The Purple Hat

New Holiday Designs and Promotions

2010-10-22T09:10:00.006+02:00

Dear Friends

As usual I haven't kept the blog up to date - you know, so much to do and only so many hours in the day! Anyway, with holidays fast approaching I thought you'd like to know about our new designs - Halloween Cuties 4x4 and Christmas Bag Toppers 5x7. Both sets on special offer until 30 Oct 2010.

We also have a Halloween Promotion on the go - ending this Saturday.

And last but not least ... here's a recipe for the holidays. Don't waste the scooped out pumpkin when you can make these delicious pumpkin fritters.

Hugs & stitches

Anne

Update

2010-07-09T08:25:00.009+02:00

Dear Friends

It's been awhile since my last blog post. We've been very busy at home. In April my sister and niece flew in from Australia for a much anticipated visit, which co-incided with my dear uncle's 70th birthday celebration. We had a wonderful 3 weeks together and naturally it was so sad saying farewell to my two best girls. Shown below is my niece Zeena with my boys. She's so big now - nearly 2 1/2 years old!

The next big occasion was my Mom's birthday followed by the long school holidays and (drumroll please) my sons' 6th birthday! An enormous amount of time and energy went into planning a "boot camp" army party and the kids had a blast. My creative energies were channelled into making (almost lifesize) cardboard army tanks, obstacle courses, medals, posters etc.

And don't forget the cakes! My birthday boys gave strict instructions about their requirements so my baking and icing abilities were put to the test. Fortunately they have improved with practice, so I successfully turned out a 3D army tank with camo fondant icing as well as two "battlefield" cakes for their party. Here's Rob below all ready for action!

So the army party was a success and just as I was about to get back to digitising, we had to prepare for a Star Wars dress-up event. Out came the cardboard, paper mache, paints and fabric and we put together two fab costumes! Rob went as Captain Rex (what do you think of my Rex helmet?) and Matthew was dressed up as Anakin Skywalker.

So not an awful amount of time for digitising but we certainly have had fun! The Soccer World Cup is nearly over and we're looking forward to the Final on Sunday. The kids go back to school next week (after 6 weeks at home!) so life returns to the normal routine again. Back to digitising and creating more fun projects for you.

Hugs & stitches
Anne

New Treasure Hunt Promotion

2010-03-01T10:11:00.004+02:00

Dear Friends

Our sales partner Secrets of Embroidery is celebrating it's 10th Birthday this month and to coincide with their special offers we have a fab new Treasure Hunt for March.

This is how it works. Find all four treasure hunt sets, add them to your cart and the price will automatically adjust to a $1 each. That's a huge saving of $31!!!

There are easy clues on our What's New page.

http://www.purplehat.co.za/DesignCatalog/whatsnew.html

Don't forget that our gorgeous Buddy Bear is still available at our intro price until 5 March.

Have a great week
Anne

Buddy Bear

2010-02-22T05:16:00.004+02:00

Dear Friends

We have an adorable new in-the-hoop project available - Buddy Bear for 5x7 hoops.

Buddy Bear is soft and huggable and ready to celebrate those special moments in life, whether it's a birthday or anniversary, a special thank you to a teacher or friend, or to send a get well wish.

Buddy Bear comes with a set of removable t-shirts which can be custom-made to suit just about any occasion.

Hugs
Anne

Gone for now

2010-02-14T08:43:00.004+02:00

So the South African website that caused headaches for a few digitisers has been taken down by its owner. The sudden disappearance is a result of more alledged copyright violations, not from me this time although some of my designs were still being sold on the site.

I understand there are plans for a new website. That's okay - the embroidery market is huge and there's room for everyone - but (and it's a big but) don't sell other people's work.

Your actions have angered many, not only the digitisers affected but also clients who have spent their hard-earned cash on stolen designs.

Take time to think about your actions and the impact they've had, and most importantly, don't repeat the "mistakes" you've made.

Please take this advice seriously
Anne

What's cooking at The Purple Hat?

2010-02-14T05:02:00.000+02:00

Dear Friends

Will it be breakfast in bed, a picnic or a romantic dinner for two this Valentine's Day?

