Cajun Corner – Vol. 2, No. 5 – JANUARY 29, 2010
Bon Jour! Welcome to Cajun Stitchery’s weekly email and welcome to our family.
ΘΘΘΘΘ
Don’t forget to visit http://www.cajunstitchery.etsy.com/ often.
Here comes the first Ball of the season for me. Tomorrow is the Mystic Krewe of Nereids’ Masquerade Ball. I am ready. I have my tiara, my mask, our tickets, my gown and accessories. The gown, of course, is thanks to my friend Judy and it is spectacular. Oh, Judy you have such great taste. Thank you.
We have all been working diligently on the float and we are on schedule. There is a lot more work to do though. I have to buy more glitter. We have used so much glitter on this float that I think I was eating glitter on my food this week as it fell out of my hair and clothing.
Earlier this week I hit the wrong thing on Facebook and a virus took over my big computer. There was nothing I could do. I tried everything I knew to no avail. Finally, I was going to bite the bullet and take it to a computer repair place and have it fixed. George got on my computer and in a matter of a few hours, it is as good as new and no virus. I believe I married a genius. Thanks, sugar.
My oldest granddaughter moved to Tampa yesterday. I am sure going to miss her. It’s not easy being 19 years old. I do wish her the best and she promised to stay in touch with Grandma.
George embroidered the Krewe of Nereids design on the back of my new hoodie. It is gorgeous. So, what did I do. I wore it to Krewe Den and got purple paint on it.
George also embroidered a hoodie for himself with Mystic Krewe of Nereids, then a very detailed, beautiful design of Nereus, and the words “King Nereus XVIII” underneath. Since we called him King George the Dragon Slayer, on the front of the hoodie he embroidered a fabulous dragon. Photographs of both of the hoodies are on blog posts earlier this week. I cannot tell you the wonderful comments that we have received on these hoodies.
More Junkanoo jackets came in this week. That must be one big krewe because those jackets just keep on coming. And, that is a good thing.
The Saints are headed for the Super Bowl. Did we ever really doubt it? Cajun Stitchery can embroider fleur de lis on just about anything. Attend your Super Bowl party with the fleur de lis or Krewe of Drew embroidered on everything you wear.
As dismal as the yard and garden looks in winter, my friend, Amy, came over and noticed that Sassy the Satsuma is alive and healthy. Oh, I cannot wait to taste those satsumas.
My sister-in-law, Kathie, spent the night with us the other evening. She came in from Fairhope to attend a seminar in Pensacola. We had a delightful evening. Kathie and I have been friends since the 6th grade. We used to wish we were sisters and then I married George and we are sisters. It is fun to remember the old times when we were young and carefree and everything seemed so dramatic. We have been through a lot together. Kathie lived with me for about 6 months when we were teenagers and Mama sewed for us. She had us dressed alike – as teenagers. I should post some of those pictures. Mama loved to sew and we loved to wear the things she would sew.
All of our projects can be seen on our blog at www.cajunstitchery.blogspot.com.
Always remember that we are just a call or email away at cajunstitchery@yahoo.com or 850-261-2462 and place your order.
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Boudreaux walks into a bar, and says anybody got the number for 911. Thibodaux says whats the emergency. Boudreaux says is that your truck with the Great Dane in it. Thibodaux says yes why. I got some bad news for you podna. My dog killed your dog. Thibodaux says what kind of dog you got. Boudreaux says a Chihauhau. Thibodaux says explain to me how your dog can kill my Great Dane. Boudreaux says he got stuck in his throat.
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French phrase of the week: zirable (adj.) [ZEERAB] disgusting; revolting.
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Instead of posting an eco-friendly article, I thought that this week I would share some thoughts that I have. It should not take too long. Hahahaha I have a lot of friends and family who love to shop garage sales and second hand stores. I do not think enough credit is given to these wonderful eco-friendly outlets. Many articles have been written about revitalizing used and older items but I will stick to what I know – clothing and other textiles. We all have friends, if not ourselves, who dress to the nine’s and when you ask where they got this or that, they got it at a garage sale or second hand store.
When I first began Cajun Stitchery, my friend and graphic artist, Val, told me to go to a second hand store and get some shirts and embroider some designs so we could take pictures and post on the website to show what we are capable of doing. That has stuck in my mind.
Another thing that happens is frequently on Wednesday nights when the girls gather, one or another of the girls has gone through her closet and brings what she is planning on sending to Goodwill or Salvation Army for all of us to pick and choose and try on. Usually, most of the stuff is taken by the end of the evening. We do this with costume jewelry, as well, and don’t forget the gowns that are only worn once or twice.
These are wonderful ways of helping the environment. Many of us, especially women, get rid of their clothing long before the item is really worn out. We enjoy new and diverse wardrobes. Rather than throwing it out, get it out there for other women to enjoy. Another benefit is that when you get the used clothing, there is no guessing about whether or not it will shrink – it has already been laundered.
Of course, you can always get a new look on older clothing by applying embroidery to it.
Please let me know if there is something that you would like to see in the weekly email. You may always call me at (850) 261-2462 or email me at cajunstitchery@yahoo.com.
If you are not a subscriber and would like to receive Cajun Corner weekly, please email cajunstitchery@yahoo.com and let me know to put you on our email list.
C’est tout, mes amis
Peggy Henshall
Cajun Stitchery
(850) 261-2462
cajunstitchery@yahoo.com
P.S. You are always welcome to stop by and look at all of the new catalogs and pass some time with me, cher.
In a quandry about what to give for the bridal shower, anniversary, wedding, birthday, Christmas, or any occasion? Your answer is CAJUN STITCHERY, an embroidery company located in Pensacola, FL. We embroider on ready made items. Our personal service can help you design that perfect, personalized gift. We embroider logos, too.
Friday, January 29, 2010
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Dolphins, Dragons, and Mardi Gras
George has been stitching out some beautiful work lately. After he finished my jacket last week, he began on his own hoodie. It really turned out beautiful. The back has the Krewe of Nereid with the really detailed design of Nereus on dolphin. The front has the dragon design. Last year when George was King of the Mystic Krewe of Nereids, we began calling him King George the Dragon Slayer. I even bought him a beautiful broach of a rhinestone dragon for his royal sash. So, it is very appropriate that he included the dragon the front of his jacket.
I believe I mentioned in an earlier post that I saw some jersey scarves on the internet at some hefty prices. I made this one and added the Mardi Gras designs and some fringe. Of course, with jersey the fringe will curl up once it is washed and dried, making it look much better. The pictures really do not do it justice. The scarf is roughly 2 yards long.
Last evening George's sister spent the night. She came over from Fairhope to attend a seminar today. We had the most lovely evening. I did the boiled shrimp dinner for her and we sat around the table drinking wine and talking late into the evening. Kathie and I have been friends since we were 12 years old. It was such a delightful evening. We definitely need to do this more often.
Yesterday afternoon we received a rush order for one of the Krewe of Drew sweatshirts. Oh my, we can pop those out in no time at this point.
Be careful on the internet. I hit a virus while on my big computer and we are still trying to fix it. It now looks as though we will have to reformat the hard drive. The good thing about it is that I have been so fascinated with flash drives that last week I copied all of my files from that computer to my flash drive. So, if we do have to reformat the hard drive, I will not lose anything. Thank goodness.
I believe I mentioned in an earlier post that I saw some jersey scarves on the internet at some hefty prices. I made this one and added the Mardi Gras designs and some fringe. Of course, with jersey the fringe will curl up once it is washed and dried, making it look much better. The pictures really do not do it justice. The scarf is roughly 2 yards long.
Yesterday afternoon we received a rush order for one of the Krewe of Drew sweatshirts. Oh my, we can pop those out in no time at this point.
Be careful on the internet. I hit a virus while on my big computer and we are still trying to fix it. It now looks as though we will have to reformat the hard drive. The good thing about it is that I have been so fascinated with flash drives that last week I copied all of my files from that computer to my flash drive. So, if we do have to reformat the hard drive, I will not lose anything. Thank goodness.
Monday, January 25, 2010
Can You Really Ever Have Too Much Glitter?
Another weekend comes to a close. We have really been working hard on our float. I am not sure if I did not get covered in more glitter than the float. I can shake my head and there is still a mist of gold glitter falling around me.
I have wanted a krewe hoodie for sometime now and Cajun Stitchery created it. I got my hoodie on sale at Food World for $10. I cannot buy it wholesale for that price. Anyway, we put the beautiful design on it and I wore it to work on the float and now it has purple paint on it. What was I thinking? It is still beautiful and I will wear it with pride.
We never made it to the Nauga Ball. George and I worked on the float instead. Several of the krewe did go. In fact, one of our krewe members, Judy, was crowned Queen of Nauga this year. As I understand it, Judy was not prepared and had her face painted purple with a big eye in the middle of her forehead and a horn out of the top of her head. She went as a one eyed, one horned, flying, purple people eater. Congratulations Judy!
Our wonderful Love Ladies and Love Slaves have been helping out tremendously on the float. It is always good to have extra workers. I sure hope they had fun while working. Mardi Gras is nothing without fun and frivolity.
