Airport Duty

Hello,
I have to pick my daughter up at the airport tonight. We are having a family reunion picnic (at my home) and she is flying in for the weekend. We haven't seen her since March, so we are really looking forward to it. I got chosen because my husband gets up early in the mornings to go to work, and I work at home, so it is easier for me to sleep in if I have to.

We are having 40 or 50 people, and I have a small house, so I really hope it doesn't rain! My son can't make it, and one of my brothers and his family can't make it, but most everyone else will be here. I always enjoy it, and I always am tired the next day.

Well, I'd better get back to work. I have a big order that I have to ship out tommorrow.

Lauren

My first time in a treasury!!

http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list_west.php?room_id=20328

http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list.php?room_id=59659

http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list.php?room_id=59781

I have been put in a treasury for the first time. Thank you QuiltTop. I am very excited.
I am really enjoying my etsy shop. Thanks to Imkquilts and Kimbuktu. I am now in 3!

I love doing custom orders. I have alot of experience copying cherished items for people. My main business is dressmaking and alterations. Just leave me a comment with a way to contact you, or visit my etsy shop and leave me a convo.

Last night the Quiltsy Street Team had a live chat. It was so much fun. I have never been in a chatroom, so I didn't know what to expect. They are a great bunch, and they all do beautiful work. Our group blog address is listed here. Check it out. I think you will be glad you did.

Well, off to get some work done. Please check out the treasury. Lauren

Tuscan Jacket

This is my Tuscan Jacket. I made it last summer to hang in a quilt show. I just love it. It is machine pieced and machine quilted. It has princess seams to make it less boxy. It fits a medium to large size. I have it for sale in my etsy shop for $150 with free shipping. I will never make another one when this is gone. It is a one of a kind. The fabrics are beautiful. I prewashed all the fabrics. The body of the jacket has cotton batting and polyester lining fabric on the inside for ease of drape. The sleeves are lined, but have no batting. I will surely miss this one whe

it is gone.

So long for now, Lauren

Bosco

This is my son's dog, Bosco. He is the closest thing I 'll have to a grandchild for a while yet. When Timmy got Bosco, he had been abused by the previous owner. He hadn't been dewormed as a puppy, and didn't have shots. He was afraid of people , especially women, and he had no strength in his back legs.

Timmy has had him for about a year and a half now, and he has made tremendous progress. Bosco didn't used to eat, now he's on a diet!

My son acts like he is a parent, so I guess it's good experience for him. I have to admit, Bosco is awfully cute! The best part is, I am allergic to animals, and I am not allergic to him.

I got alot of sewwing done today. I still have more to do, but I am making a dent. I have 62 items in my etsy shop now, so please stop by and take a look.

Have a nice evening, Lauren

Another Picture From Italy

I was looking through my photos from our trip to Italy, and I wanted to share this one. It is so beautiful there. This is Spello, which is a walled city. All of these plants and flowers are in pots. It is over 100 degrees there in the summer, and look how beautiful the flowers are. I do not have a green thumb, so it baffles me. My flowers don't look anywhere close to this good. It is like this all over, this is not an unusual sight!
May be some day I will learn how to garden. For now I have my pictures! Lauren

Busy Weekend

It has been a very busy weekend. That's one of the great things about summer. We have been on the go, or entertaining alot. I enjoy seeing everyone.

I did find some time to sew. I made another apron that could be for a man or a woman and more potholders. The top ones match the apron. I think these 2 fabrics are really fun.

Well, off to enjoy more summer! Lauren

Some new fabrics

These are some of the new fabrics that I have. I don't have huge amounts of them, so they won't last long. The 3 coordinates are amy butler. I am really into brown this year.

The mod ,bright colored is alexander henry. I just love his fabrics. I have 2 more coming soon. I can't wait to cut into these, they are so beautiful.

Speaking of beautiful, that describes our weather today. I hope it is nice where you are too!

I just joined the Quiltsy group on etsy. It is the first etsy group I have been in, and I am very excited. I love to quilt, and belong the the mohawk valley quilt guild here at home.

Bye for now, Lauren

New Jewelry

I am going to be listing this bracelet and earrings set on etsy in the near future. I made it out of sterling silver wire that I hammered and shaped . I soldered the links closed with silver solder. These coils are joined with jump rings. I handmade the clasp. The set is very delicate and light weight. If anyone would like to know more, please leave me a comment and I will contact you.

This is an original, one of a kind item. I have other jewelry on etsy, the link is attached to this post.

Gotta go, the sun is shining! Lauren

New Fabric

Hello,
I have some great new fabrics coming. I will post them when they arrive. I got some Alexander Henry and some Amy Butler. Stay tuned, I hope they're here soon.

Another rainy day. I will definitely get some sewwing done this afternoon. They are forcasting alot of rain in the near future. I sure hope they are wrong.

Please check out my etsy shop, I add new things all the time. The link is attached.Well, I should get to work.

