Tag and MailArts

A tag from Monique:

Where I was 10 years ago: I was in the Philippines, working in Makati City. I must say that my work was my life then as I can't afford to lose it. lol I was supporting a younger sister in college who was then taking Accounting then shift to BA in Banking & Finance (and yes, she graduated - I felt like I graduated too when she did... lol). 1998 was one of my luckiest year, workwise, I got my first promotion and had salary increase 2x. I also had my first work-related trip via plane in Davao City (Mindanao, Philippines) though it was just an overnight trip. While there, 2 of our Singaporean staffs who were assigned on the project (Equipment Mechanic & Project Manager) took me out that night and explored Davao City with me... I remember them telling me that they gotta show me my country and had to give me a tour... lol I did really felt then that I was the foreigner coz they're very much familiar with the area.

Five things on my to-do list for today: finish a model for TGOSM, finish another small design for ECSM, reorganize stash, finalize a design for TCN, and cook filipino food... lol

Snack foods I like: fruits, fruits and more fruits... whatever are the

seasonal fruits, I usually have them in my fridge... I now have watermelon, cantaloupe & just finished my strawberries.

If I were a billionaire, I’d: This is my favorite part... lol I've always dreamt of having my own non-profit organization in the Philippines that will help poor students go to college. Education is cheap back there and yet there's still a lot of intelligent people who can't afford it due to poverty. Build a new house where me and hubby lives, and though I dunno how to swim, I would love to have a pool... lol and at the further back of our house I'd love to have a retreat house for stitchers too (hayyyy, I am really dreaming now big now!). I'd love to give all my siblings back home a house of their own too.

Places I’ve lived: Born and raised in Pampanga, Philippines (northern part of Luzon) and lived everyday of my life there till I was 16. I then lived in Singalong, Manila with my aunt & her family while attending college, for about 5 years... but managed to visit my family in the province at least twice a month. In 1997, I went in Taiwan supposedly to work on an electronic company but decided to go home after a week and use my profession. I was lucky to get a job right away and rented a place for me and my siblings in Metro Manila (Sampaloc, Valenzuela, etc.). The last apartment I rented was in Mandaluyong City, lived there for over 5 years, till I came here in Haverhill, Iowa on 2004.

People I want to know more about: Deborah, Lillie, Wendy and all crafter who drop by here

On the stitching side, my MA exchanges were finally recieved by the recipients. I mailed them on June 5th and arrived to Malaysia last friday. YIPPPEEEEE! I designed, stitched and finished both pieces last month, for Margaret and Wendy. I'm so pleased you like them my dears!

MA's for Wendy & Margaret

"M" is for Margaret, MailArt, Mother

Wendy's Checkbook Holder

Margaret wanted a pink theme so I chose pink roses as focal point and her initial. Instead of plain envelope, I thought I'll finish the MA into one of my sewing purse finishing technique. It has an attached needlebook and scissors case, while on the flap are 3 thread rings. It closes with an attached ties. Margaret, I bought shell/pearl thread rings before but couldn't find them when I was finishing your MA. I hope you don't mind the plastic rings.:-s

As for Wendy's, I didn't noticed the theme she wanted till I updated the database that the MA's were already sent. The finishing technique I used for Wendy's is similar to my checkbook holder. The size is perfect for checkbook of course. The design is more of a traditional sampler-style with little ladies (that I hope depicts me and Wendy... lol) a tiny house, band motif, trees and flowers. I also stitched coordinating motifs on the inside pockets. It closes with a button and bow method.

Both MA's were fully lined, unpadded but stiffened with skirtex, 100% hand-finished and stitched on 28 count lavender quaker linen. These pieces were made from the heart for special friends.:)

Be safe everybody!