Sew Imperfect

MInatures!

2012-01-31T18:52:00.000-08:00

I've been making things, lots of things. Most of them tiny. Check it out

And a not mini thing, a goat -the pattern will be in my shop soon.

Now it's back to working up a cherry pattern to make a garland. The pattern will be my next post.

Foxiness and watercolor surprise

2011-12-17T22:30:00.000-08:00

So remember how I sad my next post would have a fox? Well here is a dimly lit, slightly fuzzy picture of said fox.

I haven't had a chance to write it up proper yet (filling Christmas orders has had me working overtime for a few weeks now). He'll be ready soon though I'm hoping to put out at least four new patterns in or before January. For the fox, the Duckie, my yeti playset, and for a super cute otter that's been mostly done for over a year now but for some reason never finished or shown.

(cheap watercolors from Micheal's)

Working these past few weeks has been difficult, I sometimes feel overwhelmed with fulfilling other people's needs that I lose a little bit of the spark that crocheting normally brings me.

(Notebook paper is really not ideal for wet painting)

When that happens I pull back and work on other interests. Lately that has been watercolors. I normally hate to paint, at least with acrylics (to quick to dry for me) but I have been having a ton of fun with watercolors.

I bought a cheap set at Micheal's and started experimenting. Then I saw a thread someone had posted in a forum I visit from time to time, asking what you wanted for Christmas but knew you weren't getting.

(Splotch bunnies, I started after something I saw on pintrest and decided last minute that I wanted bunnies instead of birds, hence the derpitude of some of them)

I mentioned a set of nice watercolors and a watercolor notebook. I knew I wouldn't get it because I had just started with the painting and hadn't mentioned to anyone how much I was enjoying it.

(Work in progress, watercolor on fabric)

But a certain sneaky person on the forums bought them and sent them to me for Christmas. I have been having a blast with these and I've only just started playing with them.

(Another work in progress, watercolor on fabric with needle felted letter, buds, and embroidered stem)

So a HUGE thank you!!!!!!!!!!! to Laura Dissen, it is a wonderful gift and I can't tell just how good it felt to be thought of. <3

-Maggie

P.S. update on sad frog and elusive cross stitch pattern coming soon.

Cozy Apples and Sad Frog update

2011-11-09T19:04:00.000-08:00

These are the first two apple cozies I made.

I made the buttons out of shrink plastic. Next on the list are a jack 'o' lantern, an octopus and a monkey.

A few steps from Sad Frog's journey to awesome.

A secret pouch

All closed up

A new tummy.

And a quick look at some other stuff I finished recently.

Stay tuned, coming up next my newest fox pattern and a cross stitch freebie. (Plus maybe more progress on sad frog

Finding time

2011-11-02T11:29:00.000-07:00

I started a new job a month ago and I love it I really do, but it makes finding time for my shop really hard. So I've been struggling to keep up and not fall behind. I manage just barely and I stress a lot, but what's life without a little stress right? I've managed to complete a few things (some still need finishing touches so I'll so those off later when they are 100% finished.) One of the things I finished I am super proud of. It was a request I came across on a forum I take part in. The requester wanted a giraffe hat, like this one

I offered up services thinking I could make my giraffe into a hat. I wasn't sure I would like the outcome but I really wanted to try. Well it's finished and I LOVE IT!! here's my son modeling it.

(the fabric sticking out is a hankie so he can keep his head cooties to himself -not that he has bugs or anything)
It is so cute! and I can't wait to make some more (my son was a bit sad that he couldn't keep this one).

Also this week we went out thrift shopping for little man's Halloween out fit (last minute on Monday morning). While were out one of the thrift shops had a little sign that said "all toys free" as you can imagine there wasn't much left at that point but I managed to find a few goodies. I collect all sorts of toys/pieces, I like little things always have. One day I plan on taking a series of Ispy photos with all if or maybe get adventurous and try something along the lines of My Milk Toof (seriously awesome blog). But in the midst of all the bits and bobs was this sad looking little frog.

I'm going to give him a makeover and see if he doesn't perk up. Keep your eyes out, my next post will have a frog update and some cozies of a variety.

Requests!

2011-10-10T19:53:00.000-07:00

So I want to do more free patterns or How To's on my blog but with me working a new job (SPCA, yay kittties!) And trying to keep of with my shop my creativity is coming in fits and starts. So if there is anything you'd like to see me do/try just leave a comment and I'll add it to my huge to-do list.

A few selections hovering near the top, A giraffe hat, A zelda key, some apple cozies and more Cupcake playsets like this one (but different)

(okay and at least one just like this)

I like big long to-do lists so feel free to add as many ideas as you want to.

-Maggie

Bookmarks! and a free X stitch pattern

2011-09-21T20:18:00.000-07:00

So I've been super busy lately, making new stuff and working on project outside the norm for me (I'll show you when it's done) And I got a part time job at the SPCA in my town, which is at least eight different kinds of awesome. I mean who wouldn't enjoying working somewhere were the there are free range kitties (allergics aside that is).

Here's a look at some of the stuff I've been working on

Embroidered Narwhal (I always want to add an e to that)

Sleepy Bear Face

And Skeleton Key (it's a skull face :)

Oh and just cause I love you all to pieces there's this

http://www.mediafire.com/?c3b4c4ck144atzp

I made new things!

2011-08-29T19:09:00.000-07:00

I told you I'd show when the were ready (and for once I actually did something in a timely manner). So here is what I've been working on lately. They are clay critters that will have a magnet or crocheted pin back added to it at the buyers request.

New stuff and I'm not dead

2011-08-28T22:13:00.001-07:00

Wow, I have to get into the habit of blogging more regularly. I keep thinking about it and planning stuff to post, and even getting pictures for some of the stuff I plan. Then life happens all at once and I forget what I was doing. It's not a fact about me that I enjoy but, I often remind myself of Professor Philip Brainard. I even lose my pencil/hook/needle about twenty times a day (often in my hair).

So until I can figured out how to manage/remember things better I will not be promising any anythings for future posts. They will just have to be a surprise from now on. I have some new stuff in the works that I am very excited about but you can't see until it's all the done. Which will be tomorrow, so join me then and have a look at some of what's been keeping me occupied.

Oh and my baby girl starts second grade tomorrow. I'm so excited and so is she.

Every day I'm shuffling

2011-07-23T22:55:00.000-07:00

So I have been super amazing busy these past few weeks (I may need a bionic arm soon). But I have new patterns in my shop to show for it. Here are a few of my favorites.

And if I didn't have enough reason to love regretsy, it has brought this gem into my life

How can you not be happier after watching that? (If you want your own Dancing Dror video go here)

Oh and I almost forgot the offical list of accepted pattern names;

1. Luna > Dragon Pattern

2. Lucy Longneck > Giraffe pattern

3. Fluttering Butterfly > Butterfly pattern

4. Dangling Dragonfly > Dragonfly pattern

5. Schnitzel > Dachshund pattern

6. Fuzz > Dust Bunny pattern

7. Basil T. Koala > Koala pattern

8. Lovely Ladybug > Ladybug Pattern

9. Sunny Lion > Lion pattern

10. Marcel > Monkey pattern

11. Olive Octopi > Octopus pattern

12. Ollie Owl > Owl pattern

13. Bella La Batty > Bat pattern

14. Cali Mari > Squid pattern

15. Sy Clops > cyclops pattern

16. Beakman > Toucan pattern

17. Tubs > Whale Pattern

18. Snow F. Lake > Yeti

Thank you all for your help I'd be stuck without you guys.

