Gooey Knits

My first craft show and some FOs

2011-09-30T11:48:00.000-04:00

I did my very first craft show last week and man was it fun! Here are some pictures of my booth. :)

I've also finished a few thing since I posted last...Wow that ton of stuff! You can find all the pattern info for everything but the owl on my Ravelry pattern page.

FOs and WIPs

2011-08-16T12:17:00.000-04:00

These things took me a year to finish! I didn't move and have to redo one but still. I started them last Aug with the goal to give them to a friend as a birthday gift in Nov. That didn't really work out. She did just get them last week and loves them so I guess we are all good :) The pattern I used is Owlmittens by SpillyJane. The yarn is Knit Picks Stroll Solids and I used about 1/2 a ball of each.

I getting back into knitting more socks. These are Monkeys in Socks that Rock.
This is a Mystery Sock by Jen Hansen in Flawful Fiber and Yarn Smitten Collection sock yarn. I'm up to the heel now, but no new picture...
I've been busy make more jewelry for a local shop (Tallulah's Folly in Old Town) that carries my goodies (jewelry and critters) This is my 3rd month with them and am doing REALLY well! I'm in 3 shops with my jewelry and 4 with my critters and I'd like to find one more to carry at least my jewelry. I'm also working on a critter order for the Goods in Detroit. I'll make sure to post a picture when I'm done.

Alva, Popfish, BabyLand, and other ebay cloth diaper review

2011-07-28T11:53:00.001-04:00

I've had a chance to try a few more diapers. All these I bought from ebay for less the $6 each shipped. The green ones left to right Alva, Popfish, and Sunnycutebaba

From Left to right b'bies, Grape-Apple, and Babyland.

All these diapers worked for us. I've used all but the babyland and sunnycutebaba at night. The babyland and the sunnycutebaba run very small and we have pulled them from the stash. I think they would work really well on a smaller baby but not on our toddler. They did leak but only because they were to small for Lily. Out off all of these diapers I have to say I love the Alva and the Popfish the most. They are almost the same diaper. The only differences I've found so far are the liner fabric is different and Alva have to hip snaps. Alva also come in more prints but the Popfish cost less even though they do not come with inserts. (you can buy them from the same seller) Both have the double pocket elastic. (love this) I own 3 Alvas and 6 Popfish and have/will order more. I will say that the Popfish seller ships much quicker and I get my diapers much faster. The Grape-Apple diaper and the b'bies (I have one of each) work well also and are active in our rotation. I think they they are a bit trimmer then the Alvas/Popfish. The Grap-apples, like the Alvas come in lots of great prints. I just think I like the wing shape better on the Alvas and the Popfish but would order and use both the Grape-Apple and b'bies again. All the diapers seem to be holding up well. I cold wash, hot wash, warm wash no soap, cold rinse and then air dry the shells. I will keep using them and let you know of any problems.

Baby Gift and Diaper Craft

2011-07-02T11:27:00.002-04:00

I love making baby gifts! The cupcake (I'm calling it a muffin) is from Amigurumi World: Seriously Cute Crochet my go to book for cuteness. The socks are knit using scrap sock yarn and my made up baby sock pattern. For the blanket I just used a ripple stitch and some super soft acrylic.
Woohoo I made a diaper! And it was super super super easy. I used RRP (Rita's Rump Pocket). I love the pattern the diaper fits great on Lily and I will be making more. I also think it would be perfect for a newborn and if and when I have another I will be making a ton of these... I will make a few more anyway. When I made this one I sewed in a prefold, I won't do that again, it's just too thick all around and it took forever to dry. Next time I will make it as a pocket and use turn my prefolds into inserts. (I don't like prefolds but we will talk about that in my next post.)
This was a super fast soaker to knit and seems to fits well. I used Frantic Mama Knitted Soaker Pattern and made a size large. It took a full ball of Kureyon and almost a full ball WOTA. I plan on knitting a few more soakers, I don't know how much we will used them because they don't fit under clothing well. I think I will try to put a skirt on one next and I want to try a wrap pattern I found. If I had a smaller baby I'd be all over soakers and longies! Well I think that's all I've got for now:)

Next time we will talk about the fight I got in with a snappi and my deep seeded hatred for prefolds (yes I'm a drama queen, and no I really don't hate them...that much) and I'll talk about the the ebay diapers I got yesterday!

oh free worldwide shipping here and here all weekend long when you use the coupon code freeship

Cloth Diapers

2011-06-29T11:53:00.004-04:00

So after about 31mo I've decided to switch Lily to cloth diapers. I'm still not completely clear why I made this switch so close to potty training. I had thought about cloth diapering her before she was born but thougth it looked really expensive and I had no clue where to start then we had the hip thing so I pretty much forget about it. I started thinking about it again last week when after our car broke down I had to walk to the store to get diapers. They didn't have the brand we used so I was stuck with another...ones that didn't work well on her and gave her a rash. Well I knew that we'd be out the car for awhile and I was going to be stuck with these crappy over priced diapers jand I had a Target Gift card burning a hole in my pocket (and no way to get to Target) so I ordered 4 diapers. Don't tell my MIL it was my b-day present and I always end up using them on the girls. Before I ordered I spent some time taking to a friend and researching online. I ended up picking out a 2 pack of Bumgenius 4.0 and 2 Trend Lab diapers. The Bumgenius are pocket diapers. That means that there is a "pocket" in the back of the diaper and you stuff it with inserts. I think that the Trend Lab is an AI2 (all in two). (Thank you L :) ) I'm not completely sure what that means all I know is that the Trend Lab has a snap insert with elastic on the sides, so it kinda cups to help hold messes. The inserts come in girl, boy, and gender nutural. I have a green and a pink diaper so a girl and a GN insert. The gril insert has more padding in the middle and the GN has all over padding. After prepping the diaper I've used them mixed in with disposable for about a week so far. I really like both diapers but I like the Trend lab more. They seem to fit Lily better and I like that I can wrap a flannel wipe around the liner so for easy poop clean up and if she doen't get the cover wet or dirty I can just switch out the liner. I like how the outer fabric is stretchy all over. The bumGenius was great for at night (I haven't tried the Trend Lab at night yet) and I like how well made they are and how you can add more inserts to get more protection. I also like the stretchy tabs. I think these will be my go to long outing and night time diapers. Both wash up nice but the Trend Lab inserts take longer to dry then the BG ones. Oh and I've read that microfiber is bad to have against the skin, but don't find it a problem yet, I'll let you know if that changes but don't see it being a problem for us. I did end up ordering a couple more Trend Labs (I really like that price) and another 2 pack of inserts and plan on getting at least 1 or 2 more bumGeniuses. I picked up a dozen unbleached Indian prefolds that I am prepping now. And I also ordered a couple of covers, one from Etsy and another big name. I'll let you know what I think of them after I get them. Oh and because I couldn't help myself and they were soooo cheap. .. I ordered some random pocket diapers from china on Ebay. I'll let you know what I think of those when I get them. I'm new to all this and still don't get the lingo but I do think that I'm hooked. I know that even this late in the game I will still save money. (and I hope to have one more baby) I also like the crafting. I've started making my own flannel wipes and cast on for a wool soaker. I'd like to try my had at making PUL and fleece covers...I've wanted some snap pliers for a while now anyway. I'm LOVING the flannel wipes...They clean sooo much better. I'll take a picture of them all stacked pretty when I finish them. To wet them I'm just using a spray bottle with a "wipe solution" that I found online...it's just baby wash, oil, and water. I think the only draw back is washing diapers. I'm not using any special detergent just the Purex we have on hand... I may try something more diaper friendly down the line and see if it works any differently. When I washed them last night I had to do 3 or 4 extra rinses and add a splash of vinegar to get the suds out of the water. It took forever. I am air drying my covers, I want them to hold up longer and they were all nice in dry by morning. I will let you guys know how this goes and I hope to not have to buy another pack of disposable diapers or wipes again!

Edited July 28th So I've been using my diapers for just over a month now. I've tried a few more brands out, mostly ebay diapers... I find that some of those work so much better (and I like them more) then my bg and my Trend labs. The don't like the snap in inserts on the Trend Labs, they are bulky compared to my other diapers. (we still have no problem with the microfiber) I found that I'm a pocket kind of gril and I just don't like aio/ai2. The Trend Labs still work great and fit well...I just don't love them.

A Shawl and some Hexagons

2011-06-07T11:40:00.000-04:00

Here is my finished Mystery Medallion Shawl. I need to re block it. After I pulled out of it's bath it dried before I had chance to pin it. I used Laughing Rat Studio Superwash Merino Sock Yarn. I'm also working on Summer Mystery Shawlette. I'll get pictures as soon as I finish it.

I've also been working on some hexagons. I have no clue what got me started on this project but man is it fun. Oh wait I remember...Joe found me a quilting hoop thing at a garage sale for $3 and I started looking online at hand quilted quilts. I fell in love with the hexagons! And you know what? I really do like sewing all these little guys together by hand. They 3/4 hexagons :) I've been wanting to make a quilt for a couple of years now and I hope I stick with this one. oh for fabric I'm using vintage and reused linens. I'm still not sure how I'm going to sew them together...with or without color around all the flower. I'm thinking of just sewing them together. We will see :)

Giveaway is now closed

2011-05-26T09:41:00.001-04:00

Thank you everyone who entered. I will pick the winners today and get their prizes out asap. If you didn't win you can still used the coupon "SMSGiveaway" for 10% off here or here.

