A LeeLee Hats Knitting Day!

This past Saturday, I joined my friend Tracy at a library the next town over for a charity knitting day. The event was called The Great Amusing Race, and it fit the name perfectly. There were 9 teams of 4 members each who went around the county to perform various tasks to earn points. There was a scavenger hunt, belly dancing, a car wash and of course, hat knitting. Before the event itself, the teams also collected canned goods for the local food bank. I think overall, the event helped 3 different causes.
I taught the participants on my larger loom, as it was easier to see from where they were sitting, and it meant I had more stitches that I could show them before I had to start wrapping a new row. It worked out well, and I finished the project I had on that loom.

Our activity was definitely something entirely unexpected by many of the participants. We were set up in a small room at the library with our thirty knitting looms, 8 high school volunteers, and a bunch of yarn. When the teams started coming in, we showed them how to do the basic stitch, and sent them off to the races. Some of them got less than one hat done, most got about one and a half, and the winner of our event made FOUR hats. IN ONE HOUR! I can't even make that many baby hats in an hour! Everyone was super impressed. She is the one in this photo crouched down in the middle. This team made NINE hats. The next closest team did just under 7. Not bad for people who've never knit before!

These are the two hats I started and finished at the event. I also finished knitting about a dozen other hats that the participants started, which worked out to seven total hats that I completed that day.

There was a banquet after the activities to hand out the medals and other prizes. All the teams received some drink tickets, which made everyone happy, and the team with the highest number of points accumulated from all the events won a trip for four to Las Vegas! That alone makes me want to participate next year!
Overall, it was a very successful day. The food bank got a HUGE donation, the minor hockey league that this was for also got a ton of money. I can't wait to see what else these organizers come up with.

Hello Again, April Swappers!

These are the lovely folks I swapped ad space with this month. Give them a visit and let them know I sent you!

If you are interested in having free ad space on my blog, you can find all the pertinent information here.

   

New Earrings In The Shop!

Yesterday, I finally got around to photographing some of my newer earrings. I love this style. They're big and colourful, but not huge and gaudy. I will have more of the chrysanthemum style up, as well as some roses, and other flowers with a little sparkle. Have a look!
Don't forget, you can use the code RentIsDue15 and save 15% on your entire purchase!

Hello Again, April Sponsors!

I would like to thank my sponsors for this month. Please take a moment and give them a visit.

Awesome Thursday: April 26, 2012

This past week has been pretty awesome. Every Thursday, I post about the wonderful things happening in my life for the week prior. You can search the tag "Awesome Thursday" for the previous posts.

• I've been walking most days, and my ankle hasn't been giving me any issues. I'm hoping I've built up enough strength to get back to running.
• I've also been doing other exercises to help tone. I know the muscle is there, I just have to get rid of some of the fluff covering it up.
• I've been drinking lots of water and getting enough sleep lately. This has made me feel infinitely better in all areas.
• I joined a rewards program called Super Points where I have been earning points to redeem for amazon.com gift cards, or Paypal gift cards. I can't wait till I can redeem them!
• I have decided that I am going to learn some of the basics in Illustrator. I want to be able to change some things on this blog without having to bug Rick or one of my graphic design friends to do it for me. I don't know how I am going to do this, but I will!
• I am signed up for a big craft show in August, and I am so excited for it. It's an outdoor show, so I have a lot of preparation to do, and things to acquire (like a tent and another table!) but I know I will do well.
• I've been knitting some great (in my opinion) summery knits to sell at that show, and elsewhere. They're really simple, but I love them.
• I am getting stock ready for Shoppe Local, a store that is reopening for the season next month. It's not far from home, and I am really excited to get stuff in there.

What sorts of awesome things have been going on in your lives lately?

Monday Magic: April 23, 2012: Beautiful Bags

Happy Monday folks! This weekend was pretty good, and I was looking forward to today. Here are a few of the awesome things I came across recently. If you want one of your items included in one of my Monday Magic posts, leave a comment, send me an email, or a convo on etsy!