Lauren

Silver Bangle

I wanted to show you my new bangle. It is made out of square sterling silver wire. I made it 10" around so that it would fit a larger wrist. I know there are alot of people out their that have the need for a larger bangle.

We had another rainstorm today, about 1 hour long, but monsoon-like. This is one strange summer. I hope the weather is good where you are.

Goodnight, Lauren

Today is my birthday

Well, today is my birthday, and I am taking it easy. I make an anklet that was ordered last week, and cleaned my house, and went to the gym. I am officially not sewwing today.

As we get older, different things make us happy on our birthdays. I enjoy not cooking dinner, getting cards and phone calls from wellwishers, and relaxing. It wasn't that many years ago that I wanted to go out and party , but that just sounds exhausting now.

I think I will go sit and enjoy the breeze.

Lauren

Autism Rally

Just a quick note. There is going to be an autism awareness rally in early September in Olean,NY. Jodi, from Jodi's Craft Emporium, is setting up a booth to raise money for this worthy cause. She has asked that if anyone out there that has samples or promo items that they would be willing to donate, please contact her. They are also going to make up raffle baskets. I do not have small items, so I am going to donate some items for the raffle and sale. If you are interested in donating, or in finding out more about this worthy cause, I have attached the link for Jodi's blog .
Lauren

New Bracelet Design

I just wanted to share some photos of this one of a kind bracelet I made a while ago. I fused pure silver to sterling silver to make this interesting design. It is available in my etsy shop, and when it's gone, it won't be replicated. I would love to know what you think of it. I love bracelets, and I like pieces that are unique.

We just came back from an aniversary party at my husband's brother's camp, so I am a little tired, but we had a nice day.

Bye, Lauren

Hot Hot Hot!!

I have just made this Alexander Henry firefighter cotton apron. I made it in the chef style so that it will fit men and women. I also have the construction worker fabric, and will be listing that soon. I have made aprons in the construction fabric in the past, but I have not tried this design. I think it is a great gift idea, guarenteed to bring a smile to the face of the recipient. I have it listed on my etsy site, so stop by and take a look at this and all my more traditional aprons.
I also got some really mod new Alexander Henry fabric. I will photograph and post it soon. Enjoy the weekend,
Lauren

Christmas in July on Etsy

Just a quick note to let you know about a great deal. A large group of etsy sellers are having a Christmas in July sale. Starting on July 20th, go to http://www.etsy.com/ and enter christmasinjuly (one word) in the search line, and you will find the shops that are having the sale. Have fun finding bargains, and think how good you'll feel when you don't have to go to the mall in December. Don't forget to check out my etsy shop anytime http://www.originalsbylauren.etsy.com/
Good shopping!
Lauren

Last Summer's Vacation in Italy

We were luck enough to go to Italy last summer, my only European trip, and I thought that I would post some of the pictures from our trip. It is very hilly, as you can see, and very beautiful.

I have to apologize for these pictures being in seperate posts, I don't know how to get picaso pictures in together, and windows deleted them when we got our new compute, so please keep going through all 3 posts.

This picture was taken outside the wine museum. I couldn't tell you the name of the town. We went on a tour of a vineyard and them came to this little town. Italy is such a beautiful country, I hope I get to go back someday. We were with someone who spoke Italian, which helps alot, but most people understand English.

This is a picture outside the villa that we stayed at outside of Assisi. It was out in the country and very beautiful. This is the outdoor sink that the caretakers used to water the flowers in the mornings. It iwas over 100 degrees everyday and the flowers in Italy were doing better than my flowers at home. I really don't have a green thumb. I hope you have a great vacation this summer.We are staying home, so I wanted to share these photos.

Enjoy the summer, Lauren

Thanks DZFantasy

Donna at DZFantasy was nice enough to do any article about me on her blog. I was given a list of questions to answer, and she put a photo up too. Thanks Donna! Donna's link is on top, and her blog link is always listed on the side.

I am getting ready for our annual family reunion picnic. This is the third year , and once again it is in my back yard. We are scurrying around trying to get the yard ready. My husband is painting the back of the house, and we have the usual cleaning and pruning to do, not to mention cooking, shopping and getting organized. I always look forward to it, but really need it not to rain. Our group gets larger every year, and my house does not. Here are a couple of pictures from past years.

Thanks for stopping by, check Donna out.

Lauren

Amy Butler Apron

These are some photos of my new Amy Butler apron. I styled it after the 40's and 50's aprons. It is an average size, but like all my aprons, you can get it in plus size or childrens too.

I bought this fabric but hadn't gotten a chance to use it until now. I know that Amy Butler is very popular on etsy, but is hard to find around this area. Michael Miller and Alexander Henry are more prevelant in the fabric stores here.

Another beautiful July day. I just got back from a walk, and it is a little hot, but really nice out.

I am having trouble getting any work done today.

Get some sun and enjoy the summer day.

Lauren

These are 3 new cuff bracelets I listed on etsy. I am getting better at jewelry photos, so I will be listing more jewelry.

