Congrats Mike & Crystal!

My good friend Crystal got married this morning.  This is her wedding present.  I'm so happy for her.

Christmas Bracelet

I've been wearing this bracelet for the last couple of weeks because it reminds me of poinsettias.  It's a good Christmas bracelet.

dishrags

 Many people on my gift giving list received crocheted dishrags this year.  I made them all year from lots of different colors of 100% cotton yarn.  Once you start using these for doing your dishes you won't want to use regular dish rags ever again.  I started making granny squares so that they stay square after you wash them.

Folded they fit so nicely in the origami boxes I make.  It makes "wrapping" them easy.  This is a good present that can be given every year since they can be used constantly and could wear out so your recipients might need more every year.  I'm working on the instructions to put on the blog.

Jingle Bell Ball - Baby Shower Present

I found out about a baby shower going on today so I whipped this up yesterday for it.  I love the different fabrics.

Custom Order - Hello Kitty Pillow

When I started making projects out of felt my friend asked me to make a Hello Kitty throw pillow to give to her niece for Christmas.  I finally finished it up this morning since she's going to be in town tomorrow.  Nothing like a deadline to get me moving.  I sewed the Hello Kitty face to the pillow and also sewed the bow but I glued the eyes, nose and whiskers.  Being a huge Hello Kitty fan myself I might have to make one of these for me.  I'm pleased with how it turned out.

Apple for the teacher?

I thought I'd already blogged this but I guess I hadn't.  A couple weeks ago I used the jingle bell pattern to attempt a pumpkin but I think it looks more like an apple.  I used a cinnamon stick for the stem.  The fabric is cut from scraps from a rag quilt my cousin is making.  I can't wait to make a ton of these to decorate for the fall next year.  I also think they would be excellent presents for teachers don't you?

Better Late Than Never?

Every time I tried to deliver this baby present it just didn't work out.  Finally gave it to him tonight at our ward Christmas party.  Luckily he'll still get some use from it even though he's six months old!  He likes it already!

Crocheted Hangers

The week after Thanksgiving I went on an amazing week long cruise with some of my family.  It was great.  I knew I'd have a little downtime during days at sea so I wanted to bring a project with me to work on.  I chose to bring wooden hangers to crochet a cover on.  It ended up being a great project because we needed extra hangers in our stateroom anyways so it came in really handy to have extra hangers with us.  I actually crocheted a couple in the car on our way to CA to catch the cruise and then several more on the cruise.  I saw a couple ladies on the cruise knitting but never saw anyone else crocheting.  One guy that saw me at work said that what I was doing was a lost art.

Christmas Jingle Bell Ball

Made another jingle bell ball yesterday to mail off for a present.  Just a couple more presents to make.  Need to get them in the mail!

Will babysit for vinyl!

I did some extra babysitting a month or so ago for some vinyl.  After making several similar boards for others I wanted one for me.  I finally took the time today to put this together.  I think it would look great on an easel in the corner between the two couches.  Hmmmm....

Custom Order - Slippers!

A dear friend requested that I make slippers for two of her grandsons.  I haven't made very many slippers or socks so it was good practice.  I'm happy with how they turned out but they were incredibly time consuming.

Custom Order - 2 more crayon rolls

Made a couple more heart crayon rolls for another custom order.  So glad to be able to help people with their Christmas gifts.

More Felt Jingle Balls

Since I sold the first two jingle bells, I made a couple of more to replace them.

Custom Order - Heart Crayon Roll

Had a custom order for a crayon roll with a heart and this is what I came up with.  I love the ribbon.  So cute.  Now off to make another one...

Owl Crayon Roll

I was thinking about what else I could put on a crayon roll and I came up with this.

I love how it turned out don't you?  I'll def. be making a couple more like this.

Felt Crayon Rolls

In my search for stocking stuffers for boys I also came across a tutorial for making felt crayon rolls.  I couldn't wait to try it out and finally got the chance this morning.  I made the rolls a bit longer since all the boxes of crayons I had on hand were 24 count and if I made them 16 count I didn't know what I'd do with the extra crayons.  Of course I have 6 or 7 boxes that I picked up during my back to school hoarding.  I mean shopping.  When you can get them for a penny or five cents each I can't resist!

