Fabric Swap is underway!

This evening, I went through my fabric stash and pulled out all kinds of beautiful fabric that just doesn't meet my current needs. I've narrowed it down to 10 yards to include in the Round Robin swap. Tomorrow, I'm going to be shipping it off to the first person on the Fabric Swap list. I hope that Cathy will be able to find something in this box that she can use. The sad part is that I will definitely want to do a second round, because I found so much fabric in my stash that I would be happy to swap out! No doubt about it, I am a fabric junkie!

I'm not a subscriber, but I should be!

Mary Engelbreit's Home Companion is one of my favorite magazines. I don't subscribe, but whenever I see a new issue on the newstand, I have to grab it. It really is an inspiring magazine for me. Every month, there are articles about various artists who work in different media. There are articles about home decorating, but not the normal untouchable decorating in some magazines. These places actually look like people live there! They highlight unique and fun items, and I always keep my eye open for Etsy sellers in those lists. There are articles about various collectible items and usually a few craft projects thrown in for good measure.

This month there is a pattern for the cutest little house slippers. I've already photocopied the pattern so I can make a pair for my big ole size 9 feet! There is also an article all about collecting antique and vintage children's sewing machines. They are adorable, and it totally makes me want to start scouring the antique shops. Can't wait for warmer weather when the local auction season will start!

I was just perusing their website a bit and it is amazing, too! Go check it out and pick up a copy of the magazine the next time you're at the grocery store!

Hmmmm... Maybe I should fill out and send in this little subscription card!

Round Robin Fabric Swap

Because I am on a self-imposed fabric buying ban, I was trying to think of a way to get new fabric, without spending any money. I came up with idea of doing a round robin fabric swap. I'm going to fill a box with about 8 yards of fabric and mail it to the first person on my participant list. That person will choose a few pieces for themself and replace those pieces with fabric from their own stash. Then they forward the box to the next person on the list. Eventually, it will get back to me, and I should have a box full of "new-to-me" fabric!

Ha! Am I good at getting around my own rules, or what?

Etsy Bloggers Treasure Hunt

Today is the Etsy Bloggers Street Team Treasure Hunt over on Etsy. Each participating store has "hidden" the team logo somewhere within one of their listings. And the listings that have the logo are the prizes! What a fun way to shop and win a free prize! You can get all the details from this thread on the forums!

And, yes, BeckyKay Designs is a participating shop! So get hunting!

I'm on Cuteable today!

I am so excited to be featured on Cuteable today!

Check it out here!

Shopping and Working!

It was an exciting shopping day for me! Mom and I went to Sears and bought the red Kitchen Aid mixer that I have been wanting for years. I had saved up enough credit card reward points to get $150 in Sears gift cards. When we got there, the mixer I wanted was on sale for $270, plus there was a $30 rebate offer! By the time all is said and done, I will have paid $107 for my mixer! Ihave it set up on my kitchen counter, and it looks so good. It may be hard for me to use it though, because it might get dirty...

We also stopped in at Build-A-Bear, because I had another gift card and a coupon. Usually, when I go to Build-A-Bear, I'm there with my four year old son, and he's doing the "building." Today, it was all about me! I made this adorable little cheetah and named her Polly. The Hello Kitty t-shirt is in honor of the fact that I love Hello Kitty! Yes, I'm a 31 year old child! (I can't wait to go back again and make another. I just wish they wouldn't make me do all the stupid "kiss the heart" crap!)

I spent this evening taking photos of a ton of my sister's baby blankets for She Made It. I'm excited to add some new items to the shop.

I'll also be adding this handbag soon to BeckyKay Designs.

Just a little funny!

Do You Squidoo?

I've been hearing a lot about Squidoo over on the Etsy forum, so I thought I would check it out. It is so easy to create your own little lens on any particular topic. A lens is kind of like a mini blog. Obviously, the first one I did is all about my bags! I've got plans to create a couple other lenses on different topics, too.

Go here to take a look! I'd love to rise in the Squidoo rankings!

Goals for 2008

I'm really not a big fan of New Year's resolutions, because they inevitably get broken. I'm not even a big goal setter, even though I know it's supposed to be good for you. That being said, I do have a few things rolling around in my head that I want to accomplish this year.

1. Update my blog more often. I'd really like to update at least twice a week. Crap! Now, I've put it in print, so everyone will know if I don't follow up!

2. Spend less money. This is a goal for my personal and business life. Truly, I have a huge supply of fabric. I think I could probably go most of the year without having to buy anything more than lining fabrics, interfacing and thread. I really want to use up what I have before I buy more. I'm trying to do the same with my scrapbooking supplies. Considering how little scrapbooking I've been doing lately, that shouldn't be a problem!

3. Advertise. I need to get my husband to convert my logo into an ad that I can use.

4. Create new designs. Last year, I decided to focus my efforts on the handful of designs I've already created. This year, I'd like to add another bag style or two to my line.

5. Work on the She Made It shop. I've got a bunch of items that need to be photographed and listed. I also need to make up some of the keyhole scarves I plan to include there.

So, there they are - my goals/resolutions, even though I don't believe in that sort of stuff!