There was a problem initializing the feedlist plugin. Make sure the file feedlist.php is directly under your wp-content/plugins directory and not a subdirectory.
args = $args;
$this->id = md5(uniqid(rand(), true));
}
function GetID(){
$this->Debug($this->id);
}
/* core methods */
// called automagically if you use an inline filter (inside a post/page).
function FeedListFilter(){
return $this->BuildFeedOutput();
}
// call this if you want to process one feed
function FeedListFeed(){
echo $this->BuildFeedOutput();
}
// call this if you want to process a feed file
function FeedListFile(){
$this->args = $this->GetArgumentArray();
$this->output = '';
// Seed the random number generator:
srand((double)microtime()*1000000);
$feed = Array();
$feedInfo = $this->LoadFile($this->args['file']);
if(count($feedInfo)){ // we have some feeds
// Randomize the array:
shuffle($feedInfo);
// Make sure we are set to show something:
($this->args['feedsToShow'] < 1) ? 1 : $this->args['feedsToShow'];
($this->args['feedsToShow'] > sizeof($feedInfo)) ? sizeof($feedInfo) : $this->args['feedsToShow'];
// we will fetch each feed, then coallate items
for($i=0;$i<$this->args['feedsToShow'];$i++){
$thisFeed = $feedInfo[$i];
$urlAndTitle = preg_split("/~/", $thisFeed);
$feedUrl = trim($urlAndTitle[0]);
$feedTitle = trim($urlAndTitle[1]);
$this->rs = $this->GetFeed($feedUrl);
if($this->rs){
$this->items = $this->rs->items;
if($this->args['random']){
shuffle($this->items);
}
// Slice off the number of items that we want:
if ($this->args['num_items'] > 0)
{
$this->items = array_slice($this->items, 0, $this->args['num_items']);
}
if(!$this->args['mergeFeeds']){
$this->output.= '
';
} else {
$this->output = $this->args['before'] . 'No Items Were Found In the Provided Feeds. Perhaps there is a communication problem.' . $this->args['after'];
}
// coallate feed items
echo $this->output;
}
/* end core methods */
/* basic settings - you can edit these */
function GetSettings(){
/*
CONFIGURATION SETTINGS
----------------------
cacheTimeout how long should your cache file live in seconds? By default it is 21600 or 6 hours.
most sites prefer you use caching so please make sure you do!
connectionTimeout how long should I try to connect the feed provider before I give up, default is 15 seconds
showRssLinkListJS TRUE by default and will include a small block of JS in your header. If it is false the JS will not be
included. If you want the $new_window = 'true' option to use the JS then this must also be true.
Otherwise both true and simple will hardcode the target="_blank" into the new window links
*/
// DEFINE THE SETTINGS -- EDIT AS YOU NEED:
$feedListDebug = false; // To debug this script during programming (true/false).
$cacheTimeout = 21600; // 21600 sec is 6 hours.