 My attempt at taking an artistic picture.

 Since this was my first time appliqueing with felt I opted with circles.  Did an O.K. job sewing them on.  Maybe next time will go better.  I wanted to do something gender neutral so the crayon rolls could be for guys or girls.

ta da!  The finished project.  Isn't it cute?

Felt Jingle Bell Balls

I always have the hardest time coming up with presents for boys.  I was thinking about crocheting balls but I never came across a pattern.  Yesterday I searched for "boys stocking stuffers" and stumbled across this free pattern here.  (Wait a while for it to load and then click on the picture of the cute fabric balls under "free patterns" and a pdf will open.)  Anyhow, I can't remember what blog I saw them on that lead me to the link but she suggested adding a bell inside to make it more fun for the kids and I'm sure more annoying for the parents.  Since I don't have any guy fabric I thought I'd make some out of felt.  They sewed up pretty fast.  Now I just have to handsew them closed.  I think the will do for Christmas presents for my nephews.  One is just a baby and just got a new dog he loves to play with.  The other one is a bit older but loves to throw things so maybe this will be a hit with him as well.  We'll see.

Lots of Headbands!

Made these headbands yesterday for the boutique on Sat.  Will make a couple dozen more before then.  Great for Christmas presents.  Each one will be from a different fabric so if you see one you like get it before it's gone!

Black/White/Gray Scarf

When I was in CA I came across this yarn and had to buy a skein.  I really love how this scarf turned out.  The black/white/gray combination makes it very versatile.  Unless someone snatches it up before then, it will be available at the boutique this Sat.

Custom Order - Baby Cocoon

Ended up going to CA for the weekend and didn't get this posted before I left.  Got a custom order for a baby cocoon at the last boutique and this is what I came up with.  I just made up my own pattern but think it looks good.  It's crocheted from the same yarn I crochet the scarves out of so it's really soft.  I'd been wanting to make one of these for a while now so I'm glad I got the chance to.  It's going to be a great photo prop.

Custom Order - Fuzzy Hats

One of my good friends and biggest fans and supporters picked up two scarves last weekend at the boutique for two of her granddaughters and wanted hats to match.  I've never crocheted hats out of this type of yarn before so it was a bit of a challenge to figure out a pattern but after a few trys it turned out great.  At first I wasn't even sure I could find the yarn but luckily I did.  This yarn is def. not for beginner crocheters. 

Display Racks

Since I have way more product than will fit on one table I was looking around the house for other display options and I found these two racks.  The wire metal shelf unit I wasn't really using so it was easy to clear that off and get it ready for use.  The toy bucket shelving unit I use for scrapbooking supplies.  I keep scissors in one bin, punches in another, etc...  One by one I dumped them out this morning and replaced their contents will my handcrafted items for sale this weekend.  It will be so easy to transport the items this way and hopefully will be an easy way for clients to find what they are looking for.  Now I just have to make sure everything is labeled and start packing the car!

A dozen headbands

Which one is your favorite?

In my spare time here and there I've been working on more lace headbands.  I must be favoring green lately because there's more green than any other color.  They are kind of bright but if you are going to wear a headband you might as well make a statement with it right?  I'm excited to take them to the boutique on Sat. and see what people think of them.  I love that they fit anyone since you just tie them on.  Just wanted to share what I've made so far.  They've been fun to make.

I Know the Scriptures are True - Primary Theme 2011

When I was playing around with making different versions of the "Keep Calm and Carry On" posters I created one for the LDS Primary Theme for 2011.  I had some free prints so I printed some 4x6 pictures up.  I was trying to figure out what to do with them when I came across these 5x7 canvases I'd picked up at the Dollar Tree several months ago (3for$1).  I used spray adhesive to attach the picture to the canvas and then I hot glued a length of ribbon to the back for a holder.  Not sure if I'll just make these for the girls for Christmas or use them for an Activity Days project in the future.  Maybe we could attache a piece of scrapbook paper down first.  I'll have to look through my stash and see if I have anything that would match.  Anyways, just thought I'd share in case anyone out there is looking for a project for the new theme.

