Happy New Year!!

WOW! I just can't believe that 2012 is right around the corner. Literally. I know the older I get, the more I wonder why the years are passing so quickly. This year has been pretty amazing. My husband and I welcomed our second daughter (who will be 1 next weekend - YIKES!) which completed our family and I began my business knitting sweet hats for you!

So, thank you! Thank you for making my dreams come true and keeping me busy doing something that I love.

Let's hope that 2012 is just as amazing as 2011 was! I have high hopes. I hope you do too!!

An honor & a Shout Out!

Last night as I was going through my emails, I came across one from the host site of my store - Storenvy. It mentioned featuring my shop in their blog about their 25 Joyful Christmas & Holiday Inspired Themes. When the link went live this morning I was giddy! How exciting! I'm beyond blessed to be where I am right now and I was over the moon about having my shop, MY item be chosen for inclusion on their list. There are literally thousands of items hosted on Storenvy, yet mine was handpicked.

HOW could I not be excited!!

What an honor.

In the midst of this though, I checked out the other 24 listed and came across the cutest labels for presents. From Santa, mind you. Abi will be thrilled to have tags that say "From Santa" on them. She is SO into Christmas this year and is all about Santa.

I just can't wait until they get here so I can finally get to wrapping! (It's really not like me to procrastinate so much, but I'm swamped with business and I *think* I over bought...OOPS! - Just kidding, in my mind, there is no way you can overbuy!)

I just wanted to give a shout out to Kelsey from Poofy Cheeks. She's too sweet. If you're in the market for adorable hand-made goodness, go check her out! (Tell her Amanda sent you!)

Santa is Coming!

I really can't believe Christmas is so very close. I am beyond excited this year. Beyond.

It's always my very favorite holiday. I love to decorate like crazy and I love the preparations.

My father had always told me that Christmas would take one a whole new meaning and become super special once I had children. Boy was he right. (Listen to your parents!!!)

I have never had so much fun as I did last year when my older daughter was just over 2 years old. She had a blast opening all the gifts that Santa had brought her. The tree looked beautiful and of course, I admit, I spoiled the crap out of her. It was her last year as an only child so I went all out.

Who the hell am I kidding, now I have two girls and they're going to be just as spoiled this year! I can't wait! EEEEK.

(I might actually be more excited than the kids. Actually, yes, I am. I will probably run to them screaming "Santa came, Santa came!"

Actually just tonight I went down to the garage/basement to check out the stash of toys I've been accumulating since the summer. Yes, since the summer. I'm a bargain shopper. My husband calls me a hoarder. Call me what you like but I'm thrify and I love to save money!!

That's why when shopping around for Christmas cards, I had to find the best deal. This has been an ongoing thing for a few days now. I just can't commit because I need to find *THE* best price per card! (Those photo cards can get pricey!)

But I turned to ol' Faithful - Shutterfly. I just LOVE them. I've bought tons of things from the past from photos to gifts and nothing has ever disappointed me.

Well, I made up the cards and just wanted to share them! Hope you love them. I can't wait to see how cute they are!!

Enjoy!

Happy Thanksgiving!

I have to say one of my favorite times of the year is Thanksgiving. It's not my personal favorite, but it evokes SO many amazing memories that it's on the top of the list. I remember when my parents took over the holiday for my father's side of the family. We had a big old farmhouse with a huge dining room table that was just perfect for dinner. My father always had a nice fire going, there was TONS of good food on the table and lots of company from both friends & family.

Now that I'm an adult myself, things have changed, but Thanksgiving still remains something that sparks a little light of love in my heart.

After all, my husband proposed to me just five years ago on Thanksgiving Eve. We partied & celebrated and it was one of the best nights of my life! I had no idea he was going to pop the question so we always joke about him asking me to get out of the truck and go to this beautifully lit gazebo on a freezing cold night. "No Scott, I'm not getting out." It almost turned argumentative. I mean, what kind of fool asks someone to get out of the truck in such frigid temperatures? Well much to my surprise, it was for a beautiful ring that I now proudly wear.

I am thankful for many reasons this Thanksgiving. My life is full of joy and I would not change one single thing about it. Nothing. Really. I have the most amazing husband. He's my best friend and I can't tell you the amount of times that I have counted on him and he just knew he needed to be there for me. That is a soul mate. We have two beautiful daughters that light up my every days. I forget what life was like without them. We have our health, our families, our home and each other.