There is also never a lack of food. A Nereid will never starve. Those girls are some of the best cooks that I have ever run across. Today we had shrimp bisque that was to die for. You filled up on it but kept on eating because it just tasted so good.
My big stand up computer has viruses as of tonight. I tried to open something that a friend posted on Facebook and got pop ups all over my monitor about viruses. I have been working on getting rid of the viruses but I think I am going to need some professional help now. Thank goodness I have my laptop. And thank goodness I put everything on flash drives so I could go from one computer to the other. I vow to always put everything on flash drives from now on. Of course, you cannot put the programs on the flash drives. At least I do not think you can. The big computer houses the program for Doris and you can only have that program on one computer. So, I am up the creek insofar as Doris is concerned until the big computer is fixed. We still have Boudreaux who purrs like a kitten and does not require a computer.
This week is going to be busy. Besides dance and our social committee meeting, I have to get a ball gown. Our ball is this coming Saturday evening. I also have go to the fabric store for some white jersey to fill an order and there are more Junkanoo jackets. Now that the Saints won their game tonight and are on their way to the Super Bowl, we may have more Krewe of Drew orders.
Have a wonderful week, my friends.
I have wanted a krewe hoodie for sometime now and Cajun Stitchery created it. I got my hoodie on sale at Food World for $10. I cannot buy it wholesale for that price. Anyway, we put the beautiful design on it and I wore it to work on the float and now it has purple paint on it. What was I thinking? It is still beautiful and I will wear it with pride.
Our wonderful Love Ladies and Love Slaves have been helping out tremendously on the float. It is always good to have extra workers. I sure hope they had fun while working. Mardi Gras is nothing without fun and frivolity.
There is also never a lack of food. A Nereid will never starve. Those girls are some of the best cooks that I have ever run across. Today we had shrimp bisque that was to die for. You filled up on it but kept on eating because it just tasted so good.
My big stand up computer has viruses as of tonight. I tried to open something that a friend posted on Facebook and got pop ups all over my monitor about viruses. I have been working on getting rid of the viruses but I think I am going to need some professional help now. Thank goodness I have my laptop. And thank goodness I put everything on flash drives so I could go from one computer to the other. I vow to always put everything on flash drives from now on. Of course, you cannot put the programs on the flash drives. At least I do not think you can. The big computer houses the program for Doris and you can only have that program on one computer. So, I am up the creek insofar as Doris is concerned until the big computer is fixed. We still have Boudreaux who purrs like a kitten and does not require a computer.
This week is going to be busy. Besides dance and our social committee meeting, I have to get a ball gown. Our ball is this coming Saturday evening. I also have go to the fabric store for some white jersey to fill an order and there are more Junkanoo jackets. Now that the Saints won their game tonight and are on their way to the Super Bowl, we may have more Krewe of Drew orders.
Have a wonderful week, my friends.
Friday, January 22, 2010
Cajun Corner Vol. 2, No. 4
Cajun Corner – Vol. 2, No. 4 – JANUARY 22, 2010
Bon Jour! Welcome to Cajun Stitchery’s weekly email and welcome to our family.
ΘΘΘΘΘ
Don’t forget to visit www.cajunstitchery.etsy.com often.
Last week I was freezing and this week the temperatures are in the 60’s. Go figure.
The opening Mardi Gras parties are almost over and now we are getting ready to enter the Ball portion of the season. I only have two balls to attend this season: The Krewe of Wrecks Ball and, of course, the Nereids Ball. When I first started associating with these wonderful Nereid women they had the neatest idea about ball gowns. You get a ball gown, spend a fortune on it, wear it once, and it’s over. These ladies solved that issue. Each year they bring their past ball gowns, hang them on a clothing rack in the sewing room and the girls pick and choose which gown they want to wear. It was like a consignment shop without the shop. My problem was that no one was my size. For several years I either bought or made my gowns. The past couple of years my friend, Judy, has been involved with the krewe. Judy is slightly taller than I, but otherwise, we are the same size. What makes that exceptionally wonderful for me is that Judy has exquisite taste in gowns. I am planning a trip to Judy’s home next week to pick and choose my ball gowns for the season. I need to do something very special for Judy.
The Krewe of Drew sweatshirts are still a hit. Geaux Saints! The fingerless gloves are starting to move, as well. I have an order for the gloves with the lady’s initial on them, rather than the Mardi Gras design. That is definitely doable.
The Junkanoo Chili Cook Off was well attended. I know I wrote this on the blog but it’s so funny, I’m writing it again. Last Friday night was the Nereids’ Moon Pie party. We had a blast. One of our krewe was planning on entering the Junkanoo Chili Cook Off the following day and had made a huge pot of chili for the occasion. Well, the girls danced and drank and partied so much at the Moon Pie party that when they all returned to Krewe Den afterwards, they were starving. Yes, you got it. They ate the chili. Therefore, the Nereids did not have an entry for the Chili Cook Off – but we ended up with a great story that seems to be the talk of the island.
I’m still having a problem getting our logo to show on the etsy.com site. I’m still working on that one but I have put another pair of gloves for sale on Etsy.
The garden looks better now that George has trimmed up all of the dead plants. It doesn’t look great. Plants don’t look great during winter, especially after they have been frozen for a week.
The new, surprise, items that I mentioned last week are pillow cases. We purchased a large quantity of hotel quality, white, standard pillow cases. I want to try some techniques of embroidery on pillow cases, especially some of the beautiful heirloom designs that we have. We have already done one set for a friend. I am anxious to get to work on these pillow cases. The ideas are fluttering around in my head.
Always remember that we are just a call or email away at cajunstitchery@yahoo.com or 850-261-2462 and place your order.
ΘΘΘΘΘ
Boudreaux and Thibodaux died and went to Heaven. When they got to the Gate, they met ol' Saint Pete. They said, "Saint Pete, beb, how you been?" and Saint Pete said, "Mais ok, sha, but ah got bad news for you Boudreaux. You been so bad on Earth, you got to spend all Eternity with a ugly woman." Boudreaux was pretty sad but he said, "Well, if ah hafto, ah hafto." So the next day him and his ugly woman was walking down the golden street when they saw Thibodaux and he was with Cindy Crawford! So Boudreaux went talk to Saint Pete. He said, "Saint Pete, sha, come see. Ah think we got a mistake here. How come Thibodaux gets Cindy Crawford and Ah got stuck with a ugly woman!" Saint Pete said, :"Aw, Boudreaux, you dont understand! Cindy Crawford got stuck with Thibodaux!"
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French phrase of the week: vache (f.) cow
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Taken from: http://www.greendaily.com/2009/02/20/a-greener-mardi-gras/
A GREENER MARDI GRAS
Things you can do include baking your own King Cake, indulging in some locally brewed beer, or making some Louisiana classics like red beans and rice and hurricanes. Or start some new Mardi Gras traditions at your home. Have the kids make a bundle of paper beads and string them and give away beads for good deeds done that day. Whoever has the most gets first try at the King cake.
Please let me know if there is something that you would like to see in the weekly email. You may always call me at (850) 261-2462 or email me at cajunstitchery@yahoo.com.
If you are not a subscriber and would like to receive Cajun Corner weekly, please email cajunstitchery@yahoo.com and let me know to put you on our email list.
C’est tout, mes amis
Peggy Henshall
Cajun Stitchery
(850) 261-2462
cajunstitchery@yahoo.com
P.S. You are always welcome to stop by and look at all of the new catalogs and pass some time with me, cher.
Bon Jour! Welcome to Cajun Stitchery’s weekly email and welcome to our family.
ΘΘΘΘΘ
Don’t forget to visit www.cajunstitchery.etsy.com often.
Last week I was freezing and this week the temperatures are in the 60’s. Go figure.
The opening Mardi Gras parties are almost over and now we are getting ready to enter the Ball portion of the season. I only have two balls to attend this season: The Krewe of Wrecks Ball and, of course, the Nereids Ball. When I first started associating with these wonderful Nereid women they had the neatest idea about ball gowns. You get a ball gown, spend a fortune on it, wear it once, and it’s over. These ladies solved that issue. Each year they bring their past ball gowns, hang them on a clothing rack in the sewing room and the girls pick and choose which gown they want to wear. It was like a consignment shop without the shop. My problem was that no one was my size. For several years I either bought or made my gowns. The past couple of years my friend, Judy, has been involved with the krewe. Judy is slightly taller than I, but otherwise, we are the same size. What makes that exceptionally wonderful for me is that Judy has exquisite taste in gowns. I am planning a trip to Judy’s home next week to pick and choose my ball gowns for the season. I need to do something very special for Judy.
The Krewe of Drew sweatshirts are still a hit. Geaux Saints! The fingerless gloves are starting to move, as well. I have an order for the gloves with the lady’s initial on them, rather than the Mardi Gras design. That is definitely doable.