$connectionTimeout = 15; // 15 seconds is default
$showRSSLinkListJS = true;
$Language = 'en_US'; // Choose your language (from the available languages below,in the translations):
$Translations = array(); // Please send in your suggestions/translations:
// English:
$Translations['en_US'] = array();
$Translations['en_US']['ReadMore'] = 'Read more...';
// Dutch:
$Translations['nl_NL'] = array();
$Translations['nl_NL']['ReadMore'] = '[lees verder]';
// French:
$Translations['fr_FR'] = array();
$Translations['fr_FR']['ReadMore'] = 'Lisez davantage';
$feedListFile = '/feeds.txt'; // IF you are going to use the random feedlist generator make sure this holds the correct name for your feed file:
// Build an array out of the settings and send them back:
$settings = array ( 'feedListDebug' => $feedListDebug,
'cacheTimeout' => $cacheTimeout,
'connectionTimeout' => $connectionTimeout,
'showRSSLinkListJS' => $showRSSLinkListJS,
'language' => $Language,
'translations' => $Translations,
'feedListFile' => $feedListFile
);
return $settings;
}
function GetDefaults(){
$settings = $this->GetSettings();
return array( 'rss_feed_url' => 'http://del.icio.us/rss',
'num_items' => 15,
'show_description' => true,
'random' => false,
'before' => '
',
'after' => '
',
'description_separator' => ' - ',
'encoding' => false,
'sort' => 'none',
'new_window' => false,
'ignore_cache' => false,
'suppress_link' => false,
'show_date' => false,
'additional_fields' => '',
'max_characters' => 0,
'max_char_wordbreak' => true,
'file'=>$settings['file'],
'feedsToShow'=>0,
'mergeFeeds'=>false,
'show_date_per_item' => false,
'show_description_only' => false
);
}
/* end basic settings */
function BuildFeedOutput(){
$this->args = $this->GetArgumentArray();
$this->rs = $this->GetFeed($this->args['rss_feed_url']);
$this->output = '';
if($this->rs){
$this->items = $this->rs->items;
if($this->args['random']){
shuffle($this->items);
}
// Slice off the number of items that we want:
if ($this->args['num_items'] > 0)
{
$this->items = array_slice($this->items, 0, $this->args['num_items']);
}
$this->output = $this->Draw();
}
return $this->output;
}
function Draw(){
$settings = $this->GetSettings();
$this->items = $this->NormalizeDates($this->items);
$this->items = $this->SortItems($this->items,$this->args['sort']);
// Explicitly set this because $new_window could be "simple":
$target = '';
if($this->args["new_window"] == true && $settings["showRSSLinkListJS"])
{
$target=' rel="external" ';
}
elseif ($this->args["new_window"] == true || $settings["new_window"] == 'simple')
{
$target=' target="_blank" ';
}
$this->output ='';
foreach($this->items as $item){
$thisLink = '';
$linkTitle = '';
$thisDescription = '';
$thisTitle = $item['title'];
$thisItemDate = '';
if($this->args['show_description_only']){
$this->args['show_description'] = true;
}
if ($this->args['encoding']){ // very poor and limited internationalization effort
$thisTitle = htmlentities(utf8_decode($thisTitle));
}
if (isset($item['content']['encoded']) || isset($item['description'])){
if (isset($item['description'])){
$thisDescription = $item['description'];
}
else{
$thisDescription = $item['content']['encoded'];
}
// Handle max_characters and max_char_wordbreak before the htmlentities makes it more complicated:
if (!empty($this->args['max_characters']) && is_numeric($this->args['max_characters']))
{
$thisDescription = substr($thisDescription, 0, $this->args['max_characters']);
// If true, we cut on the last space:
if (!empty($this->args['max_char_wordbreak']))
{
$max_char_pos = strrpos($thisDescription, ' ');
if ($max_char_pos > 0)
{
$thisDescription = substr($thisDescription, 0, $max_char_pos);
}
}
} else if ($encoding) {
//further really weak attempt at internationalization
$thisDescription = htmlentities(utf8_decode($thisDescription));
}
$linkTitle = $thisDescription;
$linkTitle = strip_tags($linkTitle);
$linkTitle = str_replace(array("\n", "\t", '"'), array('', '', "'"), $linkTitle);
$linkTitle = substr($linkTitle, 0, 300);
// if we are only showing the description we don't need the separator..
