giveaway for january 7th

red vinyl wallet wrap with leather accents

plus

 three men's suiting fabric cash envelopes with velcro to hold paper and coins

photo shows envelopes with personalized labels already written.

 if you win the giveaway

  just email me your three personalized categories and i will label yours for you!

to enter:

 1) leave a comment on this posting

or

2) add me to your etsy circle

or

3) leave me feedback if you have purchased an item from my shop

4) become a follower on this blog!

and if you do all four - you will be entered 4 times!!!

drawing to be held on saturday, january 7th at 5pm EST.

good luck and happy holidays!

etsy shop update

i have updated my previous SHOP ANNOUNCEMENT.
after several days of thought and
based on my troubles with my hand - i am "closing" until the first of the year.
but (!) GIFT CERTIFICATES and READY TO SHIP items will be available
to purchase - so be sure to check it out!
______________________________________________________
due to my recent hand surgery - (and all the complications i have encountered)
i have decided to take some time off to focus on my healing.        
  
i am keeping my shop open so you can window shop
 and if you want to make a purchase - feel free to do so!
but!....
**purchases made today will not be processed until the first of the year.
:(     i know, it is sad - but how about
purchasing a gift certificate!?!
just look around in my shop and tell me what you love
and
then i will set up a listing especially for you!
AND!!! stay close and keep checking my shop
for READY TO SHIP listings.
i will be doing some "spring cleaning" in my wonderful stash of goodies and
listing them from now until the end of the year!!!
i welcome your emails while i continue to heal and
 focus on getting my life back in order!
_____________________________________________________________

and the winner is.....

Stacey said...

Fun! We're on week two of our cash only budget. So far so good!

just email me your address at order@savingmoneyinstyle.com and i will get these cuties in the mail to you!

thanks to everyone who made a comment (!) and to all my followers (!) and to those who have added me to their circle and left feedback for me this past month (!)

i appreciate each of you - cathy :)

giveaway today! 7pm

SIX cash only envelopes!
leave me a comment :)

Dupuytren's contracture :(

my therapist told me today that it does look like my hand may not show much more improvement.
 the trigger finger surgery seems to have been a success but
i still cannot close the hand into a fist or straighten it flat.
(makes doing yoga practically impossible - and quite painful)

i have an appt with my hand surgeron on monday so i will see what he has to say.
in the meantime - i am "closing" my etsy shop for the rest of the month.
i  need some time to regroup and get my life organized!
life without use of my right hand has created lots of little pockets disorganization throughout my home.

i will keep my shop open so customers can window shop
and even make  a purchase
 but
purchases will not be processed until the beginning of december.

i am now offering GIFT CERTIFICATES on all of my products.
several are already available but i will be glad to offer custom gift certificates.
and as an incentive to do your Christmas shopping early
i am offering FREE SHIPPING.

so check it out and tell your friends and family!

FAQ s cash only budgeting 101 - how to decide on the system for you!

do you like visuals??!! me too! here ya go:
the link below will help you with descriptions and with photo examples of each option.
http://savingmoneyinstyle.blogspot.com/2011/07/breakdown-of-cash-only-budget-systems.html
Please copy and paste it to go straight to the link!
http://savingmoneyinstyle.blogspot.com/2011/07/breakdown-of-cash-only-budget-systems.html
and now for the narrative:
OPTIONS:   1. fabric envelopes: 
                       Velcro or non velcro
                        Solid or Designer
                     2. carriers:  
                           Solid or Designer 

                     Sets come with 6 envelopes and a carrier plus
                        coin pouch or
                         zipper pouch
                        or
                         non velcro envelopes without a coin pouch.

                       options to a carrier:
                     3. cuff wrap – alternative to carrier
                     4. wallet wrap– alternative to carrier

                     1) FABRIC ENVELOPES:
A .non velcro (to hold paper currency)
or
B. velcro (paper currency and coins)
then choose either
A. solid envelopes
or
B . designer fabric

