Seascapes and Hassles
September 12th, 2006
I did manage to squeeze in a little crafting before I packed up the sewing machine (which was a really sad experience. It felt like packing up my cat!). I wanted to make a few farewell gifts for friends and colleagues. I think this is the happiest I have ever been with one of my craft projects. I love the colors and patterns–it makes me think of a dreamy seascape. These really don’t take long after the cutting and pattern choices are nailed down. I’ve made a tutorial to help you on your path here.
I don’t usually use this space to rant, but I have a sharp one today. I’ve had the worst experiences with eBay. Nothing ever seems to go right, whether I’m buying or selling. This time around, we decided to auction off some media items and ran into an obscene customer and are having Paypal issues. Have any of you noticed the annoying ads and propaganda to get users to “upgrade” and use credit cards? I had no idea that this was no longer a choice each buyer could distinguish; if you use Paypal and your buyer decides to pay with a credit card, you may not ask them to pay with a bank account to avoid the charges. Between charges on eBay, shipping at the post office, and charges on Paypal, I am vowing here and now to never use eBay again. Craigslist, baby, that’s where it’s at. I would like to note that I received a very snooty email from Paypal after the nasty user (I sent a very sweet note reminding him that our eBay notes said Paypal bank payments only, and he fired back cursing and contacting all online authorities) lodged a complaint with Paypal instead of working it out with me. I’m a nice person! I’m easy to work with! Why are people mean!? Paypal is not my friend!
14 Comments Add your own
1. julie | September 12th, 2006 at 11:34 am
those are just gorgeous! lovely colors. and the second one looks so soft–like it’s begging to be cuddled up with!
2. beki | September 12th, 2006 at 12:37 pm
Oh gosh, what an ordeal.
I think your pillows are just lovely!
3. Sarah | September 12th, 2006 at 1:43 pm
Paypal is not our friend either. We recently had $1400 stolen from our bank account through paypal, which left us unable to pay anything for TEN days while they took their time sorting it out. We will be right there with ya never using that service again. The pillow looks great by the way!
4. *karen | September 12th, 2006 at 3:13 pm
Yikes. The Paypal ordeal sounds horrific. Take strength, my friend! My online connection isn’t letting me see your latest crafty work but I will be back to try again later.
5. marybeth | September 12th, 2006 at 4:42 pm
OMG ((D acia)))! i I am so sorry to hear of the AWFUL ordeal you have gone through.
I never EVER considered linking my bank account to ANYTHING because of the identity theft risk. The credit card i have linked to PayPal has protection against any mishaps;Thus, my willingness to use it.
I am happy to send you a check for winter kitty .I am beginning to think the OLD FASHIONED version of mailing cash would be safer and cheaper then all of these high tech services =(
Your pillow is fantastic!
XO
MB
6. Belinda | September 12th, 2006 at 5:38 pm
I second the colours, so calming.
7. Marianne | September 12th, 2006 at 7:54 pm
Grrrrrrr… blasted paypal! How frustrating and horrible for you. Love the cuchion and your choice of fabric :)
8. katiek | September 12th, 2006 at 8:53 pm
these are so sweet! I love the color choices on the top one and the fun stiching in the bottom one. I’ll miss your sewing machine too! I hope you have a great move, I’m envious, I’d love to be moving out of smoggy Atlanta to the west coast right now!
9. molly | September 13th, 2006 at 8:34 am
that paypal experience sounds horrible! I hate, HATE stuff like that. I’d kiss ebay goodbye too.
BUT, the pillow is absolutely beautiful and clean and fresh. what a wonderful gift.
10. Melissa | September 14th, 2006 at 3:58 pm
Great pillow! I love how the fabrics match, but aren’t too match-y!
:) Melissa
11. Heather Bailey | September 14th, 2006 at 11:56 pm
Your pillow looks super snuggly. Is that randomly-quilted muslin on the back? Too fun!
12. coleen | September 16th, 2006 at 6:29 am
I love all the fabrics you found. Especially the blue interlocking oval-sort-of-things with the red flower. What a great gift!
I was thinking of selling some stuff on Ebay, but it sounds like its just not worth it!
13. wilsonian | September 16th, 2006 at 7:45 am
Oh my. I’m sorry about your ebay experience too. I’ve bought hundreds of items for my work… but am just entering the realm of selling.
One thing I have noticed, that more and more sellers include large handling fees (ie. I once bought a $1.99 photograph, and paid $8.00 in handling fees on top of shipping). I suppose this is used to offset the fees. If the handling fee seems reasonable, I’m completely fine with paying it. If it sees obscene (and I no longer deal with the fellow who sold the afore mentioned photo), I just don’t bid.
But none of this gets around having to deal with icky people.
Sorry.
14. Jill | September 19th, 2006 at 6:06 pm
Love the little pillow, especially the splash of red!
Dacia, small minded people are everywhere.
Yes, I agree this person should have tried to work it out with you first.
Isn’t that considered paypal ettiquete? I believe so…
Anyway, don’t you fret… You just keep being the nice girl you are, and don’t let people like that change the way you think..
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