If you have a special menu planned, please come on over and take a look at our new Kitchen Essentials. All new in-the-hoop oven mitts, hot pads and oven gloves in various sizes. Even a heart-shaped fingertip mitt for Valentine's Day!

http://www.purplehat.co.za/DesignCatalog/Other/QuickGift27.htm

You will also receive our new Customer Bonus design free with your order. The bonus designs are now available as direct downloads, so please check your BMT Micro Product emails for the bonus link.

Hugs & stitches
Anne

Secret Sale!!

2010-02-05T16:53:00.002+02:00

Dear Friends

Our Yahoo Group Newsletter subscribers are being treated to a "Secret Sale" this weekend. Lots of in-the-hoop designs at very attractive discounted prices.

Please check your inbox for the special discount code and list of designs on promotion.

If you're not one of our subscribers, now's the time to join. The link to our Yahoo group is http://groups.yahoo.com/group/purplehat/

Have a great weekend
Anne

Good week for Digitisers

2010-02-03T09:34:00.003+02:00

Dear Friends

It's been a good week for digitisers. As a group we managed to put an end to illegal design trading on a Dutch forum. Thanks to everyone involved for their efforts.

The Purple Hat scored another victory by tracking down and successfully bringing to book an embroidery dealership involved in the illegal distribution of our designs and projects. Well done to my new fiery attorney for getting the matter sorted out so efficiently.

On the down side, I heard about another pretty nasty copyright infringement case. This time it's about a well-respected and talented quilter in the Western Cape who's allegedly had her original patterns and workshop notes plagiarised. This lady is a widow and relies on her small quilting business to make ends meet.

I never cease to be amazed by the greed and dishonesty that motivates some.

Anne

Dedicated to GrandJohn

2010-01-22T09:25:00.003+02:00

Dear Friends

Our year started sadly with the passing of my beloved father-in-law, John. He was a wonderful man with so many extraordinary talents - a successful business leader, artist and adventurer.

After retiring from his corporate career, he devoted nearly 20 years to assisting others build their businesses (including The Purple Hat); culminating in 2008 with him being honoured with the Queen’s Award to Enterprise Promotion, presented to him by The Princess Royal and followed by an introduction to The Queen and Prince Phillip at Buckingham Palace.

He enjoyed the Arts and excelled as a water color painter, a hobby he only took up in retirement. Many of his paintings were of his travels abroad - Dad was always ready to jump on a plane, train or boat. One of his more "exotic" trips was on an ice-breaker in Alaska when he was in his 70's!

Most importantly he was a happy contented family man, much loved and now deeply missed.

My new designs - Romance - are dedicated to GrandJohn. They were inspired by a water color he painted for me in 2007.

Anne

New Sketch Rose Freebie

2010-01-15T15:53:00.002+02:00

Dear Friends

Valentine's Day is only a month away and I have just uploaded a new rose freebie exclusively for our Yahoo Group subscribers. It's a new style of digitising, done with a digitising tablet instead of a mouse. The effect is quite different, as the design has a sketched quality. I think it'll be perfect for any vintage style projects.

Hugs
Anne

Playing Around

2010-01-14T05:58:00.002+02:00

Yes, the blog looks different. I'm playing around with some new ideas. The cool thing about blogs is that they're so easy to change - literally the click of a button - and quite unlike websites, which can take months to change.

Anne

2010-01-09T06:33:00.004+02:00

Dear Friends

Happy New Year!! I hope you enjoyed the holidays and my very best wishes for a magical 2010.

It's a special year for The Purple Hat as we celebrate our 10th anniversary. What an exciting journey it's been! Many thanks to you all for your continued interest and support, without which we wouldn't be here today.

We've planned a year packed with great designs and projects to stimulate your creativity, special offers and a few surprises along the way. To kickstart the festivities, we have our first $10 deal now available.

Our Butterfly Bag Set is designed for 6x10 and 8x12 hoops. There are four designs in each set - two purse panels as well as a matching in-the-hoop coin or cosmetic purse and eyeglasses case. A beautiful set to make for yourself or as a gift. Instructions are included in PDF format with plenty of color photos to guide you.

