Lazy Girl Lily Pocket Purse arrived!

August 31st, 2010

I’ve been doing a HAPPY DANCE.  We received Lily Pocket Purse patterns in stock over the weekend.  I know I’m prejudiced, but she is a gorgeous girl.

I can’t even begin to describe what a thrill it has been to ship her out to all the Lazies who placed pre-release orders!  We’ve even received reports that a few customers have already received her.  Oh…I can’t wait to make a Lily just for me.

COMING SOON: Lily Pocket Purse pattern from Lazy Girl Designs

August 19th, 2010

The curvy, fresh and flirty new Lazy Girl Lily Pocket Purse pattern will be arriving very soon at SewThankful. Check her out:

Lazy Girl Lily Pocket Purse pattern

Wear from your shoulder or cross-body to rest comfortably and securely at your hip. Fully lined, short to long handle, inside and outside pockets, Velcro closure.  Finished size: approx. 9” x 10 1/4” x 1”

Here’s a view of Lily’s back side:

Lily Pocket Purse pattern

A look inside Lily:

Inside Lily Pocket Purse

Taking PRE-RELEASE orders NOW, due to ship the first week in September 2010.

Click here for more info and to place an order.

Curious about Surface Design? check out this FREE video clip

July 22nd, 2010

If you are a new or traditional quilter who would like to get started in Art Quilting but not sure where to begin, let Jane Davila help you with Surface Design Essentials.

Surface Design Essentials

This is your license to play! Whether you’re a quilter, a textile artist, or you dabble in mixed media, you’re going to love this tool. When you can’t find the exact fabric you need, make it yourself!  Check out this video clip highlighting several techniques from the book:

Surface Design Essentials is ON SALE now at SewThankful.com where you can SAVE on threads, patterns & more every day.

Cute, cute, cute! Craft patterns from Susie C. Shore

July 16th, 2010

Just *have* to share these really cute craft patterns by by Susie C. Shore:

Tea For Who Tea Cozy Pattern

Tea For Who Tea Cozy Pattern

Tea and Cupcakes Tea Cozy Pattern

Tea and Cupcakes Tea Cozy Pattern

Hot Fingers Microwave Oven Mitts Pattern

Hot Fingers Microwave Oven Mitts Pattern

Click the images to learn more about these adorable designs ON SALE now at SewThankful.com

Stephenville Firecracker 100 Bicycle Ride 2010

July 5th, 2010

My first big ride post ACL/Knee surgery in March was the Stephenville, Texas Firecracker 100–a metric century which is 100 kilometers or 62 miles.

I am happy to report that despite continuous rain the day before and a 40 – 50% chance of thunderstorms the day of the ride that it was a go… and I did finish.  There was a race and a ride option offered.  I chose ‘ride only’ which is simply an endurance ride on a designated course on public roads. I have no desire at this point in my life to race.

We did get a few raindrops and a LOT of thick drizzle, but that also kept the temp just below 90 which was nice.  I started to go flat in my front tire near the 3rd rest/aid station, but the volunteer bike mechanic was right there when I rolled up and changed my tube for me quicker than quick.  Rest/Aid stations were set up approximately every 10 miles or so.  ALL the volunteers were FABULOUS!

Sadly, one of the cyclists in our group was rear-ended by a car near mile 40. I was a couple miles back when it happened. When I saw the ambulance and all the cop cars with flasher blazing near the top of the next long hilll my heart sank. I think that was the hardest, longest hill I never wanted to make it to the top of. When I got there they had just put her into the ambulance. Several other cyclists were standing around sobbing and talking with the police. I didn’t know at that point if the person was still alive but decided not to add to the confusion so kept pedaling on to the next rest-stop where I received an update when a few other witnesses road up.

As far as I know she is still alive and at the local hospital. There were a BUNCH of witnesses–cyclists and motorists going in both directions–and the police got the person who hit her. Witnesses told me the person was an older female who was extremely incoherent.

As for the course, it was even a little more challenging than I thought it would be. There were a LOT of hills, so many I lost count.  Most were in the 1/4 mile to 1/2 mile length (a few went on for about a mile+) but some of the grades were quite steep, exceeding 10%.  A handful of riders did drop out by mile 40 and snagged a ride back in the SAG truck.

I started having severe muscle cramps and spasms in my lower right quad (on my good leg) at about mile 35. I was taking my electrolyte capsules, but I really think it was the humidity sucking it out of me as fast as I was getting them down. There were times I wasn’t sure whether to laugh or cry it was spazzing so bad. But I kept pedaling anyway and I made it! :-)

It was a great truly fantastic first big ride back after surgery. Challenging, humbling and exciting enough to make me want to do it again! The route was gorgeous, the volunteers were amazing and I ♥ Texas.

Unfortunately, my guys weren’t able to come with me this time so there was no one to take pics during the ride.  Here are a few I snapped from the car (of some of the closer in parts of the route):

UPDATE JULY 10, 2010 – I contacted the ride registrar to gather more information on the status of the rider who was hit.  I have heard back and here is what she said:

Terri W*** is the ladies name who was injured and I talked to her husband yesterday.  She has many fractures and broken bones and is very fortunate not to be paralized.  She had a 10 hour surgery on Tuesday to repair her back, and had surgery on her arm on Thursday.  She is one tough lady and is going to a re-hab facility today. She is in terrific shape [all things considered] and expects to be back on her feet shortly.

Thanks Tracy for asking about her and thank you for riding with us last Saturday.  We love our riders so much and we have been pretty upset(really
upset)that one of our own got hurt, much less almost killed.

For those who pray, I’m certain your continued prayers, good thoughts and positive energy will be appreciated.  Terri W is a strong woman, but she no doubt will have a long, tough recovery & rehabilitation.