What's In A Name?

Looking back it is hard to believe I have been selling on Etsy for 10 years already!  I can remember as if it was yesterday the feeling I had when I listed my very first hand knit scarf in my shop.  And, my first sale? Oh. My. Goodness.  Hundreds of sales, dozens of custom orders and ten years later, I am still honored and humbled with each and every sale!

But, what's in a name? I clearly remember agonizing over what I should name my shop... Do I go with something snazzy/random OR do I keep it simple using the name to indicate what it is I create and sell?  Going with KnitzAndFeltz worked. 

Bringing me to another dilemma.  I really don't find myself felting anymore. My shop is filled with hand knit items, photo props and pretty yarn bundles for others to create with.  Okay. Not a problem. The name still fits.

But, what if I decide to add in some sewn items?  I have always loved to sew and find myself drawn to beautiful fabrics which can be made into items we can use and make us feel happy when we see them.  Right now I plan to add items to help mom's and newborns but will I find I really want to add more sewing items?  And, do I add a second shop at some point or just keep with the one?

Lastly, do I change my shop name?   

For Everything There Is A Season

2015 New Design... Double Cable In Ivory

This time of year I find myself reflecting.  Reflecting on my business over the past 12 months... what worked and what Not. So. Much.  Most years, when the holidays are over, I am desperately in need of some slow down time and spend the majority of my knitting time catching up and re-stocking all those beautiful hand knits that are no longer ready-to-ship... and this year is no different.  I always get a little nervous when over 50% of my shop is not ready-to-ship inventory.  But, then as winter becomes spring and spring becomes summer, I focus so hard on getting my shop stocked for the busy fall & holiday season, that I forget to design and try new stitch combinations and/or color combinations.  I forget how very much I love being creative and the actual process of developing and designing. 

 

Enter custom requests.  Receiving a custom request forces me to use my creative side and work up new patterns and new color combinations for my customers... and my shop!  And, it reminds me of how very much I love playing with yarns, working with fibers and creating through design & color.  This year I was fortunate to have several such requests.   Some of these requests were so much fun to knit that they are in the process of becoming regular hand knits that will be seen in my shop as 2015 New Designs.  One such is an extra wide and extra long double cable design that wraps and drapes beautifully.  Thanks to those of you that trust me to work up something new... I have the best customers!

 

 





Knitting & Blogging... Blogging & Knitting...

 

This time of year sales start to slow down and I am able to catch up on items "not ready to ship" and also work on new designs. This year is not really different, although I am getting more orders from Australia (which I love) since they will soon be entering into their winter.  What IS different is that, although I have seriously neglected this blog, I have begun writing another one.

I had a rather difficult winter and after many doctor visits and endless tests it was determined that I should consider a special food plan. A VERY restrictive food plan.  It is called a Low FODMAP diet and if you are interested, please feel free to join me over at:

www.SimplyCindyAnne.blogspot.com

In between my writings, I will be taking this time to play "catch up" in my shop and brainstorm new pattern ideas for fall! Stay Tuned...

~Cindy

KnitzAndFeltz

Warm... Comfy... Trendy... Fun... 

Finally Fall...

There is a crisp coolness these days here in Wisconsin.  The days are sunny and warm showing off the deep blue skies and the gorgeous colors of the leaves and the evenings are cool and crisp allowing me to once again appreciate football, fall golf and brisk walks!  It is the time of year I love the most.  Shorts and tanks are replaced with leggings, boots and sweaters!  Ahhhhh...

It is also the time of year when my little knitting shop begins buzzing with orders for scarves and hats!  I become busy, busy, busy and am reminded of exactly why I knit during the heat of the summer. 

This year has been no different.  Past customers emerge looking for new designs and new colors of old designs AND new customers stop in happy to discover my little shop in the big Etsy world.  It makes me realize how very happy I am that it is... Finally Fall! 

FLOWER POWER...

