Bag Lady Designs

Yarn is moving fast!

2011-01-24T16:46:00.000-08:00

HI! Hope you are staying warm! It is freezing here in the northeast! My yarn is moving fast! Check out my ebay auctions to see what I have left! I have lots more yarn, fabric, One Stroke Painting to go up for sale ! I also have lot of craft/knitting/sewing books too!
Email me if you are interested in something specific!

Click here!

http://shop.ebay.com/mysticlace1968/m.html?_adv=1&_dmd=1&_in_kw=1&_ipg=50&_sop=12&_rdc=1

Also check out my etsy store!

http://www.etsy.com/shop/bagladydesigns

Til next time!

Avon Gift Items For Sale

2011-01-18T14:44:00.000-08:00

Hi! I have the following Avon items for sale... this is cash and carry! No need to order them. I have them on hand.

Check my facebook page for photos...

Wear it and Pair It Avon Women 3 piece pj set size small $24.99---

Organizational Bag $25 (retail value $35!)

Summer Goddess Scarf $8 (retail value $14.99)

Dare to Dazzel flex bracelett $25.99 (retail value $39.99)

Dare to Dazzle earrings $10 (retail value $14.99)

Lovely lavender clasp bracelett $14.99

I have one of each of the above on hand. No need to order or pay shipping if you arrange for local delivery. I can ship by usps if need be...please contact me for shipping rates!

I will only have these for a short time so get yours now!

Facebook site
http://www.facebook.com/#!/profile.php?id=1035050948

Avon Site:

http://www.youravon.com/joanneburgess

More yarn for sale

2011-01-15T18:03:00.001-08:00

lionbrand trellis

bernat matrix ribbon yarn

vanna's choice woodsprint

sidar dk denim tweed or fair isle

Photos of Yarn for sale

2011-01-15T17:57:00.000-08:00

encore chunky blue or pink

lion brand cotton ease in almond

hand dyed cotton from chile

lion brank magic stripe sock yarn

wool ease worsted

Yarn for Sale!

2011-01-15T11:57:00.000-08:00

Here are some of the items I have for sale on Ebay and Etsy...

For the Ebay auctions click here http://shop.ebay.com/mysticlace1968/m.html

For my Etsy Shop click here: http://www.etsy.com/shop/bagladydesigns

Lion Brand Magic Stripes Sea Blue
Purple ( 1 ball of each avail)

Bernat Camo mash, baby, snow ghost pink one ball each color avail
purple 2 balls avail

Lion Brand Wool Ease Worsted
Blue Mist (4 balls avail)
White Frost (1 ball avail)
Azalea Pink (1 ball avail)

Laines Du Nord Baby 3 balls avail

Araucania Pomaire Cotton 100% (retail $14.95) Hand Dyed in Chile ( 4 hanks avail)

Sidar Denim Tweed DK (retail $6.50) Made in England ( 2 balls avail)

Sidar Snuggly Faire Isle DK (retail $6.50) Made in England ( 2 balls avail)

Lion Brand Cotton Ease discontinued Almond (2 balls avail)

Encore Chunky Plymouth Yarn Baby Pink (retail $5.29) (2 balls avail)

Encore Chunky Plymouth Yarn baby blue (retail $5.29) (1 ball avail)

Vanna's Choice woodsprint medium weight (2 balls avail)

Vanna's Choice purple print medium weight ( 1 ball avail)

Vanna's Choice Baby Blue ( 1 ball avail)

Debbie Bliss Cashmerino Super Chunky (retail $14.95) (3 balls avail) olive green

Bernat Matrix Ribbon Yarn
Web wines (2 balls avail)
Browser Blue (1 ball avail)
Natural Network (1 ball avail)

Lion Brand Trellis Ribbon yarn 1 ball avail Stained Glass

All yarn is new /unused and from a non smoking enviroment!

I am no longer selling things at Lanesboro Junction so please check back for some finished products that I will have for sale!

email me at burgessavon@yahoo.com for details

Knitting Books for Sale!

2011-01-15T11:20:00.000-08:00

I have the following books for sale:

Stitch N Bitch Nation
Hip Knits
Easy Knits for Kids
Sweater Surgery
Knit It Felt It
Knit Mittens!
Knit Hats!
Scarf Style
Knit Fix Problem Solving for Knitters
24 Hour Knitting Projects

All books have a value over $15

I am asking $5 each. Email me at burgessavon@yahoo.com for arrangments for delivery or shipping and payment!

To our soldiers past present and future

2010-05-31T13:01:00.000-07:00

Thank you to all the soldiers past present and future who provide us with our freedom. Remembering you on this Memorial Day.

