Thursday, June 28, 2012

Extra, Extra, read all about it! I've been published!!!

Wow, it has been a very long time since I've posted!  Life has been crazy. Just when I think things are going to settle down -  WHAM!!!!! along comes the next crisis.  Well, life happens.   
I know I'm not the only one, so I'll just keep on plugging along! I'll even try to put a smile on my face as I do, to trick myself into thinking things are just ducky!
I have some exciting news to share. I am in the newest issue of Stuffed Magazine.  I created a little doll named Roxie and her little dog named Doxie.  Actually, it started out when I saw this bright teal fabric with red polka dots, and I just knew I had to make a little dog out of it.  And the little dog must be wearing a red tutu. (Yes, I realize I may not be right in the head).  I also knew the dog had to be a wiener dog.  Ever since I met Andrea from The Cottage Market with that darling little dog on her graphics, I have wanted to create a little wiener dog. Then I needed to create a little girl to love her and take her to her dance lessons.  Thus Roxie and Doxie were created.
I'm so excited to be creating patterns once again.  I designed and sold patterns many years ago and really enjoyed it.  I feel blessed to be able to do something I love and hopefully bring in a little extra income. I needed the flexibility of working for myself because I care for my mom, who is homebound, as well as keeping the home fires burning.    
Nowadays, instead of having to print them up and send them snail mail, patterns are created as PDF documents and they can be ordered online and downloaded instantly. Amazing.  I love it. Not that I don't appreciate my mailman, but I love not having to wait! My friend Donna, from Donna's Lavender Nest also just published her first quilt pattern.  It is so cute - check it out!


I'm must admit that the only part I don't absolutely LOVE is trying to write up the patterns.  For me the hardest part is putting them into words.  I am really determined to make these patterns fun to look at, user friendly, beginner friendly, and the absolute best patterns out there. It has been a bit challenging, with so many things to do and learn, like the publishing software, and it has taken tons of time. That's me, running around going crazy!  
I was told the magazine would be out July 1, but yesterday I spotted it in Barnes and Noble.  As usual, I am running late.  But it's okay, I am almost done with Doxie's pattern, and Roxie's pattern will follow shortly.  I will be selling them on Etsy, Craftsy, and my own web page, ricracandpolkadots.com. They should be ready to purchase very soon, hopefully within the week.  Then I can relax and catch my breath before I start turning more of my designs into patterns. 
I hope God will bless my efforts.  Any of you who would like to throw out a little prayer for me, please do.  I would appreciate it.  My husband will be retiring very soon due to health issues and I need to step up and try to earn some income for our family.  
I already know many of you out there are going to be so happy for me and excited right along with me, and I want you to know that makes me feel like a very lucky girl!  See, there you are in the picture up above, ready to celebrate! A special thanks to my friend Meri from Imagimeris for her generosity in sharing all these wonderful vintage images.   
 I also would like to thank my sweet friend Keren from Free Pretty Things For You who designed my new graphics.  She has  taken so much time and care to design the perfect images for me and has once again exceeded my expectations. Thank you Keren, you're the best!  


31 comments:

  1. Congratulations pretty lady, don't forget to keep those things posted on your sidebar.....people love it when you're published.

    By the way, I now have a button available for my blog if you're interested.

    Hugs, N'Love,
    Meri

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  2. Congratulations. I wish you all the best. Smiles...Renee

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  3. Well done and it's wonderful you can do something you love! Also I love the graphics in your blog, they're so pretty.

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  4. Congratulations on being published , hooray ! Good on you going back to designing I'm sure it will be huge ! As a pattern designer myself I admit writing them up is not my favourite part either . Good luck with it all and I hope your husband is ok . Will you look at that it looks like I have written you a novel in your comments section , lol !

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  5. Congratulations!! So excited for you! Love your new graphics! xo Heather

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  6. Congratulations Julie! I am so happy for you! Fame and fortune, isn't life grand! I look forward to your ongoing success, hugs, Marilyn.

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  7. Congratulations Julie...this is wonderful news!...I am sure you are going to have lots of success (and fun too of course!)...I'll look out for your new patterns on ETSY!
    Hope you have a lovely weekend,
    Susan x

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  8. What fantastic news ! Clever girl for being published and for very good reason....that little doggie is adorable !
    It's nice to read your posts again xo

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  9. How exciting. Congratulations. The little doggie is a winner. Good luck with your patterns, and hope your hubs is doing better after he retires. You do have a full plate!

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  10. Wow, that is so amazing! Well done and congratulations - I'm sure you will do very well. I love Doxie - she is just the cutest!

    Hugs, Estelle xx

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  11. Well, good for you and congratulations! What an exciting time for you. Doxie is adorable! Can't wait to see Roxie. You'll be in my thoughts and prayers.