While I'm here I should show you a few things :)

This is a hat I knit Joe for his birthday last month.

These are goodies that I added to the girls Easter baskets.

And a pair of socks that I had on the needles FOREVER.

I'm working a couple of mystery shawl that I'll make sure to post when I'm finished....

It's Giveaway Day Again!

2011-05-22T16:02:00.002-04:00

Sew Mama Sew is hosting another Giveaway day!! Here is what you can win! Your choice of the pink knit bunny and the pink locket necklace or the blue bunny and locket. The bunnies are knit with 100% wool yarn and are about 4in tall. The locket necklace features a tiny rose cabochon and little matching bell flowers. It hangs from an 18in brass chain. The locket is raw brass and has a diameter of about 1/2in. You can find my knit critters here and my jewelry here just in case you were wondering.

All you need to do is leave a comment letting me know what set you'd like "Pink" or "Blue" and make sure I have a way to contact you. Giveaway ends 11:59pm est time May 25 2011 and I'll draw 2 names (one for each set) sometime May 26. I will ship worldwide Monday May 30.

For those who like to have extra entries "heart" me here and/or here and come back and tell me. One extra entry for each "heart". For those who want to stick around and shop use the coupon code "SMSGiveaway" at both shops for 10% off now till June 1 2011 :). Have fun and good luck!!

It's April? Already? Really?

2011-04-01T08:23:00.002-04:00

Sigh, Wow I had no clue it's been so long. I'll have super cool FO to show you in a couple days....and I've finished a ton of knitting, all for the shop....I know that gets old really quick, showing you only shop things.... I'll be back soon with crafty goodness! Happy April!!

Trinity's patched jeans

2011-02-20T09:15:00.002-05:00

Trinity's patched jeans
Originally uploaded by merlinthecat.
I patched a pair of Trinity pants last night. It's hard to find stuff that fits her right...she's really hippy. (these are Old Navy) I have another pair doesn't have holes yet but she wants me to do.

The only other things I've been crafting are the woodland critters for the shop and the ones for my friends little boy. I have been getting rid of Lily's old clothing. I figure that I'm not going to have another baby anytime soon and I might as well get rid of this stuff (I'm holding out a little longer on the bigger stuff) I don't want to test fate that much :) Anyway, I found this site, Thredup where you can trade your kids' outgrown stuff for clothes that fit. You have to pay shipping and a small fee but it is well worth it, as long as you pick the right boxes. I'm happy with what I've received so far and it's kinda fun.

We are getting another storm today...this time with ice... It was over 50 a couple days this past week...gotta love Michigan :)

Critters and Snow!

2011-02-04T09:19:00.000-05:00

Here is the last of the baby gifts....I don't need to tell you about the patterns lol! But the I did use my own hand-dyed sock yarn for the socks :)

Here are Grants replacement owls.

And I had made 3 out of the 4 of these for him for x-mas, the brown otter will be new to him. The pattern is Wee Woodland Wuzzies by Barbara Prime I love this pattern and have even made some for my shop, (don't worry it's allowed).

Here is Lily Pie playing in some of the 12in of snow we got this week :)

My friends family is doing well, it looks like the house is a going to leveled and they are pulling out and trying to save what they can. Thank you for the kind word, I have passed them on.

Fire

2011-01-30T09:18:00.000-05:00

My best friends house caught on fire this past week. They lost just about everything. Everyone made it out safe, even the kitty. They will be OK.

This is my same friend, if you remember that I knitted and crocheted all those little critters for their up coming baby over a year ago. Last time she was over she had told me how much he loved them. Now they are all gone. I've started remaking them and thankfully have all the patterns. I was very worried I'd lost them when the laptop died, but I had backed them up :) So you will be seeing a lot of woodland creatures around her for a while. I wish I could do more for them.

Be thankful for what you have and who you have around you because you never know when it will be gone.

More FOs!

2011-01-26T09:23:00.000-05:00

Up first is this Hippo that I made using the Heather Hippo pattern from this etsy shop. It was not a pattern for a beginner but I could follow along well enough. I do love how she turned out. The pink fabric is a baby cord and the plaid was from a pair of vintage pants. I also have an outfit cut in these two fabrics that I still need to make for Lily...

More owls and baby socks. The owls are again from Amigurumi World: Seriously Cute Crochet and the baby socks are my own.

This is Lily's "Baby" and she need a new dress. She is very well loved and her old dress was getting kinda worn out. Now this way she has something to were when when I have to wash her outfit. I used this pattern and Opal Uni sock yarn that I've had in my stash forever. I added just a few more rows at the bottom, some eyelets before the purl rows and instead of casting of the sleeves when separating the body I held them with waste yarn and them came back to them. I added 8 knit rows and 2x2 ribs. The owl is a patch that was once on a pair of Trinity's jeans. I really like this pattern is was super easy to make and just what I needed. "Baby" is an 11in baby doll.

I'm working on one last baby gift and some little knit bunnies for the create shop. I also have a man sock to finish (I always have man socks going) and those wristwarmers for my friend's B-day that was back in Nov. (I feel like a jerk for not finishing them yet so I'm also sewing her a super cute apron) I'm itching to cast on something new.. but I can't I have a couple shawls to finish and a pair of socks for myself that have been on the needles for 2 years now. sigh.... To make it even harder to resist Knit. Sock. Love is coming today.

I can't wait for it to get here! I also love that I used my Swagbucks gift cards and Opinion Outpost points to get it. It was almost free :)

Don't forget I'm giving away this necklace here. I would love one of my readers to win it!

I'm hosting a giveaway...

2011-01-24T13:04:00.000-05:00

Come check it out!
Monday Giveaway: Locket Necklace from Merlin the Cat

Baby Gifts

2011-01-19T17:16:00.000-05:00

My facebook friends are breeding like mad! Here are 2 of the gifts I've finished and sent.

Both owls are from Amigurumi World: Seriously Cute Crochet. It's the baby owl pattern. The socks are my own pattern and I used scrap sock yarn.

The bib and burp cloth were prizes I won last year during the Sew Mama Sew giveaway and have been waiting for the perfect baby to give them too! The owl I made matches pretty good.

I'm still working on my craft room and am hoping to have all my yarn and fiber down there with the fabric and jewelry stuff soon. I can't wait to have all my stuff in one place (and start carding again!)

Handspun!!!

2011-01-17T18:42:00.001-05:00

My wheel and I are very good friends right now! Above is Corriedale spun from roving dyed by InspiredMamaMakes

406 Yards

3.8 oz

Heavy sock-sport wt

This is in the shop.

This super fun yarn was is merino and spun from roving dyed by
FatCatKnits.

I'm keeping this one for myself so I'm not sure of the yardage but I can tell you it's sock wt.

This is also merino spun for roving dyed by TactileDactyl.

434 Yards

4 oz

Heavy sock-sport wt

This one is also in the shop here.

More merino that I will be saving for meeeeee! I think this yarn need to be a shawl I'm just not sure what one yet...Any ideas???

The roving was dyed by ColorBugYarns. I got about 800 yards out of 8oz. I started this yarn way before we moved and finished it up right after Christmas. I really love making yarn again!

I've also been working on some baby gift for high school friends, gotta love facebook...man they are breeding like crazy :) I've got 2 out of 4 done....I show you them next time!

Never spill coffee on a laptop....

2011-01-13T09:08:00.002-05:00

I won't work anymore. I'm just getting back up and running...post with pictures of cool stuff soon!!!

Happy New Year!

2011-01-03T09:04:00.000-05:00

I know it's the 3rd, but I had a busy weekend. My wheel and I got reacquainted! I've been spinning like mad. I can wait to show you my new handspun sock yarns. I'm hoping to stock more handspun in hope of saving for a new wheel. I really really want a Ashford Country Spinner, my Kromski Symphony only spins sock or lace yarn for me. I have to fight with it to get anything bulkier and I really really want to spin my own art yarns from my This and That Batts.

I've also finished a few new necklaces for the shop, worked on a pair of socks for Joe and cut fabric for an apron to sew for a friend. I need to make a date with my sewing machine. I have an outfit that I cut for Lily before we moved that I really want to finish before she grows out of it. It's really cute top and pants from a vintage pattern.

Trinity and I will be starting school again today. We took a lot of time off for the move and the holidays so we have a ton of work to do. Trinity can't wait to do math again. I hope Lily keeps napping well in the afternoons!

Well I've got a million things to do today...have a good one!

I like being a winner!

2010-12-27T19:45:00.003-05:00

I was super luck and won one of my favorite prizes that was being given away during the Sew Mama Sew Giveaway day.

I won this from Sadie. Check out her super cool etsy shop here! She carries tons of vintage patterns and craft books.