if (strlen(trim($thisDescription)) && !$this->args['show_description_only'])
{
$thisDescription = $this->args['description_separator'].$thisDescription;
}
}
// Only build the hyperlink if a link is provided..and we are not told to suppress the link:
if (!$this->args['suppress_link'] && strlen(trim($item['link'])) && strlen(trim($thisTitle)) && !$this->args['show_description_only']){
$thisLink = ''.$thisTitle.'';
}
elseif (strlen(trim($item['link'])) && $this->args['show_description'])
{
// If we don't have a title but we do have a description we want to show.. link the description
$thisLink = ''.$thisDescription.'';
$thisDescription = '';
}
else
{
$thisLink = '' . $thisTitle . '';
}
if($this->args['show_date_per_item']){
$thisItemDate = '
' . $item['feeddate'] . '
';
}
// Determine if any extra data should be shown:
$extraData = '';
if (strlen($this->args['additional_fields'])){
// Magpie converts all key names to lowercase so we do too:
$this->args['additional_fields'] = strtolower($this->args['additional_fields']);
// Get each additional field:
$addFields = explode('~', $this->args['additional_fields']);
foreach ($addFields as $addField)
{
// Determine if the field was a nested field:
$fieldDef = explode('.', $addField);
$thisNode = $item;
foreach($fieldDef as $fieldName)
{
// Check to see if the fieldName has a COLON in it, if so then we are referencing an array:
$thisField = explode(':', $fieldName);
$fieldName = $thisField[0];
$thisNode = $thisNode[$fieldName];
if (count($thisField) == 2)
{
$fieldName = $thisField[1];
$thisNode = $thisNode[$fieldName];
}
}
if (is_string($thisNode) && isset($thisNode))
{
$extraData .= '
';
}
$this->output .= $this->args['after'];
}
return $this->output;
}
function ArrayPush(&$arr) {
$args = func_get_args();
foreach ($args as $arg) {
if (is_array($arg)) {
foreach ($arg as $key => $value) {
$arr[$key] = $value;
$ret++;
}
}else{
$arr[$arg] = "";
}
}
return $ret;
}
/* utility functions */
function NormalizeDates(){
$newItems = array();
foreach($this->items as $item){
$this->ArrayPush($item,array("feeddate"=>$this->NormalizeDate($item)));
array_push($newItems,$item);
}
return $newItems;
}
function NormalizeDate($item){
$d="";
if(array_key_exists('pubdate',$item)) {
$d = date($this->dateFormat,strtotime($item['pubdate']));
} else if (array_key_exists('published',$item)) {
$d = date($this->dateFormat,strtotime($item['published']));
} else if (array_key_exists('dc',$item) && array_key_exists('date',$item['dc'])) {
$d = date($this->dateFormat,strtotime($item['dc']['date']));
} else if (array_key_exists('last_modified',$item)) {
$d = $this->TimezoneConvert($item['last_modified'],0,Date('I'));
} else {
$d = date($this->dateFormat);
}
return $d;
}
function TimezoneConvert($datetime,$tz_from,$tz_to,$format='d M Y h:ia T'){
return date($format,strtotime($datetime)+(3600*($tz_to - $tz_from)));
}
function MakeNumericOnly($val){
return ereg_replace( '[^0-9]+', '', $val);
}
function GetMonthNum($month){
$months = array('jan'=>'01','feb'=>'02','mar'=>'03','apr'=>'04','may'=>'05','jun'=>'06','jul'=>'07','aug'=>'08','sep'=>'09','oct'=>'10','nov'=>'11','dec'=>'12');
$month = strtolower($month);
return $months[$month];
}
function SortItems(){
$sort = strtolower($this->args['sort']);
$sort = explode(" ",$sort);
if((count($sort) ==1 || $sort[0] == 'asc') && $sort[0] != 'none'){
$sort[1] = SORT_ASC;
} elseif ($sort[1] == 'desc') {
$sort[1] = SORT_DESC;
} else {
$sort[1] = '';
}
if($sort[0] == 'feeddate'){
$sort[2] = SORT_NUMERIC;
} else {
$sort[2] = SORT_STRING;
}
if (($sort[1]!='') && count($this->items))
{
// Order by sortCol:
foreach($this->items as $item)
{
$sortBy[] = $item[$sort[0]];
}
// Make titles lowercase (otherwise capitals will come before lowercase):
$sortByLower = array_map('strtolower', $sortBy);
array_multisort($sortByLower, $sort[1], $sort[2], $this->items);
}
return $this->items;
}
