Bubblegirl Knit and Crochet

I've moved!

2011-07-24T23:20:00.001-04:00

I've moved my blog over here http://bubblegirlknitandcrochet.wordpress.com/. Please stop by for a visit, I'm planning to post more often.

Honoring a friend...

2011-06-11T08:44:00.005-04:00

The name "Bubblegirl" is explained in my website's About section. Basically, "the bubble" was a glass room I worked in at my former workplace and the women who worked in the bubble were called Bubblegirls. We liked the name, and I even used it on a couple of websites as my user name. I decided to name my business Bubblegirl as a way to tie in my old working life to my new mom/self employed life. Our company was small and we were all like family. Eight years after leaving work, I still get together regularly with a group of friends from work, aka "the girls".

One of the girls, Pam, was the first Bubblegirl. She was so much fun to work with, always laughing and cracking jokes. The last time I saw Pam was in December, 2010 at our annual girls Christmas dinner. She wasn't feeling well, and was thinking of staying of home and missing the dinner that year. Thankfully, she decided to come...little did I know it would the very last time most of us would see her.

Just a few weeks after the dinner, at the end of December, Pam was diagnosed with cancer. Although she was told it was terminal, she didn't let any of us girls know. We were all praying for her and I really thought she would be able to fight it and kick cancer's butt. That's the way Pam was, she was so so strong and didn't take crap from anyone. Unfortunately, cancer ended up winning this time, and Pam lost her battle on April 30, 2011...only 4 months after being diagnosed. Pam left behind a wonderful husband and her beautiful 12 year old son. I can't imagine what they are going through.

Feeling helpless, I decided to make something as tribute to Pam's memory. Now, I am known for making hats, but Pam hated hats and never wore them...she also didn't like scarves. So no hats or scarves...I eventually decided on this tote bag. It's a great for shopping, and is just the right size to fit a laptop. I'm also selling a smaller version for kids. Both bags are decorated with a flower clip that is removable and can also be used on hats, headbands, or alone as a hair clip.

A portion of the proceeds from each bag will be donated to The Canadian Cancer Society in Pam's name.

Large tote $25.00 - $8.00 donation

Small tote $15.00 - $5.00 donation

Three years

2011-04-12T07:50:00.006-04:00

Wow, I can't believe it's been 3 years since I took the plunge and started my own business. I opened my Etsy shop on April 16, 2008, and my own site just a few weeks ago. To celebrate, you can enjoy FREE WORLDWIDE SHIPPING this week when you use the code 3RDANV at checkout on my website until April 16, 2011.

Here's a look at at one of my new flowered newsboy hats for big girls. I really really like this yarn and I'm having fun mixing and matching all the great colors. I'm thinking of making some colorful earflap hats for kids and newborns too.

Please help me win.

2011-04-01T16:22:00.005-04:00

I have entered Bittersweet Photography's photo contest for the chance of winning a free photo session. If you could me help me win, it would be greatly appreciated. To vote for my photo, 'like' Bittersweet Photography on facebook, and then 'like' my photo.

Although I work with many talented professional photographers, I have never had a professional photo session. The last time we even had a family photo taken was when my daughter was a toddler.

The contest is for silly photos of your kids, I thought this one of my daughter was perfect.

The contest closes April 7th and the photo with the most 'likes' wins.

Thanks so much!!!

Too cute!

2011-04-01T16:02:00.011-04:00

I have discovered the wonderfully talented Rebecca Danger on Etsy. She designs all kinds of adorable knit toys from animals to cute little monsters. She has a terrific blog with some free pattern downloads as well. Her patterns are very easy to follow and have tons of pictures for reference.

This is Wasabi the pug...so cute, right?

Or how about Penelope the monster.

And, I have these little Monster Chunks listed for sale on my website.

New website!

2011-03-08T09:04:00.006-05:00

I am so excited to have launched my own website! I've had my Etsy shop for 3 years and thought it was time branch out on my own. I think the shopping experience on my site is a bit easier than Etsy, especially with the types of items I sell. The color and size choices can be made through drop down menus, instead of having to leave a message at checkout. Plus you don't have to sign up or join anything. However, I will still be maintaing my Etsy shop for all you Etsy addicts.

Here is a screenshot from my site, http://www.bubblegirlknitandcrochet.com/

Many thanks to Jennifer from This Chick Designs for the website design template!!