I love knitting hats... and what could be more fun than a soft comfy hand knit hat with a big bold flower?  These are specifically made for my photographer friends (and technically, if you are a mom... you are a photographer) for their precious newborn clients.  But, be on the look out come fall - as I already have color requests lined up for an adult version of my "flower power" hats.  Hey, if it's cold out and you need to keep your ears warm, you might as well do it and look pretty as well!

Sunday Sampler ~ Spicy Crab and Corn Chowder

One of my favorite things about fall (besides the gorgeous color display, the chance to put on my favorite comfy sweatshirt and giving my neck a nice warm hug with one of my hand knit scarves) is that it is the perfect time of year to make homemade soup.  Soup just tastes so much better when there is a chill in the air. This unique take on thick chowder will not disappoint as it is absolutely delicious. It is a perfect meal after a day of raking leaves or following a Sunday afternoon of football and/or napping.  And, it makes a nice big batch meaning lunches this week are going to be awesome! 

Spicy Crab and Corn Chowder

• 6 Tablespoons Butter
• 1 Cup Onion, Finely Diced
• 1 Cup Celery, Finely Diced
• 1 Cup Red Bell Pepper, Finely Diced
• Salt and Pepper
• 2 Cloves Garlic, Minced
• 4 Tablespoons Flour
• 2 Cups Chicken Stock
• 3 Cups Skim Milk
• 2 Cups Frozen Southern Style Cubed Hash Browns
• 1 Cup Frozen Corn
• 1 Cup Fat Free Half&Half
• 3 Cups Shredded Pepper Jack Cheese
• 2 Cups Imitation Crabmeat, Chopped

In a soup pan melt butter.  Add onion and celery and cook on medium heat about 3-4 minutes or until tender.  Add the chopped red pepper and continue cooking another 3-4 minutes.  Season as desired with salt and pepper.  Add garlic and cook about 1 minute, stirring constantly.  Stir in flour stirring constantly to evenly coat your vegetables.  Add chicken stock and 3 cups skim milk.  Bring to a boil, whisking often.  When it starts to boil and begins to thicken, turn heat to medium and stir in potatoes. Add the 3 cups of cheese slowly whisking until cheese is melted.  Stir in crabmeat, corn and one cup fat free half&half.  Stir until heated through.  Serve with crusty french bread.  Enjoy!



Hand Knit Stripes Have Arrived...

Pumpkins, raking leaves, Friday night football, steaming homemade soup, hot cocoa with mini marshmallows floating on top... Fall, my favorite season, is here!

There is such comfort in putting on a sweatshirt and your favorite blue jeans and taking a walk soaking up the bright blue sky with warm sunshine illuminating down on a gorgeous palette of changing color.  The colors seem so much more vibrant this time of year! 

These fall colors (some of my favorite) and the cool evenings entice me to sit down with my favorite knitting needles, soft colorful yarns by my side, and knit scarves.  This year I've added a gorgeous line up of vertical stripes using favorite color combinations.  Colors that remind me of something or just make me smile. And, like a bowl of my favorite homemade soup comforts me and warms up my belly on a cool evening - wrapping up in a favorite comfy scarf warms up my soul! 

Perfect as a gift for you, a treasured friend or a special loved one!

Sunday Sampler - Peaches 'N Cream Baked French Toast

My daughter was in the middle of finals last Sunday so we postponed celebrating Mothers Day until today when she would be home from school and we could all be together.  I came across this recipe and couldn't wait to try it!  It. Was. Delicious.

Peaches 'N Cream Baked French Toast

• 1 big loaf french bread, cut in 2 inch cubes
• 1 cup maple syrup
• 3 cups fresh or frozen sliced peaches
• 1 8 oz. package cream cheese, cut in small cubes
• 6 eggs
• 3 cups milk
• 1 tsp. vanilla
• 1/2 tsp. cinnamon
• 3/4 cup brown sugar
• 3 to 4 Tbls. butter
• 1/4 cup sliced almonds (completely optional)
• Extra maple syrup and/or whipped cream (optional)

Spray a 9X13 pan with cooking spray. Pour syrup into the dish and spread it out evenly. Place half of the bread in the dish. Next sprinkle half of the peaches and half of the cream cheese cubes on top of the bread. Layer in this same order the remaining bread, peaches and cream cheese cubes.  Whisk together eggs, milk, cinnamon and vanilla. Pour over the bread layers (pushing the bread down a bit to soak up the egg mixture).

