The Great Birthday Giveaway!

It's my birthday soon! I don't love getting older . . . I'm not even really into cake . . . but party favors? Oh yeah! So, instead of cellophane baggies full of bon bon nail polish and lip smackers, I'm going homemade this year. 4 lucky winners will get gift certificates to use at my Etsy shop!
Why?
Well, its about time for a giveaway and I've been a little stuck. Not everyone has a baby to wear that cute hat or a little girl to rock those twirly hairties. I also get so excited for the person who wins, but sad that there's only ONE winner. Now I can have four!
So, if you've had your eye on something in the shop, but economy being what it is and necessities being what they are, aren't exactly free to shop like a maniac, here's your chance to score one of four gift certificates!

I will use the random number generator at random.org to determine the winners. The first two will get $10 gift certificates and the second two will get $5 gift certificates to spend at either http://moandozzy.etsy.com/ or http://moheartspaper.etsy.com/ .

All you need to do is leave a comment on this post! And do it by March 9th at 10 pm Mountain Standard Time.

RULES: 1 entry just for commenting per person. Please leave a name and e-mail address so I can notify you if you win! If you do not respond to your notification in 72 hours, I'll draw a new name and you won't win. :( Your notification will come from moandozzy@yahoo.com

EXTRA ENTRIES: You can get 1 extra entry for each the following:

1. Tell me which item in my shop is your favorite.

2. Tweet the link to this blog and let people know about the giveaway. (Don't get unfollowed! No more than 2 tweets a day, please.)

3. Post the link to this blog in your facebook status to let your friends know about this giveaway. (Again, only twice a day, please.)

4. Post about the giveaway and provide a link to it on your blog.

NOTE - If you don't comment and let me know that you earned extra entries and how many, I won't know to enter you more times! Please leave a comment and let me know. Thanks!

Cosmojinx Designs - Weekend Wonder

Sometimes I wonder if these weekly posts will get less interesting after I have this baby . . . I'm so excited about these switchplate covers! I know, switchplate covers, really? Can't help it. I heart them, so meet Cosmojinx Designs
http://cosmojonx.etsy.com/
This shop is based in Seattle, so maybe that's why this first favorite calls my name. How cute are these raindrops?!?!
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=32060538
I love the addition of the little jewels and beads . . . so unique!

Here's another favorite. I love these little fawns. Wouldn't they be cute for a kid's room?

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=33892213

I thought this mod pink and bronze one was really pretty.

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=36918951

Best of all - you get something so pretty and VERY competitvely priced if you were considering some of the more attractive ones at the hardware store. She includes the screws and this project is so simple, most boyfriends and husbands will tackle it. Sweet!

Side note - I'll be announcing a giveaway tomorrow and to keep that at the top of the list, there will be no weekend wonder next weekend. They'll resume the weekend following. Thanks!

SO MUCH CLEARANCE!

When I started using Etsy, I wasn't in the know about ANYTHING, really, so I would list a bunch of hats all at once. I've learned that listing one a day is better for getting traffic to the site, but for now, this means when I have an item nearing the expire date, I have a lot of them expiring the same day! In theory, I can just relist these, but man, I can't ever do it. I usually want to take better pictures and re-write descriptions and more . . . so if anyone has had their eye on these items, you can get them for 25% off the original price and save me the re-writing! ;)
I made this pair of hats when I was just starting to use Etsy. The dark blue one is sized for daddy and the light blue one for his favorite little buddy.

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=33798886

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=vl_other_1&listing_id=33799162

This camo hat is a men's size. My hubby still has one I made for him a few years ago. He loves it. My brother still wears his I made for him like, 5 years ago! I should really make him a new one.

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=vl_other_1&listing_id=33799460

And I did this long spiral hairtie from some extra adorable yarn I had just a bit of. Your little girl could wear this with just about everything!

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=vl_other_1&listing_id=33825128

Like I said, a ton of clearance!

Posy Moe - Weekend Wonder!

I discovered this shop, Posy Moe http://posymoe.etsy.com when they started to follow me on twitter. I confess, I don't click every link to every new item, but since I'm expecting, I was curious about the Pippa Slippers . . . . and here they are! So cute!
http://etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=39017393
I knew this shop had to be a feature on my blog one of these days! Here's a little background. A momma, her three daughters, and the momma's friend, a jewelry designer, all contribute to this shop . . . so its like a mini craft fair inside the ginormous craft fair that is Etsy.com. Now, before you all decide to run screaming from my blog full of baby stuff, lets show you a pretty for grown ups, shall we?
They carry a few bags and clutches in this felted series, but I L O V E the tote bag. I think it is simple, bright, and happy. Don't you think about spring when you look at it?
http://etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=39020438
I do!

