Felt like Knitting

New Storefront

2011-09-16T20:03:00.000-07:00

Come by and take a look at my new storefront at
"meylah"

Just getting the shop up and running, I will be adding to it daily

Sneak a peek......

Ovah Coffee: How To Create A Badge For Your Blog

2011-06-25T12:40:00.000-07:00

Ovah Coffee: How To Create A Badge For Your Blog

2011-06-05T20:46:00.000-07:00

Now selling online
just click the online shopping button on the bar at the top of the page

I hand knit handbags for retail sale. My bags are made of 100% wool felt that I make myself. Most of my bags also have felt flowers that I also make. I use hand knit patterns that I write myself. I am thinking of writing a felt flower tutorial so that I can share some of the things that I have learned along the way.

Hugs

What the......

2011-06-05T13:32:00.000-07:00

So I'm looking around on Picasa and look what I found

that's me on the cover.
The purple handbag. What the heck,
not only did they use my pics but they didn't even ask

I can't read Spanish so I don't know what the article says , hope it's good ;=)

Well, I guess if you put it out there it becomes open for anyone to use.
Under other circumstance I would have been flattered.

Sale 20% off--Sale ended

2011-04-04T18:35:00.000-07:00

I'm having a sale at my shop on Zibbet, come by and take a look.

Sackboy

2011-03-21T14:46:00.000-07:00

Look what I just finished knitting....My grandson-Evan loves LittleBigPlanet a video game and this is the little guy that is the lead character--Sackboy_--

An Alan Dart pattern --download here for free

Hugs...

1.1.11

2011-01-01T11:23:00.000-08:00

Okay who could pass up posting on
1.1.11

Happy New Year
everyone!!!

Merry Christmas

2010-12-23T09:13:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas
from our home to yours

2010-12-08T21:34:00.000-08:00

Two more handbags

Close up

interior shot of the organizer

handbag

needle felted embellishment on the bag

*******************************************************

some ornaments that I painted

enjoy!

Two More

2010-12-06T07:50:00.000-08:00

A cute girly bag

Love the detail

interior shot, fun picking out fabrics for the organizer

interior view,
custom fit purse divider with lots of pockets.
The insert is removable for easy cleaning.

This bag sold this weekend at the show I was attending

See you soon

New Handbags

2010-12-02T08:34:00.000-08:00

Here are a couple of my new bags for this season.

This is going to a Mom with 2 kids. Lots of room for all their "stuff"

This is a pic of the lining for the bag,
I used all sorts of coordinating prints, very sweet.

Great over-sized bag

I love the felted ball detail

I love the lining fabric,
I made a custom fitted purse organizer for the bag with lots of pockets,
also you can take it out and wash if necessary

I'll post more pics later

Hugs

Monday is the day!!

2010-10-30T21:01:00.000-07:00

November 1st is the beginning of more fantastic Christmas ideas and giveaways.
Go by and take a look!

More Christmas Freebies

2010-10-29T10:32:00.000-07:00

More great tutorials for Christmas. A must see.

Take care...

Look what I found!!

2010-10-28T11:35:00.000-07:00

I found this great site,
if you love Christmas, tutorials and giveaways this is the site for you!!

Go and have some fun,
there is the cutest doll giveaway going on right now!

Hugs

2010-10-27T11:41:00.000-07:00

How cute is this guy!!

See Half Eaten Gingerbread Man and 1000's of others - or share your own on Cut Out + Keep

A must do for the holidays

I got my copy

2010-10-05T17:32:00.000-07:00

I received my copy of Haute Handbags today and I am so tickled to see my two handbags
in print along with the instructions on how to knit and felt the bags.

New Shop on ETSY

2010-09-20T11:29:00.000-07:00

http://www.etsy.com/shop/JBCDesigns

Come and check out my new shop on ETSY!!!!

I'm so excited

2010-09-19T20:38:00.000-07:00

This is it.
The cover of the magazine that I am featured in.
A four page spread, can you believe it.
This is a beautiful magazine put out by
Stampington and Company
for sale online and and at your favorite bookstore.

The magazine showcases two of my handbags with instructions for both.
Let me know what you think.

2010-08-21T17:06:00.000-07:00

I just opened a new shop at Artfire come by and visit.

It is based on ETSY.

http://www.artfire.com/users/JanesDesigns

SALE SALE 25 HOURS ONLY SALE SALE

2010-07-20T09:02:00.000-07:00

Come by my shop I have a huge sale going on,

all items are one of a kind so first come first served.

Prices marked are 25% off original price.

Who is sleeping on my new pillowcases

2010-05-14T14:10:00.000-07:00

Looks like I am not the only one who loves my new pillowcases that Cathy sent me for the Mary Janes Farm Pillowcase Swap. Thank you Cathy for my lovely pillowcases they are perfect. Lukah says thank you too.

pillowcases

2010-03-26T10:18:00.000-07:00

I finished my pillowcases for the "On the Edge" pillowcase crochet along

with Cassie and the other girls. I loved how they turned out.

I tea dyed the cotten thread so that it would have a more vintage feel.

If you get a chance go over and take a peek,

Cassie has a great tutorial.

http://yougogirl.typepad.com/

Enjoy your weekend

I have been featured on Cutable

2010-03-05T10:37:00.000-08:00

How cool is that!! My purse organizer was chosen to be featured

Cuteable

http://cuteable.com/

Here is another cutie..

Giveaway

2010-03-04T17:43:00.000-08:00

Go by Willa's site and join in on the fun she is giving away this folk art hand painted sheep

http://www.theoldcupboarddoorblog.com/

Willa also has a shop on ETSY:

http://www.etsy.com/shop/theoldcupboarddoor

Go by and say hello.

Hugs

Do you want to play along

2010-02-26T22:32:00.000-08:00

Okay, are you guys up for this? Would you like to play along?

You Go Girl (Cassie)

is hosting a crochet along, go by and visit her blog for all the details

Hurry it starts on March 1st

http://yougogirl.typepad.com/you_go_girl/

Rose Hip

http://rosehip.typepad.com/

Cassie saw these pillowcases and instantly fell in love

and decided to try her hand at it. So she is now going to host a 4 week coarse in how to make

a pillowcase with a crocheted edge.

Below are some of Cassie's creations:

Merry Christmas!!

