Ruffle Apron Giveaway

***Winner pays $2.50 Shipping to US, $4 Shipping International***

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Minky Stuffed Animals

I LOVE minky fabric. It is SOOOO ridiculously soft, and the perfect material for a little stuffed friend to be made out of. I first made a large minky owl, and since then I have tried making other animals. They are super cuddly, and oh so cute!!

I am always looking for inspiration and new ideas.  What minky stuffed animal would you like to see?

I am linking up with:

Just Something I Whipped Up at The Girl Creative

Made by you Monday at Skip to My Lou

Market Yourself Monday at Sumo's Sweet Stuff

Making the World Cuter Monday at Making the World Cuter
Riverton Housewives Lineup at The Read Housewives of Riverton

Show and Tell at Blue Cricket Design

Whatever Goes Wednesday at Someday Crafts

We Did It! Wednesday at Sew Much Ado
Wednesday's Wowsers at Oopsey Daisy
Rock n' Share at The Shady Porch

Transformation Thursday at The Shabby Creek Cottage
Strut Your Stuff at Somewhat Simple

Simple Link at Simply Designing

Frugal Fridays at The Shabby Nest

Flaunt it Friday at Chic on a Shoestring

Friday Favorites at Simple Sweet Home

Friday Favs Party at Nap Time Crafters

Weekend Wander at While He was Napping

Whatcha Got Weekend at Lolly Jane Boutique

Weekend Wrap-Up Party at Tater Tots and Jello

Sundae Scoop at I Heart Naptime

Reusable Sandwich Bag Giveaway

Since Facebook is not allowing giveaways, we are trying a new format here on our blog. Please follow the instructions below to enter to win a Reusable Nylon-Lined Sandwich Bag with zipper closure. Winner will be chosen tonight at 12 pm eastern time. ***WINNER CAN CHOOSE IF THEY WOULD LIKE IT TO BE FOR A GIRL OR BOY, BUT I WILL CHOOSE THE FABRIC***

Crochet Patterns by 19 Elephants

I have now written my first three crochet patterns.  It is so fun to take something that is completely your own, and write down a pattern for it that you can then share with others!  All of my patterns are available in my etsy shop.  You can also purchase them at craftsy.  Craftsy is great because you can then instantly download the pattern and get started making your goodies right away instead of waiting for me to e-mail you the pattern.  The links for each pattern on craftsy are under the pictures.

Hootie the Owl on Craftsy - instant download

 Ice Cream Cone Cocoon and Hat on Craftsy - instant download

Small and Large Roses on Craftsy - instant download

Minky Stuffed Owl

I have been wanting to take the plunge and try making things with minky fabric for awhile now, and I finally did it!! :)

Like I admitted before when I posted about my crochet owl that I make, I am head over heels in love with owls.  We will be moving into our new home hopefully before the end of August, and one of my first projects will be to decorate my daughter's room in owls.  I want to buy a vinyl tree for the wall, and just go crazy! :)  I am thinking I will still have a pink sheet, and simple curtains that can be used later, but I will decorate with all sorts of owls.

My first project with my new minky fabric was this plush owl.  I LOVE her!!  I made my own pattern.  She measures 8" tall and 7" wide.  Her wings, beak, and eyes are made out of cotton fabric, which is fun, because it leaves room for so many color combos!

I am so excited to put it my my little girl's Easter basket on Sunday!!  I think she's going to like it! :) 

If you would like to purchase your very own Minky Stuffed Owl, you can visit my etsy shop.  I have lots of other minky colors to choose from too!!

