Spring Fever

I've got the fever...spring fever! Hope springs eternal...right? In the dead of winter, I'm thinking spring. Crafters, after all, are supposed to "spring" ahead in their thinking. Don't you know...fireworks and fireflies are constant reminders that pumpkins and turkeys are on the horizon...you may have lights on your tree, but Valentines day is right around the corner.

Live in the moment. Always plan ahead. Life is so conflicting. One minute it's snowflakes the next it's hearts! As anyone who knows me will tell you, I am more of the "in the moment" variety...which explains why I was still making texting gloves on Christmas Eve...Ugh!

However...recently when I was a tad bit under the weather and the TV was my constant companion, I went a little crazy...I had to do something! I know...I'll crochet! I'll use all the yarn up that I have laying around...

It just so happened that it was cotton, and PRESTO...a spring collection was born.

I call this my blue collection...not to sound pretentious...it worked. I was a bit blue after all. When I dropped-off the highly anticipated (LOL) spring preview at the shop (Harmony in Life), the ladies were less than thrilled...they tried to cover it up of course, but sometimes you can just sense these things...Quote: "We really need some more texting gloves and woolen hats." I'll say it again, UGH! Okay, okay. Back to the machine. Back to 100% recycled woolens. Maybe...just maybe, mind you...I was rushing things. Me...too forward thinking? Somehow I don't think I am the only one getting a good laugh out of that. I can hear the chuckling through the computer. Now maybe if you convert that energy and focus REALLY, REALLY hard, we can make this thing happen...don't just sit there...Think Spring!

Lists

Has January got you making lists? Endless lists...

to do lists...resolution lists... a year in review lists...

I'm stuck in list mode, so please pardon this entry.

Wrist Warmers

-think "green", eco-friendly crafting

-100% recycled wool

-soft...because its felted...wool

-warming pain relief

-can be worn indoors AND outdoors

-sweater extender

-a fashion statement

-original design

-weather protection

-hides ugly spots/freckles

-highlights a new manicure (ha!)

-feminine and pretty

Take a break from your lists today...

and do a little off-roading!

Blessings

Another featured favorite...a handmade gift from my sweet sister "Rosebud"...this one comes with a little story attached.

Yes, I know that Dickens coined the phrase, but one Christmas Eve me and my sister Mary used and abused it! Don't ask me why...but we blurted it out periodically throughout the evening...well...because it's rather fun to say in an Old World kind of way and its sentiment...timeless.

Last year, I had a little more fun with it. After the Christmas Eve service, I stepped out into the church parking lot...safely surrounded by winter darkness (6pm)...all was quiet and still...holiday magic was in the air...and I couldn't contain it, I was just bubbling over with excitement, and out it came..."God Bless us, Everyone!" Shouted quite loudly, I'm proud to admit. My teenage son was mortified..."Mom, get in the car!" You had to hear the panic in his voice to really appreciate the moment. He was on damage control, quickly corralling his insane mother. Don't you just love doing things like that to your kids...I know I do! Although I'm sure my sister thought of our quotable Christmas as she stitched every beautiful stitch, I felt this was the moment to let it shine. Is there a more appropriate New Year's sentiment...I don't think so.

And I will say it again, loudly for all to hear...Thanks sis!

Cabin Fever

I sat down at the sewing machine yesterday to finally start work on my cabin collection...holiday projects took priority! As Christmas decorations slowly come down and snow continues to pile-up, it's time to surround yourself in warmth. The cabin collection...invites the outdoors in...pine cones in a basket, ice skates hanging near the door, a sled propped in the corner waiting for a ride. The cabin collection takes pleasure in the simple things...hot cocoa with lots o' marshmallows, snowy mittens drying on the registers. The cabin collection...making your home a place that works for you...functional beauty. These pillows were created with that thought in mind... I raided my felted wool stash and utilized every inch of an old, gently used flannel shirt...for the final result. The front of the shirt was used to make the opening for the flannel pillow form within...and the pocket holds fun "secret messages" for the family to pass back and forth...the first one has been provided to get you off and running!

This pack-o-pillows encourages you to nestle in for a good read or better yet,

a long winter's nap!

Surround yourself in warmth!

Favorite Things

Today I am featuring a handmade craft that I received as a gift for Christmas... a soft, sagey-green (it's a word today) alpaca wool cap, knitted with love...for me! When I went out to shovel the drive this morning, I donned the hat and looked in the mirror...it was an instant transformation, I tell ya...

a twelve-year-old Jenny was giggling back!

It quickly climbed to the top of the one of my favorite things list and it just so happens it was made by one of my favorite people in the whole wide world...my mom.

Thanks mom...I love you too!

Be Still

Be Still and Know...

May the peace that surpasses all understanding

fill your heart and mind...

today and always.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, dear friends!

The Hipster

I'm a problem solver. Not in all areas of life, mind you, but with regard to designing, a problem often serves as the impetus I need to create new designs. PROBLEM: Holiday shopping with temperatures in the low 20's + winds nearing 70mph = wind chills that freeze boogers! Compound that with hauling packages to and from (I confess...early returns) your car, all while lugging a leather purse that refuses to ride on a coat-clad shoulder...Aargh!! Happy Holidays?! Well, I can't do anything about the weather and these crazy shopping habits are ingrained in my DNA (Thanks, Mom), BUT the irritating purse? Now THAT I can do something about! SOLUTION: The Hipster. A compact purse--made of recycled and felted wool--that rides on your hip with the help of a belt. I know the fanny pack took a beating in the "wear this not that" world, but make it stylish and drop it from the waist to the hip and...when I took it for a test drive --Saturday at the mall--it was the center of attention...not mine, I virtually forgot I was wearing it, so inconspicuous, but those around me...shoppers and sales clerks who suffer from the same dreaded problem saw the genius (ha ha) behind the design! Take a quick look inside... Roomy enough for all your bare essentials. Small enough to stay out of the way. The little denim pocket holds your cell for easy access. The Hipster is available at Harmony in Life OR contact me at jenondrus@yahoo.com.

The fanny pack is back and better than ever, darling!