her "Good Folks" collection. Before I got involved in current trends in the fabric world, I simply chose my fabrics according to what color caught my eye. Or what was on sale; or what was in my closet leftover from previous quilts.

What an education I've had. My modus operandi now is to find a grouping of fabrics offered by a current popular designer. I order small amounts online and when I receive it I go to a retail store and buy coordinating fabrics to fill in the bare spots, borders and backing. Even using my coupons, I usually spend at least $50 for the materials.

While pre-ironing all the fabrics, I could tell the difference just by feel between the cheap stuff and the actual quilting fabric. Now, I'm completely spoiled and my customers in turn will be spoiled.

Just wanted you all to see the results of trying to duplicate a quilt but make it different! Enjoy.

Wednesday, September 30, 2009

THE BIRTH OF A QUILT


The quilt pictured is the one I just finished and shipped off to a repeat customer.


She bought one of my ready-made ones I had listed on etsy and commented that it could have been larger. In my plucky marketing mind, I offered to make her one in the size that she would like and Daisy Doo, she took me up on it.


As she (and so many others) is an admirer of the popular fabric designer, Anna Maria Horner, I asked her to search the net and find a collection she liked. She found just the assortment at an etsy site hosted by "I Craft". (Post below.)


I ordered the group of fabrics and then I sat there and wondered how to combine them in a pattern that hopefully would please the customer. The collection consisted of 6 "Fat Quarters." For those of you who don't quilt, a fat quarter is a piece of fabric 18" x 22", so as you can see, that wasn't enough to make an entire quilt. Then decisions have to be made as to what other fabrics must be chosen that will coordinate, but not detract, to fill out the area of 50" x 60".


This is where the design work comes in. After these decisions are made and the top is completed, one still has to select a backing that will match. You get the picture--a lot of work goes into the design and construction of a simple, little quilt.


During this time, I often wonder why I'm taking a bunch of perfectly good fabric; cut it into little pieces; and then sew them back together again. It's a sickness, I tell 'ya.


To make a long story short (and when that's said, it's already too late) what came out from under the undulating needle is pictured above. I hope you all enjoy looking and maybe refer my work to your friends when they're in the market for a gift.


I Craft: Good Folks quilt.

I Craft: Good Folks quilt.

Sunday, September 20, 2009

It's all about me.


Seems like the cyber-gremlins let me down again and didn't seem to want to post a photo of my new quilt on facebook. So I'm trying to do it manually--Jeez. If you go to your right and click on the second one down in the left column, you'll get the full treatment of desicription, other views, price, etc.


I'd love it if anyone who views it would leave a comment--makes me feel special. And remember, if you buy any of my etsy items and mention "etsy" in the buyer comments, you will receive a 25% discount, just for reading my blog.


Thank you for your very kind attention. (I remember that line from when I was in a play in grade school.)

Friday, September 18, 2009

This Sunny Weekend:

This might be the last really warm weekend we have before the cool fall weather sets in. I'm thinking I should honor it and celebrate it appropriately by enjoying some fresh, ripe, juicy peaches.

Does every one know how to peel peaches? Plop them in boiling water for about one minute, plunge into cold water and Wah Lah, off come the peelings. Then slice against the pit until it's all sliced. Dump a bunch of sugar on them, stir and let sit in the fridge for a while to get juicy.

Then serve them over vanilla ice cream and what on earth could be better? Great way to usher out summer.

Or, you could just come to my house and I'll fix some for you. You're welcome anytime.

Wednesday, September 16, 2009

To Do List for Tomorrow


I think Random Acts of Kindness are essential; not just nice. Join me in taking one whole day and see if you can give a compliment to everyone you see or meet tomorrow. If they're too far away from you, give them a wave or a smile.


You never know who's life you might brighten with just that little bit of effort.


Oh, yes, and if you tell anybody you did it, it doesn't count.


This simple little act will improve your day more than the recipient.


Monday, September 14, 2009

Weekly Featured Artist







As promised, I'd like to introduce to my loyal followers some of my favorite talents whom I've discovered on etsy. This week I'm featuring MatteArt. Everything he does is so original and interesting. I hope you'll check out many more of his art at: http://www.flickr.com/photos/matteart/ or check into the mystical mind of the artist at his blog at: http://www.matteart.blogspot.com/






And if you decide you'd like to purchase some of his amazing art, you can go to his shop at: http://www.matteart.etsy.com/






Enjoy.