Now, some of you may think I'm just into cheap yarn because there is so much acrylic and cotton in my shop. Well, a couple reasons for that. One, its a safe bet for kids who may be allergic to other fibers, but mostly reason two. It is SO BEAUTIFUL and my shop isn't to the point yet that I can indulge in stacks of hand spun or hand painted lovliness. Here is a sample of some hand painted merino in Peppermint that I think is so pretty!
http://etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=33631918

They even have a blog, so I'll add that to my list of crafty blogs right away so you can see the pretty there too!

*Feeling left out? Just let me know in the comments that you're dreaming of a blog feature and I'll be sure to look at your shop and consider it too. Thanks!

Pattern for my Striped Baby and Toddler Cardigans

I just wanted to share the pattern I re-did for my boy's sweaters! Hope you have fun trying it out! If you find mistakes, don't hesitate to let me know. Thanks!

Striped Crochet Baby or Toddler Cardigan

This is a raglan sweater that you work from the top down.

Materials: 2 (3) balls (180 yrds ea) of A, 1 ball of yarn B (I used a baby yarn - labeled 3. I think you could use something heavier or lighter. I'd just go down or up a hook size.)
Hook: F
Sizes: 3-9 months, 9-18 mo (in parentheses), 18- 24 months (in parentheses)
Dc decrease: YO, pullup a loop, draw through 2 loops, YO, draw up a loop in the next st, YO, draw through 2 loops, YO, draw through all three loops.
Gauge: 4 dc = 1”

Yoke:
1. With A, ch 45 (45, 51), turn.
Dc in 3rd ch from hook and next 4 (4, 5) ch, [2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc] in next chain [corner made], dc in next 7 (7, 8) ch, corner in next ch, dc in next 13 (13, 15) ch, corner in next ch, dc in next 7 (7, 8) ch, corner in next ch, dc in next 6 (6, 7) ch.
2. Ch 2 [always counts as dc], turn. *Dc in next dc and all dc’s to corner chs. 2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc in corner space.* Repeat between * 3 times more, dc in each dc to end of row. Draw B through last 2 loops of the last dc. Stop here for 3-9 month size.
For 9-18 mo size, repeat 2 once morebefore changing color. For 24 month size - Repeat step 2 twice more before changing color.
3. With B, ch 1, turn. Sc in first dc, ch 1, *[skip 1 dc, sc in next dc, ch 1] to corner space, ch 3, sc in next dc, ch 1.* Repeat between * 3 times more. [Skip next dc, sc in next dc, ch 1] to last dc. Sc in last dc. Fasten off B, do not turn.
4. Return to beginning of row just completed. Join A with sl st to first sc. Ch 1, sc in first sc. *[sc in ch 1 space, ch 1] to corner, [2 sc, ch 1, 2 sc] in 3 ch corner space, ch 1.* Repeat between * 3 times more. [sc in ch 1 space, ch 1] to end of row. Fasten off A, do not turn.
5. Return to beginning of row just completed. Join B with sl st to first sc. Ch 1, sc in first sc. *[ch 1, sc in ch 1 space] to corner, sc in first sc of corner, ch 3, sc in last sc of corner.* Repeat between * 3 times more. [ch 1, sc in ch 1 space] to end of row. Fasten off B, do not turn.
6. Return to beginning of row just completed. Join A with sl st to first sc, ch 2 [counts as dc]. *Dc in each ch 1 space and sc to corner 3 ch space. [2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc] in corner space.* Repeat between * 3 times more. Dc in each ch 1 space and sc to end of row.
7. Ch 2, turn. Dc in each dc, [2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc] in each 2 ch corner space to end of row.
Repeat rows 3 through 6.

Sleeves: (Do both alike.)
Fold yoke in half the long way (ends to long back) with right sides facing. Corner spaces should match – these are the armpits! Join A with slip st through both corner ch 2 spaces.
1. Ch 2, dc in corner space. Dc in each dc around sleeve to where you started. 2 dc in the corner space. Join with a sl stitch to 2nd ch.
2. Ch 2, turn. Dc in next dc, dc decrease across next next 2 dc, dc in each dc to last 4 dc, dc decrease across next 2 dc, dc in each of last 2 dc. Join with sl stitch to first dc.
Repeat row 2 6 (8, 10) times. Ch 2, turn. Dc in ea dc around. Repeat until the sleeve measures 7” (8.5", 10"). Fasten off.

Body:
With right side facing you and the cardigan upside down, join A to the top of first dc on the left front.
1. Ch 2, dc in each dc to corner at underarm. 2 dc in corner space, skip sleeve stitches, 2 dc in next corner space, dc in each dc to corner at underarm. 2 dc in corner space, skip sleeve stitches, 2 dc in next corner space, dc in each dc to end of row.
For 9 month size, ch 2, turn, and dc in each dc around. For 24 month size, ch 2, turn and dc in ea dc twice around.
2. Ch 1, turn. Sc in first dc, *ch 2, skip 2 dc, sc in next dc* to end of row.
3. Ch 2, turn. Dc in first sc. 3 dc in each ch 2 space across row. Dc in last sc, drawing other yarn color through last 2 loops.
Repeat rows 2 and 3, alternating A and B until the piece measures 7” (10”) from underarm.