This little owl hat is for my friends little boy. The pattern is Owl Earflap Beanie and I used Vanna's Choice. It was a super easy and fun pattern and I plan on making one for my girls and my sister said she wanted one :)

For some crazy reason I have it in my head that I want to make a yo yo quilt. OK, it's not like I need another thing to work on... but did I have to use the small yo yo maker? Couldn't I have just waited till I picked up a bigger one? Nope, I could not. So in 5 years I may or may not have a yo yo quilt :)

We've been in the new house for just over a month and I think things are getting settled. The girls seem OK with sharing a room. Trinity has a space for all her big girl stuff in the basement with my studio. I'm starting to get my stuff where I want it...I think that's going to take awhile. My beads and findings got dumped during the move so they are a huge mess. As soon as the jewelry bits and bob are set up I get my fiber ready to do some carding. I had planned on doing a phat fiber box before we found out that we were moving, I even started to card a bunch of batts. That has been put on hold for now. I've been itching to spin again and even treated myself to some new roving. I hope to get the wheel out soon. Sometimes I think I have way to many hobbies. LOL~

And The Winners Are......

2010-12-18T09:45:00.001-05:00

Wow I feel loved, or really used lol! Thank you for coming and visiting my blog and showing me a ton of love! I hope some of you come back and visit again!!

Now for the Winners:

The Squirrel goes to Amanda
and
The Necklace goes to Sandandstarfish

Email have been sent!

It's Giveaway Day!

2010-12-12T21:56:00.001-05:00

I love love love love Sew Mama Sew's Giveway Day. I think this is my 3rd. I will be giving way 2 prizes this time. You will have your choice of....

My Megan Locket Necklace! Here are her details: Hanging from an 18in chain your will find a vintage raw brass locket ready for your treasures. Accenting the locket is a wire wrapped grass flower bead and a connector featuring a diving sparrow.

Or this super cute Squirrel plush...

I sewed this cutie using a Bit of Whimsy Dolls original design. He is 11in tall and made with a cotton flannel body and cotton face and tail. He does have safety eyes so he's not for little ones under 3yo. He kinda looks like a woodland zombie :)

Now for Rules:

Giveaway ends Dec 17 11:59pm est. I will pick 2 random winner and have your prizes out to you by Dec 20th, that means if your in the US you should have it by x-mas. I will ship internationally.

To enter you must leave a comment telling me what prize you'd like to win. Make sure I have a way of emailing you to let you know if you won!

For extra entries leave a separate comment for each:

Follow me on Twitter and re-tweet the giveaway (I'll follow you back)

Heart any or all of my etsy shops:

Merlin The Cat Yarns, Fibers, and Jewelry

Merlin's This and That

Merlin Love To Create

Thank you and goodluck!!!

Joe and Trinity at the Dicken's Village

2010-12-08T20:21:00.001-05:00

Joe and Trinity at the Dicken's Village
Originally uploaded by merlinthecat.

Just a quick post! I've been mad crafty getting ready for x-mas and for the sew mama sew giveaway day!

Remember sale ends Friday!

Hello

2010-12-02T21:37:00.000-05:00

How was every one's Thanksgiving? Ours was spend unpacking as we have moved the day before. Things are still crazy, I don't have my internet back (I had to buy a 3g card and it's just not the same), I have no clue where my mail is, and I'm still trying to set up my studio while knitting x-mas gifts. I'm happy to say that the shop has been doing well! My sale is still running and will till the 10th, I may do another coupon before the end...I'll make sure to post it here :) The Sew Mama Sew Giveaway day is coming up....I'm not sure what it will be this year...some locket necklace I'm sure :)

Well I'm going to get back to my knitting....I've got 10 Million woodland creatures to knit....

Take an extra 10% off already marked down prices with coupon code CYBERMONDAY

2010-11-29T11:45:00.002-05:00

Here

2010-11-23T17:42:00.001-05:00

'I HEART Black Friday' by avisiontoremember

I love shopping on black friday and cyber monday. Here are a few things that I HEART :)

The CRIMSON Heart N... jewelsbyldesig... $145.00	LOVE Candle CandleSeries $9.00	King of Hearts Jour... somavenus $28.00
Keychain with glass... 2010louisek7 $25.00	Sweet Love - Red Am... deLoop $16.00	Love Me Tender Earr... merlinthecat $10.00
My Funny Valentine ... SweetlyFallen $24.00	The Color Of Love ... ButterflyOfTel... $15.00	Hearts For You Lamp... GalaxyGlassStu... $18.00
Romantic Red Heart HideaHeart $17.95	Red and Black Heart... BijiBijoux $27.00	Trio of Hearts Soap... blushingrose $3.00
SALE Red Crystal He... MementoMoriSho... $10.00	Antique Style Cryst... DJAjewels $15.00	heart container nec... spugmeistress $12.00

Generated using Treasury HTML code generator by Whale Shark Websites.

Pre-Holiday Sale

2010-11-22T09:44:00.000-05:00

I'm having a Pre-Holiday sale, but you have to be a facebook fan or follow me on Twitter to get the coupon code :) It's good in this shop only. Everything in the shop is ready to ship so you don't have to wait forever to get your goodies.

I hope everyone has a great week! We will be looking for another house...The one we were going to move into tomorrow isn't going to work out. As a planner, this last minute stuff is really messing with me. sigh.

2010-11-19T14:32:00.001-05:00

'Snow and Ice' by merlinthecat

I'm ready for snow!

Ice Queen - A2 Phot... LOVETHEVOID $70.00	Sample SALE. Ready ... corsetwonderla... $165.00	Snow Queen FleurBonheur $19.00
Winter Queen Cards darklingwoods $3.00	Winter Queen of Cat... SETdesign $65.00	Ice And Lace - Fine... AbbyBlaine $9.45
Ice Queen Locket Ne... merlinthecat $21.00	Mystic - Ice Queen ... Sephyra $20.00	Ice Queen kid mohai... DagnyKnit $71.00
SNOW QUEEN - Beaded... GemmaBeads $108.00	Ice Queen Neckwarme... piprobins $25.00	Ice Queen -- crysta... BeadFloraJewel... $30.00
ICE QUEEN - Vintage... jetaimeboutiqu... $19.00	Ice Queen PoshPatina $6.00	Queen of Winter - P... Mizzdraconia $16.00

Generated using Treasury HTML code generator by Whale Shark Websites.

Trinity's Scrap Socks

2010-11-16T09:11:00.000-05:00

Trinity's socks are finished and I've cast on a pair for Lily. Lily has been very upset she doesn't have her own knit socks yet. It was funny, she keep trying to steal Trinity's and put them on.

The move is starting to come together. We know where, just not the when, it has to be by the 24th I just don't know what date yet. I'm freaking a little because I need to make sure I have Internet for the weekend after Thanksgiving. Kinda hard to run an online shop with on Internet lol! Other then making and listing tons and tons of new goodies I've been packing. That sucks. I hate having to let go of stuff that I know won't fit in the new house. Oh well, it's only stuff right! I think that about it for today!! Hope everyone is having a great week so far!

Orange and Aqua!

2010-11-14T11:28:00.001-05:00

'Orange and Aqua' by merlinthecat

I love these colors together!

In Pursuit of Forgo... printmakerjenn $8.00	Mandy a bird and fl... merlinthecat $18.00	Sangria Handspun Ha... Yarns $24.00
Hanging Beads - 8x1... papermoth $18.00	Autumn Scape Charm ... SparklePeach $32.50	Aqua blue scalloped... heartsmiles $24.00
Olivia Handmade Bob... KristinFriesen $13.00	Aqua Dots Zipper Po... ivoryAndOrange $8.00	Autumn Sky Earrings... hamptonjewels $42.00
7.5 x 9 Just Hangin... bartondegraaf $25.00	Book Corset book co... BeckyKayDesign... $12.00	The Scent of Lisabe... soradesigns $48.50
8x10 Customizable O... ModGenesDesign... $14.95	Speckled Twisty Gno... thelittlereddo... $17.00	Merino/Bamboo blend... TactileDactyl $18.00

Generated using Treasury HTML code generator by Whale Shark Websites.

Unique Gift Ideas For Your Favorite Teacher

2010-11-12T11:03:00.000-05:00

'An Apple A Day' by merlinthecat

Gifts for they apple lover!

Fruit Basket Nubby ... RedWindmillDes... $	Wise Little Owl no1 merlinthecat $18.00	Apple pie or cake p... LittleIslandCo... $38.00
Retro Fruit Long Zi... MadameCupcake $10.00	happy apple badge p... emmalovesapple... $2.00	Red delicious apple... pabili $15.00
Handmade Green Appl... karenleannekin... $12.00	Cinnamon Apple soap SatinandBirch $14.00	Apple Personalized ... steliedesigns $12.00
Crochet Coasters Ap... MariMartin $10.00	Felt Food - Whole ... TheFeltedPear $6.00	Enga Apple Corduroy... majkatree $16.00
Golden Delicious Ap... CarlasCreative... $35.00	Sterling Silver Itt... CatherineMaris... $20.00	Vintage Inspired Ma... Boojiboo $18.75

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Wip!

2010-11-11T08:43:00.000-05:00

I still play with yarn... see! Most of my yarn is packed away (we are moving) so pretty much all I have out it my sock yarn scraps. Above is a pair of scrappy socks for Trinity. The pattern is pretty much Carolina with out the purl rows.

I've also been crocheting little granny squares.

