Let's Go! UK Wildcats.....Order your UK inspired "Oh Wow!" Bag today

Are you a UK Wildcats fan? Maybe you know someone who is. Wildcat fans love to show their shining support for their most favorite team by displaying every manner of UK item, whether it be a room decorated in honor of the team, a decal for your car, a hat, clothing or yes...even a custom made "Oh Wow!" bag.

What die hard sports fan doesn't want to show support for their team..and the "Oh Wow! bag is a great way to do it! The "Oh Wow!" bag is a top quality handmade bag that you will be happy to show off wherever you go. You will be pleased with the superior construction and the bag's awesome good looks. I have acquired some UK licensed fabric. This fabric is sure to delight the loyal UK fan. I have put together a carefully chosen complimentary set of UK fabrics paired with some coordinating fabrics (shown in photo) to make a few UK "Oh Wow!" Bags.

Order a bag now while fabric supplies last. (For the younger fan, the "Oh Wow! Little Sister Bag is also available for order.)

Order a CRD custom made one of a kind bag for the sports season or to carry all year. Christmas is just around the corner and will be here before we know it. The UK Wildcat's "Oh Wow!" bag would make the perfect gift, certain to be a favorite under the tree.

Contact me about a UK Wildcat Fan bag made just for you.

**Please note: This "Oh Wow!" bag is made of officially licensed fabric but is NOT a UK licensed product. Cranberry Ridge Design has no official affiliation with UK and none of the products I sell are official. We use commercially sold UK fabrics only in our items.

Thanks for stopping by my blog today.
Connie

"Oh Wow!"...Peace Signs and Flowers! Dare to Dream!

As my business, Cranberry Ridge Design, continues to grow, my poor sewing machine is getting a workout. As orders for my designs come pouring in, I find that I must spend more and more time sewing.

Slowly, as time allows, I am adding new products to my line. I have MANY plans for future items but creating them takes time. Building up enough stock to both fill orders and take to craft shows has been a challenge, to say the least. I can barely keep up with orders, but as you might guess, I view that as a "good thing." I take great pride in making my items and strive to make sure my finished items are truly a work of art that my customers will be most pleased with.
In keeping with my promise to share pictures with my readers as often as possible, I want to share with you a picture of another "Oh Wow!" Bag. This bag has the cutest fabric featuring flowers, peace signs and encouraging words and phrases on it. The complimentary colors made for one really adorable bag.

As I posted earlier, besides Tamarack,
my items are now being carried in a few area stores. (See previous post) For those of you who don't live in the area or those who want to order a custom one of a kind bag, you may contact me regarding a custom order made just for you. You can find my contact information in the right hand column of this blog.

Christmas will be here before we know it. Place your orders as soon as possible to be sure your items are ready in time for gift giving. Remember, I make a variety of items. If you don't see what you have in mind, contact me.

Chances are, I just might make the item you are looking for.

Thanks for stopping by my blog today.
Connie

Excitement at Cranberry Ridge!

First, I want to say hello to everyone and thank you to everyone for their support of the beginnings of CRD!

They have be so many changes in my life since I was involved in a car accident in December that I do not know where to begin. Some people may be wondering why I say I was blessed with the car accident. Yes, I have had issues going back to work as an RN but on the other hand the blessings are running over and I feel like I am starting a new chapter in my life.

The first blessing is the other driver and I walked away from the wreck. I was t-boned on the driver's side. I do have a shoulder injury and other problems from the car wreck. I have been able to set back and set my life on a different course.

Then in January 2010 our first grandson decided to come into the world 2 months early. They live in Florida and we live in West Virginia. Being off from work we were able to spend some time with them and best of all we Blake arrived safe and sound! Elizabeth did great also! I was able to be in Florida to complete his nursery set.

Then in February daughter, Debra starting having blood pressure issues and was placed on bed rest. So, of course I was able to play nurse role with her and keep a close eye on her blood pressure. Rylee came in to the world just a few days early and he was healthy and so was mom.

Then in April, my sister Judy had back surgery in Lexington, KY and I was able to stay with her. Also, I had not been able to see my son for about 1 1/2 years so I was able to stay with him and Makenize and the grand dogs. Bret and Makenzie both work at Malone's Steak House on Tates Creek Road. Enjoyed dinner from there a couple times! Bret is now executive chef! Malone's ranks in the top 10 steak houses in the US!

