When individual fibers are crocheted together with a thread of emotion, they become an original, personal design. This creative process is my joyful obsession
--- Emily Myles, Fiber Artist
http://www.emyles.com/







Monday, March 28, 2011

Chilly Monday Morning!

Brrr!  It's cold out lately!  It's hard to believe that it is almost the 1st of April and we woke up yesterday morning to around 2" of snow.  YUCK!   No wonder I can't get rid of this cold.

I made 2 tutu dresses (yes, the items finally came from that stinking company that I ordered from)  on Friday.  Here's the first one:
and again:
This one sells for $28 for the complete set, including tutu dress with detachable flower, and headband with detachable flower.   It is already sold as you can tell!
The second one has already been put on layaway, but I can quickly recreate another one in your favorite colors!

This one will be an Easter outfit and will have the following with it:  a yellow caplet and yellow hat, and a pair of yellow "bloomers" .   Here's a pic with the caplet and hat laying with it.  The final hat will be a little different from this one.
I will also be making a matching set to match Alli's favorite Middleton Doll! 

Other variations of this tutu are below:

If either of these are purchased (*with the xxlarge flowers) the price of the set will be $30,  The change in price is due to the increased cost of the flowers. 

The tutu set with the caplet, hat, bloomers, and matching set for the baby doll is $75.00

I am very very happy and excited about the tutut's.  I have so many ideas in my head that it's not funny.  And not only for the tutus.  I sat down yesterday and took an online training course in making my own hair bows. Here's my first attempt:
I love these little bows! I plan on in the near future trying a loopy bow,  a layered loopy bow, and many more!  That is as soon as I can find alligator clips.  I see a trip to the hair supply store in my future! 

I received an order this weekend for 2 stork pouches for photography.  I have the blue one done, and am almost done with the pink one.  I will post pics once they are completed.  They are turning out really cute though.

I've been really depressed lately.  I see all of these other crafters on ebay, etsy, facebook, etc.... that are selling their items so fast they can barely keep up with orders.  One day last week I seriously considered shutting down my shops.  I am still considering it, as I don't feel that my items are selling good enough for me to put as much time and money into this small business that I have.  It's really frustrating when I look at these other people's creations and I think, (and have others tell me) that mine look a lot better, and are nicer.  If that's true, then why are they not selling?  I have prayed and prayed for an answer of what to do.  God, did crack the door open for me this weekend, and I got one foot through the door.... but I still feel like there's something keeping me from opening that door all the way.  If anyone can guide me through opening the door the rest of the way please do!  I'm still praying though, that God will give me the guidance that I need to make the right decision.  I KNOW he will not let me down, and that he will give me the answer.

Until next time.....



Thursday, March 24, 2011

Wow! I've been gone too long!

Wow!  I didn't realize that it had been so long since I had updated my blog!  I apologize!  I have been busy, I completed my spring cleaning, (other than the basement.... and nothing can be done there until I get the craft building completed).  I may need a backhoe or a small bobcat to complete that task.  Yes, I am a hoarder.  I have more craft items than Walmart!

I received a pretty long and detailed list from my grandson Austin.  He told his Mommy that he wanted a Blue Beetle Hat, a Plastic Man hat, a Buzz Lightyear Hat, a Tolee Hat and a HoHo hat.  And, she needed to text me right then and tell me!  Bless his heart, but this old MeeMaw had no idea other than Buzz what he was talking about.  LOL!!  So I made him a Buzz Lightyear hat!  Here it is:
I really think he liked it.  He wore it all day on Sunday.  He looked so stinkin' cute in it.  I didn't get a pic of him in it though.  We had a house full that day, and it was rather hectic!  His Mommy, is supposed to get one of him in it and send it to me.  I will post it when I receive it.

Buzz sells for $18, and is available in sizes newborn through adult!

I also completed a Minnie Mouse Diaper Cover Set.  I love this little outfit.  It has a full skirt with polka dots, and a tail!  The hat has a detachable red and white polka dot bow.  I think this outfit would also look awesome in pink.  A Mickey Mouse set is in the wings, just waiting to be created... so stay tuned.  Here's Minnie:
The little tail just cracks me up!  This set sells for $25, and is available in sizes newborn through 18 months.  I could probably do larger, but will need the exact measurements for a larger size.  I'm thinking this would make an awesome Halloween costume.  With some white tights and black Mary Janes.  I am also offering this set with a pair of crocheted Mary Janes (pic will follow in later post)  for $31.

Another set I completed is the Oatmeal Parfait Unisex set.  This set is so cute.  The hat is a "Newsboy" hat, and you can have your choice of either a large gerber daisy or a button attached to the hat.  Here it is:
And here it is the hat up close:

and the hat with a button:
The diaper cover up close looks like this:

I have another set almost completed, and will get pics of it posted soon!