function LoadFile($file){
/*
load the $feedListFile contents into an array, using the --NEXT-- text as
a delimeter between feeds and a tilde (~) between URL and TITLE
*/
$x = file($file);
return preg_split("/--NEXT--/", join('', file($file)));
}
function GetArgumentArray(){
$this->args = $this->AssignDefaults();
$a = array();
foreach($this->args as $d=>$v){
if($this->args[$d] === 'true') {
$a[$d] = 1;
}else if($this->args[$d] === 'false'){
$a[$d] = 0;
}else{
$a[$d] = $v;
}
$a[$d] = html_entity_decode($a[$d]);
}
return $a;
}
function AssignDefaults(){
$defaults = $this->GetDefaults();
$a = array();
$i=0;
foreach ($defaults as $d => $v)
{
$a[$d] = isset($this->args[$d]) ? $this->args[$d] : $v;
$a[$d] = isset($this->args[$i]) ? $this->args[$i] : $a[$d];
$i++;
}
return $a;
}
function GetFeed($feedUrl){
$this->feed = false;
if(function_exists('fetch_rss')){
$this->feed = fetch_rss($feedUrl);
}
return $this->feed;
}
function InitializeReader($ignore_cache){
$settings = $this->GetSettings();
if ($ignore_cache)
{
if (is_numeric($ignore_cache))
{
define('MAGPIE_CACHE_AGE', $ignore_cache);
}
else
{
define('MAGPIE_CACHE_ON', false);
}
}
else
{
define('MAGPIE_CACHE_AGE', $settings["cacheTimeout"]);
}
define('MAGPIE_DEBUG', false);
define('MAGPIE_FETCH_TIME_OUT', $settings["connectionTimeout"]);
}
function Debug($val,$name=''){
if(strlen($name)){
print('
'.$name.'
');
}
print('
');
print_r($val);
print('
');
}
/* end utility functions */
}
function rssLinkListFilter($text)
{
return preg_replace_callback("//", "feedListFilter", $text);
}
/* Templates can call any of these functions */
function rssLinkList($args){
if(!is_array($args)){
$args = func_get_args();
}
return feedList($args);
}
function feedList($args){
if(!is_array($args)){
$args = func_get_args();
}
$feed = new FeedList($args);
return $feed->FeedListFeed();
}
function randomFeedList($args){
if(!is_array($args)){
$this->args = parse_str($args,$a);
$this->args = $a;
}
$feed = new FeedList($args);
return $feed->FeedListFile();
}
function feedListFilter($args){
$args = explode(",",$args[1]);
if(count($args) == 1 && !strpos($args[0],":=")){
$a = array();
$a["rss_feed_url"] = $args[0];
$args = $a;
} else {
$a = array();
foreach($args as $arg){
$arg = explode(":=",$arg);
$a[$arg[0]] = $arg[1];
}
$args = $a;
}
$feed = new FeedList($args);
return $feed->FeedListFilter();
}
/* end template functions */
if (function_exists('add_filter'))
{
add_filter('the_content', 'rssLinkListFilter');
}
if(function_exists('FeedListInitError')){
add_action('admin_head','FeedListInitError');
}
if(function_exists('add_action')) {
function rssLinkList_JS(){
$jsstring = '
';
echo $jsstring;
}
$jsFeed = new FeedList('');
$settings = $jsFeed->GetSettings();
if($settings["showRSSLinkListJS"]){
add_action('wp_head', 'rssLinkList_JS');
}
}
?>Heart To Hand: Quilt Talk with WendyLearn more about quilting with new quilt ideas, help, tips, advice, and techniques. We’ll discuss, techniques, fabrics, give free patterns and I'll share with you along the quilting journey.2010-03-09T10:22:17ZWordPresshttp://blog.hearttohandonline.com/?feed=atomHeart To Handhttp://www.hearttohandonline.com<![CDATA[ARRIVAL OF THE ACCUQUILT GO!]]>http://blog.hearttohandonline.com/?p=4872010-03-09T10:22:17Z2010-03-09T10:22:17ZThe AccuQuilt GO! Fabric Cutter is a lightweight, portable fabric cutter quilters can transport easily to classes, guild meetings, retreats and quilting bees. Its design was inspired by the ideas and suggestions of quilters throughout the world and features an easy-lift handle, comfortable roller handle grip, magnetic seal and a neutral, light-colored work surface. Fabric cutting dies for the AccuQuilt GO! are light and made exclusively to ft the portable GO!fabric cutter. Designed for time-saving accuracy, these dies ensure all cuts are quick and precise so your shapes piece together perfectly every time. A GO!
