Happy St. Patrick's Day

Happy St. Patrick's Day.  I hope everyone wore their green today.

The cute little fanny pack and the garden tool bag were a hit.  Look at our last post for photographs of these items.  One lady wanted the garden tool bag but wanted it in a different color.  It only comes in blue.  It is so cute that I'm seriously thinking about making some to sell on Etsy.  Keep an eye out at our etsy shop http://www.cajunstitchery.etsy.com/. 

This Exfoliating Bath Mitt comes in several colors, as seen in the photograph.  We are able to stitch a small design on these, including a name or initials.  I don't have one with embroidery to show you.  They have a rough texture for exfoliating.  The only way I know of describing it is a soft rough texture.  It is certainly not like a steel wool kind of rough.  The colors are all in pastels and would look lovely for a nice Spring or Easter gift of bath luxuries with some nice soaps, bubble bath, a pretty matching towel and the like.  In fact, I kept one for myself and plan to use it for all of our scrap soap pieces.  Just put the too small bars of soap in there (rather than tossing them in the garbage) and use this bath mitt to bathe or shower.  Perfect!

We've been working on a couple of dog harnesses for little dogs, Tatu and Smoochy.  The customer works at a local law firm, Michels & Booth, and provided the ready made harnesses.  I digitized the logo, names, and the motto "Don't Be A VictimTwice."  With the embroidery machine, we did the buttonholes and used the sewing machine to sew in the buttons and "D" ring.  Each harness took 6 hoopings.  I think they turned out cute.  Here is another item that appears simple to make and may appear in our Etsy store.

Until next time, cher.

The Outcome of A Shopping Adventure

Okay.  Before we even start this post, I apologize for the quality of some of these pictures.  I am not a photographer.

If you read this past Cajun Corner, then you know that I have been trying to come up with an alternative to metallic thread.  Bottom line is that metallic thread embroidery will cost you more whether from Cajun Stitchery or anyplace else.  There are various reasons for this but simply put, metallic thread is really made from metal and the up and down motion of the embroidery machine causes friction, which causes the thread to break.  So, as an embroiderer, you have to slow the machine down to a crawl.  Time is money and if it takes more time to work with metallic thread, then the cost will be more.

All of this said, we started wondering if gold, shiny thread could give the illusion of metallic.  Since we purchase our thread from a mill in North Carolina and the mill offers five shades of whatever color you want, we ordered five shades of non-metallic gold thread.  Holding the spools of thread next to each other, they were dead on with the color.  But, alas, as you can see, stitched out there is a difference.  It is the same shade of gold, only one is metallic and the other not.  That's not to say the non-metallic gold isn't beautiful.  It is. 

The little bag that I used for our metallic vs. non-metallic gold experiment is adorable.  This little bag has pockets on the outside, around the front with an elastic cord above the pockets.  The purported use of the little bag is for gardening.  Put your scissors or spade or whatever in the outside pockets.  The elastic cord holds the handles so they don't fall out.  Then you have additional space on the inside of the bag.  The handles are a light webbing fabric.  I saw those little bags and just had to have one. 

The first idea that came to mind was to use this bag as a substitute for plastic Easter baskets.  The bags are constructed with the recycled fabric like the Wal-Mart bags.  Who wouldn't want to wake up Easter morning with this little basket filled with gardening utensils, seeds, and other garden paraphenalia?  Taken on another vein, think of Easter grass in the center (let's try to use strips of paper rather than that plastic grass) with the usual goodies, chocolate Easter bunnies, Peeps, jelly beans, and maybe a beautifully colored boiled egg in each pocket.  The person's name could even be embroidered on the back side or around the rim.  The pockets would be so cute to place little stuffed bunnies.  Consider this bag as a make-up bag.  Another idea would be to put your napkins, salt and pepper shakers, perhaps your plastic (preferably the real thing, rather than plastic) knives and forks, and anything else that would fit for a picnic.  If you hang your clothes outside to dry, this would make a great clothes pin carrier. 

When I purchased the bag I was really hoping to be able to embroider on the pockets, but they are too small to hoop.  As you can see there is no problem embroidering around the top edge or even on the back side.  I just think these bags are adorable.  If you are interested, place an order for your bag in time for Easter.  There is a caveat, however:  if you want the bags, let me know now so that I can find them again.  They are only available as long as I can locate the local supply.  We will be glad to sell them with an embroidered name on the back for $7.00, plus tax and/or shipping.  If enough people think they are as darling as I do, I may consider making them myself.