Newborn Prop Packages

2010-07-21T21:52:00.012-04:00

If you're just starting up your photography business, or would like a great deal on newborn props, I've created 4 Newborn Prop Packages just for you!

Package A - $80.00 ($101.00 value)

1 newborn girl hat

1 newborn boy hat

1 hanging sling

1 cocoon

Package B - $80.00 ($103.00 value)

1 diaper cover set

1 hanging sling

1 cocoon

Package C - $90.00 ($116.00 value)

1 newborn girl hat

1 newborn boy hat

1 cocoon

1 baby blanket

Package D - $95.00 ($120.00 value)

1 hanging sling
1 cocoon
1 baby blanket

Patterns added to blog

2010-07-07T17:23:00.003-04:00

You can now purchase my crochet patterns right here on the blog! Just scroll down on the right hand menu to see them. You will be directed to PayPal via Ravelry, but you don't have to be a Ravelry member to make a purchase.

Crochet patterns

2010-07-06T10:19:00.005-04:00

After many requests, I have finally written patterns for some of my newborn photo props. I am so excited about opening a Ravelry store, just about as much as I was when I opened my Etsy shop 2 years ago. That's when I started designing newborn hats, cocoons, slings and baby blankets. The patterns are fairly easy to follow, and explanations of the stitches are included with each pattern. Plus, you are welcome to sell what you make!! I currently have 3 patterns listed for sale, two cocoons and one sling. They are available on Ravelry as well a in my Etsy shop in the Patterns section. I have a few hat patterns written, but they just need to be tested before I can list them for sale.

Bye Bye Kindergarten

2010-07-01T10:02:00.010-04:00

This was a bittersweet week in our home. Not only did the school year end, but so did our Kindergarten days. My daughter graduated Senior Kindergarten this week, and it was a day full of smiles and tears. We really loved her teacher and hope to see her at the school next year. She doesn't have a permanent position yet, so we'll find out in when school starts again.

Here is my daughter, all smiles in her pretty dress. I'm so proud of her and my son...I can't believe they'll both be in school full time next year.

All ready for their last day!

Saying goodbye to her teacher. This is right before she burst into tears.

Free Worldwide Shipping - 3 days only

2010-06-25T13:59:00.002-04:00

I'm offering free worldwide shipping this weekend from Friday, June 25 thru Sunday June27 on everything in my shop! Take advantage and stock up on hats, cocoons and other photo props.

So excited!!

2010-06-23T12:09:00.003-04:00

I'm so excited and honored to have been chosen by Babble.com as one of the Top 50 Etsy Moms!! It must have been a tough decision, there are so many great shops on Etsy. Take a look at the list, I'm sure you'll find a new shop to add to your favorites.

Some new photo props

2010-06-07T10:50:00.009-04:00

I've been busy working on some new props for newborns and kids. Cotton headbands with crocheted flowers have been added to my shop. These headbands are unique in that their size is adjustable. There is no elastic, but instead a velcro closure is used. I find these much easier to put on and adjust than the headbands that use ribbon or ties that can get caught in long hair.

Currently they are available in size 2T-10, but I've sent some newborn headbands to photographer Lisa Slate who will be photographing them for my shop. Lisa is very talented and has photographed items for my shop in the past.

Here is an example of some of Lisa's work, one of my new Diaper Cover Sets.

You should check out her website, Lisa Slate Photography.

Photo Prop Giveaway!

2010-04-14T08:48:00.004-04:00

To celebrate 2 years on Etsy, I'm having a giveaway! All customers who make a purchase in my Etsy shop from Monday, April 12 - Friday, April 16 will be entered into a draw for my Chunky Upright Sling, a $40.00 value!!

Thank you to Nicole Everson for this beautiful image of the sling.

New blanket prop!

2010-03-29T16:03:00.012-04:00

I finally found a textured yarn for a new blanket design!! It's available locally and not too expensive, so I'm able to make a fairly large blanket at a reasonable price. I currently have 2 blankets listed in my Etsy shop, the Creamy White Cuddles Blanket, and the Burgundy Cuddles Blanket. I will also be making one in Oatmeal this week, and have to get back to the store to buy lots more colors.