AVON ANEW SKIN CARE!

2010-05-20T09:18:00.000-07:00

• I have some Avon SKIN CARE PRODUCTS on hand for sale now!
• These will keep you looking your best!
ANEW DERMA-FULL x3 Facial Fillng serum $54.00
• ANEW Clinical Luminositty Pro Brightening Serum $54.00
• ANEW Clinical Eye Lift Upper Eye Gel/Under Eye Cream $28.00 or free with the purchase of ANEW Clinical Luminocity Pro Serum!
• ANEW Rejuvenate Day Cream $30
• ANEW Rejuvenate Night Cream $30 or buy both and get them for $20 each!
...Order from my stock on hand and get a 10% discount!
Check out photos for Pictures of each product on facebook!

Need something else?

http://youravon.com/joanneburgess

More Avon for Sale !

2010-05-20T09:08:00.000-07:00

I have some Avon Products on hand for sale now!
Footworks Therapeutic Cracked Heel Relief Cream $5.00

Footworks Lavender Overnight Treatment Cream $5.00·

Skin So Soft Gelled Body Oil $6.50·

U by Ungaro Perfume for Her $34.00

...Order from my stock on hand and get a 10% discount!
Check out photos for Pictures of each product on facebook!

Need something else?

http://www.youravon.com/joanneburgess

Avon for Sale!

2010-05-20T08:02:00.000-07:00

I have some Avon Products for Sale:

Naturals Pomegranate & Mango Moisturizing Hand and Body Lotion $7.00
Naturals Pomegranate & Mango Refreshing Body Spray $9.00
Naturals Pomegranate & Mango Shower Gel $6.00
Moisture Therapy Hand Cream for Extra Dry skin $5.00
...Order from my stock on hand and get a 10% discount!
Check out photos for Pictures of each product on Facebook!

Need something else? Check out my Avon Store!

http://www.youravon.com/joanneburgess

LAKE HOUSE FOR SALE!

2010-05-18T08:17:00.001-07:00

Here is an easier link to get to this great house!

http://www.realtor.com/realestateandhomes-detail/55-Ridge-Ave_Pittsfield_MA_01201_1118528248

Take a look!

HOUSE FOR SALE ~

2010-05-18T08:07:00.000-07:00

Hi! A good friend of mine is selling her house! It is by the lake, has a lake view and private beach. It would make a great primary or secondary home!
Please take a look:
Here is the site:
www.realtystreet.com

On the main page click on "Click here to search entire multiple listing"

Then enter Listing number

190090

Take a peak! Its really nice!

Guardian Angels born today!

2010-03-24T07:22:00.000-07:00

Here are some little darling angels I created today! They will be for sale at Lanesboro Junction and on my etsy site: http://www.etsy.com/shop/bagladydesigns

Each will come in an organza pouch with an inspirational message card! Great to have in your pocket to know that a guardian angel is always with you! We are all truly blessed!

Think about these as gifts for wedding favors, bridal showers, teachers, christmas, stocking stuffers, or get a bunch to have on hand and when someone needs a "lift" you can give them a great gift!

The colors and inspirational messages vary. Each angel is hand painted and no two are exactly alike!

These are not intended as toys as they are stones and could be a choking hazard.

Remember, I do take special orders! Right now each one is priced at $3.00 plus shipping. If you want to place a large order for a wedding, please let me know and I can get you special pricing.

Happy spring and happy crafting!

Spring is here!

2010-03-18T19:19:00.001-07:00

It has been in the high 50s for several days in a row! This is awesome but rare for mid March here in the Berkshires!
Tomorrow is a busy day... lots to do..outside enjoying the sunshine! Does anyone know what day it is tomorrow?
Yup. Thats right! The release of the New Moon video at midnight! I am going to a pre release party!
It is only fitting since Alyssa and I went to the opening of the movie and waited in line forever that we should do the same thing for the DVD! And a chance to see a private screening of the Eclipse movie!
Of course I should be doing other things but I am still crafting as well. Check back soon for some inspirational worry stones handpainted by me and also perhaps some new quilted bags!
Happy Spring! Lets hope the warm temps stay!

Figure Skating Show

2010-03-12T06:59:00.001-08:00

It might be raining and in the 40's here but we are still working on winter! I just listed some snowman ornaments on Esty. Click here to purchase them:

http://www.etsy.com/shop/bagladydesigns

Here's what these little guys look like... born February 24th during a snow storm (of course)!

Ice Skating show this weekend. I will post some pictures of the fabulous and beautiful skaters next week! I am also hoping to post some additional items to Etsy, perhaps some Santa ornaments! Get yours now while I have them!