We also have a new bonus design available. Everyone's gone crazy for crazy patch blocks so I think you'll enjoy our crazy patch pincushion for 4x4 hoops. Yours free with orders placed this month. Good news is that the bonus design is available as a direct download with your order so remember to check your BMT Micro Product Information email for all the download links.

Enjoy the rest of your weekend
Hugs & stitches
Anne

Invictus

2009-12-16T09:33:00.002+02:00

Hello Friends

If you enjoy going to the movies, there's a new flick not to be missed. Invictus, directed by Clint Eastwood, takes a look at Nelson Mandela's life as he campaigned for the 1995 Rugby World Cup in an effort to unite all South Africans after the fall of apartheid.

The movie's name comes from a poem written by William Ernest Henley and was a source of inspiration for Mr Mandela during his prison years. Here it is ...

Out of the night that covers me,
Black as the pit from pole to pole,
I thank whatever gods may be
For my unconquerable soul.

In the fell clutch of circumstance
I have not winced nor cried aloud.
Under the bludgeonings of chance
My head is bloody, but unbowed.

Beyond this place of wrath and tears
Looms but the Horror of the shade,
And yet the menace of the years
Finds and shall find me unafraid.

It matters not how strait the gate,
How charged with punishments the scroll,
I am the master of my fate:
I am the captain of my soul.

Awesome man, awesome movie!

Anne

12 Days of Christmas Sale

2009-12-12T07:55:00.003+02:00

Dear Friends

Yay! It's sale time! Join us for our 12 days of Christmas Promotion from 12 to 24 December 2009. Take 30% off all designs and projects, excluding items listed in our Quick Gifts category. The discounted price is reflected automatically in our secure online shopping cart.

Every order placed qualifies for our exclusive Christmas Sampler Santa in two sizes, now available as a direct download with your purchase.

And there's more .... !!! Spend $10 or more and you will receive our Christmas Bonus Set for free.

The Christmas Bonus Set will be emailed to you within 24 to 48 hours of your order.

Lots of fun, lots of savings!!

Happy shopping and Happy Holidays
Hugs
Anne

Spot the Difference

2009-12-10T19:43:00.002+02:00

Hello friends

A quick quiz for you all tonight - it's called "Spot the Difference". This is how it works - look at the photo comparison below and tell me if they look the same or not...

Have fun playing!
Anne

What's in a Name?

2009-11-23T08:45:00.002+02:00

Hello all

This weekend I was asked why my website is called The Purple Hat. The name was inspired by an email I received years ago. I loved it so much that I decided to embrace the "purple hat" philosophy ...

Age 3: She looks at herself and sees a Queen.
Age 8: She looks at herself and sees Cinderella.
Age 15: She looks at herself as the "Ugly Sister"-"Mom, I can't go to school looking like this!"
Age 20: She looks at herself and sees, "too fat/too thin, too short/too tall, too straight/too curly"-but decides she's going out anyway.
Age 30: She looks at herself and sees, "too fat/too thin, too short/too tall, too straight/too curly"-but decides she doesn't have time to fix it so she's going out anyway.
At 40: She looks at herself and sees "too fat/too thin, too short/too tall, too straight/too curly"-but says, "At least I'm clean," and goes out anyway.
Age 50: She looks at herself, sees "I am", and goes wherever she wants to go.
Age 60: She looks at herself and reminds herself of all the people who can't even see themselves in the mirror anymore. Goes out and conquers the world.
Age 70: She looks at herself and sees wisdom, laughter and ability, goes out and enjoys life.
Age 80: Doesn't bother to look. Just puts on a purple hat and goes out to have fun with the world.

Maybe we should all grab that purple hat earlier.

Hugs, Anne

Latest Designs

2009-11-22T08:35:00.002+02:00

Dear Friends

We've been busy busy busy! Since our last blog post we've added a quite a few new sets:

Quick Gift Allsorts Bags 5x7 and 6x10
Quick Gift Cube Tissue Box Cover 5x7
Quick Gift Coffee Clutch 5x7
Funky Food Christmas Cookies
Baby Max Starter Set 5x7
Color Me Christmas 5x7 and 6x10

You can find the links to all of these new sets from our What's New page at http://www.purplehat.co.za/DesignCatalog/whatsnew.html

Many thanks to all our wonderful customers who email suggestions and project photos. Your enthusiasm keeps me inspired! The other day I was thrilled to receive an email from Elizabeth Burke who wrote "I don't think anyone can outdo you in the in-the-hoop projects". Wow, that's high praise indeed, considering how many talented digitisers there are and a compliment I will happily accept.