I designed these envelopes for 2 different budget styles:
 1) if you prefer to keep paper currency separate from your change –
then you should
purchase the non Velcro envelopes with avcoin pouch or zipper pouch
OR
2)  if you prefer to keep both paper currency AND change together –
then you should
 purchase the Velcro envelopes.
YES – the velcro goes all the way across the envelope and holds the coins in place.
 it is not your
grandmother’s velcro! i purchase industrial strength velcro that will last for years to come.
you do not need Velcro envelopes AND a coin pouch or zipper pouch
(but you are welcome to purchase both!)
2. CARRIERS:
two choices:
A. solid
or
B. designer fabric
they come with either:
* a button/ribbon closure
or
* velcro closure
3. WRAPS:
these are great when you do want to carry  a carrier.
 they hold all your envelopes snugly together.
i suggest getting velcro envelopes if you are going to purchase the wrap -
IF you want coins and paper currency together.
otherwise, just get a coin pouch to go along with non velcro envelopes and the wrap.


FAQ:
HOW DOES THE PAPER CURRENCY STAY PUT INSIDE THE NON VELCRO ENVELOPES?
it is magic! 
well, not really but it really does stay put!
I guess unless you stand on your head and sling your purse around and upside down (!) (sounds kind of fun)
 – the money does stay put.
if you have a tendency to be a little rough with your purse  – then the Velcro envelopes would probably be your best option!
I have been using mine for years and years and never had any money fall out.
plus check out my feedback. I have never had anyone tell me that they had a problem AND I have had soooo many return customers.
that reinforces to me that the envelopes are working for them too!
simply put,
the fabric envelopes are deep enough so that the money stays inside!
FAQ:
CAN YOU MAKE THE FABRIC ENVELOPES WITH ZIPPERS INSTEAD OF VELCRO?
no :) i do not make zipper fabric envelopes.
it makes the price too high to justify the cost. i really try to keep the cost down for my customers.
we are all on a budget, aren't we?!
but
i think there is someone on etsy that took my original idea of fabric envelopes
and is making envelopes with zippers - (over $40 for 4 envelopes! though)
so if your heart is absolutely set on zippers -maybe you would want to check her out.

FAQ:
HOW MANY ENVELOPES  FIT INSIDE THE CARRIER?
the carrier is made to hold SIX envelopes.
i can enlarge the carrier as needed to hold the number of envelopes you need.
and
depending on how large you need it
- there may be an additional charge.
FAQ:
I HAVE 15 CATEGORIES FOR MY BUDGET. WILL YOU MAKE A CARRIER THAT BIG?
yes, i will be glad to but... keep in mind that the carrier will need to be much larger than pictured in order to hold that many envelopes.
the carrier is designed to hold only 6 envelopes because
1) it is easier to handle
2) most folks do not like to take ALL of their cash with them where they go
3) when you go out - you usually only need Groceries, Transportation, Household, Blow and a maybe few others.
you usually do not need Babysitter, Bills, Emergency Fund, Utilities, Tithe... every time you leave the house. so
i suggest you get a carrier to hold 6 then get a wrap to hold your other envelopes together. but i will be GLAD to make a carrier any size you like!

FAQ:
WHY WOULD I CHOOSE A WRAP INSTEAD OF A CARRIER?
these are great when you do want to use a carrier.
or if you are on a tight budget.
 they are priced at 3.97!
and
they hold all your envelopes snugly together.
i can also adjust the size of the cuff wrap to accommodate any number of envelopes you need.
i do suggest getting velcro envelopes if you are going to purchase the wrap
- to hold both coins and paper currency in place.
or get the non velcro envelopes with a coin pouch.
FAQ:
MY FRIEND HAS A REALLY CUTE DESIGNER COUPON ORGANIZER THAT YOU MADE WHEN YOU WERE CRUNCHY CUTE. DO YOU STILL MAKE THEM?
yes i do still make my signature quality designer accordion coupon organizers!
you can see a lot of them here:
http://www.etsy.com/shop/crunchycute
i have a few listed in my saving money in style shop.
if you would like one - i can make one in most fabrics that you see in my shop.
just ask me and i will be glad to set up a listing for you.
i also make soft sided designer accordion organizers!
 any size you need. i have made them for super duper coupon queens with as many as 45 sections!!