Oh Captain, my Captain!

2011-07-11T16:50:00.000-07:00

A few months back I joined at team on Etsy. I'd never even heard of them until reading about it on Regretsy.com
That team was April's Army. Since then I witnessed, been part of, and recipient of so much generosity. Without the friendship and help I've received in recent months I wouldn't have the strength to keep fighting to get to a better place.

And now our hardworking and wonderfully supportive captain had found herself needing some help of her own.
So check out her shop, grab some great soap if you can. If you like me aren't in a place where you can shop now than share the link. Spread the word on Facebook, or Twitter, stumbleupon, google +, reddit, digg...I think you get the point. Help a wonderful lady anyway you can. I know that for a lot of we're one financial emergency away from doom, so lets rally around Mary and giver her what ever we can to help.

Here's a sampling of her awesome soaps.

Help me name my critters for the book

2011-06-28T14:40:00.000-07:00

As you know I am lucky enough to have a pattern book coming out soon. But I need a little help naming the creatures made with the patterns. So I thought who better to ask than my readers? Below you'll find a picture of each creature, feel free to leave a name for as many or little as you like in the comment section.

1. Baby Dragon

2. Giraffe

3. Butterfly

4. Dragonfly

5. Dachshund

6. Dust Bunny

7. Koala

8. Ladybug

9. Little Lion

10. Monkey

11. Octopus

12. Sleepy Owl

13. Bat

14. Squid

15. Cyclops

This one already has a naame, Sy Clops, but other suggestions would be welcomed

16. Toucan

17. Whale

18. Yeti

Where has the time gone?

2011-06-24T14:32:00.000-07:00

Good lord I have no idea how I managed to go almost two months without posting. We've been trying to rearrange our house (and our lives) for the past few months. My poor blog has gotten lost in the shuffle.

The good new is my oldest munchkin will be home today, so you can expect lots of kid crafts coming up.
I'm going to reshoot the star wand tutorial and show you lovlies how to make a cape out of a pillow case. Plus we're planing a Dr. Suess tea party for the munchkins soon (for very little cash).

Until then I will leave you with some stuff I have been working on.

Make your princess a glittering star wand

2011-04-29T22:06:00.000-07:00

Welcome all! Last week was my son's 4th birthday and in lieu of a party (which never go well for me) we planned a birthday adventure for him and his older sister. They got to dress up in royal attire and among other things, slay a dragon, capture snakes and defeat a forest of spiders.
(plus a photo scavenger hunt)

For my daughter we made a tutu and crown and to complete the outfit I made her a glittering star wand.

Supplies;

glitter

Mod Podge

scissors

1/4 dowel cut to length (or a knitting needle like I used)

hot glue

some tulle, ribbon, or yarn to wrap around the wand

Here's how:

First I searched all over to find a good 3D star template and found it here

Then I used GIMP to shrink it so that I could get two of them onto one page.

I cut them out and folded them to make the shape

Then I glued them together. I used Mod Podge but I would recommend hot glue cause it slipped around when I set it down to dry. Also cut a notch big enough for your wand (I used a knitting needle, though I bought a dowel that never got cut for it)

Apply Mod Podge to the star, be generous with the glue or you'll have empty spots.

The party was is in pink and blue (they boy's favorite colors) so I alternated the colors.

Put hot glue on the tip of the dowel (or knitting needle), you can paint the dowel first, and push into the tip of star through the notch you cut.

Make sure you add enough hot glue so this doesn't happen.

Dress up the wand with ribbon or tulle and present it to your happy princess.

Next I'll show you how I made Little Man super easy pillow case cape (which he still wears)

Good stuff is on it's way

2011-04-24T22:39:00.000-07:00

I have had probably the busiest month of my life but I have a more goodies to share with you soon!

Bunnies!!

2011-04-03T19:54:00.000-07:00

So my birthday is coming up in six days :) and I thought I give you guys a few presents to celebrate.

First up is the pattern for these cute little bunny appliqués.

I saw something similar; this to be exact

she found the pattern for these on a German forum, since I don't speak German I decided to make up my own version. I used scraps of yarn laying around and a G hook.

Abbreviations:

Ch - Chain

SC- Single crochet

DC- Double crochet

TRB- Treble crochet

SS- Slip stitch

Body

Foundation: Ch 3 9DC in first third Ch from hook

Row 1. *2SC in each* across

Row 2. *HDC 1 2HDC in next* across

Row 3. Ch 1 {2TRB} twice 2DC HDC Ch 12 SS in next SC Ch 12 SS in same space, turn

SC 12 in each loop SS to any loop on back side of bunny.

Finish

(The pink one I actually did left handed, it was hard but fun

and know I'm thinking about learning to crochet well with my left hand)

To make the mirror image work the pattern through Row 2.

for Row 3. Ch 12 SS in next SC Ch 12 SS in same space, turn

SC 12 in each loop SC to next HDC 2DC {2TRB} twice Ch 1 SS to body.

Finish

Tail:

JWSC to body where you'd like the tail to go; 4DC SC finish

To make the bunting I chained 12 then put chains along the back of the bunny and one between the ears.

If they aren't laying flat for you, you can give them a quick iron (if your yarn will take it)

You can also give them some eyes, I wrapped some blue yarn around a TRB post twice and tied it off in the back, you could also glue on some google eyes.

These work up really quick, I managed to make few while rocking the fussy baby and waiting for our lunch to boil.

I'm a bad girl :(

2011-03-19T11:49:00.000-07:00

I know I said there would be a paper ball tutorial this week, but the little one has be going through a growth spurt and has barely let me put her down most of the week and my original idea hasn't panned out like I wanted it too. I did start a nifty paper mache project I'll post a sneak peak of it a little bit later. I was inspired by the wonderful works of Ann Wood (and no it's not a boat...yet)
Check out her awesome teacup tutorial.

See ya later!

Artfire is Awesome

2011-03-15T14:54:00.000-07:00

Sea Legs

Curated By: sorbetjungle

ArtFire.com

Handmade Gifts

Jellyfish, Jellyfish, Jellyfish!

Curated By: CandyAppleCra...

ArtFire.com

Vintage Fashion

been a pro member for less than a week and I've already been featured twice

A little heart

2011-02-20T12:38:00.000-08:00

I've actually managed to get a few things done lately (don't worry I already called the papers....does that joke work anymore?) Anyhow, I made a great paper garland -my first- full of cherries and little atomic bursts. I enjoyed making it but I wish I had a less moody sewing machine.

Also I started listing finished items (made to order in my shop) like these:

And I finished my elephant terrarium.

Then I was commissioned to do this :

which was more entertaining than it probably should be to make.

I also want to work on some patterns for you guys for free so any suggestions would be great

I have more digital scrapping done, but I'll bombard you with that another time.

Toodles dear peoples, until next time.

My Current Project and some more baby days

2011-02-12T18:24:00.000-08:00

This is my next terrarium ***I'm giddy with how cute and tiny the elephant is***

after this I'm thinking some little prince styled planets are on menu

And Days 12-17

p.s. eating chili one handed whilst trying to nurse a semi sleepy 7 week old = chili in hair

Sale over at those crafty girls

2011-02-10T14:16:00.000-08:00

Hey there! We finally have some inventory over at Those Crafty Girls

here are a few examples:

Check out the blog to get a discount code for %15 off!

More Layouts and Lazy Days

2011-02-04T20:38:00.000-08:00

With the book done, I've got a million things I want to do. Things I've been putting off for months,

and things I'm just now thinking up.

