March 3, 2010
Hannah Hobo Bag - New B. Randle Purse Design, etc.
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Note from Barbara Randle
Just a note to say "Hello" and introduce a new purse design. Here's hoping you're having a wonderful winter, snug as a bug in your sewing space creating wonderful treasures!
Our newest bag, The Hannah Hobo" has become a class favorite. It measures 16 1/2" tall not including the handle and 15 inches wide. It is fully lined, has an inside pocket and magnetic snap closure. I personally love carrying this bag because it is so comfortable and hugs the body. Kits for this purse will be available soon as a Kit of the Month. The pattern will not immediately be available - we're working on it.
Joan Brown and I just returned from a fabulous quilting cruise around the Southern Carribean. What a wonderful thing to do for 10 days in February. Wish you had been there. Lots of fun was had by all, just stitching and laughing.
Love to you, Barbara
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August 7, 2008
I think about blogging all of the time...
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written August
2, 2008:
You
know, I think about blogging all of the time.
It is rare (as you know) when I actually sit down and do it! 2008 has been such a busy year for me. I just finished 7 days at Martha Pullen School - teaching everyday except
Tuesday. We taught the Christmas Stocking (Sis Hutchinson's - of M. Pullen - idea). I had my reservations about doing a Christmas
Stocking in July, but Sis was right, and it was a big
hit. I wouldn't have thought of taking
our few "left-over" holiday bags to sell, but since we were doing Christmas in
July, I just thought "why not?" We had
about 8 of those kits left, and I sold every one of them and could have sold
many more. Everybody wanted them, so I
came home and told Sally - my wonderful web person - that we were going to offer
the holiday bag as our August kit of the month .
Sally just said "I hope they sell."
We'll see. 
I am leaving Monday 8/4 for San Francisco for a few days of R&R with my husband. I will fly from there to Boston for my niece Kelly McFalls' wedding. Will be back in my studio on Monday, August 11. On the 12th, I have a group from the Birmingham Humane Society coming to make a
throw in a day for a fund raiser for the animals. Each participant will make a square. Then on the 19th I am taking my
soon to be graduates of my latest Square of the Month Classes to Oneonta to
B&B Fabrics to look for backings and trims for their throws. We also will stop at a cute tea room for
lunch. Then on the 21st I
travel to Columbia,
South Carolina to
teach.
Columbia is my last away class
until November. We have posted class
dates for Birmingham classes on line through the end of
the year. I am looking forward to a
little break from travel, however in October Betsy
Printz and I are planning another India
trip.
Speaking
of trips, some of you have inquired about another group trip to Shanghai. Here's the skinny: I am planning a group trip to Shanghai for March
2009. The dates are the 6 through the
14th. The cost is not firm
yet, but a ball park figure for land cost would be $1500. On top of this you would arrange your own
airfare which might run around $1400.
There is also an optional one-day side trip to Beijing to see the wall
and other attractions. If you are
seriously interested, please let me know right away. I will have daily details ready in the next
couple of weeks. I have a limit of 20
people and already have 8 signed up.
Some of the ladies going are taking
husbands.
Happenings:
The
Alaska Cruise
was fantastic!!! We had forty something Bernina Sewing Machines set up on board and eighty
something participants. All of
the classes were not sewing. I taught
the fabulous "Precious" handbag . We had
June Colburn on board, a teacher who taught over-dyeing and silk screening on
old or thrift store items - you would not believe what they did with tired, worn
out used things. I gave Kathleen
(Kathleen Bishop a teacher is my friend that went along with me) two of my old
silk blouses, and she went to June's classes and came out with unbelievably
beautiful "NEW" blouses. I certainly
wanted them back after they were revived - I did let her keep them. Rosemary Eichorn let students in making scrumptious scarfs using yarns, threads, and silky scraps using free
motion stitching and water soluble stabilizer. Cathie Hoover taught amazing fabric embellishment
using hand embroidery, metal eyelets, fusible rhinestones, fancy ribbons,
rickrack and fabric manipulation. Last
but not least was instructor Linda Tuefel who taught a
collage piece mixing different skills and cottons and shapes. We had a
champagne show and tell on the last night on board, and you would not believe
what our talented students did!
Before
this cruise, my cruise experience was pleasure cruises, and I found myself
queasy at times and was not particularly excited about future cruises. But when Faye Doyle who organizes these
cruises contacted me about a sewing cruise, I perked up. I had no real queasy times to speak of. I attribute this to the sewing
machines. I came home and told my
husband that I a definitely a cruise person now, but I don't want to go on a
cruise ship without sewing machines!
So
here's the deal: If you want to try a
sewing cruise, I'll be teaching on another cruise February 3-13, 2010 - that's a
year from next February, so there's time to save for the trip. It is a Caribbean
Quilt Seminar at Sea - roundtrip Ft.
Lauderdale, Florida.
I will be doing three one day classes aboard ship; in addition we will
have plenty of sewing "free-time." Of
course there will be other teachers aboard.
I do not know who yet. It is SO
MUCH FUN - a major girls happening!
(Many did bring their husbands who behaved and didn't get in the way -
seriously, they seemed to have a great
time!)
In June
Ed and I hosted a wedding reception at our home for Ashley Parsons and Tarleton
Pike. Ashley is the daughter of my
sidekick and assistant Sue Parsons. We
had a wild time with lots of music and dancing under the stars. Then, on June 18th, Linda Medley
and I flew to Louisville, Kentucky and did two back to back classes for Linda Carswell who owns the Smock Shop in Louisville. Linda is the Viking Dealer in Louisville and she was
just back from the national convention where they unveiled the new Viking
Diamond Machine. She shared the new
machine with us, and I am telling you it is magnificent. It does everything but cook your dinner. I am really longing for a Viking!! The decorative stitches are to die
for.
Many of
you will remember my precious granddaughter Morgan who used to work full time in
my studio. Well, Morgan got married
August two years ago and this month is expecting our first GREAT GRANDBABY! We've already seen 3D pics of Foster Geddy Holladay on
ultrasound and he definitely has the Randle nose! Can't wait for his
arrival.
We
hosted a group of the Birmingham Chapter of the American Sewing Guild
at a class at our studio in July, and then there was Martha Pullen.
We
continue to have monthly pick a project classes and sip and sew classes in my
studio in Birmingham.
If you are interested in planning a group event for friends or associates
to get together and make a purse, let us know.
We are doing group classes which include a fabulous lunch put together by
our staff gourmet cook, Joan Brown, who also is in charge of classes. Let us know if we can plan something for
you. Out of towners are welcome too!
Sew
Crazy!!!
Love,
Barbara
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May 9, 2008
Barbara is blogging again!
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My Dear Crazy Friends:
It's been so long since I've caught up with you, and I apologize for not staying in touch better. The last year has been wild and crazy, and I want to touch on some of the highlights. The last blog I wrote was about my 2007 trip to Shanghai and Kashgar. Since then, we went through a major addition and remodel of our home, traveleled a lot and of course CRAZY QUILTING, CRAZY QUILTING, CRAZY QUILTING.
As you may know, Joan Brown took over classes in our Birmingham Studio. We have been doing at least one Saturday class and our very popular Sip 'N Sew Classes each month.
Last June, Kaye England came and spent several days with me as she taught classes in our area. We managed to have some wonderful "girl time" and lots of laughs. I flew to Seattle and taught for three days at Mike Piper's Best Sewing and Vac stores - lots of fun, so great to reconnect with old friends. My husband and I along with our friends Betsy and Peter Printz flew to Vancouver and took an amazing train trip across western Canada.
July - From Calgary I flew to Omaha and met Joan Brown and we were honored to teach at the Crazy Quilt Society Retreat with Nancy Kirk. This was a REAL treat for Joan and me, because we were exposed to traditional crazy quilting done by hand and and soooooo beautiful. We actually had people doing our classes by hand. Joan, Pat Numnum, and Kathy Leberte traveled to Huntsville, Alabama in late July to teach purse classes at Martha Pullen. Our classes were packed, and we met so many new wonderful sewers. Loved being with our old friends at Martha Pullen.