Cover well and refrigerate overnight.  Before baking uncover and sprinkle with brown sugar and dot with small pieces of butter. 

Bake loosely covered in foil in a preheated 350 degree oven for 50-60 minutes. Uncover and sprinkle on almonds (if you like nuts) and bake another 15-20 minutes uncovered  until all the liquid is absorbed and top is golden.  Let cool a few minutes before cutting into squares.

Serve with warm maple syrup or a little whipped cream.

Sunday Sampler ~ Banana Crumb Muffins

Besides my LOVE for knitting... I also enjoy baking! Sadly, I don't take the time nearly enough.  But, this morning, as I stared at the bananas ripening on my kitchen counter, I decided to look up a recipe for muffins! I tweaked it as I often do with recipes ~ And the result? YUMMY!

Banana Crumb Muffins

Muffins:

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
4 medium bananas, mashed
3/4 cup white sugar
1 egg, lightly beaten
1/3 cup canola oil

Topping:
1/3 cup packed brown sugar
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 tablespoon butter

Directions:

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. (Remember... If using dark muffin tins, decrease your oven temperature by 15-25 degrees)  Lightly grease 12 muffin cups.

In a large bowl, mix together 1 1/2 cups flour, baking soda, baking powder and salt. In another bowl, beat together bananas, sugar, egg and oil. Stir the banana mixture into the flour mixture just until moistened. For light, fluffy muffins, never over mix muffin batter. Spoon batter into prepared muffin cups.

In a small bowl, mix together brown sugar, 2 tablespoons flour and cinnamon. Cut in 1 tablespoon butter until mixture resembles coarse cornmeal. Sprinkle topping over muffins.

Bake in preheated oven for 18 to 20 minutes, until a toothpick inserted into center of a muffin comes out clean.  Allow to cool 5 minutes before removing to a cooling rack.

~Grab a cup of coffee with your favorite flavored creamer OR a favorite cup of tea and ENJOY!

Cold Winds ~ Hot Cocoa ~ Warm Scarves

As the daily highs here in Wisconsin start to plummet I find myself enjoying hot chocolate, a warm fire and a new soft and cozy scarf...  

I always kid that I would love to move to warmer temperatures.  Especially when the winds really settle in, when the snow makes it virtually impossible to drive, when it is dark when I get up in the morning and dark long before supper each night... But, then who would drink my stash of flavored hot chocolates, my cozy warm fireplace would never get used AND I wouldn't have a reason to wrap a different soft & beautiful scarf around my neck each day!

Crab Quiche

Next to spending time with my family (which is by far my #1 favorite thing to do) and working on my knitting business creating, designing and knitting photo props to help photographers capture lasting memories... I love to cook!  Weird, maybe, but I love reading cookbooks and trying new recipes.  Such was the case about a week ago when I found this recipe for Crab Quiche in a "Taste Of Home" magazine and tried it at the urging of my daughter.  And, I'm happy to report, it turned out... DELICIOUS!

• 1 unbaked pastry shell (9 inches)
• 1 cup shredded Swiss cheese, divided
• 1/2 cup chopped sweet red pepper
• 1/4 cup chopped green onions
• 1 Tbls. butter
• 3 eggs
• 11/2 cups half-and-half cream
• 1/2 tsp. salt
• 1/4 tsp. pepper
• 3/4 cup flaked imitation crabmeat, chopped

1. Line unpricked pastry shell with double thickness of heavy-duty foil. Bake at 450 for 5 minutes; remove foil. Bake 5 minutes longer. Immediately sprinkle 1/2 cup cheese over crust.
2. Reduce heat to 375. In a skillet, saute red pepper and onions in butter until tender.
3. In a large bowl, whisk the eggs, cream, salt and pepper. Stir in the crab, red pepper mixture and remaining cheese. Pour into crust.
4. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a knife inserted near the center comes out clean. Let stand for 15 minutes before cutting.