I have a new item coming out soon...they are Guardian Angel Stones. They are an angel with an inspirational message card. They will be going up on Etsy as well. They make great gifts to give someone a lift! Check back soon!

IT IS STILL SNOWING!

2010-02-26T18:51:00.000-08:00

It is still snowing! We are supposed to get another 6 plus inches of snow tonight! Great weekend to settle in and do some serious knitting/painting/crafting!

I will be bringing my knitting along with me to the many basketball games this weekend (unless of course they care cancelled due to snow!)

Hoping to get in some serious crafting this weekend. I have several special orders to complete and I am trying to stock my shelf at Lanesboro Junction!

Stop in and check out what I have there!

Happy crafting!

Snowstorm February 2010

2010-02-24T19:08:00.000-08:00

Hello! It has been quite a day! We made snowpeople but they melted already. We got about 15 inches. Since our snowmen melted, we painted snowman ornaments to sell at Lanesboro Junction!

At least this snowday from school actually included SNOW!

Didnt have much time to craft today but had alot of fun playing... will craft more tomorrow!

Remember I am taking special orders for hand painted items, knitted items and blankets! Its never to early to think about those handmade gifts you need for the holidays!

Happy crafting!

Happy Valentines Day!

2010-02-09T08:28:00.000-08:00

It has been a really long time since I posted last. I have been making things to sell at Lanesboro Junction. You should stop in and check out the great things this store has. All of them are handmade many from local artists.

I am currently on a leave of absence from my 'real job' and am hoping to get in some great quality painting and knitting done! My yarn, needles and paint brushes are calling to me from thier respective tubs!

I am working on knitting some great scarves from chunky yarn that I got at Twin Hearts. They have some great yarn there. The company and atmosphere are just wonderful!

I am also going to be making some fleece tied blankets for the children in HAITI. Twin Hearts is sending them over with Sister Eunice. The children there are in great need. It always feels good to help someone out.

I am hoping to be making some stuff to sell on Etsy or on Ebay. I am also hoping to get some pictures and some new items up on Cafe Press. Check out what I have there for now!

Check back soon for some pictures of what I am working on now!

First Felted Bag Class a smashing success!!!!

2009-08-22T18:46:00.000-07:00

I wanted to say a special thank you to the ladies who took my felted bag class last weekend at the Becket Arts Center. It was alot of fun and we made some really creative and wonderful bags! See the ladies below: left to right, Arlene, Betty, Gail, and Pat. THANK YOU!!!

Aren't the bags awesome! We had alot of fun even though it was really hot and humid. Thank you to the Becket Arts Center as well for hosting my class and a special thank you to Maureen for "finding" me! Who knows we may even hold another one next year!

The ladies also were interested in a One Stroke Painting Class as well! That could be a possibility too!

Enjoy the bags ladies! You all did a great job!

It's August Already!

2009-08-08T05:58:00.000-07:00

wow, It has been a really long time since I have posted. Last weekend I had my exhibit at the Becket Arts Center. Thanks so much to everyone who came out to see all the wonderful art work! I met alot of really nice and interesting people.

Next weekend, August 15, I have a class at the Becket Arts Center, "How to make a felted bag out of a recycled wool sweater". It should be alot of fun. If you are in the area, it's still okay to sign up!

Summer is beginning to wain although, we have not really had hot hot weather. I finally broke down and put the air conditioner in though, more for allergies than a need to cool off the house!

Today I will be bringing all of the bags that I have left to Lanesboro Junction. If you are interested in anything you saw, the bags will now be for sale there. I will be posting pictures of the bags this week sometime so check back if you need to see them again!

New project: I am working on knitting fingerless gloves on 2 circular needles. I have never worked with needles like this so there is a bit of a learning curve here. I try to learn at least one new knitting technique every few months or so. It keeps my brain fresh!

It is almost time for back to school. We started the annual back to school shopping and cleaning out. As far as the cleaning out, I have alot of stuff going up on ebay: kids clothes (with tags still on them) summer and fall and winter. The back to school cleaning out sort of leads to all areas of the house so I am also thinning my yarn stash...check out my auctions for that! Some great deals!

http://shop.ebay.com/mysticlace1968/m.html?_dmd=1&_in_kw=1&_ipg=50&_sop=12&_rdc=1

I also started a new shop on Cafe Press with some of my paintings and photography. You can get them made up into shirts, bags, note cards, calendars, mouse pads, mugs, water bottles etc. Take a look and if you would like something specific, please let me know!

http://www.cafepress.com/bagladydesigns

Happy Crafting!

Spring?

