Autumn, My Newest Bear

Well, I've finally done it! I really finished Autumn. I was getting a little frustrated with myself, thinking I would not be able to finish this bear in time. I kept on pushing myself and pushing is what did it!

Autumn was made to raise funds for a little girl named Layla Grace. You can read her story here. Layla's story broke my heart. I can't even begin to imagine what Layla and her family are going through. Having a little girl who is the same age, I felt being pulled to help this family out. I decided making a bear would be the best thing.

Autumn is now listed on eBay. All the proceeds made from this auction will go to help Layla's family with their ever growing medical expenses. If Autumn is not in your budget, please pray for little Layla Grace.

Several other designers/artists have joined together to raise money for Layla. Search "ForLayla" on eBay to view the other listings.

Headed back in time...

My friend Heather of Sugar*Hiccups and I were invited to participate in an eBay launch. The theme: Prep VS Punk. So we started discussing what we would collaborate together. This outfit seemingly took on a mind of it's own! By time we were finished, it perfectly matched the theme (we went punk). The outfit totally reminded me of something you'd see worn in 1980.

Heather crocheted a gorgeous halter and I made matching cuffs and a tutu. This surely was a fun collaboration!

The entire outfit was modeled by my beautiful daughter Harley. It was her boutique modeling debut! Harley absolutely loves the outfit and even wanted to wear it after the photo-shoot! That's always a good sign :)

Please take a moment to view our auctions...

Heather's

Mine

Thank you!!

Flowerella's Tutu Dress

I was invited to join a launch with the boutique "Lil Peas". I was so excited, this being my very first launch. I decided I would make a princess dress. It is a Halloween launch. So I sat down and began brain-storming and drew up some pictures. Out of much thought came the following work of art. This is a combined design by Lisa Naskrent and myself.

I even entered the dress in the fair and won first place!

On Sunday, I picked up the dress from the fair, got our daughter Natalie ready for pictures and then went to a gorgeous church to do the photo shoot. The church looks like a castle! How cool is that?! Natalie did so well during the photo shoot. She's always been good at posing!

The title of the launch: "Lil Peas and Guest Go Batty".

Well while at this church... we heard chirping sounds. I looked up towards the tower and saw 3 bats flying above it! PERFECT! I just wish I would've got a picture of them. But isn't it ironic. I sure thought so! Ha Ha!!

The launch is being held on eBay currently. It started August 11th. I just listed Flowerella's Tutu Dress today! So be sure to stop by the auction and have a peek. There's additional photos there!

Flowerella's Tutu Dress

Have a great day!

Companion Cube-Case

After all the planning, measuring and sewing...

it is finally done!!

I made this for my husband Russ. I wanted something special and unique to give him for his birthday. Thus the Companion Cube-Case was born! Now I've got to admit, I thought this would be SO much easier! Heck! It's just a pillowcase. But, I don't think I have measured something so many times.

I bet some of you are looking at this and wondering, why would she make a girly thing for her husband? For those of you who don't know why, read here.

I finished this last night while hubby was at work. I wanted it to be a surprise when he got home, so I slid it on his pillow and got ready for bed. Before going to bed I wanted to make sure I also included a little note (see below).

I was a little sad that I wouldn't see his expression. To be honest I even thought about setting an alarm. But, I was SUPER tired!

He came home and woke me up by kissing me and saying "Thank you!" Heh. Heh... that works :)

Now if I just had the time to make a whole bedding set!

Way to Go Alla!!

My dear friend Alla Koval of My Little City Girl is now a published designer!! I am SO excited for her, as this is her first publication and hopefully many more will follow. I had the pleasure in helping Alla with the testing of this beautiful jacket. It will be in the newest issue of Crochet! Magazine - March 2009.

We began discussing and working on this pattern back in April of last year. I am really happy to see that it has made its way into publication.

Congratulations Alla!!
I am extremely happy for you!

Annie's Attic

Oh my gosh! Look what I just found on Annie's Attic!! That's right... it is our little Oakley! Is this cool or what?

Yes sweetie, you're our little ray of sunshine :)

If you visit the page, be sure to click on "See More Photos" and you'll see the other picture I took of her.

I tested this dress and hat for Lisa of Crochet Garden. It is still my favorite dress yet! Of course Lisa is a fantastic designer! I love all of her cute designs!

Adventures in Coffee Dying

So I decide yesterday that I wanted a darker yarn for a bear I am making. I decided that coffee was my best bet. Ok... I've never done this before, so I am hoping that the coffee will remain stained on the yarn.

Last night I brewed a VERY strong 8 cup pot of coffee, Caramel Delight to be exact. Even though it was strong, it smelled really good! While it brewed I began pulling my yarn from the center, letting it fall into a large pot. I filled the entire pot, pushing it down slightly to get just a bit more. I am hoping it was enough, so I have enough yarn for my bear!

After the coffee was brewed, I poured it over my yarn and made sure it was covering every bit of yarn possible. Oh! I forgot to mention... I did wrap the end around the pot handle.

I covered the pot loosely.The yarn and coffee sat overnight. This morning I went and looked at it, gave it a tilt back and forth to cover more here and there. Then I went to work.

When I came home, I began to pull the yarn from the pan. Well after trying to do it on my own, I decided I needed my son's help.

I passed over the yarn to him and he held it while I wrapped. WHAT A MESS!! There was coffee everywhere! All over the stove, the floor and our clothes! At least we learn something everyday, right? I will be more prepared next time (if I do it a next time).

Well here is the result of my coffee dying adventure:


The picture is of what the original color (right) of the yarn looked like and the result from the coffee. I really love the new color and I hope it doesn't fade!

The yarn used for this adventure: Patons Lacette - Cream Caress