Now we come to May. Whew it has been a long year so far..lol. We traveled to Florida to vacation with Roger's family. Had a great time in Boca Raton! Grand daughter Shealeigh had her first airplane ride. We had a great trip going to Florida and well we won't talk about the trip home....lol.

First of June Roger had knee replacement surgery which went well! He spent a couple weeks in Healthsouth Rehab in Huntington and then home. But, in July he had an allergic reaction to meds and was in ER three times and then stayed in the hospital for 3 days. He is doing well now.




Then we get to August and and I start to have nose bleeds. Couple trips to ER and a couple trips to the ENT and surgery and I am on my way to healing.

In September, daughter Jennifer started the management training program at  Kroger's!
She has to be in Roanoke some and then she works in Charleston stores. She will found out in February what store she will co-manager.

Last week Debra's boyfriend TJ totaled her car late at night. He had a concussion but seems to be doing well now. I guess Debra will get that SUV she was wanting after all!

Well, some more good news is CRD products will be in three different stores in Charleston, WV. They are Baby Phases, Sweet Peas, and Capitol Market. CRD also has products in Daystar Bible Bookstore in Summersville, WV.

CRD will be a featured artisan at Tamarack in April, October and December 2012! I will post dates as they are scheduled.

With all this said and done I can say there always is a silver lining on every cloud! And there have been so many silver linings for me with this cloud. I can say I give thanks daily to God for all that I have accomplished since the wreck. No major injuries but so many blessings!

Come back and visit soon!
Connie

Busy, Busy, Busy time of year!

It has been one busy month or so here at CRD!

Two weeks ago we were at the Roadkill Festival in Marlinton and then the next day we traveled to Cranberry Nature Center to do the Shindig Festival! Had a great day at the Roadkill with items from CRD traveling to NC, TN and WV! And then at the Shindig items from CRD are traveling all the way to FRANCE!!!! CRD is now going to be known internationally!! I am so excited!

Sweet Water Soap made an appearance at both shows with CRD. The Roadkill show being their first festival. Kim Spencer does a fantastic job creating handcrafted goat milk soap. She also has lots of other wonderful scents. Contact CRD and I can put you in contact with her. Sweet Water Soap will be featuring organic cotton washcloths in the very near future to go along with the soaps.

Be looking for us at the Arts and Crafts Show at the fairgrounds in Fairlea, WV this coming weekend!!

Hope to see you there!
Connie

The Roadkill Festival & The Shindig: Come on out and have some fun!

Today was an overwhelming success and a lot of fun for me at the The Roadkill Festival held in Pocohontas County, West Virginia. The festival is wildly popular and had quite a turn out. In years past, this annual festival, promoted by the Pocohontas County Chamber of Commerce, has been covered by major news outlets like CNN, Travel Channel and The Discovery Channel. Programs like All-American Festivals, Fest Quest, and The Today Show have all done segments on this very unique event.  The authors of the best-selling Weird U.S. have even recognized the zaniness of The Roadkill Cook-off! It was a fun filled day for all who attended.

The Roadkill cookoff came about when, several years ago, West Virginia made it legal to take home---and use---animals killed by cars. Marlinton, West Virginia soon became the home of the very unique Roadkill Cook-off & Festival. The festival offers many unique dishes to test your palette on. You might find dishes like Rigormortis Bear Stew, Asleep at the Wheel Squeal, Tire Tread Tortillas, Deer on a Stick and lots more. While it is certainly true that citizens of the state have been picking up and cooking road kill long before they named a festival in honor of the practice, the festival is sure to offer something exciting for everyone.

Besides the amazing food to tease your taste buds, the festival also features many artisan's booths offering all sorts of crafts made throughout the state. I am proud to say that Cranberry Ridge Design was one of the booths featured. It was so much fun. I truly enjoyed chatting with all the wonderful people who came by. Many of my purses "Oh Wow bags" and other handmade items were sold today.

If you missed the festival, I invite you to mark your calendar to attend the festival next year. It is surely a "must-do" event. Let's face it, where else could you possibly get creamy squirrel gravy over biscuits with a side of deer sausage? (You can find more information by contacting the Pocohontas Chamber of Commerce.)

