Men!?

Not sure if this is all men, or if I am so blessed as to be the fortunate 'owner' of this particular type.  First of all, I love my husband.  He is a great husband, Dad, provider...and friend.  But he has one particularly annoying trait that, even after 36 years, has gotten to be a real pain in the rear!

He will not throw used items away.

Now, I am not taking about things that we could reuse.  Not things that someone else could ever use for anything...things are by definition ...trash!

For example, he loves to save...paper towels.  Seriously!  He will use a paper towel and set it on the counter to reuse.  Does he ever actually reuse it?  No.  I could leave it there for a week and he would not reuse it...however, it WOULD end up with several dozen friends to keep it company.

I understand that he was raised by his grand parents.  Their philosophy was you never threw anything away if it could be used for something...but paper  towels? 

I even made some reusable 'paper' towels.  I took some flannel and made squares...they can be rewashed after every use and voila...they are ready to use again and again.  Nope...he considers that gross.

But laying a used paper towel on the counter is not?

It is the same way with the K-cups for our Keurig.  I have a reusable one that I refill with my freshly ground coffee.  (besides being better for the environment it is a bunch cheaper!)  No...he uses the regular K-cups.  And then stacks them up on the counter.  I am sure there must be some craft project that they can be used for, but not one that I am wiling to save materials for!  Once the plastic is pierced, they can not be reused. 

And those plastic containers that powdered creamer comes in...how many of them do you really need?  At any given time I can put my hand on a dozen or so...and I am not talking about those individual things...I am taking about those large containers of CoffeeMate..(or is it Cramora...I can never remember).  I am not really sure what they can be used for.  I did save a few of them for storage in the sewing room once...and discovered they didn't really work the way I had planned.  I am sure I could make pencil holders or something to hold paint brushes...

I could go on and on...but I think you get the message.

Now, I  on the other hand, only save important stuff...like cereal boxes.


Nini

TBI

TBI

A lot of you may know about the trip our family took with our youngest son, Mr D.  But here is something not a lot of you know about…simply because it is something I have not even shared with my family.

A bit of background.  Mr D and his sister came to live with us when they were 1 and 2.  This was the second time they were placed in our home.  The first time Mr D was only 6 months old.  They stayed with us for a few months and then went back to their bio mother for a while.

When Mr D came to live with us he was practically non verbal…a few grunts was all you heard from him.  Since all of my older kids were talking way before the age of one (as was Miss B, Mr D’s bio sister), we took him to the doctor.   He had severe ear infections and As a result could not hear very well and this was preventing him from talking.  Once those nasty ear infections were cleared up he started talking to beat the band!  His little personality started showing STRONG!

He was a normal, happy, little boy who loved to learn and get into things!  In fact, to keep him busy during church and other quiet times, we would hand him an ink pen.  He could take it apart and put it back together easier than I could.  He loved to do this over and over.  In fact, he loved to use tools of any type to take things apart. We had to keep buying new vacuum cleaners because he loved to take them apart.  He didn’t have a lot of problems putting them back together…he just had a problem with losing some of the parts!

He had found a way for a lefty to fit in a righty world.  It never seemed to bother him.

All that changed on April 22, 2005.  He was a passenger in the car my mother was driving.  He was in his safety seat behind her.  She pulled out in front of a car and was instantly killed.  Damien suffered severe head injuries. 

While we were at the hospital, both Eggelston and Scottish Rite, the nurses and doctors and therapists were fantastic!  They did every thing in their power to make us as comfortable as possible.  While we were in the CRIB unit (rehab with extensive daily therapy) they had a few older kids visit.  These were graduates of the TBI section.  Looking at these kids, I had no clue how they were supposed to help us.  They could talk and walk…neither of these things my baby could do.   They were all in 

school.  I could not imagine how my baby could ever go to school. 

The nurses wanted us to join the program and bring Mr D around to help the other kids after we graduated.  I could not understand what on earth we could do to help anyone.  Showing someone the hopelessness that is TBI?  Reminding them that the chances were their child would never recover?  I wanted to get as far away from that unit as I could as fast as I could.

It became a daily thing.  The nurses would tell me “Johnny and his parent s are here today and we would like for you to meet with them.  We think it could help both you and them to talk about what you each went through and are going through and will have to look forward to.” 

Johnny was walking, talking, feeding himself. He was at least 10 years old, maybe older.  I failed to see what we had in common, other than a terrible diagnosis. 

The nurses and therapists kept insisting it would be good for all of us, and urged me to talk to my husband about it.  I never did.  I never told him, because I was afraid he would want me to do it.  I could not bear to discuss the accident with anyone, much less strangers.  I had stayed busy with Mr D’s hospitalization and therapies and refused to even think about what happened, including taking the time to grieve for my mother…or even to think about what Miss B was going through.  She was also in the car.  She saw her grand mother die and heard the original EMTs say that her brother was dead.   She saw the helicopter come and take her brother away, and thought it was an angel taking them to heaven.  She was only 4 at the time.