FAQ:
DO I ONLY GET SIX ENVELOPES? CAN I GET MORE OR LESS?
my "sets" come with SIX envelopes - but you can purchase as many as you like (or as few as you would like!)
how do you purchase more/less envelopes?
just email me!
FAQ:
WHERE DO I FIND CUSTOM FABRICS FOR THE CUSTOM LISTINGS THAT YOU HAVE?
i usually post my new fabrics here:
http://savingmoneyinstyle.blogspot.com/
and specifically here:
http://savingmoneyinstyle.blogspot.com/2011/06/new-fabrics.html
http://savingmoneyinstyle.blogspot.com/2011/06/more-new-fabrics.html
also - look through my shop and
see if there are any fabrics that you like - then email me with your choices.

FAQ:
HOW DO I LABEL MY ENVELOPES?
use a fine or extra fine tip sharpie - it works great!

FAQ;
CAN I GET A DIFFERENT CLOSURE ON MY CARRIER INSTEAD OF A BUTTON/RIBBON WRAP?
yes, i also offer velcro closure
(a small square under the flap and on the base of the carrier)
at no extra charge.
it comes with or without a decorative button depending on your preference.

FAQ:
CAN YOU PUT MAGNETS ON YOUR ENVELOPES INSTEAD OF VELCRO?
no, i do not believe in copying other folks on etsy.
there is a lady that has taken my original idea of fabric envelopes and added
magnets instead of velcro.
she is having to charge more b/c of the cost of magnets though.
i really do not see how the envelopes can hold both
coins and paper currency since the magnet
is only in one place in the center of the envelope...
but if that is what your heart is set on - check her out.
FAQ:
DO YOU MIX AND MATCH FABRICS OR DO I HAVE TO BUY THE SETS AS IS?
feel free to let me know what fabric combinations you would like.
FAQ:
DO YOU SHIP INTERNATIONALLY?
YES! i have shipped all over the country and love my international customers!
just email me and i will quote you a price for shipping!

FAQ;
WHAT ARE THE DIMENSIONS OF THE CARRIERS AND ENVELOPES:
THE CARRIERS are approximately
8 1/2 - 9ish x 4- 4 1/2 ish depending on velcro or non velcro envelopes
i try to make them just large enough to hold 6 envelopes
and have wiggle room for access...
the envelopes are basically (!) handmade items vary :)
 6 1/2 x 3 for non velcro
and 7 x 3 1/2 for velcro.
FAQ:
I NEED SUGGESTIONS FOR CATEGORIES! CAN YOU HELP ME?
YES! Your categories should be based on your own personal budget  but some categories may be universal: groceries or food / clothing / gasoline or transportation / blow money / household /
entertainment / restaurants/ miscellaneous
other suggestions:
 tithing, hair and nails. vacation, babysitting, rent, utilities, personal, medical and dental, school, coffee and treats, dry cleaning, expenses, christmas, church, kids allowance, fashion, toiletries, coupons. my money, on the town, emergency, insurance, cleaning/laundry, overflow, meds/rx, haircuts, gifts, parking, eating out, dining out, travel, spending money, car, blow $, fun $, home, housekeeping, yard, repairs, mad money, wardrobe, fuel, presents, pets, animals, personl items, health and beauty, holidays, birthdays, childcare, kids, family fun, baby, daycare, decorationg, crafts, bills, date night, shopping, education, tuition, business, offering, save,  charity, debit card, cosmetics, haircuts, mani/pedi, unexpected, necessities, extras, everything else, life, maintenance, vehicle, auto, stuff, lodging, lunches, walmart, alexis, hobbies, subscriptions...
now - if you have read this before emailing me with questions
i want to say THANK YOU! i really appreciate you respecting my time!!!
and
feel free to email me if i have not answered your questions!