2009-12-25T11:36:00.000-08:00

Look who got cleaned up for Christmas

BeforeAfter After

After-Before shot didn't take

Before

After
Merry Christmas
from

our home to yours!!

New handbags and totes

2009-12-18T22:14:00.000-08:00

A sweet little tote

My favorite

love those flowers

Love this tote......

shades of gray

(do you spell gray with an "e" or an "a")

A real tweet of a bag

perfect for an overnighter, yoga, market or laptop

Enjoy!!

A sneek preview to my show on Saturday

2009-11-17T12:22:00.000-08:00

Bucket bag

Infant hat

I love this dead fish hat

Told you I've been working hard. More pictures to follow....

hugs

It has been a long time...

2009-11-02T21:27:00.000-08:00

Look what followed us home on Halloween

I haven't painted in a very long time and I have been inspired lately be some artist friends and I decided to go digging in my closet and get out the paint brushes. So here is my first project. This is a design from Renee Mullins. I changed things up a bit and made a couple of ornaments for the tree.

Thanks for stopping by.

Getting in the Christmas Spirit

2009-10-06T10:17:00.000-07:00

Go by and visit this blog - Among the Gum Trees - http://gumtreedesigners.blogspot.com/
-This group of talented artist-

Cheryl of Willowberry Designs
Dawn of Dawn Hay Designs
Fiona of Mothers Cupboard
Jenny of ELEFANTZ
Joy of Joypatch
Judith of Creative Studio
Paula of Sew Little Fabric
Vicki of Tozz's Corner
Vikki of Sew Useful Designs

have come together and are giving away a free Christmas pattern every Monday, for the next 9 Mondays.

Too cool!

I've been working hard

2009-09-15T12:05:00.000-07:00

I have been knitting up a storm. I had an idea how about a hat and cowl in one so this is what I came up with, cinch it up and you have a hat, untie and pull it down around your neck and you have a cowl. I thought it was a great idea. What do you think?

I had bad news this week, the venue that I was going to show in this holiday season has cancelled. I was so looking forward to participating in this show. Plus, now it is too late to enter any of the shows around here they have already closed their signups for this season. I am so disappointed. I might only have the one showing this year which puts a rather large dent in my sales. I guess I am going to have to depend on etsy this year. ouch! Maybe something will turn up.
Hugs

A little something

2009-09-09T17:27:00.000-07:00

that I made for a swap that I was in. A cute table runner with pumpkins and spiders. I hope Ginny likes it.

Things that make me go--OOoooOooOooo Monday

2009-08-24T08:52:00.000-07:00

It's Monday morning and.....

I thought I would share some of my favorite--very cool things that I have found on etsy and other places on the Internet

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=29094739

This is "A Hanging Bird Cage" in vinyl
just visit HouseHoldWords

more to come...

still knitting

2009-08-21T18:32:00.001-07:00

I made some finger puppets to sell at the show, there are always kids there wanting to buy something so I thought this was a cute idea. When I got through my grandson said it looked like I had made Plankton (SpongeBob fans), and I guess he's right. Too funny!

Plus, a couple of new hats.

I hope that you all have a cool weekend, I have had my fill of hot weather, I am so looking forward to fall.

Big hugs

Camp WannaWannaHaveAGoodTime

2009-08-16T12:50:00.000-07:00

keeping warm

Evan and Gino sitting in a tree

Evan

scary!! it looked like alien babies had tried to eat our brownies.
little footprints everyehere

Cousins

More redwoods

Lukah doing a headstand

Pacific Ocean

Donna, Travis, Gino and Evan in front of one of the cabins

Riding around camp

Gino riding around camp

We just got back from our camping trip to Manchester Beach, CA. We had a wonderful time, all the kids except Lee and Annette were able to make it. We rented 3 cabins and Lyle and Ilene set up a tent. There were 14 of us all together plus two dogs, we didn't bring Lillie and Honey , they don't do too well out in the wild. It was a lot of fun. Each couple was in charge of one meal and everyone brought snacks to share, so it turned out all we had to do was cook breakfast and the rest of the time just sit back and enjoy. It worked out so well we are going to celebrate Christmas the same way.

My oldest (Gino) and youngest (Cooper) grandsons

Oh so sweet Baby Cooper

Lukah and the redwoods, just breathtaking

a fallen redwood

Hugs from

Camp HaddaHaddaGood Time

I'm knitting-what are you up to

2009-08-11T12:44:00.000-07:00

Cute, cute, cute

a raspberry pink brimmed cap, hand crocheted

Here are a few new hats to show you. I have been knitting up a storm and decided to

throw in a bit of crochet. Tell me what you think....

I love this one toooooo.....

Cute hat for your toddler

Enjoy!!!

20 degrees cooler

2009-08-05T15:13:00.000-07:00

Be afraid, be very afraid.......

I was so lucky to have Evan (worlds cutest hat model) come by and spend a couple of days.

I have the sweetest grandsons. All 4 of them are the best.

hugs

I know It's 102 outside and I'm showing you HATS

2009-07-19T09:56:00.000-07:00

Dinner anyone.......

I have been busy knitting hats and the cutest model stopped by so I had to take some pics.

Keep cool and have a great week!!

swap spoiler

2009-06-07T13:53:00.000-07:00

Marsha--no peeking

I'm in a swap for Christmas in July and thought I would show you what I made for my swap buddy. We are to put 6 items in a stocking. So here is my swap....

A handknit stocking, an ornament with felted eggs in a nest, a purse organizer, a tissue cozy, a matching cozy for other goodies in your handbag, a believe pin and a cd of the polar express.

Living in the country does have so many advantages and here are some pics to show you what I mean

a peacock on the neighbors roof

Our new family of doves, Momma and her 2 babies, Dad is somewhere aroung he never gets to far away. They moved out 2 days ago and look who moved in...

They remodeled a smidge before they moved in, a little fresh straw, I had just rinsed out the nest hoping to help to clean up a bit. This tree is just off our deck and about 6 feet away at eye level. We have been very lucky to see 8 families of doves raising their young.

And last but not least a Momma deer and her 2 babies.

How lucky we are to live in such a beautiful place

have a great week

Come by for a visit

2009-06-06T20:10:00.000-07:00

Come by and visit my treasury at ETSY

http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list.php?room_id=63286

I don't know how to show you the picture, guess you have to go by and see it for yourself.