My friend, neighbor and co-worker Jan and I bought the AccuQuilt about a month ago. We have been experimenting with the different templates. Jan just loves the 2 1/2″ Strip cutter for borders and binding. She continues to comment on how straight her borders are now.
I started with the cutting die that has three different shapes on it. I designed a table runner using the 2 1/2″ Square ; 2″ Finished Half Square Triangle. I love the exactness of this product. Cutting half square triangles was never my strength and they would bob and weave all over my quilt. But with the AccuQuilt, I did not have that problem.
I have only loaded 15 of the MANY dies that the AccuQuilt uses on the web tonight. Look for the rest of them on the web in the next week or so. If you are going to order some dies, and want other ones not listed, just include a note in the comments section of your checkout form and we will have it for you so you can save on postage. You can check out all the dies that Accuquilt offers at The AccuQuilt Website.
Before to long, we will be offering to cut your fabric with the new AccuQuilt and hope to be able to set up a rental option for you at the shop. I will be doing several demo’s at the shop on the AccuQuilt in April so check the class schedule and drop by the shop to test it out!
Happy Day!
Wendy
]]>0Heart To Handhttp://www.hearttohandonline.com<![CDATA[ONE MILLION PILLOWCASE CHALLENGE]]>http://blog.hearttohandonline.com/?p=4862010-01-22T06:42:26Z2010-01-22T06:21:41Z
American Patchwork & Quilting® magazine is challenging quilters, crafters and sewers across the country to Make a Pillowcase, Make a Difference. Local quilting enthusiasts will join the cause to help reach the goal of making and donating one million pillowcases to benefit local charities. Every pillowcase can make a difference in our community. A pillowcase can provide comfort for a cancer patient, hope for a foster child, encouragement for a battered woman, or beauty for a nursing home resident.
Heart To Hand, will be hosting events locally at 412 Beavercreek Road, Suite 607, Oregon City, OR 97045 (located in the Red Soils Business Park). We are also hosting opportunities on our web site.
Throughout 2010, quilters, crafters and sewers across the nation will make pillowcases at their local quilt shops. The shops will then collect the pillowcases and donate them to a local charity of their choice. A counter will track nationwide progress toward the goal of one million pillowcases.
As the owner of Heart To Hand I see the One Million Pillowcase Challenge as a way to give back to the local community. “We have worked locally with the Passages Quilt Program and Emanuel Children Hospital, Oregon Food Bank as well as making over 50 quilts that were auctioned off for Breast Cancer awareness. I am glad to be able to help our customers serve the community in yet another way.
We will be hosting pillowcase events locally and on-line. How you can participate:
1. Donate 100% Cotton Fabric in 1 yard increments to the shop to be made into pillowcases.
2. Make pillowcases at home and get them to the shop.
3. Join the Pillowcase Parties! in January and February (Click link to see dates and times)
4. Order Pillowcase kits with the pattern from Heart To Hand. These are sale priced at $6.99. Make your pillowcase and return them to the shop to help us reach our goal!
FREE PATTERNS:
Need some pattern idea for getting started. Check out this link for four free Pillowcase Patterns
For more questions call 503-230-9075, visit the store or the website at: www.hearttohandonline.com.