For instance I want to start selling some finished crochet items in addition to my patterns,

and I've got the crazy idea in my head to crochet a life sized tree. (I've already started and it's going to take a lot of yarn). Here is one new thing I've been working on, it and variations of it will be in my shop soon.

And here are days 8-11 of my 365 project

Soaking up the baby love.

2011-01-26T14:14:00.000-08:00

I've spent the last month wallowing the in cuteness of our new baby.

It hasn't all been lazying about with the squishy little miss, I finished my book (minus editing)!!!

And I've dived into digital scrapbooking head first and I'm loving it!

I've been taking a picture of Willow everyday and digi-scraping them (not so daily)

I'll share them all here a few at a time until I catch up to what I've got done.

Also I've been designing digi-stamps and using them on some of the pages.

And my elephant pattern is going to my shop instead of my book, so enjoy!!

Goodbye to a great year! Here's to an even better one in 2011

2010-12-31T14:30:00.000-08:00

While there were definitely up and downs, overall 2010 was a great year. I started it with the man of my dreams and a new business venture. And while the business isn't going where we want it, it has lead to discover what it is we really want to do with out lives and careers.

By spring time my little man was turning 3 and on the same day we discovered that he would have a brother or sister by the end of the year.

Summer was great, full of day trips to the river and park and walks around the neighborhood. Plus I got to spend it with my baby girl (although if you ask her being 7 means she's not a baby).

The fall came and we learned the baby brewing in my belly was going to be a girl, my poor little man is going to grow up in the middle of an estrogen sandwich :) Soon after came our wedding, which while not exactly what I pictured, was amazing and wonderful.

And with the onset of winter we finally got to move into a house with enough room and even better, heat that wasn't provided by a space heater. Soon after that, just days ago really, our baby girl came into this world.

So life has been good to us this last year, I hope it was for you as well.

And here's to everyone having a great year in 2011!!

Oh and I almost forgot I'm planning on taking a photo and digi-scrapping them for everyday of baby Willow's first year (and also my son and oldest daughter starting on their birthdays).Above is number one and below is number two.

Great Days!

2010-12-13T23:56:00.000-08:00

So the past couple of days have been fantastic! Yesterday I logged on to Deviant Art and found the my Fluttering Butterfly had received a Daily Deviation. I was floored and so happy. Then today I go to check my Etsy shop (like I do about 100 times a day) and my Dragon pattern was right there on the front page!! I can't help but feel like things are looking up for us, nothing like a spirit boost when times are a little rough. :)

And in other news; My wonderful husband has decided he too would like to open an Etsy shop. He'll be making mancala and other wooden board games (in fact he's knee deep in sawdust right now working on them). As soon as his store is up and going I'll leave a link. They look great (and I'm not just saying that because I married him:)

Oh the last little bit of happy from my universe, I'm done with all the crocheting for my book! All I have left to do is take the photos and place them in the patterns and send the whole lot off to my publisher. (And it looks like I may have a chance to take a deep breath or two before the baby arrives).

Well thanks for listening, and have a good night!!

A New venture and a two week count down

2010-12-06T22:47:00.000-08:00

So as if I did have enough on my plate with the book, the baby, my etsy shop, and setting up my new house; I've coerced my mother and sister into starting a new shop on etsy!
We're going to be selling scrapbook goodies, some digital some not. Plenty of cut outs and embellishments with custom orders always welcome. My sister and I will be designing digital scraps and I'm thinking about trying my hand and digital papers again. My mom will be putting her cricut and massive paper stash to good use and cutting fun shapes and words and such for adding a little kick to your paper layout. And my sister's going to make some cute felt embellishments.

Here's just one of my digi stamps (it's the only one I've got a completed example for that's ready for viewing, but there are more on the way)

The frame (minus the words) is my first ready to go digi stamp.

So what's the verdict, do you like it?

We'll also be setting up a blog (where I will be posting from time to time). Both the Shop and the Blog are under the same name : Those Crafty Girls. We look forward to seeing you at our new venture!

And just two weeks till the new baby arrives!!

Starting a circle without the dreaded 'Magic Ring'

2010-11-20T23:00:00.000-08:00

I have a quickie tutorial for anyone else who hates (or doesn't get) the 'magic ring' method of starting a circle for amigurumi. This is how I do it.

Step One: Ch 2

Step Two: SC however many your pattern calls for into the first chain made (or second chain from hook as my patterns are written) I used six for this example

With one stitch finished, second started

With two finished, third started

With three finished, fourth started

With four finished, fifth started

With five finished, sixth started

All six stitches, finished with a slip stitch

Continuing to Row 1 without finishing off

Depending on how you prefer to work, you can finish the row with a slip stitch into the first SC made (which will leave a visible seam when finished. Or you can just keep going in a continous loop as most amigurumi patterns call for

And Viola! you have a base circle upon which to build your amigurumi.

You can make hacky-sacks for practice. Here's a quick pattern to try:

I used Vanna's choice yarn and an F hook

Foundation: Ch 2 SC 6 in second Ch from hook (as shown above)

Row 1. *2SC in each* across

Row 2. *SC 1 2SC in next* across

Row 3. *SC 2 2SC in next* across

Row 4. *SC 3 2SC in next* across

Row 5. *SC 4 2SC in next* across

Row 6. SC across

Row 7. *SC 4 2SCtog* across

Row 8. *SC 3 2SCtog* across

Row 9. *SC 2 2SCtog* across

Row 10. *SC 1 2SCtog* across

Row 11. *2SCtog* across

Fill loosely with rice or soy beans

Row 12. SC all together

Finish off

How to tell when you've blog surfing too much

2010-11-15T22:19:00.000-08:00

Last night and the night before I had the weirdest dreams abouts various non-existent but very pretty blogs. Must be all the surfing I've been doing lately :) Not that I should be, considering how much I have on my plate right now, but every now and then I just need a break. Especially considering that we just moved into a house that needs a lot of TLC, the baby is scheduled to arrive on the 21st of December and my book is due by February. Anyone want to trade places for a while?

Thankfully I have most of the book done, I just have to clean up a few patterns and crochet/photograph about a dozen or so plushies. A major setback to it all was Wal-Mart's inconsiderate discontinuation of Morning Glory stuffing. (I was able to find it for double the price at amazon, plus if you buy two at time it's free shipping) But all in all it's coming along nicely, though I was delusionaly thinking I could finish everything before the baby's arrival. Somehow I just don't think that's going to happen :)

On the house front I'm thrilled about our move, it's only a rental but we're hoping to someday talk our awesome landlords into selling it to us. It's the perfect size (though a second bathroom would be nice) and it's warm, unlike our last house which was so cold we had to have space heaters on directly in front of us while burrowing under blankets. The new house was treated a bit rough by the previous tenants, but the elbow grease is so worth it.

Oh and before I forget the gorgeous new (to me) blog that's got me spending most of my free time surfing it;

A Fanciful Twist
So many amazing photos and artsy projects, worth a look (or several days perusing the archives in my case)

And be sure to check out her list of favorite blogs for even more inspiring prettiness.

For now I'll be getting back to work,
pictures of my progress coming soon.

Finally married!!! Now back to the grindstone :)

2010-11-03T18:08:00.000-07:00

So this weekend went great, not 100% what I pictured and agonized over but I wouldn't trade it for the world. I spent the two days prior to the big day with most of my family getting all the hoopla and froofery in order.