The Junkanoo Chili Cook Off was well attended. I know I wrote this on the blog but it’s so funny, I’m writing it again. Last Friday night was the Nereids’ Moon Pie party. We had a blast. One of our krewe was planning on entering the Junkanoo Chili Cook Off the following day and had made a huge pot of chili for the occasion. Well, the girls danced and drank and partied so much at the Moon Pie party that when they all returned to Krewe Den afterwards, they were starving. Yes, you got it. They ate the chili. Therefore, the Nereids did not have an entry for the Chili Cook Off – but we ended up with a great story that seems to be the talk of the island.
I’m still having a problem getting our logo to show on the etsy.com site. I’m still working on that one but I have put another pair of gloves for sale on Etsy.
The garden looks better now that George has trimmed up all of the dead plants. It doesn’t look great. Plants don’t look great during winter, especially after they have been frozen for a week.
The new, surprise, items that I mentioned last week are pillow cases. We purchased a large quantity of hotel quality, white, standard pillow cases. I want to try some techniques of embroidery on pillow cases, especially some of the beautiful heirloom designs that we have. We have already done one set for a friend. I am anxious to get to work on these pillow cases. The ideas are fluttering around in my head.
Always remember that we are just a call or email away at cajunstitchery@yahoo.com or 850-261-2462 and place your order.
ΘΘΘΘΘ
Boudreaux and Thibodaux died and went to Heaven. When they got to the Gate, they met ol' Saint Pete. They said, "Saint Pete, beb, how you been?" and Saint Pete said, "Mais ok, sha, but ah got bad news for you Boudreaux. You been so bad on Earth, you got to spend all Eternity with a ugly woman." Boudreaux was pretty sad but he said, "Well, if ah hafto, ah hafto." So the next day him and his ugly woman was walking down the golden street when they saw Thibodaux and he was with Cindy Crawford! So Boudreaux went talk to Saint Pete. He said, "Saint Pete, sha, come see. Ah think we got a mistake here. How come Thibodaux gets Cindy Crawford and Ah got stuck with a ugly woman!" Saint Pete said, :"Aw, Boudreaux, you dont understand! Cindy Crawford got stuck with Thibodaux!"
ΘΘΘΘΘ
French phrase of the week: vache (f.) cow
ΘΘΘΘΘ
Taken from: http://www.greendaily.com/2009/02/20/a-greener-mardi-gras/
A GREENER MARDI GRAS
Things you can do include baking your own King Cake, indulging in some locally brewed beer, or making some Louisiana classics like red beans and rice and hurricanes. Or start some new Mardi Gras traditions at your home. Have the kids make a bundle of paper beads and string them and give away beads for good deeds done that day. Whoever has the most gets first try at the King cake.
Please let me know if there is something that you would like to see in the weekly email. You may always call me at (850) 261-2462 or email me at cajunstitchery@yahoo.com.
If you are not a subscriber and would like to receive Cajun Corner weekly, please email cajunstitchery@yahoo.com and let me know to put you on our email list.
C’est tout, mes amis
Peggy Henshall
Cajun Stitchery
(850) 261-2462
cajunstitchery@yahoo.com
P.S. You are always welcome to stop by and look at all of the new catalogs and pass some time with me, cher.
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
King Kake, Moon Pies, Chili Cook Off and Embroidery
We have been so busy with Mardi Gras, floats, costumes, krewe members and parties that I've slowed down on everything else. The King Kake Party was wonderful -- George's picture was even in the local newspaper; the Moon Pie Party was fabulous; then the Junkanoo's Chili Cook Off was a big success. Funny story about the Chili Cook Off was that the Nereids were planning on entering the contest and one of the girls had cooked her chili and was ready to take it to the Chili Cook Off the day after the Moon Pie Party. It turned out that when the girls left the Moon Pie Party and went to Krewe Den, they were so hungry that they ate the chili and we, therefore, had no entry the following day. Those girls are something else. George and I attended the Chili Cook Off and ate many of the wonderful chili samples but we didn't stay for the contest winners. Since Cajun Stitchery did the embroidery for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place aprons, I would have liked to see the response.
I'm still making the fingerless gloves and trying different designs. The possibilities are endless. The very first pair that I made were just plain white jersey and I kept those for myself. They came in real handy this past weekend when we were painting the float. The nice thing about them is that you can just stick them in the washer and dryer and you are good to go. Of course, my white pair now has paint splotches on them but I think that looks artsy.
I'm still making the fingerless gloves and trying different designs. The possibilities are endless. The very first pair that I made were just plain white jersey and I kept those for myself. They came in real handy this past weekend when we were painting the float. The nice thing about them is that you can just stick them in the washer and dryer and you are good to go. Of course, my white pair now has paint splotches on them but I think that looks artsy.
Recently, I've seen jersey scarves that look lovely and jersey is so soft. They are so easy to make but the prices that I've seen are pretty high. I'm thinking about making some jersey scarves with embroidery. That will probably be my next project.
The Krewe of Drew design is still going strong. Those Saints are something else this year and everyone is excited. Even George and I are excited and interested in the football games, and we usually are not big football fans. This year is different. As it turns out I have one extra XL black sweatshirt in stock. So, if anyone wants the Krewe of Drew design embroidered on it, you don't have to wait for the order to arrive. It's $30 plus tax and/or shipping.
I'm unveiling my new arrivals that I've been promising -- pillow cases. Last year had napkins as the star attraction at Cajun Stitchery. This year it will be pillow cases. Of course, napkins are still available. The delay in announcing the pillow cases is because it took a long time to get them after I ordered them. They are white pillow cases, hotel quality and I've got a lot of ideas for designs. We'll start off with the pair that I made for one of my friends.
Friday, January 15, 2010
Cajun Corner, Vol. 2, No. 3
Cajun Corner – Vol. 2, No. 3 – JANUARY 15, 2010
Bon Jour! Welcome to Cajun Stitchery’s weekly email and welcome to our family.
ΘΘΘΘΘ
Many thanks to my friends who help me catch my faux pas. One such friend pointed out to me last week that I should have started Volume 2 in 2010. This should actually be the 3rd issue of Volume 2 since this is the 3rd issue of Cajun Corner in 2010.
The King Kake Party last Saturday was a huge success for the Krewe as well as Cajun Stitchery. I don’t think I’ve ever handed out so many business cards at one venue yet. It was fabulous.
Remember the Krewe of Drew sweatshirt that my friend had me create. I still cannot get over what a sleeper that was. My friend presented the sweatshirt to her friend for Christmas. Her friend wore the sweatshirt to the Krewe of Wrecks meeting. Another lady at the Krewe of Wrecks meeting wanted one. She contacted me and actually wanted 2. The original recipient of the sweatshirt called and wanted the fleur de lis embroidered on her hoody. Now people I don’t even know are messaging me on Facebook ordering them. It didn’t hurt that the Krewe of Wrecks a/k/a KOW’s photographer took a picture of the embroidery and posted it on her Facebook with glowing remarks.
Then there were the fingerless gloves/arm warmers. The one’s with the fish are still on Etsy. No nibbles there. One pair was given in a basket at our Krewe’s raffle last week and two pairs were given as birthday presents. Since then I’ve made about 4 or 5 pairs. I actually haven’t sold any at this point but everyone loves them and it’s just a matter of time and getting out there with the people. The new construction method is working out perfectly. The gloves are much warmer, softer, and simpler.
The Krewe of Junkanoo jackets are still coming in. Photographs of the jackets are posted on the blog. The Junkanoo Chili Cook Off is this coming Saturday (tomorrow) and our aprons will be given as prizes. Can’t wait to hear those comments.
I have not gotten around to working on my site at etsy.com. About Wednesday of this week George and I both started feeling poorly. I think we may be over whatever it was but that bout knocked us on our derrieres. We would be up and feeling fine and then it was like all of our strength just left and we would crash. We had body aches, sore throat, and just plain old fatigue. Sounds like a cold to me and I hope we’ve seen the last of it.
Tonight is our Krewe of Nereids’ Moon Pie Party at the Shaker on Pensacola Beach. If you are local, it starts at 7 o’clock. Come out and join in the fun and catch a moon pie.
This weekend is all about Mardi Gras, parties and floats. I love this time of year but it is exhausting.
Our cold snap has finally ended – for now. Today the high is 66 and low is 50. Perfect weather for our party and a nice reprieve from the frigid temperatures we have been experiencing lately. The garden is looking sad but there are still some things green out there.
We have a new item that we plan on marketing. It’s a surprise. As soon as I get some done, you will know. Although we still have tons of napkins and can still get whatever color you like, our new item will, hopefully, be as successful this year as the napkins were last year. It’s just another item to add to the list of possibilities for gift giving.
Always remember that we are just a call or email away at cajunstitchery@yahoo.com or 850-261-2462 and place your order.
ΘΘΘΘΘ
Boudreaux and Thibodaux were walking down a country road when they came upon a young woman with a flat on her bicycle. Boudreaux stopped to help her with a flat and Thibodaux continued on down the road. Soon after, Boudreaux came riding up on the bike and Thibodaux asked him what happened. " Well" said Boudreaux, "I stopped and fixed de flat for dat chick and after i did dat, she took off her panties, lay down in de grass and told me to take whatever I wanted. I chose dis bicycle." Thibodaux said, "Me friend, you did just the right thing, cause dem panties probably wouldn't have fit you anyway."