I actually own this bag. I bought it last summer, a little bit before we went to Iceland, as I wanted a bag that I could fit a days worth of snacks and all my other things in. It's large enough that I can fit my 15 inch MacBook Pro in (in a neoprene case) vertically, and only a bit of it sticks above the top. Love this bag! My only complaint is that the fabric was stained by my (newish) dark wash jeans, where it rubbed on my hip. I am going to order a second bag in a different colour. I am currently torn between Red, Sea, and Black. So many awesome colour options!

I've been seeing this style bag all over the place lately. Many of them have been in awesome, fluorescent colours, which I think is fantastic. I would love to get this bag, but I prefer that my purses do double duty as a laptop bag, so I don't have to carry two bags with me. If I could find one large enough to do that, I would definitely consider getting it!

This rucksack is great. There are lots of colour combinations, all in neutral options. The shop has quite a few styles, and I can't choose just one favourite. It would make a great overnight bag, or something to use when on a hike.

Another Craft Show Under My Belt, and Another One Coming Up!

This is from my last show, the photo I took
at this show didn't save to my phone

Yesterday, I had another craft show. It was at the local high school: a fundraiser for their special education program. It went fairly well. Most people set up on Friday night, to save from having to get to the school at 8am on the day of the show.
My table was really well organized. I had all my earrings, and I sorted them out ahead of time so I would only have one of each colour on the table. That made it so I could fit everything, without it being too crowded.
It was a bit of a slow day, but I still made some money. I was hoping for a little more, but you can't win them all, right? I definitely learned some things at this show, too. The most important one is that I need to try to avoid flea market style shows. When I'm sandwiched between someone selling second hand stuff, and a reseller, it's hard for me to expect people to pay what my items are worth.
In other, awesome news: I've been accepted as a vendor at an outdoor show in August! I have a lot of things to do before I'll be ready for the show, but I am determined to make this my best show yet! I've heard that there will be between 30 and 50 vendors, which is going to be awesome.

Awesome Thursday: April 19, 2012

This week is almost done, and I am looking forward to the weekend! I bet many of you are, too. This is the awesome stuff that has gone on for me this past week

• I received free shower gel in the mail from Klout that I gave to Cindy, as I wouldn't get around to using it
• I also received some Moo cards from Klout. They were only a couple bucks, and have photos from my Etsy shop. I will hopefully have a post about them soon.
• I finally figured out a way to sort my knitted items in my craft show bin. So simple, I don't know how I haven't thought of it before. I put in all of one type of item, and then lay a shawl over them as a barrier between the next item type. SO SIMPLE! And I have a separate bag of not quite finished items that I will keep near my yarn stash for whenever I get on a finishing obsession.
• I've been doing fairly well on this weight loss/get healthy kick. I treated myself to an ice cream cone last night, which I haven't had in ages. I will go walking again later today, after I get all my craft show stuff sorted out.
• I have a craft show this weekend that I am really looking forward to. I've done a show at the school that it is being held in before, and I did fairly well.
• I'm finally starting to get really organized with this whole business thing. I really want to make this a full time thing, but my laziness and the fact that I am about as organized as a bowl of oatmeal has slowed my progress.

Life is good! I can't complain about a single thing. What sorts of awesome things are going on in your lives?

A Sale In The Shop!

I just wanted to let you lovely folks know that from now until the end of the month, you can use the code RentIsDue15 to save 15% in my Etsy shop! After my craft show this weekend, I will have more items available!

Monday Magic: April 16, 2012: Undapants Edition

It's Monday, as it often is after Sunday, so that means it's time for Monday Magic! This week I am sharing some awesome undapants I have found on Etsy that I would LOVE to own. Because this post involves some booty photos, I will use my first ever cut on this post! All the lovely Etsy listings are hidden "behind" (groan) this link. EDIT: Ok, so since I can't figure out how to add text you can click to see the rest of this post, please click on the title to see the rest of the post, until I can figure it out! (If anyone can share how to do this in the comments, it would be much appreciated!)