2009-04-20T17:02:00.000-07:00

Hi. it has been a while. It kind of feels like Spring here although today it was sleeting on the way home from work and it looks like it is going to snow out!

I have been busy working on my bags for my exhibit this summer! I have gotten distracted a bit by painting again though...I have to follow my muse where ever she may lead! Here is a sample of what i have been working on:

I am hoping to finish up a couple of bags this week and perhaps paint another landscape.

My husband Paul is having surgery tomorrow so say some prayers everything goes well!!

Happy Spring! Happy Earth Day! Happy Patriots Day!

and Happy birthday to my sister Joyce!

BECKET ARTS CENTER

2009-02-02T16:35:00.000-08:00

Hi Everyone! Just a couple of things to share with you tonight. I have to get back to my knitting!

1. For those of you who helped look for the two 8 month old puppies that my neighbors were missing THANK YOU!!! THEY HAVE BEEN FOUND!

2. I have just recieved confirmation that I will be exhibiting my bags at the BECKET ARTS CENTER in BECKET MA this summer! ONE WEEK ONLY!! PLEASE COME AND SEE MY EXHIBIT July 25th through August 3rd! I AM REALLY EXCITED but I have alot of knitting to do!

3. I may be doing a class on making a felted bag from a recycled wool sweater! COME AND JOIN ME FOR THE CLASS at the BECKET ARTS CENTER!

More information on all of this to come soon!

Happy crafting!

Bags Bags Bags

2009-01-27T17:25:00.000-08:00

I finally finished all of my special orders from the shop. They came out fabulous! I just love them. Here are some pics:

It seems like the only time I get to blog lately is when there is a snowstorm on the way. Well yes, there is another storm on the way! Heavy snow, up to ten inches I guess! Another snow day for the kids...I on the other hand am sure that I will have been work.
Mortgage crisis? I have not seen anything indicating a mortgage crisis here. I have been working overtime...some or many 12 hour days to be exact! It is good money but it is seriously cutting into my knitting and creative time!

I do get to knit on my lunch. I am working on another bag (I am a little obsessed with bags...you might have guessed that from the name of my blog)..it should come out double the size of the ones that I just sold! I love them. They are sooo soft!
Here it is in progress:

Here are some of my other projects I am working on, some rag bags:

Here is another felted bag that was in progress for a long time. This one I think I am going to keep:

Well thats it for now. I am hoping things slow down just a bit so we can catch up with everything and I can get working on all my projects. My shelf is just screaming for more inventory!

Are your working on something interesting? Please let me know! I love to talk crafts!

Are you reading something great? Let me know!

SNOW SNOW and MORE SNOW!!!!!!

2008-12-19T16:20:00.000-08:00

We are having our 2ND MAJOR snowstorm in as many weeks! I cannot believe it. We have not fixed the damage from the first storm yet. They are saying we are going to get 11 plus inches of snow by the time it starts snow...and guess what.... another storm is on the way for Sunday...then guess what...another storm for Wednesday, Christmas Eve!!

NOTHING LIKE THE WARM LIGHTS OF A CHRISTMAS TREE DURING THE SNOW!

Okay, Okay...I know you are saying that I keep saying that I love snow. I do. I think it is beautiful and as a knitting, it gives my knitting purpose and life (as we speak my hats are being put to good use!). I like it even more because the bees go away (I know... I have a serious bee phobia).
My oldest son Justin and his friend Alex on on route to New Jersey. They have been travelling since 11am this morning from Amherst Ma. As of an hour ago they were still about 1 and 1/2 hours out, driving at a normal pace (65 or 70)...they are driving 25 miles per hour! I hope they get to Jersey before Christmas!!! Justin has to be back in Massachusetts by Monday for work! Anyone feel like saying a prayer to Mother Nature to give us a little reprieve?

STORM #2 AND STILL SNOWING!

Well, on the knitting front, yesterday I delivered the first of the knitted gifts and they were received with great appreciation and thanks. It warms my heart to know that someone is enjoying the fruits of my labor (passion, obsession, addiction..use whatever adjective here you like).

HAND PAINTED ORNAMENTS FOR 2008!

I am still working on some special orders...they are almost there. I still have 2 other items to create for Christmas... I am running this down to the wire this year.
May the knitting gods be with me!

FELTED PURSE NOT YET FELTED HANDLES YET TO BE KNIT

FELTED PURSE NOT YET KNIT NOT YET FELTED HANDLES STILL TO BE KNIT (I WONDER IF THIS IS WHAT THE ELVES FEEL LIKE ON DECEMBER 23rd?)

Today was the last day of school until January 5Th! All the kids are excited! Hopefully it will be a great vacation.