I forgot to take pictures of the latest pillowcases.  They were beautiful.  Hopefully, I will visit the recipient of the pillowcases this week and, as long as I remember to bring my camera, I'll take photos.  In the meantime, I did take photographs of the sample design that we embroidered.  This design was on the 3" hem of the pillowcases on each side with the name in the middle.  They are very "heirloom."  This not only makes a wonderful gift for most occasions, but consider getting a set for yourself to pass onto your children, or to include in a Hope Chest.

While shopping I found this cute fanny pack.  I've never had a fanny pack in my life.  I've always avoided them because they would draw attention to my large fanny.  On the other hand, there are numerous times when I would prefer not to carry a purse but still have someplace to put my cell phone, money, keys, driver's license, etc.  I bit the bullet and purchased this cute fanny pack.  Of course, fanny packs are small intentionally but we still could put some cute small designs and even my name on this one.  It has two zippered pockets.  One is a small zippered pocket that could hold your  money or credit card.  The other is larger and can hold cell phones, keys, and other items.

Same caveat for the fanny pack as for the cute garden tote, above.  Cajun Stitchery will sell the fanny pack with embroidered name or initials for $7.00 plus tax and/or shipping as long as we can find them, again.

The last item that I want to share today is a 6-pack tote.  This tote is extremely light weight and insulated.  There have been articles written on embroidery on insulated or water proof items.  Embroidery perforates with stitches and at those points can allow moisture in on water proof things or release the heat or cold on insulated items.  To overcome these shortcomings, the back of the embroidery needs to be covered with glue.

This is the type of cooler that I used to use for my lunch at work.  They are the size of a 6-pack with room to put a little ice, if you like.  What I really liked about the one I had was that when they are empty, they fold up and can be stored anywhere.  I would fold it up and put it in my purse after lunch.

Have your name embroidered on it so everyone will know that it belongs to you.  All sides, including top and bottom can be embroidered on this cooler.  Just remember to cover the inside of the embroidery with glue, let dry, and you are ready to go.  The carrying strap is made of nylon webbing.  This would also make a darling Easter basket.  Fill with Easter grass and put chocolate bunnies, eggs and whatever you like in it.  Wrap it in cellophane with a beautiful bow and this would make a lovely Easter basket.  We have tons of stock designs, including Easter designs, which would look lovely on this bag.  Today must be $7.00 day.  This item, with your name or initials embroidered is $7.00 plus tax and/or shipping.

Have a wonderful day, cher!

Cajun Corner, Vol. 2, No. 10

Cajun Corner – Vol. 2, No. 10 – March 13, 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.

Cajun Stitchery’s first anniversary has been wonderful and still ongoing. Our terrific neighbors presented Cajun Stitchery with a congratulations card and a bottle of wine. Woohoo! We are not getting as much participation in the contests as anticipated. I guess I have a lot to learn about contests.

This week’s contest winner is Judy Loignon. Judy won a set for 4 napkins with the embroidery of her choice. Judy says what she likes most about Cajun Stitchery is the personal service. She likes the fact that we will work with our customers to create the perfect design. Thank you, Judy, for such kind words and input.

This week’s contest: This week Cajun Stitchery would like to know some eco-friendly ideas. Doesn’t have to be an essay but you are welcome to do so. The winner will be announced next week in Cajun Corner. Prize: 4 embroidered napkins.

This past week we have been working on Junkanoo jackets. Queen Junkanoo Leigh Weaver gave her gift to the krewe by hiring Cajun Stitchery to embroider the krewe’s first names on their jackets. Things were going just fine until we hit the ones that had glued patches over the pocket where the embroidery should go. A friend of ours introduced us to Goof-Off. Apparently, we are the last people around not to know about Goof-Off. This stuff will take glue off of fabric, remove dried latex paint, lipstick, oil, and just about anything. We tried it and it worked on the glued patches; although, some of the color came off of the sequins, but not too much. Later in the week, we were working on a Nereid jacket and the hood slipped under the sash and got grease on it. Not a problem. That Goof-Off got the grease out instantly. This is really good stuff and I’m happy to keep it in our supply cabinet for those unexpected times.