Today, Mr D is an active 5 year old in an almost 12 year old’s body.

So, why am I writing this?  I have been following Tripp Halstead’s journey. I have read all the joys and heartbreak that his family has gone through.  I read how his mother goes through what seems like irrational bouts of self-pity.  And I know it all too well.  That time when you see parents with their ‘normal’ kids and mourn for the fact that your baby will never be like that.

 It does not get easier.  But it does get ‘different’.  You stop morning for what you will never have again, and start mourning what will never be.  You realize that THIS is your new normal.  You learn to embrace it.  You learn to enjoy it.  You learn to cherish it.

This is what I missed by not being part of the ‘graduates’.  I missed being told that I was going through normal stuff.  I missed knowing that there would be life again, just a bit different than what I had expected.  Not better, not worse, just different.  I also missed the chance to let other families hear the same thing. 

Sometimes I wish I could turn back the clock and change just one thing that day; one tiny thing that may have made the outcome better.  Then I realize that if I did I would have missed out on so much more that God had in store for me. I realize that my life would have still changed, maybe for the worse, but doubtful for the better.

If I had one chance to talk to Tripp’s mother, I would just tell her it is normal to have the feelings you are having. That it is ok to mourn for what you don’t have any more, but to cherish what you do have and hang on for the ride… it will be exciting!  And then I would hug her!  She is a member of an exclusive club that no one EVER asked to join.

Seriously?

My youngest daughter just compared herself to Cinderella... as in she has to do 'everything' around the house!

When I was younger...much much younger, I thought that summer break was just that...a BREAK!  Right up until the year my mom started working outside the home.  My little sister went to day care and my brother and I were left at home... can you say, sleep as long as you want and eat what you want and watch tv all DAY!

That lasted for about a week.  That is when my mom realized that she had evidently failed to teach us the process of putting away stuff you got out.

After that we were expected to get up at a reasonable time, we each had or own 'chores' we had to do and then...and only then....were we allowed to watch tv.   However, the loophole was if we went outside we did not have to do our chores first....  I think I was about 12... from that point on I realized that putting up something after you used it was a pretty good plan.

My first 'set' of kids sort of understood this idea.  They knew they had 'chores' to do...and somehow it tied into some sort of responsibility...but they didn't really care what that was all about, just as long as they could figure out the least amount of work they could do to get 'by'!

With my second 'set' of kids things were different.  By the time they were old enough to help out much around the house, I was no longer working.  I have always had a problem wanting Mr D not to feel 'different' .  Makes for a problem when trying to give them 'chores' as they got older.  (Equal but separate?)

Now that summer is in full swing...we are attempting to give the kids more responsibility...more than just keeping their own rooms clean (although this is a quality they have yet to master).  Sort of a  "everyone living in the house has a job to do " type thing.

Currently, they are given a choice between 3 'chores' each morning...  (not a single one has included cleaning the cinders out of the fireplace!)  They choose one.  That is it...just one.  It takes them a total of less than 30 minutes.  (I could do them on my own in less than 5)

That chore seems to have been the breaking point for my daughter.  I mean we have so many rules!  Like you have to be out of bed at a reasonable time...because breakfast is over at 9am.  If you miss it, you don't get anything until lunch. 

So, even though we are going to leave next week for a short Disney then beach vacation to celebrate "someone's " thirteenth birthday; even though the pool is now open on any day that isn't raining and the temp reaches 80 degrees; and that same someone has everything she has ever asked for....we are treating her like a maid...and worse!  I am now the evil Step Mother ...just without the step.

OK, fine...if that is the way she wants to be... I just reminded her that Cinderella married the Prince....  of course, if there are any mice showing up to do the housework....an exterminator will be called!



Nini

I save every manual known to have ever thought about coming into my house!  Even way after the item has long died the manual can be found in my house (I just recently threw out a manual for a Commodore 64 computer system!)  So, how come the one manual I need right now I can't find?

I NEED the manual for my pool pump.  Something isn't working right, and in order to get a replacement part I need the model number of the pump.  The manufacturer no longer makes that one, so I need some info that can only be found in the manual to find a generic part.  (and of COURSE, the model info is no where to be seen on the actual pump!)

I was able to find the manual for the OLD pump that was replaced last year.  I was able to easily put my hands on the manual for the Dyson vacuum that has left the premises 3 or 4 years ago.  But zero on the current pump!

