Here's to: 2011!

I would like to wish everyone a very happy New Year! 2010 was a pretty good year for me. I gave birth to my handsome son, Elliot, in April. He is an amazing little guy. Strangers come up to me in restaurants or at the mall to comment on how mild-mannered he is. He will sit in the stroller or a highchair and not make a peep. He is so content, and so happy. I cannot imagine my life without him! His big sister loves him more than anything in this world. My kids are the best thing that has ever happened to me. 

We lost a few people we cared about this year as well. Today I remember them with nothing but love and respect. I wish they were here to see how great 2011 is going to be. But, I know they are watching over us & we will see them again some day.

This year I started my own little business, Baby Bloom Crochet. I sell my items on Etsy, and post them on Facebook for private orders from family and friends. I never thought I'd be "self-employed" so to speak. I worked two jobs for most of my life, and now I am so lucky to stay at home with my children. I learned a new craft, and even though people made fun of me for it, it really has been a very positive thing for me. :) 


I wish you all a very happy New Year full of love, laughter, and health. From my family to yours!

 

Miscellaneous Crocheted Items

While looking through some pictures on my computer this afternoon, I realized that there are many items I have made that have not made an appearance on my Etsy page, or my blog. Most of them are special requests from customers, and some were things I made just for fun. I thought I would give them their fifteen minutes of fame on my blog. :) 

 

More Sock Monkey Fun

I know I have posted about sock monkeys before, but I didn't add pictures of my Sock Monkey Girl hat. 

 This sock monkey lady is made with the same yarn as the sock monkey boy, called Taupe Mist. She is super cute with her Pink mouth, nostrils, braids, and flower. Sock Monkeys aren't just for boys!! 

I also came up with a new design for my Sock Monkey Slippers, as the Mary Jane version was so hard to make. They were just too small to sew on the mouth and eyes. I came up with my new creation, and they are available for sale in my Etsy Shop. 

Cutie Patootie Baby Booties

I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE these little baby boots!! I purchased the pattern from a fellow Etsy seller, Skip To My Loop.I couldn't wait to receive the download and make these little babies. I didn't follow the pattern exactly, because I wanted the front to be open so I could use my cute little ribbon, but I definitely couldn't have made these without that pattern. :) 

I can't wait to make more in different colors and styles! I wish I knew how to crochet when my daughter was a baby! She would wear these little booties all the time and look completely adorable!

These can be purchased from my Etsy shop!

Winter Snowflake hat

What I love about this hat is that it's not just for Christmas, it can be worn all winter! The colors make it great for the holidays, and just for the winter season. I didn't know how the snowflake would turn out. I thought it might just look like a flower at first, but I'm happy with the way it turned out. While I was making it, I kept thinking that it would look great as a Christmas tree ornament! If only I had more time on my hands, I'd make them in all different colors and hang them from the tree.

This hat can be purchased from my Etsy shop.

To-Go Coffee Cup Cozies

I took a little break from the many orders I need to fulfill, and decided to make some coffee cozies. Not only do they keep your hands warm while you're sipping hot coffee, but they're also more environmentally friendly than the paper sleeves you would normally get at Starbucks. :) 

These are so easy to make, and take about a half hour (depending on how quickly you work.) It probably would take me less time if I didn't have two children to entertain. Since it's the season of sharing, I will even give you the pattern I used to make these little puppies.

Using a K hook & worsted yarn ( I used "I Love This Yarn" Acrylic yarn- found only at Hobby Lobby.)

CH 30
Join with a SL in the 1st SC (be careful not to twist it)
SC in each st across, sl st to 1st SC.
Keep following this pattern until desired size.


Super easy! With my Red & Green striped cozy, I added two snowflake scrapbook Brads. The other two obviously just have regular buttons sewn on. :) ENJOY!

If  you would like to purchase these cozies pictured, please visit my Etsy shop.

Lions, and Tigers, and.....Sock Monkeys???

Sock monkeys are all the rage right now. Some day, I want to actually learn how to make them out of socks. But, for now, I crochet them! I have a sock monkey hat on my Etsy page.