While I am working on the last of my projects to complete before Christmas, I am thinking about what I am going to make for next year. I am hoping to start some of the gifts for next year right after the holiday. Some of them contain a learning curve for me because I also have made a list of the things (knitterly things) that I would like to learn in 2009. This year it was cables and now I just love cables!
Next year I think it might be fingerless gloves and socks.

CABLED SCARF PATTERN BY KATE AT TWIN HEARTS... check out thier site at www.twinhearts.com

For those of you who don't knit or craft, I am taking special orders, please email me at jojo01237@verizon.net and let me know what you are looking for. After the holidays, I will be posting the items that I can offer for sale. Of course you can also check out my shelf (all be it bare right now) at Lanesboro Junction. I might even take special orders for Christmas but orders may need to be in by September in order to have them all done by the holiday.

Well I am off to knit. Enjoy the storm if you are here in the North East, if not be thankful for your nice weather!

Craft On!

IS IT JANUARY OR DECEMBER?

2008-12-08T20:25:00.000-08:00

WOW! As I sit here writing, it is December 8, 2008 but it is only 5 degrees outside! It feels more like late January than it does mid December! For right now we have some snow on the ground, maybe it will stick around for a white Christmas! We can hope!

Tonight I took the kids to Pajama night at Lanesboro School. It was so fun! We all wore our pajamas and bathrobes and we got to listen to 4 bedtime stories and have a snack and a craft. It was a perfect night for it because it is absolutely freeeezing out! It is cold but us knitters love the cold. For alot of us it is part of the reason we knit what we knit. We knit to keep those we love warm, and we knit for those who cannot knit so they can keep thier loved ones warm! Some of us knit so we can sell what we knit to buy oil to keep us warm (since oil is dropping but those of us locked in are supporting the rest of the economy!).

Well, I have finally completed all of the hats that were ordered for Christmas gifts! YAHOO! I am just working on 2 special order felted bags. They are coming out just great. I know I keep promising to post pics and I havent but I will soon!

I have most my gifts for Christmas knit. I just need to do a few finishing touches and they can be wrapped. I did quite a bit: hats of all sizes, scarves of all lenghts, and some felted bags. As soon as the holidays are over though, it is time the think about what my goals will be (knitting,crafting goals that is) for 2009. I have to think of some ideas for items to sell on my shelf at LANESBORO JUNCTION for January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, and September. I have October, November, & December covered. It is the beginning of the year that is hard for me because not all people buy wool items all year round (myself excluded!).

Feel free to email me with ideas or requests! I also need to start thinking of what items I am going to knit for gifts for next year. You can never start to early.
And the last thing I need to decide on is what I am going to learn/master in 2009. In 2008 it was cables. I learned them but I would not say I have mastered them by any means so that will be one thing I will continue in 2009.

I think I would like to learn/master fingerless gloves on 2 circular needles instead of 4 dpn. I think I would also like to start making socks as well. I'm up for suggestions though.

I also have joined a community on ravelry.com but I have not had much time to put into that and I would like to make that look more like a web page! I love surfing on there and never seem to make the time to put my page together. Too bad I couldnt get paid for surfing!

I got my Santa Fleece today (see previous post) He is just so beautiful! I love Santa!

Christmas will be here before we know it! It goes by so fast! I would love to see anyone's projects. Please feel free to email me. Also for 2009 I am thinking of getting a group together to just have a little knit night out. If you are interested, please let me know! I can teach you if you need to learn!

Well, I am off for now! Happy Crafting. PS. The above picture was designed by my husband Paul, my daughter Alyssa, and my son Jacob on PAINT! Isnt it awesome!

NEW HARRY POTTER TRAILER AND SANTA

2008-12-02T17:46:00.000-08:00

Wow! Have you seen the new trailer for Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince? Scroll down to my favorite movie trailers and click on the links. It is really great. Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince come out July 17, 2009. I cannot wait to see it. I am a real Harry Potter fan!

Well, besides watching movie trailers, I have been busy knitting special orders as well as my own christmas gifts. May the knitting gods be with me! Only 3 weeks until Christmas!

I am hoping to post some pictures of my latest creations this weekend but until then scroll down , way down and look on the left. One of the slide shows has some previous projects and I believe there is a picture of my Harry Potter scarf in there! I just love it!

I have so many projects going right now. I am still working on my cabled scarf. Bernie from Twin Hearts shared a pattern for fingerless mittens with me but I think I am going to need some help with that. She knits them on 2 circular needles. This is just a hair beyond my skill right now but I am confident I can do it. I got some great yarn there to knit them. This is going to be an after Christmas project.