I've really been struggling with some things lately.  I ordered some supplies to try the tutu dresses back on February 25th. The order totaled about $18, and priority shipping was $16!  So I went with standard USPS, well to this date I HAVE NOT received this order.  I have contacted the company, (bandandbowdepot.com) only to have them tell me in a nutshell there was nothing that they could do because I was too cheap to pay for priority shipping with a tracking number.  WTH????  I will never purchase anything from them again.  I am trying to get the word out via www for everyone to help me boycot this company.   I'm so irritated, because I want to do the tutu dresses so bad!   Guess I'm going to have to order via another company.

Well, that's all for today!  I have to get ready for a dr's appt, and then home to crochet some more!



Wednesday, March 9, 2011

Finally some pictures!

Yesterday, I couldn't get pics to upload, so today it looks as if it is going to let me!  So first off, here's a pic of the drivers hat that matches the romper I posted yesterday!
And here's one of it on the baby doll!  I think it's so stinkin cute!
I made this slouch hat, the other day.  I am so in love with the yarn and the colors.  It's very lightweight and would be awesome to wear on warmer days.  I haven't priced this one yet, as it is the one that I used the rather pricey yarn on.  If anyone is interested in purchasing this hat, just get in touch with me and I will figure out a reasonable price! 
and from the back it looks like this!

Aren't the colors so beautiful?  This yarn is hand dyed and hand spun, and like I said earlier a little pricey, so this hat will definately be the only one I make in this color!  I may have enough on the skein to make a child size hat like this one, but definately not enough to make an adult one.   That's not saying that if  you order, I won't go buy more!  I loved working with this yarn, and wish I could afford to buy more of it!

The newest character hat was made as a special order by my daughter Kassie, for a son of a friend of hers.  It is none other than Woody from Toy Story.  She, and the little boys Mom both loved it.  I haven't heard back yet as to whether or not the little boy liked it!  But I'm sure he did.  Here's Woody:

I promise that the hat is not crooked, I have it sitting on a styrofoam ball, and the ball kept rolling, hence the crookedness. 

I also created this cute little capelet.  What's a capelet you ask?  Well it's similar to a cape, but will only come right below the shoulders.  This one is a 2T, and is made in a yarn called Lemon Pie!  I love this yarn, just wish I could find more colors in it!  I am desperately searching online for it, but no luck yet!  I may have to make a special request from Crafts 2000, and see what they can order for me!  I have this Lemon Pie, white, and a 4 different varrigated colors.  If you would like a capelet they are $18 for just the capelet, or $22 with a matching hat!  You can also have your choice of buttons.  The ones on this one are Purple sparkle daisies.  I am going to make a couple more of these using different yarns, so that everyone can see how they look using something different!  Be patient, as they will be completed soon!  Here's the capelet:

and here's the matching hat:

Together:


Keep checking back for this sweet little ensemble to be posted in different yarns and different colors!  I think this would be perfect for a little girl on Easter Sunday!  Or, to wear anytime actually.  I love it!

Today is so dreary and rainy!  I plan on picking up the house and maybe tearing into the spare bedroom where I have a ton of yarn stashed and strung all over the place!  I  need to get it cleaned up and semi organized.  I just don't know if I have the umph to get it done today!  I think it's so rainy and dreary that it would be a great day to just sit and crochet all day!  On the couch, with a blanket and the tv. 

Don't forget I am running the special the month of March, that for any hat purchased, I will donate an identical hat to WVU Children's Hospital for a child with cancer.  I would hate to only have to donate one or two, how disapointed for the other children, and how would one ever decide which child gets the hat? 

Tuesday, March 8, 2011

Something Special Coming Up!

Good Morning to anyone who stops by to see what I've been creating!  It's going to be a great day, I just know it.

I have been super duper busy creating and I'm loving it!  I finished the romper set!  Here it is, all comments are welcome and appreciated!  Size shown is a Preemie, but romper is available in any color, from sizes preemie to 24 months.
I love how it turned out! 

I also completed a new slouch hat.  This one is done in a hand dyed, and hand spun wool.  The yarn was rather on the expensive side, so I haven't put a price on this one yet.  I am having trouble uploading pics to the blog today, it's giving me some funky message.  So, no more pics.  I will try to upload later today if it will let me.

Anyway, the new slouch hat is pretty amazing.  The colors are off the charts!  Once that was completed, I started and finished a "capelet".  This is similar to a cape, only it just covers the shoulders.  It is done in a baby Palette yarn called Lemon Pie.  This yarn is amazing to work with, it is so soft and so shiny.  The capelet sports Purple, sparkly daisy buttons.  Next in line to complete is the matching hat!  The capelets are available in sizes newborn thru 5T.  I am selling them for $18 for the capelet only, in your choice of colors.  Now be warned, the yarn used in the one shown (see my facebook page for pics for the time being)  comes in limited colors.  There are similar yarns out there to give you more choices.  Send me what color you would like and I will send you a link to view your choices of yarn.  Anyways.... if you order the set, capelet and hat it is $22.  I think these would be awesome for little girls on Easter Sunday!