The blankets are listed at $55.00 for a 28"x40" size. Other available sizes are:

small 15"x15" - $30.00

medium 28" x30" - $40.00

extra large 30" x 50" - $70.00

I can also make custom sizes, just send me a message on Etsy.

Thanks for your suggestions!

2010-03-05T19:13:00.007-05:00

I want to thank everyone who commented on my last post about the ideal baby blanket size. A few preferred a smaller blanket, but most photographers would rather have a larger one to use as a backdrop. Since the yarn I wanted to use is quite expensive, a larger blanket may have ended up costing about $200. So, I went in a different direction and used my favorite yarn to make some new beanies and cocoons. I may take one suggestion and make a 17"x30" blanket in the future.

This is the Cream Fluffy Baby Beanie.

And here is the matching cocoon.

They are available in cream, tan and pink and all have a removable and repositionable bow.

I haven't completely abandoned the idea of making a new baby blanket. I've just returned from Michael's with a fresh supply of Bernat Cottontots yarn in green, blue and cream and I'm about to start making a checkered baby blanket. It probably won't appeal to photographers, but I'm sure it would make a lovely shower gift. I'll post pics when it's done.

Photographers, I need your input please!

2010-01-27T16:17:00.006-05:00

I'm working on a new baby blanket design to be used for newborn photography. It will be soft, thick and textured and come in a few colors, mostly neutrals. My question is: what is the ideal size to make the blanket? Some photographers like to have a very big blanket to use as a backdrop, and some like to have a smaller one that can be folded and placed in a bowl, crib etc. The yarn I will be using is quite expensive, so a big blanket could easily cost over $100. I insist on using this yarn as it is incredibly soft and is what will give the blanket it's texture. I currently use it now as trim on a few of my hats and it'a also used in a couple of my hanging slings.

This is very large blanket I made a few months ago, using the same yarn.

If you have time, please leave a comment regarding what you think is the ideal baby blanket size for photography. Thanks!!

New shop!

2009-11-20T19:19:00.006-05:00

I'm so excited because I've just opened a second Etsy shop, Brooklin Girl! Its soon to be full of crocheted goodies to accessorize your home. I currently have coasters, dishcloths, felted bowls and napkin rings available for sale. I am looking forward to adding some afghans and throws, but my Bubblegirl shop is keeping me very busy. That shop has had quite a year, I've almost reached 1600 sales in 18 months which might explain why I haven't posted here since last March. I'm really enjoying making some different things for the new shop. I was so happy to see that my one of my felted coaster sets made it to the front page on Etsy only a few days after the new shop opened!!

I'm a finalist!!

2009-03-11T16:40:00.004-04:00

I was so excited to receive an email from Lionbrand Yarns informing me that I'm a finalist in their Vanna's Choice yarn contest! There are 32 prizes to be won, and the grand prize is $1000 plus a trip to L.A. to attend a taping of Wheel of Fortune. Entrants had to submit photos of items made using Vanna's Choice yarn. I had three entries and my Chocolate Brown Earflap hat and Booties Set made it to the finals. I have to send them the actual hat and booties now, I'll let you know how I do.

Family getaway

2009-02-13T12:09:00.011-05:00

This week, our family went on our first vacation. It took almost six years for us to get away, and it was only for a few days but we had a blast. We were lucky enough to receive a gift card for Great Wolf Lodge in Niagara Falls. It's the perfect place for families, with an indoor waterpark, arcade, and craft room plus storytime every night in the lobby with the lodge's forest friends. There's also a spa if mom and dad need some time to relax too. We're already planning our next trip there in the fall.

The kids had their own separate "room" in our room with their own tv. They loved the bunk beds.

Here's the waterpark.

The kids with the Talking Tree.

The Falls were only 5 minutes away.

My Favorite Blog

2009-01-22T06:32:00.006-05:00

I'm going to start posting some of my favorite things, hopefully weekly. I'm starting with my daily addiction and favorite blog, Jeff Chalmers' Photo Blog. It's basically a daily puzzle where you study the photo and solve the puzzle. Jeff is a Toronto area broadcaster and photographer, and he started his blog as part of a promotion at a local radio station, but he has continued it on his own. Originally it was just for fun, but Jeff has now started giving away prizes!! In Jeff''s own words, here how he describes it:

"We’re looking for song titles, album titles and lyrics to tunes. The odd time we’ll mix it up and throw in a popular expression, advertising slogan or phrase. You’ll know this stuff.