Enjoy!

CHUNKY CABLE MINI BLANKET PHOTO PROP

Simply Said... I LOVE knitting cables!  They are a unique looking stitch - intricate and fun! I designed my signature cable scarf and have been successfully selling it for nearly two years already.  Two years?  Unbelievable. 

But, it wasn't until recently that I thought "I need to add a cable photo prop to my photo prop line-up."  I played around with needle size and yarns and pattern.  After much designing trial and error I came up with a mini-blanket chock full of luscious cables that is as much fun for you to photograph as it is for me to knit!  I take custom orders... Let me know what color chunky cable mini blanket YOU need as a unique addition to your photo prop line-up!

Photo Props ~ Photo Props ~ Everywhere Are Photo Props

I love creating my Oodles of Noodles Fringe Blanket Photo Props and, thankfully, there are many, many photographers that love them as well. Their popularity and success is amazing and it makes me smile to think that I am helping professional and amateur photographers alike create lasting memories for themselves and for other young families. But, I would be kidding myself if I thought I could ever be satisfied with my knitting if I didn’t try new patterns that have the potential to be equally enjoyed.

My photography prop success may have started with my Oodles of Noodles but it most certainly won’t end there! Earlier this year I branched out to hand knit Fringe Cocoons for those precious photos of babies first days and later in spring added Newborn Hats with Fringe Pom Poms that are a relatively quick knit for me and just plain fun!

Now, I’m proud to add a Mini-Blanket… My first blanket was a multi-colored “Chunky” knit blanket and now my new “Floating On A Cloud” Collection ~ Because sometimes all you need is a soft comfy blanket to lay baby on or wrap baby in to get that perfect photo!

My hands have been busy - my needles getting a work out - and my mind continues to think and dream and design to keep my shop fresh and new. Thanks for stopping by... Be sure to check back often as you never know what I might dream up next! 

~Cindy

KnitzAndFeltz

Warm... Comfy... Trendy... Fun...

*A huge thank you to Terra of Terra Herring Photography out of Ozawkie, KS for sharing the amazing photo of one of my Primary Blends of Brights Oodles of Noodles Photo Prop Blankets with Fringe in action. A little over a year ago Terra was the first to share a photo for my use in my shop and the rest as they say is history! If you are in her neck of the woods and need a professional photographer, be sure to check her out!

BULLYING

I. Was. Bullied.

(And before you continue reading, please don’t try to speculate when, where, how, by whom, your speculation could be incorrect and that is NOT what this blog post is about.)

I. Was. Bullied. It started as a private message threatening both me and my business and spiraled out-of-control extremely quickly to become a very public calling out. I felt hurt, humiliated, embarrassed, violated. I’m 50+ years old and, at first, I thought “Oh My Goodness… I can’t let my family find out! – What if my friends see this? – Are my business contacts going to believe these slanderous lies?”

Ironically, just the night before, I had seen a news report on a beautiful young girl who at 17 had committed suicide after being bullied. The report talked of the dangers and life changing possibilities when young children/young adults are subjected to this.

I’m an adult… and my heart raced all day long! I had a pit in my stomach for days! I couldn’t get the hurt, the humiliation, the feeling of intense sadness to go away!  The blatant, slanderous lies - How could someone do this to me? And, then as the days turned into nights – and I did share this incident with my family (and because of the threatening nature of the original message, the local police) – I started thinking what WOULD an 8 year old, or an 11 year old, or a 17 year old feel? As an adult I can, with time, put things into perspective. Those young minds cannot always do that. They want to be accepted, to be liked, to be loved. To them the private message and public calling out might be so hurtful they would start to believe it to be true. It is unconscionable!