August - We were happy to again teach at the ASG Nashville event held at Opryland. Many in our Birmingham Sew Group went and we made a party of it -Attending were Boo Bailey, Linda Sims, Jane Jones, Linda Medley, Sandra Morgan, Patty Vann, Pat Numnum and Joan Brown. What a fabulous venue!!! Then on August 29, I was fortunate to be invited by the VSM (Pfaff and Viking) company to come to Jonkoping, Sweden to visit the Husqvarna factory and executive offices - I invited my daughter-in-law's mother Marylyn Gavin to come along with me. We had a wonderful trip and are so appreciative of our friends at VSM for the hospitality and invitation.
September - After returning from Sweden on the 3rd, Pat Numnum and I drove to Douglasville and taught a class at Cornerstone Sew and Vac. We had the great honor to host Paula Deen at our home on September 12 for a photo shoot for her magazine. Paula and her entourage came and spent the day. We sewed, knitted, painted and yes we even cooked. The results are in the current issue (May/June 2008) of Cooking With PAULA DEEN. On the 13th of September, Joan and I flew to Tampa and taught two classes at Keep Me In Stitches.
October - On October 11, my first trip to India. This was Betsy's idea, and Peter wanted to go, but I couldn't get Ed to go with me - he just wasn't into the 15 hour flight. So I invited my wonderful step-daughter Stacy (Morgan's mother) to go with me. It was a looooong trip. We flew to Chicago and flew on American Airlines (their longest route) to Delhi where we spent three nights, then on to Agra, Jaipur and Jodphur. This was an amazing trip. I vowed to go and see India through the eyes of an artist. It was true what I had heard. India is a feast for the senses. The colors are brighter, the aromas are stronger, everything is totally awesome. Lots of cows roaming the streets, and an occasional elephant. We did ride elephants. This is a trip that I will take again. We are going back next October. Please take a look at the fabulous fabrics that I brought back to share. They are on my website under Fabrics - then click on India Fabric Bundles . We still have some left for sale.
November - Joan and I drove to Baker Florida on the 3rd to do an all day lecture at Ruthie's. We had a great time, and as always, wonderful food. Then on the 10th Joan and I flew to Fort Myers, FL to do SEW FUN FEST with Carol and Malcolm Critchley, who own Fabric Mart in Fort Myers and and Naples. We met a wonderful group of new friends. Many thanks to the Critchley's for putting on such a great event.
December - Great Holidays with our family and friends.
January 2008 - Our friends, the Printz's spend winters in Cabo San Lucas. Ed and I were lucky to be invited to visit them in January. We spent four nights and days in the wonderful warm Mexico weather. I got back just in time to fly to California for the Road to California event. This was a wonderful three days of teaching purse classes. Thanks o Nadine Mercader and our wonderful Bernina friends, who were our hosts.
February 2008 - I joined my husband in Orlando for a business meeting in February.
March 2008 - Joan and I flew to Tampa on the 12th, drove to Port Richie and did an all day lecture at A-White Sew nd Vac. We drove to Ft. Myers on the 13th and did a Hands-on class for Fabric Mart on the 14th. We managed to have dinner in Tampa with our friend, Christopher Nejman on that evening. We flew home on the 15th. 
April 2008 - Shanghai - Betsy and I invited two of our veteran China travelers to join us for a 10 night trip to Shanghai and Hangzhou. Stacy (my step-daughter) and Carol Bastien (a wonderful old friend of Betsy and a new riend of mine!) joined us for a non-stop fabric, stuff, art shopping and tour of these great cities. Click here to see photos from our trip. We returned on the 13th, and it took some time to get right on my sleep schedule. I brought back some gorgeous fabrics - take a look at them on our Shanghai Fabric Bundles webpage.
COMING UP: I am looking so forward to our May Alaska Cruise. My friend Kathleen Bishop and I will be flying to Seattle on May 23 and boarding the Oosterdam for a week-long Wearable Art Seminar at Sea. I will be teaching the Precious Purse . The kits are ready to be shipped, and we are ready to do a little Whale Watching! If you're going, I'll see you there!!!
We are scheduled for the following away classes:
Louisville at Linda Carswell's Smock Shop on the 19th of June
Birmingham American Sewing Guild Class 19th July
Martha Pullen - Huntsville, AL - the week of July 20
Columbia, SC - August 22, 23 (sewpeg@sc.it.com )
Phoenix, AZ - Sept. 25, 26 - 35th Ave Babylock
Nashville - Nov. 14-15 - aaasallycheney@comcast.com
We will also be having classes at our studio in Birmingham . Please e-mail classes@randledesigns.com for info.
Best Wishes to you,
Barbara Randle
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June 8, 2007
Time is flying by!
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Dear
Friends:
Summer
is here and I have no idea what happened to spring! Time is flying. My head has been down to the grind for the
last couple of months. No trips, just
work preparing for a very busy summer; it begins next week in Seattle. I will be teaching at Best Sewing and Vac for Mike Piper beginning on the 14th of
June. I will return home on the
17th.
Ed and
I are taking a vacation beginning on the 27th. We will fly to Vancouver and take a train across Western Canada and end up
in Calgary. From Calgary I
will fly to Omaha on July 6 and through the 9th for the
Crazy Quilt Society Retreat which is hosted by Nancy Kirk of the Kirk
Collection, KirkColl@aol.com. Can’t wait
to meet all those Crazy Quilters – I’m so sure I will learn a
lot!
We will
again teach at Martha Pullen July 26 through 29th in Huntsville, Alabama.
We are preparing Modea Kits for those classes
and expect to have a large turn out as usual.
On
August 21, we will travel to Nashville for the American Quilter’s Society at Opryland Hotel. We will be
teaching 6 classes there and hope to see you there. This is a HUGE
event with a very large vendor mall. If
you love fabric and “stuff” for sewing, you must see
this.
Please check our Calendar for Birmingham
classes for the summer. Sign up now to take a Pick a Project or Sip-n-Sew class. These
Sip-n-Sew classes are for small projects such as
Tissue Holder, Check Book Cover, Eyeglass Case, Photo Album Cover, Fabric Bead
Necklace, Knitted Friendship Scarf. As
for all of our classes all materials are furnished (knitting needles are
required for the knitting class).
Joan
Brown is in charge of these classes and you can register by e-mailing her at classes@randledesigns.com or you may call the Randle Design Studio at
205-823-4663. I hope to see you at one
or all of these classes. There are some
beautiful new fabrics just waiting for your
kit!
Regarding the Group Trip to Shanghai in October.
After much thought and conversation, Betsy and I have decided to go to India in
October. This means that we will not be taking a group to Shanghai. Many of
you have inquired about the group trip and I am sorry that we will not be making
the trip in October. Stay tuned, as we may schedule it at a later
date.
For
now, keep Sewing Crazy – I hope to see you along the way this
summer.
Love,
Barbara |
April 5, 2007
Adventure to Kashgar!
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I have so much to write, and I was putting it off because I wanted to include information about some exciting fabrics that we are getting ready for the website.
Pat Numnum and I enjoyed a wonderful time at the the Calico Country Stores in Illinois at the end of February. We were able to see some old friends and meet new ones. Everyone made a wonderful T-Bone Bag, which happens to be our Kit of the Month this month.
Betsy and I did go to Shanghai and came back with more fabrics. See below for more info about our Shanghai trip.
Joan Brown accompanied me to Mobile, Alabama to the beautiful Bernina Store on 590 Schillinger Road, S., Suite D. This was our first time to teach in Mobile and we thank Sue Kondis for her warm hospitality. We had a wonderful class and everyone there also made the T-Bone Bag.
Last week, I accompanied Pat Numnum to New York to buy more fabric. The fabrics are beginning to come in and I must tell you they are breath taking.