I have been making some no sew blankets as well. My friend Liz got me the Santa fleece by Dona Gelsinger (see the beautiful Santa above) that I was unable to find! She went all the way to Albany! My Joanne Fabrics here sold out! Thank you LIZ!!!!!

If you like her art you can check her out at donagelsinger.com. She has some great pieces of art that have been used in fleece that you can make great blankets with!

Well, I am off to work on another special order. Happy Crafting!

BRRRRRRR!!!

2008-11-20T18:55:00.000-08:00

It is freezing here! It has been a while since I posted last. I have been very busy knitting. I was able to knit about 8 sets of the pumpkin hats and booties! We had a bunch of little "baby" pumpkins running around this fall!

I am working on knitting some hats. I recieved about 8 orders for hats for the holidays! I dont know what it is like where you are but it is FREEEZING HERE!!! We had snow flurries today and some snow is expected tonight!

I painted some snowmen and santa ornaments and they are now for sale at the craft shop where I am selling my crafts. It is Lanesboro Junction, South Main Street Lanesboro MA. If you live in the area stop by and check me out!

I sold most of my knitted items so my shelf is a little bare of knitted items right now but there will be more coming after the holidays.

I am also working on my first cabled scarf. I frequent Twin Hearts on my lunch hours and one of the ladies there wrote the pattern for the scarf. It is coming out just wonderfully if I do say so. Cables are so fun!

I will upload some pictures of my knitting and my painting in the next few days or so!

Happy Crafting!

FALL HAS ARRIVED!

2008-10-07T16:23:00.000-07:00

I woke up this morning to a freeezing cold house. It was only 56 degrees! I turned the heat on and noticed outside that we had our first real frost. Winter is on the way! Of course that makes me happy and most people unhappy but I love this weather!

I have been busy knitting and it is paying off. I sold 5 sets of pumpkins hats and booties at work. I also sold most of the items that I brought to Lanesboro Junction! I got my first check today. I am so excited! I need to knit knit knit! I will have to plan and stock up for next Sept, October, November, & December.

I guess I need to work on some holiday stuff and try my hand at that.

While I finally making some money on my crafts, I found out today that my school district cut the funding for the ART/MUSIC budget. This actually leaves our teacher (one teacher teaches Art, Music, Band and Drama) without any supplies. She does not have a budget for paint, or other craft supplies, no money for reeds for the wind instruments, etc etc. I think you get the picture.

She sent the message home with the kids asking for flour for paper mache projects at art class. I called her because I was not clear about what she needs. It turns out she needs any craft/art supplies she can get her hands on.

I asked her today if there was any way to create a fund raiser of any kind to help raise some money. She was busy and said she would let me know. I spoke to some other people who thought the PTO might be able to help so I will wait to hear from them. In the meantime, I searched my basement and brought her a giant bag of craft yarn (sorry I don't part with my STASH) and recycled newspapers for the paper mache projects. I am going to talk to some other parents that I know but if anyone reads this and has any ideas how we can help Lanesboro Elementary School from really letting our students go without the supplies the teacher needs to effectively teach Art, Music, Band and Drama, please email me or post to this blog and give me some idea.

While these subjects might not seem important, they are part of our lives forever. Every actor/actress we see in the movies took DRAMA at some point in their primary schooling. Every radio station we listen to has a musician that got started in a music class somewhere. Every commercial or Internet sight contains some kind of "art" created by an artist that was inspired by an art teacher somewhere!

Without the help of my past art teachers, music teachers, dance teacher, I would not have made any money selling my knitting, my ONE STROKE PAINTING, or encouraging my children to seek out their inner muse. I think that art/music is just as important as all the other subjects and may even enhance them because it lets you think outside the box that we are all put in. Thanks in advance for all your help or suggestions!

Happy Fall!

FALL IS HERE!