I've been working on purse organizers and here are some pictures of the completed projects. I was able to get all that stuff plus there is room for plenty more.

Well, my birthday is on Tuesday and I'm going to be 53.

WOW!! when did that happen?

I can't believe that all 4 of my kids are now in their thirties and 4 grand kids.

Really where has the time gone and then I catch a glimpse of myself in the mirror and

THEN I believe I'm in my 50's.

Oh my.......

and the WINNER is..........

2009-05-22T10:55:00.000-07:00

Who won????

Meet my random picker:

This is my grandson Lukah

At this point only the random picker knows who the winner is.....

and now we all know who the winner is:

VICTORIA!!!!!

Congratulations!!

A big thanks to all that entered.

Victoria if you are out there, please e-mail me with your address and I will get your brand spanking new handbag into the mail for you. I hope you love it!!

Take care

it's time for a giveaway!!!!!

2009-05-13T13:00:00.000-07:00

I'm going to try this again! Blogging it turns out is a love hate relationship.
Sometimes I love it and sometimes I hate it.

Okay enough of that!

Lets get to it:

I have this handbag (see picture) that I think is too cute to be sitting on

a shelf in my closet waiting to be purchased.

Sooooooo how about a giveaway of one of my handbags,

this bag is a beautiful hand knit and felted merino wool handbag. All my handbags are hand knit and felted by me. This bag is a dark chocolate brown with light mocha stripes with one cream colored felted flower embellished with three buttons. The overall dimensions of the bag is 8 inches long by 8 inches high by 3 inches deep. This bag is lightweight but sturdy and will last a lifetime. This is a sweet little bag to add to your collection.

Starting this very minute you need to leave a comment, and you will be entered in the giveaway. You will have till Thursday 21st at 11:59 p.m. (PST) to enter and I will pick the winner and post by noon on Saturday the 23rd. The handbag will be mailed out by the 1st of June.

Yes. I will accept international entries

about shipping,

I will pay for shipping but it will be the cheapest that I can find,

so don't be upset if it takes awhile to get to you.

So spread the word, tell all your friends to come by and visit and to make sure that they leave a comment, only comments from May 13th, 1:00 p.m. (PST) through Thursday 21st, 11:59 p.m. (PST) will be in the drawing.

Okay, any questions, just let me know.

Now I have to show you the cutest picture of Cooper who is 3 months old as of the 8th of this month

Hugs to everyone

Introducing--Baby Cooper!!

2009-02-17T09:47:00.000-08:00

Introducing.....

Baby Cooper!

7 pounds 2 ounces

19-1/2 inches long

February 8, 2009

It's almost February....

2009-01-29T22:03:00.000-08:00

and I'm getting excited.

Grandbaby Cooper is due in February and we can hardly wait. There was a baby shower this past weekend with lots of friends and family. Charlotte and Jeff are very blessed to have so many people that love and care about them and now, their baby. They received such wonderful gifts -- clothes, diapers, handmade blankets, burp cloths that are little works of art. We were able to find a Moses basket for the baby and I made a cute cover and skirt for it ( I should have taken pictures, I'll take some once the baby is born and will show you then). I love the Moses basket it was just like the one my sister gave me to carry my twin babies in almost 30 years ago. WOW!! 30 years, how strange that sounds, I don't feel that old. ;-)

just a little cozy that I made

I'm also excited it is almost February because after taking a self imposed vacation from crafting for the month of January (which I really did enjoy) I am ready to get back to work. I have been spending my down time looking and being inspired by searching the Internet, visiting blogs, Flickr and window shopping on ETSY . Well now that I am all rested up and full of all kinds of ideas, I can hardly wait to share them with you.

See you in February.....

caterpillar cupcake

2009-01-28T17:18:00.001-08:00

caterpillar cupcake
Originally uploaded by hello naomi

Naomi is so talented!

enchanted garden cupcakes

2009-01-28T17:16:00.001-08:00

enchanted garden cupcakes
Originally uploaded by hello naomi

Are these the cutest cupcakes!!

Funny how things work

2009-01-06T16:44:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year Everyone!!!

We have been having a lot of fun and have had a wonderful holiday season. The time is near for the boys to go back to school. You can't help but get a little excited about the going back to school part and then the funniest thing happens the little guy ask you what is that on his face and yes is that another on his arm, check his chest what about his back. Are you kidding me CHICKENPOX!!! where the heck did he catch that.

Quick a couple of phone calls to some friends, yes his older brother did have a sleepover and yes those boys where exposed to the dreaded chickenpox in fact one is itching as we speak and the other has a little brother that yes he to is itching too,. Oh my!!

Well the good news is he is feeling pretty good considering and hey whats

another week home from school...........

Talk to you soon. Keep smiling

snow globe christmas cookies

2009-01-06T09:47:00.001-08:00

snow globe christmas cookies
Originally uploaded by hello naomi

Are these tooooo cute. They are created by hello naomi.

Merry Christmas

2008-12-25T09:17:00.000-08:00

Cocoa on the stove, cinnamon rolls in the oven and the kids are on their way.

I love Christmas

Merry Christmas everyone!!

show business

2008-12-08T21:08:00.000-08:00

Here are some pictures of the show this weekend:

My newest handbags, the little saddlebag sold first thing. It was so cute.

Thanks for coming by and visiting.....

Still recouping.....

2008-11-24T13:17:00.000-08:00

from the Vintage Holiday Boutique. We got back home yesterday afternoon

just in time for a short winters nap.

It was a great show, lots of people and all the vendors are a very sweet, talented group of women. Lots of smiles and quite a bit of laughing and joking going on. Here are some pictures of my table. After this show I realized I need to start spending more time on my displays, some of the booths at this show where works of art (go by and visit Cathe's blog for more pictures) I wish that I had taken pictures, if it weren't for Jenn (my daughter and business partner) taking this pictures of our booth I wouldn't have any. Thank you Jenn for all your help and moral support, I couldn't do it without you. Also to Lee and Annette (my son and daughter-in-law) for taking such good care of us this weekend, they gave up their bedroom and kept us very well fed. Thanks again everyone!!!

Now I'm off to make more for the next show... Talk to you soon

Stockings

2008-11-05T12:52:00.000-08:00

Here are some better pictures of the Christmas stockngs that I have been working on.

The stockings are 18 inches toe to cuff and 6 inches wide. Just big enough to hold all those goodies that Santa leaves all the good little boys and girls.

busy, busy, busy.........

