RoomThreads - Custom Sewing - Reversible Tote Purse

I MADE IT MARKET - FEBRUARY 12

2011-01-24T06:22:00.003-05:00

On Saturday, February 12th, I Made It! Market is moving into the Glass Lofts, urban condominiums at 5491 Penn Avenue in Friendship, from 12 – 5 pm. More than 50 local artists will set up shop offering visitors a chance to check these new spaces first-hand while shopping for all of your Valentine’s Day needs. Shoppers will find a little something sweet for their sweet, something sticky for their honey and wait - don’t forget about mom, dad, and that nice little older lady next door. She’d probably swoon at a pretty little Valentine. Visit http://www.imadeitmarket.com/ to learn more and for a listing of participating artists.

This market is sponsored in part by Friendship Development Associates and Howard Hanna real estate agents Justin and Stephen Cummings who can show you all of the special amenities that make the Glass Lofts so lovely.

The Pittsburgh Glass Center will be open showcasing classes and a new exhibit so make sure to check out all of the fun on Penn Avenue on February 12.

Laundry Hanging Rack

2010-12-07T16:38:00.008-05:00

Make your own laundry handing unit. VERRRRRY SIMPLE!!!

STEP 1 - Purchase a utility shelf from Target type store.

STEP 2 - Buy peg board from Home Depot or Lowe's and cut to fit utility rack. Get creative and paint the peg board to whatever you would like. Attach the peg board with plastic ties. Purchase peg board hooks (approx $1.25 for the long ones) and place on board.

STEP 3 -- YOUR DONE!!! How easy is that.

SEND ME YOUR DESIGNS AND I'LL POST THEM!!!

COME SEE US AT SOUTHSIDE WORKS EXPOSED...

2010-06-27T08:58:00.003-04:00

STEELTOWN ANTHEM

2010-05-02T09:35:00.002-04:00

See us at.....

Steeltown Anthem

WILD CARD - Lawrenceville, Pa

2010-01-08T05:41:00.005-05:00

Great News!!!! Our clutches and reversible purses are now available at an awesome boutique in Lawrenceville, Pa a trendy part of this great city. Their website is http://www.wildcardpgh.com/ . If you live in the city or plan on visiting make it a spot to check out and after shopping stop for lunch or dinner at one the fabulous eateries in the area. There are quite a few other boutiques in the general area so to spend the day walking around would be worth your time.

Wild Card is also a member of the Pittsburgh Craft Collective and sponsors "Sunday Craftnoon's" for artist and crafters to get together.

Take the time out of your busy schedule and unwind a bit by shopping in Lawrenceville. Great way to spend some time.

New Tote Design and a great new Clutch purse

2009-12-04T07:10:00.006-05:00

Check out our new Tote design on Etsy. The cover is reversible and the tote has a cuff that hides the buttons. There are photos on Etsy showing in detail the new design. And of course check out our clutch purses while your visiting our shop. We are having great fun in coming up designs. We are repurposing many of our fabrics that we had in stock.

Our purses and clutches can now be found in the Pittsburgh Area. They can be found at "The Wild Card" in Lawrenceville, Pa. (The Cookie Tour is going on December 3 to December 6) and also at "The White Olive" in Butler, Pa.

Have fun visiting our shop and let us know what you think. If you leave a comment or join our blog we will give you a big discount on a tote or clutch. Send us an email for special pricing.

SALE ON DUVET COVERS

2009-06-13T17:52:00.003-04:00

I'm having a sale on duvet covers. Visit http://www.roomthreads.com/ for details. $50 for any size duvet.

Have a great weekend and thanks for visiting.

June 8 Giveaway WINNER

2009-06-08T08:00:00.002-04:00

Congratulations to "bprdesigns" an Etsy follower. You are the winner of the June 8 Giveaway.

For everyone who entered and didn't win........you win FREE SHIPPING on any tote that you purchase.