Ok, here's the something special with a little bit of history!  I am a 30 yr cancer survivor.  I was treated at WVU Children's hospital.  Luckily I did not require chemo or radiation, my cancer was removed by surgery.  Last evening, a friend of mine from high school, Sandra, mentioned that I should try to market my character hats for kids who are going through Chemo.  What an awesome idea!  But, I am going one step further.  For every hat that is purchased in the month of March, through my blog, facebook, etsy, zibbet, ebay or artfire.... I will donate an identical hat to WVU Childrens' hospital.  The only difference in the hats will be the materials used.  Worsted weight yarn can sometimes be irritating to a child (or adult) who has no hair.  So the hats that I donate will be made with either Carons' Simply Soft, or 100% cotton.  I'm excited to take on this project.  Let's see who will take me up on it!

Sunday, March 6, 2011

Maybe? Maybe Not?

I apologize for letting the blog slack this week.  It's just been one of those weeks.  I have caught the cold/flu bug that everyone has had.  And, have spent the majority of this week sitting on the couch with tissues flying everywhere.

I have finished the romper out of the set I was working on, and like how it turned out.  Just need to make sure in the future to use bigger hooks.  This one came out about a preemie size and it should have been a 0-3 months.  I crochet fairly tight, and should have known better than to use the hook that the pattern called for.  I still need to do the beret, and the booties.  But, had a custom order come in for a Woody Hat (From Toy Story) so I have put the romper set aside to get Woody created.  I am hoping to have him finished today!

I have listed my items for sale on etsy, zibbet, artfire, ebay, and bigcartel.  I have had a lot of "hits" or views, but no orders.  I can't help but wonder what I'm doing wrong?  I see so many items like the ones I create that the individual is swamped with orders, and I can't even get one.  I tried running a special on my facebook site, but no one even bit on that.  Maybe my expectations and dreams are a little too high.  I tend to get discouraged and disapointed easily.  But, I will hang in there, and see where this road leads. 

Hope everyone enjoys this dreary day!  I can't believe that it's snowing again! 

Sunday, February 27, 2011

Sunny Sunday!

Good Sunday Morning!  It looks like its going to be a beautiful day here!   And, that's a great thing!

I completed 2 more doggy hats, and have started a new project.  The dogs have gotten really tired of me using them as models!  So, the pics aren't that great!  I'm going to have Mark hold them today so I can get a few more of them in their hats! 

Hayden, was very uncooperative!
I just love these hats! 

I started a new project, a baby romper.  I'm so excited to get it done.  If it only turns out 1/2 as cute as the pattern I will be happy!  I am wanting to get some new and different things made and get them out in my stores! 
Speaking of different, I ordered the supplies last week to try the tutu dresses!  I can't wait to get the supplies and create one.  I just love how cute they are, and think they would be awesome photo props, party dresses, flower girl dresses, or just used for dress up!  What little girl doesn't love dressing up as a princess??  Here is a link to a site that makes them!  These pictures are such an inspiration to me!  Now, if I only had a granddaughter to make on for!  (*I really don't think my son in law would approve of me  making one for my grandsons... LOL )  Check it out, and please leave me a comment as to whether or not you think these would be items someone out there in cyber land you know would be interested in!
http://www.poshlittletutus.com/category_8/Tutu-Dresses.htm

I'm off to grab the hook and yarn, and finish creating my romper outfit!  I'll keep everyone posted on the progress. 

Before I go, I want to share one final picture... I took this picture last night of the neighbors cat, TJ, modeling my Froggy hat!  It's just too funny not to share!

Friday, February 25, 2011

One or Two for the Dogs!

I am so tickled with what I created last night!   I finally attempted the Doggie Hat pattern, and created this for Miss Maddie!
She looks so adorable in it.  Don't you think?
Actually Mark says she looks really ticked off at me!  LOL!  Well, I couldn't stop with just the frog, so I created her this one:
I just love how easy these little hats work up!  They are now for sale.  The size shown is a small.  The prices are as follows:
Price is for an XSmall or Small Hat! Medium Hats are: $12, Large are $15, XLarge and XXL are $18.
Measuring and size information is below:
Measure around dogs head. Start between the eyes and run your tape measure around, behind their ears and meet back up at the front. Then measure across the forehead to the level of the sides of the mouth. If your measurement is borderline, round up to the next larger number. Send me this measurement as well as the type of dog!
General sizes can be ordered, and sizing is as follows:
XS- Shorthaired Chihuahua, Toy Poodle
Small -Jack Russell, Maltese, Longhaired Chihuahua, Silky Terrier, Shitzhu
Medium -Kelpie, Standard Poodle
Large -Border Collie, Retreiver, Small German Shepherd
X-Large -Rottweiler, Boxer, Labrador, Large German Shepherd
XX-Large - Mastiff
They can be ordered thru my blog, through my facebook, and thru my Etsy store, Zibbet store, and Artfire store.  See previous posts for those links.

The ideas on the puppy hats are endless, just like they are for the character hats and cocoons!

I finished one of the surprise hats, I hope everyone likes it!

Today I will be creating some more puppy hats, and may attempt a puppy sweater!  Keep checking back for new items!
I plan on trying to run some sort of special on my items, through my facebook page.  Just not sure of the details yet!