I was thinking of all the different baby booties and slippers I could make, and thought about which ones would match some of the hats in my shop. I knew that sock monkey slippers would be pretty popular, so I worked them up pretty quickly. Here was the end result:

There are so many cute sock monkeys you can find on the internet. Some of my favorites are:

The Wonder Woman sock monkey was made by bigREDlips, something I just found on a Google search. I'm not sure about MR. T here, but he is super cool! I also saw a TON of sock monkeys while shopping at my local Horrocks store the other day. I guess it's true, vintage toys are coming back!

Elf on a Shelf

Want to help your child be on the "Nice List" this year? An Elf on a Shelf is your answer! I made this little lady, to help remind mine, that Santa sent his little elf helper to watch over her to see if she's being naughty or nice! *No studies have been done to test this theory, results may vary!* 

I don't know if it will help, but at least it's super cute! This little lady Elf is made entirely out of yarn, with button eyes and details on her outfit, and stuffed with Poly-Fil. She took me a day and a half to make....phew!! I love her little elf ears. :) 

Just For Fun: Crazy Frog!

When I have leftover yarn that isn't enough to make a hat, I either make baby booties or something just for fun. I couldn't really picture bright Green baby booties, so I opted to make a little froggy for my.....little froggy! "G"got her dolly, so I wanted to make "E" something, too. :)

"E's" favorite movie right now is The Princess and the Frog. I know, it sounds strange since he's a little boy, but for some reason he is glued to the tv when his big sister watches it. Only Yo Gabba Gabba has ever had that effect on him before.

Once again, I didn't follow a pattern. I just made it up as I went. I didn't write the pattern down as I went either. I guess I should start doing that! I guess that means that every thing I make is unique. :)

So, without further ado....

His arms are a little funky, but I ran out of yarn. I've got to stop running out of yarn! LOL. I think it gives him character, so I don't really mind. I wasn't sure if "E" was going to like Mr. Frog because he was so busy playing with a little Barbie mirror when I showed it to him. But...

 

Just For Fun: Dolly

My daughter asked me to make a doll for her...and this is what I came up with. I don't have a pattern for it because I made it up on the spot!! I probably shouldn't have done that since I had requests for this doll after posting it on my Facebook page. 

She is made completely out of yarn, with button eyes, and stuffed with Poly-Fil. I ran out of the skin-colored yarn, so I had to make her arms Gray. Obviously I won't be doing that next time. :) This doll was really just a learning experience for me. I will try to perfect it and sell it on my Etsy page. 

After finishing the doll, my daughter mentioned that she wanted a ballerina doll, so I added the tutu and made ballet slippers that are removable. :) Genevieve named her "Dolly." She even slept with her last night and asked for her first thing in the morning! I think they'll be friends for life.

Getting Ready For the Holidays!!

While walking through my local Hobby Lobby around Halloween time, I noticed they were starting to put up their Christmas display. I feel that somehow Thanksgiving gets lost in the mix. I love the holidays, but living in Michigan, I do not love the weather. Snow and I are not friends. Unless you count this little guy....

My mom has a thing for snowmen wearing ear muffs, so that's where my inspiration for this hat came from. I guess in a way it would keep a child's ears warm, since there is extra fabric right there. :) 

I've been racking my brain trying to figure out what else I could make for the holidays. I've made a scarf and some coffee mug cozies, and I'm thinking of FUN things to make. I have a few things in mind...but I'll share the final product with you when the time is right. 

Little Reindeer

Get ready for the holidays with my Little Reindeer Hat!  

I wanted to make something cute and festive, and this is what I came up with.  The antlers actually stand up on their own.

I made them by sewing a small piece of a pipe cleaner inside the crocheted pieces. The nose is stuffed with poly-fil, and sewn on. This little guy took me a few hours to make. I love the finished product! 

Tweet, Tweet! Follow Me On Twitter!

