Gillyweeds, Fiber, Fun...

I'm back!

2012-01-27T09:42:00.000-06:00

So, I tried Wordpress, and was not impressed. I really tried hard! But I just can't seem to get it to load on my computer, it takes too many steps to try to upload a picture, and there are other things, too. But I'm back!

I'll start by showing off some new cards:

Look for new styles and designs available on Crunchy Congo over the next few weeks!

Ok, well, I decided to switch to Wordpress.

2011-09-26T13:47:00.000-05:00

You can find all my blogger posts and the newest ones on Wordpress here:

http://www.gillyweedsfiberfun.wordpress.com

It's been fun, blogger, but I just like the way the new blog looks so much better! And, I hope that all my followers follow me to the new blog. It's easy to follow via email, and I hope to see you there!

Howdy! Making a switcheroo...maybe?

2011-09-26T13:15:00.001-05:00

Ok, I've used blogger for several years now, and I decided to try Wordpress for a bit and see how I like it. Well....it's not what I thought. But it's working. I wanted a "one stop shop" kind of place, and I had heard that Wordpress had all kinds of goodies that would help me with that. But you know what? I am a techo idiot. So...

I am still trying to decide which one I like better.

Here's the Wordpress blog:
http://www.gillyweedsfiberfun.wordpress.com

I like the look and the layout and the capabilities, but I've already run into several problems. Like I can't upload photos from Flickr, which is the only photohosting service I use right now. Problem.

Also, the dashboard is really confusing and FULL of...just everything. I just want to write, slap in a picture and post. But it just seems overwhelming over there. So, I'll try both sites for a bit and see what happens. All my blogger posts have been imported to that blog, so you can still see them all, but I may tweak this one a bit and just keep plugging away here.

Take a look at both blogs and tell what you think...

Harmony sleep sack

2011-09-09T08:54:00.001-05:00

Harmony sleep sack, a photo by s_gilly_5 on Flickr.

Here's a new sleep sack. I love it! It's such a quick knit, and I love the natural striping that happens with no short rows. Almost wish I had a little bitty to put it on, but alas, it will be listed on Crunchy Congo for our next stocking.

New hat!

2011-09-07T14:13:00.001-05:00

flat pom hat, a photo by s_gilly_5 on Flickr.

This is a very basic flat pom pom hat. It's a newborn size, crocheted in the round, with hand made poms. For sale at Etsy, now!

http://www.etsy.com/listing/81315297/newborn-crocheted-pom-hat-in-red?ref=sc_1

Guest Blogger: Give Peas a Chance!

2011-08-29T09:21:00.000-05:00

Katherine of Love Abounds and Give Peas a Chance has been a friend of mine for several years, and because I love how friendly and outgoing and loving she is in her business dealings as well as her home life, I am featuring an interview here at Gillyweeds! At GPAC, Katherine has tons of fun giveaways, recipes, bento ideas, and more...be sure to check her out. In the mean time, here is my interview with this busy mom and blogger:

1. What made you decide to become a wahm?

I'm not sure. For Love Abounds, I made toffee and did a trade on Hyena Cart- forums. I got a good response so I decided to start selling. I told myself if I could get one order or so a week it would be fun. That turned into multiple orders a day and I had to either expand or put things on hold for a bit. I decided to put things on hold until I can get a bigger commercial kitchen and all the girls are in school. A dream of mine is to open a tea room.
Blogging is more of a hobby, I don't make any money from it. But, I started blogging because I wanted a place to record recipes. I wanted to have these recipes down with stories, to put in a book for my girls as a college going away gift. I realized after my book hit 500 pages that the cost would be crazy to print so I am narrowing it down a bit. (I seem to have great ideas- execution of those ideas is a whole other story.)

2. What is your favorite form of expression?

It really depends on my mood. For the most part cooking and some baking. I do love to craft and draw. I also get "bored" easily, and like most crafting people, I have tons of projects that need finishing.

Follow Katherine on Pinterest...

3. What do your kids do while you are working?

As a blogger, I blog when they are asleep, at night to during naps- when my oldest are in school. It seems to be the best time not to get any interruptions. But I do hop online to check peas blog email throughout the day.

4. When do you do most of your work?

I would say from 8 pm to 1 am.

5. How do you find the giveaways that you post?

It depends. Sometimes I get emails from companies/people with an offer to sponsor. Other times, if something catches my eye, I send an offer out to the company. I also belong to a couple of places that send me interested businesses that would like to sponsor.

6. How long have you been writing your blog?

I have been blogging on Give Peas A Chance since October of 2007. I moved food related posts from Chaotic Balance- formerly Random Thoughts that month. Reading my intro for both of those blogs, a lot has changed and not much as changed. Laundry is still my nemesis, cooking is still my first love, I still watch House MD, am a fan of all things pumpkin and surprisingly I'm still doing bento lunches. There have been job changes, relocation and we added a little girl to our family.

7. Tell us about bentos! (I love those)

Bento lunches. I'm not sure when I first came across these. I think it was a blog post. I don't I pack "true" bentos. First the boxes I use are random sizes. There's a list on Lunch in a box (.net), that has a height/weight chart to help determine how big of a box you should use. There's also a guideline about the ratio of rice/carbs to veggies to protein.
Reading my first post, the reasons I pack bento lunches still ring true to me. I want to broaden my children's palettes, teach them portion control and pack healthier lunches.

I try to use a 3-5+ color rule when packing lunches, I don't always do it. That little "rule" kind of pushes me to include more vegetables, fruits, variety, than I would normally. Readers may notice that some days there's no fruit in lunches or no vegetables. I don't stress too much about that because I can supplement during dinner, snacks or breakfast. I try to make lunches that I pack for school easy to eat, with foods I know the girls will eat without encouragement. I know they will be sitting with friends and wanting to converse. So packing a lunch that has foods I know they will want to eat, ensures they do. Packing an easy to eat lunch helps also. Foods that are already cut in bite sized pieces also make it easier. Plus there is less waste!

8. Give a brief example of your day-in-the-life...

Since it's summer the children usually come in my room to wake me up (LOL). (Sometime during the morning I like to put laundry in the washer/dryer.) My husband usually feeds them breakfast before he leaves for school. We either get ready to leave the house by packing lunches/snacks. I try to get the kids out somewhere active. Or I run errands. If we stay home and it's not too hot, I send them out back with the fort kit and they play and have lunch outside. Lunch is around 11:30 or 12. My youngest still takes a nap so I try to be home for that. She does skip it if we need to. She naps from 3-5pm.

I usually cook dinner after laying down with her for a bit. I try to fold a load of laundry in this time also. My oldest helps me. My oldest two have quiet time, they can either read books or color or draw. We try to eat dinner around 5:30. Hang out and the kids are in bed by 8. If I do any baking it's usually after they are in bed and because the house is cooler by then. Depending on the next days menu, I will chop veggies for stir fry or marinate meats if need be. I start the dishwasher before I head to bed. I also do a load of laundry before bed so I can put it in the dryer when I get up. I sweep after meals. If it's bath/shower night for the kids it's inevitable that I have to mop the floor up after ;). Same deal if my oldest (7) does the dishes, the floor needs to be mopped.

9. What are you working on now...what's taking up most of your wahm time at the moment?

Recent Review

Reviews. It's funny sometimes I get them scheduled for a couple weeks and I slack. Then I feel rushed to get them written again. That and I'm working on putting a cookbook together. I don't have a publisher, self publishing is expensive... so I feel pretty stuck right now.

You can find Katherine and her blog Give Peas a Chance here, and her Facebook page here.

To talk to Katherine about a giveaway, whether you would like to sponsor one or ask about a current giveaway, please go to Peasblog@hotmail.com.

Bushy lovey in SW wool, Parrot

2011-08-23T08:35:00.001-05:00

Bushy lovey in SW wool, Parrot, a photo by s_gilly_5 on Flickr.

Here is a custom order I did for a woman's new grandchild to be. It's superwash wool, in a fun colorway called "Parrot". I love the brightness of it, and there was just enough yarn left from the second skein for the hat.

Soap sacks!

2011-08-16T15:08:00.003-05:00

Monkey Farts, a photo by s_gilly_5 on Flickr.

I've seen these everywhere, but haven't made any yet. Omigosh! They are so fun and easy! I see many of these in my future. The pattern is so simple.

CH 13 using an "H" hook and worsted weight 100% cotton yarn. HDC into the second chain from hook and all the way across.

HDC 2 more into the last chain. Then HDC around the other side of the beginning chain to the other side.

HDC into the last CH, then join with a SL ST to the first HDC. Place a marker here. Continue crocheting in the round until you've reached your desired length, about 2.5 inches, moving the marker up as you go.

When you reach your desired length, crochet to the marker, SL ST into the next ST, CH 3 (first DC) and do a round of DC. Join with SL ST to the rop of the first DC, and then CH 10, and join to the first DC, making a loop. Finish off and weave in ends.

Finally, crochet a double stranded chain, as long as you want, weave it through the DC row, and you have your drawstring! Tie knots in both ends and you have a beautiful soap sack that will also fit over your hand as a bath mitt. You can use the loop to put your thumb in to help keep the mitt on, or to hang your mitt dry.

Find this mitt, and it's matching soap at Crunchy Congo!

Soaker sack, Raging Magenta

2011-08-15T15:46:00.002-05:00

Soaker sack, Raging Magenta, a photo by s_gilly_5 on Flickr.

This little newborn soaker sack will be stocking on Friday at Crunchy Congo.

It's knitted on Cestari Fine wool with a simple k2p2 ribbing at the top and bottom. I was a little worried I would run out of yarn, but It worked out fine. It's maybe a little short for a typical soaker sack, but it would be great for a newbie!

Wahm Advertising, barter style...

2011-08-08T08:51:00.000-05:00

I am working on a program for Wahms out there to take advantage of web advertising without having to spend so much of their hard earned money. Wahms work hard, but advertising can be expensive.