The whole thing was steampunk themed (or as close as we could get on a limited budget :)

my bouquet

my belt

We had Devil's food cupcakes with the most delicious Pumpkin pie frosting, and red velvet cupcakes with cocoa frosting.

my Gramms helping making cupcakes

handmade cupcake stands made with copper plates and vintage glass

these were my favorites, sooooo tasty and pretty :)

My sister painted our lovely cake toppers.
working hard
  they turned out great.

My chitlins looked fantastic
posing with our toppers
  practicing her leaf tossing
  investigating his ring bearing contraption (it lit up so we could see the rings at night )

As did the rest of the wedding party.

We had the reception first, and the wedding followed at midnight.

our fancy bits table, since the wedding was outside at night I wanted to show off all the pretty things I made for it, like the lanterns the girls used instead of bouquets and my husbands awesome top hat

said awesome top hat, with the games we had set out for people to play

my bouquet, sadly you can't how sparkly it was :)

the lanterns/baskets/ and such with more games

  my cousin sporting an awesome chocolate mustache
  one of many jars holding said awesome mustaches
  some pretty bits

My family was amazing, without them the wedding would never have happened let alone gone so well. So thanks to them!! I love you all.

Oh and I plan on making a wedding album out of the bits of pretty that would otherwise have no other use, including parts of my outfit.

Until then back to work on the book, so nose back to the grindstone for me.

and and few more wedding shots...

Exciting Times

2010-10-18T11:53:00.000-07:00

Wanna know why my posts have been more sporadic of late than usual? It's not just the upcoming wedding and almost here baby (7 months along and it's a girl). It's also because of something I'm surprised I've been able to keep to myself (mostly) this long.

A couple of months ago, I was contacted via my Etsy shop about my interest in putting together a book of amigurumi patterns! I've kept it under my hat mostly because I didn't want to get my hopes up and announce it to everyone only to have it fall through for one reason or another. But the contracts have been signed and work has been underway for awhile now, so it's 100% official: in early 2011 I will have a book of my crochet patterns hitting book and crafts stores!! I'm so excited, though I'm under a tight deadline (hence the extra lack of posts). but I've been working hard for awhile now and thought I'd take a little break to show you some of the new patterns that will be in my book. I hope you like them.

This is only a few of the 20 something patterns that will be in the book, so you can see why I've been so busy :)

More new Patterns coming soon!! Sneak Peek

2010-09-21T18:54:00.000-07:00

I know I said I show you my new goodies, but wedding prep and other work has kept me quite occupied these last few days. What I do have for you is a peek at my two newest creations and a redo of an old pattern.
Also I snagged a cute little desk at the salvation army for a dollar and gave it a face lift, which of course meant a much needed overhaul of my craft space.

Here's my very snuggly turtle, who makes a surprisingly good pillow.

And my favorite Halloween critter yet, my baby bat :)

And the redone Jellyfish Scarf. The scarf itself hasn't changed, but it's one of the first pattern's I've ever wrote and going back to it, it was rough. It'll be given a overhaul of more than just the photos like I was planning.

My new desk before:

And after:

I'll getting some cute knobs and probably refacing the drawers, but's the perfect size and totally worth the dollar.

And the new craft space

work still to be done

the plushies I haven't managed to give away

Wedding Goodies at the Thrift Store

2010-09-17T19:35:00.000-07:00

As you may know my wedding is just around the corner, at the stroke of midnight between October 30 and 31st. Recently, thanks to the generosity of my family, I purchased some goodies for decorating the scene. :)
Take a look.

Bits that will be turned into my bouquet

An awesome reversible game-board that will be cleaned up and used as our guest book

Pretty Shiny bits that reflect candlelight quit nicely (did I mention that the ceremony will be outside?)

The checker board will be spray painted a metallic coppery color and used to displayed our mustache chocolate pops

and at last some pretty table clutter :)

We got some more pretties just yesterday, but I haven't gotten pictures yet probably tomorrow.

Enjoy and keep your eyes out for my super special project that I'll be sharing with you all soon.

Mwauh

End of summer

2010-09-06T18:51:00.000-07:00

I'm mostly happy to see the summer go, with me being pregnant it's been to hot for me go outside and enjoy it most days. With that in mind I am wholeheartedly looking forward to the cooler days of early fall :) I have lists and list of to-do projects, number one being my upcoming wedding on October 31st. After that is a host of crochet projects and new patterns for my shop (and hopefully some freebies for all of you) and even some sewing projects for the kiddies and around the house. So stayed tuned all.

And happy Labor Day Weekend!

The things I forget these days

2010-08-23T17:12:00.000-07:00

It seems the pregnancy has really taken over my befuddled brain, it's not bad enough that i was already a scatterbrain to begin with :) It seems these days all I do is forget things. Like the fact that I finished a new pattern about two weeks ago and was planning on blogging ti that very night, which I just now remembered I didn't do.
So here it is in all it's tardy glory, my newest pattern: the third installment of my Bug Eyes Bugs series the Butterfly

As always you can find the pattern for this guy and all my other critters in my Etsy shop

Win a Silhouette SD craft cutter

2010-08-04T19:23:00.000-07:00

Over at Dollar Store Crafts, a great site I only just discovered today, they are having a contest to give away one of these little bits of awesome,

And plenty of goodies to go along with it, the best part is how easy it is to enter. You get up to four chances, one is a freebie, the next you need to be a subscriber (totally worth the two minutes it takes to sign up).

The third is to tweet it or put it on your facebook, and the fourth is to blog about it (which I would have done anyway, cause it's awesome :)

And if you aren't lucky enough to win, they still offer some pretty nice savings and goodies if you buy one with their promo code.

And just in case I haven't enticed you enough to run over and enter, check out so of the amazing things you could do with the Silhouette SD craft cutter.

found on flickr

from Scrapbook Boutique

and

from Belle Papier

And a video demo I found on youtube

This is my next christmas/birthday/everyother holiday request (or I could wait a few months andsave up for it I suppose :)

So stop by Dollar Store Crafts and sign up for the giveaway and cross your fingers!

Finished at last...on to the next

2010-07-26T11:38:00.000-07:00

I am so proud of myself for finishing this project, it took a couple of weeks and plenty of distractions and interruptions, but it's finally done and hanging on my wall.

here's a side by side to compare

it's a bit small, but you get the gist.

And now for some larger closer images.

Almost done

2010-07-25T15:43:00.000-07:00

My scalded hand is almost all better and only hurts if I run it into something (which I do surprisingly a lot). But I've managed to keep on crafting through the pain, mostly because the pain is more tolerable than the boredom. So here is my project so far, it will be done by tonight - barring some sort of disaster, but I probably won't get to take decent pictures of it till tomorrow. Bear with me there are lots of pictures

Once I've the added the girl I'll fill in the bubbly spaces with more french knots and it will be completed. I'm thrilled with the result and yet a little sad because I have no idea what to do next :)

A bit of progress and a hot hand

2010-07-15T20:09:00.000-07:00

I've been making good strides with my 3d-ish embroidery project. I'm thrilled with the girl turned out I used woven picot for her hair I love the way it feels.

And then tonight whilst making taco shells for dinner I did this to myself, it hurts so very badly and worse I can't do any kind of crafting

A treasury of corn

2010-07-10T15:39:00.001-07:00

Check out this awesome summery food inspired collection on Etsy
(plus my corn pattern is there :)
http://www.etsy.com/treasury/4c38dc9a4fcf6d91c40fb3f0/sweet-summer-corn

I'm still kicking!