Happy Day!
Wendy
]]>0Heart To Handhttp://www.hearttohandonline.com<![CDATA[Questions and Answers!]]>http://blog.hearttohandonline.com/?p=4842009-10-25T03:34:54Z2009-10-25T03:34:54ZI received a great note from Sharon tonight. She posed some good questions so I thought I would post it on the blog, because I am sure many of you have similar questions.
NOTE FROM SHARON:
Hi Weeble,
Love your postings. You have a definite flair for words, and you are a stunning canine besides. I am a first time Lotto Block of the Month participant. It has been great fun to make my blocks, but now that I am ready to send them to Mom, I have a question. The instructions state “attach your name and address to the back of the block”. Do I use scotch tape, pins, glue stick? All choices seem to be potential dangers to the sewn block, plus pins would be a hazard to the automatic postal machines….What do most people do?
How is the drawing conducted? Are the blocks laid out so that you can put your paw on the winner(s)? Are the papers with the names put in a bowl so you can daintily point out the winner with your tongue? If it is the latter, I might cheat a little and put a little cheese flavor on my entry. We have a lovely little next door neighbor of your breed, Maggie, and she is a sucker for cheese!
Please let me know the best way to send my blocks.
Hugs and kisses,
Sharon
ANSWER FOR SHARON
Hi Sharon,
Thanks for your nice note! I so appreciate your feedback!
Weeble is crashed out in her bed, we were at the shop all day, and so I thought I would respond to your questions.
Do I use scotch tape, pins, glue stick? Most people attach a sticky address label to the back of the block. We take them off before we mail them to the winners. Some people use scotch tape and some people DO use pins. Some people use a little post-it note too.
Are the blocks laid out so that you can put your paw on the winner(s)? HAHA! This is a good one. especially the cheese flavored entry!!! We hang all the blocks as they arrive on a long string of picture wire across the front of the store, attached with little clothes pins. They are on display until the drawing. Then we take them down and mix the blocks us in a bag and draw the winners. Most
Please let me know the best way to send my blocks. Most people fold them up in a little Ziploc bag, and send them in a standard envelope.
Thanks again for your great note, you too my dear have a flair for words.
Thanks for asking. Do let us know if you have any more questions.
Happy Day!
Wendy and Weeble
]]>0Heart To Handhttp://www.hearttohandonline.com<![CDATA[2010 McKenna Ryan Club]]>http://blog.hearttohandonline.com/?p=4812009-09-24T18:41:06Z2009-09-24T18:41:06ZAs 2009 rapidly comes to a close it is time to start choosing projects for the New Year.We just concluded voting for the Thimbleberries 2010 and the color Midnight won.You can sign up for Thimbleberries now on our web site.
Our McKenna Ryan club is just finishing Once Upon A Star and I would like to invite you all to vote on which of the following four quilts you would like to see us work on for next year.Take a look at the quilts and then vote below in the “Leave A Reply” Section.
Quilt One: Back on the Farm
Quilt Two: Storybook Farm
Quilt Three: Journey To The Light
Quilt Four: When Friends Gather
Please cast your vote by October 2, 2009
Happy Day!
Wendy
]]>1Heart To Handhttp://www.hearttohandonline.com<![CDATA[Thimbleberries 2010]]>http://blog.hearttohandonline.com/?p=4792009-09-15T03:31:21Z2009-09-15T03:13:33Z
It is voting time again, no not for politics, but rather for what color you would like to see us offer for Thimbleberries 2010.
This year the quilt is called Village Green, the quilt finishes at 72″ x 82″ and comes in three color options. Each is created to reflect the stages of light: Dawn, Dusk, and Midnight. You will see houses, trees, stars and flowers.