Every weekday, Jeff uploads an original photograph. The picture holds a clue to the puzzle. With the clues provided by the moderator and by the players over the course of the day, your job is to figure out the ‘phrase that pays’.

Enter your response into the COMMENTS section and check back to see if it’s been posted. Correct responses are held in moderation until the next morning while incorrect ones are posted throughout the day.

The more correct responses you provide, the more entries you have in that week’s draw."

Prizes include music cd's and dvd's and sometimes tickets to local events. I don't play to win, I love the challenge, but I did actually win a cd this week!

Here's an example of one of this week's puzzles. If you can't read the small print here, it's a song title...one word...2008. Can you guess the answer? You're probably going to need some help from Google, there are some great resources on the web. Give up? Click on this link to see the answer.

The group that plays each day is a great bunch of people, we're almost each other's second family. Jeff even organized a Blogger's Bash last in December so we could meet face to face. You can see photos of the Bash on his blog too. Jeff's always looking for more bloggers to join in, so try it out...but I warn you, it's addictive.

New year, new design

2009-01-07T17:43:00.006-05:00

Happy New Year!! I ended the year on a high note by celebrating my 200th sale on Etsy. I'm pretty pleased about that since my original goal was to reach 100 sales in my first year. I opened my shop in May 2008, so I've doubled my goal in a little over 7 months. I'm now hoping to reach 300 sales by my 1 year anniversary. I spent some of my holidays working on a new baby hat design. It's a folded brim baby cap that's decorated with a little flower. I currently have 3 colors available in the shop.

Chocolate Brown

Sweet Cream

Pretty in Pink

It's beginning to look alot like Christmas

2008-12-02T17:13:00.005-05:00

Our family decorated the Christmas tree this past weekend. I actually left most of the kids' ornaments where they put them, I'm not as fussy as I used to be...once you have children, Christmas really is more for them. The tree is covered in 24 little white mittens I hand knitted 2 years ago. I got the idea from Martha Stewart when she had an "Advent Tree" on her show that had 24 mittens, each with a number counting down to Christmas. I wasn't ambitious enough to knit numbers onto the mitts, but I like them all white. The next year, I crocheted a "scarf" to use as garland. I started making that in June so it would be ready for December. I was far too busy this year to make anything new, but I'm thinking of knitting little caps for next year's tree. Maybe by then my kids will be a bit more adept at knitting and they can make them instead!

We also went to see the man in red on Sunday. We waited over 2 hours, which might explain why the kids look a bit worn out.

FREE SHIPPING!!!

2008-11-28T06:17:00.004-05:00

I'm offering FREE SHIPPING all weekend long, from Friday November 28 thru Monday December 1st. Check out my shop for all your winter accessories, scarves , hats , mitts, and cute little baby items.

Newborn Earflap Hats

2008-11-24T12:25:00.011-05:00

I already have a few earflap hats for older kids in my shop, and now I've added some for newborns. So far I only have 2 color choices, but will be adding a few more soon. These ones are made with Pretty in Pink and White.

These one are made with Sweet Cream and Pretty in Pink.

I also have a new Chocolate Brown Earflap Hat for the big kids too!

Custom sweater

2008-11-10T13:46:00.005-05:00

Recently, a friend asked me to knit a couple of sweaters for her 2 neices, one in purple and 1 in pink. She wanted each of them to be quite thick, almost like a fall/spring jacket. I decided to knit them with Vanna's Choice yarn using 2 strands of yarn together to make them more bulky. I just finished the first one in purple and I'm really happy with how it turned out. I always worry when making something new without a pattern, especially a sweater. I think the size is correct, as it's a bit big for my model who is four (but wears size 5) and this is for a 6 year old.

I also found out that Michael's is having a Vanna's Choice Yarn contest, so I entered this sweater along with a hat. The first prize in each category is $1000USD, and you can enter as many times as you like.

Earth Tones

2008-10-23T17:16:00.004-04:00

Most of the baby items in my shop are pastel "baby colors". I never intended it to be that way when I started...I wanted to make things in non traditional baby colors. Well, it didn't turn our that way because I fell in love with a certain cotton yarn that is only available in pastels. This week I decided to try a 50/50 cotton acrylic blend yarn. It feels just like 100% cotton, and this one comes in a variety of colors. So far love it, and have made a baby tassel hat, a pair of booties, and a pair of mittens all in the same brown taupe color. I have found that customers like to have coordinating pieces to choose from. I'll be purchasing some navy blue tomorrow for a custom order, but still have to find chocolate brown. Unfortunately, this particular yarn does not come in that color.