Here are the owl mitts I'm making for a friends birthday next week. They are going to be late....but they are sooo cool I don't think it matters :)

Birds

2010-11-09T15:54:00.000-05:00

'Little Blue Birds' by merlinthecat

Perfect gifts for the bird lover!!!

Tic Tac Crow, Fine ... bomobob $35.00	Megan Locket Neckla... merlinthecat $18.00	Cute Handmade Butto... iktomi $10.50
Miramar Beach Bobby... lizhutnick $14.00	Blue bird bowl in p... PrinceDesignUK $25.00	Bird on Blue - 8x10... PrissDesigns $15.00
Necklace Bird Cadet... hotpinkchick $21.50	Rich Chocolate Pape... LittleRetreats $12.00	Bird House Egg Blu... mulberrylanefo... $32.00
Call of the Moon - ... papermoth $18.00	Elise in Blue Silve... PixieDust $18.00	Coolest apple macbo... apjam3 $13.90
TWEET - bluebirds n... RiRiFisch $55.00	Bird In Flight set ... MeadowTea $	Handmade Pudgy Bird... bubbletime $12.00

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Romantic Gifts!!

2010-11-08T10:58:00.002-05:00

'Gifts for the romantic girl!' by merlinthecat

Soft Beauty

French Cream Romant... RiverOfRomansk $37.50	SALE - Golden Shimm... MGMart $12.00	Pinkie Locket Neckl... merlinthecat $18.00
10 PERCENT OFF - SA... vividcolors $52.00	Lavender,Lilac,Ligh... SmilingKnittin... $32.00	Paris Love - 5x7 fi... elgarboart $10.00
vintage jewelry hai... wickedpen $18.00	Headband, Pink Leat... leatherblossom... $38.00	Verdigris Patina Le... lunashineshine $24.00
Ivory Organza Flowe... MissGlory $9.00	First Snow in Paris... stacysdesigns8... $25.00	DARLA Necklace SoVeryCharming $19.00
The most gorgeous g... anenglishaffai... $59.00	Victorian Pink Came... Sahetah $26.00	Felted Mint Green F... AVAoriginal $45.00

Generated using Treasury HTML code generator by Whale Shark Websites.

Sample Saturday

2010-11-06T11:23:00.000-04:00

I didn't get may samples but the ones I did get are pretty cool! I also cashed in some Mypoints for a $10 Target gift card and $25 in Amazon codes. I also got really lucky and made $23 taking surveys from Pinecone.

Lily turned 2 yesterday. She really liked all her gifts, but her favorite was the stroller, kitty and doll. I ended up getting her some store bought stuff, a new Mr. Potato head (the dogs eat the old one) crayons, and a Hello Kitty coloring book. I only spend $5 on the coloring book and only because I couldn't find one with free shipping on Amazon. Everything else was paid for in codes. Pretty cool! I don't think I'm going to be able to do that well for x-mas this year....next year I'm going try and plan better.

The yarn/jewelry shop has been really really slow. I was much busier last year and am getting kinda worried. I hope it picks up soon! I've added some really cute new things and if you have a chance check it out :) Leave a message in the seller saying you found me through my blog and I'll refund your shipping :)

Have a great weekend and I promise to get some WIP photos up next week (I hope)

Rainbow!

2010-11-04T09:19:00.000-04:00

'Rainbow gift ideas!' by merlinthecat

Everyone needs some color!

Rainbow Brite and S... TheVintageDoct... $275.00	A Very Proud Owl Ne... merlinthecat $19.00	Silk, playsilk, 8 p... oritdotandolls $24.00
WOMENS European Cou... isotope $18.00	Color wheel Rose Bo... NestPrettyThin... $16.00	13 inch Macbook and... LuluLyna $34.00
Personalized Christ... slvilov $38.00	Mini Flower Rainbow... art2theextreme $7.00	Meadow Bracelet. Sw... twinklyspangle $15.40
Summery Rainbow Clu... MoonbeamsStars... $24.00	Autumn Rainbow mitt... RainbowMittens $42.00	Vintage Rainbow Ena... merlinsthisand... $14.00
ANN and ANDY Neckla... SoVeryCharming $19.00	Rainbow Duct Tape W... MissSunshine91 $13.00	Rainbow Matching an... BlackbearyMoun... $21.00

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TEAL!!!

2010-11-03T12:49:00.001-04:00

Here are some gift ideas for you!!

'Teal Gifts!' by merlinthecat

Here are some wonderful gift ideas all in a my favorite shade of blue!

Six Woodland Felted... Fairyfolk $12.00	Mystic River - Meta... buckscountyfra... $30.00	Squirrel Locket Nec... merlinthecat $18.00
Wreath Yarn Front D... AnnaHailey $35.00	Caribbean Afternoon... DagnyKnit $70.00	GRETCHEN NECKLACE SoVeryCharming $17.00
Wool Batts, Spinnin... inspirationfib... $21.00	Nutmeg Pleated A-Li... atouchofstardu... $62.00	Turquoise Luxury Ca... KerreraSkye $42.00
orange yarn headban... thelittleprint... $15.00	Teal Dress with my ... ZoeChen $72.00	Trillium Forest Ste... bionicunicorn $43.00
SALE Patina and Pea... Glamourpuss $15.30	Teal Poetry - hair ... paivacrafts $20.00	Blue Fingerless Glo... theAdornedPega... $24.00

Generated using Treasury HTML code generator by Whale Shark Websites.

I have'nt really had a chance to do a lot of crafting, there has been a lot of stuff going on around here and I will clue you in when the dust clears. If everything goes well I'll be stocked and ready for Black Friday! Cross your fingers for me!!!

Trick or Treat!

2010-10-30T09:02:00.000-04:00

Happy Halloween!

Sample Saturday and Part of Lily's Halloween Costume

2010-10-23T14:54:00.000-04:00

Here is my free sample stash for the last 2 weeks. I've also earned $5 in Amazon codes from Swagbucks, $3 from Pinecone, and .10 from YouData. I love free stuff!

I've been working on Lily's Halloween costume. Trinity's is done but she won't let me take a picture of her in it till Halloween. Lily is going to be a little Green Pixie. I finished the wings and a little coat to go over the costume, because her winter coat just wouldn't look right :)

For the coat I use 2 thrift store Afghans that I felted when I went to wash them. opps :) I used the Pintuck Sweater Tunic Pattern By Heidi and Finn. It's the same pattern I used to make that little pink top for Lily. This time I just use the pattern pieces and used the back as the front. The buttons are vintage and from my stash.

I love the up and down zig-zag!

And the Granny Square sleeves.

Here are the the Pixie wings. I used 2 coat hangers, one for each side and a pair of old pantyhose. Because they are so small I had to sew the pantyhose to the hangers and then Modge Podge them. After the Modge Podge dried I painted them....they looked soooo plain. To fix that I glued a bunch of handyed wool locks (the same ones I use for my Zombie Batts). I really don't want anyone to mistake her for Tinker Bell.

Here they are after the Modge Podge.

And the paint.

The back....

I have the dress together but still need to finish the neckline and embellish. I even felted matching wool to add :) I can't wait to play with it later. I also have to sew up the leggings.

I should take pics of my WIP for you too....hmmm

Oh I wholesaled some of my jewelry to a local shop, Lamb's Gate. I also took another batch of Cat Nip Pillows to Pruess. I really like this wholesale thing! I'd like to do consignment or wholesale with a couple more shops. It's hard only relying on etsy. I think that all I have for you :) I hope everyone has a great weekend!

Sale!!

2010-10-19T13:24:00.000-04:00

Everything in all 3 shops are on sale! 10% off everything.

http://www.merlinthecat.etsy.com/
http://www.merlinsthisandthat.etsy.com/
http://www.merlinlovestocreate.com/

Lily Pie's Birthday Gifts

2010-10-18T10:10:00.001-04:00

Lily's 2nd birthday is next month and I made her some goodies for her birthday!

Up first is this little doll. The pattern is Wee Folk Art Baby Doll in the Round. I used Lion's fisherman wool for the body and my own handspun for the hair. The outfit I just made up as I went. I crocheted it in Lion's Homespun. I really really like the pattern and how the doll come out.

I wanted to get Lily a doll stroller, she loves her baby dolls and I thought she'd really love to take one for a walk. I had a really ugly Pooh one the my MIL picked up when Gooey was little. She never liked baby dolls and we don't do Pooh in this house. I ended up in the basement forgotten. When I found it again I pull of the seat and took it apart. I saved the straps to reuse and cut new fabric using the old seat as the pattern. The fabric is a heavy vintage denim like material. I couldn't reuse the edging, mine came out just a little bigger so I used some vintage bias tape from my stash.

I really like how it turned out and it's way better then anything I'd find in the store. I think she really going to love ti.

This little pea pod was and unplanned addition. I was lucking and had the chance to test another pattern by Tiedyediva and Monkeysbug. You can pick up your own copy in their shop. It is really cute and easy to sew. I think Lily will like playing with it. Oh and it was a refashion too, the fleece came from a blanket I found at the thrift store.

I'm still working on the owl mitts for a friends birthday. I'm almost done with the first one...I kinda mess up the thumb and I'm not sure if I'll be able to fix it. I'm kinda sad...I'm not going to have the time to re make it if it looks bad.

I think that is all I have, I hope everyone has a great week.