The pump is still under warranty.  Usually this particular company wants you to send back the old part before they replace it.  At this point I am still trying to find out what is wrong...so I am not sure WHAT part is giving me the problem...which is why if I could read the manual I would have a better idea.  I have been working on this particular problem for over a month!  We are seriously considering just purchasing a new pump and be done with it. 

Maybe I just need to pay someone to come in and organize my 'stuff'!







Nini

When did you first get paid for sewing?

When did you first get paid for something sewing related? 

I vividly remember mine...I was 6.  It was the summer between kindergarten and first grade.  My grandmother was a professional seamstress.  She made wedding dresses and Trousseau's .  I got a quarter for each seam I ripped out.  If I cut or otherwise marred the fabric...I did not get paid.  It made me learn very quickly how to rip seams effectively and safely!

To keep that in perspective, at home I made a quarter a WEEK in allowance! (My younger brother made fifteen cents!)  The new house we lived in did not have a finished basement...but the expense to have the builder do it would bring the cost of the newly built house to a price point that my family thought was 'expensive'...it would have topped $9,000!  So my dad finished it himself over time!

I remember a couple years later, our house payment going over $50 a month and my dad complained we needed to find a new house we could afford!  (we didn't)  My mom spent $20.00 a week in groceries...and we ate like kings!

When my husband and I bought our current home 11 years ago, my mom was appalled at the price we paid...saying it wasn't much bigger than the house I grew up in...how could I pay that much?

So, my first sewing job made me RICH!  I had more money than I knew what to do with...and I was hooked on sewing! 

I sometimes think I still work for that wage..... but I don't fell as monetarily rich as I did back then...

Have fun sewing today!


Nini

Merry Christmas!

So, someone noticed I haven't made a blog post in over 6 months! 

SO, to that end, here is a quick post wishing everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Maybe I can find time to make another post ... sometime less than 6 months from now!

Nini

Snob

It has been a while since I posted!

I guess all the 'stuff' happening with the Grand Princess has put me behind on a lot of things!

But, today I want to write a bit about being a snob.  I know I am a thread snob.  Being a machine quilter, there are certain types and brands of thread that simply do no hold up to the abuse the machine puts on it.  Now that I am an embroiderer as well, I have found the same thing.  Like NEVER buy a spool of thread from your local discount store.  Even though it may be a good brand, it has been sitting who knows how long, who know where, under whose guess as to the conditions!

I have now come to find that I am a snob of applique designers as well!

I realize that the very best designers (like Frou Frou by Heather Sue) do a fantastic job of making me look like I have a great talent.  When a design is so perfect, it is hard to mess it up!   A little fabric here, a cut there, a stitch or two here and you end up with a perfect applique.  No real thought or talent goes into it.  You would have to try really, REALLY hard to mess it up!

Other 'designers' are a pain to deal with.  The stitches don't cover the fabric right, the instructions are totally confusing, the stitch map is sometimes non existent, it takes forever to make it look ...well sometimes the best you can do is to make it passable.

When I first started, I only filed my purchased designs by subject matter, never by designer.  This has led to so much frustration!  When looking at nice, slick web sites, you see something you like, purchase it, download and put it in your machine and start to stitch...only to discover that it is from one of THOSE designers!  YUCK!

Now I have a method of filing the designs away that eliminates that (at least on newly purchased designs).  True, it takes me three times as long to download them, but it helps me to remember who is who.

Of course, the fact that so many 'designers' copy from each other (the good ones are the ones BEING copied, not the ones DOING the copying)  makes it difficult!  When you are searching for a design, and you see 'designer' D has the design you are looking for...sometimes you aren't sure if they are the ones that have it done 'right' or not.  Especially when you see that 'designer' V also has the same design.

Then there is the problem that they like to change their names a lot...I guess if you get a reputation of having 'iffy' designs, you don't want to carry that design over to new customers!

I just spent $18 purchasing 4 designs.  They were really cute...something I had not seen before.  They were a 'family'...Mom, Dad, Brother and Sister.  I had high hopes for what I wanted to do with it.  Only to stitch it out (as a test...learned the hard way never to trust the pictures on the web sites!) and discover that the Dad and the Brother are the same design.  While the Mom and the Sister are the same design.  They are not even taller and shorter...they are the SAME design!  They have become completely useless to me!  They will not work for what I had envisioned.  Frankly, I don't have a clue what they can be used for!

I will spend several hours with my software and try to make them into something I can use...or I will delete them from my computer.

But the good thing is...I will now add a notation to this 'designers' folder and NOT purchase from her again!






Nini

Ouch..

I'm thinking this may not be a good sign!

I am so sore this morning... my arthritis is worse than it has been in the past several years!  Usually this amount of pain can be attributed to either NOT taking my meds, or to too much exercise.  Usually, just walking is NOT enough exercise top make me not able to move.  Usually, this type of pain from walking only comes after day 7 or 8 of a 10 day Disney trip.  While I did walk a lot yesterday...no more than any other shopping trip.