-------------------------------------------------
to those who are curious for more information:
i created my first fabric envelopes out of necessity in the fall of 2007.
i looked everywhere for something like it - but no one had thought of it!
so a few months later in january of 2008 i started to sell them on esty under the name of crunchycute.
i knew that if i loved mine - then other folks would love them too!
since then, many folks have gotten on the band wagon and claimed "fabric envelopes" as their own -
but there are lots of imitators and only one saving money in style!
(formerly known as crunchy cute!)
to god be all the glory.
and if you still haven't checked out the nice visual aids...
the link below will help you with descriptions and with photo examples of each option.
http://savingmoneyinstyle.blogspot.com/2011/07/breakdown-of-cash-only-budget-systems.html
Please copy and paste it to go straight to the link!
http://savingmoneyinstyle.blogspot.com/2011/07/breakdown-of-cash-only-budget-systems.html

giveaway - november 10

set of SIX oilcloth envelopes with blank labels!!
~ great for cash only envelope system ~

add a comment to this posting to be entered to win.
drawing will include all those who add a comment
those who have added me to their circle on etsy in the last month
and
those who have left me feedback on etsy in the last month!
good luck!

giveaway november 10th

ooops - i totally missed my deadline for the giveaway set for today.
no excuses - i guess my mind is elsewhere right now - to say the least!
i will post the giveaway item today
and for those of you who are interested in winning

just  leave me a comment and
your name will be entered into the drawing!
plus all my new folks in my etsy circle too!
i will do the drawing on the 10th this month - around 7pm est.
be watching for the giveaway item today.
my apologies - the 7th of november just crept right up on me!

 here is a photo of my cute cocker spaniel, bella, to give you a smile on your monday.

bummer day :(

i went back to physical therapy again today. my doctor still says 3 times a week.
i am told that my scar tissue is impeding my progress.
 she says most people are able to close their fingers down to their fist by now.
there is still a lot of scar tissue and bruising in my palm. and it hurts a lot and is so sensitve.

it is a bit discouraging, i must admit. but i am plugging along. sewing is slooow but i am enjoying being at the sewing machine again.
but...
i am thinking of making a big change in my shop.
i am considering only posting items that are completed and ready to ship - rather than the way it is now. now, you can "shop" for all kinds of items and then customers  wait until i can get to their order and then mail it out. i usually run 2 weeks out due to all my orders. (and that is sewing for 6-7 hours a day!)

so i am just thinking of ways to cut back on my sewing hours.
becasue i am not sure if you know this but
the sewing is what got me to the surgery in the first place!
i love it so much but i think i need to work at a slower pace from now on.
quality of life is more important than making a few dollars!

stay tuned. my shop may be changing!

making room for new fabrics - super duper sale in my shop!!

http://www.etsy.com/listing/84697457/six-fabric-cash-envelopes-with-designer

what do i do when i can't sew??!

...............SHOP!!
here are some of my latest fabrics :)
these will make beautiful designer cash only envelopes and sets!
email me if you would like me to make something for you with any of these


 super cute fabrics!

black and white mudcloth - LoVe this! this would make an amazing carrier for some red and black envelopes!

i have used this fabric a lot! i just needed to restock my stash!
here is a custom set (below) that i made for a customer
sets are more economical when you mix and match designer and solid envelopes!

and a carrier with various designer fabric envelopes

i can see these as the most adorable set of designer envelopes.
mix with solid pinks, reds, blacks and have the cutest set ever!



and i needed some more black and whites so i added a few super cute prints!

i HAD to have this one - the latest trend and such beautiful color combinations!
this would make a perfect carrier. just add coordinating solid envelopes and you have a trendy cash only envelope system!

enough said.... i LoVe purple.

pinks, browns and greens - a perfect combination :)

pinks, browns and turquiose - gorgeous!






making progress!

went to physical therapy again yesterday.
learned a few more exercises to help with the flexibility of my fingers and palm.
they say i am making good progress.
 i do get impatient sometimes.
 i was told that the palm of the hand is one of the hardest areas to heal.
 NOW they tell me!

