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Spa of the Moment Ballet Flats featured on http://www.foundhandmade.com/

On January 27, 2009, http://www.foundhandmade.com/ featured my Spa of the Moment Ballet Flats pattern on their website under their "Finds of the Day" section in a post entitled, "Warm Up the Cold January Days." The heading read: "These pieces will keep you warm and toasty while brightening up cold winter days with a fun punch of color." This pattern has been one of my most-popular to date.

Now on Ravelry!

I recently discovered and joined http://www.ravelry.com/! It's a crochet/knitting forum and an awesome website, especially for designers. What a cool way to introduce my patterns to more crafters and then get the added bonus of being able to see the completed projects they've made from my designs. I was so thrilled to actually be able to put up the picture of the wedding top I made and then contact the lady who had originally designed it! She emailed me back with the sweetest comments--such an amazing lady & designer!

One lady who bought my baby 2-button ballet flats pattern made hers in a gorgeous shade of red, which looked even nicer than the color I'd used. :) I took a cue from her and have now made a red pair for the photo in my shop (and also as a gift for a new baby girl named Emily!)

February Designs - What's New

I've added a few new designs recently...my "sporty-casual" collection and also my pretty pleated mary janes. I want to use the same concept to create a pretty pleated baby hat and also adult slipper version...when I find the time! I've got a few other made-to-order projects to finish also...not to mention the vacuuming, dishes and other housework. My husband is very understanding...but I know sometimes the crochet hook needs to be put down so the house doesn't get neglected! :)

Holland won't be doing any modeling for me for a while, as she fell down on the way to the mailbox on Monday and now has what I call her "sad nose."

Just Like Aunt Mary!

Yesterday I designed a baby version of my adult Skimmer T-Strap Ballet Flats pattern. They turned out so sweet; I made them to fit my daughter, Holland, rather than making the usual newborn size. This pattern is so easy to adjust and can fit baby age newborn to 12 mos +.

Holland just learned to walk and that makes these slippers extra special! When I tried them on her, she sat still so nicely for me and seemed so pleased! She just knew these were her special slippers...just like the ones I had made for her Aunt Mary...only smaller. :)
When I took photos of her wearing them, she was so good! I remember when she was a baby and she'd kick her feet so much, all the photos would turn out blurry. Now she seems to know that mommy is doing a "photo shoot" and sits still and enjoys having her picture taken. Now if only I could get her to smile instead of looking so serious! :)

At the Beach

We took our daughter to the beach for the first time this past weekend. It was beautiful, but Holland didn't think too much of it! The water was a little too cold for her and she didn't like the sand either. Maybe in another year she'll enjoy it better. :)

My Favorite Wedding Photo

We have just had a beautiful long weekend together as a family - my husband, my daughter and I. The weather has been gorgeous...well, a bit muggy...but we can't complain! Summer is so lovely here in New Zealand.

I was going through a few photos and found this one of our wedding - March 11, 2007. I crocheted the jacket I am wearing by hand and it took me a few months. It cost me $5 to make the top and I found my dress at Ross for $20, and I just added some lace to the hem to lengthen it. I love the old-fashioned clothing styles of the regency era and couldn't find anything I liked among modern style wedding dresses. Besides, it was nice to save $ on the dress and spend it on our honeymoon in Rarotonga instead. :) (That's one of the Cook Islands - about a 3 hour flight from New Zealand - think a less-commercialized version of Tahiti!) :)

On the move!

My daughter, Holland, is now 8.5 months old and is officially crawling...and pulling up and getting into everything. :) This includes mommy's yarn and crochet projects, if I don't keep a close eye on her. Today I was working on something, left it on the couch and walked into another room. When I came back, this is what I saw...

It was so adorable I had to take a photo. Who knew a crochet hook was good for teething? :) Yes, probably not the best option, so I quickly took it away from her, much to her disappointment!

I am just a little bit thrilled though that she seems to be interested in my crocheting...maybe she'll want to crochet herself when she's old enough (read "3") :) That's when I began to learn! :)

Crochetbury Bears

This week I've introduced my new teddy bear patterns which I've named "Crochetbury Bears." Bears measure 4" seated and 5" standing.

The basic outfits include:

• flower petal halter dress and matching beanie (for the girl bear)
• blue denim overalls (for the boy bear)

More outfits and accessories will follow in the weeks ahead...

Home Sweet Home

After travelling the world for 5 weeks, we arrived back home safely at 5am Auckland time this past Tuesday morning. How nice it is to be home again after being away so long! Holland is now 7.5 months old and looks around the house as if she's seeing it all for the 1st time. She may have a 'slight feeling' that she's been here before, but isn't quite sure... :)

It's amazing to see how she's developed while we've been away. She is now sitting up by herself for extended periods of time. She cut her 1st tooth while we were in Holland and seems to be working on another one. She enjoyed meeting all her grandparents, aunts & uncles and her cousin...plus many new friends. :)

It was so nice to reopen my Etsy shop! I look forward to getting back to designing in the weeks ahead. At the moment I am still focusing on unpacking and settling back into life here in Auckland. We're still a bit jetlagged and have been going to bed about 5pm and waking up at 3am...so hope to get back to normal soon!

Here are a few photos from our travels...

The 3 of us in Amsterdam...

Holland in her Air New Zealand bassinette...

Delicious Belgian waffles (topped with warm cherries and ice cream) we enjoyed in Mol, Belgium.

Vacation Mode

Well, we're all packed up and ready to leave for the airport in the morning. We are doing out best to travel light--even with a 6 month old. I put my Etsy shop in "vacation mode" tonight and felt a little sad...I love having my shop so much that I'm going to miss it while I'm away! I am taking my crochet hook and some yarn with me on our trip so I'll have something to do during our layovers in Sydney and elsewhere. I can't take a little pair of scissors with me on the plane so I will have to find creative ways to fasten off if need be...hopefully they won't confiscate my crochet hook! :)