FREE....you like free? Right?

Now that I have your attention....let me explain how you can get some free eyewear. Yup.....I said FREE!

I am not one to go to the mall.....I am really not much of a “shopper”. Now, shopping on-line? well that is a whole different matter.........On-line shopping is such a convenient way to access goods and services and it appears you can purchase just about anything this way. I had no idea that you could get prescription glasses through an on-line source until I was contacted by Firmoo. I was asked if I would like a free pair of glasses in exchange for an honest review of their product and service....well who doesn't like something for free? Want to know how you too, can receive your first pair for free? You will want to check out Firmoo's First pair FREE for new customers program

Let me share with you, my experience, I went to the site and looked around, it was actually quite fun to “try”on the many pairs of frames available. It was super easy to set up an account, just an email address and password is needed, then you can upload a photo of yourself so you can see how the frames will look on you. The way the site works is that you choose your frames, put in your prescription information and then from a menu, choose the additional options such as lens thickness, coatings, etc You are basically able to customize your glasses and order exactly what you want, all of the prices are right there for you to see. No “hidden”costs. The site set up is extremely user friendly and walks you through every step. Have questions? the FAQ page should hold most of the answers. There is lots of information available to ensure you are able to order the correct size for your needs.

Once I had provided the necessary information, I was told by customer service that my order would be processed and that an email would arrive to confirm the shipping date. My eyewear was ready in just a few days, I received an email telling me that my order had been shipped and sure enough it arrived in just under a week.

So...from a few clicks of the mouse....to a knock at the door and my glasses arrived, well packed along with a few accessories.

I ordered my new glasses to use specifically at my computer. I wear progressives most of the time but they drive me crazy when I am at the computer as I would have to hold my head at just the right angle, well no more......my new glasses put an end to that annoying problem.

I am very pleased with my experience at Firmoo.com, I plan to go back to see about ordering another pair, but with progressive lenses.....I have been checking them out and the cost is a fraction of what I have paid in the past at those well dressed eye wear stores.....why pay for the fancy lighting and decor?....I just want glasses that fit well and allow me to see properly.

My new glasses are terrific! hey and I think they look pretty great too!

yeah......this is me.....you knew I wasn't really a Rat.....didn't you   :-)

Drum Roll please........

The winner of an original Quilt Rat doodle is....... Anne-MarieB 

She will get her choice of what she would like me to draw for her ........congrats Anne Marie, an email is on the way. 
I just can't put up a post without a photo, so I thought since Halloween is just around the corner I would do a new papercut.........you aren't bothered by spiders....are you?

Blog-versary.......3 years and counting

I became a blogger 3 years ago. Like many of you, my blog is really just a place to track my progress, to be able to look back and see the evolution of my work. In the beginning, I did not even know how to upload a photo. It has been a terrific learning experience and along the way, I have met some fabulous people and have been presented with several exciting opportunities. I enjoy having this spot to share my "eureka" moments and am always delighted by your comments.

I know some of you have found me just recently, while others have been visiting right from the very start.

I think 3 years, needs to be celebrated, don't you?........perhaps a giveaway is in order?......the prize????.....well my doodles seem to be popular so how about if I offer to do one just for the winner?
To enter, leave me a comment telling me what you like best about visiting my little corner of the Net.

I'll choose the winner next weekend........if you win,
what would you have me draw????

Quilt Circles without Marking

I like the look of circles in quilting. When doing a pebble type background fill, random sizes look best, BUT if you want your circles to be the same size, and you don't want to measure and mark each one........here is what works for me.

I use these sticky dots, they come in several sizes. I just eyeball a line of them, stitch around each one, then peel them off and reposition them to another spot so that they can be used many times.

a little behind

it seems that I have fallen a little (well, quite a lot actually) behind in keeping up with the Creative Prompt Project. Jaye over at artquiltmaker is still enthusiastically offering up prompt words each week as a way to boost our creative thinking. I thought perhaps I was due to post one

Word #175 is Needle. Check out this huge needle I have.......no idea what it is used for (sails maybe) it is marked England and is incredibly sharp.

 

looking at it beside some normal sized tools made me think that it might require a larger needle threader.

and where do we tend to store our sewing needles?.......... how about this pin cushion?

Printing on Fabric ......continued

 Note*  if you are looking for information on printing fabric with an inkjet printer and or, a homemade Bubble Jet Set solution......please click on the "Tutorials" tab above

Once you have printed on fabric using your inkjet printer the pieces will need to be rinsed.  I left my printed pieces overnight before rinsing. I use a little bit of Retayne in my rinse water to help set the ink. Here is a look at a piece in the rinse bath......I wanted you to see that there is no ink floating about. 

For the photos that I printed in sections I wanted to be certain there would be no distortion, so I sewed them back together before rinsing

Here you see that hockey player image immersed in the rinse bath. That cloudiness you are seeing, is the soda ash dissolving.

I added some borders, note that after rinsing the colours have remained strong.

this small quilt is about 20 inches square, so it is a great candidate for pin basting with those little foam bits I talked about here

Some of you may recognize this image. Occasionally, I agree to do a presentation/trunk show and am not always able to do a slide show, I was looking for a way to show some pieces that I no longer own. I know it not the same as the "real" thing......but viewers will be able to get a sense of the original design.

I have printed a few different images so that I can make quick "replicas"