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French phrase of the week: va-t-et-vient (n.m.) [VAH TEH VYEn] comings and goings; hubbub of activity.
ΘΘΘΘΘ
From: http://alephnull.net/eco/precycle.shtml
• Don't take bags when making a small purchase
• Use a reusable cloth or string bag when shopping, not plastic or paper
• Use sponges instead of paper towels, and cloth napkins instead of paper
• Look for containers that can be reused or at least recycled (glass and aluminum). Reusable containers are an even better way of recycling.
• Don't buy single use, throw-away products (such as razors, plastic utensils, paper plates, etc.) - look for ones that can be used repetitively.
• Buy fruits and vegetables, grains, pastas and any loose items without packaging (especially avoid styrofoam and plastic packaging)
• Don't buy plastic
• If it is possible to find dairies that refill milk containers in a refillable and reusable bottle. likewise honey and peanut butter can be purchased in refillable bulk containers. Try eco-minded health food stores.
• Avoid the "aseptic drink box" made of layers of paper, plastic and aluminum - it can not be recycled. Instead use drink containers that are reusable or at least recycled.
Please let me know if there is something that you would like to see in the weekly email. You may always call me at (850) 261-2462 or email me at cajunstitchery@yahoo.com.
If you are not a subscriber and would like to receive Cajun Corner weekly, please email cajunstitchery@yahoo.com and let me know to put you on our email list.
C’est tout, mes amis
Peggy Henshall
Cajun Stitchery
(850) 261-2462
cajunstitchery@yahoo.com
P.S. You are always welcome to stop by and look at all of the new catalogs and pass some time with me, cher.
Cajun Stitchery
Bon Jour! Welcome to Cajun Stitchery’s weekly email and welcome to our family.
ΘΘΘΘΘ
Many thanks to my friends who help me catch my faux pas. One such friend pointed out to me last week that I should have started Volume 2 in 2010. This should actually be the 3rd issue of Volume 2 since this is the 3rd issue of Cajun Corner in 2010.
The King Kake Party last Saturday was a huge success for the Krewe as well as Cajun Stitchery. I don’t think I’ve ever handed out so many business cards at one venue yet. It was fabulous.
Remember the Krewe of Drew sweatshirt that my friend had me create. I still cannot get over what a sleeper that was. My friend presented the sweatshirt to her friend for Christmas. Her friend wore the sweatshirt to the Krewe of Wrecks meeting. Another lady at the Krewe of Wrecks meeting wanted one. She contacted me and actually wanted 2. The original recipient of the sweatshirt called and wanted the fleur de lis embroidered on her hoody. Now people I don’t even know are messaging me on Facebook ordering them. It didn’t hurt that the Krewe of Wrecks a/k/a KOW’s photographer took a picture of the embroidery and posted it on her Facebook with glowing remarks.
Then there were the fingerless gloves/arm warmers. The one’s with the fish are still on Etsy. No nibbles there. One pair was given in a basket at our Krewe’s raffle last week and two pairs were given as birthday presents. Since then I’ve made about 4 or 5 pairs. I actually haven’t sold any at this point but everyone loves them and it’s just a matter of time and getting out there with the people. The new construction method is working out perfectly. The gloves are much warmer, softer, and simpler.
The Krewe of Junkanoo jackets are still coming in. Photographs of the jackets are posted on the blog. The Junkanoo Chili Cook Off is this coming Saturday (tomorrow) and our aprons will be given as prizes. Can’t wait to hear those comments.
I have not gotten around to working on my site at etsy.com. About Wednesday of this week George and I both started feeling poorly. I think we may be over whatever it was but that bout knocked us on our derrieres. We would be up and feeling fine and then it was like all of our strength just left and we would crash. We had body aches, sore throat, and just plain old fatigue. Sounds like a cold to me and I hope we’ve seen the last of it.
Tonight is our Krewe of Nereids’ Moon Pie Party at the Shaker on Pensacola Beach. If you are local, it starts at 7 o’clock. Come out and join in the fun and catch a moon pie.
This weekend is all about Mardi Gras, parties and floats. I love this time of year but it is exhausting.
Our cold snap has finally ended – for now. Today the high is 66 and low is 50. Perfect weather for our party and a nice reprieve from the frigid temperatures we have been experiencing lately. The garden is looking sad but there are still some things green out there.
We have a new item that we plan on marketing. It’s a surprise. As soon as I get some done, you will know. Although we still have tons of napkins and can still get whatever color you like, our new item will, hopefully, be as successful this year as the napkins were last year. It’s just another item to add to the list of possibilities for gift giving.
Always remember that we are just a call or email away at cajunstitchery@yahoo.com or 850-261-2462 and place your order.
ΘΘΘΘΘ
Boudreaux and Thibodaux were walking down a country road when they came upon a young woman with a flat on her bicycle. Boudreaux stopped to help her with a flat and Thibodaux continued on down the road. Soon after, Boudreaux came riding up on the bike and Thibodaux asked him what happened. " Well" said Boudreaux, "I stopped and fixed de flat for dat chick and after i did dat, she took off her panties, lay down in de grass and told me to take whatever I wanted. I chose dis bicycle." Thibodaux said, "Me friend, you did just the right thing, cause dem panties probably wouldn't have fit you anyway."
ΘΘΘΘΘ
French phrase of the week: va-t-et-vient (n.m.) [VAH TEH VYEn] comings and goings; hubbub of activity.
ΘΘΘΘΘ
From: http://alephnull.net/eco/precycle.shtml
• Don't take bags when making a small purchase
• Use a reusable cloth or string bag when shopping, not plastic or paper
• Use sponges instead of paper towels, and cloth napkins instead of paper
• Look for containers that can be reused or at least recycled (glass and aluminum). Reusable containers are an even better way of recycling.
• Don't buy single use, throw-away products (such as razors, plastic utensils, paper plates, etc.) - look for ones that can be used repetitively.
• Buy fruits and vegetables, grains, pastas and any loose items without packaging (especially avoid styrofoam and plastic packaging)
• Don't buy plastic
• If it is possible to find dairies that refill milk containers in a refillable and reusable bottle. likewise honey and peanut butter can be purchased in refillable bulk containers. Try eco-minded health food stores.
• Avoid the "aseptic drink box" made of layers of paper, plastic and aluminum - it can not be recycled. Instead use drink containers that are reusable or at least recycled.
Please let me know if there is something that you would like to see in the weekly email. You may always call me at (850) 261-2462 or email me at cajunstitchery@yahoo.com.
If you are not a subscriber and would like to receive Cajun Corner weekly, please email cajunstitchery@yahoo.com and let me know to put you on our email list.
C’est tout, mes amis
Peggy Henshall
Cajun Stitchery
(850) 261-2462
cajunstitchery@yahoo.com
P.S. You are always welcome to stop by and look at all of the new catalogs and pass some time with me, cher.
Cajun Stitchery
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Mardi Gras Season - Week 1
Last Saturday was our King Kake Party welcoming in the Mardi Gras season. Our parade is always the Sunday before Mardi Gras. This year our parade day will also be Valentine's Day. There should be plenty of purple, green and gold hearts popping up this year.
Monday was the best day that Cajun Stitchery has had yet. We were busy morning until night. It was wonderful.
Tuesday we came down with a bug of some sort. I'm over it now but George has it. Sore throat, achy body, and totally fatigued. At least for me it was only a 24 hour thing. Hope the same is true for George.
The Junkanoo jackets keep on coming. Yippee! Our friend, Jerry, brought his over on Monday and he and George did the guy bonding thing and before you know it George had to have Jerry's jacket done by the morning. It was done and Jerry was at the house Tuesday morning to pick it up. Jerry did get a little bonus -- he had his name embroidered on the front.
Monday was the best day that Cajun Stitchery has had yet. We were busy morning until night. It was wonderful.
Tuesday we came down with a bug of some sort. I'm over it now but George has it. Sore throat, achy body, and totally fatigued. At least for me it was only a 24 hour thing. Hope the same is true for George.
The Junkanoo jackets keep on coming. Yippee! Our friend, Jerry, brought his over on Monday and he and George did the guy bonding thing and before you know it George had to have Jerry's jacket done by the morning. It was done and Jerry was at the house Tuesday morning to pick it up. Jerry did get a little bonus -- he had his name embroidered on the front.
Who dat! If the Saints weren't my team before, they sure are now (they were before, too). We have embroidered the Krewe of Drew and fleur de lis designs on everything.
Those fingerless gloves are also a big hit. Here's a photo of the latest design. I really like the new design with the fabric doubled. It is so soft, comfortable and warm. I am allergic to wool. I doubt you will ever find me sewing or embroidering anything with wool in it. But I also don't like scratchy things on my skin. By scratchy things, that can even mean the feel of harsh thread on the underside of gloves or garments. That's why the new pattern design impresses me so much because there is nothing scratchy on it, just a soft jersey fabric. Sweet.
Sunday, January 10, 2010
Mardi Gras Season Is Here
I just realized that I haven't posted any photographs since December 26th. It's not like we haven't done anything. I've just forgotten to take a lot of photographs. Here are a few of our latest.