17th Street Cafe Restaurant (Pittsburgh, Pa)

2009-05-25T11:44:00.005-04:00

We have a great group of friends that have started to try different restaurants in the city. This week we went to the 17th Street Cafe in Southside. It was terrific. We walked in and were immediately welcomed by the owner. He made us feel like we had been going there for a long time. There were 6 in our group and we all loved our dinners....Maui Maui, veal and shrimp, white clam sauce penni. In my opinion :)... they have a terrific dirty martini.....the best I've ever had. They also have a to die for chocolate martini. If you are from Pittsburgh they have a coupon in the "Enjoy" coupon book and in the "Entertainment" coupon book. Try them out. Don't think you will be disappointed.

Multi Media - Reversible Cover for Tote/Purse

2009-05-11T10:09:00.003-04:00

Doing some market research......

What are your thoughts on this multi media design tote and reversible cover. Art work is a combination of machine embroidery, stenciling, hand painting, applique work. More photos available at www.roomthreads.com.

GIVEAWAY - Tote with Reversible Cover

2009-05-09T06:11:00.006-04:00

This tote will be given away in a drawing on June 8, 2009. To enter in the drawing just sign up to be a follower of my site or leave a comment with your email address. Visit my Etsy shop http://www.roomthreads.com/ and add my shop to your favorites, you will get another chance to win the tote. All current and future followers will be added to my drawing. I like to add past followers to my giveaway as a "thank you". The tote is made of heavy canvas duck and the cover is an Amy Butler design. For more detail and photos visit www.roomthreads.com. Giveaway policy can be reviewed in my Etsy shop.
GIVEAWAY TOTE

Highlights from our 6 week Road Trip

2009-05-06T17:43:00.010-04:00

For the next few weeks, possibly months, we will be sharing highlights from our road trip we took in April from Pittsburgh, Pa. along the east coast, across the south via Route 10, up to Zion National Park and the Grand Canyon and then back to Pittsburgh. My daughter and I decided to take a last minute road trip in April. You would think this type of trip would require a good bit of planning. But thanks to technology we were on the road within a week of deciding to take the trip. We signed up for Verizon Broadband Anywhere service, packed my laptop, had the car checked out....a Nissen Versa and had our bikes checked out and we hit the road.

Soooooo, here is highlight #1... Valley of Fire - Nevada

Valley of Fire State Park was one of my favorite stops and is located northeast of Las Vegas via Interstate 15 and on exit 75. Valley of Fire is Nevada's oldest and largest state park, dedicated 1935. The valley derives its name from the red sandstone formations and the stark beauty of the Mojave Desert. Ancient trees and early man are represented throughout the park by areas of petrified wood and 3,000 year-old Indian petroglyph.

Giveaway - June 8, 2009

2009-05-02T14:36:00.019-04:00

This tote will be given away in a drawing on June 8, 2009. To enter in the drawing just sign up to be a follower of my site or leave a comment with your email address. If you visit my Etsy shop http://www.roomthreads.com/ and add my shop to your favorites, you will get another chance to win the tote. All current and future followers will be added to my drawing. I like to add past followers to my giveaway as a "thank you". Giveaway policy can be reviewed in my Etsy shop.

GIVEAWAY TOTE

NEW MEDIUM SIZE PRODUCTS BELOW

SPRING/SUMMER TOTES WITH REVERISIBLE COVER

We are starting to upload our new spring/summer totes. A full description can be found on our Etsy site http://www.roomthreads.com/. Custom fabric combinations are available just send us an email through Etsy.

If you already have purchased a tote, a new cover can be purchased separately for an endless combination of totes/purses. Covers are $12.00 which means two diffent looks for the price. Pretty good deal .

March 19

2009-03-19T22:24:00.002-04:00

I've been on a road trip with my daughter since mid February. We are driving from Pa. to the Utah via the south and back again. If you would like to read a little about our trip go to

http://byrnetrip.blogspot.com/

WILD FLOWER - by Annette Jackson

2009-01-10T06:18:00.003-05:00

When someone special is brought into my life, I love to share their talent with others. I recently had the good fortune of this artist walking into my life and she is loaded with talent. Every so often I'll be posting one of her paintings with a little info about her inspiration for each one. Hope you enjoy these as much I as do. If you would like info about this painting, send me an email or leave a comment.