My New Rings From Anja's Arts: An Item Review

Ignore my crappy tattoo! I need to get it fixed.

Back at the end of March, I received an email from a lovely lady named Christy, asking to advertise on my blog. After a quick look through her shop, Anja's Arts, I was more than happy to have her hop on board.
We talked back and forth through email and the convos on Etsy, and I told her how much I loved her stuff! I decided to acquire two rings, one turquoise, one opaline, both set in argentium. She was more than happy to accommodate my request. I just received them yesterday, and I was ecstatic! I am such a bad blogger; I always tell myself I'll take photos of the whole opening, but I get too excited and open my mail as soon as it's in my hot little hands. In any case, they were beautifully packaged. They came in a nice, small bubble mailer (I hate when tiny things come in giant envelopes!) in an organza bag. In the bag, they were wrapped in a coordinating colour of tissue paper, followed by a piece of bubble wrap for extra security. I was so happy when I opened them! They fit perfectly, and are absolutely beautiful!
I would definitely recommend this shop. She has rings in silver, argentium, gold and copper, as well as necklaces, pendants, earrings and bracelets. Take a look, you will definitely find something you will like!

This post contains all my own opinions. I was not compensated for this post in any way, shape or form. I purchased these items through a trade of services, and this review was written solely because I believe this is a great product.

Awesome Thursday: April 12, 2012

It's nearing the end of Thursday, and I just remembered that it's time to post about my awesome week! Every Thursday, I post about the great things that have happened in the week prior.

• I've been walking every day along the path that runs behind our new place. Yesterday, I walked something like 7 miles, and it felt great!
• I've been eating healthier, and it's making me feel less sluggish.
• If those last two points didn't give enough information, I'm trying to drop some weight and build some strength. So far, I'm down 4 pounds from my highest weight, and I have a goal of losing 20 pounds by mid-July, and a bit more after that.
• I've finally started knitting again since moving! My knitting supplies are kind of scattered all over the place, so finding needles and yarn that work together has been a bit difficult. Not to mention, inspiration and creativity have both been lacking.
• Rick and I have found somewhere to go if we need faster internet, or we have large files/updates to download. Our internet at the new place is a bit expensive, especially if we go over our cap, so we've tried out a few places for speed/reliability, and I think we've found a winner!
• I dropped off some earrings to rEvolution, in Kingsville finally! So that makes 2 shops that I am in currently. A third will be happening later this month!

What sorts of awesome things have been going on in your lives lately?

Saturday's Craft Show

This past Saturday, I did a craft show at a local arena. It was a charity show for an animal rescue. I sold a few pairs of earrings, and got a chance to talk with many of the other vendors. Unfortunately, I wasn't 100% prepared as things were missing from the move. I forgot some earrings at home, and I had to borrow a table cloth from a neighbouring vendor. I will definitely be ready for the next one, though.
I had close to 200 pairs of earrings on the table. I know for the next shows, I will only put one pair of each colour up, and have the rest out of sight. It made the table pretty crowded, as you can see.
I set up my scarves and winter wear, as it was pretty cold outside. I realized that I don't have nearly as many scarves as I thought I did (they only covered half of the top of the laundry rack, and usually I have a hard time fitting them all) so I am going to be knitting more.
I had plenty of hats, and enough neck warmers and cowls. I have plans for how much of everything I want to keep in stock, so then I don't have too much of any one thing.
I have a lot to learn about craft shows, and this business as a whole, I don't doubt that at all.

Monday Magic: April 9, 2012: I Could Put This Ring On It Edition

It's Monday, people! Time to party! Kidding of course, unless you really want to. I won't judge. Every Monday, I post a few awesome things that I've found in my internet travels for all of you to see. This week, it's cool rings.