But I'd like to thank each and every one of my customers for making one of my dreams come true. I absolutely love knitting. I love creating such amazing products that you'll cherish for years to come. Without YOU, this wouldn't have been possible. So, thank you.

Take some time this holiday and look around. I'm sure you're all blessed in your own ways.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Scarecrow Hat

So, way back when...when fall officially began here in New England, my friend Jenn over at Jenn's Photo asked about a scarecrow hat. How stinkin' cute would this turn out?

I got some brown tweed yarn and went to town adding some patches for the 'scarecrow' effect and I think it came out just perfect.

And well, the baby in this picture is pretty perfect too.

Hand Warmers

As you know, I have some items at two different stores that are local to my area. One day recently I had stopped into Functional Art. The store features artists of all walks of life. If you are from the area, you should absolutely make a point to visit. The store is adorable and had
items that are quality hand crafted. Each time I go there I spot something new & unique. There are really some very talented craft people in this world if I do say so myself!

Anyway, I had brought the leggies set with me to show Danielle. She fell in love, I mean, who wouldn't? They were so sweet.

She then asked if I could try my hand at making some arm/hand warmers. Of course I could! We brain stormed for a bit thinking of the best way to go about them.

You know me, can't pass up a trip to the local yarn store! I just love going in there and oogling over all the yummy yarns. If I could stay and touch them all, I would. But alas, I have a family, a business and well, it just probably wouldn't be right.

Ok, so I did touch a bunch of yarn that day, and well every time I stop in, but I found some awesome thick & thin yarn, exactly what the leggies were made of but they were "flavored." i.e. colorful. And yummy. I couldn't not buy some.

Thankfully my 3 year old was with me to pick which one. "I like that one. And that one. And that one." She's quite indecisive. Wait, was that me? Anyway, we decided on some that had hues of purple, pink & red.

I love, yes, love these hand warmers and almost didn't bring them to the store. Almost. Just like Danielle almost didn't put them out for sale. She tried to keep them for herself!

I made her model them for a cute picture. (Really I just wanted a picture of her adorable baby belly too!) Just kidding, but it's perfect just like baby bellies should be. And well, the hand warmers are pretty spectacular too!

You can get your very own pair in my store - HERE. They're perfect for the upcoming cold months. I love that your fingers are still free to do what needs to be done, you know, digging for car keys, passing a snack to the kids in the backseat, or well, just being stylish.

Want a different color? No problem, send me an email at mysweetknittings@yahoo.com to chit-chat. I'd love to discuss hand warmers.

Leggies Sets

I am thrilled to introduce this brand new item - LEGGIES!!!

They were a special request for my photographer friend over at Jenn's Photo. You should totally check out her page (I linked up her Facebook page). She does some amazing work and loves working with little ones. And it shows!

But anyway, she had this little guy scheduled to come in and asked me if I'd make her a long tailed beanie with leggies. Of course I jumped at the chance for something new! She wanted the hat to have a super long tail and it ended up being just about as long as the baby!

I picked up some thick & thin yarn for her in brown and turquoise and got to work. I'm absolutely positively so so happy with the way they came out. How can you resist??

And he has a matching diaper cover!

Ah, my baby days are over, but I'll swoon over this little guy just a little longer.....

Of course these sets can be made in any color or size. You can purchase them in my store HERE. Or shoot me a message through email (mysweetknittings@yahoo.com). I love hearing from you!

Busy Busy!

Phew!!!

I have been so super busy that unfortunately my blog has taken a back seat to all the madness surrounding my life at this moment. I really want to keep up with it though to document all the wonderful things I've been accomplishing.

Heck, my knitting needles have totally taken a hit. It's pretty bad when you need to ask your husband to sand the ends down so they become smooth again. I think that's a sign of way too much knitting, no?

I do have to toot my own horn. We're allowed once in a while, right?

Well, some of my creations are just masterpieces. Really. I'm totally proud of myself and how far I've come from this summer. When someone finds out that I just learned quickly over the course of oh, maybe 5 total hours of lessons, they are amazed. And really looking back, that's quite a feat.

So yes, I do deserve to toot my own horn.