2008-11-04T16:06:00.001-08:00

I only look huge.

Really I'm 1-1/4 inchs by 2 inches including all decorations.

I'm made of felt, beads, embroidery thread, stuffing and the top to a
Coke bottle.

I'm up to my elbows in pincushions. I think they're so darn cute.

Take care

History will be made today.....

2008-11-04T15:27:00.000-08:00

Please don't forget to VOTE!

Hugs

Getting ready

2008-10-26T19:28:00.000-07:00

BOO!!

Well I'm sure most people are enjoying the colors of the season: oranges, golds, browns, burgundy and eggplant. I on the other hand am thinking reds, greens and all shades of white. I am definitely into the holiday spirit, the Christmas spirit that is. I have been knitting stockings for the show and thought I would share some pics. All the stockings are about 14 inches long.

Here on some pictures of the goodies I sent for the Halloween swap I was in:

A kitty mask, everyone needs one of those, a BOO sign all glittered up and

I made an apron out of cute Halloween fabric.

So what did you do today?

2008-10-18T21:19:00.000-07:00

This is what we did.

We made haunted gingerbread houses.

Boy do I have such an appreciation for those talented decorators that turn out those elaborately decorated houses. While I on the other hand was just glad to keep the walls stuck together and the candy from sliding down the face of the house. We were lucky, our houses came in a kit so the walls were already baked all we had to do was "glue" everything together and decorate.

But if you are 8 and have a gross love of candy. This is the best way to spend an afternoon.

SO Yummy!!
Let me just try to pile on a little more..............Pllleeeaasssseeee

The final results. Our ghostly little village.

Not too bad, if I do say so myself.

Talk to you later.................

Autumn

2008-10-17T12:36:00.000-07:00

So all alone

Which way??

new crop of walnuts

pOp! PoP! Popcorn

So pretty. I love this time of year.

Hugs

Swaps....I LOVE them

2008-10-13T09:07:00.000-07:00

I participated in a swap over at the Country Lane Peddler http://clpeddler.proboards51.com/index.cgi

and this is what I received:

How cool!! Jenn was my swap buddy and she did a wonderful job

painting this jug and bar of soap.

Thank you Jenn!

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Also, I thought you might like this blog site.

Valita has such cute ideas and is very generous and shares her tutorials on her website.

You should go by for a visit

Valita's Designs and Fresh Folds

http://valitasfreshfolds.blogspot.com/search/label/christmas

Take care,

Happy Saturday!

2008-10-04T16:17:00.000-07:00

I wanted to share this:

Come by and join in on the fun!

http://pamperingbeki.blogspot.com/2008/10/ornament-exchange.html

Enjoy!

Swap Spoiler

2008-09-22T11:22:00.000-07:00

Felted acorns with leaf

Before:

a little roving, acorn tops, felting needles and a touch of glue and this is what you get

I thought I would share these with you before they are mailed away to my swap buddy (I'm so late, I hope she forgives me)

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Fall is in the air. Oh I love that fog creeping over the mountain tops.

and settling in over the lake

and the geysers are spouting off on the mountain tops:

see you soon......

New news!!

2008-09-19T13:38:00.000-07:00

We found out this week that the new baby will be a boy he is due to join us on February 24th. How wonderful is that!! He will be the first for Jeff (my oldest son) and his lovely wife Charlotte. Jeff and Char have been together for 13 years and married for 7 years. This baby is a wonderful miracle. His name is Cooper and he is my 4th grandson. Yahoooooooooo!!

poster for show

Also, on the news front, I was accepted to the Dickens Holiday Craft Fair that will be in Santa Rosa, December 6th and 7th at the Finley Community Center. So that will make 2 shows this season, sounds good to me. I tried to find some pictures of the show but no luck. I'll keep trying.

I finished the bag that I was knitting:

This is the bag after felting

Hope you have a wonderful weekend, we have a chance of rain, the first in months,

I can hardly wait. Hugs

So what are you doing today?

2008-09-14T11:14:00.000-07:00

I'm enjoying a lazy Sunday, coffee and a bowl of oatmeal. What can I say, I love oatmeal.

I thought I would share my newest WIP. I am working hard on ideas for the holiday shows and I needed something new, so I am giving this pattern a try. It is from Nicky Epstein's book, Knitting Never Felt Better:

It's the brick pattern, it is so easy to do and I love the effect, if you are looking for a new stitch to try this could be it. I'll show you the finished project after it's felted

The yarn, I'm using the softest of plum for the bricks and the "grout" the mellowest of greens. OOOOooo so pretty!! After felting it will become a cozy for your handbag.

I hope you are enjoying your weekend.

Take care.

Please allow me to introduce myself--I'm Jane and I've been away.....

2008-09-07T10:59:00.000-07:00

SWAP TIME!!

I hosted a swap at CLP and was so lucky to have Betsy as my swap buddy, look at the wonderful goodies she sent me. A sweet scented pumpkin pie, some lovely dimensional ornaments and a needle punched rug for my coffee mug. (I love them all). Thank you so much for all my gifts. You did a fantastic job.

How nice is this!!

This is the show I am doing again this year.

I love this show, a great group of artist with tons of talent.

If you get a chance come by and visit.

Plus, I would love to thank Cathe Holden (graphic designer) for the wonderful job she did on the save the date cards for our show. If you are looking for a very talented designer, Cathe is the one for you. Check out her blog .

I'm knee deep in knitting for the shows this year and am adding a bit of product to my etsy shop. I'll try to keep you up to date as I go along.

A pile of knitting but no felting yet

purses, fingerless gloves, wallets, Ipod holders......

Take care and enjoy your week

I'm bbaaccckk!!

2008-07-08T13:24:00.000-07:00

HELLO!

I guess by now you have realized that I have been away from the blogging world. I was going to quit blogging and a funny thing happened. People kept e-mailing me to make sure that I was okay. Well I am doing just fine. I just got a bit overwhelmed at what I feel is the responsibility of blogging. Posting regularly, taking some great pictures to share and writing about things that are interesting to others. Well I decided to give it another try and maybe not take it all so seriously and just do what works.

I've been busy, a little french beret that I just sold.