The only meds I have not been  taking was my Enbrel...and only because of the bronchitis and cough that will not go away.   I broke down and took the shot this morning...and I am soooooooo hoping it works its magic!

If this does not go away, I will have to curtail my plans for the April launch.  I will have to go only with the two outfits I have almost finished, and will not be able to offer any customs on them.  I had hoped to get at least two more outfits done. (a little brother/sister set that will be darling!)  I guess I can save them for next time!

On the agenda for today is getting some (ok...a LOT!) Velcro to make some clothes for a certain AG doll for a certain Princess that is having surgery this week.

By the way...the Princess is adorable!  She told me she is looking forward to her surgery...because people are going to give her presents because she is special!  She plans on getting some candy too!  She then asked me what I was giving her!  During our shopping trip yesterday I found a cute gown with Minnie on it at the Disney store...so I just HAD to get that for her!  Now to see if I can replicate something similar for her AG doll... along with one or two outfits to keep her busy for a minute or two!


Hope you set your clocks back...if not...have an extra cup of  coffee for me...I think I may be drinking coffee all day today!


Nini

Bits and Pieces playing Catch Up

I am been missing a bit from here lately!

I did manage to retrieve Bubba from the Spa...but he really wanted to go back.  He started spewing black oil all over everything I made.  NOT a pretty site.  The repair person wasn't much help...he said it would stop ... eventually... I could bring it back and he would clean it again.  Of course...I do live 2 and a half hours away.  Not like I could drop everything and drop it off.

He is now semi behaving himself...but is very loudly announcing his disapproval at being forced to work!


So...I did what I had to do and ordered a back up machine.  Actually I ordered a new machine and Bubba will become my back up machine.  (or more than likely I will use bath at once!)

We have had lots and lots of drama about our Disney trip.  Dates have been moved...fired on TA and got my old faithful back (even though she is NOT old!  LOL!) Number of travelers has increased, and decreased.

The bottom line is...I really want to go in November.  However, it is not worth an extra $2000 to be able to go then.  That is what the Free Dining promotion is saving us.

Unless the Free Dining is offered early enough for us to take advantage of it...we will be going in September with hopes of going in November next year.  (I have a plan on how that is going to work!)

Mr Max (our new puppy ...even though he is only a few days shy of 6 months old now) was officially named this week.  He is officially Maximillin Von Doofenschmirtz.  He was supposed to be BARON Maxinillian Von Doofenschmirtz... but I pushed the enter button too fast!  Since his official registration and naming he has received numerous offers of insurance quotes, lots of great merchandise offers and other assorted emails...unfortunately, he does not have his own email address, so they are all coming to me!!

So far he hasn't gotten any credit card offers...since he doesn't have a job I guess that is a good thing!

We are getting ready to head over to the Quilt and Sewing Expo in a little bit.  I need to pick up some more thread and stabilizers from Marathon...this way I don't have to pay for shipping.  I also get to drool over all the new machines and fabrics...I will be strong!

Of course, since Dad is working today I get the honor and pleasure of taking Mr D and Miss B with me.  I also convinced Amanda to go with us.  Two adults and two kids makes it an even fight.  Of course...I AM taking my three youngest kids with me....saying it that way sounds worse!  LOL!


I am going to be part of my first launch on Facebook!  I am truly excited about that!  I had plans for 5 or 6 outfits, but the first one has taken me 3 weeks to get it just right!  I had planned on offering it as a ready to ship (RTS) and a custom...after all the problems I have had with it I decided I am not ready to make this as a custom just yet!  LOL!
My Steamboat Willie dress has always been my most requested dress.  I had no trouble selling the dress after we got back as a resell...so I thought it was a good place to start.  I have also modified it a bit as a Grace Ruffle dress (which was much easier to accomplish!  LOL!)  So, at least I have 2 dresses for the launch.

Since the Princess is having surgery on her tootsie next week, I promised her a gown and matchy gown for her new American Girl doll.  Then I want to make some more outfits for her doll so she can play.  I have not started on this at all!  I really need to get to work!

After I get this special request done ( who can resist a Princess request?) I will try for another dress or outfit for the launch.


If you have the time...stop by our shop on April 3 for some fantastic clothes...... https://www.facebook.com/MainStreetBoutiques


Nini

Hmm... I wonder

Some thing I have learned about myself...

When I was working outside the home and making an insane amount of money, I was obsessed with driving new cars.  Every year I had to have a new car.  Nothing was wrong with the one I had, but I felt I had to have the newest greatest thing around.

When the accident happened and I lost my job, cars no longer held an importance to me.  I like to think I have grown to the point that my "must haves " are not as expensive as driving a new car all the time.