Would my girls have had the courage to tell me, had this happened to them? Would they have had the courage to report this to the authorities? And, would they have been able to put this behind them, seeing the bully as just that – A BULLY, and move on? Bullying is dangerous and very, very wrong! I beg you to be knowledgeable on this subject. If you have kids, know the signs. Talk to your children about the dangers of both being bullied and of being a bully. If you are an adult don’t be afraid to speak up, report abuse you see on Facebook or other social networks… and PLEASE don’t participate or be part of the problem.

Be informed ~ Here are just a few of the informational web pages available on the subject:
http://www.aacap.org/cs/root/facts_for_families/bullying
http://www.stopbullyingnow.com/
http://www.dosomething.org/tipsandtools/11-facts-about-cyber-bullying

Remember, It Takes A Village… Only working together will we be able to stop bullying.



Copyright © 2010 KnitzAndFeltz All Rights Reserved

HATS ~ HATS ~ HATS

As winter leaves us here in Wisconsin *smile* and spring/summer begins to peak its lovely head with warmer weather, tulips and daffodils emerging from the cold ground and flip flops finding their way to the front of the closet... I realize that, unless you are a friend from "Down Under", hand knit scarves are NOT on your mind.  So, its time to devote my attention fully on my photography props - which I LOVE to design and create! I've been selling my popular "Oodles of Noodles" photo prop blankets with fringe for over a year now and I figure its time to expand.  It started with Fringe Newborn Cocoons and most recently the addition of hand knit soft and textured multicolor hats with fringe pom poms.  The yarns I use are incredible... and just plain FUN ~ Enjoy!  

I've Learned ~

Recently on  my facebook page I've started a daily (or at least a couple times a week) series - "I've Learned~".  It started as a way to have something on my page other than Knitz And Feltz "Etsy" happenings but has turned into something so much more.  Some are thought provoking, some are silly and some are just the plain truth!  It has me reminiscing about my children growing up and my parenting - The Good, The Bad & The Ugly!  It has me thinking about my 50+ years of life, of love, of marriage and sharing tidbits of what I have discovered and learned.  But mostly in this crazy busy world it reminds me to stop for a moment and step away from my online business and the incessant self promoting, renewing, relisting and just be a woman, a human being, someone who has something (no matter how insignificant) to say.  And, hopefully has my readers doing the same... Here is a small sampling of things I have learned:

• I've Learned ~ I am who I am and that's all I can be.
• I've Learned ~ Remember the Three R's: RESPECT for self; RESPECT for others; And, RESPONSIBILITY for all your actions!
• I've Learned ~ The good you do today, people will often forget tomorrow; Do Good Anyway.
• I've Learned ~ If you are kind, people may accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives; Be Kind Anyway.
• I've Learned ~ Life looks so much better after a good night's sleep.
• I've Learned ~ Love deeply and passionately.  You might get hurt but it's the only way to live life completely.
• I've Learned ~ Always do your Best... It may not always be good enough but do your Best anyway.
• I've Learned ~ You can pick your nose... You can pick your friends... But you CAN'T pick your relatives.
• I've Learned ~ Just because you CAN eat that much... doesn't mean you SHOULD.
• I've Learned ~ The easiest way to find something lost around the house is to buy a replacement.
• I've Learned ~ I have so much more to learn.

Felted Wool

The thing I love most about felting is the uncertainty. I hand knit wool pieces that start out obnoxiously large and then I shrink them. Each one taking on a unique shape and style. To me wool yarn has a mind of its own when felted. It takes on a personality. When I make my bowls and wine bottle cozies I never quite know exactly how I will end up using them or what I will try to sell them for until after the felting process is complete. What starts out as a wine cozy may shrink down to a point that its personality is more suited as a bowl to hold candies or paper clips. Or maybe it would look great with a plant placed inside or to hold a little girls precious hair clips.