I decided to make a Twitter account for my little crochet business. I was tweeting my items on my personal account, and thought that maybe not everyone wanted to see them. Some people just aren't into Arts & Crafts. :) 

My new Twitter page is @BabyBloomShop. My Etsy shop is named Baby Bloom Crochet, but that name was too long so I had to think of something else.

Come follow me on Twitter!! :)

Animal Mania: Happy Giraffe Hat

I love making animal hats! Something about making a baby look like a little bear or kitty is just so much fun. :)  I laugh hysterically every time my son Elliot tries on one of my animal hats. He just looks so cute, I can't help it! 

My favorite and definitely most time consuming creation so far is my Happy Giraffe Hat. I wanted to make something out of my leftover yellow yarn, and I couldn't think of anything fun. I'll be honest, yellow is not my favorite color. Not even close. Just when I thought I'd never use that yucky yellow yarn, I was cleaning up Genevieve's toys and stumbled upon her animal puzzle. When I saw the cute yellow cartoon giraffe, I knew what I wanted to make! 

It took me a few hours, but it ended up looking so cute that it was well worth it. Elliot was my model and he looked SO cute in it!

Zebra Print Mary Janes

The other night, my kids fell asleep early so I made these little Mary Janes while watching a movie. Saturday nights have certainly changed! I had a little bit of black yarn leftover from an order, so I needed to make something small. I decided on these Mary Janes, and added the Zebra bows later to give them some pizazz. 


I love anything that is black and white together. I think it goes with almost everything and looks fun, yet classic. Genevieve was very anxious to try them on, so she was my little foot model. :) 

My Children ♥

I thought I would share a little about my kids since I mention them a lot in this blog. I never thought I could love two little people so much! They are truly amazing children. I'll start with my oldest, Genevieve.

Genevieve came into the world in October of 2007. She was a tiny fighter from day one. She was so little and quiet, and all the nurses commented on how she seemed so mild-mannered. Genevieve has always been that way! She has such a gentle soul, and always wants others to be happy. She will talk to anyone and everyone, and even invite old men & women over to our house to play! She is definitely a lover. 

Genevieve has a deep love for Toy Story, Barbies, Disney Princesses, The Fresh Beat Band, coloring, and music. I would not be surprised at all if she grew up to be a singer or an actress. She loves to be the center of attention, and can sing along to almost any song she hears. Singing in the car is one of her favorite things to do. :) 

(cat hat photo courtesy of photographer Terry Johnston.)




My baby Elliot is six months old. He is just like his older sister. He is a sweetie pie! He already has so much personality jam packed into his little body. He was born in April of 2010, and just seems happy to be alive! 

Elliot is almost always smiling. He loves to play with his big sister, but he'll also play by himself and doesn't seem to have a problem with it. He is a mommy's boy, big time! :) He crawls all around the apartment, and waves "Hi" and "Bye bye." He loves to eat, and knows how to make a mess! 

Elliot loves his elephant blanket, Elmo, Yo Gabba Gabba, and riding in the stroller. He looks out the window in the car, and loves to make raspberries with his mouth! He is so much fun, and he completes our family perfectly. 

Froggy Face

Introducing....my Froggy Face Hat! I had to purchase some bright Green yarn for a customer's order, and I was trying to think of something to make with the rest of it. I was also trying to make some hats that were more boy friendly, since a lot of my hats are for girls. I can't help it, the little flowers and bows are just so cute! I first made the Froggy with just the eyes, and then decided it was too boring and needed a little something. I finally decided on making little cheeks and a smile while watching The Princess and the Frog with my daughter. 


My son wore this hat on a recent trip to an apple orchard, and I had many comments on it. One lady said she could spot him from a mile away with the bright colored yarn! I'm sure his smile helped, too. :) 

Little Lion Hat

I love making animal hats because they always look so cute on little ones. The problem is, my son is not as willing to be the model for my hats! I had to try this one on my daughter's doll instead. :) This Lion hat was fun to make because it was so much different from other hats I've made. I wasn't sure how it would turn out, especially with fringe on the sides where normally nothing would be attached. I think it turned out great, and it looks super cute on! I don't think the pictures do it justice. :) 

As always, this hat is for sale on my Etsy page. I also take requests for special orders, so if there is a hat you want in a different color or style (with or without ear-flaps, brims, etc.) I would be happy to make it for you! I also make any of my hats in adult sizes.