About the fabrics: Please check our Fabric page for the new fabric bundles. We are offering something new:
1. Two New Bundles of 13 different silks will be offered as Multi-Color Silk Bundle 1 and Multi-Color Silk Bundle 2. These silks are cut in approximately 22” X 9” pieces; 1/8 of a yard per piece. If you cut the 3” X 11” strips like we use in our kits, you can get six strips out of each color. This means each multi-color bundle will give you 78 strips for your crazy quilting projects. These two bundles will be $35.00 each, however, we are offering them for $30 for each bundle the month of April.
2. An Exciting New Fabric From New York – I know polyester is nothing new, but we have found an incredible fabric that is 100 percent polyester, but the feel and look is like silk. I ordered eleven different colors. These fabrics will be offered as a PolySilk Bundle. As above, we have cut them into 22” X 9” pieces. The price for these beautiful 11 colors is $25.00, however we are offering the bundle of all 11 colors for $20.00 for the month of April. I think you are going to love this fabric.
As I told you in my last blog, I went to Shanghai in March. Had a wonderful time buying fabrics and traveling in-country. The following is an excerpt from my travel journal – thought you might get a kick out of it:
Sunday, March 4, 2007 – 1:40 PM – Seat 65A, Northwest Flight 25 from Detroit bound for Tokyo, then on to Shanghai. I like these rear seats – only 2 together with some extra leg space. Speaking of space, I’m sitting next to a lovely Japanese lady (very small). Life is good – 12 hours and 15 minutes and I’ll be in Tokyo and it will be Monday afternoon. I’ve already read my People magazine and half of Star. Right now, I’m working on US magazine. It’s my opinion that Larry Birkhead is Dannielynn’s father.
Betsy is flying in to Shanghai from Paris. We’ll meet up Tuesday morning and head straight to the fabric market. We must hurry because we, at the last minute, planned an adventure; a 7-hour flight to Kashgar in Northwest China – right on the Pakistan, Afghanistan and Ubekistan borders.
Monday night. Arrived in Shanghai and took a taxi to the Peace Hotel. Finally could stretch out and lay my head on a pillow. Night, night.
Tue. Night, March 6, 2007 – Today Betsy arrived. Mr. Yian brought her to the Peace Hotel from Pudong Airport. As planned we went immediately to the fabric market. The high today was 48 degrees Fahrenheit and there is no heat in the fabric market. Bought (what else) tons of fabric. We had to go back to the hotel to get our coats and move into a larger room. Mr. Yian waited and then took us to the other fabric market. We both ran out of gas about 2:30 and took a nap. Slept til 8:30. Enjoyed our regular activity in the evening at the Peace Hotel – lobby bar. We took our snacks and ordered a glass of Dynasty Chinese White Wine.
Our adventure starts tomorrow, can’t wait. Our friend and translator, Jiang made all arrangements for our trip to Kashgar.
Wed. Morning – Jiang and Mr. Yian picked us up at the Peace Hotel to take us to the airport. On the way we stopped at the Regal East Asia Hotel in the French Concession Section of Shanghai. We must find another hotel for our group trip next October. Beautiful Hotel. The Peace Hotel will close April 1 for extensive renovation and won’t reopen for a year to a year and half.
On to the airport……
Our first flight, five hours - Shanghai to Urumqi (pronounced Ulumuchi – go figure). The flights in Asia all serve meals like the good-old days in USA – I had shrimp and noodles and Betsy didn’t eat – but she did manage to help me dump mine on the floor – then she got hysterical. They brought me another main dish. Amazing snow on ground as we neared our destination. Urumqui is landlocked and I believe I read 2000 miles from the nearest ocean. Interesting that the people traveling to Urumqi for the most part were bringing packaged fish from Shanghai. Then from Urumqi to Kashgar, 2 hour flight (pronounced Karsa). On the flight to Kashgar we were served a muslim meal – no wine available on the flight. Meal consisted of 2 pieces of bread – pickled vegetables from a foil packet and a cupcake with no icing.
In Kashgar we were met by our guide Zu Mulaiti, a beautiful Uyghur college student majoring in English. She wants to be called “Star.” Betsy and I determined by the time we got to the Seaman hotel that we might have a problem with her because she seemed real interested in showing us the sights. We emphasized from the beginning of the planning for this trip that we were coming to hit the markets. She was not too versed on the markets.
We got to the Seaman Hotel and couldn’t believe what we saw. The hotel was dark. I mean NO lights outside or in the lobby. Star didn’t seem surprised. When we walked in there was a lady in the lobby who turned on one lightbulb in a distant hall. We were taken to the “VIP Tower” where our room was – very cold in the halls – they turned on the lights as we entered each area. Our room was very ornate with painted decorative plaster work. It sparkled. Two beds, floors covered with “valuable” oriental rugs. Betsy noticed that the toilet paper rolls were about 1/5th of the rolls we get in the US. She immediately requested more paper. This hotel is the best in Kashgar according to the New York Times and our suite was 320 Yuan per night or about $35.00. While in the room, Star asked if she could use our restroom. She was in there for at least 15 minutes – after that we had to leave the room. We could hear music playing outside, so we decided to go to the restaurant with Star to have a glass of wine. When we got there and asked for white wine, the bartender brought out vodka. We decided to skip it. Star told us the market opens at 8:00 AM. We asked her to pick us us at 8:30; then we retired to bed asking the attendant for a 7:00 AM wake up call. We went night-night on seemingly “sand” pillows and “plywood mattresses.”
On our trips to Asia, because of jet lag, it is not unusual for Betsy and me to get up very early and enjoy a couple of hours of leisurely coffee and watching CNN, then getting dressed. Kashgar was no exception. We woke up at 4:00 AM; we fixed the coffee (brought our own pot from Shanghai), turned on the TV and began our routine. Un fortunately we discovered that there was no hot water – we had to settle for no shower and a heavy coating of deodorant and lotion. We heard a rooster crowing in the vicinity but at 8:00 the moon and stars were still in the dark sky. We went down to have breakfast. When we passed by the front desk in our tower, the attendant was stretched out on a wooden bench wrapped in a heavy wool blanket. He jumped up and held up the piece of paper that said he was supposed to give us a 7:00 AM wake up call – we told him not to worry that he didn’t call. We then went to the main lobby and it was beyond dark. We were wrapped up tight in our hats, coats, gloves and scarves because it was freezing. No one was in sight. Thank goodness for Betsy’s Las Ventanas flashlight. We managed to find a light switch and turned on some lights. We looked across the courtyard to the restaurant and it was dark. So we just sat in the lobby with our backpacks and rolling bags and waited.
At about 8:45 (still dark outside) a young woman walked in the front door. Betsy asked her what time the sun came up in Kashgar – she told us 9:30! There was a huge clock on the wall that clearly showed the time as 8:45. Where was Star??? The lady also told us that the restaurant was open. We decided to go to breakfast even tho there was only a dim light shining. When we walked in, no one was in sight – we thought. Then, a man sat up from his makeshift bed of 6 chairs pushed together with a mat on them and a heavy wool blanket. His hair was standing straight up. A lady with 6 gold teeth shuffled out of a side room and came over and bowed and seated us. No English. I asked for coffee. She brought out a can of Nescafe and a glass, then a pot of hot milk and a pot of hot water. I was served (Betsy didn’t want to eat – she had breakfast bars that we brought from US) a wonderful dish (cold) of what seemed like shredded cabbage with a spicy sauce on top; it was very vinegary and very good. Then she brought cake and nectar (honey) and cucumbers and a plate of sliced beef which I did not want. Also three eggs that I didn’t touch and coconut bread. We walked out and back to the hotel lobby. It was finally beginning to get light outside and people were beginning to show up for work at the hotel…a lot of people. We wondered why since we were the only guests in the hotel.
I decided we should contact Jiang, our guy in Shanghai to report that our guide did not show up and we wanted another guide. Then I went up the the room for a few minutes and Betsy stayed in the lobby. When I came back, she was waiting for me. She said, “You’re not going to believe this.”