It's call Bartered Buttons. I will barter with you for the cost of a month of advertising on this blog, in button ad form. The button ad you provide will be bartered for your products, an exchange of advertising on your blog for my store, or Paypal in some cases.

This will be a benefit for you, getting your product in the hands of someone very active on many parenting boards, Facebook, Etsy and Hyenacart. In exchange for your product, I will write a review on my blog, linking it to Facebook, and will provide one month of advertising (in button form) on my blog per every $10 worth of retail for the product I am reviewing.

No cash out of your pocket, word of mouth advertising, and a review posted to Facebook where thousands of potential customers could see it.

Contact me at s_gilly_5@yahoo.com, for more information. Don't miss out on your chance to get your store front out there!

The newest addition to the Gillyweeds paper line...

2011-08-05T10:34:00.002-05:00

STA70869, a photo by s_gilly_5 on Flickr.

Bitty Notes! I'm sure there's a catchier name for them than that, but that's what they are.

Sweet little notes, 3.5 x 2.5 inches, about the size of a business card. They have been hand stamped with a variety of pictures and sayings, and are bright and cheerful. Perfect for sending off to school with your little one. Each card is cut from quality cardstock, and has plenty of room for you to write a note to your child about the events of the day, reminders, or just a quick "I love you!".

Also, these would be perfect for a teacher as placemarkers, nametags, center management tools, calendar numbers, you name it! They can be laminated and used over and over with a dry erase crayon or marker, as well!

There are so many things you can do with these simple little cards!

Sunshine lovey

2011-08-04T10:18:00.002-05:00

Sunshine lovey, a photo by s_gilly_5 on Flickr.

Another sweet little lovey, this time on Superwash wool. I love this color (Sunshine!) and the stitch looks great in the soft superwash.

Available Friday, August 5th on Crunchy Congo:

Http://www.hyenacart.com/crunchycongo

OOAK superwash

2011-08-03T12:06:00.002-05:00

OOAK superwash, a photo by s_gilly_5 on Flickr.

Love this! I wish I could dye yarn every day...

It's saphire blue, sun yellow, and fuschia on Superwash from Knitpicks. Look for this on HC soon!

Fall Fun Giveaway...

2011-08-02T16:14:00.000-05:00

I love Fall! Back to School is one of my favorite times of year, and not just because the littles leave for school, but the whole season is just awesome! Crisp fall air really sounds good right now with a high of 90, and 85% humidity.

So, because I love Fall so very much, I'll be doing a Fall Fun Giveaway! Every week for the month of October, I'll be giving away a fun fall item. It might be hand made, it might be something cool I pick up on Hyenacart or Etsy, who knows?

But know this: Fall is coming! WEEEEEEEE!!!

Graceful Moose collab

2011-08-01T09:51:00.002-05:00

Graceful Moose collab, a photo by s_gilly_5 on Flickr.

So this little soaker was knitted using the Freckle soaker pattern on Knitpicks WOTA. it's my first attempt at knitting stripes into a soaker, and I might not attempt it again!

But, a little monster face on the bum covered up the awkward stripes...I hope.

This goes with a little monsters diaper made by Patti of The Graceful Moose diapers, and can be purchased this Friday at Crunchy Congo on Hyenacart. Http://www.hyenacart.com/crunchycongo

Fairy Tale soaker

2011-07-29T09:13:00.002-05:00

Fairy Tale soaker, a photo by s_gilly_5 on Flickr.

New little (very little!) soaker, just finished up today. The color is called Fairy Tale, and I love how teeny and pink it is! This one is heading to Top to Bottom Baby today!

Scrappy Solid longies

2011-07-24T13:52:00.002-05:00

Scrappy Solid longies, a photo by s_gilly_5 on Flickr.

I love scrappy longies, but I didn't work over the ends while I was making these, so there were a lot of ends to weave in! I love how they turned out, though.

80's Rainbow

2011-07-22T19:32:00.002-05:00

80's Rainbow, a photo by s_gilly_5 on Flickr.

Love this new colorway! I can't wait to dye some more of this up.

Thankful Thursday...Two Good Hands

2011-07-21T09:17:00.000-05:00

I am very thankful this Thursday for two good hands. I have Carpal Tunnel Syndrome in both wrists. It makes my fingers numb, my hands burn, and I have lost muscle and nerve function in both hands. I wake up many mornings and can't make a fist and my hands burn for an hour. I can't open jars any more and I can't rip open a bag of chips. But I can type. I can crochet and knit. I can do the dishes and laundry and dress and feed myself. I can hold my children and rub their backs at bedtime and hold their hands when we cross the street.

I will probably get surgery eventually to aleviate my symptoms, but in the mean time, and I am so very grateful for these two hands God gave me. Even when I am using them to clean up vomit or change a poopy diaper. They allow me in part, to be who I am today. I've had to change the way I live to accomodate my infirmity, but that has only made me a more understanding and empathetic person. And, stronger in not only my faith in God, but in faith in my own abilities.

Cotton This Time

2011-07-20T13:42:00.002-05:00

cotton lovey, a photo by s_gilly_5 on Flickr.

This is the softest lovey! It doesn't feel soft in your hands, but when you put it up to your cheek, it's super soft! I am not a huge fan of cotton to work with, but once it's done, I love the final effect.

It's going up for sale at Crunchy Congo in August.

Wooo!!! Back to work!

2011-07-15T10:09:00.000-05:00

Well, vacation is over, softball is all but over, and it's time to start thinking about Fall, back to school, and new products!

I did some fun crocheting over my vacation, adding to my repertoire of loveys.

Here is a sweet one in a beautiful stitch called the "bushy" stitch. It looks like little bushes all stacked up on top of each other.

This one is a simple loop one with a plastic link added. I love the idea of this one, if not the actual outcome. It took up way more yarn than the bushy stitch version, so I won't likely use this one very often, unless someone decides they have to have one. I'll try a double crochet one next with a loop, and see if that uses a little less yarn.

And I have some great ideas for other items, I have a couple of patterns I need to write out for the blog, and I am getting back into making Calling Cards again. Plus, of course, stocking at Crunchy Congo again.

Woo! Back to work!

Have you been to T2B?

2011-06-28T07:36:00.001-05:00

Have you been to Top to Bottom Baby Boutique (T2B Baby) in Omaha? I recently (ok like a month ago) entered into a vendor agreement to begin selling my woolies at T2B! I'm so excited! But to be honest, summer was not the time to do it. It's end of June and I still have two more items to drop off! I may just go straight for the capris and longies.

Anyway, they have a great selection of locally made vendor items, an awesome selection of cloth diapers, cd detergent, diaper bags, soft shoes, cloth wipes, mama pads, and so much more! To check it out, go to this link, and shop their online store and blog! You can either place your order online, or go to 2928 S 132nd St. in Omaha, NE, at the corner of 132nd and Center! Visit their Facebook Fanpage and tell them Gillyweeds sent you!

Here are a few items going to T2B today...

Medium shorties knitted on Gaia Bulky in MM's Ravensong

Medium Bear on Red soaker in Peruvian wool:

Thankful Thursday...Vacation Bible Fun!

2011-06-23T15:16:00.000-05:00

Every summer my kids and I do vacation bible fun at our school. It's a full week of singing, crafts, etc. It's fun, but it's over again. Yep, thankful! It's also a week of dragging the kids out of bed in the summer, wading through crowded hallways full of kids, streamers, balloons and toddlers. It's fun, but a long week. We always look forward to it, and then we're glad when it's done so we can relax again!

Every year we paint shirts, and I was in the t-shirt area. This involves taping a t-shirt (or in our case, about 200) to a wax paper piece of cardboard, then pinning a stencil to it, then having the kids paint them, unpin the stencil, clean it off, and hang the shirt. Then do the other 199. Then when they are dry, iron them, tape names to them and pass them back out. It's a long week, but seeing all the shirts and the kids wearing them, makes it worth the work!

Granny Square lovey for Khloe

2011-06-21T14:36:00.001-05:00

Granny Square lovey for Khloe, a photo by s_gilly_5 on Flickr.

I haven't posted this before, but for Christmas, I made my 2 year old a little granny square lovey for her dollies. It was a hit!

I plan to begin stocking these and similar styles on Etsy and on HC on Crunchy Congo soon.

Back at it again...

2011-06-06T15:16:00.000-05:00

Ok, that didn't last long. My part time job, that is. I just wasn't cut out for standing for long periods of time while doing lots of chopping. Fruit and veggies, that is. And my family needs me! I just couldn't stand the idea of coming home every day to the kids having left the house a mess (not through any fault of their own, really, they didn't have me telling them to clean up after themselves every five minutes!), and then not be able to walk to clean it up. My hands were numb for three days straight, and my feet were swollen and tingly. Not a fun mom to be around, that's for sure. I began to have flash backs to the last time I tried working for any length of time outside the home, and decided that crabby over-tired mom is not any kind of mom for them all summer long.

So, here I am again, full of ideas, and the whole summer ahead of me to make them a reality. I just hope I can afford the yarn!

Taking a break....now I'm bored!

2011-05-23T07:19:00.000-05:00

So, life can be complicated. School is almost over, I'm starting a part time as well as a full time job this summer to help pay off some bills, and so I decided to take a break from Hyenacart. I decided I would put my HC store in vacation mode, take a break for a couple months from stocking on Crunchy congo, and only leave my patterns up on Etsy.

It's been about three days.

I'm so bored! CC is stocking this Friday and I miss it already.

But, technically, school isn't out until Thursday so I might be thinking differently in about a week.

People who don't craft just don't understand. My husband can just sit and watch a movie. I can't. I have to be knitting or crocheting. I could crochet a whole soaker during a two hour movie! Why would I just sit there?

So, now, here I am, business less for the time being. I can't wait until August!

Wordless Wednesday

2011-05-04T08:04:00.002-05:00

Rainbow Ecowrapz skirty

2011-04-30T19:10:00.002-05:00

Rainbow Ecowrapz skirty, a photo by s_gilly_5 on Flickr.

