Just had to share!  Last night the family went to see Bill Cobsy perform.
Bill Cosby with my 2 granddaughters, Ashley and Magan.  He's still as funny as ever.

NEW iPad case coming soon to dixie's window on Etsy. :D

Bernina

Today I would like to introduce you to a machine that has become a permanent fixture in my life as of late. So permanent, in fact, that my husband is starting to get a little jealous. If I'm not sewing, I'm cutting fabric that I'm about to sew, or sending off a bag that I've just finished sewing. Or sleeping. I have continued to make time for that. And eating. Because, you just have to eat.

So, I decided that if I am going to spend so much time with this machine called Bernina, I might as well get to know Bernina a little better. 

The first thing you must know is who first introduced me to this lovely little machine. My own mother, Elmo Smith. She was not only a beautiful lady, but a wonderful seamstress. 

The second thing you must know is the machine that I started on. It's now just a decoration in my sewing room, because it's now an antique. Kind of like me. ;)

Back to Bernina's. So, let's start with the mother of all Bernina's. This cute little gal became the first household sewing machine developed by Fritz Gegauf with the help of an embroidery factory, Brütsch  & Sohn. Can you guess when she was born?

Well then, I'll tell you. 

1932 (She definitely lived in the "olden days"!)

By 1937, they had produced 20,000 of these babies! In 1945, Fritz introduced the world's first portable zigzag machine.

And, the success of Bernina just kept growing from there.

By 1963, they had manufactured ONE MILLION of these zizag machines.

Now, I will introduce you to the two Bernina's that have taken residence in my home. This first one is called the Bernina 830, born in 1971, and the first Bernina with an electric foot. This particular machine was the top-of-the-line model for 11 years and Bernina's all time best seller! Cool, huh? This machine has been my trusted comrade for several years. It has helped me sew my children's clothes when they were little, altered and made beautiful prom dresses for my daughter, and seen me through many a patch and hem. Then I started making device bags and cases 24/7, and realized I needed a back-up! So.....

Then came along the Bernina B380. This isn't my back-up machine, of course! This is my shiny, new "Cadillac" machine that I use most of the time now. It's got a few more fancy features, and helps me crank out an average of two bags a day.

And, this is a close-up of the foot. I'm mostly just adding it because I thought it was a cool looking picture.

(I hope Bernina isn't self-conscious of her foot.) :D

Talented artist!

The curator of my featured Treasury is Brenda Salzano, and her Etsy shop is "Salzano's."  Brenda is from Oregon, and designs exclusive fabric art, hand sculpted buttons, beads, art, and jewelry.  Please take a peek at her shop.  I love buttons, so I have featured one of her sculpted buttons.  It's just BEAUTIFUL!  Thank you Brenda for sharing your talents with others. :D

love the title for this treasury on etsy :D

signs of spring

Although no signs of Spring here in Rexburg Idaho, it's all over Etsy!  For those who know me well, know of my love for tulips.  I anxiously await those beautiful flowers that appear the first part of spring.
" lisa russo fine art" is a shop in Etsy.  Her beautiful photography caught my eye one day, and wanted to feature her on my blog.  I picked out one picture, (hard to pick just one) that I just loved.  Enjoy, and please take a look at her other works of art.

February?

Hi everyone!  Tomorrow is February, so where did January go?  I've been hiding out in my sewing studio making all sorts of device cases and bags for my wonderful customers.  I just want to take time to thank everyone who has ordered from me, especially the last couple of months.  I have been surprised and humbled at the amount of orders I have received.  I have been sewing fast and furious, trying to stay ahead and get these orders out . . . before you change your mind! :D   I am still about 5 weeks out with my cases, however it's slowing down a bit, so things will get back to normal (if there is such a thing) soon.  Thanks so much again!!! :D

merry christmas!

This late great artist spent the end of his career and life in Stockbridge, in the Berkshires of Western Massachusetts.  He is know for painting everyday scenes of American life.  Rockwell's most famous painting is a Christmas scene that appeared on the cover of the Saturday Evening Post in 1967.  He actually began painting the scene, called "Stockbridge at Christmas" in 1958 and put it away.  When rushed to meet a magazine deadline almost a decade later, he pulled the picture from his storage area, added some snow and some mountains and sent it in to the editors.  They loved it and put it on the cover of their Christmas issue.

As Christmas approaches in just 2 days, I'd like to thank my Etsy friends and customers for making dixie's window a success this year.  When I started making gadget bags and cases, just 1 1/2 years ago, I really didn't anticipate selling much at all with all the other beautiful cases out there.  You have all been so kind and patient as I learn on this new journey, and wish you all a very Merry Christmas!  Thank you! :D

"Let us remember that, as much has been given us, will be expected from us, and that true homage comes from the heart as well as from the lips, and shows itself in deeds." ~Theodore Roosevelt

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone! :D

The Three Musketeers :D

Mirissa, LaVonna, and Heather

When I took on this journey to Etsy, I never imagined in my wildest dreams that I would develop such kind friendships.  In this photo that was sent to me today, are three of my recent customers Mirissa, LaVonna, and Heather from Ohio.