Elion, our driver had come in the lobby and because he couldn’t speak English, had a hard time telling her that it was really two hours earlier than we thought. In Kashgar, there are two times, local time and Beijing time. The clock in the lobby was Beijing time. It was really just 7:30 AM; we had not awakened at 4:00 AM, but at 2:00 AM local time. No wonder we woke up all those people. I had to ask the question, because Beijing is totally on the other side of China, “Who cares what time it is in Beijing?????” We learned that Beijing time is used for air travel across China regardless of the time zone.
Things began to improve. We were assigned a new guide, Ackbar. He was a lovely Uyghur man, 28 years old who still lives at home with his mother. He did understand what we wanted to do and proceeded to take us to the streets of Kashgar where merchants were selling textiles, copper, Tibetan jewelry, and more and then to the Sunday Market (open everyday). It was really cold, but we were prepared for it so we had a glorious day. We had lunch at a very nice restaurant (Betsy ate too). As we finished our day, we told Ackbar we would like to buy a bottle of white wine. He took us to a licquor store, but they only had red wine. The attendant brought out vodka when we asked for white wine. Then he took us to the supermarket – their version of Walmart. We were able to find a bottle of white wine. We went back to our room and had a glass of wine, ate cheese and crackers that we had brought and retired early.
The next morning, miraculously, the hot water came on and we were able to shower. Ackbar came and joined us for breakfast, and we set out for the old city, where we walked around and took in the sights. He told us his mother had invited us to their home for lunch. We accepted the invitation. We met her on the street in the old city. She was completely covered head to toe, face and all. Kashbar is a Muslim majority. We visited some stores, made some purchases and at lunchtime went to Ackbar’s home for lunch. It was such a wonderful experience. We were seated on mats on the floor with a tablecloth spread between us. We were served a wonderful meal of laghman (hand-pulled noodles), a Uyghur staple, with vegetables and eggs. We were also served wonderful flatbread, with a sweet dip, fruit and nuts. The hospitality was very warm. Their home is a part of the old city, must be hundreds of years old and they are the fifth generation of their family to live there.
After lunch we shopped more, bought more fabric, textiles and jewelry and retired to our hotel at 4:00 to rest. We were catching a 10:00 flight back to Urumqi. We spent the night there, then got up and flew to Shanghai, and spent the next two days there before returning home.
If you would like to read more about Kashgar, there is an article in the April issue of Gourmet magazine beginning on page 132.
The details are not firm yet, however the dates are. Our Shanghai Group Trip will be October 11-19, 2007. If you are interested in this trip, please let me know so I can send you specific information as it is confirmed. (barbara@randledesigns.com)
Sue Parsons and I have been so busy cutting the new fabrics. It looks like fabric heaven around here.
Joan has been doing her Sip-‘N-Sew Classes on Thursday Evenings once a month here in our studio, and we are scheduling at least one Saturday class each month here in Birmingham. Please check our calendar for information regarding classes.
Until next time, we are still SEWING CRAZY – hope you are too!
Love, Barbara |
February 20, 2007
Pedaling As Fast As We Can!
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Pat Numnum and I drove to Atlanta on January 25th on our way to Douglasville, GA where we had a purse class at the Cornerstone Sew and Vac store owned by Daniel Shari. Douglasville is really on the way to Atlanta, but we took the occasion to go to the Cash and Carry Market and shop, then spent the night in Douglasville, had a wonderful Italian meal that night and visited Michaels Craft Store. (What is it about these stores that is so enticing? We certainly have the same store here in Birmingham!) Our class was so fun – many enthusiastic sewers enjoying Crazy Quilting. We are scheduled to return to Daniel’s store on September 7, 2007. Great store, wonderful staff.
On February 3rd, our Sew Group here in Birmingham hosted a bridal shower for Jessica Medley, who is Linda Medley’s daughter. Linda is our awesome kit maker. We had the party at my house and a great time was had by all! Jessica and Warren will marry on March 31st at Aldridge Gardens here in Birmingham.
Meanwhile, since the first of the year we have been pedaling as fast as we could making kits for the Martha Pullen “soiree” in Huntsville, Alabama. We shared a new bag called the “L” bag. Linda Medley, Pat Numnum, Sue Parsons and myself managed to make 160 kits for this event. We had four classes – 2 with 36 people and 2 with 26. We sold all but four of the kits. Pat Numnum and Joan Brown accompanied me from Birmingham, and Kathy Leberte, who lives in Guntersville – near Huntsville completed our foursome of teachers. I don’t know when we’ve worked harder, walked more (large classrooms) or enjoyed teaching classes more. This was Martha Pullen Company’s 25th anniversary. We met so many great people from all over the country. We will be back in Huntsville for Martha Pullen in July.
I will tell you Babylock people something that might be in the works. I was fortunate to spend some time with Steve Jeffries, President of Babylock while I was in Huntsville. I shared with him my interest in adjusted bobbin cases for bobbin work for the Ellegante and Ellageo machines. Chuck Clark of Calico Country in Collinsville, and West Frankfurt, IL had adjusted some bobbin cases to accommodate heavier threads on our last trip there (I didn’t know you could do this with drop in bobbins). I was so impressed with the results; unbelievably beautiful perfectly formed decorative stitches with that bold look of bobbin work. I shared with Steve that I believe this is something people would use to maximize the use of their machines. He said he will give it consideration - I don’t know if Babylock will make these available for purchase, but I have a feeling they might. Can you believe that Babylock gave away an Evolve Serger and and Ellegante Sewing and Embroidery Machine, both top of the line machines at the Martha Pullen event. Imagine how those lucky winners felt!
Last Saturday, February 17th, Joan Brown had a class at our Birmingham Studio. We had nine students making eight different purses. Great group and some beautiful purses walked out of here.
Today we are finishing kits for our classes this weekend in West Frankfurt and Collins, IL. Pat N. and I will fly to St. Louis on Thursday to teach at Chuck Clark’s two Calico Country stores. We will be doing the Mama Petunia Purse in both classes.
On March 4th, I will make yet another trip to Shanghai to buy fabric. I will meet Betsy there, who is coming from Paris Fashion Week. We will be returning to Birmingham on the 12th. I certainly need to go since we are announcing our last Shanghai Bundle and we are “flat OUT” of fabric after all the kits we’ve made. Watch for the new fabrics mid to late March.
One other thing – I will be teaching at a Wearable Arts Seminar at Sea in May of 2008. It will be a seven day Alaskan Explorer cruise aboard Hollard America Line’s ms Oosterdam. The dates are May 24 – 31, 2008. I will be sharing the teaching podium with Linda Teufel, Cathie Hoover, June Colburn, and Rosemary Eichorn. If you might be interested in this exciting cruise, you can get more information by going to www.quiltercruises.com.
For now, goodbye and Happy Sewing. Love, Barbara |
January 19, 2007
2007 will be SEW WONDERFUL!
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I wanted to tell you that we’re busy getting ready for a wonderful class in Douglasville, GA on January 26 and the Martha Pullen event Feb. 8-11. We are expecting 2007 to be “SEW WONDERFUL!” I’m hoping to see you along the way.
To catch you up since last time, I did go to “Berninaland” aka Steckborn, Switzerland on November 29. Actually flew in to Zurich and spent two days there before going to Steckborn. Had one day by myself and took a city trolley tour. Enjoyed the beautiful city of Zurich and began my “jet lag.” Kaye England met me on the second day and we proceeded to Steckborn for a magical 5 days at the Bernina factory and other places that the wonderful people at Bernina took us. I was one of 85 National Teachers and Bernina staff who converged upon the village from the United States. There were many wonderful things planned, none more exciting than the Chocolate factory! We took a day trip to Ausburg and toured the Mettler thread factory. What an unbelievable experience. If you ever have wondered why thread is so expensive, I can tell you, it is no simple matter to make it.