Crocheted using my Bottoms Up pattern, as a custom. I was originally going to do a double ruffle, but because of my own error, decided to go with a larger single ruffle. It looks very fun! I can't wait to see action shots!

Easter Egg Fun!

2011-04-30T18:28:00.000-05:00

Oh, yeah! We dye eggs, too! On top of all the other super cool crafty stuff, that is...

Here we have "Cowboy with gun" by Drake

"Green Heart" by Cassidy

And, don't forget the Easter Egg Hunt!

Thankful Thursday...missed the tornadoes

2011-04-28T11:07:00.000-05:00

Don't get me wrong. I live in Nebraska, and we've seen our share of tornadoes. But this one was a monster, and I am very thankful it wasn't in our part of the country.

Taken from Mediaite.com...

But my heart goes out to the hundreds of thousands of people without power today and without homes in Alabama, Georgia, Tennessee and Mississippi, and my prayers are with you and all of the workers trying to get their emergency vehicles and services into areas where the roads are impassable.
See some video from ABC news here...
It's a terrible situation for them all.

What are you thankful for today?

Love the Wizard of Oz!

2011-04-26T08:52:00.003-05:00

'To Oz? To Oz!' by Gillyweeds

Watching the annual showing of Wizard of Oz tonight...

Spring Fairy Tale Colle... downstairsDesi... $23.00	Miss Gulch t-shirt Pedal1Long $15.00	If I Only Had A Heart P... teaspoon $20.00
tag, Dorothy's red ... CreatebyGrace $4.50	Primitive Folk Art Oz D... piecakeprimiti... $42.00	BUY 3 GET 1 FREE - Hand... ImagineDeep $7.95
SPRING SALE Wizard of O... enchantedsquir... $6.00	The Wonderful Wizard of... VintageStitchP... $5.95	8x10 PRINT - Wizard of ... CollectArtwork $16.00
Follow the Yellow Brick... darklingwoods $16.00	EARTH DAY SALE - Elphab... WonderlandCont... $22.00	Over the Rainbow Bracel... FireweedImpres... $27.00
WIZARD of OZ TINMAN (mo... charms4you $25.00	Flying Monkey of Ozzzom... KiWiCuties $5.00	The Wizard Of OZ - Doro... peanutbutterba... $12.00
Dorothy 8x10 canvas in... Lynnp6260 $25.00

Treasury tool by Red Row Studio.

Thankful Thursday... Rocking the Mini-van

2011-04-21T10:57:00.001-05:00

I'm thankful this Thursday for all the other moms out there with big families. They know how lonely it can be to be a mom with many children. I ran into a woman at the Post office the other day, also with six children, and she was so upbeat and sweet and obviously happy, I was renewed.

I complain regularly about not being able to do the things I want to do. Having a large family means making sacrifices. I can't just go to a movie with my kids. It would cost me about $50 just for tickets. If I want to do anything for myself (like go get a haircut or for a walk) I have to cram it in between soccer games, softball practice, baseball practice, dentist appointments, etc. There is always a child underfoot. Always.

So, thank you, mom-at-the-post-office for reminding me that you can be a mom of many, rock a conversion van, run errands (standing in line at the PO with two small children...ugh) in a track suit and a pony tail, and still have a smile on your face and take the time to chat for a minute in the line. You made me stop and think that even if I do complain about the fact that there is always a child within 10 feet of me, that child is loved, healthy, clothed, fed, and well behaved for the most part. Sometimes, in my day, the toughest decision is whether to feed the kids dinner before or after soccer practice.

Love this knitting project bag from McYarnpants on Etsy...

I have time to crochet pretty much no matter where I go(it's easy to crochet in the line at the post office, waiting for the kids to get out of school in the carpool lane, and at the dentist's office), I have a family that loves me, and there's always something to do. I don't have to go off to work every day and stress over how many hours I'm clocking or if my work is satisfactory to the boss or not. Here, I'm the boss, and if my kids are still alive at the end of the day, I know I've at least met expectations.

Now, I need to go clean some toilets, before I finish up work on my items for tomorrow's stocking at Crunchy Congo...

OOAK Happy Accident on Peace Fleece

2011-04-18T19:29:00.002-05:00

OOAK Happy Accident on PF, a photo by s_gilly_5 on Flickr.

This yarn, believe it or not, started out with blue, pink and yellow. But in the baking process, the blue and yellow ran together making this amazing orange-y pink colorway I call One of a Kind Happy Accident!

These are up for auction on Hyenacart right now, http://www.hyenacart.com/gillyweeds.

Fishbowl plus trim on Peace Fleece

2011-04-11T08:40:00.002-05:00

Fishbowl plus trim on Peace Fleece, a photo by s_gilly_5 on Flickr.

One of my favorite colorways...and fool proof! It's not handpainted so I can just pour it on and watch the magic happen.

This was done on Peace Fleece, so it's a little softer looking than if it were on, say, BFL or superwash. But lovely just the same.

For sale now on Gillyweeds on HC (http://www.hyenacart.com/gillyweeds)

Pink Skirty!

2011-04-08T08:27:00.002-05:00

pink skirty front, a photo by s_gilly_5 on Flickr.

This is my attempt at busting up some stash. It's from 3/4 of a skein of 3 ply Purewool I had that I just didn't know what else to do with, plus a skein of 1 ply merino a friend of mine dyed up ages ago, and I was too afraid to do anything with it! It's so soft and thin, I was worried I would wreck it, but alas, it needed to be made into something.

I double stranded it and it works great as the skirty, waist and cuffs. This skirty will be available on Hyenacart next week.

Wearable Art?

2011-04-04T08:15:00.006-05:00

I don't know if I would consider this art, but it definitely makes a statement.

Featured Wahm Friday...

2011-04-01T08:27:00.026-05:00

I'd like to start a little feature on Fridays where I post information and fun facts about wahm's I know. Here are some women who have influenced me in my creative endeavors...

Grandma Bess

My grandmother Bess was an amazing woman and a wonderful seamstress. She made most of her own clothes, and many of her children's. She would whip up a simple wrap skirt, and go weed the garden in it the next day. She cloth diapered and raised 8 children on a rural farm all through the forties, fifties and sixties. She had this awesome upstairs room in her old farmhouse, with a pool table, windows on three sides with a fantastic view of the country side all around, and mountains of fabric. Polyester, mostly, by the time I came along in the 70's, but fabulous all the same. She would give me scissors, paper, home made flour and water paste, and free rein of her fabric stash. I would make paper dolls and clothe them with her amazing array of patterned and textured double knit. My barbies were as well dressed as my clumsy stitches could make them. So many of my fondest memories are of going to her house and just exploring.

Grandma Virginia's quilt

My other grandmother, Virginia, was the kindest, sweetest, most loving grandma one could have. She spent her whole life serving her family, and loved every minute of it. She was a wonderful crafter. She made each of us grandchildren (four of us) a handmade quilt before she died. Each one unique. They were not her own design, in that they began as panels of cloth preprinted with designs, but the amazing part, to me, is that she hand stitched every stitch on each quilt. Mine is beautiful. Cross-stitched all over, and hand quilted. It took her over a year to make each one, quilting away in the evenings. I love my quilt! I use it on my bed, and she inspired me to create a quilt for each of my own children. I can't wait to "graduate" to handquilting someday...when I can leave it out without the littles fingering it all up with jelly, or something!

Mom and her husband

Then there's my mom, Teresa. She is a cross stitcher, and knitter. She taught me to sew as a child, and later, to crochet. I learned to knit after she gave one of my children a beautiful knitted afghan when they were born. She would spend hours sitting on the couch or at the kitchen table cross stitching these amazing scenes, and each stitch was perfect. I have a whole collection of Christmas ornaments that she stitched and gave to me when I was an adult that I cherish and love to put on the tree each year. She is also a wonderful seamstress, and one Easter made dresses for each of her grand-daughters. She also makes a fabulous Cleopatra costume...

As for me, I love to crochet, knit, and scrapbook. I learned to knit for my fifth child, when I began to cloth diaper him, and I took up crocheting again, at about the same time. I love taking a skein of yarn and turning it into something new. I have scrapbooked (thanks to Mom, who bought me my first supplies when my oldest two were bitty) for going on 12 years, and sewing is something I wish I knew more about...that's for later when I can leave my machine out and it won't get covered in fingerprints. I have so many ideas, I literally could not make everything I want to(realistically) and still sleep! So, I'm figuring out what I want to focus on...in the meantime, I'm just having fun with each new thing!

Thankful Thursday...Thankful to have gotten these done!

2011-03-24T08:00:00.001-05:00

Nesting Baskets for a swap:

Latest crocheted bib:

Shroom shorties!

2011-03-23T18:36:00.000-05:00

What do I do when I watch Star Wars? I make these...

Just using up some leftover wool, and I loved these colors together! They reminded me of Mario Brothers, and so I thought of mushrooms, and this is what happened.

These are a newborn size and will be up for sale on April 1st at Crunchy Congo...

Treasury Tuesday...Spring is coming!

2011-03-22T08:00:00.000-05:00

These are a few things I found on Etsy today, just searching "Spring". I can't wait!

'Searching for Spring...' by Gillyweeds

I just searched "spring" and these things reminded me of all the things I love about spring!

Dahlia blooms baltic bi... sadiedesignsca $20.00	Mason Bee Box, Reclaime... andrewsreclaim... $27.00	LARGE Personalized Engr... braggingbags $89.99
Celeste Vase TallyLocke $115.00	Wildly Figured Wood Ser... RedOnionWoodwo... $67.00	Hair Fork Comb Birdseye... grahtoestudio $
Embark...Maple Wood Pen... ZephyrWoods $12.00	Set of 12 Large Handpai... naturesadornme... $18.00	Sustainably harvested s... AppalachianJoi... $125.00
signs of spring, origin... watermediawork... $90.00	vintage Stained Wood Be... jerushad $28.00	Hand Wood Burned Rustic... distinctivedec... $44.99
Birdhouse-Folk Art by T... triesteprusso $60.00	Primitive Bread Board porterknob $19.95	natural Butterfly Teeth... littlesaplingt... $12.00
Handmade juniper spoons... RivdomArt $55.00

Treasury tool is sponsored by Lazzia.com A/B image testing.

