August 13th Happenings

Monday, August 13th, 2007 will be my one year Blog Anniversary. And this will be my 209th post. I'm posting this early because DH has plans for us to celebrate and I won't be available then.

My goodness, how quickly time passes. I have so enjoyed this past year. I've been very fortunate to have met some truly wonderful people, both through blogging and through my groups. And I've learned soooo much about code, images, and tweaking in general.

I'm also excited about the 13th because it's International Lefthanders Day! How suiting that a complete Lefty/Southpaw should embark on such an adventure on that particular day.

I also send congratulations out to all Lefties and Southpaws, which ever way you classify yourselves. I would also like to have you chime in and let me know who you are. I know that there are a number of us out there.

But did did you know????
International LeftHander's Day was first celebrated on August 13, 1976. It was started by Lefthander's International. And according to Left-Hand Zone this day was chosen because it was Friday the 13th and a way to poke fun at the superstitions that surrounded left-handed people for years. This event is now celebrated worldwide so left-handers everywhere can celebrate and increase public awareness of the advantages and disadvantages of being left-handed.


So, in the spirit of the "DAY", I would also like to offer some Lefty trivia just for the occasion:

First of all, let's look at how the brain is organized (image and information courtesy of Left-Hander's Day 2007)

Brain organisation -
No-one has come up with a definitive reason for WHY some people are left-handed, but about 13% of the population around the world are, and it is thought to be genetic - it definitely runs in families. Researchers have recently located a gene they believe "makes it possible to have a left-handed child " so if you have that gene, one or more of your children may be left-handed, whereas without it, you will only have right-handers - sorry! The good news is, that if you are left-handed yourself, you have that gene and will pass it on through the generations!

The way the brain works is incredibly complex, but this simplified explanation will give you some understanding of where our left-hand dominance comes from. The brain is "cross-wired" so that the left hemisphere controls the right handed side of the body and vice-versa and hand dominance is connected with brain dominance on the opposite side - which is why we say that only left-handers are in their right minds!


The left hemisphere (RIGHT HAND CONTROL) controls Speech, Language, Writing, Logic, Mathematics, Science, this is the LINEAR THINKING MODE.

The right hemisphere (LEFT HAND CONTROL) controls Music, Art, Creativity, Perception, Emotions, Genius, this is the HOLISTIC THINKING MODE. Additional and more in depth information can be found at Anything Left-Handed.


An interesting fact for all of us bloggers and typists is that on a standard keyboard (QWERTY), approximately 1,447 words are typed solely with the left hand. While only approximately 187 words are typed using solely the right hand.


Left Handed Facts and Trivia from Holiday Insights:

Sinistrophobia is the fear of left-handedness.

While many people are left handed, very few are 100% left handed. For example, many Left handers golf and bat right handed. On the other hand, there is a high percentage of righties who are 100% right-handed.

Lefties are also called "southpaws". The term was coined in baseball to describe a left handed pitcher.

Tuesdays are Lefties luck day.

Only about 10% of the population is left handed.

During the 1600's people, thought left handers were witches and warlocks.

It is believed that all polar bears are left handed.

There is a rumor that octopuses have but one right hand. Scientists are diligently studying this issue.

Think about it: Everyone is a Left Hander in Left Hand, West Virginia.

Lefthander's Slogan: "Everyone is born right-handed. Only the greatest overcome it". ...Brilliant Author unknown


If you're interested in How "Left" You Are you might want to take this little quiz. I was very surprised to discover that, according to this test, I was split 50-50 on Left or Right.

Yet, in a test at Left-Hander's Universe I scored 12 out of 12. And should consider myself strongly left-handed.


Find Left-Handed Fascinating Facts here. One fact: 4 of the 5 original designers of the Macintosh computer were left-handed.


Find Famous Lefties here by profession/category.


And finally, Space Covers has some very interesting information regarding Lefties, from IQ's to sleep habits to Presidents. Including mention that the USPS 13 cent postage stamp commemorated the first U.S. Postmaster, Benjamin Franklin, who was also a Lefty. (I'm also a bit of a numerology geek, too.)


I do appreciate all of the time that you've taken to read my blog and to leave your comments this past year. And I hope you enjoyed the journey. I know I have! So, I guess all that's left to say is....

Nominated Twice!

This post is to acknowldge and to thank Norma for her kind words and for the nomination for the "Nice Matters Award".

It's a good feeling to know, as I commented on Norma's blog, that at least two people think I'm nice. LOL.

And while I could easily nominate another 20 or 30 people, I will stand with my original 7.

Thanks again, Norma!

Thumbs Up Movies

I decided to compile a list of movies that DH and I have seen fairly recently that I actually feel deserve notice. Just FYI, in case you're wondering what to rent this weekend.

