Because Erica’s and our customers have supported the Humane Society of St Joseph County for a long time, Dick and I were honored to be invited to tour the new facility in Mishawaka before they officially opened to the public. Because of generous contributions of the community, these animals now have warm and inviting places to be while waiting to pick out their new owners.  Here is Dick with some friends in the Play Room.

“Now where did that orange kitten hide?”

I sat down on a bench in the Kitten Room, and quick as a flash I had a new hat!

We are so happy for the animals and staff at the new facility. If you’re in the area, I hope you’ll take time to go visit. And maybe take along some cat or dog food, or a donation. And you might just find a furry someone who has been waiting just for you!

You might need a sewing or quilting assistant (or two or three) to help out in the sewing room. I always have help getting my binding ready.

I had a place holder when I was making my Microwave Potato Bags for Sewing Club.

I had even more help getting samples ready for my Handi Quilter Club. Tchaikovsky started out guarding my stencils but fell asleep on the job.

I have shared my life with many animals over the years, from alligators to raccoons and a white crow, and they have all given me more than I’ve given them. I hope you have someone in your life who loves you unconditionally, and sometimes even helps with your sewing and crafting!

(To find an item on our web page after clicking on the teal words, hold down the “Ctrl” key and touch F. Enter the item number in the box, and you’ll be taken to that item.)

New!

An “Erica’s Exclusive” from our expert knitter and crocheter, Cathy Mark!!  Here’s what she says about her felted purses:

“These little purses are so cute and quick, you’ll want to make an assortment for yourself or for Christmas gifts. Spend one evening, and you’ll have one purse. There’s a knitted version and a crochet version. Both are done with a bulky wool yarn (I used Como from Debbie Bliss). You knit, fold and stitch side seams, then felt. Once the piece is dry, you add the zipper (by hand). Embellish the zipper pull and you have a special little item. The crochet version is done in a circle, and you crochet two circles, join, felt, and then again add a zipper. Choose a single yarn for a classic look, or several colors for a striped effect. Choose a zipper that coordinates (as I did) or one that’s an accent color. The knitted version would be great with a contrast color at the beginning and end (which ends up being the opening) and you could use a zipper that matches that color, not the main color. The crochet version could have a chain of a contrast color around the outer edge for a bit of interest. If you want to make bigger versions, simply buy more yarn (you only need one skein for each, about 50 yards) and knit/crochet more rows. The finishing is the same! The pattern is free with any yarn purchase, but to make this project quick and easy, choose a bulky weight with the most wool (100% is best, but even 75% wool will felt). Have fun!”

The purses are here: http://www.ericas.com/yarn/special.htm