I do have to say, the car dealers were more than happy to keep allowing me to purchase new cars...so what if I hadn't finish paying for the car I was driving?  They would just roll that amount into the new car!  Not exactly the most financially smart way to do it, but hey...I got a new car to drive!

My embroidery machine broke last week.

I really want a new, super big boy Bubba machine.  One of those Brother PR650e.  It is only around $7000....  and I thought about getting another PE770...and I found where I can get it for about $200 less than what I paid for mine.

In the end, I went the cheapest  route.  I spent $135 to get mine fixed.  I still plan on getting the Super Big Boy Bubba, and I am seriously thinking about getting another machine to use as a back up.  But for today, I will stay with my old faithful workhorse Bubba.

I get to go pick him up tomorrow from the Spa.  I hope he really enjoyed his stay.  He is averaging 2 and a half million stitches a year... NOW...Back to WORK!

Nini

Customer Service part 958

Yes, I know, I complain about Customer Service a lot on here.

But seriously, I think it is one of the most important parts of running a business...if not THE most important part!

I am having some major problems with my embroidery machine (and the story behind THAT could be several posts on customer service, but I am not ready to go there!).  So, I have been looking at a new one.

Since I have very little liquid cash, and not so great credit, I have limited options on where to buy.  There is a shopping channel that allows you to get the item with a 4 or 5 payment plan and they don't charge interest.  (which means we know that the price is a bit more than a brick and mortar store would charge, so they throw in a few extras to make it worth it)

I saw the exact machine I wanted.  Larger hoop, and a few more bells and whistles.  But I had zero in the bank account.  I put it in my shopping cart and hoped it would be there in the morning so I could order it.

...of course, it was sold out by the next morning.

I researched all day trying to find another model that I could be happy with, but there was some missing information in the item description...like size of hoops.  It listed a large and a small.  I really needed to know what the size on the large was...since some 5x7 were called large, and others called the 6x10 large.  (same manufacturer)

I sent a nice brief (which I know is hard for me to do!) email asking 1- when the machine I wanted was expected to be back in stock, and 2- what the actual hoop size was on the second machine I was considering.

In there defense, they did respond to me within 12 hours....more like 8.

Here it is:

Hello Ms. Morris,

You ask some great questions about our sewing machine products. From personal experience, a sewing machine can be a great investment.

To answer your first question, at this time, I do not have any information available as to when it will be back in stock. I would suggest checking _____ at your convenience for the latest up to date information.

To answer your second question, regrettably, I do not have the information available for the size of the hoop. I would suggest calling Singer customer service at ______;  M-F 8am to 4pm CST regarding model number: SES1000 and I am sure they will be happy to answer that question.

I truly appreciate your understanding in this matter and  hope you allow us another opportunity to serve you in the future.


Sincerely,


Robert






See...they DID respond to me!  They just didn't really answer any of my questions!  Now, I get to start the research all over again!  If only I had some extra spending money laying around.  I would just go to someplace local and buy the machine I wanted and be done with it!








Nini

January review

As this month is starting to wind down I thought I would take a few minutes to think about how my month has gone ...business wise.

I set several goals for myself this month.  I am happy to report that I actually came pretty close to meeting some of them, not so close on others.

I had a goal of 12 marketing projects (small projects that I won't go into here, but they involved making and then mailing them out to prospective customers.  I actually finished and mailed only 3 of them.

I had a goal of finishing 8 personal Disney shirts.  I actually finished only 6 of them.

I had a goal of making 4 ready to ship dresses and I only finished 2 of them.

I had a goal of making 4 onesies to list on my Etsy shop and I finished zero of them.

I had a goal of making a baby quilt, three onesies, and three burp cloths for a gift and I am glad to report they were actually finished before the baby arrived.

I had a goal of completing a birthday gift for my daughter in law, and I ham happy to report that I finished it so quickly that I had to remember where I put it when it was time to gift it!

In addition to those goals, I also managed to get one customer gift of 8 napkins  monogrammed and almost complete another customer order of two onesies and two bibs.

Although my most important goal for the outfits was to try to only use fabric I had on hand!  That one was met with a resounding success!

Since to day is only Monday and I still have a week to go, I am pretty sure I will be able to finish the customer order; finish the two personal Disney shirts; and I am pretty sure I will be able to complete at least 3 more of my marketing projects.

All in all it has not been too bad of a month.  In my original plans, I had not taken into account that the kids would be out of school for about a week of the month.  The kids will be out of school for two weeks next month, (winter intersession) so I will make my plans and goals for the month keeping that in mind.