After this, Kaye and I had planned to take the next week and go to Germany and visit Christmas Markets and shop. We boarded a train right across the street from our hotel and went to Nuremburg first. Spent a few days there shopping and enjoying the Gluwein (warm blueberry wine) and other gastronomic delights from the markets! We also found some wonderful shopping there. Next we took a train to Darmstadt where we met a friend’s son who took us to the village of Rudisheim where we went to (where else) the Christmas Market. We stayed in Frankfurt. I learned that the Bernina company owns a quilt fabric shop in Aschaffenburg. The name of the shop is Nähwelt MACHEMER and the manager’s name is Anja Pundt. Anja and her friend came into Frankfurt one day and got us and took us to the store, then to a wonderful lunch in the village of Aschaffenburg, then to the Christmas Market. (It’s what everybody does that time of year in Germany!) Kaye will be teaching at an event hosted by this business next fall and I’m hoping to join her as a teacher there too.
We came back to the US on December 11, my 57th birthday.
As you can imagine, I hit the ground running to be ready for Christmas, which was a short 2 weeks later. We had a wonderful family Christmas and enjoyed the down time. On Dec. 26, I was up at 5:00 am to relieve my home of all evidence of Christmas decorations. I was on a mission because I had scheduled foot surgery for December 29 (bunion/bone spur/neuroma). This went well, but as you can imagine I have been, as we say down south “laid up” for the last three weeks. I have finished many knitting projects, read a number of books and watched a lot of court TV (divorce court is my personal favorite!).
I did manage to speak the the Birmingham Quilters Guild last Monday – that was an uplifting and happy group and I enjoyed being with them so much.
So that’s it for me. I’m so ready to SEW. I’m going back to the DR. today and will be in a boot for another three weeks, but I’m getting around just fine.
For now, keep sewing crazy,
Love, Barbara |
November 9, 2006
Traveling and Teaching Adventures
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Since I last wrote in my blog, Kathy Leberte and I had the pleasure of visiting the Quilters’ Unlimited in Northern Virginia (Lecture and two hands-on classes). Jill Redding retrieved us from Reagan National Airport and was our “chauffeur” while we were there. We met some wonderful new friends – I have some pictures and will post them soon.
On October the 6, I traveled to Helena Montana to do a Trunk Show and Hands-On Class for Sue Yannone of Sue’s Sewing Palace, a Bernina (and much more) store in the heart of the capital of Montana. My first trip to Montana, and what a lasting impression I came away from. Such an idyllic place. Beautiful mountains, crisp mountain air, beautiful people and lots of fabric and fun at Sue’s incredible store; sounds like a perfect combination to me. Sue, her daughter and staff were great hosts and really made me feel welcome. Met a lot of great people and again have lots of pictures I will be posting.
The next Thursday, on Oct. 12, I flew to St. Louis to be picked up by Mary Solomon, a Bernina Dealer in Collinsville, IL. Her daughter from Charleston was coming in at the same time, so she picked us both up. After lunching at a wonderful Italian Restaurant in an Italian Neighborhood of St. Louis, shopping at Penzey’s Spice Store, buying Kaffe Fassett fabrics at a quilt shop in St. Louis. We proceeded to Collinsville where I did a hands-on class that evening. I did have time to experience her shop Cross Patches. She has a beautiful selection of fabrics some of which I brought home with me. She also has fabulous yarns. I also bought a lot of yarn for “Driving.” We did the Museum Bag and Christmas Stocking. On Friday, we repeated the class for another group. Beautiful bags and stockings. Enjoyed meeting many wonderful new friends. Sorry I didn’t take my camera into the store with me, so unfortunately no photos (Boo hoo). Mary took me back to the airport that afternoon but not before we had a chance to dine at the Cheesecake Factory. Can’t remember what I had for lunch, but I do remember the Banana Cream Cheesecake (I’ll never forget it!). Wonderful hospitality. I’m going back there in February to do a hands-on class all-day and make the T-Bone Bag. Enjoyed Mary, her daughter and the great staff at her store.
The next Thursday Betsy Printz, my friend that I traveled to Shanghai with, and I embarked on another trip to China. This time I think I told you we invited people to go with us. A total of 17 excited women traveled to Shanghai and the trip was HUGE! This was a Fabric, Fashion, Art and Sightseeing trip to Shanghai. Six of our ladies took a night train to Beijing to get a glimpse of the Great Wall, The Forbidden City and Tienenamen Square (I’m sure I spelled that wrong). We invaded the world famous fabric market – certainly a reason to make the trip if you did nothing else. Everyone had garmets, etc. made there. We visted art galleries, the Shanghai Museum, the Childrens’ Palace, saw the Chinese Acrobats, took a day trip to Souzhou, the Venice of the Orient where we visited the Embroidery Institute, the Silk Factory where we saw those prolific little silk worms do their magic, experienced Chinese Gardens, enjoyed the culinary wonders of China, visited the Jade Buddha Temple, went to the pearl outlets, whiled away the morning at the antique market, shopped at the famous Liuli Gongfang Glass Museum and Shop in the Xintandi district. There was much more, such as our private Taiji Lesson on the Bund alongside the Huangpu River across from the Peace Hotel where we stayed. I can’t think of what else; believe it or not, we did have time to stroll the pedestrian walk that is Nanking Road. I have many beautiful pictures from our trip, but will have to wait to post them when we can get them in the right format.
IF YOU MIGHT BE INTERESTED IN GOING ON TRIP TO SHANGHAI, WE WILL BE GOING AGAIN FROM MARCH 5 – 13, 2007. I do not yet have details, however if you just want information, e-mail me barbara@randledesigns.com and ask for information. I will send you the details when I get them ready. Also if you have questions let me know.
I actually took a week off after China (13-hour time change). It takes a couple of days to re-acclimate.
This week, on Tuesday, I flew to Philadelphia to do three Trunk Show/Demos for Debbie and Mike Byrne, Bernina/Brother dealers. They put me up at the most unique Bed and breakfast, the Joseph Ambler Inn – what a fun experience – thank you Debbie and Mike. Not only was I able to share my love of Crazy Quilting with the enthusiastic people there, I came home smarter about my sewing machines! Debbie spent time with me and I now know a little bit about tension and sewing on a serger something other than inside edges. Thanks Debbie for your time. Debbie and Mike have a beautiful selection of fabrics, books and notions. There staff is second to none. It was so great to meet so many wonderful people and have the time to talk and share ideas.
I just flew back to Birmingham today and have a trip planned to Savannah for next week. This is my last out-of-town class until after the first of the year. I do have an exciting year-end trip with the Bernina National Teachers Association. The Bernina Company has invited us to Steckborn, Switzerland to tour their factory and experience the culture of Switzerland. I will be traveling to Zurich on the 29th of November. My roommate is my friend Kaye England. Kaye and I have decided to take a train to Frankfurt, Germany and take advantage of the German Christmas Markets in a couple of cities. We plan to see the one in Heidelburg and possible Munich or Nuremburg.
For now, I would like to wish you a blessed Thanksgiving. I hope to see you soon. But for now, keep SEWING CRAZY.
LOVE and GOBBLE GOBBLE,
Barbara Randle |
October 4, 2006
Long Time, No Write!
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RECENT HAPPENINGS – B. RANDLE DESIGNS
LONG TIME NO WRITE!!
September 25, 2006
Fall seems to be a busy time for sewing. Becky Jones and I recently returned from 3 ½ weeks in Australia. We were hosted by Anne’s Glory Box and our wonderful friends Gloria and Don McKinnon. Gloria has owned Anne’s Glory Box for many years and she carries incredible embellishments, quilting supplies, kits and just beautiful found items. You can check it all out at www.annesglorybox.com.au . Gloria and I met at Martha Pullen’s a few years ago and she so graciously invited me to come “Down-Under” and teach. 