2008-09-26T18:35:00.000-07:00

It has been a while since I posted last! Things have been so busy. School is now in full swing which means so is the homework, soccer, and ice skating begins next weekend!
The leaves here where I live are changing and are an everpresent sign of changes to come. The weather is getting cooler (and the bees will be going away soon! YAHOO!) and it has been raining all day today.
My neighbor sold her house today and we will be sad to see her go. I hope she keeps in touch. She has been here ever since we moved in eleven years ago. I wish her the best of luck in her new location. While we are sad to see her go, we have new neighbors who seem nice and we welcome them to the neighborhood.
I have been busy busy busy knitting pumpkin hats and booties. Over the last few weeks we have welcomed 3 new great neices into our family, Kiera Rose, Kady Burgess Emma, and Ava Marie... all 3 beautiful healthy baby girls! So many babies to knit for!
I have also rented a shelf at a new shop in my town. It is a consignment shop for crafters called LANESBORO JUNCTION. It is on Route 7 in Lanesboro Massachusetts just past Bob's Country Kitchen on the left heading north towards Williamstown. It is a great little shop and I have sold quite a few things. (MORE KNITTING TO DO!! MY SHELF IS GETTING EMPTY! YAHOO!) If you are in the area or are going to be in the area during leaf peeping season please stop in! Its a great place to pick up some wonderful and unique gifts for the holidays (cookie cutter stores take warning!)
With the signs of fall just on the doorstep, so are all the beautiful new yarns for winter and the holidays! It is time to get started on that holiday knitting if you have not done so yet!
Usually I give you some links to save some money or to some terrific books or patterns. I don't have time to tonight. I will over the next couple of days so check back. I have to go and knit some more pumpkin hats. I sold some at work and I want to make some for my shelf at Lanesboro Junction.
If you are like me there is nothing like a handmade gift!
I also found some awesome new yarn for the Halloween Season from Bernat...it is actually GLOW IN THE DARK YARN! And believe it or not, it actually glows in the dark. I am going to finish up a hat this weekend and I will try to capture it on my digital camera for you to see! It is incredible! My kids cant wait to wear them...great idea for these dark nights of winter that lay ahead. Of course those of you that know me know that I like the cold weather because I really dont like the bugs of summer.... silly but that is the way I am and of course, being a knitter cold weather and wool just go together... you cant wear wool in 90 degree weather or at least comforably... :}

Well I am off for now. Check back for pics and links! Til then Happy Knitting and Happy Crafting

Jo

Crazy Summer

2008-07-26T06:52:00.000-07:00

Things have been a little crazy lately. I haven't had time to do much of anything except work and knit! Of Course knitting. My knitting goes with me everywhere, even to work. You never know when some knitting time will sneak in!

It has been raining for the last 4 days or so, so today I am taking the kids to the pool at Berkshire Hills Country Club with my friend Lisa. It will be fun for the kids and I will get to knit and visit and maybe go for a swim myself!

It's time to get started with those craft projects that will eventually become gifts for the holidays! I cannot beleive that next week is August! Yesterday at my childrens camp they celebrated Christmas in July. I guess Santa advised that there are only 155 shopping days left until christmas. That also means 155 CRAFTING days left, unless you are like me and work better under pressure! Many years I have spent the week before Christmas trying to knit into the wee hours to finish the last of the gift or paint the last of the ornaments hoping they dry before they need to be boxed and wrapped!

Before you get started making your holiday knits and projects though, you might want to wean yourself into it by making these cute little pumpkin hat and booties either for charity or a little one that you know.

You can buy the materials here and get free shipping through July 31st!

You can find the pattern for the cute little pumpkin hat and booties here!

www.lionbrand.com and search patterns for pumpkin hat and booties

Send me some emails! I would love to see what great projects you are working on!

Til Next time....happy crafting!

Irish Knit Scarf Pattern and Kung Fu Panda

2008-06-28T16:42:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I took the kids to see Kung Fu Panda! It was a really cute movie with really good ideas behind what was being said in the movie. If you get a chance check it out!

Okay here it is. The first craft pattern. I cannot take credit for creating this pattern. It is a very basic pattern and has probably been around since the beginning of knitting. It is very classic and a great take along with you project. Some examples are in my slideshow. One is green and one is a plum color. It is also great for beginners:

Irish Knit Scarf

Supplies

Size 17 or 15 knitting needles (I prefer bamboo or metal)
One Skein of Wool Ease Thick & Quick (any color you choose...other yarns may be substituted as long as they are a bulky weight)

Pattern:

Cast on 17 stitches
Row 1 Knit
Row 2 Knit 1 Purl 1 -repeat to end of the row...

Repeat rows 1 and 2 until you are almost at the end of the skein.
Bind off on a knit row. Weave in the ends.

If you get stuck or are a beginning knitter there is a video on the right hand side of the blog to show you how to knit and purl.

I would love to see some of your projects. Feel free to post them in comments or email me and I will include them in a future post!

If you didn't get your supplies yet click the link below and get them know. Still plenty of summer left to start making some gifts!

40% Off the Regular Price of One Item at Joann.com (Code: JUNA840)

Happy Crafting! See you next time!