Sometime in the next week or so I plan on having my daughter in law take some pictures of the outfits I did manage to complete, as well as a couple outfits I have not sold from last Spring.  (provided we get a bit of pretty weather this week!) My plan is to have a Spring grand re-opening of my Etsy site.

I do think it is important to note...I managed to meet my goals only spending an average of two hours a day in the studio.  I was expecting to spend closer to 4 to 6 hours a day in the studio; five days a week.  I am pretty excited about how close I came without spending a lot of time in the studio.  Just imagine how well I could do if I just added 30 minutes or an hour!

Nini

Confession time!

My last three quilts have turned out less than spectacular.  Add to that one customer quilt that was really bad and you see a pattern developing.  I don't think I have had a single quilt after the surgery that has looked nice.  (Forget good or great!)

I now have three outstanding baby quilts for gifts coming up in the next few weeks and I think you see my problem.  I am seriously having doubts about my ability to turn out a reasonable gift!

I have some gorgeous fat quarters washed and ready to go down to the studio to become a beautiful baby boy quilt for my niece's new baby.  The fabric is perfect.  It is going to be a small turning twenty quilt.  I am going to make a few onesies and burpies to go with it.  I can see it in my mind as a perfect set.  I'm seriously wondering if the actual gift will be any where near what I envision.

When the actual quilting starts, I will have to take careful mental notes to see what I am doing wrong (or right) and see what I can physically do to make a change.  I refuse to believe I can never do another decent quilt.  I'm hoping it is just that I am seriously out of practice.  Time will tell.

Nini

A new year...soon

Marketing.

I hate it.

All day I have been doing some research on various forms of marketing.  While I did get a few ideas, nothing really that will help me.  While there is a lady that makes her living telling people how to run an embroidery business...I don't want to pay her.  I'm sure she has some great ideas.  I'm sure she thinks her ideas are worth the price.  I just don't have the money!  If I had more business I could afford her ideas.  If I had more business I wouldn't NEED her ideas.  

As another year approaches, I wonder if I should just fold up the business and not even worry anymore.  Even though my business made a profit for the first time this year.  A whopping $38.00 profit...sort of.  (I did not add the cost of the batting to my final amounts, which would make me be in the red again!

Maybe I'll just do some more research....

Nini

WOW!!

It has really been a long time since I've been on here!

So much has happened, that I don't know where to begin....so I won't!  Instead I will jump back in here like I spoke with you yesterday!

Today, Miss Heather came over with her brood and we made Magic Reindeer Food.  Had a great time and got to play with Mr William!  He was really enjoying looking at all the mixing going on.  Since this is his first Christmas, he isn't quite sure what to make of all the activities, but he is sure enjoying it!

To the best of my knowledge, I have finished with all my Christmas shopping...EXCEPT for Christmas dinner.  We till haven't made up our mind what we want to do.  We have tossed around finger foods, brunch, ham and even a turkey.  I only know I don't want it to be much.  I would rather it be something small and quick.  Of course, Hubby says we should just go to the Chinese restaurant after church...but oddly enough, they will be closed on Christmas Day!  The only day of the year they are closed, but closed they are!  While the main owners are Buddhist, some of their employees are Christian, so they close.

My poor tree looks kinda scrawny...it is big enough, and decorated nicely, but there are no presents under the tree... Hopefully, Santa will be bringing some loot!


I hope you all have a wonderful holiday season!

Nini

The decision to Home School

This morning I am feeling a thousand times better about our decision to home school (not that I was feeling bad about it before!).

Last time we home schooled Mr D, I had to go over one day's worth of lessons for a whole week before I felt he was 'getting' it.  Now, we are able to do one to two days worth of work in each subject each day!  Sometimes I have to MAKE him stop!  He is now wanting for us to read Harry Potter.  I've decided that if he is showing an interest in the book we have to do it!  So, starting today we will be attempting to read Harry Potter.  (well, I will be reading, he will be listening!)

Reading and math are still the subjects that I worry about.  He is still a non-reader, and he can now add using a number line, he loves to count out loud, and he has taken to counting to 100 as a way to occupy himself in the car.  I'm trying hard not to push him, but yet keep him challenged.

We know that these two subjects will probably always be a struggle for him, just because of the way the brain injury affected him.  We are hoping that continued exposure to math and reading will help him start to absorb just a bit more of it.  He has always loved books, and has loved being read to since he was a baby.

Yesterday his doctor told me she thinks there is no question that the decision to home school was the best one for him.  I have seen no major meltdowns since the beginning of summer.  The only ones I have heard about was in information coming from his 'teacher' in public school.  (and those generally came as a result from having sugar)  I see when he is getting frustrated, and we talk about it and give options for how to handle his feelings.  We have verbal cues for when we are in public and he is working through these issues without incidents.