Happy Thanksgiving

 The other day I remembered about this vinyl that I had.  I looked through my boards and found this that was the perfect fit.  The board has a beautiful black/brown finish and the lettering is in gold.  The sign is approx. 4 3/4" tall x 31 1/4" wide.  Fits nicely sitting over a door frame.  Will be available for sale this Sat. at the Boutique in the Barn.

50% off coupon

Everyone loves getting a great deal right?  To help boost sales and to reduce some of my inventory and to help you get a great deal on your Holiday Shopping I made this 50% off coupon just for you!  Just bring it to my booth next Sat. and pick out your favorite items.  Can't wait to see you!
Remember to whisper {Happy Birthday} to me to receive a free gift!

Snowflake Earrings

On a whim yesterday I decided to make some snowflake earrings.  I thought they turned out pretty cute.

I am wise when I Choose the Right!

 For my primary lesson on Sunday I made these super cute CTR blocks to help reinforce the idea that choosing the right is the wise thing to do.  Unfortunately, 2 out of my 3 students were out of town so I ended up not teaching my lesson so I'll have to incorporate them into the lesson this next week and hope all 3 of my kids are in town so I can give these to them.

My friend helped me cut out the CTR shields with her cricket.

All packaged up and ready for gift giving.

Custom Order - Bridesmaid Hairclips

 Just over a week ago I received an inquiry about making rosette hairclips for a wedding today.  Since I was out of town over the weekend I picked up the fabric on Mon. and made two different prototypes.  I'd never made a rosette out of satin before and holding the two layers together proved to be a bit of a challenge and quite time consuming.  I had never attempted a poppy hairclip either and had fun making that.  I'll have to make more of those in the future.

Which one do you like better?

 The bride liked the rosettes better so I made 5 more of those.  They are completely hand sewn and have an alligator type hairclip sewn on the back.

All packaged up and ready to be delivered!  Hope the wedding went well today and that the bride was happy with the hairclips.

L.A. County Quilter's Guild Quilt Show

The quilt show is underway and I hear that it's great.  I'm friends with several of the members and do their website.  My mom has 9 quilts displayed in the show this year.  It's held every other year.  So if you happen to see this and are looking for something to do on this fine So. Cal. day head on over to the Ritz Gardens in Whittier and prepare to be impressed by nearly 300 quilts on display.  Vendors, Raffles, Silent Auctions and more allow you to gather supplies to make your own quilt or buy one that's already made.  I hear that the raffle quilt is absolutely gorgeous and hey, if you happen to win it please keep in mind that my b'day is in two weeks and it would make a great gift.  Halloween quilts are my fav. esp. Sunbonnet Sue.  For more info. visit their website.

Cherries & Lime

I had this cute cherry fabric that my mom gave me and a piece of lime lace I picked up a while back.  This morning I made a rosette and attached it to a length of the lace to make a cute headband.  I can't wait to wear it today.

Boutique on my Birthday

For many years now I've had a strict policy of not working on my birthday.  Usually I take the day off and spend it at Disneyland.  This year my birthday is on a Saturday so naturally you'd think I would have the day to do whatever I want which would of course include a weekend get away to CA.  Not this year though.  Back in May I participated in a really great boutique and have been anxiously awaiting the announcement of their Fall date for many months.  Wouldn't you know it that they picked my birthday to hold it on?  After a little debate I decided what better way to spend my birthday than to be surrounded by fellow crafters and interacting with craft enthusiasts.  I turned in my application and signed up.
Some great things about this boutique are the very talented people who have booths there, a central checkout where you can pay with your credit card, a gift bag to the first 50 people who attend the boutique and the great people who attend this unique venue.
So mark it on your calendar and plan to attend the Boutique in the Barn on Saturday October 23rd from 8am - 5pm.  Stop by my booth and whisper "Happy Birthday" to me and you'll be the one receiving a special gift from me!
See you then!