Her inspiration...
This flower I named "Wild Flower" because it's so expressive in its natural colors and size! It reminds me of a woman that has a free spirit that can be detected through her eyes, color choices, words and actions – Simply a Naturally Beautiful Woman; aka, "Wild Flower". This is a watercolor painting created based on a photo – I used Winsor & Newton colors; Deep Red; Permanent Alizarin Crimson; Alizarin Crimson; New Gamboge; Yellow Ochre; Hookers Green, Sap Green, and shades of browns. I've loved color and art since I was a kid; as a teenager I worked after school at an Art Gallery in Los Angeles, CA called Brockman's Gallery; also painted abstracts on my walls at home. As time moved on family, corporate work, along with other things came along and I got away from the thing that I loved. Two years ago, I was at a different place in my life and I needed to find something that I could loose myself in – I thought about it, and prayed about it–and decided to take a watercolor painting class; it's been history since then – I renewed my passion for the world of color and artistic expression; in particular, watercolor painting. My journey continues and I'm sure I will continue to delve into the other mediums as I become closer to myself and the need to express through the Art mediums.

Etsy Newbies Info

2008-12-11T13:51:00.004-05:00

Just a few things I've learned being somewhat new to Etsy.

In Terms of .....

Giveaways........Define if shipping will or will not be included in the Giveaway.

Shipping............after many different ways of packaging and shipping I've now standardized
on using PayPal. It is very easy to use in terms of calculating the best way you would like to ship. Confirmation of delivery and postage is less than going to the post office. Shipping labels are printed in one easy step and it includes a receipt for your records.

Packaging.........After trying all types of envelopes, I'm finding the thin plastic ones that
can be purchased at K-Mart are working well so far. They seem to hold up
during shipment and they are very light so weight is minimal.

Hope that helps some of the newbies like myself.

Wild Rosemary Restaurant - Bridgeville

2008-12-05T08:40:00.005-05:00

Well it seems I was right about the Wild Rosemary in Bridgeville. I tried to get a reservation for a Christmas dinner for the women in my family and the best I could do was January 6, 2009. Of course it is the holiday season and I waited to long to call and our time need wasn't working. But I was happy to get January 6. I did get there for lunch yesterday with my husband and was ever so pleased again with the meal....especially my husbands. He had a flatbread with roasted chicken. It had such flavor it really impressed him. After our lunch, we were honored with the chef stopping by our table to say hello and chat. At which time, she mentioned that after the first of the year they may be changing their hours. She wanted feedback as to our reaction to the new hours. We were happy with them as long as they didn't move. SO.......be sure to make reservations. Did I mention....it's a BYOB spot.

Winner of the R.E.D. Tote

2008-12-02T06:50:00.002-05:00

The lucky person was Kathleen Taylor. I want to thank all of you for following my blog. This was great fun. I'll be doing another giveaway in January so check back. To thank all of you for following, I'd like to offer you 10% off on the purchase of a tote through December 15th.

Thank you all.

LAST DAY TO SIGN UP FOR GIVEWAY

2008-12-01T07:13:00.002-05:00

Last opportunity to win the great tote for just following my blog. All followers listed will be put into a hat and the winner will be picked tonight December 1...my mom's birthday. So be sure to send me contact info. Good Luck!!!

Montour Trails - Thanksgiving Day

2008-11-29T05:59:00.005-05:00

Photos are from my walk on Thanksgiving morning. This part of the trail just recently opened in Pittsburgh. The section is from Morganza Road to Valleybrook Road and over looks Valleybrook Country Club. Must say it is one of the more scenic parts of the trails in the immediate area.

DECEMBER 1 - GIVE AWAY - REMINDER

2008-11-24T21:51:00.003-05:00

Here is a great opportunity to win this great tote for just following my blog. All followers listed will be put into a hat and the winner will be picked December 1 on my mom's birthday. So be sure to send me contact info. Good Luck!!!