I embroidered the pillowcases and they turned out more than fabulous. You know what I forgot to do? That’s right. I forgot to take photographs of the pillowcases. This forgetting thing is really getting on my last nerve. All is well that ends well and if I can remember to bring my camera next Wednesday, I can take photographs of the pillowcases. I really want those pillowcases to have the look and quality of heirloom. These pillowcases and the designs really captured that heirloom feeling. It is funny because the girls were looking at the pillowcases and immediately started talking about the heirloom pillowcases that have been handed down in their own families and what to do with them when the fabric gets old and unusable.

I am now thinking about putting together hope chests for my two granddaughters. More research will be needed because I have questions. If you put a hope chest together, you cannot use the married name because you don’t know what it will be. Do you use the first name only? You also don’t know what size bed they will have. In the olden days, they had either a twin or double bed, but now we have queen and king size, as well. What size sheets do you use? What if she never gets married? Does she still get a hope chest? If not, isn’t that unfair? If so, when do you give the hope chest because you may be giving it prematurely? If anyone knows the proper etiquette for a hope chest, please send me an email. I would love to know.

George has been busy working on our ceilings this week. He is scrapping the popcorn ceilings and plans to repaint them without the popcorn. This, of course, got us into the mood to redecorate. Here’s the thing. We love our little home and the colors are perfect the way they are. I guess we just need fresh paint and a real good spring cleaning. Maybe I’ll make some new curtains and chair covers.

Oh, oh, oh. You know the issue about metallic thread? Most embroiderers don’t like to use metallic thread because of the problems posed. You have to slow the machine to a crawl, loosen the tension, and pray a lot. All of this is because metallic thread is actually made from metal. The up and down movement of the needle, plus the metallic thread going through the eye of the needle causes friction and then thread breaks. If an embroiderer even offers metallic thread, the price will be higher than normal because the time consumed in the embroidery will be so much more than using other, non-metallic, thread.

The normal thread that we use is very shiny but not metallic. We purchase our thread direct from a mill in Gastonia, NC. Usually we purchase five shades of whatever color we get. The mill is able to provide any color you want. We started wondering if we purchased five shades of gold, how close would that look to the metallic gold thread? Well, we ordered five shades of gold and a new spool of gold metallic thread. We were elated to find the identical color to the metallic gold. We can now offer the gold non-metallic at the same price as any other embroidery. Metallic gold is always available, but at a higher price.

It is tax season. If you knew my Mama, you would know that she prided herself on doing her own taxes and she chided me the few times that I did not do my own taxes. She passed away when she was almost 91 years old and had done her own taxes even that last year. She told me that when she first purchased the apartments that she did hire someone to do her taxes and then used those as a guideline for herself for the years afterwards.

I have a different take on the tax thing. I feel that I’m intelligent enough to read through the guidelines and do my own taxes, if I wanted or needed. But there are advantages to having a professional do your taxes. Obviously, a professional will be up-to-date on the tax laws and you are assured not to miss any tax breaks available. As a business owner, I know other people could do their own embroidery, but I would hope they look at Cajun Stitchery as giving a professional look to the embroidery as well as doing the things that a home embroiderer either could not or would not do. That’s how I feel about tax returns. In addition and depending on who does your taxes, you get a lot of valuable financial information.

All of that said, Cajun Stitchery has a new member to its team: Dale Jones, CPA/Accountant and new franchise owner of Padgett’s Business Services. Dale and I met at a Woman’s Business Luncheon and hit it off right away. We had lunch together earlier this week to discuss doing Cajun Stitchery’s taxes. She was hired right away. Her prices are reasonable and she understands small business very well. Best of all, she understood me, where I want Cajun Stitchery to go and what I want it to do.

I guess you noticed that Cajun Corner is a day late this week. I spent all day yesterday with our assistant county commissioner and Code Enforcement officers cleaning up the neighborhood. Then last night we spent the evening next door with the neighbors and one last hoorah with our friends from Pennsylvania. They returned home this morning.

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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Thanks to Helen for this week’s joke:

Beau Jocques and Fernest are quietly sitting in a boat fishing on the bayou,

chewing tobacco and drinking beer when suddenly Beau Jocques says,

"I think I'm gonna divorce my wife - she ain't spoke to

me in over 2 months."

Fernest spits, sips his beer and says, "Better think it over...

Women like that are hard to find."