Thursday, September 10, 2009

Today's Rant

OK, folks, how many of you have seen the little ladies in WalMart with their stinkin' little dogs in their grocery carts? Ewwwww! I think we need to take some action against these nasty people.

If you're anything like me, I don't want some dog's crappy butts sitting on the same surface where I'm going to be putting my produce. Or even a new set of towels or a new garment.

And to make matters worse, the little freaks are usually dressed up in the most embarrassing, tasteless outfits. All you dog lovers, let me say, I know it's not the dog's fault. I like a good, old German Shephard as well as the next person. But those yappy, overgrown rodent-lookalikes, have no place in a shopping cart--or even in the freakin's store, for that matter.

"But, Muffy is a Service Animal," says the proud owner. Bull Pucky, I say! And I'm Queen of the May. I'm the Sugar Plum Fairy, for God's sake.

Here's the deal, friends and neighbors: next time I see one of these vulgar woman with her ugly little cur in the cart, I think I'll pick my nose and wipe it on her dog. Even though I'm not rich, I'm old and I plead eccentricity. So, it's not a very mature way of dealing with the annoyance, but diplomacy and tact has never gotten me very far in the past, assuming I ever tried it.

This is my new mission in life. Ain't nothin' wrong with acting like a Redneck. That's my opinion and I'm stickin' to it.

Have a nice day!!! Or, not.

Wednesday, September 9, 2009

A Future Quilt


Valorie Wells is one of my favorite designers who lives in Eastern Oregon. Pictured is a group of Flannel fabric that I think would make a stunning and cozy quilt. I'm always looking ahead.


AND, since management of my apartment complex just bestowed a spare storeroom on me which I plan to turn into my studio, I'll be expanding my horizons. My generous niece, Lanni from Bellingham, is bringing me a long arm quilting machine on Friday so I'll now be able to finish my quilts professionally--and raise my prices


So if you see something on my etsy site, you like, jump in there, kids, before I price myself out of business.


BTW, if you do buy something from me on etsy, where is asks for buyer comments, mention Linda's Blog and get 25% off anything in the shop. Such a deal--just for reading.


Keep reading as I'm getting all prepared to do a How-To article.

Another discovery!


I've been wondering which tech wizard I can summon to teach me how to include photos in my blog and Wah Lah, I'm looking at an adorable little button up on this toolbar that looks for the world like a photo inserter button. Who knew? So I'm just going to try that little puppy by posting a photo of the quilt I finished yesterday and listed for sale on etsy. Here goes...
Well, Daisy Doo--it worked. Now you all can be just as easily bored by photos as you can by text.

Tuesday, September 8, 2009

Weekly Recipe--Chocolate Chip Cookies

OK, so you say you can buy them in the store. Or being the little Martha Homemaker that you are, you use the recipe on the back of the Chip package. Oh, please, are you really happy with the results? Do people rave and ask you for the recipe? Do you drool attractively just thinking about them?

I didn't think so. After many, many years of product development and research, I have finally found and perfected the ultimate recipe. One that you will never forsake. These cookies are so soft and chewy and jammed with chocolate. One of my dirty little secrets is to add a crumbled "Cookies and Cream" candy bar to the dough. Can't hurt, I'm saying.

So, follows is the deal. (I do confess that I found it on AllRecipes.com, but I take credit for finding it--that counts!)

BEST BIG, FAT, CHEWY CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIE

2 cups flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup (1-1/2 sticks) butter or margerine, melted
1 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup white sugar
1 Tablespoon Vanilla
1 whole egg
1 egg yolk
2 cups chocolate chips
Optional: nuts, candy bar crumbled or whatever

Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.*

Mix the flour, soda and salt.

Cream together the butter and sugars. Beat in the egg and egg yolk and vanilla. Add the goodies and stir in.

Drop by 1/4 cupfuls onto the baking sheet and bake no longer than 15 minutes. Let cool on the baking sheet.

*Tips: The parchment paper helps keep the cookies from browning too much on the bottom.

Don't cheat with the eggs. You gotta separate that one.

If you want them chewy, DON'T BAKE THEM TOO LONG! It will look like they're still wet and runny, but 15 minutes is enough. They'll fall after taking them out of the oven and that, kiddies, is what makes them moist and yummy.

Not removing them to a cooling rack also helps with the chewiness.