In addition to the personality of the wool, I love to add various textures to incorporate more depth to my items. The colors and combination possibilities are never ending and no two are ever alike! The many eyelash yarns that are available add some fun and silly to the finished piece and make me smile! They become a conversation piece - a feeling of "I want this, this is really fun... what could I use this for?"

Blueberry Bran Muffins

In less than 3 weeks my youngest will be heading off to college and I will officially become an “empty nester”. When that day comes (and after I clean the pantry and fridge) I have promised myself to: lose weight ~ get active ~ eat healthier!

In my attempt to prepare for this I discovered this recipe and it is delicious!

Blueberry Bran Muffins

1 ½ cups wheat bran
1 cup nonfat milk
½ cup unsweetened applesauce
1 egg
2/3 cup brown sugar
½ tsp. vanilla
½ cup flour
½ cup whole wheat flour
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. baking powder
½ tsp. salt
1 cup blueberries

Preheat oven to 375. Grease 12 muffin cups. Mix wheat bran & milk in small bowl and allow to stand while mixing other ingredients. In a large bowl mix all other ingredients EXCEPT the blueberries. Stir in wheat bran & milk. Fold in blueberries. Bake 15-20 minutes or until done in the center. ENJOY!

Oodles Of Noodles ~ Ready, Set, Action!

I've written a lot about my "Oodles of Noodles" fringe blankets... this time of year they are my best sellers! But, I never had a photograph of one in action to share. Until now~ Terra Herring Photography from Kansas shared this terrific portrait of one of her little clients. Doesn't she do awesome work? It was such a thrill to see one of my designs/creations at work! ***A huge thank you to Terra of Terra Herring Photography out of Ozawkie, KS for sharing her terrific portrait! If you are in her neck of the woods and need a professional photographer, be sure to check her out!

Dear Jenna...

Today I participated in the “Every 15 Minutes” program through my daughter’s high school. My daughter died. Unique in its design and powerful in its impact, “Every 15 Minutes” is an educational experience that reminds us all of the dangers associated with driving while impaired. While the crash might be staged ~ the emotions are real!

Every 15 minutes someone dies as the result of an alcohol related collision. Can our communities afford to ignore the devastating impact that driving while impaired is causing? School-based alcohol prevention programs are essential in helping to reduce and eliminate alcohol use among adolescents.

Talk to your kids… Talk to your friends… Make a positive impact in this world and don’t be afraid to speak up for what is right. Tell everyone you know, every chance you get – Don’t Drink And Drive – Don’t Let Your Family Members Or Friends Drink And Drive – Don’t Even Let Complete Strangers You Encounter Drink And Drive! Call Your Mom… Call A Friend… Call A Cab!

The raw emotion I felt today is unfathomable. That parents every day have to go to a car collision scene and identify their child is a horrific thought! It is only through on-going education that we can impact our teens/young adults and teach them to make good choices. I wish everyone could experience this program ~ I wish no one had to experience this tragedy.


The statistical and program references have been taken and can be found at the official “Every 15 Minutes” website. http://www.every15minutes.com/enter/enter.html

This was written in memoriam for all the families whose lives are impacted every single day with alcohol related collisions. You will never be forgotten.

~The Art Of Packaging~

I often wonder what my customers think when they receive their Oodles of Noodles packages. I imagine them questioning "How did she get that blanket and all that fringe into such a tiny box?" But, rest assured that after removing, if you give your new photo prop a good shake it will be ready to work hard for you to help create that perfect portrait memory of all your precious little clients!


Hodge Podge Oodles of Noodles spread out and ready to be packaged!


Fold oodley noodley fringe from two opposite sides in towards the center.


Fold final two sides of oodley noodley fringe in towards the center.


Roll oodles of noodles baby blanket burrito style!


Fold neatly in tissue paper, add a sticker and tie with a pretty ribbon.


Always, Always, Always send a handwritten note and include a business card. I love my customers ~ I want them to know just how much!