JoAnne

Some Great Items

2008-06-27T09:40:00.000-07:00

Free Shipping on Vera Bradley Limited Edition Seaside Collection! Enter promo code: FREESHIPS08COLLECTION. Valid June 16 - August 31, 2008

Traveling? Take Vera Bradley with you

2008-06-26T11:32:00.000-07:00

I am half way through my vacation and it is just flying by! I have played with the kids, worked on felting 2 purses, started a 3rd purse to felt, worked on some One Stroke Painting, worked on my quilt. I have so many projects to work on I dont know what to do first! I think today I am going to work on finishing my One Stroke One Stitch Rag Quilt. When it is done I will take a picture to post on the blog. I think after that I am going to work on a ONE STITCH project. I have the materials for one that is an ocean landscape scene. That is about as close to the ocean as I will get this year (sorry Old Orchard Beach, maybe next year!)
It may seem crazy to be quilting and knitting while it is warm and stormy outside but once the snow flies, it is too late to whip together a blanket or a sweater (ok you can whip up mittens and hats).
Later I will post a scarf pattern for all to try. There is an example of it in my slideshow. It is an irish knit scarf and it is really simple. I would go ahead and get your materials now. You will need one skein of Lion Brand Wool Ease Thick and Quick (any color you like). You will also need one pair of knitting needles size 15 or size 17.

Check back for the pattern in a day or so! Even though this is a scarf for the coldest days of winter, it is a nice short project you can take with you anywhere, even the beach!
Happy Crafting!

Kids Crafts and Summer

2008-06-25T17:30:00.000-07:00

Well, today it was really nice out with no thunder storms! So far it has stormed every day of my vacation! It doesn't upset me because I get to stay inside and create but it can be difficult for the kids.

My daughter and I did some One Stroke Painting. She did a beautiful ocean/beach scene while I painted some hydrangeas. We are also going to make some friendship bracelets out of embroidery thread. They are sooo much fun! We have made bracelets and anklets, even added beads and more!

My son (her twin brother) isnt so much into the crafting but he has been coloring and drawing. He got some really great scented markers for his birthday and has been experimenting with the colors!

Alot of the craft stores have some great out of school craft ideas to keep the kids busy over the summer. It's never too early for them to make some teacher gifts or christmas gifts either!

I think tommorrow we are in for some more storms so we are going to the movies to see Kung Fu Panda. I will let you know how it is!! Then off to do some more swimming. I think I might pick up a video for tommorrow night too. It is time to start winding down on our vacation and get ready to go back to work for mom and off to Camp for the kids!

Today I worked on my rag quilt some more. I will upload some pictures by the end of the week.

I also got to work on my felted bag I am knitting with Noro Yarn. One thing about going swimming and knitting, it is not recommended to drop your wool in the water. Water and wool are not really good for each other unless you want to felt your project but I think the idea is to get it knit first before felting occurs! I think it will be okay though.

Well, that's all for today. I have to get back to my real chores (otherwise we will have to wear our PJ's to the movies tommorrow--hmmmm... no better not!)

Dont forget to order you needles and yarn and I will be posting the pattern for the Erin Scarf on Friday!

See you then!

JoAnne

Quilting with One Stitch Quilting

2008-06-24T15:48:00.001-07:00

I am working on a quilt made with Donna Dewberry's One Stitch Quilting Fabric. I have not tried her 'ONE STITCH' method yet but I am going to this week I hope. I love being on vacation and just staying home!

I am making a rag quilt with this fabric. Check out my slideshow on the right and I will be uploading a picture of the quilt in progress soon! Some of the pictures are of items I have made, some of those items are for sale and some are just pictures. I will also be adding a link soon so that you can order my photos or painting made into cards, t shirts, calendars etc! Watch for it soon!

Off to Joann's because I ran out of thread! UGHHHH! I am about 1/3 of the way done with the quilt. Oh well. Better planning next time!

Hot Products at Joann.com

Welcome to Bag Lady Designs!

2008-06-24T08:04:00.000-07:00

Hi! My name is JoAnne. Welcome to Bag Lady Designs. This is my first blog so be patient with me. As I learn how to do this, I am hoping to bring you some interesting craft ideas, patterns, and some really cool supplies! I will try to bring you places where you can get some savings as well!

I am hoping to bring you interesting stories as well as ideas. My crafts that I enjoy are knitting, crocheting, ONE STROKE PAINTING, quilting, sewing, and almost any craft!

I also enjoy movies, books, music and my first love...EBAY! (We all have vices we need to support! LOL)

Check back often and see what is new at Bag Lady Designs. I am hoping that you will try some of my projects but for those of you that would rather have immediate gratification, some of my items will be for sale or you can special order them!

I have a few links to my items for sale on Ebay, Esty and coming soon will be a gallery of my designs and items on FLICKR!

See you soon!