Wait until you see what I have to show you!

TOOT TOOT!

RTS Sale!!!

Tonight I'm hosting my very first RTS (Ready to Ship) sale!

I'm so excited as I've worked pretty hard coming up with some new items that have never been introduced into my store until NOW!

I promise they are super cute.

Come join me on Facebook to get in on the action!

The sale goes live at 7pm EST (4pm PST, 5pm MST, 6pm CST). Only the items that are listed in the RTS 10.12.11 folder on Facebook will be available at the price listed! So hurry if you love something!

I have extended a special discount code on any special order items that you place tonight for those RTS hats. Use code RTS15OFF for 15% off the original retail price of the hats listed in the album.

The information regarding how to purchase any RTS hat has been posted to Facebook. Please review before purchasing.

But most of all, have fun!

I hope you enjoy!

A little trust goes a long way

Do you trust me?

Of course you don't...you probably don't know me.

But then again, maybe you do. I mean, I am creating amazing hats for you. I've worked with some of you privately to accomplish the vision i

n your head. And most times it probably comes out better than you had originally anticipated. Right? (Yes, I'll pat myself on the back!)

Well, a friend of mine who does trust me asked me to make a hat for her teenage daughter. She picked out the colors but was sort of vague in the ideas that she wanted to include on the hat. I was given a general synapsis of who she was and what she liked.

I came up with something that I thought would fit her perfectly.

And it did! Mom & daughter are beyond excited and so am I. I love when you give me the go-ahead to create. After all, that's part of the reason I go

t into knitting. I'm even happier when it turns out to be s

omething you've fallen in love with. You can't deny this hat is adorable. I love it myself!

The Hawk

When my best friend came to me and asked me to make her son something special, I knew she had an idea up her sleeve. What it entailed, I wasn't quite sure. Though she was so excited she hardly contained herself.

She practically screamed "A mohawk hat!" Ok, no she didn't because we were texting at the time, but you could totally tell that she was over the

top excited about him having one. And of course now that I told her I would be up for the challenge she jumped all over the opportunity.

I was told it needed to be black and red and to put something special on it. "I want Cam to have something no one else does." Ok, another hurdle. I can totally conquer this though.

Off I set on a mission to find something that jumped at me and was the true definition of the little boy whom I've grown to love so dearly. When I went out shopping with my mom one Saturday and spotted it I knew it was perfect.

That night I came home and furiously knitted away. The hat was so simple. The "hawk" part of it, well, it was very time consuming. But piece after piece I kept telling myself how excited she'd be to get it. (And believe me after the 3,409,728th piece of yarn I was about to give up....but I didn't.)

We made plans soon after so I could give it to her. But I promised he must be my model because my girls just wouldn't make this hat look as cool as it had the potential to be.

So, in all his glory, here's my favorite little man Cam modeling his new hat!

I am over the top in love with how this turned out. It just doesn't look as cool on my display stand so I didn't want to snap any photos without him wearing it. He loved it so much that we went out shopping and he wore it the whole time.

My little piece of love?

The guitar. It's perfect. It's Cam. And it's a symbol of his love for his grandfather who plays for him.

You can get yours now in my store! (Sans guitar because that's super special) However, I am willing to add on a bit of "bling" if you request it. Just send me an email.

Now, rock on!

Halloween Sale!

Well, fall is officially here. It looks like it. It feels like it. And it smells like it. And I'm in love!

It's my favorite time of the year. The crispness of the fresh air is just amazing. And of course this month marks the 3rd birthday of my oldest daughter. Where did the time go? She started preschool this fall and loves it. She's so independent that sometimes I forget that she was ever a baby who needed her mom. And for the record she's a total Daddy's girl. That little lady has him wrapped around all ten of her fingers. One hundred times each.

Ask her. They're "best friends." And she's not lying.

So, to celebrate the fall, the month, and her birthday, I've put all my Halloween items on sale. They're 25% off! No need to use a code, I've discounted them already. If you want to customize something (a headband, hat or bow), please email me and I'd be happy to help you out with that! It has to be Halloween to get the 25% though!

I told you I love a good sale!

Happy Shopping!

