Tulip

I've made another mini-monster, but she's not for sale! Thought I would post a picture of her anyway. I made Tulip for my sister-in-law for her birthday. She likes shopping and hanging out with her friends--Tulip that is. :) I also got some tags for my items (as seen in the pictures). I handwrote the tag and used my stamp that MidTownTees made for me. I think it all turned out pretty good.

(You know it's bad when you have to copy parts of the carpet in the pic to cover over the stains and dirt on your carpet!! Sigh.)

Woohoo! and Yikes!

We are expecting! :)
Due date should be December 3rd. We'll see what the Dr. says when we go.
Very excited and a little bit freaking out at the same time. B will be about 18 months+ when new baby comes.

Made an Etsy Treasury

Just created my first treasury on Etsy. I'm so excited! I only waited like ALL morning to make it. Haha.

Check it out:
Metal vs. Wood

Craft fair excitement

Oh me oh my! I just found out I might be taking my stuff to a craft fair mid-April. The deadline to register is 3/29. Gotta move it!

I have to fill a 10'x10' space. I need to make more stuff!!

I'm going to try to finish my jean rag quilt, my crocheted baby blanket, some more coasters. Any other ideas for what to make? I welcome any suggestions in the crocheted or sewn home decor or baby items categories.

We are low on $$ so I've got to make everything from what I have on hand. Lucky for me I've got scraps out the wahzoo!

In particular, I have some awesome 100% soy silk yarn from my sister. I only have 1 ball, so I'll take your super snazzy suggestions for a project out of one ball (100 grams, 175 yds).

Baby Blanket or Throw?

Just started my next project even though I have a host of other started projects! I'm working on what was to be a baby blanket. As I was working, I draped the work over my lap and realized that it was so wide! So this could be a throw we are working on, we'll see. Here's a pic of the started project:

Found Treasure

I went to a "Blessingway" last night for two women from our church who are about to have babies. A "Blessingway" is a rite of passage ceremony for various stages in a woman's life (like womanhood, marriage, children) that originated with the Native Americans. We shared our experiences, advice, and encouragement for these women and had a great time doing it.

Anyway, we were supposed to find beads that represented the women so they could make bracelets. While hunting through my house for some beads, I came across some great treasures!

I found 4 original works of art I painted. I am no painter, but I think I'll list them anyway. I also found a whole box full of stuff I have knitted or crocheted that I completely forgot about! Who knew?

Little Dumpling and Block Party make their debut

I've launched my new mini-monster line. I'm waiting for some comments to see what people think. You can find them on my etsy site as the most recently listed items.

I've started a third "monster" too. It was supposed to be about the same shape as Little Dumpling, just with a bigger bottom. But it turned out wonky. So I think it's going to become a swaddled baby or a duck (like a rubber duckie). We shall see!

Little Dumpling

Little Dumpling is headed for Etsy. She can't wait! She would like your opinions on how she looks before she goes.

Color Coasters

New home decor item up.

Set of 4 patchwork quilted coasters. I have three sets each with a different backing fabric: swirly red, blue trees, or green foliage.
I love the bold colors on these.

I'm debating what to do with the rest of the fabric left over. There isn't much, but I can either make another set or make a bag to hold each of these sets. What do you think?

Stuck in a rut?

I feel a little discouraged just recently. After posting on the Etsy forum in the thread "have you seen this shop? would you come back?" I had 3 different people tell me they wouldn't be back because they didn't have babies to buy for. Very frustrating as I have more items than just baby items. Of course, it's only like 1/6 of my listings.
So my questions are, how do I emphasize that I offer more than just baby stuff? should I focus on putting some more of my home decor/gift bag items up? or should I just face it that my niche is baby stuff and go with it?

Good Bunny Bad Bunny

Here is a good example of a good bunny gone BAD...way bad.
Sophia bunny is a pink sweetheart currently for sale on Etsy. She's cuddly, soft, proportionate, and a cheery color!
Her big brother Gordon, on the other hand, is dark, scary, and deformed!

Not sure what to do with scary bunny, will add him to the "oops" drawer.
Keep and eye out for "Frankie" the yellow bunny soon!

Newest Crochet Bib

Here is my newest creation for Etsy. This bib is 100% my own pattern and I'm very proud of it. It took quite a bit more time than my other crocheted bibs because the yarn I used was a lot finer, so it took more stitches. Plus, it's bigger.

I'm really proud of the edging I made. I was looking up edgings to do and started one, but I didn't like it. So I decided to do my own type of edge.

The idea for it was born out of a mistake! (Aren't all great discoveries that way?). I didn't want to bulk up the neckline of the bib, so when I crocheted around with the green, I just slip-stitched. What I didn't realize was that when I went to put the white around, the slip stitches caused a ridge of green to appear on the back of the bib and that made the white stitches stick straight up. I wish I had taken a picture. It looked horrible. So, this edge was created by double crocheting with tan in the back ridge area behind the white single crochet and then single crocheting in the white single crochet. You do this all with the wrong side of the work facing you. I think I will write up a pattern for it in pattern format and maybe sell it. :) You all get a free bonus for reading my blog!

Projects Galore

I have so many projects started and ideas for projects to start it is ridiculous. I tallied it up and I have 18 projects for Etsy and 9 personal projects started!

The next project I'm working on finishing is a Jean Rag Quilt made from old jeans. I found some navy blue fabric at the thrift store that I'm going to use for the back. I'm excited to see how this turns out and I'm hoping it will sell!

I'm also working on some Easter themed loveys for babies. I got a great pattern off the Lion Brand Yarn website: Eco Bunny Blanket. But, I'm just using some Bernat Softee Baby I had in pink. I started making the bunny with a different yarn, and boy if it isn't the bunny from hell...I'll post pictures when I can.

B Cheers for Mommy and the Bear Blankie

Bear Blankie

Bib Misfortune

We took some pictures outside of my son Benjamin wearing a new bib I made, which you can see here. I had taken some other bibs out there with me to maybe get some better pictures. Much to my dismay, they are HUGE! I guess I made toddler bibs, haha. The problem I have is that I've listed them with burp cloths and that really won't do. So, I need to update the listings to say that they are toddler bibs and separate the burp cloths into separate auctions.
This morning, I was looking for the bibs we had taken outside and I couldn't find them anywhere. I was freaking out running frantic through the house. (Okay, it wasn't that bad.) I finally found them...in my new workspace where they belong! Go figure.

New Work Space

My dear hubby set up a space for me in the garage to do my work. That will keep me from being bent over the sewing machine on the coffee table!

Here are some pictures of before moving all my stuff down and after I put all my junk down there. I still have lots of work to do organizing. Is it all going to fit?!

I had no idea I had so many supplies and projects. I think I've overextended myself on projects, but I am constantly coming up with new ideas for what I want to do.

Got any handy organizing tips?

Launching My Etsy Store

Welcome to my blog for my new Etsy store Lou's Handiwork: Crochet:Baby:Home

I am a stay at home mom with one sweet baby boy. I make all of the items that I have for sale myself. I can sew, crochet, and knit and I truly love making every item for my store.

Please browse my store and see what I have to offer. I am open to comments and suggestions! Feel free to request custom items to, I will do my best to make what you need.

Check back on my blog for updates on me and the ideas I have for my store.

Thanks!
-Lou