If only the public school could use those simple techniques in the classroom.  I mean, she only had seven students and a para pro!  How hard could it have been?  No, her solution was to lock him in a closet and tell me it was for his protection.

A n y w a y !  We are really enjoying the time together as we home school as well as the flexibility we now have.  Some days, Mr D likes to sleep in late...to at lest 6:30! And some days he likes to get up with Sissy at 5.  Some days he needs a nap in the middle, and some days he pushes through wanting to get finished before the clock has a certain 'time' on it (kinda like a  race against the clock!  LOL).  Some days we have therapy appointments, and some days we stay in our jammies all day.    Some days we have 'class' at the grocery store (sorting, counting, reading labels) and some days we bake cookies.

Those that know me, know I had serious reservations about letting him go back to public school.  I only agreed to a month as a trial.  But, he was enjoying it so much I gave in.  Then, when things started to go bad, I let it go on way too long because he wanted to stay there.  I am so extremely happy with my decision to go back to home school.


....now, if I can just find a good name for out little school...

Back to Home School

What a wild weekend it has been...but then again, the whole week was kinda crazy!

Miss B and the Princess were out of school and home with me.  It just didn' seem fair to make Mr D have school when the girls weren't so we took a fall break as well.  During the summer, I borrowed the baby monitor so I could work downstairs while the kids were upstairs playing.  It worked pretty good...and when they got quiet it was because they were plotting.

This past week...not so much!  If I walked all the way downstairs, they started fighting.  If I sat on the couch they played quietly.  Even if they didn't know I was downstairs, the fighting began once I got the machine turned on.  Not a very productive week for the sewing cause!

I had made big plans for the weekend.  Miss B was going to be at her sister's house (her reward for straight A's)  Mr D and I were planning a weekend of Wii and sewing.  Him the Wii and me the sewing.

Unfortunately, I got one of those strange headaches.  Not a migraine (which I am used to ) but some sort of extremely hard sharp pain going through my temple.  I'm pretty sure it had something to do with my neck, since I popped it a bit right before it started hurting.

This basically meant Saturday afternoon and Sunday were a bust for me.  I did manage to get some napkins and a towel monogrammed for our Thanksgiving guests...and managed to get the binding on the other problem quilt.  But that was on Saturday morning before the headache set in.
 
Last night, I started feeling a bit better so I sat down at the computer to play a silly game.  The next thing I know is it is after 11pm and I have to get up in less than 5 HOURS!  Being out of school for a week really messed up my schedule.

Now it is Monday and we are hard at work in school.  Yes, I know it is only 7 am, but we already have 2 hours in .  We really only have reading and a bit of math to finish and we are done for the day.

Right now is when I can truthfully say I am so happy Mr D is a morning person like me.  We can get school started and finished before most people are even out of bed.  Then if we find more interesting stuff to do along the day we can add a few things here and there.



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On mommy's agenda today is to start drafting a letter to the school board and superintendent about the events that led up to home schooling this time around.  I keep hearing all kinds of rumors that  this principal needs to go...

Nini

Thread..

OK...I admit it.  I am a thread snob as well as a thread geek!

When I first got my quilt machine I thought, thread was thread.  I mean how different can it really be?  So I stuck a spool of regular Coats N Clark on the thread stand and thought, 'Boy, I'm really quilting now!'  Umm...not!

It would not take a single stitch without snapping that thread.

That began a 5 year journey to learn all I could about thread. Even if I thought I was only learning which thread I needed to buy.

Now that I have an embroidery machine, I am learning a bit more about other types of thread as well.  Right now, my pet peeve is over dyed thread!

You see that nice shade of purple, or pink, or what ever your favorite color is?  Well, in the manufacturing process, there are mistakes...lots of mistakes.  When the thread is misdyed, it can't be sold.  Some companies, just throw it away.  Some companies try to salvage the thread by a process called over dye.  In those companies, that is where your black thread comes from.

All that mis dyed thread is thrown into a vat and dyed black.  (well, it is a bit more complicated than that, but that is the basic process.)  Some companies throw in another process of bleaching the thread a bit to get some of the old color out.

A lot of people realize that black thread is almost always weaker than any other color.  Some people assume it is because the black dye destroys the fiber a bit more than other colors.  Well, they are half right.  It is the dye that is destroying the fibers, but nott he black color.

The process of over dye makes the thread weaker.  It is easy to tell if your black thread has been over dyed. If you are embroidering, and you get to the clipping of the jump stitches (especially around the face area where the stitches are small and there are lots of jumps from place to place) and you get these black 'fuzzies' everywhere.  THAT is from the process of over dye.

No matter what type of thread, cotton, nylon, polyester, silk...you name it; over dyed thread is weaker than non over dyed thread.  I'm sure the thread manufacturer looks at it as a way to make their bottom line look better, and they might even consider it as their way of recycling to help the planet.  But for me, I will not purchase over dyed black thread again!