the palm tends to want to heal in a relaxed position, rather than open wide
 b/c our hands are rarely wide open during the day.
 i have to wear a splint at night to protect the
wound but  tomorrow they will adjust that splint to keep my hand straight at night.
this will promote the healing in the correct position.
 needless to say - i am not sleeping too soundly these days with a splint strapped to my hand!

i continue with my heat and ice
and daily exercises about 5- 6 times a day.
 so far, so good.
i am motivated.
it has been over 1 1/2 years that i have been dealing with the pain in my right hand,
 so whatever it takes.

and whoo hooo!
i can finally sort of hold my toothbrush in my hand. it is a bit messy but much better than using my left hand! my "fist" is pitiful at this point. i am not able to fully grasp or grip anything. so you can imagine what you would not be able to do!
(i will post a photo so you can see my best "fist" at this point)

the therapist says i will not be back to "normal" for another 3-4 weeks.

i still cannot hold my iron in my right hand for pressing fabric :(
it is a professional (heavy) iron and it actually hurts to pick it up.
and it can be quite awkward and dangerous!
my left hand is trying, but i will look forward
to reaching the goal of  ironing. (never thought i would EVER say that!)

i started using my sewing machine on monday.
my sweet husband is helping me with cutting fabric.
(still a challenge for me)
so
sewing is sloooooooooooow going.
but
i am so happy to be able to be working again!

thank you for ALL of your well wishes, words of encouragement, instruction and prayers!!
ya'll have really supported me
you continue to help me get through this :)

giveaway winner is happy!

" I got the super cute coupon organizer that I won off your blog today - thanks so much - I love it :) "
Kathyrn

good news and bad news

the doctor says the incision looks good - it is healing well
but i have a hematoma
hematoma /he·ma·to·ma/ (he″mah-to´mah) a localized collection of extravasated blood, usually clotted, in an organ, space, or tissue.
and the swelling in the hand needs to be better controlled.

the swelling is reducing my ability to increase my
 range of motion and causing pain in the knuckle.
so he wants me to ice and heat the area a few times a day
 plus he gave me a compression glove to reduce swelling.
 (the glove reminds me of ronnie in moonstruck)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C7yK8cuP1Bw
if you haven't seen the movie - you should.

the good news is...
 if i can get the swelling down - i can start sewing possibly by monday!
i have 15 orders to get out as of today - so it will be slow going.
 i will probably only be able to tackle one maybe two orders
a day so i will be playing catch up for awhile.
but
and all of my customers have been so understanding.
that helps me focus on my healing and not on my work load!

off to ice the area :)

back to the doctor and physical therapist today



this is what it looks like today. still cannot grip scissors but i am making progress.



halloween costumes

while i wait it out and get the "OK" to begin sewing again -
i was going through my costumes yesterday (with my left hand!)
and came across so many memories from years ago!

i LoVe making my own costumes.
my mom always made our costumes for halloween when we were growing up and i thought it was great. my costume was always original - not one of those store bought costumes.
and becasue i worked in the nursing home business for so many years,
i not only dressed up for halloween but also
dressed up for special days like "wear your pajamas to work" or "it's fun to be a kid again day".
and for some reason i have kept most of my costumes.

and yesterday i decided i really didn't need to keep them any longer!
 (well maybe my wigs, long gloves and tiaras...!)

so i threw out my crunchy Janis Joplin hippie costume, scarecrow, little girl dress with pinafore costume (well, maybe that one will conme in handy - i better keep that one)
 a butterfly, 101 dalmations, mushroom inspired by the movie Fantasia...
here are a few of the costumes over the years. we didn't dress up last year and maybe the year before that either? so the first two photos are from a few years ago.

can you guess who we are?



no, those are NOT my boobs! OR my hair! OR my nails!
and NO that is not my husband's hair either!
(tats not real either!)
dog and beth
 from Dog the Bounty Hunter.

remember these guys? the crash test dummies.
i made these costumes with painters overalls.

anyone know who i am? that is my samson next to me.
he was the sweetest cocker spaniel.

this one is ridiculous! what was i thinking? it was inspired by the movie Fantasia.
this was actually about 25 years ago. i remember it being such a pain to wear that gigantic mushroom head!

cruella deville ...
101 dalmations with my cocker spaniel, samson.
he went to work with me that day!