ETSY FEATURE SHOP ---- INDISCRETION

2008-11-23T14:51:00.006-05:00

My name is Mara Franklin, and I'm the owner, designer and seamstress behind my company, Indiscretion. When I went away to college, I originally wanted to start in a fashion design program. I ended up in the art department instead, earning a BFA in Jewelry/Metalsmithing, and a BFA in Art History from the U of I in Champaign. I then attended NYU for their Costume Studies/Decorative Arts graduate program. I worked in different museums handling their textile and clothing collections, but I really wanted to make them myself! To give my desire an outlet, I'd create clothing and accessories, only to hoard them or give them to friends and relatives. A really close friend suggested I sell my unusual style online (as I was too shy to approach any local stores), and that was back in December 2005. I started with some handmade vintage style hats on eBay, and branched out from there.I now have two different clothing/accessory lines on Etsy: Indiscretion - Street Couture, and Haute Indiscretion, a more formal/dark side of my designs. I absolutely love what I do!

Where am I?

http://indiscretion.etsy.com/,

http://hauteindiscretion.etsy.com/
http://www.indiscretion.us/

An Etsy Find..House of Mouse

2008-11-18T05:28:00.004-05:00

I have been learning a great deal about Etsy the past few weeks. One of the by products of learning about Etsy is that you find many friendly shop/owners. One such shop is http://www.houseofmouse.etsy.com/. Here is my favorite listing and I'd like to share it with you.

TRIO OF BANGLES - Beaumont Fields Collection

Three bangles, wet felted from merino roving in shades of orange, are each encased in soft 28 gauge, crocheted wire. SIZE: Diameter: 2.5 inches.COLOURS: Orange; Cranberry; Gold; Peach.

This is just one of her many unique listings so go check out www.houseofmouse.etsy.com. It's not to early to start Christmas Shopping.

White Wine - Chardonnay

2008-11-17T11:59:00.005-05:00

The other night we enjoyed a dinner during "Restaurant Week" in Pittburgh and were introduced to a very nice chardonnay. Chardonnay is never my first choice and fortunately, because it was a "restaurant week" dinner, I did not have a choice of what wine I wanted with my dinner. The wine choice came with the meal and I'm very glad it did. I loved it. I had asked to the waiter for the name of the wine and he in turn sent the sommelier to our table. The sommelier was very gracious and so happy to tell us all about the wine and why it was different than most.

Once the grapes are soft-pressed, 40% of the juice is drawn off and fermented in oak wine barrells for 4-5 months then reunited with the stainless steel-fermented portion. The touch of oak created a smoother chardonnay. The price is reasonable.....approx. $12.00.

My dinner was an appetizer of squash ravioli and a main course of quail.

DECEMBER 1 - GIVE AWAY

2008-11-13T06:38:00.000-05:00

Favorite NEW Restaurant

2008-11-11T19:04:00.006-05:00

The WILD ROSEMARY in Scott Twp., Pittsburgh, Pa. When I was raising my family the building was a ice cream shop that we would take the kids to after a T-Ball game. Now it has morphed into my perfect idea of a restaurant. Wear your favorite jeans and top, linen table clothes, silver sugar and creamer, bring your own wine, AND ABOVE ALL the most wonderful food. The available seating is for only about 16 people so reservations are important. The exterior draws you in with the wonderful Italian type urns of rosemary flanking both sides of the building and the 3 tall glass vases topped with clay crocks of ...what else but ....rosemary in the window. I'll be going tomorrow for lunch and hopefully will be able to take some pictures to show you what I'm babbling about. So check back tomorrow for the photos. If you happen to live in the 'BURG, look them up and tell them RoomThreads sent you. At which point, they will look at you like you had two, maybe, three heads. But do put it on your list of restaurants to visit when in Pittsburgh.

Not just another Election...

2008-11-10T06:09:00.007-05:00

Below is lengthy but WORTH THE READ. This was an email I rec'd from a family member and was moved by it. I myself didn't realize the impact the election had around the world. Do take the time to read.