In addition to the monthly block patterns, Lynette designs extra club projects exclusively for Thimbleberries Quilt Club members, and communicates with you monthly through her Quilt Club newsletter. Before we commit to this major investment of time and fabric, we need to know from you if you might interested and what color way you like best. We will take voting through September 22nd.
Cost: Depending on the number of participants the price will run $320 - $280.
This includes: Membership fee, All 12 patterns, All fabrics for top. borders and binding, plus 108″ wide Thimbleberries backing fabric. Pricing will be spread out over three installments. You will be charged $25 up front to hold your place in the club. This is non-refundable but will be credited towards the price of your first fabric kit. Monthly project patterns and bonus instructions for the Throw Quilt and the Queen Quilt options. Actual shipping fees do apply. This program will start shipping Jan 15, 2010.
And vote for your favorite color way: Dawn, Dusk or Midnight.
I look forward to hearing from you!
Happy Day!
Wendy
]]>0Heart To Handhttp://www.hearttohandonline.com<![CDATA[Pumpkin Party Time]]>http://blog.hearttohandonline.com/?p=4782009-09-08T06:40:28Z2009-09-08T06:40:28Z
Sure, it is still September, but now is the time to get your Fall and Halloween decorations sewn up for next month. Here are a couple of options for you!
A great show and tell from Drusilla Fox. She is a member of our All Through the Year Small Quilts Club. She sent me some wonderful pictures and I just had to share this one with you!
Drusilla writes: “Thank you- I added an extra pumpkin as I needed a bigger piece of fabric. I used a fusion from Robert Kaufman. My batting was a cotton low loft from Mountain mist. I can’t wait for the October kit!!” You sure did a wonderful job Drusilla.
Here is another wonderful pattern or kit. Spidey, he’s a quilt as you go table topper or wall hanging designed by Silk Road Creations. He is VERY easy and you can finish him in just a couple of hours!
Send us your photos for more show and tell!
Happy Day!
Wendy
]]>0Heart To Handhttp://www.hearttohandonline.com<![CDATA[Blue Ribbon Days]]>http://blog.hearttohandonline.com/?p=4772009-09-03T20:26:20Z2009-09-03T20:23:26ZBlue Ribbon Days are here! The Oregon State Fair opened in Salem last week and runs through September 7th.There were some beautiful quilts shown at the Quilt Gallery and I thought I would share some pictures Dean took.Thanks so much to Jan and Dean for heading to the fair and reporting back! Keep in mind that the quilts at the fair are sometime hung up high so it makes it difficult to take photos.
Happy Day!
Wendy
]]>0Heart To Handhttp://www.hearttohandonline.com<![CDATA[September is National Sewing Month!]]>http://blog.hearttohandonline.com/?p=4762009-09-03T20:24:39Z2009-09-01T07:13:44Z
September is National Sewing Month and the Sewing & Craft Alliance and the American Sewing Guild are the proud co-sponsors of this month-long celebration of the art and craft of sewing. The observance began in 1982 with a proclamation from President Ronald Regan declaring September as National Sewing Month “In recognition of the importance of home sewing to our Nation.”
Inspired by the 2008 theme of Go Green! Sew Green!, Margo Martin, Executive Director of the American Sewing Guild explains that the new mantra for 2009 aims to encourage sewers to innovate while theyrecreate. “Today’s economy has ushered in a new wave of creativity“ says Martin. “This year, sewers are challenged to “Reuse, Remake, Restyle” their favorite fads into timeless garments, home décor items or even a trendy new bag.” Joyce Perhac, Director of the Sewing & Craft Alliance agrees. “More people are returning to sewing as a way to save money. Hemming skirts, appliquéing over stains, replacing buttons and repairing tears are much easier on the budget than buying something new.” Most sewing enthusiasts don’t stop there though, she adds. “The feeling of creating – or recreating – is addictive and the results can often be dramatic with just a few hours spent with needle and thread.” Perhac also notes that the number of enthusiasts interested in learning how to sew is on the rise.
Take some classes this month and learn a new sewing or quilting skill!