So here we go:

First off-HOT, HOT, HOT it is about 105 degrees outside and I thank God for air-conditioning about every 15 minutes. I really do not like the heat. Perfect summer weather would be highs in the mid 70's. Okay that said, lets get back to reality. How to beat the heat, cool drinks, shorts, cool showers, fans, natural fibers and powder. Yes, I said powder, it sure helps to keep the sticky places not so sticky. Too much information. SORRY!

Right now you are probably hoping I will take another break from blogging. LOL

meyer lemon marmalade that I made, so yummy!

sweet baby sweater with stuffie

I have missed you guys and I know that I owe you a pattern for my blogaversary. So I need to get to designing and will post a pattern very soon.

cozy with needle-felted flower

ENJOY!

I was afraid this might happen.....

2008-02-27T22:07:00.000-08:00

How do I start, you know that I was knitting my zebra bag, well I finished it about 3 weeks ago and it sat there and I kept looking at it fearful of putting it in the washing machine. I had images of it falling apart, well it didn't fall apart but it does have HOLES. Oh no!!! I am so disappointed but what can you do. I guess I will make wallets out of it. So sad. But I had a sneaking suspicion it might happen. I'm sure that there are many secrets on color changing and tying off that I have yet to learn. Oh well, onward and upward. I'll show pictures when I finish the wallets or clutches or coin purses or ......

I did decide to add purse organizers to the ETSY shop. So I made my first one today and will be adding more soon. There is such cute fabric out there. It is a lot of fun picking out which ones to use.

It dawned on me that I have not introduced you to our newest family member-Lillie a 7 month old Jack Russell. What a handful. She has more energy then all of us put together. Though Lukah (my 7 year old grandson) does give her a run for the money. And poor Honey (the poodle) has no idea what to do with her. By the way that is Gino (grandson) holding Lillie.

Now don't forget to vote on how to help celebrate my blogoversary. Time is quickly running out.

Take care everyone

Are your tooties cold?

2008-02-11T18:57:00.000-08:00

Well try making a pair of these. Aren't they cute.

I got the pattern at Purl Bee http://www.purlbee.com/mary-jane-slippers

I made these for my grandson, it's great when they are still young enough that they don't think they look too girly.

Now a pair for everyone else, well except the 13 year old grandson, no way that would fly. LOL

Take care

Pictures

2008-02-07T21:59:00.000-08:00

It has been a diffucult thing to do, taking pictures. It has been a bit bleak here and trying to take pictures in natural light has been almost impossible. But the weather has been glorious the past couple of days so the camera has been in full gear. So here are a few pics to share.

First, the girls waiting in line to have their pictures taken, make-up and hair done, they look patience don't they, but there was excitment in the air. Who was going to get the best shot, the better lighting, the most exposure. It was my job to keep everything in order, keeping both the models and the photographer happy, it was a job I was up for and a job that not just anyone could do.

Some shots of the girls in action:

Too many shadows

Too dark-over exposed

Getting better

Everyone left the shoot today feeling like a job well done. We were able to get some great pics.

Talk to you soon, hugs.....

Swap time At Mary Janes Farm

2008-01-28T21:19:00.000-08:00

Thought I would share a sweet swap that Michelle (tangledthreads) at Mary Jane's Farm Farmgirl Connection came up with. We had to fill (stuff) a decorated pint jar with all kinds of goodies. I was lucky and got Michelle as my partner, we both have a lot in common-a love of yarn, wool, felt, embroidery and buttons.

Well, today I received my jar and a lot more. So I thought I would show you some pictures.

A big thank you to Michelle for being so sweet and sending me such a generous swap. I love all my goodies. As you can tell from the picture the candy is already gone (in about 60 seconds).

I love, love, love the yarn, it is gorgeous, and I already have my needles tucked safely in their holders. The Noni pattern and all the other goodies that you sent, the buttons, stitch markers, cards, earrings and the cute kitchen towel that is already hanging off the stove, so thoughtful. Plus, the jar you made is cute, too. Did you make those earrings? I LOVE swaps.

Thanks again Michelle for putting this swap together. And I hope you like your goodies, too.

Peace to all.

So what are you guys doing? I'm bored.....

2008-01-15T12:54:00.000-08:00

It is a word that I hardly ever use. BORED! In fact it has always driven me crazy to hear people say it. The kids know better then to say it around me, I can always find them something to do, believe me. But today, I am BORED! I don't feel like knitting, I've had my fill of TV, cleaning-I don't think so, already went for a walk, to early to take a nap, maybe a little reading is what I need... I really hate being BORED! January has always been a difficult month for me. I have been so pumped for months getting ready for shows and then the holidays and boom all of a sudden it's OVER! Then I just stand here like a deer in the headlights not knowing what to do next. Everything seems like busy work. Just can't get into anything...everything sounds, you know, BORING!

Well if you are still here, I apologize for this, I promise that I will get over this soon, I always have. I'm starting to think it's not boredom it's January.

Hugs

New Project

2008-01-06T11:20:00.000-08:00

Look what I'm making! I love this pattern. I have never knitted in intarsia and if you could see the mess I am making you would die laughing. I have yarn everywhere. I tried those little butterfly thingees and they got so tangled it took me an hour just to straighten them out. Also they recommended circular needles, what where they thinking, heck I didn't know if I was coming or going. Now I'm using straight needles. Much better. Also, I am just letting the yarn hang free and it seem to be working better for me. If anyone has any tips PLEASE let me know. Other then that I am loving how it is turning out. LOL. I let you know how this turns out if I don't go crazy first.

Hugs

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!!

2008-01-01T21:48:00.000-08:00

I hope for everyone that 2008 is full of joy, love and peace.

Merry Christmas to All

2007-12-24T20:14:00.000-08:00

and to all a good night. I hope that all your Christmas dreams come true.

Peace

Do you have one of these?

2007-12-16T13:42:00.000-08:00

You know an idea book, a journal, a history of your creative mind. I have had this book by my side since Thanksgiving 2004. I can tell you what we ate, who was there, what time I started the turkey, you name it its documented in this book. There is also Thanksgiving 2005, 2006, and now a new entry, 2007. Same for Christmas, Easter, my 50th birthday party, small family gatherings. All my ideas, my drawings, my patterns for anything and everything that comes in my mind.

Well this book is being retired on December 31st @ midnight. though it will remain at my side so that I can always refer to it. Sad but true it will not be going on trips with me, or shows, or family gatherings anymore. It will stay home and rest and always know that I have loved making every entry and will always enjoy sitting down and reading and remembering.