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French phrase of the week: La boutique appartenait à Peggy Henshall. (The store belonged to Peggy Henshall.)

ΘΘΘΘΘ

The best time to turn over garden soil is during the last quarter of the moon (decreasing moon phase) because that's when the water table has dropped to its lowest point. This means there is less moisture in the soil. Taking your back into consideration, it is easier to turn soil over when there is less moisture in 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.

Cajun Stitchery First Year Anniversary

Yesterday, March 9th was our first year anniversary.  How exciting is that?  We made it one whole year.  We worked on Junkanoo jackets and I started a throw blanket.  The blanket is going to be covered in our samples from last year.  Kind of a commemorative blanket.  It will take awhile to finish but I'm sure I'll post pictures.  Now onto the 2nd year, may it be twice as wonderful as the first!!!!

Our job with the Junkanoo jackets was to put each person's name above the pocket.  Sounds simple enough and for most it was simple.  Then there are those jackets that the krewe members glued patches over the jacket pocket in the place where we need to embroider.  We tried gently pulling to see if the glue wasn't too bound.  We are down to our last 4 jackets and have to figure a way of getting those patches off.

I'm meeting with our CPA tomorrow, so today is probably going to be consumed in printing out reports and getting ready for the meeting.

Since tonight is my girls night out, I need to finish my friend's birthday present.  I'll post pictures later.  It is a pair of pillowcases and the design is beautiful.  Now I have to stitch it out.

George is busying himself with inventory today.  Last week we ordered several items that were running low, and, I admit it, a few fun things.  We are waiting on the thread to arrive.  We ordered another spool of gold metallic thread but then started thinking that since we can order any color under the sun, that we should order gold poly thread and see how close to metallic it looks.  We ordered 5 shades of gold.  I can't wait to see if it really looks gold.

So many things to do and so little time.  I'll close this post for now, but I'll be back:>)

Is This Spring?

Our neighbor's company arrived from Pennsylvania with kayakes strapped to the top of the SUV.  They said it was freezing up north.  So, I'm glad we are in sunny Florida.  Although we've had our share of cold weather this winter.

Spring fever has overcome me.  The past couple of days have been gorgeous and I'm hoping and praying that spring is here and winter is gone.  We assessed the winter damage to the yard and garden.  Some things are budding and some things we are praying over and hope they survived. 

We planted the asparagus two years ago and the instructions said to let it grow without harvesting it for two years, then we could start harvesting each year.  Last year everytime we looked at the asparagus there were new sprouts and it was so tempting to pick.  However, we were obedient to the instructions.  Over the past few weeks we've had 3 little asparagus sprouts that we've harvested and nothing else.  The one batch of asparagus plants on the south side of the house haven't had any shoots.  Asparagus is supposed to like the cold, so, I'm hoping it survived and will provide lots of tasty asparagus for our table this year and years to come.  It's just not looking real good right now.

We've been eating the lettuce, baby carrots, onion tops, parsley, and broccoli lately.  This is my first time growing lettuce other than iceberg.  I expected large plants but they are actually rather small.  I thought that they were stunted.  We went out to eat the other day and I was looking at the salad bar and their romaine lettuce looks just like mine, same size and everything.  In that case, I guess our's is doing good.  It does taste good. 

The pansys are blooming.  They are so pretty and colorful.  Such a nice plant to have during the winter and spring.  On those days where there is nothing but overcast skies and frigid temperatures, the pansies sit in their pots bright yellow, purple, blue, and red.  It's nourishment for my soul.

Garden and yard plants should start budding soon and the landscape should turn lush.  The proof of this is in the blueberry bushes planted last fall.  Look at the buds.  Sassy the Satsuma is doing fine, too.

The parsley is unbelievable.  I cut back the old, harvested a bunch, and thinned out the plants and they are still beautiful.  Look above for the parsley picture.

Now we need to get out there and plant tomatoes, peppers, peas, and beans.

Enough of the garden.  This blog is about embroidery, although I do get carried away with the beauty of nature.  Staying in the nature theme, here is a beautiful pelican design embroidered on the back of a fleece jacket.  Now that is pretty.  The design is about 8" or 9" tall.

Cajun Corner Vol 2, No. 9

Cajun Corner – Vol. 2, No. 09 – March 5, 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.

As of next Tuesday, March 9, 2010, Cajun Stitchery will have been in business for one full year. Can you believe we have survived the first year? Wow! A year ago we had no idea if this venture would survive and we have met so many wonderful and supportive people throughout this year.