I can't believe it!

2008-10-06T15:54:00.003-04:00

I'm so excited, I made it onto Etsy's front page! My new flowered scarf was included in this treasury, Buy ALL your scarves here!!, curated by Raghouse International. Thank you so much Raghouse and congrats to all the others included!

Pink for October

2008-10-01T06:18:00.004-04:00

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and many websites will be turning pink for the month to promote awareness. Most people have been touched by this disease, I lost a friend to breast cancer a couple of years ago. She was young and had 2 children, and her cancer was not found early and spread before she even knew she had it. The key to fighting this disease is early detection, that is why Breast Cancer Awareness Month is so important. If you would like to participate, visit Pink for October to find out more.

It's time to get ready

2008-09-29T16:58:00.007-04:00

It's hard to believe, but the holidays will be here before you know it. Most photographers have started booking sessions for holiday photos and Christmas cards. I have the perfect prop for those photos, this Berry Red Tassle Hat. It can be made in sizes from newborn to adult, so the whole family can be decked out for Christmas.

My new model

2008-09-21T07:11:00.004-04:00

I've started using models to photograph my kids' hats and I think the photos look pretty good. I recently designed a new earflap baby hat and wanted to use a model for it as well. But...I don't have access to a newborn baby so I decided to use this little cutie. My daughter received it on her first birthday, and it's head is just the right size for these cute little hats. I think it worked out pretty well..I sold a hat the first day it was listed. I will be offering this hat in pink as well and it should be in the shop sometime this week.

Chocolate chippies

2008-09-07T16:42:00.004-04:00

It's been kind of a dreary, wet and cold day here today. So the kids and I baked some chocolate chip cookies, or chocolate chippies as my kids call them. These cookies are very popular among my friends, here's the recipe if would like to bake up batch yourself. It's from an old box of vegetable shortening, the new one's have a healthier recipe with less eggs and sugar, but I like this one better.

1 cup.............. butter flavour vegetable shortening

1 1/2 cups..... firmly packed brown sugar

1 Tbsp............vanilla

2......................eggs

21/4 cups.......all-purpose flour

1 tsp................salt

1 tsp................baking soda

2 cups.............chocolate chips

Preheat oven to 350 F.
Cream shortening, brown sugar and vanilla in large bowl at medium speed of an electric mixer for 2 minutes.
Add eggs, beating 1 minute.
Combine flour, salt, and baking soda. Add to creamed mixture gradually, beating on low speed for about 1 minute.
Stir in chocolate chips.
Drop by heaping spoonfuls on ungreased baking sheet for 8 to 10 minutes for chewy cookies, or 11 to 13 minutes for crips cookies.

Makes about 3 dozen cookies.

I like to make these chewy and never bake them for more than 8 minutes. They might look like they are not done, but trust me, let them cool for a few minutes on the baking sheet before removing them to a rack and they will be perfect! My secret (not any more) ingredient is President's Choice Decadent chocolate chips, they make a huge difference.

Enjoy!!

New hats for fall

2008-09-02T08:21:00.018-04:00

I spent this past weekend making some new hats for fall. I now have a larger "big kid" version of my Baby Hat with Tassels that has been so popular in my shop. I think they look pretty cute, I'll have to wait and see if anyone else likes them.

I'm also adding some more brimmed hats to the shop and have included some for boys!

I got my labels!

2008-08-29T15:07:00.009-04:00

I am so happy with the fabric labels I purchased from MommieMadeIt on Etsy. They match my exact specifications perfectly and are so easy to sew into my knitted and crocheted items. One of them is shown here sewn into my new baby jacket. I will definitely purchase more of these!

Here's another photo of the baby jacket.

Treasuries!!

2008-08-28T12:40:00.008-04:00

I have been so fortunate this week to be included in 3 Etsy treasuries. The first one, "Nature Babies", was curated by Etsyknitter teammate brendaml. My new blue baby mittens are in the second row.

The second one, "School Daze", was curated by another EtsyKnitter, blazingneedles. My yellow backpack is in the third row.