In the meantime, Cranberry Ridge Design will occupy a booth tomorrow at the Cranberry Nature Center at the Shindig in Pocohontas County.
It will be a lot of fun.
The Shindig, is a **'traditional appalachian festival featuring live folk dancing and music. Local artisans will be set up demonstrating and selling their goods from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Demonstrations and goods including blacksmithing, spinning wheel, basketry, fly tying, wooden bowls, homemade soap, fudge, and much more.' There is sure to be something for everyone. I hope to see you there.

Cranberry Nature Center
Located at the junction of Route 150 and Route 39/55, 16 miles from Marlinton and 22 miles from Richwood. 304-653-4826
Click HERE for more information on Cranberry Nature Center.


For those of you who won't be able to come to the event, remember, I do take custom orders for my "Oh Wow Bags" and for my other handmade items and welcome you to contact me with your design wishes. (You can find my contact address on the right hand column of this blog.) My items are also sold at Tamarack in Beckley, WV and on Etsy.

I look forward to seeing those of you who can make it to the Shindig tomorrow.
For those who can't attend, I look forward to hearing from you.

Thanks for visting my blog today.
Connie

**http://www.pocahontascountywv.com/events/1426/2011/september/cranberry-shindig.aspx

Festivals and more Festivals!

CRD is starting to gear up to show off their wares at local festivals!

First on the agenda CRD will be traveling to Flatwoods, WV for the 2nd annual West Virginia Made trade association wholesale/retail show.  You can read all about it at  WV Made trade show  .It will be held Sept 9th and 10th, 2011. The first day will be for wholesale only and the second day for retail sale. At Flatwoods visitors will have the chance to shop at the Flatwoods Factory Stores . They feature  the Fiestaware store, Black and Decker Tools store, etc. So, ladies there is something for you and something for that man that I am sure will want to bring you to central WV!

Saturday, Sept. 24, 2011 CRD will be at 19th annual Roadkill and Cook off and Festival in beautiful Pocahontas County, WV! The county has a population of 9000 but the festival has the county being host to over 18, 000 people!! Looks like roadkill will bring them out of the woods!

The following day Sunday, Sept 25, 2011 we will be enjoying the wonderful Cranberry Glades area.
CRD will be setting up their wares at the 23th annual Shindig This event was started by my husband, Roger so many years ago!

The weekend of Oct 7th-9th, 2011 CRD will be joining the 31st Annual Arts and Craft Show at Fairlea, WV.  Lewisburg, WV will be where the 27th annual TOOT (taste of the town) will be held on Saturday that same weekend. Come out and bring family and friends and have a weekend to taste some wonderful food and help worthy causes.

Congratulations to Barb, our winner. Surprise..you won again!!

Our recent giveaway winner, Barb Cantrell, was kind enough to share a photo of herself with her new one of a kind, handmade purse. Congratulations Barb! Thanks for sharing your photograph with us. Enjoy your bag!

AN ADDED SURPRISE FOR YOU BARB......
In addition, Pixie Paint Studio, the graphic artistry and ongoing site maintenance company that takes care of our online and many of our offline graphic needs, has graciously added a custom photo package to your winnings in celebration of our recent opening of Cranberry Ridge Design and our impressive induction into Tamarack. You should receive your photos via email very soon. Congratulations & Enjoy!

I encourage you to contact Pixie Paint Studio for all your graphic, online or photo enhancement/digital needs as well as for your handpainted design needs. You can contact Pixie Paint Studio on Etsy or by emailing PixiePaintStudio@comcast.net
Pixie Paint Studio has been both helpful and instrumental in opening my business and honestly, has made much of it almost effortless for me. Putting my online needs in their hands allows me more time to do what I love doing most...sewing & creating fabulous new designs for Cranberry Ridge Design!

Stay tuned for more new designs and future giveaways.

Thanks for visiting today,
Connie

Purse Giveaway: We have a winner!!!

CRD is pleased to announce the winner of the current purse giveaway!

........AND THE WINNER IS:

BARB CANTRELL!

Congratulations Barb!

Thanks to everyone for liking Cranberry Ridge Design on FaceBook!