Pan's Labyrinth (Excellent!!!!)
Black Snake Moan (Really Good)
A Good Year (Tooooo Funny)
The Illusionist (Wonderful!!!!)
The Devil Wears Prada (Great)
Pursuit of Happyness (Excellent!!!)
The Good Shepherd (Good)
Flags of Our Fathers (Very Good, sad)
Children of Men (Good)
Dream Girls (Good)
Casino Royale (Good & huba, huba ^00^)
The Departed (Good)
Four Brothers ( Very Good)
Crash (Wonderful)
Failure To Launch (Hilarious)
The Notebook (Wonderful!!)

Updated 08/08/07

- Goals, Plans, and Hopes for 2007

Well, it looks like the New Year will bring lots of fun happenings. I belong to a number of groups but unfortunately I had over extended myself and have all but abandoned some of them. I'm hoping to better spread my time among them in the coming year.

In my CQ/Embellishing Groups:

CQForNewbies (CQN) - I have committed to:
Birthday Group #2 - Completed.
Fairy Tale RR -Still in the works.
Sharing Our Hearts - Still in the works.
I have completed several other projects, and I am hostessing my first swap.

Chains of Hearts (COH) - I have been very remiss in my original commitment of embellishing hearts to swap. I have managed to get 4 done, and am working on the 5th. My goal is to embellish at least two hearts per month in the coming year. I have now traded 8 hearts, have 1 available, and am working on more.

Hand-Embroidery - I pretty much need to start fresh here. I've nearly lost touch completely. So, I guess that would be my goal....Get reacquainted and start over! I left this group.

CQEmbellishers - I plan to join is something--Anything. I've been very intimidated about the skill level and expectations of these group members to the point that I hardly ever even read the group email. Up until now I've figured, what's the point? Why open myself up to rejection and criticism? That's just unfair of me. The thing is that these ladies seem to be a really great group. They are very accomplished and talented. And there's nothing wrong having a 'higher standard.' I pledge to over-come my silly little fears and press forward! Still getting up my resolve.


In my Cloth Doll Making Group my goal is to make at least one, hopefully two dolls this year. I am beyond an amateur but I do so enjoy it. I would like to work on faces. It would be nice to make a doll that wasn't frightening to look at. LOL. No new projects with this group. But I have made 2 comfort dolls.


In my CQ/Quilting/Crafting Rings:

Bloggers Who Embellish - I would like to get some type of a blogging & embellishing project going on. Maybe we could work Susan's TSTC into it somehow?!?!?! Group might be closing.

Crazy4CQ - This is basically a 'place-holder' group. But I think it could be more. I guess we'll have to wait and see. Still on-going and active.

Around the Block - I would like to do a little 'sane' quilting again. I have a beautiful machine quilting frame that is just collecting dust. My DS even came in and blew the dust off of my task light a few days ago. How sad is that? The goal....finish the quilt top I pieced early on this year. No progress here.


In my Altered Art & Mixed Media Group, Altered Creative Friends - My goal is to make at least 3 altered art projects this coming year. A journal would be nice. I'm even saving my Christmas cards to scan and work with. Group closed down.


In The Schnauzer Den - I'm going to put my new camera to work and get photos of my fur babies posted more often. Both to the group and to my blog. Lurking but not participating anymore.


Other personal goals would be to get my Etsy store up and running. Listed a few things but not really pursuing it. And also to get an E-bay store set up and off-load some of my fabric. No progress here.

I have however, cut 26+ inches off of my hair. Managed to gain 25 pounds. And I'm finally going to the gym.

Nice Matters Award

I was nominated by Ati for the Nice Matters Award, designed and started by Bella Enchanted.


Needless to say, I was very flattered. Especially since I haven't felt like I've been very nice lately. I'm blaming that on menopause. Anyway, it's now my turn to nominate 7 people for this award, hoping in turn, that they will pass it on.

Making the choice was difficult only because I don't know if I'm met anyone in 'Blogland' that hasn't been nice. My experience has been that it's a very unique community full of very sharing, caring, giving individuals. So, don't take it personally if I do not name you....

Adrian. She is a truly talented artist who has a love for color that just brings her passion to life.

Judi. She not only takes the time to find answers to questions on "Ask the Crafter", she is a very talented doll artist who offers a wealth of information on her other blog, Art Dolls.

Mindy. She just cracks me up. She has a great sense of humor and outlook on things. She loves cows. And she is just a really friendly person!

Anita. She helps me to see the beauty in daily life through her garden photos. And reminds me that there are miracles all around us.

Carole, aka Wippy. She is the most up-beat and enthusiastic person. And she always has a kind word to say.

Spookyrach. She truly does have a "Skewed View" and it's great. I love her "Friday Cemetery" posts, and her perspective on 'life' in general.