A couple of top refashions for Lily

2010-10-14T13:06:00.000-04:00

I finished these a couple weeks ago:)

For this one I used a polar fleece top I found at the thrift store. For the pattern I used the book Sewing Clothes Kids Love: Sewing Patterns and Instructions for Boys' and Girls' Outfits. I really like this book but haven't really made much from it yet. I did fudge the pattern a bit so I could use the hems of both the sleeves and the bottom. I hate sewing hems :)

This little top was once a big sweatshirt that I found on the same trip to the thrift store. This is another Heidi and Finn pattern :) I really like this pattern and plan on making another one.

I have still have to show you Lily's birthday stuff and a pattern test, but I think I'm going to save that for another post.

Dead Car, New Car, and a Bunch of Free Samples :)

2010-10-11T10:32:00.000-04:00

Last week our car died, our only car. That sucked not so much for me, I don't drive much, but husband could work one job and had to ride his bike to another. We live in a strange city, almost everything is outside it and public transportation is lacking. At least we has a post office close so I could get all my packages out and we were good on food as stuff. Here is a picture of the Golden Turd getting towed by the salvage guy. This was on Tuesday. Oh if you were wondering it was the transmission, it lost reverse and wouldn't shift out of 2nd.

After a very stressful week of looking for a car we found one yesterday. Meet our vintage BMW 528E. We got very very lucky. She runs like a dream and doesn't look too bad and she was CHEEAAAP!! I'll never drive her, she's a stick. She is now my husbands new baby and if he takes care of her she should last forever. Yea for cars!

Here are my free samples for the week, the laundry detergent ones are missing, I need them and there was biscuits mix I used. I also cashed in $6.30 in Amazon codes with Opinion Outpost and $10 with Swagbucks.

I got a lot of crafting done last week! I'll get that up soon :)

October Already? Really?

2010-10-05T09:59:00.000-04:00

I can't believe summer is over! I know it's been over for awhile now :) I've finished a few things! First up is this cute gnome top for Lily...

The pattern is by Heidi and Finn and you can find it here. I love their patterns! I'll tell you the reason behind the black sleeves...I cut the fabric wrong and only had enough for on sleeve. I've never done that before, it kinda sucked! But I really do like the back.
Check out Trinity! Isn't she getting big?
Lily love her sister and tries so hard to play with her...Trinity good with her when she wants to be.
It's another pair of Dashing! I used Cascade 220 in a brown heathered color. The color number isn't on the band. I made them as a thank you gift for a friend that is making me a little miniature band set for Trinity. You can check out his etsy shop here, and I'll take a picture of mine when it get here. I think I'm going to save if for an x-mas gift for her.

I found the coolest blog the other day, Handmadeology. It is full of great tips and tools for etsy sellers. I thought I'd try one out.... Kinda cool huh! Check out this super wooly treasury!

'Wool Candy' by mkcarroll

Roving, handspun yarns, and handspun knits in bright candy colors.

Sweet and sour- ha... MagnoliaHandsp... $28.50	Kettle Dyed Merino ... Eliade $11.00	Lady Slipper Handsp... Funkyarns $22.00
NEW - Luxury Textur... LilMissCheeky $30.00	This and That Spinn... merlinthecat $26.65	SALE - Fruitful - 8... OnTheRound $25.00
Fruit Chew POLWARTH... fiberstory $17.00	2 ounces, Hand Dyed... FiberFancy $15.00	OOAK Newborn Lion&#... DaidaLOrange $110.00
Opalescence - Hands... MsAnchovy $40.00	Hand Dyed Merino Te... CountingSheepF... $17.00	Superfine Merino 3-... WhorledPeace $35.00
Merino Roving - Sap... Spincerely $12.00	Neon Lights 4 oz Me... muzzlepuffs $18.00	Candy Apple - Super... turtlepurl $15.00

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Free Stuff Saturday

2010-09-25T10:33:00.000-04:00

It's been 3 weeks and I have a good batch of goodies for you to see. The only thing missing is a packaged of that new Home style Mac & Cheese. I forgot to grab it when I went out to take pictures yesterday.

The Elmer's and X-ato stuff is from a bzzkit. I also earned $6 from Pinecone and cashed in $25 in Amazon codes from Swagbucks. It's time to start x-mas shopping and I love doing some of it for free!

I've finely finished those green socks for dh! yea! No picture, he's wearing them and at work. I've started another pair, these will be for x-mas if I can finish on time. I'm pretty much still working on all the same stuff...I do have to get busy with the girls Halloween costumes. Trinity is going to be a lime green and turquoise bunny rabbit (she picked the fabric) and Lily is going to be a green pixie. I have a pattern for the bunny, (Kwik Sew 2711) but for the pixie I think I'm going to design my own. I'm going to go for more of an artsy look then the tutu style. I have that tutu and wings that was Trinity's Woodland Fairy costume, but its just not right for Lily. It's just not her. I just hope they both turn out well.

I've listed 2 new necklaces along with the batts this week.

This one (Candy) goes really well with this set of batts

This is the other one I listed.

and this one will be listed tomorrowish.

Have a great first weekend of fall!

Almost Back To Normal.

2010-09-22T09:21:00.000-04:00

I'm feeling almost normal. I got sick back before Labor day with some nasty cold/flu that the girls had and am now starting to feel better. Other the the coughing really really bad at night I'm good to go. We have a little bit to catch up on. The only things I've finished are batts and necklaces for the shop. You can head over there to see the new goodies if you'd like :) I know I missed out on doing my "free stuff Saturday" last weekend. I've got some really good stuff to show you! I'll try to get that up this weekend.

The kitties are doing great. Rocket The Space Kitten (that little black one we found when we went for a walk) is going through the crazy kitten part of his development. He's still cute and full of snuggle but will also attach you feet while you walk by. He play with Simone a lot. That's a good thing because she was getting fat. Mia, Simone, and Rocket get along really well. Bob (LOK) only really hangs out with Rocket when Rocket is upstairs. Simone will tolerate Bob and will sleep on Gooey's bed with him. Mia is still terrorising him but not as much. I hope they will become friends so Bob will feel welcome. He still doesn't really come downstairs.

We've made some changes to when we do "School". Because Lily is so spirited (ie crazy) we have a very hard time working on T's school work. We used to start in the morning but the last few days we've had "school" in the evening, after Lily has goon to bed. This has work out soooo much better. Dh is at work, everything is calm and Trinity can have 100% of my attention. When I was thinking about switching to evening I had a really hard time wrapping my brain around the idea of not starting school in the morning. I think I'm over it. I can just tell how much more Trinity is absorbing, and she is much more of a night person. This also leaves the days open for activities. I'm still very happy with her curriculum and she even told me she loved math yesterday.

I hope everyone has a great day!

Happy Saturday!

2010-09-11T10:17:00.001-04:00

I have a lot to show you today :) First up I carded some batts this week. I'll show you the 3 that haven't sold yet.
This is a Glow in The Dark This and That Batts called Many Bloody Returns. You can see them in this super bloody treasury.

This is another set of Glow in The Dark Batts called Zombie Apocalypse II The Second Coming (Zombie Apocalypse sold yesterday) They are featured here in this extra terrestrial treasury.

This set of This and That Batts is called November Coming Fire and they are featured in this lovely fall treasury.

I also have a necklace featured here.

Other then the batts I've listed on new necklace this week.

and here is one I forgot to show you.

Both are ooak.

I've also finished another pair of mittens for Trinity. I used the basic mitten pattern from The Knitter's Handy Book of Patterns: Basic Designs in Multiple Sizes & Gauges (Interweave) and Noro Kureyon in color #139. I also went up a size to the woman small. They seem to fit much better. I have another pair for her in color # 102 on the needles.

I made another little dress for Lily using this pattern. The fabric is Robert Kaufman Cool Cords. I really liked working with the corduroy. I have some more in solid colors that I plan on making in to pants for Lily. I also made another pair of brown leggings this time longer. No picture....

I've also been dyeing up some fiber for more batts....

Well that's all I've go for you today. Hope you have a great weekend!

Free Stuff Saturday on Monday, a Refashion and some Knitting oh and a Necklace

2010-09-06T09:11:00.000-04:00

It's been kinda slow with the free samples and the survey payouts. In the last 2 Weeks I've only received $3 from Pinecone. There was also a small bag of Cheetos that Dh ate.

Here is Trinity's new winter hat. I used Aviatrix baby hat by Justine Turner. I knitted it in the largest size and it fits Gooey great. I wanted to make sure she had something really warm this year so I used Cascade Cloud 9. The button is from my button stash and the flower was knit using the same wool I used to make the girls mittens. I plan on making one for Lily too.

Trinity's newest refashion is this little jean skirt. I used an old pair of jeans that were starting to get holes in the knees. Really I should have just patched the holes because she doesn't really like the skirt. I think the outfit is too high maintenance for her. She keep having to pull in down and move it around. I was just trying to find a way for her to wear all the damn leggings my MIL buys her. While I love leggings on my youngest I don't like them on Gooey.... I think I might just give up on trying to make them work for her and pack them away or refashion them.

At least she had a little fun modeling.

This is my newest listing in the shop. I'm really into working with these lockets!