A New Direction

So for some reason this week I started playing around with making variations of the ever so popular “Keep Calm & Carry On” posters.  I’ve made a couple dozen.  I got a couple ideas to make some for me and for a few presents and then I couldn’t stop making them.  Then I made a birth announcement based on the style of the poster.  I even took the time to post it on etsy yesterday.  I think it would be so cute hanging in a nursery.  I’m going to post a few more and see where this endeavor takes me.  Here’s the sample of the birth announcement for now.  I’ll post more pics as I list them.

Birthday Headband

Went to Josh’s cousin’s daughter’s birthday dinner yesterday and this is what I made her for a present.  Just wrapped a headband with a strip of tshirt and attached a rosette made from the hem of the tshirt.  So simple and yet so cute.  Everyone loved it.

Closeup of rossette.  This picture turned out clearer since I remembered to use the closeup focus.

Birthday Apron

So I haven’t really made good on my last post but I still hope to.  We ended up going to CA for the weekend and had a great time visiting my family.  It took me a couple days to recover from the lack of sleep and attempt to get things in order.  Today I did manage to finish up this apron for a friend of mine and deliver it to her for her birthday this afternoon.  I love this Mary Engelbreit fabric.  I found it at thrift store a while back.  The swiss dot was a remnant I found at Hobby Lobby and the rick rack is from Wal-Mart.  My friend bakes bread and sells it so I thought an apron would make a great gift.  I hope she gets a lot of use from it. I had Josh take a quick picture before I headed out the door.  The phone rang in the midst of the picture taking so I think that’s why it’s a bit crooked.

I’ve been kind of lost lately without sewing aprons constantly so it was nice to sew for a bit today.  It was mostly done.  All I had to do was make the ties and sew up the sides of the apron.  I have several more yards of this fabric so I’ll probably make a couple more to use it up.

etsy

It was very exciting back in June when I posted an item and it sold within a few minutes. Wouldn't it be nice if it was always that easy?
I'm determined to start listing on etsy again. My goal is one item a day. Heaven knows that could keep me busy for a couple of months since I have so many items on hand. I figure being persistent and consistent is the key.
I do have an etsy obsession. When I'm home during the day I sneak over to my computer once an hour and refresh the etsy home page to see the featured treasury. I'm constantly amazed at the vast array of talent. Some items I immediately covet, some downright scare me and others leave me feeling a bit perplexed but overall I'm left in awe at the beauty of it all.
My immediate plan is to list everything I've already made. Along the way I have a few patterns in mind that I'm working up writing instructions to that I'll post when I get them ready.
Eventually I'd also like to list vintage items but may end up setting up a different shop for that.
So that's the plan for now. Off to research better picture taking...
ttfn.

Rag Edge Receiving Blankets & Burp Cloths

Although I’ve made lots of receiving blankets and burp cloths over the last year I’ve never been a fan of making them.  I just don’t like the sew, turn right side out and then topstitch procedure.  A month or so ago I spied my friend sporting a rag edge burp cloth and loved the idea of making those instead.  So for this last batch I tried it out and thought they turned out great.  For the receiving blankets I cut the front and back about 42” square.  With wrong sides together I sewed a 1” seam all the way around and then used the rag quilt scissors to snip all around and then took them to the laundry mat to wash them.  For the burp cloths I used my regular pattern and used a 1/2” seam.  (Although for a few I accidentally used a 1” seam and I think I like those better.)  I also noticed that when I used a different fabric for the front and back they didn’t end up shrinking the same so they don’t lay flat.  The couple that I made using the same front and back worked out much better.  So from now on I’ll have to use the same fabric front and back or prewash the fabric so I can use two different fabrics which is much cuter!

So if you are in need of making baby presents this is a great project!

The one on the left uses the same fabric on both sides.  On the right there’s a different fabric on the back that ended up shrinking a lot and bunching up the fabric.

Custom Orders

A couple custom orders I did a month or so ago and realized I hadn’t blogged about.

Custom order soda can cozy.  It’s actually blue but I didn’t have very good lighting in the picture.  Complete with a matching origami gift box. My friend also wanted a soda pop cozy.  This one is green.  It’s just a bit taller than the soda can cozy.  I love doing custom orders for good friends!