Fold in half, and place into a priority mail box. Tape securely to keep moisture out and fill out a delivery confirmation slip ~ And, it's ready to be taken to the post office and shipped to some lucky customer!

Design... Create... Sell...

I’m old… it’s official! Well, truth be told it’s been official for awhile now, but alas, I’m now admitting it publicly! I discovered Etsy about a gazillion years late but went ahead and opened up a shop not sure of this whole world wide internet thing. And, I was feeling pretty proud of myself (puffing chest out!) blogging and all. But now there is Flickr, Twitter, My Space, Facebook, ByHand.me, IndiePublic, Art Fire, Google, etc., etc., etc. Sometimes I wonder when everyone finds the time to design, to create, or in my case… to knit?

One person who has mastered the science of time management seems to be Timothy Adam of Timothy Adam Designs. His shop www.timothyadamdesigns.etsy.com is very successful and his success is second only to his willingness and desire to help ALL artists. He does that through www.Handmadeology.com. At Handmadeology – The science of Handmade, he shares secrets, tips, and tons of information for us to use and utilize. Check it out… You will be glad you did! Thanks, Timothy!

Oodles Of Noodles ~ Unique Newborn/Baby/Child Photography Props

I hate to admit it... I'm an etsy alchemy junkie! I often scroll through the pages to see what others are looking for in the hopes that I might be offered a custom bid order or find an interesting piece that I can't get out of my mind. It was through such a search that the Oodles Of Noodles Fringe Blanket Photography Prop was born! I saw something similar during my searches through alchemy land and bid to create it. The custom piece was not offered to me but I simply couldn't get it out of my mind! And the rest, as they say, is history! I absolutely LOVE the way it turned out (so much better then the description, if I do say so myself). The blanket color possibilities are endless and being the yarn fanatic that I am, the added fringe just about puts me over the top! I'm in yarn heaven when I go to the yarn shop to pick out colors, textures, patterns, designs to coordinate and compliment. And, it goes without saying that the thought of creating something that will be used to forever capture a special moment in time of someone's precious little one... PRICELESS!

Incredible Etsy Artist Series

When I spend time surfing through "Etsyland" as I like to call it, I am always amazed at the many, many talented artists. I had hoped to do a weekly "feature artist" but my time is not always my own (or the computer for that matter!) and thus I have scrapped that idea. I do hope, though, to feature someone amazing as often as is possible with my schedule. This first artist I will feature is a soap artist ~ sculpting absolutely beautiful and stunning pieces using soap. I have never seen anything like it, and I am truly captivated.

Diana is a stay at home mother of 2 who has been crafting since she was a child. She began crafting with soap approximately 2 years ago, designing and creating very unique soap favors for weddings, showers, etc. Her very first soap creation was the Calla Lily soap favor and says that the callas are her absolute favorite! Diana says she is amazed at how far soap can go. "This is only the beginning for me. Many more soap creations are on their way! I absolutely love what I do and am thrilled by the opportunity to help make special events so very memorable." says Diana.

I, for one, can't wait to see what new soap sculptures Diana will create. It is quite obvious that Diana takes a great deal of time in detail and has great pride in her work. Thank you, Diana, for sharing such an amazing talent with us!

Be sure to check out Diana's shop at:
http://www.enchantingsoapfavors.etsy.com/

What's On YOUR Knitting Needles?

Yesterday at work a friend asked "So... what are you knitting?" I had to chuckle to myself and thought "On which pair of needles?" You see I never have only one project started. Usually it is at least 3, sometimes 4. Right now I'm working on a sweater for my daughter (it was for Christmas ~ the yarn is annoyingly bothersome) but that is a whole different post! I also have a fall/winter scarf on a pair of needles, a spring/summer scarf on a pair of needles, a new stitch using a fuzzy yarn hot off the needles waiting to have fringe added and a handbag on some circulars! Ohh... and that doesn't even put a dent in all the projects floating around in my brain still to become works of fiber art! So... What are YOU knitting?