Kate's Journey

Remembering Phoebe

Posted by: Katherine McCrea on: December 18, 2011

Another favorite place

Always likes to be where I am.

My best gal in her pretty kitty pose

Filling up the void in my cabinet when the sewing machine was being repaired.

Taking a nap on my project

Today I lost my companion and best friend of 18 yrs. I adopted her as a kitten from PetsMart and her fur was dusted with gray or white which she lost 2 weeks later to become the sleekest, darkest black. Her bright green/yellow eyes really stood out in contrast to her fur. Of course, I did not know she had a kinked tail until I got her home along with a number of quirks. Phoebe was named after a goddess because of the silver over coat of fur. Little did I know that would have a profound effect on her since she did act and expect to be treated like a goddess.
Phoebe was also a greeter. An outgoing cat, she would greet guests, family and especially trick or treaters with a friendly chirrup. Her vet thought she might be part or all Manx (many do have tails).
Though she would be tempermental at times & without warning, I would not trade my life with her for anything in the world. Phoebe always was and will always be my best girl! I miss you so terribly much.

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Cat Approved!

Posted by: Katherine McCrea on: December 6, 2011

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The cats really like the new bag, too. Phoebe was laying in it before it was even completed. Lucy found it just after I had washed the bag to get the loose threads and chalk marks off. As you can see, she’s quite happy in there.
I plan on making a kitty carrier using the same pattern. Even Mao fits in this bag easily

Pansy Carry All Bag – My Latest Project

Posted by: Katherine McCrea on: December 6, 2011

Here are more pictures of my new pansy carry all bag. I was inspired to create it because I have a similar bag which is utilitarian. I wanted something pretty and uniquely mine. I bought this pansy fabric some time ago with a large bag in mind for it and the original sport bag soon became the pattern for this one. It is a quilted bag and very sturdy. I’ll be much happier & prouder carrying this bag around to my faires or expos.

Carry All Bag

Posted by: Katherine McCrea on: December 6, 2011

Carry All Bag

This is my latest project. I have this old sport bag that I like for faires or other all day events and can carry a lot of stuff. However, it’s not pretty, so I copied that bag and made this pretty pansy one.

Carry All Bag

Posted by: Katherine McCrea on: December 6, 2011

Carry All Bag

This is my latest project. I have this old sport bag that I like for faires or other all day event and can carry a lot of stuff. However, it’s not pretty, so I copied that bag and made this pretty pansy one.

A Not So Quick Project

Posted by: Katherine McCrea on: November 3, 2011

I made this card wallet because my old one had worn out after many years of use. It was supposed to be a quick project, but took a little longer than expected because of an uncooperative zipper. Those zippers on a roll never cooperate, this was the kind where I had to put the pull on it. Anyway, after fighting with the zipper I now have a pretty card wallet. Maybe next time I’ll do envelope style with no zipper. The fabric was a fat quarter I had laying around for a long time and it is pretty as well as in all the colors I like.

Sewing Studio Redone!

Posted by: Katherine McCrea on: November 3, 2011

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Two & a half days of work and a beautiful sewing studio! I didn’t do anything major like painting but did clean, reorganize & move some of the furniture around. The space is much more open and a lot easier to work in. I can also find what I need without sifting through all the clutter (now gone)!
As you can see from the photos, the staff approves.

My Latest Projects

Posted by: Katherine McCrea on: November 1, 2011

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Here are my latest projects! A skirt I made from some left over fabric and an overshirt. Both are 100% cotton.
The skirt I made from what was left over after cutting out a button down shirt. It’s hard to see but there are stripes woven into the purple fabric and makes the shirt look just that much fancier.
I think I’m done with stripes for now…on to dots!

Some Quick Projects

Posted by: Katherine McCrea on: September 16, 2011

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Here are some quick projects I completed after spending half a day fighting with my serger to get it back in serger mode & rethreading it.

I have no fear of white or showing my underwear to the general public. The eyelet cami and shorts are underwear and I made them to wear under my dresses or tops which may show a little more than I’m comfortabe with. They are lightweight but add enough opacity to my sheerer garments.

The seersucker blue & white set are not underwear but made from the same pattern as the eyelet garments. I did use some left over eyelet fabric for the pockets because it just looked so cute. Definately casual wear.

The white pants truly show my lack of fear.  I did take care to keep my hands clean and refrained from using lotion during the construction of these lovely drawstring pants.  The photo doesn’t show it, but these pants are WHITE, brilliant white. They are loose fitting so air can circulate and keep me cool during these hot Phoenix summers. The pattern called for a drawstring only, but that didn’t work for me so I put in some elastic.

All of these projects were 2 hours or less to construct each. I was also good and used what I had on hand. No new fabric! One of these days I’ll just have to photograph my huge fabric collection.

I hope you enjoy the slide show.

new facebook page

Posted by: Katherine McCrea on: August 14, 2011

I set up a Facebook page just for Black Cat Originals! Check it out!


  • None
  • Katherine McCrea: Mao didn't like things being changed around at first, but Lucy didn't seem to care. My sewing room is so much nicer and easier to use. I actually want
  • Ellen Haydon: That looks really handy to have around. It sure would keep all the cards in one compact area and not exploding all over your purse just when you need
  • Ellen Haydon: That is a nice work area you have there. I feel the urge to purge all the items I don't need or use. The kitties appear to approve too.

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