Happy Day!
Wendy
]]>0Heart To Handhttp://www.hearttohandonline.com<![CDATA[CELEBRATE: BE AN ANGEL WEEK]]>http://blog.hearttohandonline.com/?p=4752009-08-25T00:53:01Z2009-08-25T00:47:00ZBe an Angel Day encourages us to do acts of kindness, and to help others. While it really is one day, August 22, 2009, I decided that it should be a week long, if not a year long event. It is a perfect day to do something for someone who does not even expect your intervention.
According to Earth Angel for Peace: “Be an angel dayis a non-profit, non-denominational event celebrated annually on AUGUST 22. This is a day on which people around the world are encouraged to be like the angels - God’s selfless servants - and ‘do one small act of service for someone; be a blessing in someones life.’ The 1st Annual BE AN ANGEL DAY was celebrated August 22, 1993.
Those who wish to participate are encouraged to go within their hearts and celebrate BE AN ANGEL DAY however the ‘God Voice’ within inspires them. It can be celebrated on an individual basis by anonymously performing a small act of service. It can be celebrated with a group activity in holding a joyous angel party with a group meditation where participants invite the angels to inspire them with God thoughts on ways to be of service as a group in their community. “
As Quilters we often do a variety of things for others. I am repeatedly touched by the true kindness and offerings by my customers. Special handmade cards, patterns picked for me, offerings to be retail staff to assist when we get overwhelmed. They offer goodies from their garden, from their stash and mostly from their heart. I am forever grateful for each and every one of our wonderful customers.
Enjoy the week!
Wendy
]]>0Heart To Handhttp://www.hearttohandonline.com<![CDATA[Spend $20 on the 20th]]>http://blog.hearttohandonline.com/?p=4742009-08-20T18:09:06Z2009-08-20T18:09:06ZHave you heard about this grass roots idea? Spend $20 on the 20th and save the economy? Well, I had not heard about it either, until I received an email today and thought I would pass the information on to you. Here is the idea. We all have cut down on our spending, buying only the things we really need. The more we do not spend, the worse the economy gets. So lets make a plan to turn around the economy by choosing to spend an EXTRA $20 on ourselves on the 20th. That is today.
The AccuQuilt GO! Fabric Cutter is a lightweight, portable fabric cutter quilters can transport easily to classes, guild meetings, retreats and quilting bees. Its design was inspired by the ideas and suggestions of quilters throughout the world and features an easy-lift handle, comfortable roller handle grip, magnetic seal and a neutral, light-colored work surface. Fabric cutting dies for the AccuQuilt GO! are light and made exclusively to ft the portable GO!fabric cutter. Designed for time-saving accuracy, these dies ensure all cuts are quick and precise so your shapes piece together perfectly every time. A GO!
Here is another wonderful pattern or kit. Spidey, he’s a quilt as you go table topper or wall hanging designed by Silk Road Creations. He is VERY easy and you can finish him in just a couple of hours!
Blue Ribbon Days are here! The Oregon State Fair opened in Salem last week and runs through September 7th. There were some beautiful quilts shown at the Quilt Gallery and I thought I would share some pictures Dean took. Thanks so much to Jan and Dean for heading to the fair and reporting back! Keep in mind that the quilts at the fair are sometime hung up high so it makes it difficult to take photos.
Be an Angel Day encourages us to do acts of kindness, and to help others. While it really is one day, August 22, 2009, I decided that it should be a week long, if not a year long event. It is a perfect day to do something for someone who does not even expect your intervention.
Have you heard about this grass roots idea? Spend $20 on the 20th and save the economy? Well, I had not heard about it either, until I received an email today and thought I would pass the information on to you. Here is the idea. We all have cut down on our spending, buying only the things we really need. The more we do not spend, the worse the economy gets. So lets make a plan to turn around the economy by choosing to spend an EXTRA $20 on ourselves on the 20th. That is today.