The contest winner was Amy DePew who suggested that we have a contest each week during the month of March. Amy won a set of 4 napkins with her choice of napkin friendly embroidery. She has chosen red napkins with a poinsettia and the name “Ballew.” We immediately went into contest mode and had an impromptu contest which Sandi Johnson won. Sandi has also won a set of 4 napkins with her choice of napkin friendly embroidery.

This week’s contest: This week Cajun Stitchery would like to know what you like about Cajun Stitchery. Doesn’t have to be an essay but you are welcome to do so. Have you had a good experience with us? Tell us about it. Is there a design that you have particularly liked? Let us know. What have you enjoyed the most about Cajun Stitchery this past year? The winner will be announced next week in Cajun Corner.

This past week we embroidered an adorable southwestern lizard on a set of napkins for a neighbor. The photos are in earlier blogs from this past week.

We discovered via a neighbor that the Pensacola Visitor’s Center is selling some really nice beach mats with an attached inflatable pillow for $2.50 each. The beauty is that the cover for these mats can be embroidered and we have already done a couple. This is a really good deal for the mat. The mat is large enough to have a picnic. Photos of this project were posted in a blog earlier this week. These mats would make terrific gifts for anyone who enjoys picnicking or just laying out in the sun or on the beach. My friend is giving them to friends visiting from out of state. Buy one at the Visitor’s Center and bring it over to Cajun Stitchery who will embroider a large name for $10. The entire gift would cost $12.50 plus tax. Not a bad gift or price.

Spring is just on the horizon and not a moment too soon. We have spring fever over here. Hopefully next week will be nice enough to play in the garden and start planting new things and harvesting other things. This year I really want to try to get some nice sized tomatoes growing. You know that we always have good luck with the cherry tomatoes but for some reason we haven’t had much luck with the larger tomatoes. Once again, we’ll try. Never give up.

The other day I needed to place an order for some supplies. Most of my ordering is via the internet. I ended up with $65 worth of a thread order. I just had a wonderful time shopping. Then I went to order stabilizer and ended up ordering 20 gross of rhinestones. Mama used to tell me to go shopping for myself when I was feeling down. I’m not feeling down but I am suffering from spring fever. What are we going to do with 20 gross of rhinestones?

Hopefully today I will get a chance to stitch out a new pillowcase design that I think will be adorable.

Don’t forget that the pillowcases are available for sale. The price will vary depending on the embroidery requested. Our pillowcases are white, standard size, hotel quality pillowcases. We have chosen white because it matches everything. The pillowcases themselves are $15.00 for a pair, plus the embroidery and sales tax/shipping. These would make wonderful, unique gifts for weddings, birthdays, showers, holidays and don’t forget graduation. Take advantage of our stock designs, too.

Did you know that it is easier to thread a needle if you put a piece of white paper or fabric behind the eye of the needle?
Always remember that we are just a call or email away at cajunstitchery@yahoo.com or 850-261-2462 and place your order.

ΘΘΘΘΘ

Thibodaux and Boudreaux was talking and Boudreaux says, hey Thibodaux do you know a woman got a YET. Naw says Thibodaux, women aint got a YET. Yea she do says Boudreaux, a woman got a YET. How you know a woman got a YET, says Thibodaux. Cause it say so rat here in da paper,"Woman Shot, bullet in her YET."

ΘΘΘΘΘ

French phrase of the week: Cet homme est beaucoup amoureux. (That man is a womanizer.)

ΘΘΘΘΘ

Taken From: http://www.ehow.com/how_2170738_ecofriendly-garden.html

How to create an eco friendly garden:

1. Step 1

Conserve water. Instead of turning on the sprinkler and letting it run for hours, consider a drip-irrigation system in your garden. If you do opt for the sprinkler, make sure that is in good condition and is not clogged, to avoid the need to run it longer than usual.

2. Step 2

Go native. With your plants, that is. Local plants will grow best in your soil with the least assistance from chemicals, so avoid anything not native to your region, if possible. You will reduce the need to ship plants to your area, too. You may be happily surprised by the selection afforded you with your indigenous plants, fruits and vegetables.

3. Step 3

Avoid chemicals. The toxins in your pesticides and fertilizers can end up in your water run off leading to your sewers and local drains. You can find organic versions of these products in most home improvement and garden stores and can result in healthier plants and a cleaner water supply.