I am linking up with:

Just Something I Whipped Up at The Girl Creative

Made by you Monday at Skip to My Lou

Market Yourself Monday at Sumo's Sweet Stuff

Making the World Cuter Monday at Making the World Cuter
Riverton Housewives Lineup at The Read Housewives of Riverton

Show and Tell at Blue Cricket Design

Whatever Goes Wednesday at Someday Crafts

We Did It! Wednesday at Sew Much Ado
Wednesday's Wowsers at Oopsey Daisy
Rock n' Share at The Shady Porch

Transformation Thursday at The Shabby Creek Cottage
Strut Your Stuff at Somewhat Simple

Simple Link at Simply Designing

Frugal Fridays at The Shabby Nest

Flaunt it Friday at Chic on a Shoestring

Friday Favorites at Simple Sweet Home

Friday Favs Party at Nap Time Crafters

Weekend Wander at While He was Napping

Whatcha Got Weekend at Lolly Jane Boutique

Weekend Wrap-Up Party at Tater Tots and Jello

Sundae Scoop at I Heart Naptime

Anything Goes Linky at Bacon Time with the Hungry Hungry Hypo

Ribbon Lovey Tutorial at While He Was Napping

I am SO excited!  While He Was Napping was so gracious and asked people for guest posts while she is recovering from having her beautiful baby!!  I took the plunge and made my first sewing tutorial for one of my Personalized Ribbon Loveys.  I would love for you to check it out at While He Was Napping!!

Custom Orders

Sorry I haven't posted in awhile.  I haven't had time to come up with new products because I have been so busy filling custom orders.  For the record, I am certainly not complaining! :)  Business has been booming, and that is SO exciting and such a blessing.  I love seeing customers' choices in colors and products come to life.  I thought it would be fun to post some pictures of some of the custom items I have completely lately.  I promise my last post wasn't a tease; I am working on making a crochet pattern for Hootie the Owl. :)

If you see anything tht you love, or if you have been inspired, I would love for you to visit my etsy shop or my facebook page.  I am also currently having daily deals on my facebook page, so I'd love for you to stop by!

Hootie the Owl

I majorly jumped on the everything owl bandwagon last year.  I think they are so cute, and I love all of the different varieties that can be found.  We are currently renting our home for a year, and even though we've lived here for 6 months, we haven't put anything on the walls (I know, I know, but decorating has never been a skill of mine, and the thought of having to fill nail holes and touch up with paint is seriously not appealing).

BUT...we will hopefully be buying our forever home this summer, and I have big dreams for my daugher's room.  Big dreams that include many, many owls.  She will only be one, so this is that window where I will get to decorate for her.  I know in only a couple of years she will have definite opinions about her room, and it will, of course, be her decision what gets put on her walls, but I am extremely excited about decorating her room when we move.  I have already started making plans for all the cute little owls, and in all of the different forms they will take.

With that in mind, I couldn't resist making Hootie the Owl.  Isn't she just so cute.  And with a simple change of yarn color, Hootie would the become a boy!  My fingers are already itching to crochet another Hootie (or 10 for that matter).  I think she would look fabulous in brighter colors.  What do you think? 

Also, I made up this pattern, and I'm thinking it might need to be written down and shared.  Any thoughts??

I am linking up with:

Just Something I Whipped Up at The Girl Creative

Made by you Monday at Skip to My Lou

Market Yourself Monday at Sumo's Sweet Stuff

Making the World Cuter Monday at Making the World Cuter
Riverton Housewives Lineup at The Read Housewives of Riverton

Show and Tell at Blue Cricket Design

Whatever Goes Wednesday at Someday Crafts

We Did It! Wednesday at Sew Much Ado
Wednesday's Wowsers at Oopsey Daisy
Rock n' Share at The Shady Porch

Transformation Thursday at The Shabby Creek Cottage
Strut Your Stuff at Somewhat Simple

Simple Link at Simply Designing

Frugal Fridays at The Shabby Nest

Flaunt it Friday at Chic on a Shoestring

Friday Favorites at Simple Sweet Home

Friday Favs Party at Nap Time Crafters

Weekend Wander at While He was Napping

Whatcha Got Weekend at Lolly Jane Boutique

Weekend Wrap-Up Party at Tater Tots and Jello

Sundae Scoop at I Heart Naptime

Anything Goes Linky at Bacon Time with the Hungry Hungry Hypo

Crochet Hats

I had a request for a cupcake hat this week.  So I whipped up this little beauty.  Isn't it just precious.  It almost makes me want to have another newborn so she could wear this...or maybe I'll just make one in my daughter's size. :)

I had a friend's baby shower to go to today.  She is having a little boy, and I couldn't resist making him a little hat too.  There's not much cuter or manlier than a dinosaur hat, so this is what I came up with.  

