I'm making tutus!

Yay! I'm doing the happy dance!
I have my first tutu made and ready to put in my little boutique!
These tutu cute tutus are made to order and can be made in any child size. Depending on how I do with the sales, I may expand into larger sizes.

Simple to order! Go to http://www.LollyBopBaby.etsy.com. Click on "contact seller/LollyBopBaby". Leave me a note!
What I need: waist measurement, 2 color choices for tutu, and when you require to have it in your hands.
 I need a two week notice right now to make & ship your order.
You pay shipping.

 For more information or more specifics, please contact me through my Lolly Bop Baby site and we will gab about it.

8/26/09 Update. This pictured tutu was sold and was shipped to Budapest, Hungary today. I thought that was pretty neat so I wanted to share!

I Am Stuck On Handmade Wash Cloths!

My Grandmother made kitchen "rags" as they were called in the ol' days. I didn't remember that until now that I am writing about them.

My linen closet is full of cotton wash cloths. So is a kitchen drawer.

For some reason, even though I have soft water, regular wash cloths get stiff in the laundry process. Not the towels or anything else, just the terry wash cloths.

The 100% wash cloths that I make don't do that and I use them in the kitchen as well as in the shower. I love them! I won't give them up! They ARE all they are said to be and if you haven't yet, I challenge you to try just one and see what you think.

My teenager also used them. She has her own colors that she likes so hers are hers and mine are mine.

I can and will make them larger or smaller for you, if you have a custom request, please let me know. If you are a soap seller and want several, I will do that too! These would make an awesome going to college gift as well as a moving out, wedding, or Father's Day gift. I also make them for baby, in baby colors and for holidays in holiday colors. Lot's of colors to choose from.

Current Afghan Under Construction

This crib, baby seat, car seat or stroller afghan is taking awhile to construct. Since it's planting season, I'm torn between inside and outside play (flowers or crocheting). Seems the answer would be easy. Most days it is. Who in her right mind wouldn't choose to be outside in this fresh, warm, bright spring air? There is only one problem with that choice and you know what it is if you are currently looking for work. Playing outside costs you money (flowers, veggie seeds, weed & feed, bird seed, etc...) Playing inside can potentially make you money (& if you are like me, you are trying to make at least enough to cover the cost of yarn, ribbon, and supplies). Ok. I put 1 1/2 rows on this pretty pink number. Now it's time to go outside. That was easy! Have a blessed day, jillian http://www.lollybopbaby.etsy.com/

My Craft Room Is A Hot Mess!

As my yarn pile (and I literally mean pile!) gets larger my studio seems to get smaller. The yarn is spreading out across the floor because I can't stack it any higher and I am realizing that the only way I am going to "fix it" is to post a picture of the hot mess & embarrass myself into doing something about it. It isn't that I'm a slob. I want to organize my yarn. I just don't know what kind of organizing to do! If I get stacking bins or more laundry baskets that have any depth to them, I will have to dig through it every time I need a ball or skein. I can't get shelving, I need an edge to contain the balls. I am thinking about those kids room organizer vertical tubs that aren't so big that I have to go on a ball hunt when I need one... but not sure yet if THAT is what I want. I also don't want to invest the money in something I will want to get rid of in a few months. I would also be stuck with a stack of blue, green, and yellow, or pink, purple, and white. I have a yellow studio. So. Do any of you have an idea for me? I could do some shelving with some clear bins....hey, that is a great idea! Thinking out loud here.... hmmmm. Maybe I will head back out into the yard and craft in my flowers while I ponder the issue. Have a blessed day!

Happy Mother's Day

Have a blessed day A mother is a person who seeing there are only four pieces of pie for five people, promptly announces she never did care for pie. Tenneva Jordan

Handmade Baby Afghan in Bernat* Mint Green

I will be adding this afghan to my little handmade baby & children's boutique on a made to order basis. You choose the color either in baby Bernat, or Red Heart acrylic yarn. Perfect to welcome baby home from the hospital, baby shower, or just because! A handmade gift will be a cherished heirloom for years to come.

Crochet Magazines

I am on the hunt for a good....no, great crochet magazine to subscribe to. When I am in a bookstore or any store that sells magazines, I see loads of scrapbooking, knitting, landscaping, and DIY publications...but either no or one crocheting magazine. I am going to be searching the web today for that one magazine that I will subscribe to and will be sharing all kinds of crochet news, tips, patterns, and how to's with all of you. Stay tuned. My to do list for today includes moving plants in the yard, buying yarn, & mailing a box to my expecting nephew & his lovely lady in AK with a (of course!) handmade baby afghan.

Enjoy Some Handmade Love!

I love handmade!

I'm sorry but in the world today too many things are not made to last and end up in landfills.

There are so many reasons to buy handmade! The love and time alone that goes into each crafter's piece speaks for itself. Many handmade artists will never be paid for their time crafting the item but when you are passionate about what you do, it is worth every hour put into it.

Etsy is a "one stop shop" from crafters all over the world. Yes, I said WORLD. The talent displayed by these crafters is simply unbelievable to put it short and sweet.

One of the beauties of a handmade shop is that if you don't see exactly what you want, maybe style, size, or color, you can request what you have in mind. How neat is that?

I am going to be putting a few shops in on my sidebar so take a peek-see. You will become an instant fan, I guarantee it.

Have a blessed day!

Crochet Leaf Lovie

This is so cute that I couldn't resist sharing it with you.

When I saw the pattern for this adorable doll, I printed it and made it.

I am going to make several in different colors and also in a smaller version for gifts.

Notice the curly Q attached to the top...it's hard to see amongst the leaves.

Let me know what you think about my Leaf Lovie :)

Quick Coffee Cozy free pattern

Today I am working on a baby afghan for my great nephew who is due on May 10th in Anchorage, Alaska. I am approx 1/3 of the way done and hoping to finish by Wednesday so I can get it sent to my sister for baby moms baby shower. Here is a coffee cozy (with a little ruffle action) pattern I found that is really cute and easy to whip up if you are looking for something cute and simple. It looks better in person than on the screen, in case you are wondering.

Setting up my blog and Tweeting tonight

5 hours later, I can barely think straight, stay awake and am stiff as a board.

I need a massage and a foot rub...tomorrow is Sunday so I won't get a professional anything... Might as well do more yard work. Oh well, no rest for the .... "wicked" is it?

Anyway... kinda sorta got the blog set up for blogging. I haven't blogged on Blogger for 11 mos! Wow, time really DOES fly!

Off to bed I go. Maybe I will "officially" get this beast off the ground tomorrow. Maybe Monday. Hmmmm

Be blessed and thank you for stopping by to say "hey"!

j