W e taught at two venues. Both were called the Stitching and Craft Show and were very large events. One was in Sydney and the other in Melbourne. We taught two hands-on classes and did 30 lectures. Our classes were a hit, but I think Becky and I had the most fun. The Aussie’s are “JUST LIKE US!” They might just love Crazy Quilting more than us Americans do.
Not only did we have the pleasure of teaching in these two wonderful cities, but we had 12 days to play and enjoy the wonderful sights of Australia. We left no stones unturned! I am attaching a few photos from our trip.
  I could not resist buying some of the Aboriginal fabrics to bring back for my customers. One of the most interesting things I saw in Australia was the Aboriginal Art. My eyes were so drawn to the paintings. Their use of color is just amazing. I could only bring back a small amount - so this fabric bundle is very limited. I made a purse using these fabrics together. It is a new design that I am currently working on. The inspiration came from this Australia trip. I have been thinking of doing a backpack, and this is it. It’s name is Kangaroo (it has a pouch on the front). The pattern nor the kit are ready for sale, but they will be soon. I am sharing this photo so you can see the fabrics. There are still a few kinks that I’m trying to work out with regard to the design.
Back only a few days and Abby (my six-year old granddaughter), Marylyn (her other grandmother) and I went to New York to celebrate Abby’s birthday at the American Girl Place. This treat was for Abby but I think Marylyn and I got the most out of it. We tried to do New York like a 6-year old would like to do it. Needless to say we saw Beauty and the Beast on Broadway (Donny Osmond was Gaston – and he was perfect!), spent an entire day and evening at the American Girl Store on 5th and 49th East, ate at restaurants with child themes, and much more. Lots of walking – Abby preferred the taxis!
This weekend I’m off to Quilters’ Unlimited in Northern Virginia, then next weekend, Helena, Montana. Classes and Lectures. Also coming up in October is Collinsville, IL and then our Fabric and Art trip to Shanghai – the first of we hope many group trips for women who like to shop for fabric and enjoy the arts. (If this is something you’d be interested in possibly for next spring, please let me know because we’ll be doing it again!)
Until next time. SEW CRAZY!!!!!
Love, Barbara |
July 31, 2006
Hope you are staying cool!
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WHERE I’VE BEEN AND WHERE I’M GOING……
Greetings from Alabama.
This past weekend, Joan Brown and I went to West Frankfort and Carbondale, IL to teach the Pick Sac Class at two Babylock stores. We had 33 people participating in the class. Morgan and I were busy, busy, busy getting 50 kits made to take with us. They are SO BEAUTIFUL even if I do say so myself. If we have left overs, we’ll make them available at a GREAT price on line. This is an older design, and I forgot how cute it is. I make it to familiarize myself, and just for fun did it without the fringe – I think I like it better without!
Ed and I joined our friends the Printz’s in Vail, Colorado last week for some R&R. We enjoyed the mountains, went fly fishing, ate wonderful food, attended a concert presented by the New YorkPhilharmonic Symphony and got some rest. We went for the cool weather, but the days were quite hot, however, the evenings were heavenly.
Becky Jones and I are looking SO FORWARD to traveling to Australia in August/September for Gloria McKinnon, ANNE’s GLORY BOX. We’ll be teaching and lecturing in Sydney and Melbourn beginning August 22 through September 18. Our first trip to Australia.
We are thinking of creating a kit of “Everything you need to get started Crazy Quilting” to be available through our on-line store. This would include canvas, muslin, hair-canvas interfacing, fusible fleece, black and white stripe fabric and various silk dupioni’s and brocades, and a book.
Are there other things you want or need that we could incorporate into our store?
Hope you’re staying cool and hydrated this summer. If you’re like me, you’re ready for fall and some sweater weather! IT WON’T BE LONG!!!
Love, Barbara |
June 29, 2006
Hot! Hot! Hot!
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WHERE I’VE BEEN AND WHERE I’M GOING……..
 On April 28, Ed and I and our friends Peter & Betsy Printz departed for Cairo, Egypt for our planned tour. We arrived on schedule and were escorted to our hotel in the heart of Cairo. Our Egyptian tour included 4 nights in Cairo, touring each day the Great Pyramids, Sphinx and other amazing ancient monuments; and 4 nights aboard a boat cruising the Nile. Great trip.
W hen we left Cairo, we flew to Casablanca, Morocco and then on to Marrakech where we stayed at La Maison Arabe for 4 nights. On the 5th day, we departed Marrakech destined for Fes, but not before we spent two days traveling through amazing landscapes including the Sahara where we spent the night in tents and rode Dromedarys to the highest Sand Dune for viewing both the sunset and sunrise the next morning. Fes was the little jewel of the trip.
As I stated in my previous blog, we were somewhat apprehensive about traveling to Egypt, but we went anyway and in both countries, we felt very safe. I highly recommend touring Morocco and Egypt. Morocco is a place I would definitely go back to.
I brought home a few pieces of fabric from Morocco. Morgan will have a few of these fabric bundles available for sale soon.
We returned to Birminghamon May 17 – so happy to see my beloved children, grandchildren and Pooh and Maggie, my wonderful dogs.
I stayed home for five weeks in May and June and enjoyed catching up. Last week, I went with my friend Betsy and we were joined by her friend Carol Bastien from New Canaan, CT in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. This was a very fun GIRLS trip. HOT HOT HOT!!!!
As usual, summer is slow for sewers. We have a class scheduled in Huntsville, Alabama on July 8, a class in my studio on July 14 and 15, and classes in West Frankfort, and Carbondale IL from the 26th through the 29th of July.
Hope you’re summer’s fun. Time sure passes fast – make sure you enjoy every minute.
Love, Barbara |
April 26, 2006
Shanghai Diaries Part III
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WHAT’S NEW??  Shanghai Bundle #10 Please take a look at these five gorgeous fabrics.  The May Kit of the Month will be the Myrtle Beach Bag. This is the bag that we taught at Sewing at the Beach at Myrtle Beach in 2004. The kit is regularly $110.00 but we are offering it for May only at 20 percent off or $88.00. As with all of our kits, all pieces are precut to make sewing fun and hassle-free. WHERE I’VE BEEN AND WHERE I’M GOING…….. A lot of water under the bridge since my last blog! Sue Haussman and I taped a segment for America Quilts Creatively. It was a great time with Sue and no there’s no word on when it will air. It will be on PBS. Then on to Northern Virginia and two classes for the Northern Virginia American Sewing Guild. Friends Nancy and Kathy were my hosts as I arrived; they picked me up at Dulles Airport and we went to Reston, Virginia and had a wonderful dinner. The next morning was the Museum Bag class with 17 or 18 people. It was a great time and turned a 4 ½ hour class into all day. That was great, because everyone got to embellish as much as they wanted to. There were some FANCY bags at the end of the day. The next day’s class was Checkbook Covers and Eyeglass Cases. Such wonderful new people; hope to see them in September when I will again visit the area for classes.>On the 21st of March, Betsy Printz and I took another trip to Shanghai. We again flew to Tokyo> and then on to our destination. Our guide and translator Jiang De Si was at the airport to greet us. Words cannot describe what our eyes see when we are there.Sunday, March 26, 2006 |
March 1, 2006
Mad Hatter!
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WHAT’S NEW??
Shanghai Bundle #9 This is the third of the second series of fabrics available from Shanghai . Again, we are offering four fabrics. Four luscious brocades. The first one is brown background with some rust and taupe highlights. (It doesn’t sound like me, however brown is my new favorite color!!!!) Next is a personal favorite of the fabrics I brought back from the latest trip to China . It has a red background with fuchsia flowers and gold and taupe highlights; unbelievably beautiful. Third is a deep lime green with pink, orange and cream accents. The green is so rich and as I’ve always said “Green goes with everything.” The fourth and last of this grouping is a teal and black brocade; so beautiful! The bundle is $25.00. It’s sounds so crazy to say each and every fabric is a favorite, however of the thousands of fabrics to choose from at the Shanghai market, I only brought back a few; they must be special!