There were so many people attending the King Kake Party. It was a wonderful sight. Many more attendance this year than last year. Our new King and Queen were announced, Jim and Courtney Winstead. George and Elaine bowed out as last year's royalty. The band was the Mustard Brothers from New Orleans. They are a really good band. We danced and sold raffle tickets and danced and drank and danced and socialized. It was a blast. I was especially pleased to see a couple of our neighbors in attendance. They weren't a surprise because they brought George. Several krewes were represented at the party, Krewe of Warriors, Krewe of Junkanoo, Krewe of Nauga and Krewe of Seville. Of course, the Krewe of Wrecks was represented because we all belong to our mother krewe on the beach. We left around 6 p.m., came home, ate a bite, and crashed.
The next party is the Moon Pie Party next Friday night at the Sandshaker.
The Krewe of Drew sweatshirt was a real sleeper. Who would have thought that it would be such a hit? I have about 4 more orders to do this week.
Another sleeper were the fingerless gloves/arm warmers. I've made several pair now and have plenty of fabric to make more. With the frigid temperatures lately, these are in demand.
The Krewe of Junkanoo jackets turned out spectacular. We have done 5 so far and I understand more are coming.
Yesterday was the Mystic Krewe of Nereids' Queens Brunch and King Kake Party. All was more than successful. The girls had a marvelous day. First, we met at Paradise Bar & Grill for the brunch. Renee cooked the food which was scrumptous. Several of the honorary girls showed up for a delightful surprise. After brunch, socializing, and numerous toasts, we all headed to the new Krewe Den. This year we have a condo on the Gulf. You cannot get closer to the Gulf of Mexico than our condo. Fabulous view!!!! Again, we all socialized and by 3:00 we headed out to Paradise for the King Kake Party.
There were so many people attending the King Kake Party. It was a wonderful sight. Many more attendance this year than last year. Our new King and Queen were announced, Jim and Courtney Winstead. George and Elaine bowed out as last year's royalty. The band was the Mustard Brothers from New Orleans. They are a really good band. We danced and sold raffle tickets and danced and drank and danced and socialized. It was a blast. I was especially pleased to see a couple of our neighbors in attendance. They weren't a surprise because they brought George. Several krewes were represented at the party, Krewe of Warriors, Krewe of Junkanoo, Krewe of Nauga and Krewe of Seville. Of course, the Krewe of Wrecks was represented because we all belong to our mother krewe on the beach. We left around 6 p.m., came home, ate a bite, and crashed.
The next party is the Moon Pie Party next Friday night at the Sandshaker.
Friday, January 8, 2010
Cajun Corner Vol 1, No 33
Cajun Corner – Vol. 1, No. 33 – JANUARY 8, 2010
Bon Jour! Welcome to Cajun Stitchery’s weekly email and welcome to our family.
ΘΘΘΘΘ
Don’t forget to visit our blog at http://www.cajunstitchery.etsy.com/ often.
Remember my miraculous tomatoes that were producing tomatoes in December? They are gone. It’s cold. Our yard looks like it went into shock. The temperature this week had and has lows into the 20’s most of the week. My dogs are house dogs and go outside to do their business. This week there has been no smelling the roses when they go out. They are out and then in. Baby, it’s cold outside.
Yesterday would have been Mama’s 92nd birthday. Happy Birthday, Mama. My Aunt Philo will turn 91 later this year.
January 2nd was George’s birthday. We had the neighborhood birthday party at a neighbor’s home. These surprise parties really are no longer surprises. We all know they are coming but it is fun to act surprised. The routine is that everyone arrives a half hour before the birthday boy or girl, to prepare. We were to arrive at 5:30. At 5:00 George called our neighbor and said that he’s watching our other neighbors walk to her house with food in hand. The party was, of course, delightful. The neighbor who had family down from Georgia brought them to the party. By the time they left, they were thinking about buying a house in the neighborhood. It has turned into a great place to live.
We finally posted our New Year’s Resolutions on the blog this week. It is going to be a great year with a lot of diversity and fun.
The Mardi Gras season begins today for me. The Krewe has our den and we move in today. Tomorrow is our King Kake Party at Paradise Inn where we crown our new King and Queen and officially open the Mardi Gras season on the beach. If you can, please come out to Paradise Inn tomorrow at 3 p.m. for the party. Tonight we are all putting our raffle baskets together and getting our decorations out of storage.
This week we embroidered jackets for the Krewe of Junkanoo. Hope I remember to post photographs of those jackets. I am proud of the embroidery, not only because it turned out beautiful, but also because I digitized it. We also embroidered and digitized 1st, 2nd and 3rd prize aprons for their Chili Cook Off. Everything turned out great – except that I forgot to take photographs of the aprons. Maybe one of my Junkanoo friends will do that for me. We are working on more of their jackets today.
As I mentioned last week, we are on etsy.com now. I had made a couple of pair of white fingerless gloves a/k/a arm warmers with cute fish embroidered on them. Those two pair were the first and only items on Etsy so far. I keep making more of those gloves and before I can put them on Etsy, they are gone. This past Wednesday night we had two birthday celebrations at our Wednesday night girls gathering and I gave a pair to each of the ladies. They love them. Who would have known they would be so popular? The gloves are made out of jersey a/k/a t-shirt fabric and very comfortable. The nicest thing is since it is jersey, you can throw it in the washer and dryer.
One of the girls mentioned that we need to have a special name for these fingerless gloves, something that says they are a Cajun Stitchery design. I am definitely open to suggestions. The whole glove thing made me remember a story that Mama used to tell me. When Mama, Philo, Odette, and Lillian were little girls they would go to their grandmother’s house. They called their grandmother Landry, Mom. Several of their uncles were young adults at the time and they had a pool table and would play cards and other things upstairs in the house. They did not want the little girls in there. So, Mom would tell the little girls that they could not go through the door (which actually went into the room with the boys) because Madam Grand Doigt would get them. Please forgive my spelling but translated it meant Mrs. Long Fingers. I think this is such a cute story and can picture those little girls scared of Madam Grand Doigt. Interestingly, I have since heard other Cajuns mention Madam Grand Doigt and apparently that was a pretty common story at the time. The best I can figure is that they used Madam Grand Doigt like we do the Boogie Man will get you. Every time I think of those fingerless gloves, for some reason, I think of Madam Grand Doigt. Maybe we should call them Madam Grand Doigt gloves. What do you think?
This week has been so busy that I don’t know if I’m coming or going. George has been downstairs working on the Junkanoo stuff and I’ve been upstairs working on the fingerless gloves. One thing that I wanted to do this week is visit my favorite store – Fabric Outlet in Cantonment. Yesterday, we did just that. We came home with a garbage bag full of fabric. While traveling to the store, I thought of a much better way to make the gloves. It takes more fabric but less time – and they are fully lined which makes them warmer. Last night I tried out my theory and it’s perfect.
While at Fabric Outlet, I also purchased fabric for table runners. I’m getting ready to do my pretty Mardi Gras table now. I also purchased a bunch of fabric that was a good deal. George laughed. He asked what I was going to do with all of that fabric and I was telling him the jersey would be the fingerless gloves, the satiny fabric would be the runners, and the other fabric was a great deal and I had to have it.
Always remember that we are just a call or email away at cajunstitchery@yahoo.com or 850-261-2462 and place your order.
ΘΘΘΘΘ
One day Boudreax and Thibodaux were watching TV. A good commercial about a movie came on and it said, "Coming To A Theatre Near You." Boudreaux looked at Thibodaux and said, "Thib how they know where we live?"
ΘΘΘΘΘ
French phrase of the week: uni (adj.) 1. united. 2. smooth. C'est mieux de danser dessus un plancher qu'est bien uni. (It's better to danse on a floor that is nice and smooth.)
ΘΘΘΘΘ
Many businesses use promotional products that allow people to see what their business is all about. A new idea with these type of products are products that are good for the environment. This includes products that are made from substances that will easily decompose. There are many websites that show all the products that are available that people can use to promote their businesses. (It would also be a good idea to mention to the businesses that you would prefer something eco-friendly to something non-eco-friendly.)
Please let me know if there is something that you would like to see in the weekly email. You may always call me at (850) 261-2462 or email me at cajunstitchery@yahoo.com.
If you are not a subscriber and would like to receive Cajun Corner weekly, please email cajunstitchery@yahoo.com and let me know to put you on our email list.
C’est tout, mes amis
Peggy Henshall
Cajun Stitchery
(850) 261-2462
cajunstitchery@yahoo.com
P.S. You are always welcome to stop by and look at all of the new catalogs and pass some time with me, cher.
Cajun Stitchery
Bon Jour! Welcome to Cajun Stitchery’s weekly email and welcome to our family.
ΘΘΘΘΘ
Don’t forget to visit our blog at http://www.cajunstitchery.etsy.com/ often.
Remember my miraculous tomatoes that were producing tomatoes in December? They are gone. It’s cold. Our yard looks like it went into shock. The temperature this week had and has lows into the 20’s most of the week. My dogs are house dogs and go outside to do their business. This week there has been no smelling the roses when they go out. They are out and then in. Baby, it’s cold outside.
