I made a Knitting Pattern, I call it the Handsome Hat

I wanted to make W. a hat that fit his personality.  Thus, the handsome hat was born.  It combines simplicity and masculinity with a little flair.  He loves it, and wears it all the time, which makes me really happy.  I loved this pattern so much, that luckily I remembered it, and now it is for sale on Ravelry.com for anyone to enjoy!

I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas- I know it was the best one I have had in years.  W. proposed....well he proposed during the lunar eclipse with one ring to trick me (I loved the first ring, mind you)- then a few days later, on Christmas Eve, he surprised me with a ring he had been collaborating on with a jeweler for months, both are beautiful!  We were also blessed with the first snowy Christmas anyone from this area can recall.

I also hand painted some custom shirts for G. and they were a huge hit for her niece and nephew!

Hope everyone has a splendid New Year's!

Cool Shops on Etsy and Other Goodness

I'm about to branch out into the sewing world with my shop.  I want to make adorable kids' stuff, but I also want to try my hand in the adult world with my sewing.  I am about to make myself a new winter coat out of the most beautiful cranberry red wool that I found in the Etsy shop find4you.  This seller was top-notch and I am terribly happy with the fabric.  Hopefully this sewing venture, along with my sewn Christmas presents will go well and I can move forward with my plans.

Baby Alpaca and Business Cards

In case you weren't aware, I am creating and selling my art in order to work from home and give to those less fortunate than myself. My charity of choice is Pendleton Place Children's Shelter.

http://www.pendletonplace.org/
I will donate 10% of my sales to Pendleton Place. Please help me live the life I dream about!

"It is easier to build strong children than to repair broken men." ~Frederick Douglass~

I'm almost finished knitting another baby hat- this one is made from baby alpaca yarn blended with silk!  It is so incredibly soft and warm- the baby who wears this will be pampered silly!  Alpaca is naturally hypoallergenic, so this little hat is not going to cause itching.

I also just ordered some business cards- I got the official LLC papers for It's The Potatoes! back from the Secretary of State today.  I am officially a business owner!  I'm trying to decide whether or not I want to stay on Etsy or move to my own website- advice is appreciated!  

Also, in case you weren't aware, it is very easy to place custom orders- all you have to do is email me (itsthepotatoes@gmail.com) or find me on Etsy (http://www.etsy.com/shop/ItsThePotatoes) and request a custom item, we can work something out!

Looksee!

A couple of items I've (unintentionally) not shared until now...

This hat and bootie set screams hip baby!  The hat just needed something to finish it and make it something really special- and I think the funky flower was the PERFECT thing!  I really love this little set.

The blanket is even sweeter in person  and is the perfect size to become a child's cherished 'wubby'.  I am debating adding a border to it- I sort of think it's perfect the way it is.

I completed this baby beanie a couple of days ago.  It is 100% cotton and super cute.  The brim can roll up or down to accommodate child's growth.  I adore the way that the stripes came out!

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

Bibb Lettuce!

I just finished knitting my first bib, and I must say, I am really proud. I am calling it "Bibb Lettuce" because I think it looks like a a beautiful leaf.  I am contemplating what sort of closure I want to put on the strap, and whether or not I should make it more special with some crocheted details- I think I will.  I keep seeing a pretty little girl in her Sunday best wearing this sweet little bib for Easter.  I am thinking pink roses might be just the thing to make it extra special.  I will definitely be making more of these, I LOVE it!  Feel free to let me know your thoughts and suggestions, feedback is always welcome!

On another note, I am so looking forward to little A.'s arrival, and I really hope her mommy comes back to the South ASAP- I already miss her!  Everyone, cross your fingers!  I might just have sneak up to Utah and get her myself...

I am probably going to try my hand at amigurumi this week (and hopefully finally get around to playing with the sewing machine!...and maybe weaving as well)  W. wants amigurumis for Christmas, so I had better get started- Batman, Spiderman, and Mega Man have all been requested (along with many others).

Hope everyone is doing well!  Be grateful to our Veteran's this week and always- they give their lives in ways I don't think I could ever willingly face.http://www.etsy.com/shop/ItsThePotatoes

Teapots in the Bathroom

"What, huh?  A teapot in the bathroom?"
"No, a neti pot.  It looks sort of like a teapot."
"Oh...."

I got my first order officially shipped today!  So exciting!  Should be there tomorrow for C.'s first birthday!

I'm so glad it's Friday, it should be a fun family weekend.  Hope everyone has a nice time.  I'm going to work on learning all about the sewing machine and getting my own website set up.  Wish me luck!

If anyone has ideas for the store inventory or advice regarding website/online store set-up, please let me know!

Late Night Knitting and Painting Monkeys

Who doesn't love baby clothes?  They are some of the most precious things in life.  Tiny and adorable, designed to make something already irresistible even more so.  A baby is cute no matter what, but a baby dressed with love is that much cuter.

Is it an evolutionary thing to want our young to be as beautiful as possible?  To inspire feelings of love and protection to all who gaze upon them?  I know there have been studies on this...I'm just not sure that clothes came up.  It's been proven that parents and people in general take better care of children that are perceived as more attractive (seriously, look at random studies performed in grocery stores, it's sort of scary).  I don't think it could possibly hurt to give your child a boost up with a yummy little outfit.



I've been working towards completing a hat and bootie set tonight.  It's super sweet 100% cotton and knit with lots of love.  I am so in love with the yarn I'm using for it.  It is blue, green, brown, and cream and is striping beautifully.  I'm leaving off feminine embellishments because this set can stand on its own- and will be equally lovable on a baby boy or girl!




I also completed my first custom order- the cutest little monkey is going to be wearing the runner up come Saturday- thanks for the order G. hope C.'s first birthday is super fun!  (please send me pics of him wearing the shirt, he is just too cute!!)

Hope everyone realizes they can have something equally unique or even more so- just get in touch and I'll make it happen!

E-mail: itsthepotatoes@gmail.com