The March Kit of the Month is the Modern Myrt. This is our most popular bag and is the one we teach in our Beginner Classes.
The kit is regularly $100.00 but we are offering it during March only at 20 percent off or $80.00. As with all of our kits, all pieces are precut to make sewing fun and hassle-free.
 New Silks from India (via New York !) As if we didn’t already have gorgeous colors, Morgan has found seven new colors TO DIE FOR. Here they are, and the photograph cannot possibly show how incredibly rich they are. There are two blues – the darker we’re calling Ocean Blue, the lighter one is Teal. Next a Greengold, Redorange, Deep Sage, Rich Mauve, Midnight Lavender. These are Must-Haves for any up-to-date “stash.” The package of seven quarter yards by 44” is just $30.00. You find them under Fabrics - scroll down.
SALE – Please check out our sale. Morgan is on the warpath – she is cleaning out “stuff” and wants to let it go! Look under Special Promotions .
Metallic Threads for Bobbinwork : You’ve been asking for these threads. Our most popular colors are now available. The collection includes seven colors, Red, Lime Green, Melon/Copper, Deep Pink (fuchsia), Lavender and Deep Purple. All are YLI Candlelight except for one Razzle Dazzle. The whole collection just $35.00. A savings of $4.00.
YLI Monofilament Thread for only $3.00 per spool (suggested retail price is $3.40).
More new products are coming – check back soon. There are new purse handles and a wonderful new pin cushion, and more………
WHERE I’VE BEEN AND WHERE I’M GOING……..
Since I last wrote, I went to New York to market, Hawaii , to Atlanta to market and to Columbus , Georgia to Ann Givens’ new Bernina/Babylock Store “Southern Sewing Center.”
This week I’m “in-town.” Next week on March 8th, I’ll fly to Cleveland , Ohio to the VSM Company (Pfaff and Viking) to tape a segment for “America Quilts Creatively” with Sue Haussman and Karen Good. KP Books, my publisher, is sponsoring the show as a promotion for my book “ More Crazy Quilting With Attitude .” I will be demonstrating how I did the footstool shown in the book. I worked last week to get everything ready to mail to them.
On March 16th I’ll be going to Northern Virginia to visit the ASG chapter for hands-on classes.
Then on March 21, Betsy Printz and I will leave for another wonderful week in Shanghai . When I return, March will be almost history.
New York was great. The weather was more like spring than winter. We lucked out, because two weeks later they had record snow.
Hawaii was just like summer. Nice to go this time of year for a break from the weather. We stayed at the Royal Hawaiian on Waikiki Beach . Becky Jones and her husband and Don and Stacy Murdoch (Morgan’s Mama and my Step-daughter) were there with us.
The day after we returned from Hawaii (February 12), my husband Ed had to get on a plane for London . I may have told you that he has a business there. In order to work there, he has to have a work visa. Periodically he has to renew the work visa. That’s why he went. To renew, he has to surrender his passport to Visa Services and wait for them to process the visa. Well, today is February 27, and he is still there. He said he’s getting a lot of work done and working out a lot, but is ready to come home. We’re hoping he will be home at least by the end of this week. Meanwhile, I’m knitting, watching American Idol or whatever and eating turnip-green soup at night!!
Pat Numnum went with me to Columbus . We left a day early and drove to Atlanta and went to market just to look for beads. Columbus is only about an hour and a half from Atlanta , so we drove down to Columbus that same day and spent the night. In Columbus , we taught 12 ladies the “Mama Petunia” purse. I must say that Morgan made some of the most beautiful kits for this class that I’ve ever seen – honestly. These kits were colors requested by the students. Each purse was breathtakingly beautiful. Ann has moved her store from Manchester Highway to a new larger location; it’s still called Southern Sewing Center. The store is beautiful and she has the most wonderful training area. We had a great time with the group and enjoyed seeing James, Ann’s husband too!
While I was away, my niece, Catherine Owen from Charlotte left me a message that she wanted my advice on which sewing machine to buy. I called her back and told her I have several favorites. First I told her she needed to decide how she wanted to use a machine. Would she be just sewing or would she like to embroider? She said she wanted to do some things for her children and possibly home dec items, but the embroidery idea sounded like something she’d like to explore. Since we’re not doing as many classes in my studio as in the past, I offered to loan her one of my class machines to “play” with. I thought having the machine for a while might inspire her and help her make a decision. I wanted to send it to her in “tip-top” shape.
Here’s what I did to put it into “tip-top” shape, which is by the way how we should all keep our machines all the time. My procedure to clean class machines consists of the following:
1. Remove and dispose of the needle (my needles always need to be replaced).
2. Remove the presser foot.
3. Remove the foot plate.
4. Remove the bobbin case, bobbin, and bobbin hook if it is removable (check manual).
I read a tip that I use in my friend Libby Lehman’s book THREADPLAY for cleaning inside the machine. If you’ve looked lately, you know that inside any machine that is used at all is LOTS of dust and lint. Libby suggested using a Q-tip to remove the lint. Very ingenious, she coats the tip of the Q-tip with sewing machine oil; thus the lint more readily adheres to the cotton. She also suggested using a pipe cleaner to gently clean on each side of the upper tension discs. This will remove lint or dust from that area.
After replacing the bobbin hook, I put one drop of oil just at the bottom of the bobbin hook. If the hook is not removable, the drop still goes in the same place.
Wipe the machine off with a soft cloth; use canned air to blow dust from hard to reach areas on the exterior of the machine. Replace the presser foot, and foot plate, insert a new needle and insert the bobbin case (with bobbin) into the machine. Thread the upper machine with all-purpose sewing thread. Using a scrap piece of fabric, stitch first with a straight stitch, then zigzag, then decorative stitch. Check tension. Your machine should purr like a kitten.
IF your machine sounds loud or clunky (I made up that word), try the above procedure. You might just notice a marked improvement. Don’t forget to change your needle every so often.
 I wanted to share the photo Morgan took of me last week. I was asked to be a judge at Birmingham ’s Annual Madhatters’ Luncheon to benefit Cancer Research. This is an event where women come and wear hats. Some create their own hats and compete for GREAT prizes. I had never been and was honored to judge the competition. I knew I should wear a hat, which I hate, because I feel stupid in a hat. Well, while cleaning out a storage closet recently I ran across this vintage hat. Somehow I got the nerve to wear it and wanted to share it with you. After I had it on for a while, I felt better, however, I noticed when I got in the car to leave that the hat had edged down on the right side of my head and feather “tail” was resting on my shoulder.
I wonder how long it was like that?????
Bye for now and Happy Sewing,
Love, Barbara |
February 1, 2006
Back in the groove..........
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What’s new??
1.
Shanghai Bundle #8
:
This is the 2nd of the second series of fabrics from Shanghai. Again, we are offering four fabrics. Three of these are silk and one a cotton blend. The first fabric is an animal print which is black and drab green; the second is cream with black abstract dots; the third is taupe with black swirls and the last (the cotton) is paisley – green, pink, black and brown. I don’t need to tell you that these fabrics are fabulous; I wouldn’t have picked them if I didn’t think so!
2.The
February Kit of the Month
is the
Book Bag
. This bag was designed for Womans’ Day Magazine and was featured a couple of years ago.It has been a popular bag in our classes. This kit will be offered for $84.00 this month, which is 20 percent off the regular price of $105. The finished purse sells for $235.00.
Well, seems I’m slow getting back into the groove. Guess I just had too much holiday fun! I hope you did too.
A scary thing happened to me on Christmas day. I was opening the
Sister Shubert
rolls
and for the first time in my life I found myself putting the twist-ties in a drawer instead of the trash. I’ve never done that before; that was something my mother did! Could it be that I’m turning into my mother? Scary thought, but not the worst thing that could happen!!!!! I didn’t save any of the used gift wrapping paper. I must be getting old!