Beanie Shell Pattern by Micah Mackes, www.micahmakes.com.

I added some dinosaur spikes.  I am hoping my almost three year old will wear this if I make one in his size.   I have made him hats before, and he refuses to wear them.  He just clearly doens't appreciate my handiwork. :) 

Both hats are available in my etsy shop, and I will customize them in any size, and any colors.

I am linking up with:

Just Something I Whipped Up at The Girl Creative

Made by you Monday at Skip to My Lou

Market Yourself Monday at Sumo's Sweet Stuff

Making the World Cuter Monday at Making the World Cuter
Riverton Housewives Lineup at The Read Housewives of Riverton

Show and Tell at Blue Cricket Design

Whatever Goes Wednesday at Someday Crafts

We Did It! Wednesday at Sew Much Ado
Wednesday's Wowsers at Oopsey Daisy
Rock n' Share at The Shady Porch

Transformation Thursday at The Shabby Creek Cottage
Strut Your Stuff at Somewhat Simple

Simple Link at Simply Designing

Frugal Fridays at The Shabby Nest

Flaunt it Friday at Chic on a Shoestring

Friday Favorites at Simple Sweet Home

Friday Favs Party at Nap Time Crafters

Weekend Wander at While He was Napping

Whatcha Got Weekend at Lolly Jane Boutique

Weekend Wrap-Up Party at Tater Tots and Jello

Sundae Scoop at I Heart Naptime

Anything Goes Linky at Bacon Time with the Hungry Hungry Hypo

Crochet Button Cowl Pattern and Tutorial

This is my first crochet pattern and tutorial.  If you have any problems understanding it, or you find a mistake, please comment and I will do my best to help.  I love this cowl because it is very easy, very quick, and adds warmth without being bulky.  It is also super cute, and adds a nice touch to any outfit!  If you are able to make it through the pattern, I would LOVE to see a picture of your button cowl!!

Crochet Button Cowl

by Beth Kelly

Materials: 

11.5 mm crochet hook (P)

 Super Bulky Yarn (I like to use Lion Brand Super Bulky, Hometown USA...it is extra soft and comes in a great variety of colors.  Also, I can buy it locally, which is always a plus)

 4 large buttons

 Yarn Needle

 

Chain 15

Single crochet in 2nd chain from hook.  Single crochet in remaining chains.

Turn.  Chain 1.

Single crochet in the back loop (the loop closest to you) of the first single crochet.  Single crochet in the remaining back loops.

This is what your yarn and hook would look like if we were going to crochet regular single crochets.  This is NOT what you want to to.  Instead, we are only going to crochet in the back loop (the loop closest to you)

When I first did this, this last loop (arrow is pointing at it), kind of stuck out. 

So when I got to the end of this first row of single crochets in the back loop, I put my hook in that last loop, and then in the back loop of the final single crochet. Then complete your final single crochet.

Turn.  Chain 1.  Single Crochet in back loop (the loop closest to you) down your row.  You will see the ribbing start to happen.  This is what gives your cowl such a nice texture.  Continue to turn, chain 1, and single crochet in the back loops of your cowl until your cowl is around 23 inches.  For me, this was 38 rows.  Depending on how loose or tight you crochet, or how big or small you want your cowl, the number of rows may vary.

You now have a pretty rectangle.  We will now crochet our final row with loops for buttoning your cowl.