Elizabeth. She has been so helpful in sharing her creativity and unique designs in her needlework. She definitely inspires.

Thanks again, ATI!

Trivia and Goofy-ness

Yesterday DH and I spent the morning running errands: oil change, tire rotation, getting eye glasses fixed, etc., and I ran across this little magazine called, "The Tabletop Times". You know, one of those little books that you find in coffee shops, oil change places, dentist's offices. Anyway, I found a couple of things in it that made me chuckle and made me think. So, I thought I would share them.

AND PLEASE remember that I didn't write them. I got them from something printed and made available to the public)

Random funny things to think about:

1. Why isn't phonetic spelled the way it sounds?
2. Why are there interstate highways in Hawaii?
3. If 7-11 is open 24 hours a day, 365 days year, why are there locks on the doors?
4. If you can't drink and drive, why do you need a driver's license to buy liquor, and why do bars have parking lots?
5. If nothing ever sticks to TEFLON, how do they make TEFLON stick to the pan?
6. Why is that when you transport something by car, it's call a shipment, but when you transport something by ship, it's call cargo?
7. If pro is the opposite of con, is progress the opposite of congress?
8. Why is there an expiration date on SOUR cream?
9. What is another word for "thesaurus"?
10. Why is the word 'abbreviate' so long?
11. Why is it call rush hour when everything moves so slow?
12. Why do they sterilize the needles for lethal injections?
13. What would we have called the color orange if it wasn't a fruit?

Find the "Phobia": (Match the scientific phobia on the left with the actual fear on the right. Answers below)

1. Ablutophobia..................A. fear of horses
2. Alektorophobia................B. fear of the number 13
3. Belonephobia..................C. fear of gravity
4. Barophobia....................D. fear of washing, bathing
5. Catoptrophobia................E. fear of chickens
6. Dromophobia...................F. fear of radiation/x-rays
7. Equinophobia..................G. fear of pins and needles
8. Mycrophobia...................H. fear of mirrors
9. Octophobia....................I. fear of crossing streets
10. Radiophobia..................J. fear of small things
11. Triskaidekaphobia............K. fear of the figure B


(answers: 1-D, 2-E, 3-G, 4-C, 5-H, 6-I, 7-A, 8-J, 9-K, 10-F, 11-B)

Sharon's TSTC - Wks 28 to 31

Although I don't (again) have any photos to share of my minimal amount of practice stitches, I do have some links to help you catch up on the challenge. And also a few which came primarily from Sharon's comment section, just so that you can see what others are doing with the stitches.

Week 28 - Sheaf stitch.
Susan, Margaret, Lynne.

Week 29 - Arrowhead stitch.
Marci, Norma, Neki.

Week 30 - Buttonhole Wheel.
Christine, Rene, Penny.

Week 31 - Cast on stitch.
Doreen, Margaret.

In addition to these links, Vivian has some lovely photos on her flickr.

Happy Needling!!!!

This, That and the Other

I've been wanting to blog about a few things but just haven't had or taken the time to do it. So, today is the day.

CQ Swaps:
Let's start Crazy Quilting and these blocks. Aren't they beautiful? They come to me from Lesa



and Lauri as part of the Egyptian Theme Swap on CQN.



I've posted the close ups because I'm just fascinated with the way they have both stitched and embellished the patterned fabrics. The dimension it adds is just wonderful. I've tried this a time or two in the past and haven't come close to getting that effect. I guess I need to practice some more!

Crazy Quilts and Projects:
I would also like to share with you some truly amazing Crazy Quilts. Here is a link to the Floral 9 Patch quilt that Allie made. And Debra's Day of the Dead which is her entry for the Madonna Idea. If you follow the links you will be led to more of her very interesting and inspiring works. Annie has just completed this Memory Quilt as a gift to her mother. It's quite an incredible piece. She has created some of the most unique charms and accessories to add to these blocks. Each block tells it's own story. It's definitely worth taking the time to browse through her posts and see it come together. This last quilt is a Prayer Quilt. And might possibly be one of the most stunningly beautiful quilts I have ever seen. It was made by "Bunnies and Lace" at the Threads of Love blog. These links will take you directly to the block details and the finished quilt.

For those of us who CQ (Crazy Quit) it's a common saying that Crazy Quilting is addictive. A perfect example of that it Julie's post about her recent CQ Project. She is an exceptional altered art and mixed media artist. And it looks as though she might also be a natural for CQ. BTW, Julie's project came to her as a 'kit' which might be the perfect way for beginners to....well BEGIN! This particular kit came from Cat's Etsy shop. To view more of her work, visit her blog.