A Refashion for Trinity

2010-09-02T12:01:00.001-04:00

It looks like this is going to be the 3rd year that my oldest is a size 7. She has a tons of clothes. A few of her favorite pieces are getting worn out or stained so I finally get to work on something for her. I refashioned this shirt last night.

The light pink shirt has some small chocolate ice cream stains. I gave her the choice on how she wanted to cover them out and this is what she choose and she didn't want me to cover up the little silver Old Navy deer. To make the petals I used and old t-shirt of mine. I cut then into a wonky four leaf clovers. To attach then to the shirt I pinched them and then hand tacked them down. I think I put way to many petals up towards her shoulder but she likes it, so that it how it will stay.

Up next is a jean skirt to go over her leggings made out of old jeans.

Mittens

2010-08-28T12:58:00.001-04:00

Here are those mittens I've been talking about. I used the basic mitten pattern from my favorite go to knitting book The Knitter's Handy Book of Patterns: Basic Designs in Multiple Sizes & Gauges (Interweave). I knitted them in Galway Chunk Paint color #806 that I got on sale at Webs this past spring. This is just the first of many pairs I'll be making for the girls. Last year Trinity would go through a couple pairs every time she went out and played.

I've been working on those fingerless mitts. I really like how they are turning out and they are going much faster then I thought they would. I do hate having to untwist the yarn after every row.....
This is my newest listing in the shop.

Trinity's first week of "school" has gone really well. She is really enjoying both the math and MBTP.

I'm getting ready to cut some fabric for another outfit for Lily. I'm going to use a super cute vintage pattern.

It Smells Like Fall

2010-08-24T13:37:00.001-04:00

I've got the sewing bug again, well that and I have more printer ink so I could print out a bunch of patterns..hehe! I made both the dress and the leggings last night. For the dress I used this pattern. It's called The Charlotte Dress by Mama Stellato. The pattern was really easy to follow and drafted well (I'm not sure if that how it should be worded, I'm so used to referring to knitting patterns as well written) The sizing is perfect for Lily, I made the 2T. For the dress pictured I used a button down Anne Klein blouse I bought at the $3 a bag garage sale. I used the hem of the shirt and sewed the button band closed. I do have plans to use this pattern again using some baby corduroy and will most likely shorten it and make a shirt too.

I love leggings on Lily for some reason, I never put them on Trinity and I still don't. For the little brown ones here I used this pattern by Heidi and Finn. For the fabric I used an old lace trimmed tank top. I have a ton of these from when I worked at Rave. I used the lace at the bottom as the trim, I hate hems! I'm sure I will be making many more of these leggings this fall, they were so super easy to sew and they fit Lily perfect. I made the 2T.

Now I just need to get the perfect little pair of boots and she'll be ready to play in the leaves!

"What's this Mama?"

Here are a couple of new listings in the shop, both OOAK.

I also finished both pair of mittens for the girls, I still need to get pictures of them. Right now I working on Joe's green socks and a pair of fingerless gloves for my friends b-day in Nov. I'm using hot pink and blue. I'll get a picture as soon as I get more of them done, I just finished the cuff :)

Trinity and I started her curriculum on Monday and so far so good. She seems to really like it.

I hope every one is having a great week!

Free Sample Saturday!

2010-08-21T10:18:00.000-04:00

Here are my goodies for the last 2 weeks. The full size products are from BzzAgent. The mp3 player was from Napster's facebook page. I also cashed in $5.80 in Amazon codes from Opinion Outpost and .07 from youdata. This time I really am going to save my codes :)

Here are a couple more dragons. I made these for an old friend's children. Here is the Rav link. These are a bit smaller then the other one I made. I used Knit Picks Palette from my stash. I've also finished a pair of mittens for Lily and am working on a pair for Trinity. I'll get pictures when I'm done.
Here is another new listing in the shop. This one I called Norma Jean. To make it I used mostly vintage parts. Every thing but the chain and finding are vintage. The orange disk was once an earring, the flower is new old stock and the rhinestone in the center was from a old bracelet.

Gooey had a great time at camp and is looking forward to next year. Lily is pretty much back to herself. Oh Gooey has finely changed the name of the new kitties. The little back on is now called Rocket and LOK is Bob. Rocket and Bob, cute. Rocket has started coming down stairs and playing with Mia and Simone. Bob not so much. Simone is fine with him but Mia is still asserting herself. I'll have to get some picture of Rocket and Bob cuddling, it's super cute!

I hope everyone has a great weekend!

I made shoes!

2010-08-18T09:17:00.000-04:00

Now how cool is that? These started off as a pair of Old Navy flip flops that I've never worn and an old tank top. I use this tutorial. I was super excited when I saw it in an email I received yesterday and even more excited when I realized I had everything I need on hand. I think they took me less the 30min to make and over night to dry. I even painted my toe nails for the picture! I wish that this tutorial would have came out a couple months ago so I'd have time to wear them more.

I haven't really done much crafting or really anything else. Dh and Lily have been sick. Joe is just getting over it and is going back to work. Lily is still pretty sick, she's had a fever the last couple days. She was up at about 5 this morning so she will be going down for a nap pretty soon and depending on how she is when she wakes up I may take her to the doctor. Gooey isn't showing any signs of getting sick...She still has the rest of the week of camp and would be crushed if she couldn't go. I'm feeling fine.

I did have the chance to list this new necklace. This is one of the ones that I have multiples of. I've made 4 but have the supplies to make 2 more. I still have a few new necklaces to list....I'll get them up soon.

Well I better go, Lily needs some hugs.

Happy Friday the 13th!

2010-08-13T09:28:00.001-04:00

LOL.

Today is parents day at Gooey's camp, but the Lily pie has a cold so I won't be able to go. It's going to be in the 90s with lots of humidity...I don't think she'd do real well in that for 2 hours. At least there is next week!

I haven't finished much this week. I am almost done knitting a pair of mittens for Lily. I'll be making the girls a few pair this year. Once I get some printer ink I'll be sewing more, (I have patterns to print) and I still want to finish that quilt. Oh and I found the cutest pair of gnome mittens I must make! I even have the yarn!

Here is my newest new listing. I have almost everything to make the necklace Trinity designed, I'm just waiting on the glass bell flower beads. I also still have a ton of other necklaces to list, I'm just trying to space them out with everything I have to renew.

Trinity's curriculum came on Monday. I am 99% happy with the Moving Beyond the Page stuff. The 1% is from an item being back ordered and something missing from my box. The customer service was very good and I should have everything soon. I really really really think that we made the right choice for Gooey and I can't wait to get started.

We also ordered Right Start Math. I think this program is going to be perfect for us. But I'm kinda pissed that I have to spend another $100 on "recommended" manipulatives. I haven't had much luck finding the stuff cheaper or used yet. I still have some time, they won't be needed for a while. But I really like having every thing I need on hand.

I'm not 100% sure when we will get started, she still has one more week of camp and I'm not sure if it's better to take a week off or jump right in to it. I'm thinking about jumping right in....but we will see!

2 weeks of free samples

2010-08-07T14:00:00.000-04:00

You all know I love me some free stuff, LOL :) The past 2 weeks have been pretty good with the free samples. I've also earned $3 from Pinecone, .20 from youdata and I cashed in $10.20 in Amazon codes from Opinion Outpost (it's been almost a year since I've signed up with OP and I've cashed in a total of $118) I've also been having a lot of fun with Swagbucks I have 1726 "bucks" but I'm going to try and save them. I won't be cashing much with anyone in for awhile, I'm like to use save them to help pay for x-mas or the many birthdays this fall.

Here are a few more necklace that I've listed. All 3 of these are repeatable. There will be only 4 of the blue flower lockets available.

I order some more supplies today to make another repeatable locket necklace that Trinity designed. It's going to be really cute. It will feature an oval locket, a bird charm, and a bell flower. Yesterday while Lily was napping we were play with my supplies and she told me she wanted me to make her a necklace. So I let her pick out the goodies and I put it together how she wanted me to. It's really cute and I can't wait to show you the finished product!

I hope everyone has a great weekend!

I'm on a necklace kick!

2010-08-05T13:28:00.001-04:00

The other night I was up till 2 working on new stuff for the shop!

These are the Acorn. I've listed the red and green one already the others will be listed soon. I will be able to make at least 2 of each of these and maybe more if they do well. I have a few more repeatable pieces besides Megan (the ball locket) and the Acorns...but I still need to get pictures. I can't wait to get show you guys everything else! Here are a couple more that don't have names or have been listed. These are all OOAK.

I haven't even put these up on flickr yet.

oh Trinity's school stuff has shipped and it will be here next week :) I can't wait to get started with her!

Wow it's August already!

2010-08-02T11:41:00.001-04:00

And I have finished stuff to show you!

These 2 cute little owls are from Ana Paula Rimoli first Amigurumi book. (love this book btw, I really need to get her newer one too) The pattern is for the Baby owl. For yarn I just used some wool scraps. I made these for a friend who just had a little boy. One is for him and one for his sister. The little baby socks below are also being send along with the owls. I didn't use a pattern for them and just used some scrap sock yarn I had. I love knitting baby socks! I have a couple more friends that are having babies so I'll will have the chance to knit some more :)

This little guy was crocheted for Gooey's best friend. He was in the hospital and was diagnosed with Henoch-Schönlein Purpura. He's home now and should be OK. I used Lis Chaong (etsy shop here) Drano Bab Dragon pattern and some vintage sport wt acrylic to crochet him. I have a couple more of these to make for a friend. This time around I'm using sock wt wool. This isn't the first pattern I've made by this designer. I've also made this bunny and this turtle.
Here is one of my new necklaces. I have a pile of new ones to list.