    Tresa

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  12. Congratulations! Your little dog is an "Award Weiner!" Awful pun was definitely intended. Good luck in your design endeavors. =D

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  13. Julie I am so proud of you. Love Doxie she is just to cute for words. Oh my gosh and the tutu way to cute. Congratulations on being publish. How exciting is that. WOW what an accomplishment. Way to to go girl friend.
    Hugs
    donna

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  14. Lucy,
    You already know how proud and excited for you I am!
    I have a bit of news for you too, so watch your mail box.
    Well Fred is calling so I wish you and Ricky well and know
    I LOVE YOU LOADS and YaY!
    Love,
    Ethel

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  15. COOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!I AM SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO Happy for you! This is just wonderful and it includes a DACHSHUND!!!!!! how AWESOME IS THAT!!! ROXIE is over the top precious and adorable! I can't take it! Just SOOOOO FABULOUS!!!! I am filled with happiness that you are creating patterns again and things are looking up in that department! You ROCK at this my friend!!!! LOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOVE IT!!!! please give Doxie a big hug and tell ROXIE to take good care of her! : ) HUGS!!!!!

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  16. OOOO my, such excitement indeed missy...what a surprise your sweet doggie is just simply lovely...I want one of those...Doxie is such an adorable name..it just fits her perfectly...I had started your dress. but I think I need to go back to the yarn store because the agua looks a little bit dark..I'am working on a order and almost finished with it..and I have one more small one but once I finish this big one I can work on both yours and theirs...I'm so so so happy for you... Things are looking a little bit good for me..I have had a couple of orders which helps with extra money for my daughter's baby coming...we are having a baby boy...she hasn't any income so it's tuff at times..but I'm blessed to have found sweet friends and you to keep me company...so I will be working on your dress again soon okay...thank you so much and I'm just so thrilled for you...hugs and much love Janice...I can't wait to see Roxie...I want to get one of them...but is it your only selling the patterns????

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  17. Julie, I just love your blog. I am so happy you are following your dream with pattern designing. Love the Roxie and Doxie. I look forward to following you on such a cute blog.

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  18. Yeah! Yeah! Yeah! I keep reading about good news for many of my bloggy friends! I am so excited for you and boy that Doxie sure is cute. LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the colors!

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  19. How exciting!! Doxie is the cutest with the little tutu. You are so creative.
    Hugs,
    Donna

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  20. Congrats! How exciting! Darling little weiner pup!

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  21. Truly wonderful news you have shared! I hope we will see more of your patterns. This little dog is too sweet! Always a smile to be found when visiting here! Elizabeth

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  22. So cute! Congrats on your success and new job :)

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  23. Well, my goodness, Julie! That is just the most wonderful news! i am very happy and excited for you. Doxie is absolutely adorable! What a fantastic job you have done here! Being published is a great blessing! I will definitely keep you in my prayers. I understand how important this is for you. I have seen Donna's pattern for her quilt as well! It is so pretty. Can't wait to meet Roxie!
    Blessing to you,
    Susie

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  24. Dear Julie,

    I identified a lot with your profile, we have much in common!
    Visit my blog asantafelicidade.blogspot.com
    hope you!
    Xoxo,
    Catia

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  25. Congratulations. Looking forward to stitching out Doxie.

    I am affectionately called Ethel by my daughter, Lucy.

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  26. Congratulations, Julie! You certainly deserved inclusion ~ Roxie is so adorable! Hope your troubles are resovled and all's well for you now:)

    ~Cindy

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  27. I love your blog! I accidentally found you, and I can't wait to do more exploring--we have so much in common! Congratulations on your success! Sandy Leigh at EatWriteDreamStitch.blogspot.com

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  28. Congratulations on your darling pattern! You have created something so special...so cute...so full of whimsy!
    Blessings, my sweet friend!
    Carolynn

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  29. Julie, I saw your article in Stuffed Magazine! Went to Banes and Nobles. It looked great the article is great and the pictures are great! I love Roxie, too!
    Bless you,
    Susie

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  30. Hello,
    I am a lurker! I have not left comments in the past but I just had to once I saw that adoreable doxie above!!! You see I am the proud Mom to four wonderful and spoiled rotten dachshunds ranging in ages of 13 years old to 5 years old!!!! Please let me know when you have a sweet doxie for me to adopt!! I am just so in love with the sweet doxie you created. My name is Lynn Spencer and the name of my blog is Life on the wienee ranch. You can reach me at pls0818@aol.com
    I look forward to hearing from you and learning how I can have a cute doxie for my very own!
    Hugs,
    Lynn

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  31. How exciting for you, Julie. Congratulations! I hope your new venture is a great success. I'll keep you in my prayers.

    If I ever learn to sew, I'll have to try one of your patterns - Doxie is just darling.

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