And finally, to wrap up this part of my post I have chosen to list a link to Pam's Tarot Card Bags. These are, as all of her work is, gorgeous. What I found fascinating about them is the fact that Pam seems to have a true knack for tapping into 'new markets'. I mean, Who Would of Thought????? I guess a talented business woman, that's who!

CQ Resources, Projects and Tutorials:
Sharon B also offers helpful links in her post Resources for Crazy Quilters. Julie has some very helpful SRE flower making videos on her blog. Just look in the sidebar. Also, while you're there be sure to check out her doll house and mini bed cover set. If you're looking for something a little different to work on, Julia has a tutorial for a really fun Twin Hearts Door Stopper project. Linda has an interesting post about needle books. And she offers a link to Annie's Needle Book tutorial. Susan also provides an excellent example of a needle book. Sunshine has done some really creative and colorful work with embroider butterflies. She gives numerous examples and styles. I really enjoy her blog. She does such a variety of things that it seems she's in to "everything!". Be sure to check her sidebar for lots of patterns, freebies and tutorials.

Debra has a great block piecing tutorial where she uses patterned fabrics. Which is a nice change of pace because it's very easy in CQ to tend to use only or mostly solid colored fabrics. She has done an excellent job of bring these patterned fabrics together in a number of blocks in her Flapper Series. Jess offers a varied selections of links for projects and tutorials in her Stuff to Make post. And I must mention Mary's blog because she not only provides wonderful video tutorials, she also routinely lists links for "freebies". And who doesn't want a freebie now and then? I also have a number of piecing (and other) tutorials listed in my sidebar if you care to take a look.

Now, on to my passion for dolls...
Rivkah was recently featured by Linda Walsh of I Love Crafts & Craft Blogs. I visit Rivkah's blog and Linda is correct in stating that, "If you love dolls and love doll making then Rivkah's "Doll Makers Muse" is a must read." And "Best of all her blog is filled with a zillion what I'll call "Tips and Tutorial" posts. Rivkah so generously includes the how-to's with pictures in all her posts."

Another doll blog that I adore is Stephanie's, Novasblossoms. To say that she's talented is a gross understatement. She uses such vibrant colors and creates such fun and unique works that you simply must see it to understand.

Patti Medaris Culea has done something so fun, recently. She has brought her incredible doll making skills in to the CQ/Embellishment arena with her "New Flat Things" purse. This is truly too darn cute.

And finally, the Hoffman Doll Challenge 2007. Well...I'm still trying to find the entries. I can't seem to locate anything on it. It anyone out in BLOGLAND happends to know of some links, please let me know.

Other Stuff:
I like to read Pat Sloan's blog. She recently had a post about the New 7 Wonders of the World. For me that sounds like a really strange concept. It never occurred to me that the Wonders that I grew up with would actually change. It's definitely worth a look!

Another really great blog is While She Naps. Abby's work is just too cool. She makes 'stuffed' animals of sorts. But that description seriously over simplifies her talents. I think her best works are her birds. She currently has nine pieces on exhibit at a gallery in New Hampshire. Her exhibit is called Things With Wings. She has such a flair for the exotic. While you're visiting her, why not stop by her Etsy Shop and see what I mean.


Well, I better get back to my life for now. Thanks for taking the time to stop by. Enjoy your evening and Happy Needling!

Comfort Doll 2

Here is the second installment of my comfort doll making adventure for Pat's project. I made the pattern, so maybe some tweeking is in order. And I guess the out come of the doll depends on 'state of mind' at the time of creation. You can probably tell from this doll that I was having a slightly unusual creative day. LOL. In fact, I stitched her while waiting the outcome of jury selection. HMMMMMM.



Oh well, I believe that if you have love in your heart that you are able to find beauty in all things. And I think she's lovely, albeit unusual. And I have no doubts that she will find someone to love her. It's not her fault that she doesn't photograph well. LOL.

And for those of you who might not know what I'm talking about, you can find more information here at Pat's Comfort Doll Project post. And see photos of other dolls here at the Flickr photo pool.

This is an on-going project so you still have time to decide. If you DO decided to make a doll and send it to Pat, this is the link to her mailing address.

Well, time to do the 'domestic goddess' thing (aka housework). 'Till next time....Happy Needling!

Super Buys From Karen

I just had to make a quick post to share with you a wonderful place to buy fabric packs, buttons, and just yummy stuff. I got my first order in the mail yesterday from Karen South. She has a separate blog site, CQ Treasures where she lists sale specials.

Anyway, I ordered some fabric packs, buttons, and sequins from her a few days ago. I asked her for certain colors on some and 'whatever' on the others. When I opened up the package I was just tickled. There were so many fabrics and goodies in each package that I know she can't be making a profit. LOL.

Anyway, it's truly an incredible bargain. She takes PayPal, she mails quickly, and if you don't order something....you are missing out!

Thanks again, KAREN.