Front Borders:
*NOTE: There will button holes on both the right and left side of the piece. This allows for either boy or girl placement and makes it really easy to tell where to place the buttons!
With right side facing, join B with sl stitch to top right of neck. Ch 1, sc in same place and down front edge, working 1 sc under bar of each dc and end of each sc row. Ch 1, turn. Sc in each sc to end of row. Ch 1, turn. Sc in first 2 sc, *ch 2, skip next 2 sc, sc in next 6 sc*. Repeat between * 3 (4) times. Sc to end of row. Ch 1, turn. Sc in each sc, 2 sc in each ch 2 space to end of row. Ch 1, turn. Sc in each sc to end of row. Fasten off.
Do the left side the same way, but don’t fasten off!

Neck Border:
Ch 1, turn and sc in each stitch across the front border, around the neck, and across the other front border. Ch 1, turn, and sc in each sc around. Fasten off.
Sleeve Borders:
Join B with a sl stitch to the top of last dc on the sleeve. Looking at the inside of the sleeve, sc in each dc around. Join to first sc with a sl stitch. Ch 1, turn. Sc in each sc around. Join to first sc with sl stitch. Fasten off. Repeat on other sleeve.

Buttons:
I used 1” buttons on my sweaters and found they were a good size.

Custom Hats - For Twins!

I LOVE doing custom orders . . . filling my shop with items - especially hats - can be a gamble. What if the people that love the strawberry hat wish it were infant sized?!? My friend from http://www.adorablebabyclothing.com/ ordered these cute sun hats for some very special twins she knows. And it just so happens, they're the same age as my Marshall! I even convinced him to model them - sorry the pictures are a bit dark. We just had to click as fast as possible. :)

They look funny with a Tyrannosaurus shirt.

Here are the pair in ivory. They remind me of antique hats I saw in an antique store YEARS ago.

These are the more colorful pair. I call them the garden party hats - such delicate spring colors.

And here they all are!

So, if you are ever looking for something custom, don't hesitate to let me know! You can contact me via Etsy, the comments on this post, or email moandozzy@yahoo.com Thanks!

Essie Designs - Weekend Wonder!

Ok, so this shop is very successful and has had a lot of sales, so I promise to feature more of an undiscovered talent next week, but I couldn't resist! Maybe its the pregnancy, but I ADORE this stuff and find it SUPER reasonable . . . .So check it out!

http://www.etsy.com/shop/Essiedesigns
Essie Designs is really Becky from Fresno, California. She loves her some fabric and works hard to make affordable, super nice things for the new mommy! And let me tell ya, that new mommy with her unwashed hair and smudgy mascara could really use some pretty in her day! I've so been there . . . .

So, lets look at a few of my favorites. First up, this "Wet Bag" or waterproof bag. Yeah, the moms have already come up with about 50 uses for this thing, and the best part? Its PRETTY! She has lots of really gorgeous fabrics to choose from!
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=39384914

Another very important item - the nursing cover. I'm a breastfeeding supporter for sure, but I'm not comfortable showing off so much, so when in public, these come in handy! I like nursing covers better than blankets becuase my kid would always pull them down. This lets light in AND even allowes for you to have some eye contact with that cute little bundle. I love, love, love the assortment of pretty fabrics too!

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=39150577

And if your baby does not love the tummy time . . . or you're chasing the other kids . . . or just would love the use of both hands, baby wearing is a very popular option. More pretty fabrics and reversable too, these slings are so affordable. I know, I've shopped!

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=37797263

So, if you're expecting, expecting to be expecting, or know someone who has a new little one, you should SO check out this shop! Got my wish list started already!

Underground Crochet - a project NOT headed to Etsy!

Here they are! The sweaters I made for my baby boys! This one is Marshall's. It is a 2T size. I like that you don't have to stitch the pieces together - no scratchy seams!

These are the pictures I like best - the big brother and baby brother sweaters together!
I made Malcom's sweater a 3-6 month size. The arms may be a little long (Marshall has monkey arms like grandpa!), but it looks really cute with the sleeves cuffed, so I don't mind that.

Malcom's baby boy sweater. I made it a 3-6 month size because I'm due in June and summers are too hot for sweaters in Utah. Hopefully I sized everything so the boys can wear their sweaters together in October/November. :)

As I've mentioned before, I used a pattern I found for free from Bunny Hop yarn - but the pattern was pretty bad. Lots of mistakes and if I'd followed it, I would have gotten some strange pieces! If you want the pattern, let me know. I'll write you a revised version. I'm considering adding a few patterns to my Etsy shop and this would be good practice! I'm also considering messing with the pattern some more (so as not to cause copyright issues and increase the cuteness) and listing a couple in the shop. Do you think people would like it? I have some girl yarn that would be cute and the other baby I'm making one for is a boy! Thanks for taking a look! I'll post pictures of my monsters in them in the fall!