The third, "Etsy Hookers Can Cover Your Head", is by fellow EtsyHoooker noradora. My flowered chocolate beanie is in the bottom row.

A big thanks to all of you!!!

I also managed to grab a treasury myself that showcases the wonderfully talented members of the EtsyHoookers Team. Here it is, "Look what hookers can do!"

Handmade Kids

2008-08-26T18:54:00.006-04:00

I've mentioned before on this blog about the Handmade Kids contest Etsy is having right now. Well, the finalists were named yesterday and one of my fellow Etsyhookers teammates made the finals!!

This custom letter pillow from Laura of Laura's Left Hook is a finalist in the Home Decor category. Laura has many great crocheted items in her shop, she is so talented and I'm so happy her work is being recognized. Oh, and the prize, besides bragging rights....a $350.00 Etsy shopping spree, just in time for Christmas!

You have to be registered on Etsy to be able to vote in the contest. There are 7 categories in total and lots of great items to be found.

Good Luck Laura!!!

Etsy Purchases

2008-08-18T19:30:00.012-04:00

I know there are alot of blogs that feature Etsy sellers, well I thought I would feature items that I have actually purchased on Etsy. So far I have been extremely happy with everything I've bought. My new obsession has been handmade soaps, and there are so many shops on Etsy to chooose from. If you take a look at my "favorites" on Etsy, a good chunk of them will be soap.

I just finished off this bar of Lemon Grass Apricot Scrub I purchased from Lily Pond Soaps and I loved it.

I've now moved on to this Pure Romance Shea Butter Bar from Anderson Soap Co. and my skin has never felt so soft.

I was so happy to receive this handmade play dough from Do Si Dough last week. I also purchased some in pink so each of my kids could have one in their favorite color. Well, they were a big hit! With all the rain we've been getting here this summer, I really needed some new indoor activities. Even though they have played with the store bought dough before, this was completely different. They sat at the kitchen table with this dough for three hours!! And, of course, they have asked for more.

My latest purchase was for some custom made fabric labels I'm going to sew into my knitted and crocheted items that I have for sale on Etsy. I found them at Mommiemadeit, a terrific shop on Etsy. I couldn't believe how quickly I received a proof of my order. It was ready the day after I made the purchase and was based soley on the message I left in the "message to seller". The design looks exaclty like I wanted it to, with the fonts and colors I requested. And, the labels were shipped out the very next day!! Talk about great service, I can't wait to get them! I'll post photos when they arrive.

Cuteable!

2008-08-15T11:47:00.003-04:00

My Baby Blanket Gift Set is featured on Cuteable today! I applied about a month ago and hadn't heard back so I just assumed I hadn't been accepted. I was so excited to receive the email notifying me that one of my items is on there today!

http://cuteable.com/

From start to finish

2008-08-13T15:02:00.013-04:00

I thought I would show the step by step process I used to make my latest baby blanket. This Wonder Dreams blanket was crocheted in blue and green cotton yarn, with a white trim. All knit or crochet projects begin the same way, with a ball of yarn and a needle or hook. In this case a 5mm crochet hook and several balls of Bernat Cottontots yarn.

The blanket is made up of 25 6"x6" squares; 9 blue, 4 green, and 12 granny squares that are a combination of blue and green with a white edge.

Once all the squares were made, I crocheted them together with white yarn to form strips 5 squares long. They could also have been sewed together, but I prefer the look of the crocheted border around each square. I ended up with 5 strips that then had to be joined to form the body of the blanket. I then crocheted a white border around the entire blanket.

If you ask most knitters or crocheters (or hookers as we are known) what they like least about their craft, most of them would say, "weaving in the ends". I am no different, this was the most time consuming part of this project. As you can see in the photo there were ALOT of ends to weave in. The more color changes there are, the more ends there are too. I hope this makes you appreciate all the work that goes into making something that has many different colors. It would have been harder for me if all the squares were granny squares instead of plain. I have made many blankets with all granny squares and it has taken days just to weave in the ends.

It was worth all the effort, here is the finished product a 31"x31" baby blanket.

Back to School

2008-08-11T17:35:00.008-04:00

Yes, it's August and my kids have gone back to school already. We have a couple of schools in our area that are on "modified calendar", the kids only get 1 month off in the summer and the rest of their holidays are spread out throughout the year. It's suppossed to make it easier for them when they start back to school because they can remember more from the previous year.