2010-07-09T09:00:00.000-07:00

So it's been a reeeeeaaaaaalllllly long time since my last post, my wrists and hands still hurt too much to do a lot of crocheting. But never fear, I have discovered I can do embroidery with very little pain (until the end of the day, but thank goodness for tylenol). So I've been working on that and teaching the kiddies how to embroider as well. They are having a ton of fun, I never thought they'd like it so much.

I also have an announcement my husband-to-be and I are expecting a little squirming bit of cuteness come January, though he swears it's twins at least. So for the past few months I have been dealing with crippling morning sickness and some serious baby blahs. But I promise to be on here more and I'll still have some patterns and such for you. I'm hoping I can trick my mom into making them while I tell her what to do :)

And some pictures of my current project:

I'm taking this picture I drew and turning it into a 3d-ish embroidery project

not the best picture but I almost forgot to take one at all

the bits of her body

some the path of the star, ideally you won't see any white or black under all the stitches, we'll see how that goes.

I'll be back with more later, sooner than that hopefully.

Pain and Apathy

2010-05-26T11:14:00.000-07:00

So I have been suffer from a serious case of the blahs, it seems like nothing is holding my interest. I think part of it is the pain and tingling from my hand/wrist/elbow. Crocheting isn't fun when it hurts :( I'm hoping I can find some other crafty things I can work on until my hand is better. First on the list in Ceramics, i really really want to get my hands dirty (pun intended) with the medium and my step mother is trying to help me out with that, thank goodness for family! Also I think I'll be getting back to some scrapbooking and maybe even paper cutting again.

I just really hate sitting around feeling like I'm accomplishing nothing...

Spring ATC Swap

2010-05-03T19:09:00.000-07:00

I decided to take part in Hand Embroidery Network's Springtime ATC swap. I've never done anything like this before (mostly because deadlines scare me). But here's the one I made, early and everything. I'm quite proud of myself, I didn't even use a pattern it was all free hand on the spot. You can check out some of the others over at the HEN Flickr group. When I receive the one from my swap partner I'll show it off here :)

Well damn...

2010-04-29T12:19:00.000-07:00

It seems I have lost the pattern for my Crochet Hook Holder, I've turned my house upside down and still haven't come across it. So while I continue to lifting furniture and flogging myself for not putting somewhere I could find it again, please enjoy these embroidery patterns instead.

download here

Almost May

2010-04-24T16:56:00.000-07:00

Here's a look at what I've been up to this month and a sneak peak at your free pattern coming soon

I found these great swatches (looks like they used to be in a book) at the local Salvation Army around the same time I saw the square-a-day samplers floating about in cyber space. So I decided to combine the two minus the one square per day rule, mostly because I'm a bit compulsive at times :)
I'm going to make a stitched 'book' of 4x4 square samplers inspired by days that make me happy. I've got four planned out and a few more in rough sketches.

Take a look...

Also I finished a few commissions this month (made harder by the odd tingling in my pinky, any ideas?)

And I managed to whip up this Crochet hook holder which will be this month's free crochet pattern. (look for it around Tuesday-Wednesday)

And some of the goodies from our one and only thrift shop outing this month. {saving money can really be the pits sometimes}

This is the tiniest crochet hook I have ever seen, smaller than the one I tried to make myself using a broken needle. I can't make wait to make something ridiculously tiny with it

This is a combo latch hook/needle punch, which was an awesome find because I've been wanting to try needle punching but wasn't really interested in spending 20 bucks on a tool that may get used a handful of times.

The creepy doll is for my sister, cause she likes that sort of thing. The other two you will {most likely} see in future posts.

Till next week

Erin

Better late than never

2010-04-01T13:32:00.000-07:00

Okay so it's been a week longer than I meant for it be before posting again, but in my defense my daughter hung around for a week and then some longer than we were planning. Lots of fun for me not so much for my ability to get anything done. But she's gone back to Arizona and our daily routines are becoming a little more routine so here we go.

First we have this cute little guy (though at just under a foot tall I'm not sure little is the right word)

The pattern will be available shortly,all the testing is done I just to to make another to take the step by step photos.

The we have my debut embroidery pattern : Poppy

She'll be in my shop by the end of the week

And here's a sneak peak at a crazy project I've decided to take on

And once I locate a very sneaky photo, I'll have a yeti to introduce you too.

oh and before I forget there will be more free projects/patterns this month and on a more regular basis

Not dead

2010-03-16T14:17:00.000-07:00

I've been gone nearly a month, but I'm not dead (though at times I felt like it). My daughter is in town for spring break so I'll be back next week with a new crochet pattern and the introduction to what will be the first ever embroidery patterns for sale in my shop.
So until then Enjoy your spring time!

Thrift Store Finds

2010-02-16T20:13:00.000-08:00

Some of my goodies from our thrift store outing this presidents day

I'm not sure why the crochet hooks have the curves but I had to get them anyway :)

Okay I know the plants aren't from any thrift store but we had to go to the co-op and I couldn't resist the bunny tails :)

and lastly, here are some of the gifts my fiancee and I exchanged for V-day

The fiddlers were from him, the smart ass embroidery was from me :) {pattern available soon}

Tertius on the left and Primus on the right {in case you haven't just recently watched the movie or read the book Stardust, that's where I got the names for all of my Crabs [the other's are Ditchwater, Thorne, and Septimus]}

Valentines free pattern

2010-02-14T21:17:00.000-08:00

As Promised here is my heart for you :) The pattern that is, enjoy

Small Heart

Hook size G with medium weight yarn will give you a heart that's three inches

Curves (top) make 2

Foundation: Ch 2 SC 6 in second chain from hook

Row 1: *2SC in each* across

Row 2. *SC 2SC in next*

Row 3-4. SC across

Finish off

Joining curves

Place both curves together as shown in photo, SC through both curves 5 times

Row 1: Without finishing, SC all round both curves for a total of 28 stitches

Row 2: *SC 5 2SCtog* across

Row 3: *SC 4 2SCtog* across

Row 4: SC across

Row 5. *SC 3 2SCtog* across

Row 6: *SC 2 2SCtog* across

Stuff very firmly, filling out the curves of the heart

SC all together

Hope you like it!

Plus you can make them into a very cute garland, to make a garland: Cut a length of yarn as long as you want the garland to be then add a third.

Ch 4 Slip stitch in first Ch made SC 10 in loop created.

Ch 8 Finish off, thread through heart.

Picking yarn back up on opposite side of heart Ch 8 finish off and repeat for as many hearts as you want to add.

TO finish garland, Ch 12 Slip stitch in fourth Ch from hook and SC 10 in loop, finish off and tuck ends and you're ready to hang your garland

Introducing Septimus

2010-02-12T18:32:00.000-08:00

Our newest Crab, he's quite a love and likes to walk in circles around your hand until you're both dizzy :)

And a real quick list of my current projects:

1. Re working all of my patterns (layouts, better photos make sure there aren't any errors, etc.)

2. I'm working up a yeti pattern

3. finishing touches on my first few embroidery patterns (three I think :)

4. packaging up my daughter's v-day care package (last minute I know, thankfully for a small fortune it can be overnighted to arrive only one day late)

5. crocheting up a little heart plushie for previously mentioned care package (pattern will be available for free here on V-day

6. dropping dead from exhaustion :)

just a quick peek

2010-02-07T20:23:00.000-08:00

Just a small peek, still really busy more coming soon!

