Comments About Comments, and the Future of This Blog

Posted on January 30, 2011
Filed Under Uncategorized | Leave a Comment

In recent weeks I’ve given much thought to the future of this blog.  As a full-time grad student and half-time employee, I don’ t exactly have spare time to keep it going, but I don’t want to close it down.  My problem is further compounded by the fact that I have multiple blogs, all sadly neglected, and I don’t want to close those down either.  At this time I am considering combining all my blogs into one, since they are related in theme.  Perhaps blogging will then become more manageable, and I won’t feel so overwhelmed. If that’s the decision I make, I will leave Bayou Bags up indefinitely, start posting new bag-related content at the other site, and eventually move all my content to that site.

I thank everyone who has posted comments, and although I really do try to respond to them individually, I don’t always manage to do that.  I have recently received a few good comments with suggestions for some new posts, and I will blog about those in a future post, either here or at the new site.  If your comment doesn’t appear immediately, it’s because I moderate all comments, and sometimes it takes me a while to get to those.

Anyone who blogs enough knows that you frequently get spam comments, and that is the primary reason I hold all comments for moderation.  I also get the occasional hateful comment.  Given the purpose of this blog, I find it unfortunate that readers find it necessary to criticize.  Sorry, but if you feel the need to critique the way I write, your comment will never be published.  As a Ph.D. student, I do know how to construct a sentence, but this blog is not my dissertation, so I’ll write the way I choose.  If you have a suggestion for a post or a tutorial, you have a question, you want to share something,  or just want to say thanks or hi, I welcome those comments.  If you write to tell me I’m boring, I already know that.  Your comment won’t be published.  I pay my own hosting, and I don’t get paid to post.  I keep this blog because I like sharing with like-minded people, so if you’re mean to me,  other readers will never know you tried to hurt my feelings.

I thank all my loyal repeat visitors, and anyone else who happens to stop by.  I hope you all find something here that interests you.  I’ll update you as soon as I make my decision, so you can update your bookmarks or favorites list.  And please, feel free to continue asking questions, making post suggestions, and letting us know how you’re doing.

Free Handbag Patterns!

Posted on December 15, 2010
Filed Under other blogs, patterns | 1 Comment

If you’re looking for a comprehensive, well-organized list of free handbag patterns, Annette of Craft Stew has put together a great list of what started out as 32 patterns, but has grown to 58.  Now there’s no excuse for not finding inspiration for those last-minute gifts, or finding a bag for yourself!  While you’re at it, be sure to check out some of Annette’s other posts, and add her to your favorites list, because you’ll want to visit often.  She has tutorials, tips, and pattern lists for just about any craft category you can think of.  Thanks, Annette!

Handbag Giveaway at Handbag Heaven

Posted on November 10, 2009
Filed Under bags, giveaways & contests | 1 Comment

teal_bag

 

Handbag Heaven is having a “30 Bags in 30 Days” Contest throughout the month of November.  To enter, you’ll need to provide your email address, which will put you on their mailing list, but you can opt out of the list at any time.  You can also earn extra entries by providing emails of your friends, but you can skip that part if you want.  I’m not affiliated with Handbag Heaven in any way — just passing this along (and increasing the competition!).

Update & Giveaway

Posted on November 9, 2009
Filed Under giveaways & contests | 1 Comment

 gingher-sarah8in

Wow, I didn’t realize I had been away from this blog for so long!  I really believed that I could continue to have a life while going to graduate school.  Keeping up with 2 blogs would be a piece of cake, or so I thought. What was I thinking?  Every day is filled to capacity with school and my usual daily chores.

 I did manage to get some sewing done over the weekend, including 2 dog beds and curtains for a solitary window.  But the rest of the weekend was consumed by software upgrades and reading assignments.  I’m afraid I have no new bags to show you at this time.  However, I need to make some gifts soon, and that means at least one new bag.

 Oh, and this grad school thing? It was an idea hatched in my husband’s somewhat sadistic brain.  And the dog bed project? Another idea from Daniel. What will he think of next?

 Since I have no projects to show you right now, I’d like to send you over to the Sewing Business Blog for a giveaway. Denise and Sarah are giving away a pair of 8” Gingher Designer “Sarah” Series Dressmaker Shears. These collectible shears have been discontinued by Gingher, and can be quite expensive if you manage to find them.  To enter, go to their blog post and leave a comment about a favorite fall or holiday project. The entry deadline is Saturday, November 28th.

Quilted Log Cabin Pillow

Posted on August 11, 2009
Filed Under home decorating, quilts | 4 Comments

No tutorial for you today, just a shot of the quilted log cabin pillow cover I finished up yesterday.  At the moment I’m trying to brighten up a colorless rental house, and all those small bits and pieces of fabric I’ve collected are finding a purpose here.

For this project I constructed 4 easy log cabin quilt blocks. Sewn together, they finished to a 12″ top.  I simply quilted the top to a piece of Warm & Natural batting (no backing here), using straight lines.  I added a back, and inserted a 12″ pillow form.  The cover is removable for washing.

Next up on the sewing machine – perhaps another pillow cover using just large squares, or maybe a pieced pillow case.  Then I may be ready for a new bag.

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