Today is very special because it is my daughter's first day of kindergarten! Here she is....she was so excited.

My son went back to school for one day last week and today he starts back full time. He's in Senior Kindergarten and because they have blended JK/SK classes at our school my kids will be in the same class! They are almost 2 years apart in age but because my son was born in March of 2003, and my daughter was born in December of 2004, they are only 1 year apart in school. I thought since this would be their only chance to be in the same class that I would request it. I guess I'll have to wait and see if that was good idea or not.

So far so good, they both had a good day today...except for the shoe drama. Apparently I bought my little one shoes that are too difficult to put on, even the teacher had a hard time. So as any 3 yr old would do, my daughter came out of the school crying. And, as any mom would do, I went right out and bought her some new shoes....ones she can put on and take off by herself. All is well again!

In the night garden

2008-08-10T17:21:00.009-04:00

A reference to a children's show I've seen too much of lately.

I haven't been paying alot of attention to my garden this year. The wonderful thing is, it doesn't seem to matter, the flowers are coming up lovely.

I didn't even plant the morning glories, they seeded themselves last year and just started flowering this morning.

The kids wanted to plant veggies this year, it looks like we're going to get a ton of tomatoes from just one plant!

First try at pattern writing

2008-08-09T15:18:00.009-04:00

I have been thinking about putting my patterns down on paper. I have them all written down in some form, mostly drawings and shorthand that only I can understand. I think it takes alot of skill to be able to write a pattern that other people can understand and follow. I have decided to start off with a very simple pattern and am posting it here in the hopes that someone will try it and give me some feedback. I would like to know if it is readable and if it needs any corrections. All critiques will be much appreciated.

The patttern is for a soap cover that I designed for my kids. I have a couple of them for sale in my Etsy shop and I also made one for myself that I use all the time.

The soap in the photo was purchased from Lily Pond Soaps. If you would like to purchase this Citrus Bubbles Shea Butter soap, visit http://www.lilypondsoaps.etsy.com/

Bubblegirl's Soap Cover

Materials:

Size H (5mm) crochet hook

Worsted weight cotton yarn - 1 skein (50g)

Size:

5.5" x 3"

Skill Level:

Easy

Instructions:
Row 1: Ch 28, hdc in 2nd ch from hook, *sk 1 ch, hdc in next ch, repeat from * to end; ch 2 turn.

Row 2: Sk 1st hdc, hdc in next ch 1 sp *ch 1 sk next hcd, hdc in next ch 1 sp, repeat from * to end; ch 2 turn.

Rows 3 - 16: Repeat Row 2.

Finish off.

Sew bottom and side seam, or sc them together instead of sewing.

Top Edging:
Join yarn with a ss near seam at top, ch 1 and sc evenly around top of soap cover.

Drawstring:
Ch 70. Ss in 2nd ch from hook, ss in each ch to end. Fasten off.
Thread drawstring through holes in the third frow from top as shown in photo. Tie drawstring as shown.

Abbreviations:

ch=chain

ss=slip stitch

sc=single crochet

hdc=half double crochet

sk=skip

sp=space

The Storque

2008-08-08T20:10:00.004-04:00

I just noticed tonight that one of my items has been included in an Etsy Storque article. The article is about the Handmade Kids contest Etsy is having right now. I'm not eligible to enter the contest because I'm not a U.S. resident, I'm from Canada. But, Etsy will be featuring a special gift guide for international sellers of children's items. I'm so excited that one of my baby blankets has been featured in the article, sometimes they get put on the front page of Etsy. I'm crossing my fingers, I've never been on the front page, but I hear it gives your shop great exposure.

That's my Forest Squares Blanket in the center of the bottom row.

New baby blanket

2008-08-08T10:44:00.010-04:00

I recently finished a new baby blanket I designed and I'm so happy with how it turned out. It took alot longer to make than I thought it would, but it was worth it! It's my favorite blanket so far and I'm planning on making a "boy" version with blue and green squares. It's made with 100% cotton yarn which is great because it's not only very soft and lightweight, but also machine washable...very important for baby items.