Soooo, this past weekend was the Shop Hop craft fair (which I still haven't gotten around to blogging about because there have been other things that have more priority. Ya know, like cleaning toilets, having the cat fixed, bringing my 3 year old to school, oh, and all the orders that my amazing fans have placed!) But anyway, it was ok. I was only able to attend on Sunday due to hubby's work schedule (damn work!) but I heard that Saturday was MUCH busier. That totally bummed me out. However, I made a few contacts, sold a few things, signed up for another craft fair coming up in the middle of November and was able to begin a new avenue for selling my hats! WOOT.

Shop Hop was hosted by the Thimble Cottage in Woodstock owned by Miss Kelly. She's amazing. Simply amazing. I love her. And her family. They are the sweetest. They are long time family friends of my husband from way back. (And I'm talking way back.) You just might as well call them family. And well, we do.

During Shop Hop, Miss Kelly's store was so so busy. If you're local to the area you should stop in and check it out. It's adorable. She has country primatives and hosts a few local vendors in her shop regularly as well. Unfortunately my wallet does not like her store. I can't go there without spending money!

She periodically checked in with me to see how things were going and fell in love with the hats, headbands and bows. Well, now you can buy my stuff in her store! I'm so so excited! I've made the bar. HA.

Seriously, her store does well and I'm hoping that people will fall in love with things like they have with her and her store.

Check her out on Facebook!

And P.S. My things are on sale there! So stop in and check it all out. You won't be disappointed. I promise!

New "Twist"

You know when you get this "great idea" in your head? Something you've just got to try? Yeah, well I have a lot of those "great ideas." Just ask my husband. Some he thinks are great and others and meh. Especially when they involve some sort of work from him.

Well this one didn't. It was my creation. All mine. I did the hard work and I'm going to reap the benefits of it!

I decided to take the braided/twisted beanie that I've made in a variety of colors and take it up a notch. I had this vision in my head of how the new version would come out. Not knowing how it would look, having tons of orders coming in and knitting like a mad woman, I decided to cast on a few stitches andgive it a whirl.

And you know what? I'm thrilled. Like over the top in love with this new hat.

Neither of my girls have gotten a knitted hat from me. They are the models for me and my three year old always is asking "is that for me?" Sadly no. LOL. Sorry kid. Truth is, she doesn't have a winter coat and I'm one of those moms that likes things a particular way. Including my girls to have coats that match their winter accessories. So until she gets one, she'll be hatless. But then again, we are having a bit of an Indian summer here.

Now, without further ado, I introduce the full color braided twist -

Now that my darling child is becoming a little more independent, she is not the best model. It takes a lot of coercing to get this little girl to leave the hat on long enough to snap a picture....

See what I mean? She's cute though so I let her get away with it.

This one is shown in a brown tweed with a light pink braid knitted all the way up. You can order yours HERE in any colors you want. (Just leave a note in the comment section during checkout to specify color and size needed!)

Enjoy!

Knitting Fool

I just wanted to take some time to congratulate myself on all the hard work that I've been doing. I started knitting simply because I wanted something to do (as if I don't have enough things going on at the moment or enough "hobbies" to occupy what little free time is left in my life) and I wanted to be able to create things for my daughters that they would appreciate and love for a long time to come. I was also thinking of others and that I'd be able to give a gift that came from my heart.

Well this newfound "hobby" of mine has truely turned into a passion. My husband will be the first to admit that there hasn't been a free moment of my time in the past few weeks that I haven't been furiously knitting. And my older daughter can give you the first hand account of how many times per day I tell her and her sister to not touch my yarn stash. Or that I've completely taken over her table. Poor thing. But don't feel bad for her because she LOVES picking out the next color I'll use. Really.

But I set out with a goal in mind when I fell in love with knitting. And that was that I'd be able to create pieces for other people that they would love and treasue. From the feedback that I've gotten in just the past two weeks or so, I'm humbled. I never thought that this little side thing of mine would grow like it has.

I have people asking for specific items, special orders, larger sizes, different colors. I have my items in a local store and I've gotten this blog, a Facebook page and an online store up and running in a matter of one month. That deserves a HUGE pat on the back.

And since I'm alone right now, I'll have to do that myself...

So, I also wanted to thank everyone that has reached out and gave me a thumbs up. It is so rewarding. I might not have said it personally (although I hope to have!!!), but now I want to say it publically...THANK YOU!!!