Ultrasound Announcement and Current Project

I'm having a baby . . . . BOY!
My hubby really wanted a girl, but I thought a brother would be more fun for Marshall (not that I don't want a girl . . . definately have the fingers crossed for #3!). Well, we're going to have a Malcom sometime between June 6 and 13th! (Our Dr. gave us a range instead of a date . . . I love him!)

SO, lately, while I have been putting items in the shop, I've mostly been working on a pair of matching sweaters for my little guys. I made Marshall's a 2T size and Malcom's will hopefully be about 3-6 month size. If all goes as planned, they'll be able to wear them at the same time in the fall. I got the pattern off Ravelry, and its a freebie from yarn, but its TERRIBLY written. I really had to tweak it to make it turn out like I wanted, so if you want the pattern, let me know and I'll try to write up an "improved" version for you. :) I'll post pictures as soon as Malcom's is done.

Weekend Wonder - Aunt Nancy's Handmade Soaps

EVERYONE needs a little pampering, and a truly lucious, yummy scented, lathery bar of beautiful soap (along with your favorite magazine and an extended bathtime!) is one great way to do it. I found this AMAZING shop on Etsy and an AMAZING deal too!

This shop is based in Tuscon, Arizona (is it local if its just one state away?) and the owner started making soap after falling head over heels for some lovely stuff she found at a farmer's market. (She also makes jewelry, for those of you without a helpful toddler to rip the stuff from your throat!)

Here is the link to her pretty shop that makes me wish my screen had a scratch n' sniff feature. Hey, Dad works for HP . . . maybe I should make him suggest it. :) http://www.etsy.com/shop/AuntNancysSoap
Now you can also order from her very own site! (This is so exciting!) There's a sale . . .
http://www.auntnancyssoap.com/

This green and swirly wonder is called Currant Apple Jack . . . . mmmm! (Note to self and all other pregnant women - this is not for eating!)
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=35699174
This pretty wonder is called Blushing Jasmine - such a pretty name!
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=39692948

And here is thse listing that I think is the BEST deal EVER!

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=39827407

You get to pick 5 soaps, from a selection of 25, she'll ship it for free, and throw in her all natural lip balm. How great is that? Its only $27. Tell the hubby if he's still struggling with that whole Valentines Day thing.

So, smell pretty and enjoy your next bath!

Waiting their Turn . . .

I'm pretty sure (barring insanity stemming from the actions of my toddler) this clutch will list today. I LOVE the peacock blue color. This fan stitch is one of my favorites, so I was excited to use it on SOMETHING for the shop.

I think this is funny. Its a little girl headband for the not-so-girly girl - a blue fuzzy caterpillar. I taught second grade for awhile, so I know those girls are out there! Love them some creepy crawlies!

A pretty sun hat. I noticed a lot of boy hats lately, so here's a girl one. I also noticed my shop is a little low in the baby section, so it fits 3 or 4 to 12 months. As with all sun hats, its cotton so it won't be too warm.

Yesterday I made this mini clutch. It is much smaller than the blue and purple clutches, but still a nice size. The three red buttons are my favorite part. I just love buttons!

These little pretties will be finding their way into my Etsy shop over the next week or so.

Oh, and after the ultrasound today I'll be sure to let you know all the details!

I almost forgot! I made it into a treasury full of my EtsyFAST friends! It should be up for a few days and you can see it here: http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list_west.php?room_id=85883

Don't forget about Weekend Wonders - new post tomorrow!

One Busy Day . . .

My son (18 months old) seemed to be into EVERYTHING yesterday, but somehow, I managed to be pretty productive! I added the flowers to the brown messenger bag that's currently in the shop and went on to complete three more projects! (Maybe the mommy frustration translated into extra fast stitches!)
My first hair elastic is already wandering through the US postal system, so here is no. 2! I will list this during naptime. Its a large elastic this time (better for thick hair) and I just felt like using black and blue with a little splash of yellow.
Keeping the sun hat theme going, I worked up a caterpillar hat in 100% cotton. My boy really likes this one. We'll have to see if he lets me keep it in the shop, or makes off with it. It will fit a toddler 12 months to 3 years.

On to the next new hair item - stretchy headband with double flower and leaf. This is an adult sized headband - so best for ages 10 and up! I love the splashy, summery colors - bright pink, white, turquoise, spring green, and a splash of yellow!

The caterpillar hat will hit Etsy tomorrow and the headband on Thursday. What am I working on now? Peacock blue clutch!