 

incision site - do not look if you are squeamish! (just in time for halloween)

i have gotten to the place where i can look at it when i wash it and dress it.
i actually thought i was going to faint when i saw it the day after surgery.

making slow progress

so here are the exercises that i was given on thursday (the day after my surgery)

i am supposed to do them 10 times every other hour. i have to say -  even though i was being pretty diligent about doing these exercises - it felt like there was no progress.

 i was getting a little bummed! 

 but then we looked at the photos we had been taking each day.

 and even though it is very small - i can see some progress! i still cannot grasp anything in my right hand like a toothbrush or scissors or a knife or mascara....

it is actually amazing how many things i cannot do well with my left hand!

even brushing my teeth is awkward. and try shaving your left armpit with your left hand.

 not an easy task :)

i go back to the doctor and my pysical therapist on thursday.

my mom cooked for me and my husband for the first 3 days.

she is an angel!

she made beef stew, homemade vegetable soup, cornbread, cinnamon rolls, fruit salad and even brought brownies and ice cream.

(yes, i am sure i have put on a few pounds)

then my husband took over the "cooking" on saturday

. that is when we started having sub sandwiches and baked potatoes!

bless his heart. he has been soooo helpful to me.

from connecting my bra clasp to rubbing my feet.

 he is

 the greatest! i am on my own today  for the first time since the surgery. i am finding out just how many more things that i am unable to do. i do not sit very well.

 and i am quite impatient to get started sewing again.

but i found out this morning that sewing is not in my near future.

 i cannot hold a pair of scissors so cutting fabric is unrealistic.

i cannot hold an iron or thread a needle... anyway. i need to find a good book or a movie i guess.

.

 photos of my incision site to follow :)  oh boy!

congratulations to kathryn!

you won the large accordion coupon organizer!

warning! the photo below can cause fainting :)

the doctor took the bandage off yesterday. i can hardly look at it. it literally made me light headed.

 i am certainly not meant to work as a nurse or doctor.

 gross.

 thats me looking away as my husband takes the photo.

 i am still trying not to look at it even though i have to clean it daily.

 physical therapy showed me several exercises to do 10 reps every other hour.

 i do no have much flexibility in my fingers. you can see that the middle one

 (the one i had the most  trouble with) is resisting the most.

today i am able to use both hands for typing but my hand will not open all the way so when i type certain letters - ouch! but there is progress!

 the giveaway is still planned for later today. will talk to you then.

the surgery was a success

i cannot use my right hand at all right now. it has been 8 hours and my hand is still numb.

i am doing the hunt and peck thing with my left hand so this will be brief!

going tomorrow morning to physical therapy.

 more later.

 so glad it is all over.

 now i concentrate on healing :)

surgery day!

i am on my way out the door to have dr. seiler fix the tendons in my hand!

ok...here it is - "make a fist"

my left hand is fine. my poor little right hand will not close all the way.

the doctor says it is from over use. (sewing!!!)

here is the surgery. ick - i cannot actually watch this.

 but if you are interested:

http://www.assh.org/Public/HandConditions/Pages/TriggerFinger.aspx

plus i am having this done at the same time:

http://www.eorthopod.com/content/dupuytrens-contracture-surgery

pre op appt today with dr seiler

first i must say i just love my hand surgeon, dr seiler.
 i feel very confident putting my hand in his hands!
he was actually on the cover of atlanta magazine last year.
http://www.gahand.org/about-us/news-and-press/TopDocs.php
so he is a cutie pie on top of being the best at what he does!