Busy busy girl

2010-02-05T20:49:00.000-08:00

I'm working on three new patterns and my first ever series of embroidery patterns so I have just been swamped, in addition I'm reworking my old patterns to jazz them up a little and triple check for errors. I will have some sneak peaks ready for you tomorrow.

New Photos for the Deviant Art Group DAKnitters

2010-01-28T17:09:00.001-08:00

Some images from my photo shoot for the new journal over at DA Knitters, the main theme is bringing yarn to life

Craft spree at the local thrift stores

2010-01-22T19:20:00.000-08:00

We went out yesterday and spent the whole day exploring the local thrift stores for what treasures could be found and here is what I brought home with me.

{the trick here is now to figure out how to store these so I can still see them or I'll forget what I have}
{no, there is no baby on the way but I couldn't help myself, I've never seen the lorax on baby clothes before so I had to get it.}

{by the bye I spent less twenty bucks on of this}

It was such a good day and I have so many plans roiling around in my head for what to do with my new goodies. First things first though my desk space is not nearly as functional as I was hoping so I'm going to design a new one that I will (hopefully) build myself.

After that, I plan on re working my patterns into something a little more ascetically pleasing and I will be releasing some of my first ever embroidery patterns in February, so stay tuned!

My new space and some more little critters

2010-01-19T21:13:00.000-08:00

So things are settling down a bit here, and I thought I'd take a minute to show you my new (very tiny) craft space :) It's not finished yet but it's perfectly functional.I plan on making pockets for the curtain/divider and making curtains for the window. There are also a few things I need to hang on the wall, plus I really want to make myself a small braided rug for the area.

And I started some seeds that I will plant outside my window when it gets warm, along with my pretty new hummingbird feeder. :) I'm so excited for spring XD

The big one is a girl, her name is Ditchwater and the little one is Thorn. If you look closely Ditchwater has her legs on the shrimp, she won't eat it but she won't let Thorn have it so he pouts. :)

Utter Chaos

2010-01-15T16:41:00.000-08:00

I'm a little late but if you saw my house right now you'd understand. My mother-in-law-to-be moved out a month earlier than expected and left behind an entire house full of furniture for us to deal with. In some cases it worked out in our benefit (i.e. the couch) but we have so much stuff that moving anything is a huge task!

enough of my whining, here are my goodies

Oh and meet our new fishy friends, Goldie, Rainbows, and Scrambles the Deathdealer...all named by my darling son

Everyone needs a moustache

2010-01-11T21:24:00.000-08:00

A V-day gift in the works ...

and tomorrow the awesome things I got at the thrift store tonight

Lazy Saturday

2010-01-09T21:39:00.001-08:00

As promised, here are the pics of the goodies I got yesterday.

A gorgeous glass apple
a handmade (from a blank) super small crochet hook
Keep an eye out for the green felt in an upcoming tutorial :)
And a kitchen scale so I can keep track of the yarn I use in my patternsAnd a bulb planter

And some pictures from our walk today oh and I'd like to point out that those mushrooms are so incredible small! most of them no bigger than the head of a pin

Domestic Bliss

2010-01-08T19:01:00.000-08:00

Joy of Joys! in a few short days we will be inhabiting our very own (rented) three bedroom home all by ourselves :)...mostly, we'll have a roommate but that's okay because we longer have to live with parents!! SO many exciting things on the horizon, we'll be starting a cleaning company with a running start and that has prompted me be more organized in my personal life and with my Etsy Business. I've even made lists and done regular housework, I find that knowing it's mine has helped to motivate me in keeping the laundry and dishes done. :)

Well I'm off to play housewife a bit more but comeback tomorrow and I'll show you the goodies my fiance brought me home today.

Second Hand Joy

2009-12-23T19:47:00.000-08:00

I went to the local salvation army thrift store and hit the jackpot!

All these eyes for only 2.00 dollars!

And now I'm off to make some things in need of eyes

Happy Solstice!

2009-12-21T11:07:00.000-08:00

Happy winter solstice Every one (or which ever Holiday you prefer). I'm almost done with making everyone presents finally!! all I have left is my fiance, which is easy, and my mother, how could technically be done right now but I feel an odd compulsion to keep making her things. Plus I'll be sending of my daughter's Christmas goodies, it may arrive late but who doesn't like an extra day of presents? here's a few photos of some of the presents (I'll post more after the holidays so no one can peek)

The Dragon is for my uncle

the lady bugs are for my almost-mother-in-law

the moose is for my stepdad

the snail is for my Fiance and you will get a better look at him after the holidays as well

2009-12-07T20:24:00.000-08:00

Nuptials and Streaming video

2009-11-10T17:48:00.000-08:00

I know, I'm horrible at keeping up with this, hopefully things have settled to the point of getting back to my old routines. So good news, I'm getting married!! We got engaged on Halloween and are getting married on Halloween next year, we're going with the steampunk theme and trying to keep it as DIY as possible. I'll try to post stuff here as it gets done.

Until then, I'm taking a short break from crocheting. I got request both from a customer and from my daughter to make a unicorn 'no problem' I said rather cockily. That pattern kicked my ass! I fought with it for days and then some, I'm fairly certain it even gave me the flu. So I decided that when I finished the little bugger I would take a break from fiber before I started hating it. In the mean time I'm going to be working on some illustrations instead.

If you would like to see that in action you can go here I got a livestream account! you watch while I work on some of the printables I hope to be stocking in my shop soon

Here is a picture of the unicorn of doom

Enjoy! and hoefully I'll see you over at livestream

Life takes time

2009-09-13T08:13:00.000-07:00

So I haven't posted in over a month because I'm still floundering in my new role as live in girlfriend at my boyfriends mom's house. A true sign of our crap economy, I have given up my independence and in some cases my free will in order to have a roof over my head. I've never been good at doing what I'm told. But I have still been industrious (helps keep my mind off the more unpleasant things). I've made up a few halloween patterns, made a pleathora of mini mushrooms with more to come. And a few things that are not crochet as well. Here's a look at what I've gotten done so far.
Halloweenies :) both patterns are available at my etsy shop, just click the photo to go there.
These were all made with my Amanita pattern found at my shop, click the photo to go there
Magic beans I made for a friend, I plan on making enough of these to use as counters in mancala
a ladybug i made for my boyfriends mom, the pattern will be available soon
A little Halloween Ornamentation
A baby Squid, Pattern coming soon
A needle book I made for my boyfriend
The needle book i made for me :D
part of my mom's birthday present
The other part of her birthday present, he's only an inch and a quarter tall when standing.
A super tiny mushroom, I want to make a forest of these, they are cute in person!
Daddy Boo, Momma and Baby Boo are coming soon

Long time no post

2009-08-09T08:51:00.000-07:00

SO I have had a crazy hectic couple of weeks, sorry about the lack of posting. I moved my B/F down here only to find he'd rather be up north, so we packed up and moved yesterday (well everything but me til monday) I've got a new pattern up in my shop

and I'm working on halloween stuff soon, so check back in a week or two and if there isn't anything new on here I give you my permission to poke me with a big stick :)

Summer Slow Down, and Speed up

2009-07-17T08:01:00.000-07:00

With the gorgeous weather we've been having I've been spending more of my time away from the internet, I apologized for the stuttering posts. But rest assured that I am working my sunburned little bum off. I've an idea in the works for a comic book/crochet pattern crossover and some new patterns floating around waiting to get made. And then there is the print shop I plan on opening on Etsy, just as soon as i figure out the best way to do that :) Until then, here's a sneak peak at the comic crossover.