Amazing Monday

2011-03-21T08:00:00.005-05:00

All I can say is...wow...

I found this on flickr...I would love to visit Venice, now, if only to see a sunset like this!

Feature Friday...The Green Panda!

2011-03-18T08:04:00.002-05:00

I recently purchased some Organic Lip Shimmer from The Green Panda on Hyenacart.

I love it! I got the Ruby Slippers tint in a cinnamon flavor. It provides just the right amount of color without being too lipstick-y, and is very soft and silky. The cinnamon flavoring was a little tingly at first, but I got used to it, and now I kind of like it!

The tube is clear, so I can clearly see how much I have left, and it comes with a shrink wrap label so I know it hasn't been opened since she made it.

I will definitely be buying this again!

The Khloe Tunic is here!

2011-03-17T10:55:00.000-05:00

I'm very proud to announce the Khloe Tunic pattern has been released!

It's for sale on Etsy, and Ravelry, and you can buy it here, as well.

I am very excited for this one! It's a very sweet little project, crochets up fast, and is great for all seasons.

Just General Ramblings

2011-03-16T17:06:00.000-05:00

With a sick child, a busy family, multiple swaps and trades and giveaways going on, I feel very frustrated. I want to be able to use my business as a way to help support our family, but I just don't seem to get many sales. Most of what I've read says that social networking, blogging, and newsletters, etc. are so very important to being a successful wahm. Keeping up with trends, being organized, and great customer service are super important. Great pictures, good descriptions, using the right search engine words, and prompt shipping...all very important.

But when am I actually supposed to make things? I check email, blogs, post to Facebook, and check on my forums before I take the kids to school. I spend the morning cleaning, potty-taking, dish-doing, lunchmaking, table-wiping, face/handwashing, and nap-trying. Then, I have another hour, maybe, of computer time, while trying to keep the five year old from waking up the two year old. I might even make another card or two before they wake up.

After nap, it's time to potty again, and load them all up to pick up the big kids. After an hour of driving, waiting (where I might try to cram some more crochet time in...) driving, waiting, and then just a smidge more driving, I may stop by the post office to mail a package, or the store to pick up more adhesive or yarn. I come home and check in on the computer again for a bit. Then, it's time for another round of cleaning, laundry, kid-feeding and potty-taking. After the hubby gets home, we do dinner, more clean up, and then maybe an hour of crocheting before bed.

Basically, I'm spending more time on the computer reading about sales, SEO maximization and how to be a good online seller, than actually making anything to sell. That doesn't even count the time it takes to take pictures of the items I do have made, and list them! So, I've made a decision. I'm going to quit reading about selling, and start making things to sell. No more spending hours reading blogs and trying to make my store into a fabulous showplace, only to have nothing in it!

I am working on a new logo, and I may re-open my Hyenacart store. I am in a position where I want to make and sell so many things, but I'm working on a focus. Nothing turns me off more than when I see a seller who just throws a little of everything at you, desperate to sell. I've been doing a little of that lately, and honestly, I'm embarrassed. I will definitely be making different things for Etsy than Hyenacart, but the main thing is that I will be creating! Not scouring blogs and the web for tips on sales.

My own blog will take precedence over others, but I do still have a list of other great Etsy and HC sellers' blogs below. I'll still be reading them, but with a crochet hook in my hand, and not taking notes!

The biggest thing I've learned over the last few weeks of reflection (and lots of laundry with my sick kid...) is that I am my own person, and what works for one seller is not what will work for me. So to be true to myself is the main focus, over anything else.

What do I do when my kids are sick?

2011-02-25T16:22:00.000-06:00

Spend half the day browsing Etsy...

'Sick Day...' by Gillyweeds

What to do, what to do when someone around here is sick...

Pattern - Rainy Day Act... harvestmoonbyh... $12.00	sick day doodleandhoob $20.00	Honey & Ginger Hard Lol... Sweetcrescendo... $9.50
Peppermint, doTERRA Dro... doTdo $7.75	Cold n' Flu Chest a... BohemianBeetni... $6.99	FREE SHIPPING--Mini Fel... ohhowcharming $5.00

Treasury tool is sponsored by Lazzia.com A/B image testing.

Drool over Hyenacart's daily listings...

Read blogs I haven't seen before...

Eat Nutella...

A little bit of laundry, dishes, making food, feeding kids, potty training my 2 year old, running to the bank, the post office and the school to pick up the other kids...

Resetting my password on Blogger, because Google doesn't want me to post today, I guess...

Oh, and a little crocheting, too.

Last Giveaway for February...Love Abounds!

2011-02-22T08:46:00.001-06:00

I am beyond excited to bring this giveaway to you!

Katherine of Love Abounds has become a good friend to me over the last year, and I've "known" her now for a couple of years. I love her attitude about life, her love of all things NKOTB, and, of course, her fabulous blog!

"Love Abounds is currently closed for orders. Every once in a blue moon items will be stocked or sales will be announced. Join the facebook page to be the first to know when and where to Feed YOUR inner Foodie! What's going on during the break? I'm finally narrowing down recipes, working out new ones and putting a cookbook together. For recipes, updates and lunch ideas please follow Give Peas A Chance."

A picture of a recent Bento lunch prepared for one of Katherine's daughters. Lucky girl!

Enter to win some Lychee black tea. A black tea infused with Lychee.

It smells fabulous, and is ready for you!

All you need to do is:

1. Follow Love Abounds on Facebook, post here that you did so.

2. Follow Gillyweeds on Facebook, post here that you did so.

3. Follow Katherine's blog, Please Give Peas A Chance and post here that you did so.

4. Post about this giveaway on your blog, Facebook or Twitter, and post back here that you did so, with a link.

5. Follow this blog, and post here that you did so.

That's it! The drawing will be done Monday, February 28, at 4 pm. This lovely giveaway will wrap up my birthday month of giveaways, and I thank you all for your participation!

Handspun Khloe Tunic

2011-02-18T09:13:00.001-06:00

I am in love with how lovely this turned out! I found a beautiful skein of Handspun from The Crazy Hat Lady on Hyencart's Spot's Corner. It's gorgeous! I was planning to make myself a scarf out of it, but then I was the overjoyed recipient of a beautiful Drop Stitch scarf from Sarah of SEWsational Sarah in a swap.

So that left me in a quandary. What do I make with this fabulous yarn?

Well, I'm writing a pattern for a new tunic that is intended for all year wear. So, I thought why not crochet it up into a tunic and see what happens?

I love it! I can't wait to try handspun again, and I will definitely make something for myself, next time!

A little collab with Leave You In Stitches...

2011-02-17T19:13:00.000-06:00

I love this colorway! I'll say it again...I love this colorway! Primary Party, this time on Peruvian Superwash.

And what better way to show it off, than to pair it with this adorable little shirt from LYIS!! Coming to Crunchy Congo this Friday, February 18th. Hoping to do some more with LYIS in the future!

B-day Giveaway!

2011-02-16T14:02:00.000-06:00

It's time for the third giveaway of February, and since it's the week of my birthday, I'll be giving away something I'd love to get myself! A 100 gram skein of Superwash Peruvian wool! 220 yards of worsted weight lovliness, in shades of blue and green, with wisps of cream and yellow. This is truly a OOAK skein. I was playing around with a new (to me) shade of green, and I am in love with the result!

To qualify to win this wonderful yarn, just follow these simple steps...

1. Like Gillyweeds on Facebook, and comment here that you did so.

2. Follow this blog, and comment here that you did so.

3. Bring a friend to Gillyweeds on Facebook to like my page, and tell them to comment here who brought them.

4. Post about this giveaway to your blog, and provide the link here.

5. Post a link to this giveaway on Facebook, and comment here when you do.

Each of the above actions counts as one entry, but please do not combine your comments. Each entry must have a separate comment.

The drawing will be held Monday, February 21, at 4 pm eastern time.

My workspace...not much space, but it works!

2011-02-10T10:57:00.000-06:00

I was just finishing up my latest Wahm magnets order this morning, and it occured to me that it might be a good time to show off my new work space. About a month ago, I decided that it was ridiculous that I was trying to drag all my supplies out to the dining room table every time I wanted to work, then having to put it all away again at dinner time. So, I went out and bought a 4 foot long folding table, rearranged my supplies a little, and here's what I came up with:

Of course, I would love to decorate it a little more nicely, and not have bags of stuff to take to Goodwill piled around the bottom, but the space is in my bedroom, which is kind of the catch-all of the house, anyway. Across the top, is my Cricut machine, my boxes containing business cards and samples, my two little totes of essentials...pens, scissors, adhesives, stamp pads, etc., and paper. Lots and lots of paper.

Most of my paper is 12x12, which is pretty hard to store, without buying a giant paper storage rack thingy, which I am not ready or willing to pay for right now.

Underneath, I have my two plastic carts, filled with punches, stamps, shipping supplies, more stamp pads, ink fillers, paper trimmers, and cricut cartridges.

While I have decided to scale back on making paper products for sale, with the exception of the occassional set of cards and wahm magnets, it is awesome having a place to create without having to put it all away every three hours!

Dusti's magnet order:

February Giveaway #2! From Little Moncai Designs...

2011-02-09T09:22:00.000-06:00

Robyn, of Little Moncai Designs, has made this wonderful 22x22 inch quilt. It has been lovingly sewn using this adorable birthday themed 100% cotton woven fabrics, in alternating birthday dogs, cats and stars. The backing is soft fleece. Perfect size for car seat quilt for a little one or for a little blankie. Quilt prewashed in Allens Naturally. Retail value, $21.

