On Vacation!

So I'm off on a Planes, Trains and Automobiles sort of vacation.

I'm headed to Florida but of course it's not as easy peasy as hopping on a plane! Can't take my car because the city transit buses are now on strike and my son needs a vehicle to get to work.

Can't take the long distance bus because I have to go through New Brunswick and those buses are on strike!

Thankfully the train is running but it only stops in Moncton and I need to get to Fredericton! God bless friends - a dear one is picking me up in Moncton to drive me to Fredericton to catch another drive from Fredericton to Bangor! Breath!

 Aww and finally it's on the plane! Hopefully, the weather will cooperate, all connections will work out and I'll have 10 day of R & R to look forward to! One things for sure, I'm not gonna spend one second thinking about the return trip - BLAH!!!!!!!!!!!!!

So I'll be off-line for a couple of weeks! Ciao!

Recycling Sentiment

One of the hardest things in life to part with is artwork! Especially if it was passed on to us by relatives. Any type of needlework - needlepoint, embroidery, etc., those of us who have ever done any needlework know just how extremely labour intensive it can be. But let's face it most of it just doesn't fit into todays modern minimalist decor. So the framed picture so lovingly crafted by your great aunt or the sofa cushion handed down from your grandparents house is probably sitting gathering dust in your attic. So I think I've found a solution! Check out the handbags I've designed using vintage needlepoints and recycled leather and suede -

I'm thrilled with the way these turned out! I have to say that I was inspired by a vendor at my local market who will make jewelry out of china. My grandmother gave each of her grandchildren one of her cherished fine china tea cups and while I am a tea drinker, I never use it - I prefer a mug. So my sister and I have decided to enlist her services to create jewelry for each of us and to have her create something really special for our Mom as a surprise.
I just love how we are able to hold onto our treasures in different forms and carry the sentiment with us always!

It's Twins!!!

Well almost twins! Yes, the search for a second sewing machine is finally over and was successful! I am the proud owner of a second Bernina!
When my machine had to go into the shop for a tune up and was there for nearly 3 weeks, I realized that I definitely had to invest in a 2nd machine for backup!
It's amazing how things work out for the best - for weeks now I've been spending so much time and effort trying to track down a second hand machine and it had to be a Bernina. I'm just so in love with my 35 yr old 817 that I couldn't imagine using another brand. Oh my God - I'm a brand whore! Oh well when it works, it works!
So I missed out on 3 different machines and was heartbroken but then along came the 807!

It was less money than the other 3, has already been serviced, has a 90 day guaranty AND was delivered right to my door! How sweet is that?! And the attachments, of course, are all inter-changeable - BONUS! It's so awesome when all the stars align and you realize that everything happens for a reason! Oh, and to celebrate - I'm offering 25% off all stock - www.byathreadbags.etsy.com!
So color me happy!