Yesterday would have been Mama’s 92nd birthday. Happy Birthday, Mama. My Aunt Philo will turn 91 later this year.
January 2nd was George’s birthday. We had the neighborhood birthday party at a neighbor’s home. These surprise parties really are no longer surprises. We all know they are coming but it is fun to act surprised. The routine is that everyone arrives a half hour before the birthday boy or girl, to prepare. We were to arrive at 5:30. At 5:00 George called our neighbor and said that he’s watching our other neighbors walk to her house with food in hand. The party was, of course, delightful. The neighbor who had family down from Georgia brought them to the party. By the time they left, they were thinking about buying a house in the neighborhood. It has turned into a great place to live.
We finally posted our New Year’s Resolutions on the blog this week. It is going to be a great year with a lot of diversity and fun.
The Mardi Gras season begins today for me. The Krewe has our den and we move in today. Tomorrow is our King Kake Party at Paradise Inn where we crown our new King and Queen and officially open the Mardi Gras season on the beach. If you can, please come out to Paradise Inn tomorrow at 3 p.m. for the party. Tonight we are all putting our raffle baskets together and getting our decorations out of storage.
This week we embroidered jackets for the Krewe of Junkanoo. Hope I remember to post photographs of those jackets. I am proud of the embroidery, not only because it turned out beautiful, but also because I digitized it. We also embroidered and digitized 1st, 2nd and 3rd prize aprons for their Chili Cook Off. Everything turned out great – except that I forgot to take photographs of the aprons. Maybe one of my Junkanoo friends will do that for me. We are working on more of their jackets today.
As I mentioned last week, we are on etsy.com now. I had made a couple of pair of white fingerless gloves a/k/a arm warmers with cute fish embroidered on them. Those two pair were the first and only items on Etsy so far. I keep making more of those gloves and before I can put them on Etsy, they are gone. This past Wednesday night we had two birthday celebrations at our Wednesday night girls gathering and I gave a pair to each of the ladies. They love them. Who would have known they would be so popular? The gloves are made out of jersey a/k/a t-shirt fabric and very comfortable. The nicest thing is since it is jersey, you can throw it in the washer and dryer.
One of the girls mentioned that we need to have a special name for these fingerless gloves, something that says they are a Cajun Stitchery design. I am definitely open to suggestions. The whole glove thing made me remember a story that Mama used to tell me. When Mama, Philo, Odette, and Lillian were little girls they would go to their grandmother’s house. They called their grandmother Landry, Mom. Several of their uncles were young adults at the time and they had a pool table and would play cards and other things upstairs in the house. They did not want the little girls in there. So, Mom would tell the little girls that they could not go through the door (which actually went into the room with the boys) because Madam Grand Doigt would get them. Please forgive my spelling but translated it meant Mrs. Long Fingers. I think this is such a cute story and can picture those little girls scared of Madam Grand Doigt. Interestingly, I have since heard other Cajuns mention Madam Grand Doigt and apparently that was a pretty common story at the time. The best I can figure is that they used Madam Grand Doigt like we do the Boogie Man will get you. Every time I think of those fingerless gloves, for some reason, I think of Madam Grand Doigt. Maybe we should call them Madam Grand Doigt gloves. What do you think?
This week has been so busy that I don’t know if I’m coming or going. George has been downstairs working on the Junkanoo stuff and I’ve been upstairs working on the fingerless gloves. One thing that I wanted to do this week is visit my favorite store – Fabric Outlet in Cantonment. Yesterday, we did just that. We came home with a garbage bag full of fabric. While traveling to the store, I thought of a much better way to make the gloves. It takes more fabric but less time – and they are fully lined which makes them warmer. Last night I tried out my theory and it’s perfect.
While at Fabric Outlet, I also purchased fabric for table runners. I’m getting ready to do my pretty Mardi Gras table now. I also purchased a bunch of fabric that was a good deal. George laughed. He asked what I was going to do with all of that fabric and I was telling him the jersey would be the fingerless gloves, the satiny fabric would be the runners, and the other fabric was a great deal and I had to have it.
Always remember that we are just a call or email away at cajunstitchery@yahoo.com or 850-261-2462 and place your order.
ΘΘΘΘΘ
One day Boudreax and Thibodaux were watching TV. A good commercial about a movie came on and it said, "Coming To A Theatre Near You." Boudreaux looked at Thibodaux and said, "Thib how they know where we live?"
ΘΘΘΘΘ
French phrase of the week: uni (adj.) 1. united. 2. smooth. C'est mieux de danser dessus un plancher qu'est bien uni. (It's better to danse on a floor that is nice and smooth.)
ΘΘΘΘΘ
Many businesses use promotional products that allow people to see what their business is all about. A new idea with these type of products are products that are good for the environment. This includes products that are made from substances that will easily decompose. There are many websites that show all the products that are available that people can use to promote their businesses. (It would also be a good idea to mention to the businesses that you would prefer something eco-friendly to something non-eco-friendly.)
Please let me know if there is something that you would like to see in the weekly email. You may always call me at (850) 261-2462 or email me at cajunstitchery@yahoo.com.
If you are not a subscriber and would like to receive Cajun Corner weekly, please email cajunstitchery@yahoo.com and let me know to put you on our email list.
C’est tout, mes amis
Peggy Henshall
Cajun Stitchery
(850) 261-2462
cajunstitchery@yahoo.com
P.S. You are always welcome to stop by and look at all of the new catalogs and pass some time with me, cher.
Cajun Stitchery
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
Cajun Stitchery's 2010 New Year's Resolutions
It's a new year and we are back to work. The theme is now Mardi Gras! Unbelieveable, it's here again. The Christmas lights and decor are put away and now I'm planning on Mardi Gras decor. Purple, green and gold everywhere. I liked the Christmas table so much that I want to decorate a Mardi Gras table. Darn! I should have gotten the gold chargers when I got the red ones.
Now that I have the Etsy website I have one pitiful post on there. I need to fancy that site up and put more stuff on there. The handmade part of Cajun Stitchery is going to appease my creative spirit. I know, I know. The embroidery work is handmade, too. But the stuff I plan on putting on Etsy is not embroidery on ready made goods. It's goods that I've made. I've even entertained the thought of doing some papier mache. I love doing papier mache. It's so foreign to fabric. It's a real diversity and diversity is a good thing.
Reflecting on last year, we sure did a lot of stuff. We learned so much about many things, usually by making big mistakes that made us learn. We purchased the Quicken program and learned. We purchased the digitizing program and learned. We sought professional advice from our wonderful business consultant. We met a lot of wonderful people. Oh, I hope we keep meeting more and more people. And I sure need to get back to my Women's Business Luncheons. We came from my mother passing away, me losing my job and our dog dying, all the way to owning a very viable business doing something that I love to do. Wow!
The hardest part has been managing my time. I was so used to arriving at work at a specific time and leaving at a specific time. I was very scheduled and regulated. There was no running around during the day because I was at work. Now we do open at 8:30 a.m. and close at 5:00 p.m., but unless we are expecting a customer, I may be in my PJ's until 10 a.m. and if we have to finish a job, we may be burning the midnight oil to get it done. If I have something to do for the Krewe, for instance, I can now schedule my days around the event. If we want to go to, let's say, the Possum Festival, then we make sure our work is done and schedule a day off. Ah, but that's a two edged sword. I can get very carried away with taking time off to play. Luckily, with my trusty cell phone, I never need to miss a call. If I do miss a call, it's returned shortly. I'm also able to take my laptop wherever I go. We have laughed because my office is the laptop and a Wal-Mart bag that contains the paperwork of the business. Everything is online or at least on the computer. Sadly, we cannot carry Doris and Boudreaux around with us.
The next hardest thing has been sales. As a paralegal, our customers/clients came to us. Customers do not come to a retail establishment unless you go out and get them. That means that someone needs to be out having lunch and meeting with people, socializing at parties with people, getting our embroidery out there for people to see. That someone is me and it's not easy doing the sales end, the office end, and finding time to do the sewing, too. I am blessed to have a husband who is truly my right hand and my heart. He let's me do what I want and has learned to run Boudreaux as well as I do. In fact, this past year I have watched George take Boudreaux apart and put him back together again. I can take care of the business end while he is filling orders. Insofar as the sales, it also doesn't hurt to have the friends that I have. My friends are my sales team. My friends love our work and are constantly testing me with new ideas. Best of all, they are out there telling anyone who will listen about Cajun Stitchery. We are truly blessed.
This year Cajun Stitchery needs to learn more about websites and enhance the Etsy site and the cajunstitchery.com site. We need to fill in any slots in our day when the machine isn't humming with creative work that we can sell on Etsy or at the festival in the fall. As funny as it may sound, we need to be more active, going out to parties and festivals, seeing what's new out there, what sells, and getting to know more and more people. We also need to continue donating our items to various raffles and community groups. So, there it is. Cajun Stitchery's 2010 New Year's Resolutions.
As for me, same old resolutions that I make each year: stop smoking and lose weight.
