Several web sites that I visit are written in a foreign language, then my friend who knows more about computers than I do informed me I can easily download a Google toolbar which has a 'TRANSLATE' icon which will translate to English just by CLICKING.
If you prefer not to download the Google toolbar, you have the option to click the link on the Google search page.
http://www.google.com/language_tools?hl=en
....this is very helpful to know. And it works!

September Tisket a Tasket Block Finished...ONLY 3 months to go!

My Scottish 'tail'...this block not only was scorched with my iron, it has quite a story.

I really wanted to make a pink poodle instead of the Scottie as I have a Bichon Frise, cousin to the poodle. But Mac, my DH wanted me to use the Scottish dog fabric I used for wee puppy instead of my buying MORE fabric!

Ms MacIntosh was so nervous about being late for school, she ate one of my 'pink' apples which caused her pink spots. And Marlee, our bichon was jealous of Mac's pink coat! She is happier now as she has a puppy to play with.

p.s. I made a deal with Marlee, gave her a blueberry facial and posted her photo in my Flickr 'photostream'...can't you just see the jealousy? I told her we will include her in next block...maybe. I am seriously thinking of doing a bichon for my Canadian version of the July block...
p.s.s. shhh...please don't tell Marlee the basket won Second prize blue ribbon!

I scorched my applique block with an IRON!

I had an accident with my quilting project just minutes away from completion, and I just about had a fit. I was pressing the block for photo and I accidentally scorched half of the block with my iron! I also wanted to let other members know what I did worked in case this happens to them.

I immediately ran to my computer and performed a Google search for removing iron scorches`, however most procedures were for removing scorches from iron itself, but this was more drastic...I had literally 'roasted' my finished block!

Several methods recommended hydrogen peroxide, but I did not have any in my house tht I could find. It was pouring rain out (whenever I sew, it RAINS!)I immediately ran to the store to purchase hydrogen peroxide.

I used a trial piece of fabric first to test if dye would run, but color did not run, so then I nervously tried HP solution directly on my finished block. Amazingly this removed the entire scorch from the fabric. Removal only took minutes! My DH had just come home and he wondered why I was so upset and suggested I CUT around my entire applique and stitch on a new piece of fabric. I had thought of immersing the entire block in tea to give it a vintage look...but all my HOURS of work had just looked so fresh and bright just minutes ago..)C:

Actually there is no water mark or any hint of my 'roasting' block nine. I was so relieved my block looks almost new again. I vow I will never use an iron directly on my applique block again.

If this happens to any other members, I am quite confident you can remove using the hydrogen peroxide method I found on Google.
Thank you Google for saving my hours of work!

Slideshow of some Barbie Doll Outfits I have crocheted 2004-2009

What's in YOUR project Bag?

Pat Sloan's newsletter sounds like FUN! So I joined. Check out what Pat writes:
"What's in YOUR project Bag?

I'm having such a GREAT time with my project bag I decided to issue a challenge! I want to see what's in YOUR project bag..include the bag and some contents!!!

We are loading photos at flickr CLICK HERE and chatting at the Quilt Mashup Forum... CLICK HERE.

There are some REALLY cool ideas, and some SUPER funny ones!!! Post your photo and be in the running. I'm giving away fabric bundles.. and maybe something else... mmmm... you don't want to miss out do you?"

...and the Mad Hatter's challenge has been extended...to September 15th but please check out the awesome entries already. You can always sign up for the next challenge she is planning!...read more here

" a brand NEW swap loaded and ready for you to play! I used the Turkey Tracks block because you'll have blocks by November. And I decided on a Red/White/Blue theme for them! Roberta made up the blocks to show you how awesome they will look. It's EASY applique .."

Blog Makeover

How do you like my blog's 'new' look? And I made all the changes for 'free' thanks to the help of Google search engines and all the wonderful computer literate bloggers who offered such a variety of blog backgrounds. I hope the link to the site I selected will display as I noted earlier. Link can be found in top left corner of my blog or here:

Free Blog backgrounds

I tried MANY different background designs, however chose this one for now as I love the Victorian 'sewing' related images and of course the cherubs for my header. Of course the header was the easiest part!

I customized my blog background several times once I read the helpful tutorial which explained the process very simply. Even DH seemed to like the changes I have made. Sometimes it pays to read the instructions! To be honest these tutorials and 'help' menus are most educational for my 'cyberspace' existence...thank you everyone for being so helpful. I really appreciate one's time involved.

I did sew today and hope to post my three projects tomorrow or soon. 'Playing' with this computer was a wonderful diverson to sewing as my neck was too sore.

Now I need a complete new hairdo or makeover and am phoning my hair dresser for a hair cut first thing tomorrow.

QUOTE:

"There is nothing wrong with me that a little chocolate won't cure." - seen somewhere on Flickr.

New Crazy Patch Block Completed

I added the last beads and embellishments to my latest crazy patch block...I tried to adhere to the pink, blue and teal colors.

I really enjoy this CQ work as I can use my crocheting (pink rose), tatting (pink butterfly), embroidery and beading all in the same project. Of course I needle tatted these motifs last summer and I now need a 'refresher' course. I watched the tutorial on needle tatting and found it excellent.