There!  I feel much better having warned the general public against buying over dyed thread!  (at least the three people who will read my blog anyway!)

Cobbler's Children

I have done it several times.  Put something for my kids on the back burner for my kids or family so that something that HAS to get out immediately can be done...but I have always eventually gotten back to their stuff.

This time, well, that has changed.

A year ago, my youngest, Mr D, decided he wanted his room redone and even picked out the quilt he wanted me to make for him.  It had a ton of embroidery on it, and has turned out really cute.  I bought the flannel for the backing and got ready to put it on the frame.  Only to discover I was out of batting.  I finally bought some batting, only to have to put it to use on a different quilt.  

Yesterday, I went to put the last of my baby quilts on the frame to get it out the door (only a week late) when I discovered I had either measured or counted wrong.  I was a quarter of a yard too short having enough.  So, I did what any quilter in a pinch would do...I cannibalized  Mr D's quilt.  I took the nice large piece of flannel that was to be the backing for Mr D and cut it up to make a backing for the baby quilt I am making...


Eventually I will get back to Mr D's quilt.  I only have to buy some new flannel and some new batting!


Nini

Customer Service

In my previous life I worked in customer service.  Most recently as an insurance customer service representative (as well as underwriter) .  I helped train other customer service reps.  I know a thing or two about customer service.  I firmly believe that the absence of good customer service int h US has a lot to do with why our country is in such a financial place right now.  I mean, if the only thing you have to judge where to buy something is price, why not go to a foreign country?

There use to be customer service in the United States.  We used to pride ourselves in how well we treated our customers.  Treat them well and they will come back. I remember when I was younger, much younger, my grand father used to drive out of his way to get gas at a particular gas station and pay a penny more per gallon for it than the closer station.  My grand mother used to tease him about it all the time, but his response was always that the guy there always washed his windows just a bit better than at the closer station.

That has always stuck with me.

Now, you are lucky if the gas station even has something for you to use to wash your windows...I mean they even charge for air now.

As a quilter, one of my most important supplies is thread.  My quilter is very particular about the type of thread it will use. Then, there is the whole problem of not quilting enough lately to be able to make a minimum order for most wholesalers.  And retail?  I can't believe anyone would pay those prices!

A few years ago I was fortunate enough to find a good wholesale supplier with good prices and no minimum order requirement.  But most important was her wonderful customer service!  If I had a question about a particular thread I knew an email would be answered quickly.  I knew that her statement that orders were filled within 24 hours was so true.  I actually had orders arrive the next day!

I am working on two baby quilts that need to be delivered on Saturday.  Last Tuesday, I discovered that I was out of the color of thread I needed for one, an knew I had no thread for the other.  I placed an order for the thread and got a few other items as well.  True, it was still a small order, but it was right at $50.00.  I saw on her website a notice that her website would be changing names soon, but would continue to offer the same quality service as before.  Her turn around time was still listed as 'less than 24 hours', so I saw no reason to worry.  In fact a lot of the vendors I use have been updating their websites so I didn't give it a second thought.

Yesterday, I got a rather strange email from someone I didn't know stating my package had been mailed.  There was no company name...no address...nothing except a strangers name.  I tried to click on the 'tracking' info and got absolutely nothing out of it.

Last night, with no fabric here, I sent an email to my favorite thread seller.  I was concerned that I wasn't going to get my quilts finished in time.  The money came out of my account last Tuesday, so I knew there was no problem there.

This morning I had an announcement in my email.  Not only did my thread supplier change websites, but she retired and gave all her customers to another company.  That strange info about that package yesterday...yup, that was my notice that the package I have been waiting on for a WEEK has finally been mailed.  I am now the unwilling customer of someone I don't know.

Now, I am at the mercy of the post office, I seriously doubt that my package will get here before Saturday (so the quilts will NOT be finished in time for their showers!!!)  I cannot even get my login info to work on the new site to see how much the thread has gone up (because you KNOW it has!)

So, these new owners of my customer info have several strikes against them.
1-the manner in which the change took place does not sit well with me.  The "notice" was non existent and the change in shipping time is making a huge difference to me.
2-the fact that I cannot get into the site means I am not likely to be a repeat customer.
3-the fact that they sent me the email about my package without any previous knowledge that my package was in their hands.
4-the fact that it is now being shipped via the post office (which has really sucky tracking info) as opposed to UPS as normal.

OK...that is four strikes...I think they are out of here.  So seriously thinking about filing a paypal claim.  I know I will not get my money back.  That really isn't the point at this time.  I just want them to respond to the many emails I've sent about my order....some sort of acknowledgement that I am upset....anything!

Nini