Now that I have the Etsy website I have one pitiful post on there. I need to fancy that site up and put more stuff on there. The handmade part of Cajun Stitchery is going to appease my creative spirit. I know, I know. The embroidery work is handmade, too. But the stuff I plan on putting on Etsy is not embroidery on ready made goods. It's goods that I've made. I've even entertained the thought of doing some papier mache. I love doing papier mache. It's so foreign to fabric. It's a real diversity and diversity is a good thing.
Reflecting on last year, we sure did a lot of stuff. We learned so much about many things, usually by making big mistakes that made us learn. We purchased the Quicken program and learned. We purchased the digitizing program and learned. We sought professional advice from our wonderful business consultant. We met a lot of wonderful people. Oh, I hope we keep meeting more and more people. And I sure need to get back to my Women's Business Luncheons. We came from my mother passing away, me losing my job and our dog dying, all the way to owning a very viable business doing something that I love to do. Wow!
The hardest part has been managing my time. I was so used to arriving at work at a specific time and leaving at a specific time. I was very scheduled and regulated. There was no running around during the day because I was at work. Now we do open at 8:30 a.m. and close at 5:00 p.m., but unless we are expecting a customer, I may be in my PJ's until 10 a.m. and if we have to finish a job, we may be burning the midnight oil to get it done. If I have something to do for the Krewe, for instance, I can now schedule my days around the event. If we want to go to, let's say, the Possum Festival, then we make sure our work is done and schedule a day off. Ah, but that's a two edged sword. I can get very carried away with taking time off to play. Luckily, with my trusty cell phone, I never need to miss a call. If I do miss a call, it's returned shortly. I'm also able to take my laptop wherever I go. We have laughed because my office is the laptop and a Wal-Mart bag that contains the paperwork of the business. Everything is online or at least on the computer. Sadly, we cannot carry Doris and Boudreaux around with us.
The next hardest thing has been sales. As a paralegal, our customers/clients came to us. Customers do not come to a retail establishment unless you go out and get them. That means that someone needs to be out having lunch and meeting with people, socializing at parties with people, getting our embroidery out there for people to see. That someone is me and it's not easy doing the sales end, the office end, and finding time to do the sewing, too. I am blessed to have a husband who is truly my right hand and my heart. He let's me do what I want and has learned to run Boudreaux as well as I do. In fact, this past year I have watched George take Boudreaux apart and put him back together again. I can take care of the business end while he is filling orders. Insofar as the sales, it also doesn't hurt to have the friends that I have. My friends are my sales team. My friends love our work and are constantly testing me with new ideas. Best of all, they are out there telling anyone who will listen about Cajun Stitchery. We are truly blessed.
This year Cajun Stitchery needs to learn more about websites and enhance the Etsy site and the cajunstitchery.com site. We need to fill in any slots in our day when the machine isn't humming with creative work that we can sell on Etsy or at the festival in the fall. As funny as it may sound, we need to be more active, going out to parties and festivals, seeing what's new out there, what sells, and getting to know more and more people. We also need to continue donating our items to various raffles and community groups. So, there it is. Cajun Stitchery's 2010 New Year's Resolutions.
As for me, same old resolutions that I make each year: stop smoking and lose weight.
Saturday, January 2, 2010
Cajun Corner - Vol. 1, No. 32
Cajun Corner – Vol. 1, No. 32 – JANUARY 2, 2010
Bon Jour! Welcome to Cajun Stitchery’s weekly email and welcome to our family.
ΘΘΘΘΘ
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
Another exciting, holiday week has come and gone. Well, almost gone. Today is George’s birthday. Our holidays always get this extra special day at the end.
I do hope everyone had a wonderful New Year’s Day and Eve and that everyone was safe. We usually don’t go out on New Year’s Eve but this year was an exception. We attended the “Old Farts New Year’s Eve Party” at the Islander Bar on Pensacola Beach. It was very casual but so much fun. The party is, of course, on New Year’s Eve but the time of the party is 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. The younger set starts coming in after 8:00. After the Old Farts party we came home and the neighborhood got together around our chiminea. One of our neighbor’s daughter and son-in-law had driven down from Georgia to spend the weekend. They are a delightful young couple. Around 11:00 the group, minus George and me, went downtown for the Pelican Drop at midnight. George and I enjoyed ourselves and welcomed in the New Year together at home. Afterwards, the group returned and we partied by the chiminea until 3:00 a.m. One of the group brought his guitar and we all sang. Some of us were very off key but who cares, we were having a ball. I think we literally partied until we dropped.
Yesterday was New Years Day and I didn’t awake until 11 a.m. I was moving so slow that at 3 p.m. I was still in my pajamas. George had the sniffles and I hope he is not coming down with a cold. But I wouldn’t be surprised if he was, since we were out in the cold night air the evening before. While everyone had gone to the Pelican Drop, I had begun cooking the ham for New Years Day. There really wasn’t too much to do to cook on New Year’s Day. The black eyed peas, cornbread and fruit salad were pretty simple. George stayed home while I brought dinner to my next door neighbor. After dinner we visited other neighbors and had another lovely evening. I was home by 8 p.m. and immediately went to sleep. My whole sleep schedule is now off sync.
If you don’t know by now, George and I are on Facebook. Initially, I got on Facebook for the business. As time has gone by, I have discovered that Facebook really is a great place to meet people and stay in touch. Most of our family, including extended family, is on Facebook and we are all in touch with each other. You just type in what you are doing or thinking every once in awhile. At first, I was just asking people that I know to be friends on Facebook. As time has gone by, I ask just about everyone. I usually link the blog to Facebook when I’ve written something and I think it’s a good advertisement for Cajun Stitchery. What I have found is that I’m making real friends. Many of the beach people that I’ve met on Facebook, I end up meeting in person at the various beach gatherings.
One of my nieces has been telling me for a long time to put my wares on Etsy.com. I don’t know why I avoided doing that but I did it this week. I read an article a few days ago about the success of Etsy and was pretty impressed. Etsy, for those of you who are not familiar with that site, is a website that sells everything handmade. It’s comprised of mostly individuals, rather than companies. I found Etsy awhile back when I did a search and found their tutorial on fusing plastic bags to make a thicker plastic that can be sewn. They have great tutorials. Most of the handmade items are done by younger people and have a real artsy flare to them. After reading the do’s and don’ts, I found that whatever I put on Etsy must be handmade by me. There are others on there who do machine embroidery, so, I’m good to go on that. However, they make it pretty clear that if you place something on Etsy for sale, you cannot send the customer to your own website to purchase the item. They feel that would be fee avoidance. So, if you see it on Etsy made by me, then that is the only place that item will be sold. However, if I made one, I should be able to make another, and can sell the other anyplace I want. Right now I have arm warmers a/k/a fingerless gloves on Etsy. I do need to put more on there. Nevertheless, Etsy is good advertisement for Cajun Stitchery since that is my name on Etsy, as well. In fact, if you go to www.cajunstitchery.etsy.com you will be at my page on Etsy. I need to get back to it and pretty up the page but right now, I’m just happy it’s there.
The advent of Cajun Stitchery on Etsy made us decide that Cajun Stitchery will now be two pronged. The first venue, of course, is the machine embroidery on ready made items. The second venue is going to be handmade items. We are diversifying.
Our Christmas table is so pretty that I hate to take the pretty napkins, runner and all off. In fact, last Monday some of the ladies in the neighborhood took a “Ladies Day Out” and went to Destin to shop and browse the sales. I found a set of Christmas tree ornaments in the shape of a circle, brought them home and am using them as napkin rings for the Christmas table. They work perfectly. There are so many things that can be used as napkin rings. One of the cutest napkin rings that I’ve seen was made from a ponytail holder. Take the plain, elastic ponytail holder and glue a silk flower or something decorative to it. Voila! Napkin ring. Another idea is the decorative pipe cleaners. Just take a pipe cleaner and bend it into a circle, secure the ends and glue a silk flower or something decorative to it.
On our Ladies Day Out, I also found some placemats upon which we can embroider. I have 10 in white and 10 in gold. So, if anyone is interested in the placemats let me know. They are $7 each or a set of 4 for $25.00, plus tax in Florida and shipping, if required. The placemats are difficult to find wholesale and for a decent price, so I pick them up when I find a good sale. Maybe I’ll start making them again. I could put them on Etsy.
Resolutions? Well, we actually haven’t made it that far yet. Too much partying but it is time to get back to business. There are so many things that Cajun Stitchery can do. The problem is determining what YOU want. Cajun Stitchery is, after all, about YOU.
• Are you having a special dinner party and need a beautiful table? We can get the tablecloths, runners, napkins, placemats, and even the chair covers and embroider your name, initials or whatever you like on them.
• How about your guest bathroom? We can get the towels and wash cloths and personalize to your liking.
• Is your kitchen out dated? We can get you the towels, aprons, and pot holders and embellish with the latest designs and colors.
• Are your bed linens getting old or out dated? We can get you the sheets, blankets, comforters, and pillow cases and embroider a variety of heirloom designs.
• Do you want that real professional look? Your initial embroidered on your sleeve cuff or corner of the collar of your dress shirt says you are a professional. Ladies don’t forget that your initial(s) can also be placed on a scarf or most book covers.