Unfortunately there's also a downside to this wonderful business. Sadly my copyright offender is up to mischief again. I noticed she's sneaking back some designs of mine. I was hoping to post the digitising analysis images to our Newsletter Group this weekend but Yahoo seems to be playing up, so the evidence will have to wait a day or so. Will this woman ever stop??

Anyway, the sun's shining and we're going to have a great day!

Hugs, Anne

Fungus Scarymungus

2009-10-15T12:46:00.002+02:00

My boys are very excited about Halloween. It's not a big deal here in South Africa - you may have one or two kiddos knocking on the door hoping for candy. I think the appeal for Robert and Matthew is the boyish fascination with bugs, monsters and all that spooky stuff.

With this in mind, the guys helped me design our latest in-the-hoop project - Fungus Scarymungus. He's actually not that scary at all. Fungus has a big wacky grin and googly eyes. He loves cuddles and is looking for a new best friend.

Fungus is available at a special intro price until 31 Oct '09.

Hugs,
Anne

The Copyright Thing

2009-10-10T05:53:00.004+02:00

I was recently asked by a member of the 2011 Festival Committee for SAQG to provide some input on copyright and specifically how it relates to the issue of machine embroidery designs used for quilts. So here goes ..

Quilters are familiar with copyright laws and understand that a copyrighted quilt design may not be reproduced, distributed, performed, publicly displayed, or made into a derivative work without the permission of the copyright owner. What you produce must be something uniquely yours.

Furthermore acknowledging the source of the copyrighted material does not substitute for obtaining permission.

So without going into an extensive discussion, there are already very clear rules in place relating to the design, production, sale and display of quilts and quilting designs.

Machine embroidery designs are subject to similar stringent copyright legislation. Each digitiser will have their own set of terms and conditions but generally speaking the following applies to all purchased or free machine embroidery designs:

"All designs are licensed for the original customer use only. You cannot sell, trade, copy, loan, transfer or in any way duplicate the design software (digitized design file) in any part or whole without violating copyright law. "

What does that mean?

With embroidery designs, you are purchasing a license to use the designs subject to certain limitations specified by the seller. Just like purchasing a licence to use Microsoft Windows on your computer.

You can make a back-up copy of the embroidery designs purchased as a safe-guard in the event of computer failure, but you are not allowed to distribute copies of the designs to a friend, neighbour or embroidery club member, without violating the licence agreement. Such actions are liable for prosecution.

Furthermore the purchaser may not duplicate any part of the design software, i.e. the digitised design. So you may not dissect the design with your embroidery software and use portions on its own or combined with other digitised files and call this your new creation.

Why? Because every keystroke or digitised stitch in the original design is subject to copyright legislation and forms part of the digitiser's original artistic work.

Then there's the issue of proper use of the purchased designs. For example, may the designs be used on a quilt entered into a competition? In this instance, I would suggest that written permission is obtained from the digitiser. As I mentioned before, acknowledging the source is nice but does not mean you have their permission.

Most digitisers aren't too concerned if you change the colors recommended for the purchased designs or even the size of the overall design (again, check with the digitiser first), but what are the legal options available to the creative quilter eager to produce something new and exciting with machine embroidery design elements?

If the Guild stipulates that the machine embroidery designs must be unique, there are two options that immediately spring to mind

1. Learn how to digitise and create your own designs, or
2. Have the designs digitised for you by a professional

In both instances you will have to ensure that the artwork used for the designs is either your own or licensed for digitising purposes.

Just one last issue that has come to my attention recently - the business of registering copyrights. Copyright protection is in effect the moment the artistic work is created and formal registration is not always a requirement for protecting the artist's rights.