I'm sure by now, you have all had your fill of presidential politics but I wanted to share an experience with you that literally transcends words... I'll do my best.

As you all know, I'm a political junkie and after this 21 month extravaganza, I was more than eager to finally see the results. By this point, I really didn't think anything would surprise me on election day. Then again, the actual experience of observing an American election from overseas is something I failed to consider. Perhaps that aspect should have been obvious, but I guess I overlooked its simplicity. Yet, I did have the amazing privilege to witness this event from New Zealand and I doubt that I will ever see anything quite like it again in my life. I watched the coverage with fellow Americans, Canadians, French, German, Swiss, Swedish, Norwegian, Kiwis, Australians, Spanish, South Africans, Irish, English, and Welsh. And those were just the people I talked with. In all honesty, there were probably a couple more nationalities represented at the lodge this past evening.

I know that some of you are not Obama supporters, but I hope that I can communicate this to you in a way that goes beyond Republican or Democrat, liberal or conservative. Believe me, regardless of who you voted for, any American would have been astonished by what I saw.

As the electoral map filled in and an Obama victory became evident, the lodge, chalk full of people hailing from no less than four continents, came alive in a way I don't know how to describe. Even now, seven hours later, just trying to find the appropriate words for this email brings tears to my eyes. There was an energy in the room that was nothing less than palpable. When CNN called the election for Obama, well... the room just exploded. Champagne flowed, everyone cheered, people I never met in my life before this evening embraced me as if I were their brother. They rushed over to me just so they might get an American's insight. You would have though they had witnessed their own elections, all of which were somehow as exciting, important, and transformational as this particular one. Perhaps the quote that summed it up best came from a Swiss girl. She simply cried out, "America is back!"

Now, I know what you might be thinking, who cares what a bunch of foreigners think? The fact that most of the world has a love affair with Obama won't help us through this financial crisis, two wars, or any of the other problems facing America. And if that is your thought, you are absolutely right. They can't help us. But that's not the point.

The point is America, in many ways, is still the beacon of light on a hill. In spite of all the things we get wrong, and how damaging those errs can be to the rest of the world, they really do look to the U.S. for leadership and guidance. I've left North America four times, have been living abroad for well over two months, and have met people from every corner of the world, yet I couldn't grasp that concept in its entirety until this evening. The only other time in my short life that I've experienced any emotion on this level was when I walked into my fourth period French class on 9/11/01 and realized what had happened to my country. Thankfully, this time the experience represented the opposite end of the emotional spectrum. Words like 'hope' and 'change' became a seemingly relentless mantra in this campaign. I never gave them much credence, but rather passed them off as the regular political banter we see every four years. But I tell you from the heart, I've never felt hope like I do now and I think the requisite change is very much on the way.

In short, I've never been so proud to be an American and I've never been so eager to take on the responsibility that comes with it. I read what I've written about thirty times over so far in the hopes that I might be able to better describe this momentous event, but I just don't possess the words. However, I hope my message comes across and I hope that you are all able, in some way, to appreciate and embrace the decision America made today as well as the impact it will have on the rest of the world. I hope we can all live up to what it means to be an American. Whether you think Obama's election is a direct victory for the people or if you think it will inspire the Republican party to reinvent itself so it may finally fulfill the promises made in 1994, change is coming tomorrow and I have no doubt we'll all be better off for it.

WIN THIS TOTE........

2008-11-09T21:42:00.005-05:00

Wine Find

2008-11-08T05:59:00.009-05:00

I don't know much about wines other than what tastes good to me. And Rosemont Estates happens to be one of those wines. It doesn't matter if it is a red or white that you like, Rosemont Estate has a great selection. What I like best are the number of blends that they offer. One of my favorites is Traminer Riesling. AND BEST OF ALL no headache from it. Couldn't begin to describe it so below you'll find a market description......