**For those of you who didn't win this time, keep checking back frequently for more great giveaway's from CRD in the future.

Thanks for stopping by,

Connie



Tamarack!!

I am quite pleased to announce that on 08/11/2011 

I was successfully juried into Tamarack!!

I couldn't be more pleased to be a participating Tamarack artisan and now considered

part of "the best of West Virginia." I invite you all to visit Tamarack (Beckley, WV) to see not only my work but the work of all the fine artisans whose work is displayed and sold there.

Below you can read about what I believe is at the heart of Cranberry Ridge Design!!

Artisan Statement - Connie Ridgeway

The support Connie receives from family and friends has empowered her passion for creating memories. Whether it is a personal item like the "Oh Wow Bag", a quilt, or clothing for her grandchildren, it brings a heartwarming delight to her soul.

The reality of Cranberry Ridge Design (CRD) finally came to fruition with the creation of the "Oh Wow Bag". The first bag was made for her daughter Debra, and the next bags were made for daughters’ Jennifer, Elizabeth, and Rebecca! CRD was on the way to becoming a lifelong dream!

As a child, Connie was lovingly influenced by her maternal grandmother Iona Diamond, her mother Madge Diamond, and her older sisters. The love of sewing had begun in a young girl’s heart! Through their tutelage, the skills Connie attained became the bedrock for her creation of Cranberry Ridge Design.

It takes more than skills to foster one's craft. You need the tools for those crafts to flourish. Her father, the Rev. Amon Diamond, always kept the old family Singer sewing machine in good repair. She now uses a Janome 6600 sewing machine along with a Singer serger sewing machine to create her designs. She devotes over 30 hours a week to her passion of sewing. Her hand crafted creations reflect the values she treasures from her Appalachian heritage.

Connie frequently visits "The Quilt Shop" owned by Mrs. Vickie Fleer of Summersville, WV. Vickie provides immense guidance by inspiring creative design. She has afforded Connie the opportunity to work with customers and assist in this exquisite shop. Connie has assisted seamstresses in choosing the right fabrics and color choices that fit the color schemes of their project. Connie derives enjoyment from her sewing and quilting and uses that enthusiasm to encourage new seamstresses who come into the shop to take up the craft of quilting and in keeping that craft alive.

"May the warmth of love always surround you!" This self-authored phrase is placed on a hand created label that is added to every quilt Connie makes and presents to newlyweds. It conveys the joy and blessing she gets while stitching each quilt and her wish that the quilt will be treasured for years to come.

Connie’s goals are to be admitted into Tamarack and to participate in other ventures that feature West Virginia artisans. To have the opportunity to showcase her skills and talent in the textile medium would be a wish come true for Connie. Connie also plans to continue to provide mentoring to beginning students who have a keen interest in textiles.

Cranberry Ridge Design: "One of a kind design…one at a time!"

Connie Ridgeway Bio

Connie was born and raised in eastern Kentucky. It was there she learned the art of creating and sewing from her grandmother, mother and sisters. She was asked in high school to assist others in learning the art of sewing. She creates for family and friends.

In the late eighties Connie chose to pursue a degree in nursing. She attended a branch of the University of Kentucky and graduated with a degree as a Registered Nurse. Connie has provided care from the east coast to the west coast in top ten medical centers. Her passion in nursing has been in the oncology population.

Connie moved to Nicholas County, West Virginia in 2000. Connie is the biological mother of one daughter and one son. When she married Roger Ridgeway in 2007 she became a mother to three more daughters and a son. They now have one granddaughter and two grandsons. Of course, lets not forget her extended family - her Yorkie brood!

Thanks for learning a bit about CRD and for visting my blog today!
I am glad you stopped by and hope you will visit me here again soon.

Connie

 

 

       

 

Purse Giveaway! You can win!!

Cranberry Ridge Design is offering a giveaway for this awesome handmade bag.

It is easy to win. All you need to do is LIKE Cranberry Ridge Design on Facebook.
Enter for this purse through August 17th, 2011. Winner will be announced at 9pm Eastern time on Aug 17th.

You can go to Cranberry Ridge Design Facebook directly from this page. Look for the link in the right hand column of this blog.

Will it go to you?

*Pass this news on to all your friends too.
Good Luck!
Thanks for visiting my blog today!
Connie

I have a new bag for sale! Don't miss this one! It is beautiful!