Furthermore if a quilter or digitiser registers a copyright it does not automatically prove that the material is theirs. You have to be the rightful owner of the original work in order to enjoy the benefits of copyright protection. If someone has claimed to hold the rights to materials which aren't theirs, they could be charged with copyright fraud which is a criminal offence.

Just my ten cents on the subject ... rather follow the rules and be confident that your quilt isn't disqualified or worse if you haven't paid attention to copyright laws.

Hugs,
Anne

New Molly Dolly Diaper Bag Set

2009-10-09T12:19:00.005+02:00

Dear Friends

It's really good to be back in the digitising seat and doing what I love. I had to spend so much time recently trying to get this crazy person to quit her stealing again and hopefully she's learnt her lesson .. well, we'll see!

Anyway, our darling Molly Dolly now has her first accessory set - the diaper bag! Please pop by and have a look - it's really cute and a must have for the little Moms. Although the diaper bag set was designed with Molly in mind, it can be used for store-bought baby dolls too.

Have a great weekend!
Hugs, Anne

Shame on you!

2009-09-26T05:30:00.007+02:00

I came across these messages posted by christopher.andrews24@yahoo.com. They were posted on the Martha Pullen Phorum.

***********************************************************
Author: Chr
Date: 04-09-09 05:51

I'm afraid that my experience with Anne is tainted. Her customer service is lowsy, and the one design set that I did buy from her was just plain terrible. I'll never buy from her again.

And to top it, there is a rumour going around that she has been copying designs from Moose B'Stitchin and Daffy Down Dilly.
***********************************************************

Here's another one:

***********************************************************
Author: Chr
Date: 04-09-09 09:49

I am sorry if I offended you, but the fact is that Moose B'Stitchin has confirmed that they are keeping a close eye on PurpleHat.

I asked PurpleHat to send me a CD with the designs on, and I got a crummy handwritten cd, which I could have made myself. Nothing like the stuff you get from other reputable vendors. When I complained, since I had paid extra for the CD, I was rebuffed and told off - so no, I won't support PurpleHat. The quality of the designs were bad, the outlines, satin stitches and design elements did not line up, so I am rather unhappy.

***********************************************************

Here's the link for the above comments:
http://forums.marthapullen.com/read.php?f=7&i=245341&t=107687

These defamatory posts were made during the period I was involved in a legal dispute with DeKatzen Embroidery. The truth is that christopher.andrews loved my designs so much that she sold them on her website.

I have more examples of hate mail sent by this person to my business associates, the most recent being a week or so ago.

Shame on you!

I feel sorry for you

2009-09-24T19:45:00.002+02:00

I spent most of today analyzing more designs this thief has purchased from me and made available for sale on her website. What’s most surprising isn’t her sheer audacity but that her actions still shock me! I guess it’s because I’m an honest person.

How can you take someone else’s work and call it your own? How can you wallpaper your website with Bible passages when you’re selling stolen designs? How do you remember all the lies, false names and fake email addresses?

I can only shake my head in disbelief and hope that someday you’ll come to your senses.

By the way, defamation means making FALSE statements that may harm the GOOD character and reputation of someone. If anyone's guilty of defamation, it's your alter ego christopher.andrews24@yahoo.com who continually makes false statements about my good reputation.

Sleep well

Copyright Thief is back again

2009-09-22T12:50:00.009+02:00

Dear Friends

Last June I received an email from one of my customers - she was concerned about the designs offered by a new unknown digitiser operating from an embroidery mall and suggested I take a look. When I visited the link she provided I was horrified. My Scraptacular Sewing Bag was up for sale. It had a new name, one or two minor tweaks to the original design and was being sold by someone I'd never heard of and most certainly, had never authorised to sell my designs.

Upon further investigation I discovered this crook had purchased a whole lot of stuff from me under three different names (there may be more, who knows!). Her intention was quite clear - she would buy my in-the-hoop projects and use them as the basis for setting up her business.

Credit card cases, coin purses, towel toppers, cell phone holders, bag projects - these were just some of my items on her shopping list (and I have the sales records to prove it). Furthermore, she copied web content and instruction files virtually word for word. I asked her to remove the designs and come clean but she refused. This left me with no option but to seek legal advice.