I also purchased a crochet pattern for booties from Etsy seller Sylver. I have my own design for knitted booties which I sell in a gift set, but I'm not quite as experienced with crocheting booties. So, I received permission from Sylver to sell the booties in my shop, how great is that! She has lots of great deigns and also sells finished products in her shop too, http://www.sylver.etsy.com/

Must get back to the Blog!

2008-07-20T07:50:00.014-04:00

I've been neglecting this blog for a few weeks. I don't know how people do it...I am so busy with my little business endeavor, not to mention my family.

Big news, my daughter "graduated" from Nursery School, they even had a little ceremony, how cute! Here she is getting her "diploma", she was so excited.

I have come up with alot of new designs lately, a new Baby Gift Set, an adorable little poncho, a new baby blanket, and a really cool soap cover. I've been buying some of the awesome handmade soaps available on Etsy and they are great! My kids love them too, the only problem is, they have a hard time holding on to the slippery soap, so I made them a little cover that doubles as a washcloth.

Boy, have I been busy!

2008-06-23T16:28:00.006-04:00

I've had a few sales in my Etsy shop, so it's been knit, knit, knit to re-stock the shop. I also just finished a cute little crocheted dress.

I'm excited about a new Gift Set I will be offering soon, it will consist of a baby blanket, baby hat, and a pair of booties. It will be made to order and be offered in light or medium pink, light or medium blue, light green and all white. I will be starting to make a blanket for a friend in pink, and will use that one in the listing photo. I'll post it here as soon as it's done!

I've also been playing with some photo software and designed a new banner for my Etsy shop. I added it here too, what do you think? I'm addicted to it now, and have also designed new business cards. I wish I had found this software before I order 250 cards!

This week is going to be another busy one...I'm going on an all day school trip with my son tomorrow, and my daughter graduates from Nursey school on Thursday! I'll post pics of that too.

Lovely Day for a Picnic

2008-06-11T15:52:00.009-04:00

The heat finally broke last night, and it is a beautiful day today here in Brooklin. So, how could I say no when my kids asked for a picnic lunch in our backyard. We had hot dogs and watermelon, yummy!

The kids played out in the backyard for a few hours. While I watched them, I worked on these. Pretty cute, eh?

Teaching my kids to knit

2008-06-10T09:54:00.006-04:00

After some promting from my Etsyknitters teammates, I've started to teach my kids how to knit. They are 5 and 3, so I wasn't sure how it would go, but I learned to knit at age 5, so I knew it could be done. I started them with the needles, and that didn't work, then Mette from Etsyknitters introduced me to fingerknitting. She sent me a youtube video of kids fingerknitting, and I showed my 5 yr old son Paul. I sat with him and helped him make a "snake". He was so proud of himself, he had to take it to school. The next day, my 3 yr old daughter Nicole gave it a try, and with my help, she made a belt. Then she made a bracelet for her friend at preschool. It was yellow and I sewed on a pink button. I was so pleased when I came to pick her up from school that day and her friend was actually wearing the bracelet. I told Nicole's teacher about the youtube video and she went home and tried it out herself. Now she is showing the older kids at the school how to do it. I guess we're bringing back knitting!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QShnkJVD67E

Just finished this

2008-06-10T09:46:00.005-04:00

I had a custom order for 2 hats for 5 yrs old boys, I just finished them the other day. I love to do custom work, it's nice to make something different. I'm trying to finish a crocheted baby blanket made from my own pattern. I also want to try a new cotton dress pattern next since my cute little dress sold. I want my shop to have another dress.

What a great weekend

2008-06-09T15:04:00.004-04:00

It couldn't have been better, first I found out I have 2 items in the Etsy Baby Gift Guide. Then my 5 yr old son scored his first goal in his soccer game. I was in 2 Etsy treasuries and I also sold 2 items this weekend and finished a custom order. Thing are looking up!! We also went to our local fair, the kids had a great time.

Going to get yarn

2008-05-29T08:13:00.002-04:00

Off to get yarn to start some new projects....boys caps, new baby caps and booties. Post some pics when i'm done!

So I finally did it

2008-05-28T15:13:00.011-04:00

I got a blog, woo hoo! Now what? Does anybody really want to read about me? Please visit my shop using the link on the right. Here's some more of my stuff.

I also make adults hats and afghans and take custom orders. To see more, check out my flickr photostream:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/bubblegirlknits/

thanks for looking,

Lisa