I really, really, really love wooden rings (really, really, really!!!) and this one is exceptional. The wood grain that wraps around the ring is perfect, and the turquoise inlay just makes it. I'm a huge fan of turquoise, and I would love to buy this ring. Once I become rich and famous on Etsy (haha) I will definitely be buying myself one of these beauties. Either that, or I have to get married, and this will be my wedding band. Both of those are good options, right? Maybe I'll buy myself one, and get a different one for my wedding band. Maybe this mother of pearl one, for some non-diamond sparkle?

I find hammered metals very pretty. I think it adds a little rustic/vintage feel to the jewelry that makes it look a little more casual. Perfectly smooth rings are just dandy, but having one that is hammered and wrapped with wire like this one adds a little something else to it.
This ring does come in a couple other stone options. I think it would look great with a pink pearl, or an emerald. So many options! I'm sure if you contacted the seller, they would be willing to make up a custom one just for you.

I saw this ring a few weeks back on Rachael's blog, and I fell in love! It's so sleek and simple, with a little bit of sparkle. It's also available in an awesome hot pink, that looks super modern. I really like how it is open for some reason.

Make sure to come back next Monday for more fun things I've come across!

Hello Again, Robyn!

Is the Easter Bunny visiting your house? What kind of treats do you hope to get?

He sure is! I'm excited more to see what sort of treats our son Owen gets - although we'll certainly be raiding any chocolate or Jelly Beans! 

I can't wait to see what kinds of treats he gets!

Coffee or tea, and what kind is your favourite?

Chai tea. Always cold, made with soy milk. 

What is your most exciting project this month?

I'm knitting Waffle Hats in April, and I'm also FINALLY making a photo book or two for our family!

Blog ~ Shop ~ Twitter ~ Facebook

Welcome, Anja's Arts!

Please welcome the newest sponsor, Christy, of Anja's Arts! She is offering a generous 15% off in her Etsy shop with the code KnitNicole15!

Tell me about yourself!
I am a 27 year old mom of 3 from Minnesota. I've been creating with different artistic mediums since I was very young. I find creating very relaxing.
I'd imagine you need something to relax with three kids running around!
How did you start hand making?
My mother has always been very supportive of my creative pursuits, she wandered across wire wrapping during one of her travels and knew i would love it. She purchased the supplies and came for a visit and from there I took off.
Where do you sell, both online and elsewhere.
My Etsy shop and we have a few wholesale accounts in Massachusetts, California, and Minnesota.
What do you do other than create?
I spend a majority of my time with my fiance and my kids. I love to cook, bake, swim, and spend time with my grandmother. We love to travel.
What does your workspace look like?
My workspace is in my living room, it's the most comfortable area for me to create, but it is very organized.
What is your most indispensable tool, that you would be completely lost without? 
Wire- I could never make what I do without wire.
Etsy Shop ~ Twitter

Good to See You Again, Rachael!

Is the Easter Bunny visiting your house? What kind of treats do you hope to get?
The Easter Bunny isn't visiting my house this year.. I'm still hoping for a chocolate egg that my dad always gives me each year though. :)


What is your favourite springtime flower?
I love daffodils and lilacs!
Those are my two favourites, too! Lilacs smell so sweet, and are the loveliest colours.


Coffee or tea, and what kind is your favourite?
Coffee! I love iced coffee, and blended coffee. The cold ones tend to be a bit sweeter to me. :)


What is your most exciting project this month?
One of my most exciting projects actually has to do with coffee! I'll be sending some coffee themed paintings to an art gallery's coffee shop!

Blog ~ Art Shop ~ Knitwear Shop ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Tumblr 

Awesome Thursday: April 5, 2012

Every Thursday, I post about the awesome things that have happened in the prior week. Here goes!