Meet Flap jack. He joined the evil army of cute creatures two years ago, but thanks to an accident it sewing phase, he's still not potty trained. Flap jack only has 6 tentacles so he's not an octopus or a squid, please don't call him one ( he has a complex). Loyal as a dog and not quite as smart, Flap Jack is always fun to have around the house, but he's ruined more than one evil plan. We leave him at home now with a baby sitter.

Play Food

2009-06-30T22:00:00.001-07:00

My newest bits and pieces

It lives!!

2009-06-25T13:11:00.000-07:00

It's been awhile, but I have been doing things...just not the things I should have been doing. :) here is Oliver the first of a new series of patterns I'm working on
And another little something I've been working on

Life is crazy

2009-06-20T09:55:00.000-07:00

Just that. Life is Crazy, things are all over the place and I couldn't be happier. It's been a while since i posted anything but I'll have something for you soon. Until I'll sending some of my happy your way.

I am such a naughty girl

2009-06-11T16:58:00.000-07:00

I have total neglected my blog and most other aspects of my life right now for days (darn those cute boys) anyway I'm here and hopefully back in the swing of things. I put a new pattern up on my etsy a few days ago> Sleepy Owl

And right now I'm working on a baby dinosaur series first up is Oliver, here's what I've got so far
He's soooooooooooo cute I'm totally in love and he doesn't even have eyes

Two Features

2009-06-06T19:55:00.000-07:00

I've been featured twice in the last few days. Once again on One Pretty thing
And then on GoLo
I'm very excited.! And Thanks!

In other news I have a sleepy owl in the works, a baby dino, robot and a baby blanket all up next on the docket...lets hope I get them done soon :)

Turnip Drawstring Pouch

2009-06-03T13:40:00.000-07:00

Here is my newest pattern ready to go, a cute and fun turnip drawstring pouch. Great for gift giving or keeping for yourself :)

Market Bag Pattern Available Now!

2009-05-30T12:07:00.000-07:00

At last after days of distraction and just plain laziness I have finished the pattern, worked out all the kinks (knock on wood) and now have a shiny new listing on at my etsy shop for these gorgeous and super fun bags.
This picture just makes me laugh, we have almost no food in the house right now, and our local market was closed so in order to illustrate it's holding capacity i used open cereal boxes and spotty bananas....needless to say I did not use this photo on my etsy listing :)

What goes around comes around

2009-05-23T14:55:00.000-07:00

One day after my first ever feature here, I myself was feature on one of my favorite blogs: One Pretty thing. I was so excited I took a screen shot (and if you look real close you can see the tab open on my browser showing me how to ) here it is.

Or if you prefer here's the link

And some bigger pictures of the bag that was featured

Oh my! a feature.

2009-05-22T10:29:00.000-07:00

I was checking my facebook, when my father insisted that the people on his friends list share links to their etsy sites and while checking everybody's links I came across this one> Damsel Fly Yarns from Astrid Bear .Her shop is full of gorgeous hand made yarns. here's a preview.
You can also stop by her blog Moominmama's Memoirs

Purple Iris Superwash Merino Sock Yarn

This one i plan on buying as soon as I have a little extra dough to spend on goodies

Tequila Sunrise (pale) Superwash Merino Sock Yarn

Plum Delicious Superwash Merino Sock Yarn

This gorgeous bit of yarn is made with SeaCell, a cellulose fiber derived from seaweed.

Poppies Seacell Superwash Merino Sock Yarn

And last but certainly not least, another one on my future purchase list

Avocado Slices Superwash Merino Sock Yarn

These were just a few of the gorgeous offferings available at Damsel Fly Yarns or if you live in the Mill Creek area of Washington you can stop by Main Street Yarns or you can stop by yarny-goodness.com

My newest goodies

2009-05-17T07:44:00.000-07:00

Okay so I didn't post yesterday, in my defense it was too hot to do much of anything by the time I could get to my computer. Now without further ado...
First we have my giraffe tassle/tieback. I was thinking about baby stuff since I'm going to be an aunty in december. This is the first thing I made, and now it holds my curtains open cause its stinkin cute!

Then I made a purse, mostly at my daughter's insistence...Which come to think of it, is probably why it turned out so small. Still it's very cute and will hold the essentials, phone, id, keys, money. (by the way that's my 5 year old demonstrating the size)
And then because my son fell asleep on me and I couldn't get to any other yarn, I made this cute little guy. I Call him a truffle bunny, and I'm going to make a bunch more (someday) This one is a Strawberry Truffle.
So That's what I've been doing with myself lately, right now I'm working on two different market bags. I'll post when they more resemble bags than piles of yarn :)

oops

2009-05-15T23:16:00.000-07:00

Ten days without a post. oh I suck! I've got a couple new projects finished, I'll put the pictures up tomorrow and a few more in the works.
See ya soon

New Projects

2009-05-05T18:54:00.000-07:00

I'm working on some new projects right now. One is for my mom for mother's day it was inspired by this. But I'm designing all the papers myself. Here's some that I've got finished.

And this is the prototype I made with card stock

Also I'll be designing more papers and some kid printables to sell in my etsy shop.

Good stuff on the way

2009-04-30T12:26:00.000-07:00

So I got a new computer for my birthday, it awesome aside from the fact that it has no word processing program whatsoever. Which means I'll be taking a break from crochet for a few days...mostly. In the mean time, I'll be working on a gift for mother's day. I'm making her a lantern album inspired by the one seen here. For mine, I'm going to design the papers and many of the embellishments my self. I've titled it Keys to my heart and I'm going to make a mini crocheted key and the top will have a key hole in it. Plus it will open to have five mini albums inside. One for me, my sister, each of my kids and my sister's baby due in December.

For more newness I changed up my workspace here's the before:

and the after:

That's all for now. :)

Getting Back in the Swing of things

2009-04-19T18:40:00.000-07:00

I took Easter weekend off and apparently derailed my train of thought in the process. It took me two days to get back to the things I needed to do. But get back I have, I've a pile of monkeys and monkey parts laying around.

And I've decided to commit some random acts of crafting. There's this house I walk by on occasion, completely gorgeous house, great yard, and in the windows are chickens. A large amount of folksy type chickens, so I decided I wanted to make her some very tiny crocheted chickens. This is what they'll look like >

I'll make the pattern available soon on my etsy. The monekys are available now here. Also my monsters and a few teddy bears plus a new monkey will coming along shortly. I hope anyway, I've got my son's birthday and a family get together all at once at the end of the month. So cross your fingers for me and lets hope I can get some of my huge workload finished.

Shame on me

2009-04-11T21:34:00.001-07:00

Six days without a post and I don't have much to report. My birthday was on thursday woohoo I'm twenty five. Been busy with easter and some projects that aren't crochet. I'll post the new goodies after easter is over. Till the I'm busy, busy, busy. So bye

The monsters are coming

2009-04-05T09:58:00.000-07:00

I may not have been posting, but I have been a busy girl I whipped up a quick doodle.

And now I'm working on a whole slew of monsters for your enjoyment. Here's a small preview of what's been done so far.
Sy Clops

Hug Me Hank

Dee Vil (in progress)

And I'm going to include Grumbly in this series also

And I made this for my sister this week also

Henry
Henry wants to be a bird, in the mean time he's settling for being an ornithologist. But the kids got plans and potions for turning into a bird, just you wait and see.