I'm so excited for Sunday to come. My first craft fair ever. My mom moved back just in time to help me out and put the finishing touches on the setup of this. Without her I'm not sure I'd be as prepared as I am. I don't think I'll sleep tomorrow night dreaming of how much fun we'll have.

But then again I'm used to little sleep.

And lots of coffee. I love coffee. I mean, love coffee.

And with that, I'm off again.

To pick up my needles...

And get more work done. All for you. Enjoy!

What are little boys made of?

Frogs and snails

And puppy dog tails..

Ok, so maybe I didn't add any of these ingrediants to my baby boy beanies, but they definately came to mind! I've been anxiously awaiting announcing the arrival of these hats into my store. They're just so darn cute.

My two year old is obsessed with the red hat that has soccer balls. She's dying to play soccer. We've told her she needs to wait until next year but I think she just might have to have one of these to wear with her uniform. How cute would that be?

And the monsters. Who doesn't love monsters? Well, maybe not two years. And definately not when it's bedtime. But on a hat? She thinks they're darling. And so do I.

Enjoy them!

Halloween

I seriously can't believe that the summer slipped away so quickly. Don't get me wrong, I love the warmth, the green trees, the smell of fresh cut grass, a little baby in just a onesie, watching my older daughter learn how to swim BUT fall is definately by far my absolute favorite time of the year! Nothing beats the colors, the fresh smells, the sweaters and food.

My oldest is excited for Halloween this year. Last year she was Elmo, I was pregnant and we walked around my dad's neighborhood. She had a blast. This year she swears that she'll be Abby Cadabby. Fitting. And she wants her baby sister to dress up in her Elmo costume from last year (which might just fit - LOL), I have to be cookie monster (is she trying to tell me something?) and Daddy will be Big Bird (again, fitting....)

I'll have to think on that one......

Anyway, I've made up some super cute Halloween stuff. Headbands & bows to be exact!

You can find them in my store right now! I mean, it is right around the corner, right? Right.

You can never be too prepared!

Heck, I'm even thinking about Christmas already. (And I have some stuff made up, but we'll save that for later.) Enjoy!

Giveaways!

I'm flattered to have been asked to be a part of not one, but TWO giveaways that are currently going on right now! You need to check them out. Seriously, winner takes ALL? In both giveaways. That's some serious winnings!

Now, if you haven't already, come and "like" me on Facebook! I post all my stuff there and occasionally will have coupon codes out good for a discount in my store. (Haven't I mentioned that I like to coupon and stretch a buck? Well if I haven't, now I have. And for those of you who personally know me, you know that I don't pay full price for anthing. Nothing.)

Actually one time my brother came over with $50. He left with a sweet set of golf clubs, a razor, some body wash, deodorant, toothpaste and probably other goodies. His comment? "Next time I come I'm going to bring $300 and see what I leave with!" Ha.

Oh yeah, the giveaways...

Ok, so HERE's my page (in case you missed it ^up^ there).

Now, Jenn from Jenn's Photo has been a friend of mine for a few years now. She photographed my wedding, maternity, etc. Her Facebook page now has a fan base of 3000 followers! Woot! That's Ah-MA-Zing!!!

Her giveaway prize pack has some serious loot! Check out all the details on her blog - HERE!

And of course leave a little love on her Facebook page too!

Now, for the second giveway that I am a part of...AHEM...

Introducing....

Gingez Shop! Come and 'like' her on Facebook and show some love! She's just starting out on Facebook but has been making some super super sweet embroidered things! I'm loving all of them!

You can shop her Etsy store HERE!

Don't forget to leave a little love for everyone. Afterall, all we need is love....

Good luck!

Facebook!

Yeah! I've got shop setup on Facebook now! Come be a fan and keep in touch. I'll be posting new items, colors, specials and other news. You won't miss a beat. Hang around a bit, I bet you'll like what you see!

You'll still have to purchase items through my store but there won't ever be anything there that I don't post to Facebook. And those of you who know me, know I'm always up for a good deal. So keep an eye for a coupon once in a while. You can bet I'll be putting some out!

New Product!

I am so excited to introduce these sweet headbands. They were requested from me for a photo shoot and I'm glad they were. I love love love the way they turned out. Everyone is a little different from the next but just as adorable. I hope you love them too!