I would like some advise. I wonder if I should open a second etsy shop for jewelry. I don't want my shop to become too much of a hodgepedge.

If any of you have an opinion about this, or is you have more than one etsy shop, I would really like to hear from you.

We are back to beautiful July weather, and I hope you are too. Enjoy the day.

Lauren

It's Raining Cats and Dogs

Well, the weatherman was way off on the forcast today! It was supposed to be 92 and humid. Instead it is 72 and pouring rain. So much for outdoor activities.

This is a great day for sewwing, though. I got alot done, but I still have alot to do. I think I will bake something delicious instead. I love to bake, and since I found out how high my cholesterol is 2 years ago, I can't do it as often as I would like to. Oh well, what can you do? Applesause and splenda do not make cookies taste the same as butter and sugar do.

Days like today always remind me of getting off the school bus ,and the lights being on in the kitchen, and my mother baking cookies. It is one of my best memories from childhood. I do not think that my mother really baked everytime it rained ( I am the eldest of 6 children, she didn't have enough time), but in my memory she did.

I hope you have great chilhood memories that you can enjoy on rainy days too. Lauren

Working on New Photos

I read a thread in an etsy forum about manual settings on my canon powershot, tried it, and I got photos of jewelry that are not blurry! I have jewelry I have not listed because I could not get good photos. Now I am going to try and come up with backgrounds for them .

These is are some of several pendants I have in this style. Each one is unique. They are made with textured copper and turquoise. ( the yellow turquoise is really jasper). No too are the same size or the same design.

Now that I can photograph them, look for more jewelry on my etsy sight.

Lauren

What Goes Around Comes Around

This is a picture of the quilt that I made last year for my husband's brother Terry and his wife Anna. They are very generous people, and I wanted to do something to show them that we appreciate them. I finished it around May, and was saviing it for Christmas. It is machine pieced and hand quilted. It is the size for a fullsize bed.

Much to our surrprise, Terry called in June and invited us to go to Italy with them in July!! Besides the fact that I was beside myself with excitement, we landed in Rome on my birthday!!!It was the trip of a lifetime (although I would love to go back), and I was even more glad to have made the quilt. That is where I get the name for the quilt What Goes Around Comes Around. It just goes to prove that there are alot of wonderful generous people in the world, and I am lucky enough to be related to two of them.

Lauren

About Town Quilted Handbag

This is my new About Town Handbag. It is an original design, and is just right for running around doing errands, or going out to eat. It is roomy enough to carry all the essentials. I would love some feedback on it.

I hope eveyone is having an enjoyable and prosperous summer. This is one of my favorite months of the year. (I am partial to October, but I like this weather better.) So go and get some sun, and I will check in tommorrow.

Lauren

custom skirt

I just wanted to show the skirt I made today. It is a custom order. It shows how many things can be made from the fabrics I have listed. If anyone has anything they would like made, please ask. This person did and it turned out to be really pretty.

I also want to mention how thoughtful and helpful so many of the sellers on etsy are. They give advise, answer questions ( even silly ones from newbies) , and are generally a great bunch of people. So when you get a chance , check out the shops on etsy. I have links for mine and several others, but you might find one that you just love.

Try to stay cool, and enjoy July. Lauren

First Alchemy Sale

I am very excited. I awoke to find I have my first alchemy sale on etsy. For those not familiar with etsy, alchemy is a way you can list requests and sellers bid on making the item. I have had my bid accepted for the first time!

I hope everyone is enjoying the summer weather. We are experiencing very hot and humid weather ( thankful for air conditioning). It seems that it is true July weather.

No photos today. Enjoy your day Lauren

Amy Butler Fabric

Take a look at my new blot of Amy Butler fabric. I will be making some items up with it shortly. In the meantime, if you like it and you want something, let me know.

I have not had any reponse yet to my potholder sale, but it is only the second day. I hope you'll take advantage of it. It is never too early to stock up for holiday gift giving.

Enjoy the rest of the day. Lauren

Potholders Special Deal

Hello ! I just had a great idea. Until further notice, I will be giving 25% off on potholders with the purchase of any apron. You can purchase them to match the apron, or choose from any that I have. You can een mix and match if you don't want 2 alike. In order to get the discount, please convo me after you make the purchase, but before you pay. I will send you an adjusted paypal invoice. If you want to mix and match the 2 potholders, then take the apron and convo me about which ones you want.

So, I hope that you take advantage of this special. I have yet to decide how long it will last, so start shopping today. Christmas is right around the corner, so get one for you and one for a friend!

Have a great day. Lauren

More Aprons

Happy July 5th. Did anyone watch the fireworks in D.C.? They looked spectacular.

Just like I promised, here are a few of my newest plus sized aprons. Most are Michael Miller cotton.

I can make them in larger or smaller sizes, if you need that done, or if you prefer a different style, just convo me on etsy http://www.originalsbylauren.etsy.com/ .

Have a great weekend, and enjoy the summer weather.

Lauren