Turn.  Chain 2.  Skip first single crochet.  Slip stitch in next single crochet (you will crochet in both loops on this final row.)  Slip stitch in next three stitches.  Chain 2.  Slip stitch in next four stitches.  Chain 2.  Slip stitch in next four stitches.  Chain 2.  Slip stitch in final stitch.  Finish off.

This is what one end of your cowl will look like.  The loops are for buttoning your cowl.

We will now add our buttons. One nice thing about using the bulky yarn is that the yarn is actually four strips of yarn woven together.

Take a two foot piece of yarn and separate into pieces.

Thread your yarn needle with one of the pieces of yarn. Tie a knot in the end. You will want to tie it three times to make sure your knot won't slip through.

Position your button on the first row of your cowl. Sew the first button on.

Hold the beggining of your cowl up to the other side to make sure you position your buttons on the right places. Sew on all four buttons.

Using your yarn needle, sew in all of your yarn ends. I like to sew them in at least 3 inches. Snip ends.

Cowl Complete!!

Now try on your cowl, button it up, and enjoy the warmth, comfort, and cuteness it gives you.

Crochet Button Cowl

by Beth Kelly

Materials:

11.5 mm crochet hook (P)

Super Bulky Yarn (I like to use Lion Brand Super Bulky, Hometown USA...it is extra soft and comes in a great variety of colors. Also, I can buy it locally, which is always a plus)

4 large buttons

Yarn Needle

Terms:

ch (chain)

sc (single crochet)

slst (slip stitch)

Row 1: Ch 15. sc in 2nd ch from hook. sc in remaining chs. turn

Row 2: ch 1. sc in back loop of each sc across. turn

Rows 3 - 38: Repeat row 2. You might need more and less rows, depending on the yarn you use, and how tightly or loosely you crochet. I like my cowl to measure 23 inches when I'm done with my rows.

Row 39: ch 2. skip first sc. slst in next sc. (you will slst in the whole sc, not just the back loop). slst in next 3 sc. ch 2. slst in each of next 4 sc. ch 2. slst in each of next 4 sc. ch 2. slst in final sc. Finish off.

You will have used almost all of your yarn. Make sure you leave about a two foot piece of yarn to use on sewing your buttons.

We will now add our buttons. One nice thing about using the bulky yarn is that the yarn is actually four strips of yarn woven together. Take a two foot piece of yarn and separate the pieces. Thread your yarn needle with one of the pieces of yarn. Tie a knot in the end. You will want to tie it three times to make sure your knot won't slip through. Position your button on the first row of your cowl. Sew the first button on. Hold the beggining of your cowl up to the other side to make sure you position your buttons on the right places. Sew on all four buttons.

Using your yarn needle, sew in all of your yarn ends. I like to sew them in at least 3 inches. Snip ends. You are done!

Just Something I Whipped Up at The Girl Creative

Made by you Monday at Skip to My Lou

Market Yourself Monday at Sumo's Sweet Stuff

Making the World Cuter Monday at Making the World Cuter

Show and Tell at Blue Cricket Design

Whatever Goes Wednesday at Someday Crafts

We Did It! Wednesday at Sew Much Ado
Wednesday's Wowsers at Oopsey Daisy
Rock n' Share at The Shady Porch

Transformation Thursday at The Shabby Creek Cottage
Strut Your Stuff at Somewhat Simple

Simple Link at Simply Designing

Frugal Fridays at The Shabby Nest

Flaunt it Friday at Chic on a Shoestring

Friday Favorites at Simple Sweet Home

Friday Favs Party at Nap Time Crafters

Weekend Wander at While He was Napping

Whatcha Got Weekend at Lolly Jane Boutique

Weekend Wrap-Up Party at Tater Tots and Jello

Sundae Scoop at I Heart Naptime

Anything Goes Linky at Bacon Time with the Hungry Hungry Hypo