Traminer Riesling .....is a delicious blend of two of the world's most expressive and flavoursome grape varieties. Traminer - also known as Gewurztraminer - has a spicy, tropical fruit aroma reminiscent of lychees and exotic scent, with a generous, soft palate. The Riesling component adds elegance to the finish, with lifted, floral flavours and a fine acidity which balances the wine to perfection.
A pale straw colour with a light green hue. The Traminer has spicy, tropical fruit aromas reminiscent of lychees, whilst the Riesling adds elegance and lifted floral characters. The palate displays well balanced proportions of sweetness and acidity, with a clean and crisp finish.

So go out today and pick up a bottle and let me know if you like it.

Flip Flops Keep you smiling

2008-11-05T12:38:00.006-05:00

Just couldn't resist this canvas fabric when I was shopping. What to do with it came to me when going past a fun store for teaching kids to cook. What fun to wear this while helping mom or dad with supper. And besides flip flops are just plain fun no matter what!!!
These are on http://www.roomthreads.etsy.com/ for $13.99 "What a Deal"!!!!

Montour Trail - Pittsburgh Pa

2008-11-04T15:50:00.009-05:00

I love biking but only on trail. Here in Pittsburgh we are blessed with the very extensive Rails-To-Trails system. Below are some pics from the stretch from Hendersonville to Venice in Washington, Pa.

To see me sometimes will make you smile, because I have a 5# Maltese dog that rides in my basket. He loves it most of the time. And without exception, anyone passing by flashes a smile. So I figure, that's good Karma.

SEWING TIP #2

2008-11-03T13:10:00.004-05:00

After a few years, I decided to actually paint and organize my sewing room. Which lead to the project shown in the picture. Most sewers have the plastic storage containers to organize their goods just like I do. But since I was creating a room that clients would be seeing, I didn't want those plastic containers visible. So I created a cover for them.....see the photo below. Now I have the best of both worlds. Let me know what you think of it.

EXTREME MAKEOVER HOME EDITION -AGAIN!!!

2008-11-01T08:05:00.003-04:00

We have been honored again to participate in EXTREME MAKEOVER HOME EDITION. And again it is for the Season Finally scheduled to air in January 2009. Our bed linens will be used in the little girl's room. Sorry.....Can't tell you anymore than that until it gets closer to the air date. So check back to see were it's going to take place and which of our products will be used.

Reversible Endless Design Tote - R.E.D. Tote

2008-10-06T14:52:00.024-04:00

Here is a tote that is ever changing. New designs are always being posted so please check us out at http://www.roomthreads.etsy.com/.. Great for teachers, students....large enough for manilla folders, mini diaper bag ...for the times when you just need to take a few items. There is also a set of interchangeable straps....one for under the arm and one for a hipster type tote. See our ETSY site for more details.

If you want something specific, just send us an email at www.roomthreads@gmail.com. We love working with customers to help them enjoy the process of creating something.

Let us know what you think of the tote/purse.

Sewing Room Tip #1

2008-10-04T16:52:00.005-04:00

My sewing room is carpeted and always had a bit of trouble with cleaning up fallen scraps of fabric and pieces of thread. Used to use the suction end of my sweeper attachment but found something else very high tech....a little rake. Makes clean up quick and easy and you don't clog your sweeper

.

Extreme Makeover Home Edition

2008-10-01T07:37:00.014-04:00

Extreme Makeover Home Edition May 2008

RoomThreads was honored this year by being invited to participate in a third edition of Extreme Makeover Home Edition. This year's season finale episode was the story of the Usea Family. Our embroidered sheets were used in Abigail's (Abby) and Audrey's (Sissy) bedrooms. We hope our linens added to their delight when they snuggled into bed that evening. At only 2 and 4 years old these two little princesses had experienced something more than their share at such an early age. Their home had been destroyed first in hurricane Katrina and then in a tornado.

Here are the sheets that were used....

WELCOME to our blog!

2008-09-30T10:57:00.012-04:00

Well we've been "ETSYFIED" and through them found our way to the blogisphere. What fun!!! I say "we" because this blog is a joint effort of my duaghter-in-law and myself and our ETSY site "RoomThreads.....a little room frosting!"
Here are our muses!
Ella Rose

Claire
Marin