During the course of the legal battle (which took six months) this woman really showed her true colors. She would email my business associates using a fake yahoo id, making false allegations in an attempt to discredit me and my business. She continued adding my designs to her website. She also bought designs from another digitiser and offered them for sale. She would pretend she was ill so that she could delay the legal process. She acquired another bag design of mine just after I made it available for sale on my website and gave it away as a free download to her newsletter subscribers.

And so it went ... until one day I thought she'd given up and gone away. How wrong was I!

She went and set up a new website and gave herself a new identity. She still has some of my designs on her site and continues to profit from my hard work. She has blogged about her innocence and asked people to pray for the troubled soul that has accused her of stealing. She has started her email campaign to my business partners again. She's even tried to block me from viewing her website so that I can't see what mischief she's getting up to. Too bad I know how to get around that.

And all of this is from a woman who claims to be a devout Christian.

The Bible has a lot to say about stealing and there are many passages one can quote, the most succinct being Exodus 20:15 "Thou shall not steal" . Never, in any way from anyone. God's intention is pretty clear. We are to gain property and possessions by honest work, not stealing.

Don't be fooled by this hyprocrite, who pretends to appear righteous only as a cloak to conceal her wicked ways. "He who says, "I know Him," and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him." 1 John 2:4

What's more, this woman claims in two recent emails to me and on her blog that she doesn't know who I am and has no connection to the previous website. I have written proof of her identity and the links between the original site and the new one.

I just want you to know, "Mrs As yet Unnamed", that I am fed up with your lies and I will not stop until you take all my designs off your website. I have no qualms about revealing who you are and details of what you've done (and continue to do). The truth is on my side.

Now where did I leave my Stitches 'n Bears magazine?

Until later ..

Free in-the-hoop project

2009-09-17T15:38:00.004+02:00

Dear Friends

I have just added a fun, free in the hoop project for your enjoyment. Click HERE to find our corner bookmark for 4x4 hoops. A great gift for bookworms!

The bookmark can be personalised with a small design, monogram or just use those pretty fabric scraps in your stash.

Don't forget that Molly Dolly is on special for another week, until 26 September '09.

Enjoy your weekend!

Anne

Introducing Molly Dolly

2009-09-11T11:32:00.003+02:00

Hello all!

I hope you've had a good week. So what are you sewing this weekend? If you're looking for a really nice project and getting a headstart on those Christmas gifts, come on over and meet Molly Dolly. She's a real sweetie.

Molly is our latest in-the-hoop project. I spent the last two weeks fine-tuning the body design so that all the body parts are made and joined in the hoop - a technique exclusive to The Purple Hat. So now there's no need to spend hours trying to hand sew stuffed arms and legs to the body like other large doll designs.

She also comes with removable clothing, so the little Mommies can have fun dressing their baby and changing diapers. The clothes are also made in the hoop, leaving the fewest possible seams to hand or machine stitch closed.

Molly comes with full instructions and over forty color photographs to help you along. Click HERE to see Molly Dolly 5x7 and 6x10

Hugs,

Anne

Finally .. an update!

2009-09-02T10:52:00.003+02:00

Naughty ol' me, not keeping my blog up to date. I guess life got in the way again.

It's been a busy time since the last blog update. We celebrated the boys' 5th birthday at the end of June, with 20-something sugar fueled preschoolers having an absolute ball. Then the long mid-year holidays ... that took some organising keeping the little guys entertained.

During this time I also developed a really bad eye infection which lasted nearly three weeks and once that eventually cleared up, we all took turns getting the flu! Yikes!

Anyway a lot's happening on our website. Here's a sampling of some of our new sets added since June ...

I've also uploaded our new customer bonus design for September. It's block 3 - the wreath block - from our exclusive Christmas Sampler series. Click here to take a peek. Yours FREE with orders this month.

Big congrats to Anne Lawrence, our lucky draw winner for August. She chose the Funky Flower Patch Purse as her prize. Happy stitching!!

Chat soon,

Anne

New Bonus Design for June

2009-06-03T16:06:00.002+02:00

Dear Friends

Just to let you know that our June Customer Bonus design is now available - yours free with orders this month. It's a cheerful butterfly scissors holder, the last in our series of matching wrist pincushions and scissor holder collectables. Hope you like it!