So you see I've been very busy and I have at least two more monsters in the works.
Stay Tuned

Not the best day ever

2009-03-31T18:53:00.000-07:00

So it's been four days without a sale and I'm feeling a little glum. On top of that my T-rex is not working itself out like I had hoped and for some reason there is no money tree in my backyard. So I'm going to back burner the Rex for the night and work on some of the other things floating about in my gray matter. Hopefully the ideas for the T-rex will congeal in there whilst waiting and I'll be able to look at it without thinking firey thoughts. :) that's it for now, oh I do have new pictures In my Etsy and on my Flickr if you want to check them out or tell strangers about me, you know whatevs. Ta ta and good night.

The Lamb is done on to the REx

2009-03-27T20:23:00.000-07:00

Can you tell I was watching Ghost Hunters? They always say on to the next...anyway now that I've cemented my place as dork the lamb pattern is officially for sale here and I'm going to start working on the T-rex I've been asked to design. I've got it fairly well sorted out in my head let's just hope it survives translation onto paper. Plus I'm working on other stuff whilst my computer continues to make my life hell.

Some pictures of the lambs I made for my mini monsters' easter baskets

A day of firsts

2009-03-24T17:30:00.001-07:00

Woot!(when did that become a word?) first there was my first artfire sale, coupled with my first pattern request, and now I've been featured in a blog, this blog to be exact :http://noricum.blogspot.com/ you should check it out, she's pretty funny.

My first Artfire Sale!!!!!

2009-03-24T12:04:00.000-07:00

Yay! I've been signed up for a couple of weeks without any sales, but today not only did I get a sale but a request to make a pattern. I'm so excited I squealed and did a happy dance.
Just to show you what Artfire is (in case you didn't know)

Visit Voodoomaggie's ArtFire Shop

It's similar to etsy, but probably a lot cheaper.
somehow I don't think it looks like it should so check the side bar it'll be over there too

Stress and Twitchy Eyes

2009-03-23T11:21:00.000-07:00

So I've been more determined than ever to make new patterns, only I was trying to rush the process and ended up disliking the poor defenseless plushes. It's not their fault and I'll find my way back to them I'm sure but for now we need a break, It's not them it's me. We can still be friends. I swear my eyes don't twitch when I look in your general direction, its just allergies. Honest. :)

Someone did offer to buy the rights to my patterns, which while flattering is not going to happen. When it comes to my creations I turn into gollum and they become my precious. Still my ego likey and it lets me know i must be doing something right. So forward march, nose to the grindstone and all that blather. Here's the newest plush I'm working on, his pattern will be available soon.

And here are the discarded plushes that make my eyes twitch with unhappiness.

And for my next trick ladies and gentlemen, I shall pull a rabbit out of a hat...wait wrong line. I'm going to attempt to make a time lapse movie of a mini crocheted bear being made. We'll cross our fingers and toesies just in case :)

just because

2009-03-20T21:13:00.001-07:00

One of my drawings, just because

A bad case of the blahs

2009-03-20T12:20:00.000-07:00

So I haven't posted in few days, mostly because I've been feeling blah about everything. My sales have tapered off (that's what I get for not putting any new patterns in my shop) and I was having a hard time thinking of anything to do. But I woke up today feeling better, my plants are sprouting ,it's sunny and warm and I have ideas vying for space in my brain. So all is right in my world once again and I have a list of projects I want to do.
In no particular order, here they are :

Big bad wolf/ three little pigs mini

Bunny in a carrot kayak mini

Interchangeable bean bag babies

felted notebook covers

lambs (for easteriness)

various felted pouches

and at some point I plan on working on a contest entry for The Artisan Crafts Club on DA'
flower contest

Oh and I did finish my commission of fruits and veggies

And this is what I worked on yesterday, I'll probably write up the pattern soon...and give another leg :)

Bunnies on the brain

2009-03-16T22:06:00.000-07:00

I don't know if it's because Easter is fast approaching or just because I'm nuts but lately all the projects I want to do are of bunnies, I've been drawing them and searching for them on Deviant Art like crazy. But the upshot is I have plans in the works for dress up dolly bunnies with different clothes and accessories so my kids will be thrilled. My bunny girl of previous post is a bit of a wash, she's all finished but for some reason I hate her so I'm posting her picture. I'm also thinking of dipping her in gravy and feeding her to the neighborhood dogs :)

And an update on my veggie comish, I've got at least one of everything I've been asked for now I just have to finish the multiples.

When I'm done with them I've got some artsy minis in the works as well

Almost Famous

2009-03-14T22:13:00.000-07:00

Out of curiosity or maybe just boredom I googled my name. not my actual name but my screen name voodoomaggie and imagine my surprise when I found that there were 425,000 results. Now they weren't all for me. But the majority of them were, I found all the sites I regulary update (etsy, Deviant Art, myspace,etc.) But what was more pleasantly surprising was to find my works on social bookmarking site like weheartit.com ans something called wists where people can make an internet wide wishlist. I'm so excited that my efforts are starting to pay off.

In other news I'm busily crocheting some fruits and veggies for my commission from the vp of Gorbella's I've got the pears done and 1 of the corns, and my daughter has demanded a pink pear. :)

Busy Little Bee...bzz

2009-03-13T19:26:00.000-07:00

So it seems I'm never going to have to be the lazy bum I'm used to being. I've got two projects half made, a million filling up my notebooks, And another in the wings that came through thanks to Gorbellas I've been commissioned to make a bunch of fruits and veggies for a play kitchen, and for a raffle where the people in attendance will be given my business cards (guess I should hurry up and make some huh?) In addition to the raffle she also heads up a couple of mom based clubs who she'll be giving my info to. Hurah for free advertising and I guess charity really does pay off. Here's my works in progress>
Yes that's right ladies and gentlemen it amputee bunny and decapitated bee. Aren't they sweet?

oh and before i forget, I've a new deal going in my etsy shop. If you suggest a pattern and I make it you get 50% off the purchase price of said pattern. Woot!

To err is human...Can I be something else?

2009-03-12T23:57:00.000-07:00

I know mistakes happen but i don't have to like it. I've had two patterns now with problems, very small ones but still I'm charging people for them they should damn well be perfect. I feel like a giant boob when I have to email twenty people to say oops i made a boo boo. but alas it happens, and I did fix it so that should count for something right? right?

okay on to something more pleasant, I went for a walk today, it was cold, sunny, and perfect. I snapped some pictures and here are some of the good ones.

And here is my progress on my bunny girl, it's taking longer than usual but stuff keeps getting in the way

Easter Goodies

2009-03-11T10:34:00.000-07:00

So In case you haven't noticed...which being that no one is out there, you haven't. I'm no good at keeping up on these things, I've never felt I had much to say that was actually interesting. But in the interest of leading myself to success I'm going to give it a whirl.
Easter is coming up and I'm working some new Plushies, maybe even a bag or two. I have yet to reach a consistent goal of making $17 a day on my etsy site, soI'm going to work my fingers to the bone to come with patterns to sell. The first of these is a girl dressed as a bunny so far she's adorable but she's just a head so we'll have to see how that evolves. Next up in no particular order is a chick and a lamb and a carrot bag. SO wish me luck and stop being non-existent. :)

Monkeys for charity

2009-01-22T18:17:00.000-08:00

So I've been comissioned by Gorbella's to crochet ten of my Sweet Monkeys for a fundraiser. Yay! I'm so excited I busy working on them right now (between tpying). It's an excellent orginization and I think every town should something like it, so give them a hand : either make a donation or get them something from their wishlist. Or start a group like it in your area.

The pattern for these cuties can be found here : Voodoo Maggie's Etsy Shop