But, we need to make new memories and I need a new book to keep them in, so I have picked out this one and have it ready for 2008, 2009, 2010.......

Ebay

2007-12-14T09:53:00.000-08:00

Well I sold 2 of my handbags and an eyeglass cozy. Yahoo!!!!! Well really EEEEBBBAAAYYY!! The sweet white bag with flowers and this little number. So they are on there way to their new owners. Thank you all for your best wishes.

Etsy

2007-12-08T20:29:00.000-08:00

I did it. I now have a shop on Etsy. I don't know why it took me so long. but today was the day. Thank you to all who suggested that this would be a good way for me to go. I love making things but I also enjoy selling them. I just posted this one purse to start things up but will spend the next week getting the inventory up. Come by for a visit and tell me what you think. If you have any advice I would appreciate it, all this is very new to me.

My ETSY shop:

http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5129207

Thank you all for your support

Some pictures to share

2007-12-07T13:19:00.000-08:00

I promised some pictures so here they are. First a couple of snaps of our Christmas tree. A lot of wonderful memories hang on that tree. It always takes me to so many places when we decorate it. The kids when they were little and now the grandsons, the places we have lived, all of our families and loved ones and of course our pets. I love looking at all the twinkle lights and the reflections that they make. I always get a little sappy at the holidays.

Now on to the other pics, some of the purses that I made for the show. I love, love, love the green and purple one and I don't really care that much for purple. But it turned out beautifully. The shoulder bag with the needle felted peace sign and flap (my first attempt at a flap). And then the winter white with the camel flowers and leaves.

Hope you enjoy looking...

Where is she, you ask?

2007-12-05T21:00:00.000-08:00

Here I am. Still in recovery mode from the show last weekend. I'm trying to decide on how I feel about the show.... And I guess I still need a little more time to think it through.......

But, I did take a leap and I put one of my eyeglass cases on ebay to see how it would do. It's nerve-wracking. Well I know what I'm going to be doing the next 5 days. Checking the listing every 5 minutes. LOL

Well here is the item that I put up for auction and a link to it so you can help me keep track.

http://cgi.ebay.com/HAND-KNIT-and-FELTED-100-MERINO-WOOL-EYEGLASS-CASE_W0QQitemZ290188903693QQihZ019QQcategoryZ1063QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

So keep your fingers crossed.

I made some beautiful purses for the show and will post pictures in the next couple of days. I need good old sunlight for the best pics and it has been a bit overcast here.

Take care and will talk to you soon

This Saturday

2007-11-26T21:45:00.000-08:00

Once again I am knee deep in yarn. I have a show this Saturday. Knitting as fast as my fingers will let me and felting as fast as the water heater can heat up. If you are in the area come by and say hello. Here is the advertisement for the show. It looks like it will be a lot of fun.

Another wallet that I finished will show you more when I put on all the finishing touches .

Enjoy

Checking in

2007-11-20T10:53:00.000-08:00

I wanted to check in and say hello. I know everyone is busy getting ready for the holiday, grocery shopping, digging out the family recipes, decorating, cleaning the silver - does anyone do that any more - I always knew the holiday was close when my Mom would break out the silver, it was my job to clean it. Memories...... both my Mom and Dad are not with us anymore but their love of the holidays will always live on with us. My folks were both wonderful cooks and I can still see the two of them in the kitchen on Thanksgiving, each with their jobs to do. Mom making her famous dressing (to this day it is the best I have ever had) and Daddy lifting the huge turkey out of the oven to baste. My sisters peeling potatoes and me stirring the giblet gravy for what seemed like hours. Then we would sit down to a wonderful feast to share with all of our loved ones. What a warm and lovely way to share the day. Oh and don't forget all those delicious pies my Mom would make - pecan, pumpkin and even the mincemeat.

I hope for everyone that their Thanksgiving is a memory in the making.

Happy Thanksgiving everyone.

Show Report

2007-11-12T17:53:00.000-08:00

Well I think I have had a chance to rest up so I thought I would catch you up on the details of the show. We went over the hill to Santa Rosa on Friday afternoon to celebrate Gino's 13th birthday at his Auntie Donna's house. He had requested beef stew for his birthday dinner (so I made a big pot), his Mom (Jenn) made cupcakes and Donna made all kinds of goodies, the best B-B-Que ribs, hot wings, pimento cheese and dips for the chips. We had a great time with friends and family.

We spent the night so that we could get up at 5;30. Jennifer is my show buddy she handles all the money and has a great smile for everyone. Plus she helps to carry in all the props and inventory which is greatly appreciated. Stopped by and got the largest coffee they make at our favorite coffee spot --Caffinos-- and off to the show for the setup. Show starts at 9:00. We had a ton of inventory and limited space so its always fun to see how it all works out. Well the doors opened at nine and we were off to the races. It was very busy, lots of people and I have to admit I do enjoy all the lovely comments. It stayed busy till about 1:00 and then the rain started and the customers left. But I have to say that in that 4 hours I made more sales then both shows last year. I am a very tickled girl. So I would like to thank everyone for all your warm wishes and sweet comments. Now I have to go and get to knitting I have another show in 3 weeks and a depleted inventory. How lucky am I!!!

Peace and love....

What I've been up to

2007-11-05T15:28:00.000-08:00

My holiday show is this Saturday. It will be in Petaluma on Saturday from 9-4:oo. The Vintage Holiday Boutique. I have been very busy and have a few pictures to show you. I will keep sharing pictures as I wrap things up here. I love how everything is turning out. Love the colors and the textures. Enjoy.....

Secret Santa Swap- The time is here

2007-11-03T19:41:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone, hope all is well. We had a great Halloween, went over the hill to my daughters house for a wonderful party and then trick or treating with the kids. Donna out did herself, she had so much food and goodies. We had a great time. We stayed over for a couple of days and are now back home and ready to get on with the business of the SWAP!!

Okay it is time to vote for the swap member who has been the sweetest and friendliest person. This will be a secret vote so no ones feelings get hurt. Because that's not what this was all about. Plus, please no voting for me.

E-mail me at carneyjane@netzero.net and cast your vote, you will have until Wednesday, November 7th, at 6pm (Pacific Time). I will post the winner either Wednesday evening or Thursday morning.