Visit Little Moncai and see all of her other items, as well...I have some of her vinyl decals, and I've been giving them out as free samples. Love them!

Now, for the nitty gritty details...

For a chance to win this beautiful little quilt, you must do any or all of the following, with each item allowing you to have one entry. The drawing will be done using Random.org, and will take place on Tuesday, February 15th, at 4 pm, Eastern.

1. Follow Little Moncai Designs on Facebook, and comment here that you did so.

2. Follow Gillyweeds on Facebook, and comment here that you did so.

3. Follow this blog, and comment here that you did so.

4. Look over Little Moncai Designs, and tell us your favorite item, and comment with it here.

5. Post a link to this giveaway on your Facebook, Twitter or blog, and post here that you did so.

That's it! You can expect your quilt to be shipped within three business days of the drawing, and I'll be updating all week long with progress on your comments! Please use one comment per entry, and not all your entries in one comment Thanks!

Tic-Tac-Toe portable set from Little Moncai

The Khloe Tunic!

2011-02-04T12:54:00.000-06:00

I have wanted to make Khloe a spring dress for a while, now, so I just plunged in and started. I decided to write the pattern as I went, because I knew it would be very cute on smaller sizes, as well, and she is a 3T, so I began with that and worked my way backward. I hope to have the pattern open for testers next week.

It has a fitted bodice, that is meant to fit close to the body. Then a little texture in the waist, followed by a flared out skirt, and a ruffled hem.

The string straps allow it to be adjustable, and are also very easy to make! The buttons in the back allow for easier dressing, going over the head.

I also like that she can wear it now, with a long sleeved shirt underneath, but in the spring, she can wear it alone, or over shorts.

This particular one, alas, was too short. I ran out of colorway (Creatively Ewe's Chocolate Covered Strawberries), so I ended it at "tunic" length, and listed it for sale on Crunchy Congo. But now I know how much yarn I need, and I have already begun Khloe's Tunic number 2!

It's February Giveaway Time!

2011-02-01T08:07:00.000-06:00

Hey! It's time for a giveaway!

Up first this month, we have Jennifer of CraftyMommasWorld, offering a $20 gift certificate to her shop!

Jennifer makes wonderful tutus, legwarmers, hair clips and more!

To qualify for this giveaway, you may earn an entry for each of the following:

1. Stop by CraftyMommasWorld on Facebook, like her page, and comment here that you did.

2. Stop by the Gillyweeds fanpage on Facebook, like us, and then comment here that you did.

3. Post a comment here siting your favorite item by Jennifer.

4. Post on your blog about this giveaway, provide a link in your post to this blog, and comment here with the link to your blog.

5. Post about this giveaway on Facebook, and comment here that you did, providing a link to your own fanpage, if you have one.

6. Bring in one friend to like Jennifer's fanpage, and comment here with their name.

That's it! Just do any or all of the above, and you can win one entry per item. The drawing will be made by 5 pm Eastern,Monday, February 7th, using Random.org.

Next week, a giveaway from Little Moncai Designs!

Brobee!

2011-01-30T10:15:00.001-06:00

STA70095
Originally uploaded by s_gilly_5

These were so fun to make! A customer requested Brobee from Yo Gabba Gabba, and I couldn't resist...it's my daughter's favorite show, after all!

These were crocheted using Wool of the Andes from Knitpicks in Grass and Avocado, with black, red and white accents. The face was crocheted in some free form crochet and then sewn on after.

These were so fun, and I'd love to make something for my daughter like these. She kept wanting to try this pair on...too bad she's potty training!

A Small, Bright Soaker!

2011-01-27T09:19:00.002-06:00

This one was fun to make. I usually make my woolies out of, well, wool. But I love the colors and ease of acrylic, not to mention the price. You can't beat acrylic for price. So, I crocheted some soakers and other fun things out of a couple of super bright colors. The first one, I blogged a month or so ago, and here's the most recent.

Wool is warm, soft, and has amazing properties. But Acrylic is less expensive, easy to just toss in the washer, and works almost as well as wool as a diaper cover. For the price, you just can't overlook acrylic yarn!

This little beauty is for sale on my Etsy store, so go take a look!

Woo! Been a while...

2011-01-26T16:18:00.000-06:00

My goal was to keep up a little more often, but life gets in the way sometimes!

Here is a little of what I've been working on:

Another Calorimetry, this one for my sister's birthday. Happy birthday, sis! Love you!

Some recent customs...

2011-01-02T19:53:00.000-06:00

Here is a hat I knitted based on the Felicity pattern, by Wanett Clyde. I shortened it and added stripes, but it's still a little slouchy, which was the intention.

Here are a set of Mommy and Me Calorimetries, sent to the lucky winner of a giveaway on the Gillyweeds Facebook page. It took me a little longer to send them off than I wanted, so I sent her a set of birthday cards, as well. I'm happy with how they turned out. I cast on fewer stitches for the child sized one, and am glad it turned out so well.

The original pattern doesn't call for stripes, so I had to finagle them a little, but in the end, I think they turned out really fun!

Vintage patterns!

2010-12-14T13:41:00.000-06:00

I love these patterns! Reminisce with me...

Blog giveaway coming in January!

2010-12-10T09:24:00.000-06:00

It's time for my first blog giveaway! Coming in January, a giveaway featuring items for moms, with the theme, "Try something new this New Year!"

I'm excited, and a little scared...I've been a part of other blog giveaways, mainly on the Etsy HC Street Team blog, but this is my first one on my own! Wish me luck!

If you would like to be involved, just contact me at s_gilly_5@yahoo.com, for more information!

Nigiri Sushi Longies

2010-12-06T08:45:00.001-06:00

A while back, I listed a 100% HC$ auction on Hyenacart. Katherine of Love Abounds was the lucky winner! She wanted a pair of longies crocheted to match this fabric:

She wanted solid black, with accents. Here's what I came up with:

I wanted to add some sushi for her as embellishments, but I couldn't figure it out! So I decided to fall back on my mom's favorite medium, cross-stitch. I'm so happy with how they turned out!

I over ordered the same colors, so I can use the leftovers for a matching pair for my daughter, or maybe a cute top for her. I haven't decided, but I do know I love the look of the cross stitch on these, and I'll be doing something similar again.

Katherine, of Love Abounds, sells fantastic confections, and other wonderful food items. She sells at Etsy, and at Hyenacart. Check her out!

Stocking Stuffers...not just for the kiddos!

2010-11-22T19:49:00.000-06:00

Stocking stuffers aren't just for the kids...My husband and I typically don't exchange gifts, but Santa usually leaves a little something for each of us in our stockings. Here's what I'm hoping to find!

First, I love this listing! Coffee cozy of the month club! I love it! From Blue Room Creations on Hyenacart:

Pumpkin Spice soap bars from The Rumor Mill Soaps:

Swarovski Crystal Moon Beaded Bookmark by Adorn:

Now "Santa" needs to go look for some things for the hubby...

Adjustable Hat

2010-11-21T21:50:00.000-06:00

So I was making one of Valerie Whitten's hats from ValliesKids.blogspot.com, and it was working out great. Until I messed with the pattern.

A wise group of knitters I know are wont to say "trust the pattern".

I don't always listen to wise knitters.

This hat is crocheted flat at the crown, so you increase until the hat is a certain size around, then you work in rounds down the sides. The brim is worked as a part of the last few rounds.

When I first began the hat, I added an increase row, because it just didn't seem big enough. When I got down to the brim rows, I tried it on. It was waaaaaaay too big. So I tried going back to the pattern as written (duh) and it was fine. Then I washed it.

Ok, you all know how wool grows when you wash it, right? Well, if you didn't know, here's a little fact about wool: it grows when you wash it. By the time the hat was "done", it was huge, again! So then I had to figure out how to make it fit...

I decided to add a strap across the front, similar to another of Valerie's hats, and add some buttons to the sides that would make it adjustable. It worked! I'm so proud of myself!

But next time, I'll follow the pattern.

Superwash Sucks...

2010-11-19T09:35:00.000-06:00

Sucks up the dye, that is!

Holy cow, I could hardly pour the dye on fast enough, before it was sucked up and absorbed by this yarn! That's why they both have bare spots in them. I didn't think I'd need so much dye, so I didn't mix up any extra!

It doesn't help that I literally tripped over my two year old trying to dye it up yesterday and spilled dye all over my counter top...but I digress.

I love my Primary Party colorway, and decided I wanted to dye up some superwash and make something fun for a friend's baby. But now I may have to keep it, because I'm not super thrilled at the bare spots. I'm sure it will be fine, but it's just not what I wanted.

Then there's the Pinkie Pie I was attempting...

The yellow didn't turn orange in some places where I was hoping it would, and now there's some green in there...I sometimes forget the basic laws of color mixing: blue + yellow = green. I was using the technique I like to call "dump and prod", where I just plop the yarn in a big glass bowl, dump the dye on, prod the yarn where I want it to soak in, and set the yarn in the microwave. But the yarn sucked up the dye so freaking fast again, that it just didn't work out they way I was hoping. So, Pinkie Pie 2 was born. I think this will become a scarf for my daughter. Shhhh...it's for christmas!

Retro Brite variation

2010-11-14T12:05:00.001-06:00

Retro Brite variation
Originally uploaded by s_gilly_5

I love these colors! This one is a variation of my Retro Brite colorway. Less pink, more yellow, so it turned out much more orange-y brown than the original. Dyed on Peruvian highland wool.

This is available at Gillyweeds on HC, stocking Monday, Nov. 15 at noon.

Why handmade?

2010-11-12T09:40:00.002-06:00

I have always had a cheaper is better mentality. When you don't have any money, cheaper means you can afford more. It's basic math. But is cheaper any better? Do you really get what you pay for?

I have been trying to adjust my thinking, here over the last several years. Here's some of my math:

I can go and buy a pair of pants from Walmart for $4.00 for my daughter. They will get stained, most likely, will maybe shrink, and will be thin. They will likely wear out before she has outgrown them. They will be machine washable, and can be worn for about a season.