Congrats to Kerryn Hope, our lucky draw winner for May. Kerryn chose our Going Sewing designs as her prize. Remember that every order qualifies as an entry into our monthly lucky draw competition - your name could pop up next.

Sorry our updates are a few days late but my son has been down with a really bad case of flu. Family first ...

Enjoy your day

Hugs

Anne

Great Father's Day Gift Idea

2009-05-28T16:46:00.007+02:00

Hello friends

It's been another busy week. I'm working on a whole bunch of designs and projects at the moment, all in various stages of completion. I've just added my newest Quick Gift project to our website - the Cup Caddy for 6x10 hoops.

Do you have lots of old coffee cups in the cupboard, looking a bit faded and tired after repeated washing? Don't throw them away - give them a new look and purpose with this clever in-the-hoop design. These make great desk organizers for Dad and the kids. Make one for yourself as a handy sewing caddy and what about those teacher appreciation gifts? Easy to personalize and they come with photo instructions in PDF format.

Always something new and interesting from The Purple Hat!

Hugs

Anne

Cape of Storms

2009-05-22T15:25:00.005+02:00

Hello all

We're not called the Cape of Storms for nothing! Yesterday we awoke to the sound of thunder in the distance and were treated to a spectacular light show as the storm rolled in. Not much rain in our area and everything soon cleared up for a marvellous day.

Wishing you all rainbows and sunshine!

Anne

New Box Bags!

2009-05-21T09:46:00.004+02:00

Hello everyone

Thought I'd post a sneak peak of my new box bags. They'll be available on our website some time today. I just love the boxy shape and they are so easy to make. My boys are using their bags for storing things like toy soldiers, little cars and pencil crayons. I made the stripey one for myself and used a bamboo bracelet as the handle attached with a strip of ribbon. I'm sure these will be a huge hit with teen and tween girls this summer.

Enjoy your day!

Anne

New Coin Purses

2009-05-12T09:41:00.005+02:00

Hello all

I hope you all had a fab Mother's Day. My husband cooked up the most delicious roast dinner for us on Sunday and guess what, he did the dishes too! What a guy!

I added a new design set on Friday - an updated set of Petite Purses for 4x4 hoops. They are made in a single hooping with no additional sewing required. Here's a pic ...

The owl purse at the top has a ribbon loop sewn into the right side, nice for adding onto a key chain. If you use split rings often, try to get hold of a split ring opener. I bought mine at a bead shop and they are great for opening up split rings (no more broken finger nails).

It has a "lip" which you insert into the split ring to open it up. Very easy and works like a bomb.

Have a great day!

Anne

New Customer Bonus Design

2009-05-04T09:38:00.002+02:00

Hope you all had a good weekend! The weather's turned really cold in Cape Town and we spent most of our time indoors in front of the fire.

I have just added our new Customer Bonus Design for May. It's a cute made-in-the-hoop owl scissors holder, free with all orders this month.

Click HERE to find out more about our monthly bonus offers.

Just a reminder too that there are only a few more days to get the new Going Sewing designs on special.

Have a great day!

Welcome!!

2009-05-02T08:34:00.000+02:00

Hello everyone

Welcome to my first blog post.

I love reading blogs so I thought it would be fun setting one up for my business The Purple Hat. I am been digitising for almost 10 years now and have met many many wonderful people through my website. I'm hoping that via this blog, you can get to know me a bit better and have some fun too.

So to kickstart the process, here's ten bits of useless information about me:

I am a self-taught digitiser
My husband and I got married in Las Vegas
I have the picture postcard view of Table Mountain from my shower
For a neat freak, I have an incredibly untidy sewing room
I have twin sons, turning five next month
I'm afraid of spiders
Digital scrapbooking is one of my hobbies
My favorite movie is Sister Act
My star sign is Scorpio
I love buying shoes, usually black

Well, there you go!

We've got some funky new applique designs on our website - great for decorating sweatshirts and tote bags. There's also a free sample design for you to try out, so come on over and take a look.

Anne