I ordered Trinity's curriculum from Moving Beyond The Page yesterday. We won't start working on it till she gets done with camp. We signed her up for 2 weeks of day camp this month. I think that's all I've got for now. Have a great day everyone!

Happy 7th Birthday Gooey!

2010-07-28T11:23:00.000-04:00

It was yesterday, but we spent the whole day at the park :)

Stuff

2010-07-24T11:17:00.000-04:00

It's been about 3 weeks since the last time I showed you my free goodies. There are a few things missing that I used or gave away. I also earned $3 from Pinecone, .30 from YouData and I cashed in $6.80 in Amazon codes from Opinion Outpost.

Here is a cute picture of the girls that Joe took yesterday when we were at the nature center. I don't have anything new and crafty to show you....I will soon :) I hope everyone has a great weekend!

I'm not sure when the time goes...

2010-07-21T10:29:00.000-04:00

I've been a bad blogger and to make it worse I have nothing to show you today. I'm can honestly tell you I'm not sure where my time has gone. I have been working on a few new things for the shop that I will be adding after the sale (10% off end July 25 Free shipping ends July 31) I plan on having a few repeatable necklaces and maybe some earrings for the holidays. I've seen others have good luck with so I thought I'd give it a try. Don't worry, most of my goodies will be still be OOAK.

I've been knitting away on Icarus and that pair of green socks for DH and have fallen behind on the Quilt-along....I have to get busy with that. I've also been thinking that I need to start working on fall outfits for Lily. Trinity has so many clothes (she's been the same size for 2 years now) that to make her anything would be silly (I'm sure I'll still do it anyway).

I love Amazon! Remember the diaper fiasco? UPS dropped my box of diapers off at the wrong house and then Amazon sent me a new box no questions asked. Well because of this they gave me a free trial of Amazon Prime. I just used it for the first time to order Trinity's B-day gift (she'll be 7 next week) She picked theses out. I ordered them on Friday and got them yesterday. I've had pretty good luck with Amazon shipping pretty fast, but never this fast. I hope I get to use the Prime again before the trial expires.

We've decided to Homeschool Trinity again this year. But we are going to used a more structured curriculum. Our first choice is Calvert but it is just not affordable for us right now. Our second is Moving Beyond The Page it is seems to be a good fit for us. The last 2 years or so we've been piecing together curriculum and it just hasn't been working for us. I need to be told what to teach and when. We are planning on ordering it next month and I will let you know what I think of it when it gets here.

Well I think that's all I've got for you guys today...I hope I'll have something to show to you soon. Don't forget to check out the shop!

Christmas in July Sale

2010-07-15T11:36:00.000-04:00

Today is the first day of the Christmas in July Sale on etsy. I'm offering FREE worldwide shipping on all my jewelry and 10% off everything. (10% refunded after payment is made). Sale is going on in this shop only.

My Baby is Growing Up

2010-07-14T11:45:00.001-04:00

On Sunday Lily climbed out of her crib. She's only 20mo!!!! We thought about the tent thing that goes over the crib....but then I read some pretty scary things about it....so we when with toddler bed. She seems to really love it, but only Joe can get her to go to bed....When I tried she started banging her head on the door. I guess I must be a pushover. Also this weekend she started to self wean. She'll only nurse first thing in the morning. Now that is bitter sweet. Now I have to get her to drink milk.....that's been no fun. I've been so distracted that I haven't crafted anything at all and I need to get caught up on my quilt squares.

Joe took Gooey fishing....

Super cute! Well I'm going to lunch and try to get some crafting done....maybe :)

Kitties and Yarn

2010-07-09T11:37:00.000-04:00

Yea craftyness and kitties :)

Here is that BFL all washed up and ready to be listed. There 5.2 oz, 510 yards at about a sport-heavy dk wt.
This was on the bobbin that I used to spin some of the BFL. This is a super wash single 3oz, 150yards at about a worsted. This one will also get listed. Now for the good stuff KITTIES!!!
Here is Miss. Lily Pie and LOK. He is doing great, very lovey and getting HUGE!
Miss Lily Pie and Kitten. I think this has to be the sweetest kitten ever! These 2 boy stay upstairs all the time, I wish they'd come down and play with my girl kitties...the girls won't go upstairs anymore. I really hope everyone becomes friends!

That's all I got today, I've got to get that yarn listed and start my Spinach Pie :)

It has been sooo hot!

2010-07-08T12:31:00.001-04:00

I haven't do a thing but read a book. I just finished Family Tree by Barbara Delinsky.
It was a super fast read, I think I finished in about 2 days of reading when I had the chance. I like my books fluffy like most of my entertainment. This one wasn't as fluffy as most but by no means heady. It is about a well to do white couple who have a baby that has African features and there search for where they come from. The back drop of some of the story is at a yarn shop :) It was a good summer book.

Hopeful next post will be crafty :)

Yarn and Fabric

2010-07-06T12:39:00.000-04:00

I hope everyone had a fun holiday! We didn't do much around here.

Here is that merino I've been working on. I finished the first 4oz yesterday and I'm ready to start the next 4. I think merino is becoming one of my favorite fibers to spin, but only the hand dyed kind. There is something different about the how the fiber spins when it's been hand dyed. It seems fluffier and less slippery. I can't wait to spin more off this!

I cut the fabric for this weeks quilt squares. I think this week is going to be tricky!

This is all I have for you know, Lily does not seem to want to nap today.....

Week 2 Blocks

2010-07-03T10:06:00.000-04:00

Quilting is way harder then it looks.

Here are my blocks for this week and they are a little wonky again. I really shouldn't be so hard on myself, it is my first quilt and all and I don't really have the proper tools....I still like how my blocks look :)

Here are all of the free stuff I got in the mail this week. There are 2 $10 Target gift cards from Mypoints, a bunch of coupons, a piggy bank from Kellogg's, and a bunch of samples. I also received $6 from Pinecone this week. Not a bad!

Hope everyone has a safe and fun weekend, don't blow off your hand with an M-80!

WIP and a Sale

2010-07-01T11:22:00.000-04:00

Here is my Icarus so far. Not much yet.

I didn't get my quilt squares finished yesterday, Lily didn't nap. Maybe today..... I'll be spending most of it setting a sale in one of my etsy shops (the yarn and jewelry one). This shop will be open 4 years this month so I will be offering free worldwide shipping on all jewelry and doing other limit sales during the month. I have to change the titles and put a little announcement in each listing still, but the shipping has been set for free. I better get busy! Have a great day!

I was abducted by aliens and implanted with a cat magnet...no really I was.

2010-06-30T12:37:00.000-04:00

For realz!

So look what we found dumped in the woods yesterday....

Yes that a kitten, a real kitten. Meet LBK. He seems to be about 8wks old or so and was full of fleas when we found him. I spend most of the day defleaing him yesterday. That wasn't fun. Gooey is in love, so it looks like he's sticking around. The other kitties are MAD....even LOK, who by the way is doing great!

He's been shedding a ton of dead hair so I've been brushing him. I think I know why he was dumped. He plays really really ruff, like bite your finger off ruff. (well not really, put pretty hard) As long as you don't get him all worked up using your hand you are safe and he snaps out of it pretty quick.

I did get my shawl blocked last night.

Pattern: Annis
Yarn: Merlin The Cat Wool/Silk in Grape Nut
Started June 6th
Finished June 29th

I started another Icarus. This will be my 3rd. I made one for my sister and one for a friend. This one is going to be for me. I'll get a picture tomorrow for you. Well I'm going to try and get lunch and sew my week 2 quilt squares.

Have a good day!

Handspun!

2010-06-28T10:01:00.002-04:00

It's been a really long time since I've finished spinning anything. I finished this spinning and plying this on Sat. I think there was around 6oz there when I dyed it....It's been a couple years so I don't remember. I'll give you all that info after I wash it and set the twist.

I've started spinning some merino roving dyed by Colorbug. OMG I'm in love with her fiber. So much so that I ordered another 4oz of same and 4 oz of another color. I can't wait to get a bobbin done to show you!

I'm almost finished with Annis. 2 more rows, bind off, and then blocking. I should have it all pretty for you in the next couple days.

I've picked my fabrics for the next to blocks for the Quilt Along. I'm going to try to get them cut today.

Well I better get busy! Have a great day!

Follow up to the I love saving money post

2010-06-26T10:08:00.000-04:00

I wanted to follow up with my I love saving money post and tell you about some of the cool free stuff I got in the mail and the $$ I earned during surveys over the last couple weeks. I cashed in $18.70 worth of Amazon codes from Opinion Outpost and $5 from Swagbucks. Both of those I sold to my sister to take care of the kitty. I also had a total of $9 sent to my paypal for payment for surveys from Pinecone and a new product to try (I can't talk about that one). I've also had $2.01 sent to my paypal from Youdata for clicking ads. Youdata is a new one I found, all you do is click on ads. There doesn't seem to be a lot of them but it was quick and easy to do.