4. Step 4

Keep the woods safe. Meaning keep the wood products you use for your fencing or décor ecologically-friendly. Bamboo is a green option that will not only create a unique backdrop for your garden, but is a hearty grower and lives a long time. Make sure any other wood you buy isn't endangered.

5. Step 5

For Pete's sake...don't use peat. Many people use peat for décor and moisture retention in their garden, but this resource is slow to regenerate and is not effectively sustainable. Keep your resources for your garden sustainable by opting for items that are easy and economical to quickly replace, so there is always a strong supply available.

6. Step 6

Let the sun shine in. it may go without saying that your garden needs sunlight, but so do your garden lights and accessories. Opt for solar generated lights or fountains to lower your traditional energy source use.

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.

And The Winner Is...

The contest winner is my good friend, Amy Cheshire DePew.  She has won a set of 4 napkins with the napkin friendly design of her choice.  She has already chosen red napkins with the name "Ballew" on them.  Amy's contest entry idea was for Cajun Stitchery to have a contest a week giving away weekly embroidery prizes.

So, let's have a contest.  Since Cajun Corner comes out each Friday, let's make this contest due this coming Friday.  Thereafter, the contest will be Friday to Friday.  Paradise Inn or Paradise Bar and Grill on Pensacola Beach will be having a huge birthday party this coming Friday night.  The first person to tell me the name of one of the honored birthday ladies who is turning 50 years old wins a set for 4 napkins with the embroidery friendly design of your choice on them.

A neighbor came by the house yesterday.  She had been to the Pensacola Visitor Center down by the new fishing pier.  While at the Visitor Center she purchased some really cool beach mats.  The beach mats' manufacturer is a company called Toppers and we have purchased their items before.  If you recall the beach bag with the zippered cooler in the bottom that was the rage last year.  That was from Toppers.  They have really neat stuff.  I looked all over the internet to find these beach mats and have been unsuccessful so far.  However, at the Visitor Center you can purchase them for $2.50.  They are vinyl with an inflatable pillow.  They fold onto themselves for easy carrying.  The pocket is non-woven.  It's the same kind of recycled fabric used in the Wal-Mart bags.  The reverse side of the pocket is blank and I can embroider on it.  She is expecting company from out-of-state in a few weeks and I have embroidered their names on the mat pockets.  So, let me encourage everyone to drop by the Visitor Center and pick up one of these really cool mats for $2.50.  Bring it over to Cajun Stitchery and for $5, we'll embroider your name on it.  Here are photographs of the mats.  She got a red one and a blue one.  I don't know if they have other colors or not.  Look at the size of these mats.  They are nice and big.  You could even spread one of these out and have a picnic on the beach.  Then blow up the pillow and lay down for awhile and get a tan.  Stick a book or whatever in the pocket and you are ready for a fun day at the beach.

I have some other photographs that I cannot show because they are birthday presents that have not been given yet.  One lady brought over two very delicate, lady's handkerchiefs.  Frankly, I was a bit concerned embroidering on such delicate, airy fabric.  They turned out beautiful and surprizingly were not difficult to embroider on at all.

The neighbors who received the set of four napkins with the colorful southwestern lizards were so surprised and thrilled that they didn't stop talking about the napkins all evening.  Since the purpose of going to their home was to have dinner, we, of course, used the new napkins.  I, of course, spilled a drop of red wine on my napkins.  That really shouldn't be hard to get out with some Resolve or other spot cleaner. 

George and I have also decided that on appropriate items, bigger than our paper bags, we will be using cloth bags, recycled when we can.  The new look will have our logo embroidered on it.  Right now we are using the remainder of the little bags that we sold last fall.  We will probably end up with a canvas or recycled fabric type of bag.  Look out Jareds and Tiffany, when you get a gift in a bag with the Cajun Stitchery logo on it, you will know that you are receiving high quality embroidery goods.

We have also decided that talk it cheap and we need to put up or shut up.  Cajun Stitchery cares about its community and we have decided that 10% of every purchase will go to a local charity.  The check will be delivered monthly.  Each month we will chose a charity of the month.  Everyone is welcome to make suggestions as to which charity will receive the monthly donation.  Who knows, we may even have contests for each month's charity.

C'est toute mon amis