I'll be adding more colors and sizes so check back soon!

As of 9.15 - There have more color combos added to the store! I'm loving them! These can go through sizes 6 years!

You can purchase these headbands here.

New Inventory!

Lots of new inventory in the store! I've been knitting like crazy getting ready for the annual Shop Hop at Scranton Shops in Woodstock. I'm so excited! I've listed all the new styles and colors of hats that I've made. Take a peek...maybe something will catch your eye!

But remember, everything is one of a kind and can't be replicated. So if you see it and like it, grab it!

Happy Shopping!

Functional Art

So, here it is! Funcional Art has a Facebook page up and running. The store is just starting out but things are looking so positive for this little shop. It's adorable. And if you're from the area, stop in and check out all the cool handmade items that crafty people have put their love & creativeness into making. You won't be disappointed!!!

So a while back I received a fortune cookie with the following fortune inside of it:

"Go confidentely in the direction of your dreams."

I've saved it since then and looked at it every day. This seems to hold true when it comes to my new found love of knitting. I truely enjoy making things that will bring a smile to someone's face. Not for just today or tomorrow, but a lifetime.

So today I found a new avenue to take with my baby hats. I found a local art shop that is looking for "functional art." Baby hats are deemed functional. My work was well loved which made me feel proud. I'm glad someone else saw the care and attention I put into these!

Starting in the next week or two, the baby hats will be available to purchase locally. As soon as the shop's website and/or Facebook page is up and running I'll post and link over to it.

I'm not sure who's more excited....me or her...(she's pregnant so baby hats will be in her near future!)

And for now I'm off to knit away the evening as I have a lot of prepping to do for the upcoming craft fair and to stock up the art store!

For a girly girl

This dark turquoise beanie takes on such a delicate look when some flowers & mesh are added to it. It's a perfect addition to any cute outfit.

You can purchase this hat HERE.

My new store!

Well, without power for just about a week, I've turned up the notch on knitting lots of super sweet hats. I'm getting ready for a craft fair and bulking up the inventory in my new store. If you're looking to purchase any of the hats here, simply follow the link that I've included in the blog post. While you're in the store, take a peek around and see if there's something else that catches your eye. I have tons of color variations of some of the hats posted here. Enjoy!

Open Top Hat

Here's an adorable purple & green open topped hat. This thick yarn makes this super warm. This idea came to me and once I knitted and completed it, I was so happy with the results. My two year old looks so cute modeling it for me. I completed the look with a bright purple ribbon weaved throughout the top.

You can purchase this hat HERE.

Brown & Turq

I'm pretty sure this color combo is an all time favorite of many. I really like how this beanie came together. The adorable paisley ribbon bow is removable.


You can purchase this beanie HERE.

My little model is becoming quite the amuser. It took me some extra coercing this morning to snap a few pictures of her with this on. She kept taking it off and laughing!

Braided Twisted Baby Beanie

Love this braided twisted baby beanie with contrasting colors & an over-the-top large pompom bursting with playfulness. They're super sweet, soft and warm. It's exactly what every baby needs on a cold day!

You can purchase this beanie HERE.

Ribbon Beanie

I am in love with these ribbon beanies! They are super sweet and warm & cuddly all at the same time. I can hardly resist my daughter's cubby cheeks when she's wearing something so precious! Every little girl needs one of these. The functionality of the warmth along with the cuteness from the ribbon & flower make it a home run! And because they each come with a ribbon flower that can be removed, caring for them is easy.

You can buy the navy & lime combo HERE.

You can buy the grey & turq combo HERE.

Stocking Cap

This long tailed stocking cap will keep any sweet baby warm & cuddly during the cold winter months! It's made from thick yarn in contrasting colors with a large pompom ensuring that you won't be able to resist a baby all bundled up wearing it!

You can purchase this hat HERE.

A new baby boy!

I whipped this sweet little hat up tonight on 15's for a friend who's baby boy is due anytime! It was a fun knit and I'm pleased with the way it turned out. I forget how small they can be! It's another surprise that I'm excited to ship out tomorrow.

A Sweet Gift

I made this sweet hat for a friend of mine who's baby is due in about three weeks. I'm thrilled she's chosen the same name for her new bundle as we chose for my older daughter. I can't wait until she gets this! (It's a surprise!)