I have had so many orders for my bags that I have had a hard time sewing fast enough to build up some stock for those who want to buy ready made bags or totes. I have finally completed one that I have placed for sale on Ebay.

This is an "Oh Wow!" bag.
Styled of fashionable black and pink fabrics, it is definitely a bag that will turn heads.
This bag is approximately sized at 15" wide x 18" high x 5 deep, or 38 cm wide x 46 cm high x 13 cm deep.
This is a roomy bag, perfect for looking stylish while carrying all your treasures. This beautiful handmade one of a kind bag is made of top quality 100% cotton fabrics
Snatch this one up while you can for it is certain it won't last long.
You can go directly to my Ebay auction by clicking HERE.

This would be a great bag to put back for that special gift for that special someone.

Thanks for visiting my blog today,
Connie

If you are interested in ordering a custom "Oh Wow!" bag or a "Little Sister" bag in custom fabrics, contact me so that I can make your dreams come true. I can design a bag custom made just for you. You can find my contact email address in the right hand column of this blog. Hope to hear from you soon.

My shop and bags were featured on........

As you, my readers, customers, friends and family know, Cranberry Ridge Design was only started a short time ago. I have been sewing pretty much all my life but the store is a new venture that I am quite proud of. Since I started my business, I have poured my heart and soul into it and am proud to say that it is off to a fine start. As a matter of fact, the rapid success of my "shop" and products has pleasantly surprised even me. I never dreamed that my items and my shop would be such a success so quickly. My bags have been selling as fast as I can get them made and my online presence is becoming a fixture much rapidly than I ever dreamed it would. (Thank you Pixie Paint Studio for helping me with that!) I have many exciting things planned and am happy to say that some plans are coming to fruition much faster than I dreamed. I recently passed the first step of being juried in at Tamarack ...where one can find "The Best of West Virginia." I am hopeful that I will pass the final step and that my bags will then be offered for sale at Tamarack, which I would consider a great honor. I certainly have appreciation for all the talent from the great artisans of West Virginia and hope to soon join the ranks of those who have their wares displayed at Tamarack.

In addition, I wanted to let you all know that Cranberry Ridge Design and my "Oh Wow!" bags are now featured on the blog of Bella Sera Boutique. Why don't you hop on over to the Bella Sera Boutique blog by clicking HERE to read the feature. I am both proud and honored to have my business featured there. I hope you, my fans and readers, will go and check it out. It is very exciting to have my shop recognized there.

If you are interested in placing an order for a Cranberry Ridge Design purse, you may contact me about a handmade, one of a kind, custom made bag..... made just for you. Remember, @ Cranberry Ridge Design, you can help me design your bag by choosing both your bag style and fabric.
Thanks for visiting my blog today,
Connie

The "Little Sister" Bag has arrived!!

The "Little Sister" Bag has been completed and is ready for sale! She is 12x12 x5 fashioned with the same length handles as her big sister (the "Oh Wow!" bag) which is approximately 10 inches from shoulder down. She has all the same roomy pockets the "Oh Wow!" bag has and is padded the same way.

Of course, the "Little Sister" bag, like the "Oh Wow!" bag can be customized to the colors of your choosing.

Go to my Etsy shop and look around today!! Click HERE
(Please be patient. I am trying my best to stock both my web site and my etsy store with inventory. My bags have been wildly popular and I am selling them so quickly that it is hard to stock up..but I am sewing as fast as can and should have more stock listed very soon.)

You may also contact me directly to order your custom bag. (My email address is in the right hand column of this blog. I would love to hear from you.)

Thanks for stopping by,

Connie

p.s. Remember all items from CRD are handcrafted by me and my Janome 6600!

The "Oh Wow! Little Sister Bag " is finally here! Check it out!

Hooray! Hooray!

After many customer requests, I have finally completed the very first "Oh Wow! Little Sister Bag." It is made exactly like the "Oh Wow!" bag except it is smaller and this one is made without the grommets, though the grommet style will also be available as a design option for custom orders. This bag measures 12 x 12 and is an ideal size to carry. Like the original "Oh Wow!" bag, it is made with top quality 100% cotton fabric and was hand crafted with the utmost care.