Or I can go spend upwards of $40 (probably the most I would be willing to pay) for wool yarn. Then spend a few days to a few weeks making them into pants. Then have to wash them by hand forever. But, they can be worn indefinitely. As long as I have a wool shaver, and water, these pants could last generations. My grandchildren could wear these same pants.

So which one's the real value? To me, it's a no-brainer. After having been crocheting and knitting my daughter's woolies for so long, I completely understand how some women would be willing to pay $75-$100 for a pair of pants for her child that will probably outgrow them after a few months.
That same pair of woolies will last long enough to fit their grandchildren. Not only that, but each stitch, each join, each detail is lovingly created. Who can spend hours upon hours, thousands of stitches, producing a garment without loving every minute of it? And, as most of us knitters and crocheters knows, most of what you make is for someone else!

I know that I will be doing my best to support those men and women out there using their hands and hearts to create products that are good for the environment, and using the money they make to support their families. I will still shop at places like Walmart and Target, but I will think twice.

From now until December 20th, I will be posting links to those places in the wahp world where I find handmade, environmentally friendly, and gifty ideas for the holidays.

Today, one of my favorite places, Wonderland Congo on Hyenacart.

Only open from around Halloween, until after New Year's, it's always got fun, seasonal and environmentally friendly gifts. Stop by today!

Check out these earrings from Calico Kitty!

Bonita hat

2010-11-11T09:02:00.002-06:00

Bonita hat
Originally uploaded by s_gilly_5

This was a fun hat to make! It is crocheted from Patons wool in the Worn Denim colorway. It is going to a new Facebook fan, as part of The Spotted Box's flash giveaway I participated in last week.

Go to The Spotted Box on Facebook to see what other flash giveaways might be coming up!

http://www.facebook.com/thespottedbox

SEWsational Sarah...

2010-11-07T13:24:00.001-06:00

Sarah is a wonderful wahm. I recently did a trade with Sarah on Hyenacart. In exchange for a set of Wahm sample Calling Cards, she sent me a wonderful set of her kitchen cloth napkins. They are adorable!

(This is a photo from her site of another set she's done -- mine are in the wash!)

The package was wrapped beautifully, she included several samples of other wahms (which I always love!) and her sewing is perfect. I told her to pick a print, and I love her choice. They are cotton woven on one side, and flannel on the other. Each one is approximately the same size as a standard paper towel. They wash beautifully, they are super absorbent, and I know I will be buying more of these.

SEWsational Sarah can be found at Sweet Retreat on Hyenacart, at SEWsational Sarah on Hyenacart, and at SEWsational Sarah on Etsy.

Hardly collab longies

2010-11-03T21:55:00.002-05:00

Hardly collab longies
Originally uploaded by s_gilly_5

These were so much fun to make! I had a skein of Purewool 3 ply, in the Hardly colorway, with matching trim. I have a pair of longies for K knitted from this yarn, and the matching shirt for her came from Lilikoi Lane. So I thought it would be fun to do a collab with Crystal again, using the same colors and the same fabric for the shirt.

So, here are the longies, sized small, and the onesie from LL will be photographed soon.

Muggabug will be making a matching pair of shoes to match. I'll be getting photos up of those when they come. I can't wait!

Coming up to stock at Crunchy Congo later in November!

Wowzers!

2010-10-28T13:31:00.001-05:00

I have mentioned here before that I have participated in The Spotted Box several times in the past. Well, last night I sponsored a flash giveaway, and in just a few short hours, was able to almost double my Facebook fanbase!

The Spotted Box is a great way to get your name out there as a wahm, and I am proud to have been a part of it in the past. I will be sending in some samples, hopefully, for the December box. Go check out their Facebook page, and see what all the fuss is about!

The Spotted Box on Facebook

Introducing, Wahm advertising...

2010-10-27T10:29:00.000-05:00

I am working on a program for Wahms out there to take advantage of web advertising without having to spend so much of their hard earned money. Wahms work hard, but advertising can be expensive.

It's call Bartered Buttons. I will barter with you for the cost of a month of advertising on my blog, in button ad form. The button ad you provide will be bartered for your products, an exchange of advertising on your blog for my store, or Paypal in some cases.

This will be a benefit for you, getting your product in the hands of someone very active on many parenting boards, Facebook, Etsy and Hyenacart. In exchange for your product, I will write a review on my blog, linking it to Facebook, and will provide one month of advertising (in button form) on my blog per every $10 worth of retail for the product I am reviewing.

No cash out of your pocket, word of mouth advertising, and a review posted to Facebook where thousands of potential customers could see it.

Contact me at s_gilly_5@yahoo.com, for more information. I am planning to launch this program the first of November, just in time for Christmas shopping season. Don't miss out on your chance to get your store front out there!

Khloe's Meagan Wants You! Hat

2010-10-22T13:58:00.001-05:00

Khloe's Meagan Wants You! Hat
Originally uploaded by s_gilly_5

This cute little hat comes from Vallie's Kids on Blogspot. It's called Meagan Wants You! And it's a very cute, brimmed, military inspired little hat. I used an H hook with Paton's wool in Sesame. It's a worsted weight, but I'm sure a larger hook and a bulkier yarn would make an awesome hat for an adult. This one is about 22 inches arround, and fits my two year old perfectly, with some stretch and room to grow.

I added a crocheted flower and some buttons I had lying around, and I'm so pleased with it! For more pictures of this hat in action, it's posted on my Facebook page.

http://www.facebook.com/gillyweeds

Happy Birthday, red/orange

2010-10-21T20:40:00.001-05:00

Happy Birthday, red/orange
Originally uploaded by s_gilly_5

These new cards will be available for sale tomorrow at 2pm at Tied Up With Strings congo on Hyenacart! They are simple, and hand made, with a blank inside for your personal message.

It's Tied Up With Strings congo's 2nd birthday, so Gillyweeds will be guesting there for the event. Be sure to stop by!

http://www.hyenacart.com/tiedupwithstrings

Elvin's longies

2010-10-19T08:59:00.001-05:00

Elvin's longies
Originally uploaded by s_gilly_5

These were so fun to make! I'm not sure of the colorway or yarn content, but it was fun to create a little swirly embellishment, and the flower just sets off the color beautifully! I can' t wait to send these out!

Retro Brite knitted up

2010-10-14T14:12:00.001-05:00

Retro Brite knitted up
Originally uploaded by s_gilly_5

I love the way this turned out! My Retro Brite colorway knitted up into longies, by mommy2jessnliz on Hyenacart. I can't wait to dye this again...

And these are now some of our favorite longies...they are on Cestari, and I love how they feel. They are also virtually pill free. I love yarn!!

How do you do all that?

2010-10-05T08:50:00.000-05:00

I hear it all the time. "How do you manage to fit it all in?"

I think that people assume since I have many children that I must somehow be more together because of (or in spite of) it. Or more insane.

Either way, I have been around the block a time or two and have a lived a few years, and have acquired some knowledge. Last night at my son's soccer game, I had more than one parent ask me how I keep on top of all the scheduling of family activities and still fit in other things besides (like sleep!), and still stay somewhat coherent.

Well, here are my top ten tips for getting things done, and staying organized and on top of most things.

1. WRITE IT DOWN!!!!

I cannot stress this one enough. We have six children involved in various sports and school activities all year round. Both my husband and I have two jobs. I have a cheap desk calendar nailed to the kitchen wall, and it's my life line. I keep everyone's sports schedules written down, days off of school, birthdays, appointments, and anything else I can possibly think of written on that sucker. I don't have fancy color coding or anything like that, but if it's not on the calendar, it doesn't exist. I also carry a purse sized calendar with all the same information written down that I carry with me so I can check it when I need to.

You might wonder why I don't keep an online calendar so I can access it anywhere? I don't have internet access on my phone. Yep, I use a regular old pen and paper!

2. Do laundry whenever you notice it.

This may seem silly. But I could easily do 4-5 loads of laundry daily. So for me to get even remotely on top of it, I must do it whenever I can. I switch it when I wake up, and right before bed. I switch it once or twice during nap. I dump it all on the couch and fold after school when I have a couple of extra pairs of hands to keep the littles out of the pile. Then everyone is there to put their folded pile away before going off to their evening activities.

3. "Snacky" meals.

What is a "snacky" meal, you may ask? Anything snack-like that contains enough food groups to keep me from feeling guilty about late or rushed meals. Here's a sampling from one of our "snacky" lunches:

1 slice lunch meat (no bread -- it was still frozen)
2-3 cheese curds or small slices of cheese
half an apple, sliced
4 saltine crackers (wheat, of course, I'm not a total monster)
1/4 cup raisins
milk or water

4. Pack heavily, but keep it in the car.

I don't carry a diaper bag very often any more. I have a regular stylish purse, but it has several big pockets, and zips shut.

In it, I carry:

*Lip stuff (whichever gloss or balm I am enamored with at the mo')
*Brush, makeup-y items
*1 diaper, wipes case and a small wetbag (I can fit either a sposie or an AIO in my purse, with a wetbag only big enough to hold one diaper)
*My calendar
*Wallet, cell phone, a pen
*Hand lotion
*Facial tissue pack
*Feminine products (never leave home without these...speaking from personal experience, here *shudder*)

Anything above and beyond these, including more diapers, extra clothes, diaper ointment, toys, snacks, etc, can be left in the car for a shorter trip, or the extra bag can be taken along on a longer trek, with a quick transfer of wallet, keys and cellphone. I almost always have the van, whether I have the kids or not, so I always have a stocked diaper bag in the van.

5. Carpool!

Holy cow, I could not do it without a strong network of carpoolers. With several games and/or practices all week long, some all in the same night, I literally can't be in three places at once. Well, not two, either, for that matter. So a big old shout out to all my carpooling peeps that keep my kids safe yet active, and mostly punctual.