Plus, a gentle reminder that the mailing date for the SWAP is November 20th, the decoration and gift should be separately wrapped, it is up to you if you would like to add any goodies to your package, just remember that the decoration will be opened first so anything perishable should be with that gift.

Please, if there are any problems let me know and I will try to help.

Take care everyone,

Great News!!

2007-10-22T09:40:00.000-07:00

I was picked for the Indie Sacramento http://www.indiesacramento.com/about.html a holiday craft show sponsored by the Sacramento Craft Mafia http://www.sacramentocraftmafia.com/ .

The show will be on Dec 1st from 2-9 at the YWCA in Sacramento, CA . Come by and visit if you can.

A few more pictures of what I did this weekend:

Peace

Busy

2007-10-20T12:26:00.000-07:00

Felt Like Knitting

Maybe that's what I will name my business. I just came up with it. I like it.

I just finished up some needle socks and wallets. I am really enjoying needle-felting, some of the designs I like more then others, but you never know until you try. I revised the ladybug wallet a little by adding the blanket stitch. I love the evolution of the design process.

Enjoy

Pumpkin Farm

2007-10-18T08:45:00.000-07:00

Yesterday we went to the pumpkin farm with 27 first graders. How much fun is that! I think I had as much fun as the kids. The farm grows all kinds of goodies: pecans, walnuts, all kinds of pumpkins, gourds and squashes. I got to see my first pomegranate tree and pistachio tree, very cool. And of course the corn maze.

I love this time of year.

I've been tagged!

2007-10-15T10:10:00.000-07:00

Fall in Hidden Valley Lake

Bev and Ollie new blog friends tagged me http://www.bevandbutterflies.blogspot.com/ go by and visit. You will really enjoy her blog and Ollie is too sweet.

1. Link to your tagger and post these rules.

2. Share 7 facts about yourself: some random, some weird.

3. Tag 7 people at the end of your post and list their names (linking to them).

4. Let them know they've been tagged by leaving a comment at their blogs.

7 facts:

1. I love to bake. Though I don't get much chance to do it anymore. Calories and all (so sad)

2. Love reality TV. My dirty little secret (don't tell anyone)

3. Would love to learn to scuba dive.

4. I can sit at the computer all day reading blogs and visiting craft sites. I am an information freak, always looking for new ideas.

5. Really enjoy people with a great sense of humor!

6. Hate to clothes shop would rather spend all my money at the yarn or craft shop.

7. Think about going back to Paris a lot.

I think I will tag all the Secret Santa Girls. Play along only if you want.

Jennifer- will post here

JoAnn-http://www.capesoxknitter.blogspot.com/

Mary-http://maryslittlecraftcorner.blogspot.com/

Nancy- http://mspalmtree.blogspot.com/

Valerie- http://littlepieceofthenet.blogspot.com/

Vanessa -http://www.antelopebaby.blogspot.com/

Judy-http://journals.aol.com/jbernardoffice/JudysCrafts/

Take care

Working hard

2007-10-10T12:09:00.000-07:00

I keep working along getting ready for the holiday shows. My newest additions:

The stocking is from Christmas Stockings by Interweave Press

I changed the pattern a bit. Very happy with the outcome, it is so soft an cuddly.

The scarf has cute little loopies on each side and also soft and snugly.

Enjoy

Sssshhhhh don't tell

2007-10-08T13:59:00.000-07:00

Can you keep a secret? I sure hope so.

Everyone now knows who they are Secret Santa to.

So lets have some fun.

Maybe go by every ones blog and visit and see what they are up to, maybe leave some comments, send an e-card or just a friendly e-mail wishing them a nice day. This is a friendly group and being friendly might pay off. I've got some very cute goodies here to share with whoever is voted the friendliest member of this swap (that's friendly to all, not just your swap buddy). So in a couple of weeks we will have a vote of who everyone thinks has been the friendliest and that person will receive a little package from me.

OK, lets get to being friendly....

Secret Santa Jennifers answers to the swap questions

2007-10-07T20:00:00.000-07:00

Hi, I'm Jennifer and I'm going to be posting on my Moms blog.

Questions:

1. What is your Christmas style? Contemporary, traditional, glam and glitter, primitive, cute or something else.

Love fairies anytime of the year.

2. Do you collect something special? Santas, gingerbread people, angels, maybe snowmen, etc...

Nutcrackers.

3. Favorite holiday color. Fire engine red, lime green, burgundy, hunter green, pink and chartreuse or are you all about the metals, gold, silver or copper.

Pastels

4.Favorite things--Food, colors, pastimes or anything that you think we should know or that you just feel a need to share LOL

Black and white, skulls and Starbucks

5. Least favorite things--scents that might bother you, allergies etc. If you don't tell us we won't know.

Anything that tooooo cute.

6. What so you prefer--candy or cookies--those special things that we only make at this time of the year. Like fudge, caramel popcorn or Mexican wedding cookies, yum yum.

Fudge (chocolate and peanut butter), Chex party mix

7. How about--coffee or tea

Starbucks White Chocolate Mocha's

8. Do you wear knit or crocheted scarves? Yes or No

Yes to both

9. How about slippers? Yes or No, If yes what size.

No thank you.

10. Hats? Yes or No. Pin head or pumpkin head.

Oh yes, I love hats. Size wise I'm somewhere in between.

Secret Santa Swap--Sorry about the delay

2007-10-05T17:36:00.000-07:00

I am a little confused about what to do. I have four people that wanted to be in this swap that I have not heard from. I e-mailed them and have not heard back. So instead of worrying that if I post partners now they will miss out on the fun I am going to wait until Sunday evening at 6 pm Pacific Time to declare the deadline for sign-up. I have a wedding to go to this weekend and when I get home Sunday evening I will partner up everyone and post for Monday morning. I appreciate your patience and hopefully this will give everyone the time they need. Thanks. We will get this together, I promise.

Carry on.....

2007-10-02T21:32:00.000-07:00

Here are my answers to The Secret Santa Swap

Questions:
1. What is your Christmas style? Contemporary, traditional, glam and glitter, primitive, cute or something else.

Whimsical anything!!!

2. Do you collect something special? Santas, gingerbread people, angels, maybe snowmen, etc...

Have collected Santas for years. But love it all.

3. Favorite holiday color. Fire engine red, lime green, burgundy, hunter green, pink and chartreuse or are you all about the metals, gold, silver or copper.