This handmade bag can be made in a variety of fabrics.

I have MANY fabrics available and

can custom make your one of a kind bag in almost any color family. I have many fabric choices from which you may choose or I would be happy to choose matching fabrics in whatever color family you desire.

**Contact me today to discuss a custom purse made especially for you. You will find my contact information on the right column of this blog.

**This "Oh Wow! Little Sister Bag is currently for sale, for as long as it lasts. Custom orders for this size bag are now being accepted.
**More pictures of the "Oh Wow! Little Sister Bags" will be posted soon. Stay tuned!

**I will soon be listing "Oh Wow! Little Sister Bags" in my ETSY shop.

Thanks for stopping by my blog today.

Connie

                               

No written or pictoral content on this blog is part of public domain.

Graphic design, site maintenance, digital imaging & photgraphy by Pixie Paint Studio.

All material within this web site property of Cranberry Ridge Design. 

 All Rights Reseserved©Cranberry Ridge Design

Proper care and use of your iron when sewing

Sewing Tip for the week: Proper care and use of your iron when sewing

If you sew, you likely know that without a nice iron, your items won't have that professional look. Sewing and ironing go hand in hand, as pressing your item while sewing is essential at almost every step along the way. A steam press is a wonderful item and I love using one, but let us not forget the vital importance of a hand iron. Most people who have been sewing for very long have learned tips along the way for choosing the best iron and about caring for an iron so as to keep it running smoothly. It is also important to keep your iron clean, otherwise, your iron is likely to leave that tell tale sign of sediment left on your fabric. I am going to discuss a few of these things here today so that those of you who sew might learn something about iron care, if you don't already know about it. 


*I suggest you purchase the nicest iron you can afford.

To save yourself the trouble of routine maintenance, invest in a self-cleaning iron.

*Use distilled water in your iron especially if your local tap water is heavy with minerals and other impurities which can clog the ducts.

Now, lets say you have an iron and you need to know how to clean it.

Well, first things first...for those of you who don't already know it, (though I believe most people know this one) NEVER SUBMERGE YOUR IRON IN WATER. If you submerge the iron when it is not plugged in, it will still most certainly render your iron unusable. If the iron is plugged in to an electrical source and you submerge the iron, it will likely render you unusable. Either option comes to no good end.

Your iron needs to be kept clean in order to keep it safe and running well. The faceplate and ducts need frequent care in order for buildup not to occur. I am going to give you some of my tried and true tips for care here.

*If you want to properly clean your iron, make sure your iron is UNPLUGGED.

*If your iron is warm, allow it to cool completely before you attempt to clean either the faceplate or reservoir.

*Make sure to thoroughly empty any water that might be inside the iron.

*To clean the face plate of your iron, make a paste with 2 tablespoons baking soda and water. (Several companies make commercial cleaning solutions with which to clean your iron. If you choose to use one of these instead, you need to follow manufacturers directions.) Apply the paste to the faceplate of the iron and rub with a clean cloth. When this is done, wipe the area clean with a clean damp cloth.

*Steam ducts on an iron sometimes get clogged and need to be cleaned regularly so as not to leave any residue on clothing. I have found that you can best clean them with a pipe cleaner inserted into each hole and twisting back and forth.

   ~When this is done, fill the reservoir at least half way with water.

    ~Fill the reservoir the rest of the way full with white vinegar.

    ~Plug the iron in, turn it to high setting and leave it on for 15 minutes. Some irons have a high steam setting. If yours does, you can set your iron to this setting for the 15 minutes.

    ~When this is done, unplug the iron and let it cool completely.

    ~Dump out the remaining water.

    ~Now refill the reservoir again with water and white vinegar just as you did and repeat the 15 minute steam period.

    ~When this is done, unplug the iron and let it cool completely.

    ~Dump out the remaining water.

    ~At this point, I usually wipe the face plate off with a clean, damp cloth just to make certain there is no residue left on the bottom of the iron.

**This next step is optional. I find it works quite well so I thought I would share it here with you.

After you clean the bottom, or sole, of the iron, keep it from dragging on clothes or fabric by first ironing a few pieces of wax paper.

**Here is another tip for you:

I suggest using spray sizing on your items whenever possible. It doesn't build up on the faceplate of your iron or cause flaking the way heavy starch does.