I also go these goodies in the mail. A full size Gillette Fusion Proglide razer, 2 Breathe Right Extra strips, A Bounty paper towel sheet, a Luvs diaper, and a $10 gift card to Target. The gift card was from my bank, they do a points thing, for every $ you spend you get a point. I find out about the free samples from Free Samples and Free Stuff Finder on facebook. As I get more goodies I'll share them with you. I hope every one has a wonderful weekend, and I hope I finish that shawl!

Another LOK Post

2010-06-25T13:57:00.000-04:00

Little Orange Kitty got a clean bill of health from the vet. The thing on his neck was gone yesterday and his eye has been clear for 2 days now. The vet wants me to keep and eye on them both and to bring him back if they flair up again. He seems like he's enjoy his new home. We left him in the bathroom last night and I let him out to play upstairs. The other 2 kitty stay downstairs most of the day so this will give LOK a chance to figure stuff out up there. I want to take it kinda slow. I don't need him getting stressed out and peeing everywhere. Speaking of pee, I gave him a dry bath and that kinda helped but he still kinda smells. Does anyone have and ideas, I can't give him a real bath for another 9 days......

Thank you again for every ones kind words and help with LOK (I think Little Orange Kitty is going to be his name, I like Charlie, but no one else here does) Have a wonderful day!

Little Orange Kitty Update and My Very First Quilt Squares

2010-06-24T12:10:00.002-04:00

We dropped LOK off this morning to get fixed. Everyone thought he was super cute. His eye looks perfect but I did find a lump on his neck last night that wasn't there the day before when I was snuggling him. I'm sure it's just an abscess that will need to get drained. I'm sure he got in to some sort of fight when he was outside. It might of been the same time that whatever happened to his eye happened.

Update: LOK is home, but he peed himself before I got there and he freaked out so bad that they couldn't clean him and I can't give him a bath for 10 days. Poor little guy! Good news he used the litter box first thing after he got out of the carrier.

Here are my quilt squares for Week 1 of the Simple Sampler Quilt-along hosted by Amy's Creative Side

The 4 patch is a tiny bit bigger then the 16 patch. I hope that's ok :) I really like how they turned out. I can't wait till next week!

4 patch

16 patch

$13.28 to go and I think I'm going to start a quilt, for real this time!

2010-06-23T11:31:00.002-04:00

LOK is safe and dry in our basement today. It's going to be a stormy on and as unappealing as my basement is I think he'll like it better then under some bush in the rain. I've scrubbed both litter boxes and almost have the house picked up. We'll be ready for him tomorrow evening. I hope the other kitties forgive me :) I have to take him in tomorrow at about 7:45ish in the morning and pick him up around 4 or 5. Yea! I'm just so happy everything so far has worked out!

Ok the quilt....Amy from Amy's Creative Side started a quilt-along and I think I want to play.... If I do, and I think I will, I'm going to used vintage linens. I should have everything I need (but the batting) to finish it. I'll keep you posted. I'm hoping to get the fabric for both blocks cut today, as long as I get the sewing room picked up.

Well the Lily Pie is ready for her nap and then I gotta get busy! Have a great day!

$28 more to go and some Handspun!

2010-06-22T12:09:00.001-04:00

Tonight will be Little Orange Kitty's last night sleeping outside! I can't wait till tomorrow night so I can bring him in. He looked great this morning! I finished picking up the yarn and fiber room. I even found some wool I thought I was out of and I'm getting closer to washing that Coopworth fleece. Today I'm going to work on my jewelry and sewing room. I thinking I might move my fabric and stuff to the yarn room....I don't know yet. I will tell you this, I will not be buying any more yarn, fiber, or fabric for a long time!

Oh here is that yarn I've been spinning. I finished the first bobbin last night.

There is turquoise in there also, it's just all covered up.

$34 more to go and a WIP

2010-06-21T10:45:00.000-04:00

LOK update : His eye is looking so much better and he's not sneezing or anything, so that means it's not respiratory (in my non-vet option). I had told the Humane Society that he was having eye problems and they had said that if it was respiratory they couldn't fix him. Only a couple more days till I can bring him in! (he'll come in Wed night and stay in the upstairs bathroom for the night)

Here is my Annis. I've finished the chart and have started the short rows. I'm still loving how this is turning out!

I hope everyone has a great first day of Summer!

We're almost half way there!

2010-06-20T09:03:00.000-04:00

I have wonderful friends and customers, thank you so much! Here is a picture of LOK and my oldest kitty Mia I took a little while ago. Mia wants to play with him sooo bad. It's so cute! Simone could care less, she looked at him and them when to hang out with our birds. I have a lot of clean/picking up my crap to do today. I want to make sure LOK doesn't have anywhere he wants to go potty but the boxes. Have a wonderful day and Happy Daddy's day!

$12 Raised $65 more to go!

2010-06-19T11:02:00.000-04:00

Yea! I'm so happy that so far we have $12 in the Save The Kitty fund. That $12 will pay for his Frontline on Thursday so now I don't have to worry about flies spreading to the other animals! I will still need to take him to the vet on Friday to get his eye and other shots taken care of. I am happy to report that his eye is looking better, I've been doing my best to keep it clean. Thursday isn't going to come fast enough for me. All I've been doing is worrying about this cat, what if something happens to him, or our neighbors get him (they've been trying), or what if I can't find him Wednesday night...sigh, I need to stop stressing. I just wish I could bring him inside....but I just can't risk the others and it would be very bad if he sprays. Anyway I will keep you updated on what's going on with LOK (Little Orange Kitty). Please take a look around the shops and pass on the link if you can. And Thank you :)

Shops:
here
here
and here

Help Me Save Little Orange Kitty!

2010-06-18T11:08:00.004-04:00

This sweet little kitty was dumped in my yard a couple weeks ago. Soon after I first saw him he came over for a visit. I don't think I've ever met a sweeter kitty! I took these pictures on the 5th and posted a lost and found ad on Craigslist. I haven't heard anything and kitty is getting sick. In these pictures he's just a little dirty but now he has something going on with one of his eyes. I've been doing my best to keep it clean and I have some left over eye stuff from Simone and I've been treating it the best I can.

This little guy is just to sweet to let die. I've raised the $25 to get him fixed and his rabies and distemper shoots. I sold my Amazon codes that I earned from Swagbucks and Option Outpost to my sister last night. I've made the appotment and paid for it. He goes in next Thr at 7:45 to the CAHS.

But I can't bring him inside till after he gets fixed and treated. I just can't risk the flies or getting the other kitties sick. CAHS only fixes them and gives them their shoots so he will also have to go to the vet to treat the eye and anything else. So now till everything is paid for every $$$ made from all three shops will go to Little Orange Kitty's vet bills. If there is any extra left over it will all go the CAHS to help other cats and dogs in need. Please stop by and see if there is anything you like, and help me save this little guy from death, because that is what will happen if I don't help him. Thank you!

Merlin The Cat Yarns and Crafty Goodness, Merlin's This and That, and Merlin Loves To Create.

Edited to add more pics I just took :)

Are you not in love? Doesn't he deserve a pampered life inside with 2 little girls that will love him?

Super Awesome Thrift Store Finds!

2010-06-16T12:05:00.000-04:00

On my way back for Target yesterday I stopped at the Volunteer's of America Thrift store. I found some super cool goodies.

I found a new pair of jeans a vintage shirt and a t-shirt for myself and a super cute top for Lily.

Here we have 3 pillowcases and 2 twin size fitted sheets. The pillowcases will be cut for the quilts for the girls and I think I'm going to leave the sheets. They are perfect, I don't think they were ever used and the blue one matches Gooey's room.... There is also some vintage fabric scraps that I will most likely list in one of the shops with some others I have.

Now here is the extra cool goodie. That is over 4 yards of super cute pre-quilted vintage fabric. It was packed in a bag with those scraps for $3.03. Squee! I would love to make a twin size bed spread out of it but I don't think I have enough fabric or it may end up in the shop... What do you think? Make sure you click on the picture so you can see the print better!

When went on our walk we stopped a one of the little parks on the river trail. Lily climbed up the steps and was so proud of herself.

We also walked to downtown. Here is a random picture I took as I waited for Joe outside some juice place. There are lots of cute bars and restaurants down there now, but really no cute shops. Then again it's empties out after all the city workers leave for the day. We've lived here for almost 8 years and I have to say there is much more going on down there then when we moved in. They are trying to make downtown somewhere where people want to hang out, but I think there is so much more going on in Old Town so people come over here and hang out. (not that it's far) If you want to see more of the pictures I took just click on one and it will take you to flickr and you can see them all :)

R is for

2010-06-15T12:13:00.000-04:00

Rag Rug! Yesterday's post made me want to pick this up again. I finished making the rest of the yarn out of the southwest sheep and crocheted it up. It's not as big as I wanted it, but that's OK I have another sheet I can make yarn out of.

Roving! I got a picture of the roving I'm spinning. I LOVE these colors together.

Rags! I'm moving the ready made goodies out of this shop and in to the new one. I'm not in any rush to get it done, but I hope to have everything switched over in the next month or two.