It pays to return the favor, and we try to be as helpful to others in this arena as they are to us, as well. It's not always possible, though, which brings me to my 6th tip...

6. Gift cards!

Do you know how many birthday parties we go to in a year's time? Gift cards, my friends, gift cards. And, they work great for the carpooling peeps, see #5 above.

Store boughts are great, but who has time to shop for Johnny down the street when we may have more than one party in a weekend? And if we made all our own gifts, I would be taken downtown for some child labor issues. We do make our own cards, though. $2.50 for something that will get (hopefully) recycled immediately? No thanks. People are far more likely to keep a hand made card.

7. Be flexible.

Yeah, yeah, a flexible person who is willing to bend their schedule to fit it all in is important.

But you have to be flexible. Every try to pry the wedged sippy cup out of the back seat with a baby in one arm, a diaper bag slung over your shoulder and a toddler holding your pant leg while you talk on the phone and try not to spill your Diet Coke?

Stretches, yoga, pilates; do whatever it takes. I mean it.

8. Learn to let it go.

Don't sweat the small stuff. You'll have fewer wrinkles, more fun, and less laundry. And you might enjoy your kids more.

9. Love your neighbor.

Especially the one that watches your kids for you when you are inside trying to make a phone call in peace, or making dinner without little ones shouting at you that they're "starving, mom!" Don't forget the gift card...

10. Forget the deadlines, and learn to say no.

If you work from home, work when you can, and don't worry about deadlines. You work at home for a reason. It's easy to get caught up in meeting deadlines, but in the end, your family is the root of it all. I don't mean don't be punctual and professional. I mean tell people no when you can't fit it in. Be honest. If you can't get that custom order done, just email your customer. You will be forgiven, because chances are, they are a parent, as well. Don't take on more than you can reasonably handle, and love what you do. If it isn't fun at the office, it will really suck at home.

Owlies Calling Cards

2010-10-04T15:53:00.001-05:00

Owlies Calling Cards
Originally uploaded by s_gilly_5

New from Gillyweeds...Owlies! Cute little punched owls, made with a variety of print and solid cardstocks and papers. Each piece of the owlie is punched, assembled by hand, and the owlies are then added to Calling cards with all kinds of greetings.

See these coming up for stocking on Bella Tesori, Tuesday, October 5th!

http://www.hyenacart.com/bellatesori

A new look for Crunchy Congo, and some longies for Khloe...

2010-09-29T20:34:00.001-05:00

Crunchy Congo on Hyenacart is unveiling a new look! Stop by Thursday, Septmeber 30th for a new look at some old favorites, and lots of previews up for Friday's stocking!

And, finally, I got something done for Khloe! It feels like I am always working on something for someone else, so it was nice to get some winter longies done for her!

Here's the first pair, knitted using the Freckle Bottoms Pattern, and OOAK Rainbow from Retro Baby. This is a two ply bulky Merino yarn that I literally just wanted to curl up in and take a nap! They are soooooo soft and smooshy, and I'm thrilled that Khloe gets to wear these! I did run low on yarn at the end, so the cuffs are simple undyed Peace Fleece, and they are ribbed to keep out the winter chills.

The second pair are her scrappies. Ok. So I've never made scrappies of this magnitude and of so many different colorways and weights. We have here BFL, Peace Fleece, Purewool, merino, and a wool/acrylic blend. And they vary in weight from light worsted to Aran weight. But, they turned out cute, and Khloe loves them! I just grabbed a ball and started, doing about 4 rows of each color, then going back and repeating as needed. I did the best I could trying to get more like colors together, but these are scrappies, so I didn't try too hard, know what I mean? ;)

Raspberry Sorbet Longies

2010-09-14T16:44:00.001-05:00

Raspberry Sorbet Longies
Originally uploaded by s_gilly_5

These were fun to make! With a beautiful colorway, Raspberry Sorbet from Underhill Crafts, these little longies are just sweet and lovely. A subtle cuff and little flowers on the ends of the drawstring make these longies perfect for your little one! The measure with a 15 inch rise, 15 inch hips, and 6 inch inseam.

For sale now at Gillyweeds on Hyenacart ... http://www.hyenacart.com/gillyweeds

Use coupon code FB20off for 20% off your total order, for a limited time!

A Happy Hello flat card

2010-09-13T11:23:00.001-05:00

A Happy Hello flat card
Originally uploaded by s_gilly_5

A set of flat cards, using the stamp "a happy hello" and some cute woodland paper! The back is blank for a message. These will be available on Tuesday, at Gillyweeds on Hyenacart! They come with envelopes, and all materials are acid and lignin free.

http://www.hyenacart.com/gillyweeds

Gillyweeds on Etsy on Vacation!

2010-09-10T09:27:00.000-05:00

Well, after much thought and consideration, I have decided to close my Etsy shop for the time being, and focus on my other projects. I'm thankful to Etsy for all my sales, but I just can't keep stocked enough for it to be financially worth it to me right now. As for my future with the EtsyHC Street Team, I will continue to follow them and all the wonderful vendors I've gotten to know so much better! I'm grateful for that!

Find me at Gillyweeds on HC next on September 14th, at Crunchy Congo on the 17th, and back at Bella Tesori on September 21st.

I'll be rewriting my Bottoms Up soaker pattern as Top down, and adding some new patterns to the list pretty soon, I hope. I'll have tester slots up on HC in a month or so.

As always, find me on Facebook for the most current updates and fun future giveaways I have planned!

Fingerless Mitts, take one

2010-09-01T10:19:00.001-05:00

fingerless mitts
Originally uploaded by s_gilly_5

These were my attempt to modify an existing pattern with another stitch.

The result is not what I was going for, but they are perfectly functional. They are wider than I envisioned, as well as less shapely. They are much stretchier, but in a comfy, roomy kind of way, rather than a stretch jeans kind of way.

These will be available Free For Shipping at Crunchy Congo on Hyenacart on Friday, September 3rd. See you there!

http://www.hyenacart.com/crunchycongo

"Hi, cutie!" on Amy Butler's Lotus Tea Box papers

2010-08-30T14:51:00.001-05:00

"Hi, cutie!" on Amy Butler's Lotus Tea Box papers
Originally uploaded by s_gilly_5

Just a little taste of what's being stocked on Friday September 3rd at Crunchy Congo on Hyenacart!

I'll be joining them permanently starting that day, and will be stocking several sets of Calling Cards. See you there!

Http://www.hyenacart.com/crunchycongo

A few things I've finished up lately...

2010-08-29T17:07:00.000-05:00

A pair of longies for a swap: The body is cream merino, the colorway is a beautiful handspun by Kristina of Underhill Crafts.

These longies are up for sale on Tuesday at Gillyweeds.

They were crocheted on Licorice Twist, dyed by Cristi of Creatively Ewe in her Chocolate Covered Strawberries colorway, with matching trim. The cuffs are simple lace.

Well, it's wahm I am, after all.

2010-08-19T19:02:00.001-05:00

After much thought and prayer, I have decided that my family needs me around home for a little while longer. So I will still be doing home child care while working on Gillyweeds. Phew! Glad that's been decided. The waiting was suspence was killing me!

Some News...

2010-08-09T08:16:00.000-05:00

Well, I really envisioned being able to post more about vacation knitting, but we were so busy, I didn't get much more done! So, I'll just post my fo's when they are done.

Some news, though. I may be going back to work outside the home full time again for the first time in 8 years. So Gillyweeds will be changing. I won't be stocking as much or as often, and I will likely be filling more custom orders, with less in stock.

I wish I could focus on my little business full time, but this work opportunity is too good to pass up and I will just have to see how it pans out.

Scary, but exciting, too! Wish me luck!

Vacation Knitting, Day 1

2010-07-29T21:08:00.000-05:00

I'm working on a pair of longies for Khloe on some beautiful yarn I got in a shorties for yarn swap on Hyenacart. It's from Retro Baby, and it's bulky Merino, called "OOAK Rainbow".

I love this yarn! It's so squishy and soft, and it begs to be petted! The variegation in the yarn is perfect; very little pooling, and so many colors...they will go with everything.

We left this morning on vacation, and there will be several times this week where I will be "blessed" (at least that's how I'm choosing to look at it) with large chunks of knitting time. I have three projects, and it's a good thing. I started these beautiful longies, only to realize that I only brought one skein of the yarn! So I'll get them down to just past the gusset, then I'll have to put them aside. More on the next project some time tomorrow, I'm sure.

Fundraiser for Kim of Green Strings on Hyenacart.

2010-07-22T14:20:00.000-05:00

Please check out this fundraiser for Kim of Green Strings on Hyenacart. Her son was diagnosed with cancer, and the bills are piling up.

Read about Kim and her family here: http://hyenacart.com/prod_details.php?id=43513&vid=2213, and support them by bidding on some beautiful items starting Monday, July 26th on Hyenacart.

Springtime in Hollis Sweater

2010-07-05T10:59:00.000-05:00

This is my attempt at the Springtime in Hollis Sweater by Teresa of Comfort Wool. I am not a Knitter, I'm just a knitter, so I made some basic mistakes on this one. I used acrylic, which for me, is not a good idea when knitting. It's much harder to see the individual yarn strands with acrylic, and it's sticks to itself and isn't very forgiving. Wool next time, for sure.

Also, I am a novice stitch picker upper, and boy it shows on this one! One button band is a good inch shorter than the other one. Gah! And it's not like you can block acrylic. It doesn't stretch out right. It's stiff in all the wrong places. Have I mentioned I won't use acrylic on this again?

Anyway, I did short sleeves because I was afraid I would run out of yarn, and so I plan on doing a longer sleeved version, but here's this first attempt, and Khloe loves it, which is the main thing.

Etsy Baby Shower

2010-06-28T08:34:00.000-05:00

Today Gillyweeds is being featured on the Etsy Baby Shower blog! Check it out! It's a program where new moms can be hooked up with an Etsy seller who donates a baby gift for a virtual baby shower. I donated a soaker and hat set. The mom who recieved my gift was very pleased, and it was so fun to participate! I'll totally do this one again.