I use a quarter cup measuring cup, spray it with Pam and scoop the dough out with it. The cookies will be big (I'm talking BIG) and only 6 will fit on the cookie sheet but that's OK.

If you don't love, love, love these, I'll happily refund your money. Baking these will make you rich and famous and a handsome prince will marry you and you'll live happily in splendor forever. NOT.

Bon Appetit, guys.

Future Posts

I'm excited about by new blog. I always assumed that personal blogs were only to report that the kiddies started school, or that we just got back from our vacation and that's why I originally titled my blog, "Who Cares?"

But in the future, I plan to feature subjects such as:
1. Recipe of the week--anyone who knows me that I'm passionate not only about quilting but cooking. I'll be sharing some of my personal favorites that people have begged me for and tips on how to make them perfect.
2. How-to's--tutorials on some of the decorating I've done which were innovative, attractive and economical. One of the first will be how to change the color of a formica countertop for less than $10. It's amazing how simple it is.
3. Etsy item of the week--the etsy site features categories such as "geekery," "art," "everything else," and "vintage." One of the new waves is "Steampunk" which is a new take on the old Punk Rockers, Goth, and just, plain weird. (I'll hear from someone on that one!)
4. E-mail of the week--just like everyone else, I get many interesting forwards in my mail box and there are some that are actually worth passing along.
5. Personal profundities--(is that even a word?) the nice thing about a blog is we can editorialize with no penalty. So I will exercise my right to express my outspoken opinion on various and sundry (what is sundry) subjects. Be comforted that it will not include politics, religion, sex or money. All of the former I have no expertise on.

I hope I'll continue to attract more followers and for those of you who have signed up, thank you. I'll try never to bore and hope you'll suggest me to your friends, family and neighbors.

Linda

Sunday, September 6, 2009

This blog design

Check it out, people--assuming I get people to become followers. This was done for my by a fellow etsian (others who belong to the etsy community) and if you want to get as uptown as me with your blog, go to her site: www.lilybeandesigns.etsy.com or her fabulous blog of her own: http://lilybeandesigns.blogspot.com.

Now I'm not afraid for people to follow me. She's not done yet, so I'll be back when it's complete.

Thursday, September 3, 2009

Blogger :: Who cares? :: Configure Header

Blogger :: Who cares? :: Configure Header: "From your computer:




From the web"

I'm needing help with this site

My erudite niece, Connie suggested that I go to squidsthe best for help with this site. I'm going to do that so maybe I can find it again when I want to and be able to post photos, etc. Stay tuned.

Monday, August 31, 2009

Day after yesterday

Title implys that it's today; just a more creative way of saying it. You'll see on Facebook by my photos that I pretty well got my bathroom back together today. I reinstalled the towel racks which involved wall anchors, etc. I had a lot of redos. Thank the good Lord for cordless screwdrivers.

Tomorrow as it will be payday, I will go upscale and take a road trip to WalMart and buy some green towels and then see how long it takes me to decide to use them and not just use them for decoration. I'm always saving stuff for "good." I've let more gourmet food get freezer burned by saving them for "good."

And, anyone seeing me and wondering why I should be nominated for "What Not to Wear" should understand that I'm saving my nice clothes for "good." They're out of style by now and I don't anticipate an invite to the next inaugural ball so I may never wear them.

I finally gave my set of china to Heather because I never used it because I was_____(fill in the blanks.)

So, tomorrow I'm going to try to make some fabric collages to hang in my bedroom to replace the red-themed pictures I had in there. Now that the bedroom is going through its "Green Period" I need to color coordinate the wall art. Otherwise I won't be able to sleep in that room.

The good news and the bad news is that I'll be taking photos and post them on here when I'm done. Something for you all to live for.

Sunday, August 30, 2009

Today

I finally finished painting the freakin' bathroom. Picture this 70 year old trying to reach behind the toilet with a long-handled paint brush. Like who looks back there, anyway? But if they do, by gum, they'll see that it was cut in perfectly along the baseboard. WooHoo.

I just know that I'll be sitting much more comfortably on a toilet that has virtual artwork behind it. People will come from miles around to see it and the media will be hounding me for an interview. Next stop--Oprah.

Stay tuned for what exciting adventures I may experience tomorrow.

Tuesday, July 14, 2009

Quilts

Click on the box on the right that says Quilts and see what appears. Click on the photo and see what appears.