Friday, January 22, 2010

Another New One! “CatTails Of Love”

Just a quick update. Terribly sorry about all the drama from earlier. Because of alllll the kind comments and support, I did report the one seller to Ebay for copyright infringement. I did it regretfully. Now that it’s done, I’m really glad that I did and I’m not going to cause any further drama by explaining why.
In less than 24 hours after I reported her, Ebay removed the listings for the 2 candle mats that she had made.
The other seller? I’m letting her alone for now simply because it’s not a blatant copy. She used my design and there are definite elements to it that are clearly my own signature look that many of my customers recognized … and the more I write to explain why I didn’t report her, makes me wonder myself, why, so I’m going to shut up now. :-X
Thank you to all who responded and a big thank you to my kind Ebay customers who brought this to my attention in the first place and the others who went waaaay out of their way to back me with support. You ladies are just wonderful.
I’m putting this behind me now and moving on to better subjects like….
My newest candle mat!
OOdles of thanks to Mary, my Ebay customer and blog reader, for suggesting the name.
100_3347
I did have trouble with this one but I’m so happy that I stuck with it. This picture isn’t the greatest for the background color though. That tan background color is more of a caramel color.
I was in such a crappy mood the last few days because of all the drama, that I just couldn’t focus on this to figure out how to get it to look right. I was really ready to scrap it, but wisely, I left it sitting out on the dining room table. Every time I passed by, I had to look at it and think about it. It was just too plain and I didn’t know how to detail it up.
It finally occurred to me that a center ring area was needed and once I stitched it on, I knew it was perfect.
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I used a nice black/brown herringbone tweed for the cats. You can’t see in the picture, but the wool has little flecks of red and gold in it too. I love those tweedy wools. I really need to push myself to use more of it in my designs.
They are so easy to find too, ladies. Go into any thrift store and venture over to the men’s sport coats. There is always a huge array of herringbones, tweeds, houndstooth wools. Sports coats are a nuisance to break down for the wool because of all the shoulder padding and tight interfacing, but the little bit of wool that you can get from a sports coat makes it well worth the effort to rip it all apart because once it’s washed and dried, it’s just wonderful to work with and always adds nice texture to your piece.
I know all of you who work with wool can relate to this … when I’m out and happen to see someone wearing something made of wool, I always take note of it .. looking at the quality, the color, and the amount of wool that is used in the sewn panels. Sometimes, if it’s a really nice camel hair jacket or something exceptional in color or texture, I drool. :)
I have to contain myself and not ask them to let me have their wool clothing so that I can rip it up and use it. Actually, I have asked some people. …
Btw, camel hair wool is SOOOO nice to work with and it dyes nicely too. If you see a camel hair jacket at the thrift store, grab it up! It’s so soft and dreamy. :)
Well, I’m off to babysit the grandson today. I’m looking forward to his company. Those 3 year olds just have a way of saying everything so cute. I’m really appreciating this age.
Happy Day everyone … and thank you all for the support.

11 comments:

paulette said...

I'm so glad you reported the person who stole your design...and that you are feeling better..that says it all. Now don't stew about it anymore! Love the new candle mat with the kitties and hearts...very sweet. Now you have to do one for the dog lovers!!
Take care!
Paulette

Lee Hill Primitives said...

Love the candle mat. Great job!. I am so glad you reported to eBay the situation.

Anonymous said...

If you don't report these types of people than it just gets out of hand and you are left stewing for sure. Good job on following through and reporting her to Ebay!! CatTails of Love is adorable as all of your wool mats! You sure have a gift of talent!!

Unknown said...

That center bit does make the whole thing pop. Another super cute design.

appleberrycottage said...

"I have to contain myself and not ask them to let me have their wool clothing so that I can rip it up and use it. Actually, I have asked some people."

So... that explains the couple people running down the street in their underwear! Sorry, I couldn't help that one :)

I've just found that I like working with wool, but have only used the new stuff off the bolts for now.

Love the center stitching!
Laura

Mary on Lake Pulaski said...

Another beauty Cathy! I felted my first piece of wool last night according to your instructions and it turned out awesome! I can't wait to do some more.

Nancy said...

Now that I have the sewing machine I waited for so long, I am doing more creating. I so appreciated the time it takes to create, and THEN execute. I am doing the same thing, setting the project aside, and taking a look as I pass by it. I actually have patterns, and there are plenty on the net, guess I should find those! :-) The amount of time it takes to complete your intricate work makes it totally appropriate to report those who copy!

I saved wool jackets somewhere. Wonder if I still have them. My vintage camel's hair coat is too precious to cut now. IF we were to get back to Florida, it might become endangered!

Love the mat.

Linda said...

Hi Cath,
Glad you're feeling better, and getting things taken care of. Everytime I see a mat, I think it's my favorite, well, you come out with another beauty....I love it. soooo cute
your friend @ kindlelight blessings
Linda

Linda said...

are you making a pattern or kit to buy, if so, please put me down on your list, I want one!!!

Karen said...

I am so happy that things worked out for you. Sometimes it is hard to chastise others, especially when you have a heart that doesn't like to hurt anyone.
I just love all of your work! Cat tails of love is so cute! I love the fact that you added the ring of flowers. It made for a perfect finish.

Simone de Klerk said...

Good for you, for doing what felt best for you! I love your new pattern! So you actually use wool from clothes for it. Like scarfs too. Do you wash them first then.