 It all started with Mirissa when she ordered a case from me.  When she received her case, she took it to work and showed all her co-workers. (star on the forehead for Mirissa!!!)  Well, she found two girls with the same good taste as her :) Heather and LaVonna.  It was such a pleasure communicating with these fun girls, the kind of girls you would want to hang out with.  This is the heart of what I do!  Sure, I love to sew and design, but the rewarding part, is sharing that with others, and forming friendships along the way.

Thank you so much girls!  Thank you for your friendship, and your kindness.  If I ever get to Ohio, we're doing lunch! :D

Norman Rockwell's Thanksgiving Classic

In 1943, during the Second World War, Rockwell painted the Four Freedoms series, which was completed in seven months and resulted in his losing 15 pounds.  (I think I'll take up painting) :D  The series was inspired by a speech by Franklin D. Roosevelt, in which he described four principles for universal rights: Freedom from Want, (pictured at left) Freedom of Speech, Freedom to Worship, and Freedom from Fear.  The paintings were published in 1943 by The Saturday Evening Post.

As Thanksgiving approaches, this painting always comes to mind.  I love Norman Rockwell's work, which depicts everyday life with a little humor.  In later years this illustration became know as Norman Rockwell's Thanksgiving painting.  That makes perfect sense as the setting is obviously that of a family about to enjoy a Thanksgiving feast!

To all of you, my friends and family I extend a "Happy Thanksgiving" and hope you all enjoy this time together with loved ones that we are truly grateful for.

NEW Simple Sleeve just in time for Holiday Gift Giving! :D

New padded e-Reader device cases, now in my Etsy Shop.  www.etsy.com/shop/dixieswindow

Special Thank you!

Now this takes the cake!  This is how one of my customers said "thank you" after I had made her a case.  So cool!  Love my customers. :D

I enjoyed going outside today, and welcomed the sunshine after the snow we had the last couple of days.  Our apple tree is chuck-full of beautiful, ready-to-can apples.

Fall is a beautiful time of year.  Just watching the leaves turn their beautiful yellow, gold and red colors is a wonder to behold.  We gather up the last of the produce from the garden, and trim the bushes one last time before winter really hits.  Then the flower pots are emptied saying good-buy to the flowers that brought so much beauty throughout the summer.  I'm grateful today. :D

Very blessed! :D

With the blessing of being able to sell on Etsy, comes the blessing of having satisfied customers!  Here are just four customers who sent me photos, with their E-reader and Ipad cases.   And a 'Kodak Moment' for cases I made for other incredible customers!   This makes those long days at the sewing machine all worth while.  Thank you to all my friends on Etsy! :D

Leaves are beginning to turn their beautiful golden colors, and we're having our first snowfall today!  I'm sure I wasn't the only one to grab a camera to snap a picture of this beautiful white stuff falling here in Rexburg. :D  Just had to share.

Second photo, later today.  It's looks absolutely beautiful falling on the ground!

Whew!

As you can see, my blog is under construction.  I'm now having second thoughts, however the thought of going back to the way it was, is way too stressful . . .  so I will continue onward.

My Holiday Gift Certificates are now available in my Etsy Shop!  Yes, Christmas is approaching all too fast, however I'm hoping you all have a family member or friend in need of a unique case for their E-reader or Ipad.

 These cards are beautiful, and it gives you the opportunity to say, "I love you, so take your pick." :D  I will also give them the choice to have a case custom made, the way they would like!

the new kindle fire!

It's coming in November!  The New Kindle Fire!  This new case and others in my shop will fit that new Kindle very nice and snug. :D

"The Button"

You see them everyday.  They fasten your shirt together, hold your pants up, and maybe make a fashion statement on your new sweater.  Buttons!  Almost everyone has some buttons tucked away in a jar.  They can be plain and simple, or truly elegant works of art.

I love buttons!  One day, while designing a new Kindle bag, I thought about my dad.  He was an avid reader.  The focal point of our living room was a massive built-in bookshelf, stocked with every kind of book imaginable, and one just as large in the family room.  I wondered what my dad would think, with all the ereader devices marketed in venues all over the world.  Then a line from one of my favorite holiday films came to mind.  "I like smiling, smilings my favorite," from the hilarious movie "Elf."  My dad loved reading.  Reading was his favorite.  By the end of the day, I had the button designed, and found a talented girl on Etsy to create it for me.  Angie, from Remember Wynn.  http://www.etsy.com/shop/rememberwynn  Thank you Angie, for the memories with each button!

Old World Script Kindle Case

This was the first bag to get the "button".    In just 2 weeks after posting it in my Etsy shop, it landed on the front page.  Almost wet my pants! :D