Ed and I and our friends Beth and Bill Hamer took a quick fun trip to London right after Christmas. Beth is one of my Crazy Quilters; she and Bill are in our Sunday School Class. It was typical of London this time of year, cold, rainy (sometimes snowy) and pure fun. We spent New Years Eve at the theatre seeing the play “High Society.” The theatre district is about a mile and a half from our place in Central London, and when we came out of the play at about 10:30 PM, there were absolutely no taxis. We walked home. The theatre district in London is pretty close to Trafalgar Square, which is akin to Times Square in New York on New Year's Eve. Needless to say, people were scrambling to get to Trafalgar and the fireworks which occurred at Big Ben over the river at midnight. We were not about to go there. We watched it on television.
Then, on New Years Day, we took a train an hour out of London to spend the day with our Atlanta friends Joe and Bonnie Brooks, who are on the third year of an adventure that is part business and part fun. They rented an unbelievably picturesque English cottage on the Rothschild Estate. They have even brought their horses over.
Before I left for London, I was disturbed because I was sure we would not find Black-eyed Peas there. It is our tradition to eat Black-eyed peas on New Years for good luck. Before I left Birmingham, I went to my friendly Piggly Wiggly and bought two bags of dried Black-eyed Peas and packed them in my suitcase. I went to Marks and Spencers’ Food Store on Oxford Street the afternoon of 12/31 and bought Sweet Potatoes (from Israel) and pork loin – unfortunately they did not have turnip or collard greens. Beth and I put the peas in a pot and soaked them overnight, drained them the next morning, put them in a zip lock bag, put all the other groceries in bags and took off for the train station. Bonnie had wonderful hors-doevres and Beth and I cooked a southern-style New Years’ meal. We were able to share with the estate manager and his wife who are British. There was NO food left. I guess they liked Black-eyed Peas and Sweet Potato Souffle!
We returned to Birmingham “jet-lagged” and energized all at the same time; ready for 2006.
Phyllis Hoffman of
Hoffman Media
, Barbara Cockerham (Editor of Lifestyles and Southern Baby Magazines, and Yukie McLean (Style Director for Southern Lady, Southern Baby and other of Phyllis’ magazines) all stopped by my studio on January 9
th
to make purses. We all had a wonderful time “playing” with fabrics.
My first trip of the year was to Fort Myers, Florida. Kaye England hosted her Quilt College at the
Pink Shell
. What a contrast the weather was to London! Being there made me forget it was winter! I had the pleasure of sharing the
“Museum Bag”
with 45 Bernina Dealers from all across the US. This was the most relaxed class I’ve ever experienced. It truly reflected Kaye’s personality. Everyone was happy and having a GREAT time. We started the class at 9:30, sewed a little bit, took breaks to go jet-ski, eat lunch, ice-cream social on the beach, musical entertainment by a student and work on other projects. Kaye even had hand-made jewelry brought in and set up for sale. I’ll be seeing you in different parts of the country this year at some Bernina stores as a result of this event. Stay tuned for more information.
On January 21
st
Kathy LeBerte and I taught a purse class in Huntsville, Alabama at Barbs Bernina Store. It was great seeing old friends and meeting new ones.
I will be in New York from the 28
th
of January until the 2
nd
of February. I’ll be at market with my friends Angela Williams and Carolyn Hartman. We plan to have a great “girl week.” We will get a lot done, but also have a lot of fun. I’m hoping to go by The McCall Pattern Company for a tour.
On the 5
th
of February, Ed and I will fly to Honolulu for a few days. He has a business meeting, and I hope to use the time for R&R. We will have time to visit with old friends.
We will be in Columbus, Ga at Ann Givens Bernina Store on February 18 for a purse class. If you are in the area and would like to come, you can contact Ann at Southern Sewing 706-327-1231.
We are also offering a
Color Class
at my studio on March 3 and 4. There are a few vacancies, so if you’d like to come let us know soon.
For now, bye-bye.Happy Sewing!
Love from your Crazy Friend,
Barbara
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December 12, 2005
Tis the Season.........
|
 I hope your Thanksgiving holiday was joyous. We are working hard here in B. Randle Designs Studio, but we’re making merry and enjoying the season.
The annual Christmas Purse Class for my “Church Ladies” (ladies in my Sunday School Class) was held the Sunday afternoon after Thanksgiving. We all made the Bah Hum Bag and had a wonderful time just getting together. This class is a Gift that I give myself every Christmas. Thanks to all my wonderful church friends. My friend Beth Hamer said it right; we pray together and we play together and that’s what makes this group close.
Recently, I returned from my last trip before Christmas. And what a GRAND FINALE it was to end my sewing trips at an event hosted by Bernina of America for the Bernina National Teachers Associatio Reunion. Fifty two of us came together in Chicago for a very memorable event. We began on Thursday at Quilters’ Resource , which is a company owned by Bernina. We were invited to come to their warehouses and shop right off the shelves. What a fun thing that was; just like rummaging through “Grandma’s Attic!” After a wonderful lunch, we were transported by limousine to Hickory Ridge Conference Center where we met up with Bernina Staff who shuttled us to the Bernina of America Headquarters where were greeted by Bernina executives who began the pampering with a wonderful dinner followed by show and tell of 52 people (2 ½ minutes each!). After returning to Hickory Ridge and a wonderful night's sleep, we awoke to snow on the ground and COLD temperatures. But we didn’t care, because we didn’t have to go out. We just went to the dining room and ate a wonderful breakfast and then walked into a room with 52 sewing machines all set up and ready for us to “play.” We had sessions at the computer, to show us interesting features of the Bernina software as well as presentations made by peers to demonstrate how they create their art. Representatives from Benartex (fabrics), OESD (software) and Quilters’ Resource (sewing supplies), all Bernina companies, gave presentations about their products and services.
I am so fortunate to be a member of this group which is invited once a year to come to Chicago for this reunion. Each year we come home with much inspiration and incredible gifts from Bernina. I wouldn’t think of missing this “Happening” in Chicago. But wait. They announced on the last evening that next year they are inviting us to Steckborn, Switzerland to the Home of Bernina, where the machines are created and built. And we didn’t think it could get any better!
What's New??
 Buttons(?) from China. On my October trip to China, I picked up some wonderful buttons. I put a question mark behind this product's title because they only have one hole. (See close up of button.) These are soft rubbery buttons; very neat. I originally bought a few of these on the first trip to China; I bought them because they have such fabulous colors, not knowing what I would use them for. We are showing a little pouch that I embellished just to spark your imagination. 
I will tell you that Betsy, my traveling buddy had some jackets made for her shop and used the buttons on the jackets. Extra holes were drilled into the buttons so that there were two holes in the middle. We are offering the Jiang Button?s in groups of four for $10.00 for the group. There are several designs. You can order the set of 4 all in the same design (we'll choose for you) or in all different designs.
 Our October 2005 trip to Shanghai ---- as in July, the fabrics at the fabric market were magical. I’m excited to announce my second series of Shanghai fabrics from this trip. We will make available five different bundles. Again there will be a limited number of bundles available. The hardest part of this trip is weight limits on the airlines! The first of this series, Shanghai Bundle #7, is four “Delicious" print silks. They are all florals in varying shades of green (my favorite color). One has purples, reds, pinks and azure blues; another has hot pink, hot and hot aqua; another has hot rose, hot orange, greens, cinnamon and a taupe background; the last, my personal favorite is a thai sillk, green on green with the pattern colors reversed on the back – good enough to eat! This bundle has only 4 fabrics and is $25.00.
As you know, the Kit of the Month for November was the Bah Hum Bag. We have made and sold many of these kits. Hope you’re having fun making it! Since it was such a hit, we are again offering it as our Kit of the Month for December. If you want to receive this kit prior to Christmas, we must receive your order by December 16.
SPECIAL OFFER: We are offering all purse kits 20 percent off through December 20. This does not include the Mega Bag Kit. Now’s a great time to buy kits for your winter sewing.
Here’s wishing you a Happy Holiday Season and a VERY Merry Christmas.
Love,
Barbara |
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