Just For Fun: Frank N. Stein Bib

I wanted to make something different and fun, and I found the pattern for this bib and knew I wanted to make it. It didn't take long at all, and it turned out great! My six month old son loved looking at it! He kept reaching for it and trying to play with it when I showed it to him. :) The pattern can be found here on the Lion Brand Yarn website. So cute, and great for Halloween for a little one who is too small for a Halloween costume! 

Sock Monkeys

Sock Monkeys seem to be everywhere lately. I've seen a sock monkey jack-in-the-box, stuffed animals, keychains, pictures, etc. I love these little guys, especially the one in the movie Mr. Magoriums Wonder Emporium that tries to hug Jason Bateman every time he walks by. :) 


I decided to make a Sock Monkey Hat  one day while I was surfing the net, looking for inspiration. I like to look at different stuffed animal pictures and see what I could come up with in hat form. I have a lot of ideas in my head, but sometimes it's hard to put them into action and create something decent out of them.


Once I made the Sock Monkey hat for a boy, I decided to add a flower and change the colors to make a girl version.


All my hats can be made in adult sizes as well. If you don't mind walking around town with a sock monkey on your head. :)

Sleepy Owl

Much like the Little Owl  hat, my latest creation is the Sleepy Owl Hat. I thought it would look cute to embroider long eyelashes on the eyes to make it look very sleepy. I can just picture this hat on infants who are fast asleep, without a care in the world. I always make hats using the Double Crochet stitch, but this hat was made with the Half Double Crochet stitch. It turned out a little smaller than I had hoped, but I was still happy with the result. It's easier to embroider on the little details with a smaller stitch. 

I just received a shipment of my first business cards! I thought it would be fun to insert the cards in orders I receive on Etsy, so people can easily find all my information and order more items in the future! I love making these for people. Crocheting is very calming and actually fun. I know, I'm a dork! :) This is the second year of ArtPrize in Grand Rapids, where artists from all over enter their art pieces in a contest. There is art all over the city, everywhere you turn, and people are coming from all over just to see it! I think if I take my kids to look at art, I'll have them wear some of my hats and see if anyone asks about them. My business cards may come in handy!

Black Cat

Today's creation was the Black Cat Hat. I wanted to make something fun for my daughter to wear when it starts to get cold out. Obviously in Michigan we experience many cold days! I'm kind of excited about the fact that with my new skill, I never have to buy winter hats for my kids again! This hat took a few hours to make, mostly because the ears, eyeballs, and pupils were made separately and sewn on, and the nose was made with Pink embroidery thread. I added the ear-flaps for extra warmth, and the braids for extra cuteness! :)

My daughter is going to be Jessie from Toy Story for Halloween. If I can't find a cowgirl hat for her at the store, I guess I might have to make one! Oh boy!!

Don't forget, all the items featured on this blog can be found in my Etsy Shop.

Pink Bunny Slippers

My latest creation: Pink Bunny Slippers. My daughter was watching a show called 'Maggie and the Ferocious Beast' and they had an episode about the beast not having bunny slippers like everyone else at the sleepover. I am always trying to find inspiration for something new I can make, and that is when I decided that making these slippers would be fun. I am going to try them on my son as soon as he wakes up from his nap. Poor guy! :) He is always my test model. I didn't have a pattern for these slippers, I just made it up as I went. As always, these little slippers are for sale in my Etsy shop.

Owls

Owls are very popular right now, and so cute! There are so many different owl products out there. I have two owl hats, one with a baby owl on it. I found a pattern for an owl fridgie, and decided to attach it to a beanie hat. It turned out really cute, but took a long time to make. The owl was made in different parts and sewn together. I then decided to make a hat where the wearer would look like an owl. I just made eyes, ears, and used embroidery string for the beak. Not as time consuming, but still very cute! The pattern for the baby owl can be found here.