Summer off...

2010-06-05T09:28:00.000-05:00

Well, Memorial day is over,which means summer is here! I have a hard time getting on the computer in the summer, so I tend to take a little break during the summer months. I will be posting a little here and there, but not as often as during the school year.

I also am taking a break from Gillyweeds for a month or two while I get through June and July. We have softball tournaments, vacation bible school, a week of day camp, our company picnic, family vacation, birthdays and Father's day to get through.

Have a great summer, I'll post now and then, but I'll be back full force in the Fall!

Until I post again, though, be sure to check out Bella Tesori and the Etsy HC Street Team Blog, to keep up to date on Gillyweeds business. Also, fan me on Facebook, where I post announcements and updates on stocking information.

See you in August!

St Elizabeth Ann / St. James (SEASJ) Stitch Club

2010-05-12T08:21:00.001-05:00

A while back, I posted that I was looking to start a stitching club at my church for the purpose of donating our finished items and yarn, and any fellowship that came along with that would be a bonus!

Well, we had our first three meetups over the last three months, and I'm proud to say, it's a small group, but it's been fruitful. So far, we've donated 2 large garbage bags full of yarn to the Servants of Mary convent, where it will be knitted and crocheted up into items for sale in their book store. All the proceeds from those sales go to the St. Peregrine foundation, which ministers to cancer patients in the area.

We've also donated 6 beautiful baby blankets, donated by a parishioner, and a hat and bootie set, crocheted by Aimee.

So beautiful and soft! This set will go to Essential Pregnancy Services, which provides free pregnancy counseling and ultrasounds to any women that need it. They have a store where women can buy and earn items for their new babies.

I am so proud to be a part of this group! I'm sure I'll be posting more in the future, as we are able to meet more often, and have more donations.

If you are interested in donating to either of these charities, please contact me at sgilbride@tconl.com for more information.

Six kids...the series

2010-05-07T09:12:00.001-05:00

I try to be the positive mom that has six children and can be upbeat about it. I get wound up and stressed, but I try to show in public, at least, that having six children is not outrageous, or weird. I try to show that having six children isn't a bad thing.

But, it does have it's disadvantages. We have four girls and two boys. The boys are close in age (just under three years apart) and they get into things. A lot. They sneak food and try to hide it. They jump off the top of the bunk bed. They hang things from their ceiling fan. They wet the bed, then don't tell me until bedtime the next night. They squirt water all over the bathroom, and smear toothpaste anywhere they can find room. They are a force to be reckoned with.

The girls aren't much better, though! They leave their shoes, cleats, backpacks, hoodies, books, you name it, all over the house. They eat and drink in their rooms and then spill all over. They brush their hair in weird places, and then loose the brush for the next person. When you have four girls with medium to long hair, this ones a biggie!

They are all involved in sports. This means I am toting four to six children to 3 soccer games, 3-6 softball games, and school, every week. I am preparing breakfast, lunch, and then ususally packing dinner to eat on the run 3-4 days a week, for 6 kids. My husband doesn't even eat dinner until after 8 most nights.

I'm really feeling the crunch these last several weeks of school. Field trips, field days, sports, school, finals, and first communion have been paying their toll. I have been making wrong turns while driving, forgetting things and wandering around listlessly all week. I just can't seem to focus on anything for longer than a few minutes, and I feel like I am pulling my hair out.

But I don't want people to think it's because I have six children that I am like this. It's because I am unorganized. I am stressed out because I don't exercise, and I eat poorly. I don't get enough sleep. I am frazzled because I let myself be. I worry about things that I have no control over. It's me, people!

Having six children has forced me to learn some things about myself. I can make decisions under fire and get the job done (when I apply myself!), maybe not perfectly, but adequately. I will never, ever be bored. Ever. I always have someone to talk to, even if they can't talk back, yet. I like to try new things, but I crave structure. I don't get that structure, but I'm learning to accept what I can't change. I am learning to let things go that would have really bothered me even just a few years ago. I am learning to accept that my plan isn't the one that matters. I am learning humility.

I am learning that pride really is a sin, and that I can't do it all on my own. I am learning that the mom my kids need isn't necessarily the one society thinks they need. That's a very freeing idea to me, and I'm glad I have been given the opportunity to learn that. But it's scary to go against the "norm" and not fall into the guilt trap. I'm trying.

So when you see me out in public, speaking too loudly (ok, yelling) to my kids to hurry up, or pulling the fourth bag of stuff out of the trunk just to get us through an hour long soccer game, or pushing a stroller through the parking lot, while holding three blankets, two tote bags, and holding three kids' hands, understand me. Don't judge. I have six children because I love children, and I believe they are a blessing. They are fed, loved, schooled, and lack for very little. I go without so they can have the things they need, and most of the things they want. Don't feel sorry for me, or look down on me, or think to yourself "what is she thinking?!"

Just look at me as another person, just getting through life the best way I know how. And for crying out loud, grab a tote bag and help me across the street!

The new kid in town...

2010-05-03T09:43:00.001-05:00

Ok. So, those of you that know me, or at least have seen my grumblings on Facebook know that I have had a few washer problems over the past few months.

We'd had our whirlpool washer dryer combo since we moved into our house going on 13 years ago. It was fine. It washed the clothes. You know, like a washer's supposed to. Then it started to act grumpy. It would spit extra water on my clothes when it was supposed to be spinning the water out. It would chew on them while they were agitating. It would yell at me when I wouldn't get to it in time to keep it from getting off balanced. For a while, it would spew nastiness out it's bottom (I'm sure it was out of spite), causing me to have to bleach the cement floor every so often.

The last straw came when it began to wind my clothes around the agitator. It just kept winding and winding. It was too much! So we made the decision to let my old friend go. It was a bittersweet parting.

There it is, strapped to another miscreant washer, off to be refurbished, or sent to washer juvy...

Anyway, we decided to go with one of the newer High Efficiency washers we've heard tell about. The new kid in town. Quiet. No agitation. Super extended spin cycle, and a second rinse. Less water, less detergent. No spitting.

Um, I almost hate to say it, but I kind of miss my old grumpy washer! The first HE we got crapped out in the first three days. We ended up having to go to the laundromat while we waited for a replacement. (Love Lowes, though, who replaced it for free)

So we replaced it with the same thing. It's quiet, sure. But I never can tell if it's done or not. There's no loud metallic screaching or grinding. I have to actually go down the stairs and look. I like that there's no agitator, but how the heck do the clothes get clean? There's no splashing, smashing clothes. They just kind of swirl around. Something about that doesn't seem right. Too wishy washy.

And it's a top loader, but I never know when I can add stuff. Like the baking soda/vinegar combo I use for diapers. So, I feel like I should be way too extra careful. Do I put it in before the clothes? After the wash cycle but before the rinse? Maybe during the second rinse? And how long do I hold down the "pause" button? Too. Much. Information.

On the old washer, as long as you didn't stick your hand in while it was agitating, you could do whatever you wanted to the thing. Very accomodating.

And the detergent. An eighth of a cup? Really? Um, ok.

And then spinning? Holy cow, does it spin. Like so-much-that-the-clothes-are-almost-too-dry-when-they-come-out-and-are-wrinkly spinning. And I don't iron.

Ever.

So, I don't know. I kind of liked my grumpy, loud, screechy, spitty washer. At least I knew where I stood. I'm getting to know the new kid in town, though. Maybe in another 13 years we'll be friends.

Bella Tesori's New Birthday Suit!

2010-04-27T08:15:00.000-05:00

In honor of BT's birthday, today, we have launched a new design, and added some fun new features. Come check out the birthday celebration, today!

Http://www.hyenacart.com/bellatesori

Happy Birthday, Bella Tesori!

2010-04-24T18:26:00.001-05:00

Carolyn Gavin Greenhouse B-day card
Originally uploaded by s_gilly_5

I wasn't around to see the beginning of Bella Tesori on Hyenacart, but I've become a part of a wonderful congo! I love stocking there, and can't wait to celebrate the 2nd birthday of the congo on Tuesday, April 27th!

Join us for some great giveaways, and deals!

I, for one, will be selling everything at Gillyweeds on HC, for only $2 each! Join us for a great celebration!

http://www.hyenacart.com/bellatesori

Stocking today at Bella Tesori!

2010-04-20T06:09:00.000-05:00

Here are a few of the things I have stocked for today...

I've had a couple of these cards since last year, and am finally breaking them out again! The calling cards are new, and I love how simple they are, but still beautiful!

So stop by BT today, 1 pm, and check them out!

Etsy HC blog giveaway!

2010-04-14T06:15:00.000-05:00

This one is from featured artisan, Tiffany, of Fair Trade Family. She makes wonderful crocheted play food out of wool and cotton, and has a store on both Etsy and Hyenacart. See the blog for ways to enter!

http://etsyhcteam.blogspot.com/2010/04/featured-artisan-tiffany-of-fair-trade.html

Adventures in Tie-Dye

2010-04-06T09:06:00.001-05:00

tie dyed gerber t
Originally uploaded by s_gilly_5

I can totally see how this could become addicting! This was super easy, cute, and I love it! Dyed yesterday, and up for sale today at Bella Tesori, stocking at 1 pm eastern. I have another T and some flats dyed and stocked.

http://www.hyenacart.com/bellatesori

Etsy HC Street Team blog April Giveaway!

2010-04-05T11:22:00.000-05:00

Etsy HC Street Oh Baby Giveaway!

Check out this giveaway~full of great baby stuff! Enter as many times as you can, good luck! My Little Red soaker is one of the items featured. Don't miss out!

Amy Butler Lucky Flowers Birthday card

2010-04-02T14:26:00.001-05:00

Amy Butler Lucky Flowers Birthday card
Originally uploaded by s_gilly_5

This is from a new set of cards from Amy Butler's Lucky Flowers collection of designer papers. Check the rest out coming up next week on Etsy!