*I suggest becoming familiar with your iron and the settings it has. Pressing cloths often come in handy. I suggest paying close attention to care recommendations for garments or fabrics when ironing so as not to damage either your item or melting something on your iron.

 

Happy Ironing,

Connie

Coming Soon! A new style bag will be added to my collection.

So many of you have told me how much you love the "Oh Wow!" bag and have asked when I will be expanding my line of bags. I have many "ideas" in the works and am proud to announce that very soon, I will be adding my second bag to the Cranberry Ridge line. I won't give the surprise away yet but I think you, my friends and customers, are really going to love it. Cranberry Ridge Design bags have been so overwhelmingly popular that I have been selling them as quickly as I can make them. Custom orders for the "Oh Wow!" bag have really kept me busy. It is because of this that I have been this long in adding to my line. (Remember, there is only one of me and I go above and beyond to make sure each customer is happy and that I have made for them the most amazing handmade, one of a kind, top quality bag possible!)
So, be on the lookout for my newest bag, to be announced soon.

For anyone who would like to order an "Oh Wow!" bag, you can email me directly here or you can go directly to my Etsy shop (see link in the column on the right) to see a custom order sale there. Just purchase, check out and let me know what color family fabric you would like your bag to be. Remember, I use ONLY top quality, 100% cotton fabrics for my purses.
Thanks for stopping by today,
Connie

Do your fabrics ever "bleed"? Do you know how to "test" fabric for bleeding?

A fabulous tip to share:

I know many of you sew or craft. I love to quilt. It is a passion on mine. A quilt is an item to be treasured. Because it is an item of value, using top quality fabric in your quilt is imperative. Nothing is worse or more heart breaking than getting a fabric that bleeds. I know you quilters and seamstresses know what I am talking about. With that in mind, I decided it would be nice to pass along a tip every now and then to inspire others to keep the sewing and quilting craft alive. I have learned much from others during the sewing years of my life. Now, I want to periodically offer an occasional tip so as to help others who either currently sew, or inspire to.

How many of you have purchased fabric only to have it bleed? It can ruin an otherwise beautiful, handcrafted item before you ever get it done. Here is a helpful tip I came across.
I am sharing it with you here today.

*Some quilting cottons bleed--lose their dyes when washed--especially fabrics with vivid colors like red and purple. The dyes can stain other fabrics in your wash load or patches in a finished quilt. Perform this easy bleed test on any cotton fabrics you suspect might bleed.

Perform the Bleed Test

1. Submerge a small piece of a fabric in soapy water--a 2-inch square is fine. Use the same soap and water temperature you normally use to wash fabrics and quilts.
2. Let the fabric sit in the soapy solution for about 30 minutes, then check to see if the water is discolored. If it is, the fabric bleeds and the dyes could potentially damage other fabrics.
3. If the water is clear, try one more thing to make sure the dyes won't transfer onto adjacent fabrics when wet. Remove the patch and, without rinsing, place it on a white paper towel. Wait a bit and check to see if dye has transferred onto the toweling. If it did, chances are good that it will transfer dye onto adjacent patches when your quilt is washed.
4. Rinse out the soap and dry your test patch, then perform the bleed test again. If bleeding continues, do not use the fabric in your quilts.

If you can't bear not to use a fabric that bleeds or transfers, purchase a commercial dye fixative, such as Retayne, to help make the dyes more permanent. Treat a snip of fabric, following the instructions carefully, then try the bleed test again.
Most fabrics produced by companies that cater to quilters do not bleed, but it's a good idea to do a bleed test on all vivid fabrics until you have a good understanding of which fabrics you can trust.

I hope this tip helps you today with your quilting and sewing endeavors.
Connie

Article source: From About.com
http://quilting.about.com/od/fabricembellishment/qt/bleed_test.htm

Clapping my hands with delight...

I am clapping my hands with delight. I have finished another "Oh Wow!" bag. It is such a good feeling when I get one completed. The colors in this one turned out really pretty and I love the way the bag turned out. As usual, it is a one of a kind bag. I have only taken one picture of it so far, but I wanted to share it here for you to see first. I will share more pictures when I get them.