and i love my husband much, much more!
he actually left work to meet me at the appt this morning.
he knows that i am
a bit apprehensive about the whole thing and
that i would need his emotional support.

the surgery is scheduled for next wednesday at 10:30.
the doctor says the post op bandage will be the size of a boxing glove.
then i return the next day to get the bandage changed and start PT.
wow!
they do not waste any time. they want me to start using the hand quickly.
i am thinking that i may be able to start sewing sooner than i thought!

the doctor told me he would be playing country music while he did the surgery.
 i am not a fan
but whatever it takes to make him comfortable is cool with me.
 i will have 2 iv's:  one for the surgery hand
 and one for me.
he said it would be like having two martinis.
again, cool with me!

i will try to remember to get my husband to take a photo of my hand tonight.
just keep me in your prayers. i am a bit of a baby :(

Giveaway - Large Accordion Organizer with wipeable Oilcloth

Measures 10 1/2" x 6"
13 POCKETS ACCORDION FILE WITH 12 *TABS
THis is was a very UGLY duckling plastic accordion organizer
 that i made into a pretty princess
using
black and white polka dot oilcloth fabric!
laminated so you can wipe it clean!
Plus there are 2 plastic pockets in back for your driver's license and other cards!
add a comment below to enter to win!
giveaway will be held on october 7th at 7pm and winner will be announced at that time.
if you are the winner - just email me your address and i will get it in the mail to you the next day!
good luck!

a funny story

from one of my recent customers after telling her that her order was in the mail to her:

" it is so funny -- i was showing a friend of mine what i ordered through your shop and she pulled her new designer cash envelopes out of her purse.
 she ordered the identical thing from you not too long ago! ha! :) thanks again -- can't wait to see them & get to using them! :) -blessings, amber"

i love that!

hand surgery :( free shipping :)

my HAND SURGERY has been scheduled for October 5th!
 i have put it off as long as i can :)
some of you may remember last year i had to close my shop
for several weeks while i was on hand rest due to swollen tendons  in my right hand.
and yes, i am right handed!

well, after that i got a cortisone shot, PT and used specially formed hand splints
 but to no avail.
i have to face it. i need the surgery :(

here is a link that shows exactly what is involved with trigger finger.
http://www.eatonhand.com/hw/hw022.htm

sadly, i will be unable to sew for 3-4 weeks while my hand heals :(
and i still have a gazillion orders to get out before the surgery (!)
26 to be exact.
but... i plan to leave my etsy shop open so you can window shop -
and i will be available to answer emails...
 if you want to purchase something 
- feel free but
 please know that i will not be able to get to your order
 until after the doctor gives me the ok to work again.

- it will be at least a month before i get to your order!
 just in time to start your november budget and
get those
christmas gifts purchased!

and for all my blog friends...
if you make a purchase - you get free shipping!

just tell me in the message to the seller or email me
after your purchase that you read my blog
and want free shipping
and it will be yours!

oh and i plan to blog about the whole surgery ordeal.
what else do i have to do during that time?
i will not be able
to sew but i figure i can hunt and peck with my left hand!

and just to make it interesting -
i will be throwing in a giveaway
every now and then!

 i will have my husband take a photo of my hand now
so we can compare it
to the finished product in about 4 weeks.
stay tuned for the photos!
and thanks for your prayers.

congrats to sweet 55

sweet 55 (dale) won the oilcloth set! thank you everyone for your feedback, comments and support!

stay tuned. i have a few other goodies to giveaway between now and the next scheduled giveaway on october 7th! thanks again

winner of giveaway to be announced at 6 pm!

hi everyone!
i am going to ask my husband to pull the winning name for the giveaway...
so
good luck.
the winning name is to be announced in moments!!
cathy :)

reminder - giveaway today :)

6:00 pm today! stay tuned... we have about 62 entries from my circle on etsy and a few comments on the blog - plus some folks have left feedback for me too so they are entered twice!

good luck to everyone!

new fabrics just in!

watch for new fabrics in my etsy shop or if you can't wait and you want a carrier set out of one of these new fabrics - just email me!