• What about handkerchiefs? This old standard is coming back en vogue. Men’s handkerchiefs should have their initials in the corner. Remember the beautiful, dainty, ladies handkerchiefs?
All of our projects can be seen on our blog at www.cajunstitchery.blogspot.com.
Always remember that we are just a call or email away at cajunstitchery@yahoo.com or 850-261-2462 and place your order.
ΘΘΘΘΘ
I've got some bad news. There will be no more Boudreaux & Thibodeaux jokes. Boudreaux passed away and left a will. He wanted to be buried at sea. Thibodeaux drowned trying to dig his grave.
ΘΘΘΘΘ
French phrase of the week: tante (n.f.) aunt. petite tante/ti-tante aunt who is close in age to at least some of her nieces and nephews.
ΘΘΘΘΘ
Here’s one that I have not heard before:
Taken from: http://www.ecologyfund.com/ecology/res_tips.html
Keep cats indoors:
Domestic cats kill over one billion small birds and animals every year (1 outdoor cat averages 40 kills per year). They upset natural predator/prey balances and eliminate ground nesting birds.
Please let me know if there is something that you would like to see in the weekly email. You may always call me at (850) 261-2462 or email me at cajunstitchery@yahoo.com.
If you are not a subscriber and would like to receive Cajun Corner weekly, please email cajunstitchery@yahoo.com and let me know to put you on our email list.
C’est tout, mes amis
Peggy Henshall
Cajun Stitchery
(850) 261-2462
cajunstitchery@yahoo.com
P.S. You are always welcome to stop by and look at all of the new catalogs and pass some time with me, cher.
Bon Jour! Welcome to Cajun Stitchery’s weekly email and welcome to our family.
ΘΘΘΘΘ
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
Another exciting, holiday week has come and gone. Well, almost gone. Today is George’s birthday. Our holidays always get this extra special day at the end.
I do hope everyone had a wonderful New Year’s Day and Eve and that everyone was safe. We usually don’t go out on New Year’s Eve but this year was an exception. We attended the “Old Farts New Year’s Eve Party” at the Islander Bar on Pensacola Beach. It was very casual but so much fun. The party is, of course, on New Year’s Eve but the time of the party is 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. The younger set starts coming in after 8:00. After the Old Farts party we came home and the neighborhood got together around our chiminea. One of our neighbor’s daughter and son-in-law had driven down from Georgia to spend the weekend. They are a delightful young couple. Around 11:00 the group, minus George and me, went downtown for the Pelican Drop at midnight. George and I enjoyed ourselves and welcomed in the New Year together at home. Afterwards, the group returned and we partied by the chiminea until 3:00 a.m. One of the group brought his guitar and we all sang. Some of us were very off key but who cares, we were having a ball. I think we literally partied until we dropped.
Yesterday was New Years Day and I didn’t awake until 11 a.m. I was moving so slow that at 3 p.m. I was still in my pajamas. George had the sniffles and I hope he is not coming down with a cold. But I wouldn’t be surprised if he was, since we were out in the cold night air the evening before. While everyone had gone to the Pelican Drop, I had begun cooking the ham for New Years Day. There really wasn’t too much to do to cook on New Year’s Day. The black eyed peas, cornbread and fruit salad were pretty simple. George stayed home while I brought dinner to my next door neighbor. After dinner we visited other neighbors and had another lovely evening. I was home by 8 p.m. and immediately went to sleep. My whole sleep schedule is now off sync.
If you don’t know by now, George and I are on Facebook. Initially, I got on Facebook for the business. As time has gone by, I have discovered that Facebook really is a great place to meet people and stay in touch. Most of our family, including extended family, is on Facebook and we are all in touch with each other. You just type in what you are doing or thinking every once in awhile. At first, I was just asking people that I know to be friends on Facebook. As time has gone by, I ask just about everyone. I usually link the blog to Facebook when I’ve written something and I think it’s a good advertisement for Cajun Stitchery. What I have found is that I’m making real friends. Many of the beach people that I’ve met on Facebook, I end up meeting in person at the various beach gatherings.
One of my nieces has been telling me for a long time to put my wares on Etsy.com. I don’t know why I avoided doing that but I did it this week. I read an article a few days ago about the success of Etsy and was pretty impressed. Etsy, for those of you who are not familiar with that site, is a website that sells everything handmade. It’s comprised of mostly individuals, rather than companies. I found Etsy awhile back when I did a search and found their tutorial on fusing plastic bags to make a thicker plastic that can be sewn. They have great tutorials. Most of the handmade items are done by younger people and have a real artsy flare to them. After reading the do’s and don’ts, I found that whatever I put on Etsy must be handmade by me. There are others on there who do machine embroidery, so, I’m good to go on that. However, they make it pretty clear that if you place something on Etsy for sale, you cannot send the customer to your own website to purchase the item. They feel that would be fee avoidance. So, if you see it on Etsy made by me, then that is the only place that item will be sold. However, if I made one, I should be able to make another, and can sell the other anyplace I want. Right now I have arm warmers a/k/a fingerless gloves on Etsy. I do need to put more on there. Nevertheless, Etsy is good advertisement for Cajun Stitchery since that is my name on Etsy, as well. In fact, if you go to www.cajunstitchery.etsy.com you will be at my page on Etsy. I need to get back to it and pretty up the page but right now, I’m just happy it’s there.
The advent of Cajun Stitchery on Etsy made us decide that Cajun Stitchery will now be two pronged. The first venue, of course, is the machine embroidery on ready made items. The second venue is going to be handmade items. We are diversifying.
Our Christmas table is so pretty that I hate to take the pretty napkins, runner and all off. In fact, last Monday some of the ladies in the neighborhood took a “Ladies Day Out” and went to Destin to shop and browse the sales. I found a set of Christmas tree ornaments in the shape of a circle, brought them home and am using them as napkin rings for the Christmas table. They work perfectly. There are so many things that can be used as napkin rings. One of the cutest napkin rings that I’ve seen was made from a ponytail holder. Take the plain, elastic ponytail holder and glue a silk flower or something decorative to it. Voila! Napkin ring. Another idea is the decorative pipe cleaners. Just take a pipe cleaner and bend it into a circle, secure the ends and glue a silk flower or something decorative to it.
On our Ladies Day Out, I also found some placemats upon which we can embroider. I have 10 in white and 10 in gold. So, if anyone is interested in the placemats let me know. They are $7 each or a set of 4 for $25.00, plus tax in Florida and shipping, if required. The placemats are difficult to find wholesale and for a decent price, so I pick them up when I find a good sale. Maybe I’ll start making them again. I could put them on Etsy.
Resolutions? Well, we actually haven’t made it that far yet. Too much partying but it is time to get back to business. There are so many things that Cajun Stitchery can do. The problem is determining what YOU want. Cajun Stitchery is, after all, about YOU.
• Are you having a special dinner party and need a beautiful table? We can get the tablecloths, runners, napkins, placemats, and even the chair covers and embroider your name, initials or whatever you like on them.
• How about your guest bathroom? We can get the towels and wash cloths and personalize to your liking.
• Is your kitchen out dated? We can get you the towels, aprons, and pot holders and embellish with the latest designs and colors.
• Are your bed linens getting old or out dated? We can get you the sheets, blankets, comforters, and pillow cases and embroider a variety of heirloom designs.
• Do you want that real professional look? Your initial embroidered on your sleeve cuff or corner of the collar of your dress shirt says you are a professional. Ladies don’t forget that your initial(s) can also be placed on a scarf or most book covers.
• What about handkerchiefs? This old standard is coming back en vogue. Men’s handkerchiefs should have their initials in the corner. Remember the beautiful, dainty, ladies handkerchiefs?
All of our projects can be seen on our blog at www.cajunstitchery.blogspot.com.
Always remember that we are just a call or email away at cajunstitchery@yahoo.com or 850-261-2462 and place your order.
ΘΘΘΘΘ
I've got some bad news. There will be no more Boudreaux & Thibodeaux jokes. Boudreaux passed away and left a will. He wanted to be buried at sea. Thibodeaux drowned trying to dig his grave.
ΘΘΘΘΘ
French phrase of the week: tante (n.f.) aunt. petite tante/ti-tante aunt who is close in age to at least some of her nieces and nephews.
ΘΘΘΘΘ
Here’s one that I have not heard before:
Taken from: http://www.ecologyfund.com/ecology/res_tips.html
Keep cats indoors:
Domestic cats kill over one billion small birds and animals every year (1 outdoor cat averages 40 kills per year). They upset natural predator/prey balances and eliminate ground nesting birds.
Please let me know if there is something that you would like to see in the weekly email. You may always call me at (850) 261-2462 or email me at cajunstitchery@yahoo.com.
If you are not a subscriber and would like to receive Cajun Corner weekly, please email cajunstitchery@yahoo.com and let me know to put you on our email list.
C’est tout, mes amis
Peggy Henshall
Cajun Stitchery
(850) 261-2462
cajunstitchery@yahoo.com
P.S. You are always welcome to stop by and look at all of the new catalogs and pass some time with me, cher.
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