• I've been walking/jogging every day. I am planning on doing the Couch to 5K program, and I'm starting with just trying to walk the distance before I start with any running.
• Rick and I started watching Breakout Kings on Netflix. I'm loving it!
• I have a craft show this Saturday that I am excited for

That's all for today! I have to get going outside for my walk!

Welcome back, Jessyz!

Is the Easter Bunny visiting your house? What kind of treats do you hope to get?
We don't celebrate Easter, but I still like bunnies and cutely colored eggs.

What is your favourite springtime flower?
I definitely love Jasmines, after all I was named after them because my dad had a jasmine tree in their garden when he was growing up, I also love Calla Lillies, Azaleas and Alliums

Coffee or tea, and what kind is your favourite?
Coffee all the way.

What is your most exciting project this month?
I am working on the world's most color uncoordinated blanket. I have lots of leftover DK weight yarn and want to use it all up in an attempt to create more space for new yarn. But I am guessing it will take much longer than a month.

Etsy ~ Ravelry ~ Blog ~ Twitter ~ Pinterest ~ Facebook

Hello Nancy!

Is the Easter Bunny visiting your house? What kind of treats do you hope to get?
Usually the Easter Bunny skips us...we are on and off diets, but a little chocolate never hurts!  I usually try and bake something tasty despite;)

What is your favourite springtime flower?
I'd have to say daffodils.  They are one of the first to sprout and I connect them with the relief I feel that spring is finally here!

Coffee or tea, and what kind is your favourite? Neither, really.  This might be boring, but I drink a large glass of water every morning.  Some afternoons on colder days I do enjoy a good cup of green tea though.

What is your most exciting project this month?
I'm pretty happy to be cruising along with Project Sewing 101, where I'm teaching myself to machine sew by following the instruction book and completing 33 projects in SEW 1-2-3.  My motivation for this project is to learn how to line my knit bags, and I'm just one chapter away from techniques for this, which is keeping my momentum up.

Etsy ~ Blog ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Flickr ~ Pinterest

Monday Magic: April 2, 2012

Happy Monday everyone! It's time for my favourite post of the week: Monday Magic! Every week I gather a few things I've found around the internet that I enjoy and I share them here (except the last couple, because of moving and all)
This week, they're all from Etsy again. If you think something in your shop, or on your site would fit in with my tastes, feel free to contact me or leave a comment so I can take a look, and you might see one of your items here in another Monday magic post!

These earrings have already been sold, but I just had to share them here. They're wood and concrete "pearls" and I think they are absolutely GORGEOUS! If they're re-listed, I am seriously going to have to think about treating myself! This shop has a bunch of other concrete creations that are super neat.

These dangly lollipop earrings are adorable. I love polymer clay jewelry and I envy people who can make things that look like the actual object they are trying to depict. I'm not skilled with clay at all. This shop has a bunch of super cute poly clay jewelry and other creations.

I really, really love matryoshka. I don't know what it is about them, but there is just something about those cute babushka'd dolls that makes my heart flutter. Combine them with button-style earrings, and I'm in love! These earrings are a perfect example of that. I'm also a big fan of greys, and these little ladies are just that! Not to mention, they look incredibly well made.


Also, on the left hand side of my blog, you can now sign up for my newsletter! I promise not to send you spam. I will be sending out emails about my craft shows, where to find my items in retail stores, and offer exclusive coupon codes!

The Handmade Marketplace

This book has been around a little while, and I'd been meaning to get it since I first heard about it, and finally had the chance to in the middle of March. With packing and moving, I've only had the chance to read a couple chapters, but I've already learned quite a bit. It's well written, easy to understand, and most importantly, it's fun! I am able to hold onto the information given much better when I actually enjoy what I am reading.
I'm really looking forward to reading more! Tonight before I go to bed, I will read a couple more chapters.

Please note that this is an Amazon Affiliate post. All views and opinions are my own. I am only compensated when a purchase is made.