Want to order an "Oh Wow!" bag of your own? You can contact me via email or you can go to my Etsy shop. I have one custom bag for sale there. You help me design it!!

I am certain you will be pleased with your custom bag. My bags are made with HIGH quality items and constructed with the utmost precision and care. I do my best to please you, my customer, in every way possible. Order you bag today. You can click HERE to go directly to my Etsy purse sale page.

Thanks for visiting my blog today.

Connie

Quilts, quilts, quilts!!

When growing up, my four siblings and I were always surrounded by my Grandma and my Mom making quilts. Their quilting was all done by handwork or pieced on machine and then quilted by hand. I remember helping my Mom cut out double wedding ring quilts using templates (made out of newspapers) and scissors and then her sewing these pieces together by hand. After piecing them, she would set up the quilting frame my Dad had made and place the quilt in the frame to begin hand-quilting. I believe all five of us children received a double wedding ring quilt made by our Mom when we married. (Sorry, if some of my siblings did not receive one, but that is how I remember it happening...lol. And you know the baby is always right.)  :)

Quilting seems to have always been an important part of my life and I wanted to start the same tradition with the six children my husband and I share. Our daughter, Elizabeth, was the first of our children to marry. She wed Axel.  They became the first married couple to receive the very first wedding ring quilt I have completed. It is pictured below. Yes, it was all done on machine. I have someone else do the long arm machine quilting. I hope one day to be lucky enough to have a long arm of my own!!

Our daughter, Jennifer, has the quilt pictured below in her possession. She went with me to my favorite quilt shop, "The Quilt Shop" in Summersville, WV and helped pick out fabric and a pattern. She enjoys curling up under it on the couch to watch a favorite show or movie.



The next quilt was made for Michelle, a dear friend I met in San Francisco, CA when I did a travel assignment. Michelle and I became friends while working on the Adult Bone Marrow Transplant unit. Besides being a great friend, she was also "my taxi" while I was there and a dear, sweet soul. Her friendship meant so much to me and I felt I had to give her something special to show what she meant to me. She wanted a quilt she could cuddle under whenever there were cool nights in San Fran.



These are just 3 of the many quilts I have made and shared with family and friends. I always like to think the warmth of the quilts I made surround them in the love I felt while piecing them for the
special people I know and love.

And yes, I feel I am very blessed to have people like this in my life!
Connie

Give credit where credit is due!!

Good morning,

I want to tell everyone about Kassie who is the graphic design artist for Pixie Paint Studio!! I am so lucky to have found her! She does an amazing job with design. Kassie (Pixie Paint Studio) deserves all the credit for the beginning and upkeep on my blog, website, Etsy store and Ebay listings!!

Please consider contacting her for all your graphic art needs!!

Have a great day!
Connie

Just listed a custom "Oh Wow!" bag? Could it be yours?

Hello everyone, I have been busy making bags as fast as I can turn them out. Each bag is carefully constructed, so making them takes a bit of time, and I am only one gal who loves to sew. I have gotten so many orders that it has surely kept me busy getting the bags made fast enough. I have just listed a custom bag listing in my Etsy shop for  one bag that you, the potential customer, will help me to design. You can either choose a color and I will choose top quality, coordinating fabrics for you or I can show you some available fabrics from which you can choose to have me make your custom bag. Each "Oh Wow!" bag is truly a one of a kind bag. You can go straight to my purse listing by clicking HERE!

Thanks for visiting today,
Connie

"Oh Wow"..Pretty In Pink!

My sewing machine has been working again,....needle flying in a frenzy to make another darling "Oh Wow" bag. My machine is much more updated than the one shown here but I am inspired by sewing in general. I remember the days of the pedal machine and can't imagine how excited our ancestors would be if they could but see what amazing things the machines of today can do. I am inspired by PINK!

Oh yes, girly-girl pink. What gal doesn't love it? Women have had a love affair with pink for centuries. We simply can't seem to help ourselves. If it is pink, it speaks to our inner "girl" somehow.

Pink is what inspired me to make this bag. Goodness, I have to say I love how it turned out!  Check out how roomy this sweet bag is....with all the compartments.

I wanted to share a picture of it here with you.

I hope it speaks to the girly-girl in you too! So Pretty In Pink!
Thanks for stopping by,
Connie