Right now I'm loving lime green and fire engine red

4.Favorite things--Food, colors, pastimes or anything that you think we should know or that you just feel a need to share LOL

Love red and yellow, sweet stuff , candles and of coarse craft goodies.

5. Least favorite things--scents that might bother you, allergies etc. If you don't tell us we won't know.

Don't care for primitive. Purple is not my favorite color.

6. What so you prefer--candy or cookies--those special things that we only make at this time of the year. Like fudge, caramel popcorn or Mexican wedding cookies, yum yum.

Well of coarse all of the above I made the list. LOL

7. How about--coffee or tea

COFFEE!! But I have just started drinking a cup of tea in the evening.

8. Do you wear knit or crocheted scarves? Yes or No

NO!!! Menopause

9. How about slippers? Yes or No, If yes what size.

Yes! Size 10

10. Hats? Yes or No. Pin head or pumpkin head.

I love hats but they don't like me probably due to the fact that I'm a pumpkinhead. So I'm going to have to pass.

Couldn't wait

2007-10-01T18:48:00.000-07:00

Look what I just finished. I needle felted this coin purse and knitting needles holder. This was my first attempt and I love doing it and I'm so happy with how they turned out. I still need to add a closure to the coin purse. Maybe tomorrow.

Lots of hugs

secret santa questionaire

2007-09-27T21:03:00.000-07:00

Okay girls, if you would please:

1. Post these questions with your answers on your blog.

2. Leave your blog address in the comment section so that we all can come by and visit.

3. E-mail me with your snail address so that I can pass it along to your swap partner. My e-mail address if carneyjane@netzero.net

4. And are you guys willing to share addresses with all the swap participates so that we can send Christmas cards to one another. If you are please let me know.

So please feel free to ask me any questions or to share ideas. I hope this turns out to be a lot of fun for everyone.

Questions:

1. What is your Christmas style? Contemporary, traditional, glam and glitter, primitive, cute or something else.

2. Do you collect something special? Santas, gingerbread people, angels, maybe snowmen, etc...

3. Favorite holiday color. Fire engine red, lime green, burgundy, hunter green, pink and chartreuse or are you all about the metals, gold, silver or copper.

4.Favorite things--Food, colors, pastimes or anything that you think we should know or that you just feel a need to share LOL

5. Least favorite things--scents that might bother you, allergies etc. If you don't tell us we won't know.

6. What so you prefer--candy or cookies--those special things that we only make at this time of the year. Like fudge, caramel popcorn or Mexican wedding cookies, yum yum.

7. How about--coffee or tea

8. Do you wear knit or crocheted scarves? Yes or No

9. How about slippers? Yes or No, If yes what size.

10. Hats? Yes or No. Pin head or pumpkin head.

Hope these questions help, they are only meant to give some insight about your swap buddy. I want everyone to do as they please, there are no set gift rules to the swap.

Here we go.....

anyone need some First Aid?

2007-09-25T18:41:00.000-07:00

I told you guys that I would show you these when I got them finished. Well I'm about halfway thru the stack. I am going to sell these at the craft shows. Closed they measure about 4 x 4. Doesn't everyone needs a first aid kit for their purse or backpack. I hope so.

Stop me, please!!!

2007-09-24T13:39:00.000-07:00

I can't stop making these. It's so addicting it's like eating potato chips.

It looks like I'm infested with ladybugs

(doesn't the one in the back look a little upset maybe even a little mad).

Secret Santa

2007-09-19T17:57:00.000-07:00

Don't forget to sign up for the Secret Santa Swap. The more the merrier.

Check earlier post for the details.

Come on don't be shy!!!!

Peace

Pincushions

2007-09-19T09:10:00.000-07:00

I just finished these and I wanted to show you guys and also to give credit to Jen who came up with this idea. She does a wonderful job and has a book coming out on pincushions, check out her site. http://medievalbeads.com/content/view/32/70 . The base of the pincushion is a soda bottle cap. Very sweet.

Projects-edited

2007-09-18T13:07:00.000-07:00

--Projects for the holiday shows--

felt bottle top pin cushions

and

felt first aid kits

it opens up and one side is for a little sewing repair kit

the other side is for a tylenol pack, band-aids and a alcohol wipe.

Perfect for your purse

I have a whole pile to sew together and when I'm finished I'll show you guys.

Enjoy....

Panic Attacks

2007-09-15T09:53:00.000-07:00

Oh man, I am trying trying to figure out why I have been having panic attacks. For the last 3 days I have been battling that horrible feeling. I can be doing just fine and then here it comes, it feels like my throat is closing up, my mind starts racing and I feel like I'm going to come out of my skin. Yuck!!! It is so scary, which doesn't help the anxiety. I had this problem years ago but was able to work through it. I'm hoping that I can figure out what has triggered the problem and get a handle on it. Wish me luck.

Now on to happier things....

Hey, where did you come from. What a ham!!!

We went to some garage sales yesterday and I found a beautiful red wool sweater (25 cents) that I came home and felted it so that I could use it for a project that I have been thinking of. I'll show you when I get it finished. Also sewing patterns from the 50's and 60's ( a cute apron pattern), vintage wrapping paper, and some cute note cards (all for 25 cents) how cool is that!!

I love this gift wrap

Also, I just finished a felted purse, I still need to come up with an embellishment for the front, maybe a felted flower or a needle felted design. I might need to ponder that for a while. Also, started a purse with the yarn sent to me by Tasha from the virtual vacation swap. It is the softest wool yarn it almost seems a shame to felt it, you did hear me say ALMOST. Oh yeah, that baby is going to be felted I just can't stop myself.

A little hair cut

A work in progress

Warm thoughts to all...

Cool days ahead.

2007-09-13T11:28:00.000-07:00

I love this weather!!! It's about 70 degrees outside, a beautiful blue sky with a few puffy clouds. Did I say clouds we never have clouds in the summertime.

Apples, pumpkins, mums, apple cider, sunflowers, scarecrows, hay bales, corn stalks, raw apple cake, leaves changing color, vineyard harvest this is what makes this time of year a favorite of mine. Where is my camera??

Busy, Busy Busy. Does anyone else out there knit for holiday shows. I love it but it is a bit time consuming and no matter how early I start I always feel a little behind. Here are a few of my hats. The skateboarders and snowboarders love these....

Talk to you later...