Wednesday's Woman - Sandy Powers

Ok...so, I'm a little late on posting this, but I am excited to share with you all. I couldn't wait until next Wednesday.

Do you ever get in a creative funk? I know that I do. When I have a ball of yarn and a hook in hand but I'm not sure what direction to take, I have a few sources of inspiration I like to turn to. One of my crochet heros is Sandy Powers. You may have seen some of Sandy's work on Etsy in her shop, Sandy's Cape Cod Originals. Perhaps if you have picked up a copy of Crochet World magazine or Annie's Attic you may have seen her darling cuddle cocoons. Most recently, you may have seen Baby Crochet at your local bookstore, yep, that's Sandy's work too!

So many ideas, so little time (and yarn). Recently, I chatted with (or emailed) Sandy to pick her brain a little bit.....enjoy!

Q: Tell the world a little bit about Sandy's Cape Cod Originals?
A: I love creating new crochet patterns. I like to think that I design unique and different patterns. My imagination is endless sometimes. And if only my fingers could crochet as fast as my thoughts. I love designing for babies and my first two books that are in print are for babies. My next book coming out next May or June of 2013, is a book of wedding crochet items and I have enjoyed the challenge of designing for adults and children in this book. The publishers have already asked me to do a Baby Crochet book 2 and I am still thinking if I want to do this book. Because I have been designing so much for the books, my Etsy site has been sadly neglected. My dream is to have all of my designs in books and to cut back on the Etsy shop. I have over 400 patterns for sale on Etsy and sometimes it is overwhelming for people to go thru all those pictures. So I’ll be doing less Etsy and more book designing.

Q: What was your motivation in starting Sandy's Cape Cod Originals ? How did it come to life?

A: My motivation to write crochet patterns came from when I was selling actual made items on Etsy, many people would ask me if I sold the pattern for them. Also I went for a mammogram and they found a lump. I had to wait 2 weeks before they did the biopsy and during that time I asked myself, “what would you do if you had one week to live?” and one of the things was to write down some of my crochet patterns.

Q: When you aren't making beautiful creations for the world, what are you doing?
A: I love to play angry birds friends version. Every week they have a new tournament and me and a few of my friends play against each other.

I also like to work on baby hats that I donate to different organizations.

Q: Quote/motto you live by:

A: Be still and know that I am God. I try to not do anything without knowing God is involved in what I am doing.

Q: What is one of your guilty pleasures?

A: I love lobster and when they are on sale, my daughter and I indulge in them for lunch as often as we can.

Q: Lip gloss, cell phone & gum - I can't leave home without it! What's yours?

A: Tissues, cell phone, mints, hair brush, debit cards, medical cards. And most of all yarn and a crochet hook. You never know when you will be delayed somewhere (doc office or stuck in traffic) and can get some crocheting time in.

Q: What/who inspires your designs?

A: Poems, children’s stories, brides, babies, children, tv,

Q: Can't crochet without it...what is your favorite crocheting item/product?

A: A Susan Bates hook and nice yarns

Q: When did you start crocheting?

A: I was 18years old when I started crocheting

Q: What was your first project/item for sale?

A: My first actual made item that I sold on Etsy was a poncho. It sold 5minutes after I listed it. My first crochet pattern that I sold was a Mary Jane bootie.

Q: What has been your favorite thing about being an Etsy shop owner?

A: I love talking to the customers. I love seeing what they do with my crochet patterns. The little changes they make to my patterns are fun to see.

Q: Any words of wisdom you want to share with other mommy crafters?

A: Don’t give up on your dreams. And don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t do it! You can!

I love seeing where and how other crafters and artsy folks get inspired. I hope you are just as inspired as I am!

Happy Crafting!
~Meredith~

Ribbit Ribbit - Froggy Patterns - Free Pattern Friday

Hope everybody had a safe and happy Thanksgiving!  If you're not too stuffed from holiday yummies, you may enjoy this quick and easy pattern I ran across a few months ago on Jamie's Jems Blog. Jamie has been so kind to share her pattern for the Frog Camera Lens. Perfect for the photographer, or budding photographer, or perhaps a little goodie to fascinate your little one during a photoshoot. All you need is a K size hook, a hair tie/rubber band, some yarn and a little time.

Red Heart has a darling little pattern for a Princess and the Frog doll. I'm thinking stocking stuffers or maybe a nice baby shower gift?

Keep things nice and tidy for the frog lover in your life with this Frog Amigurumi Pouch  by Character Crochet on Craftsy.

I'd love to see your take on these cool little patterns!

Cozy Mugs...Free Pattern Friday

I don't know about you, but I struggle finding a new or unique gift idea for my kids' teachers and therapists. As many of you know, I have 2 children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorders and one who receives various therapies and interventions (but not because of Autism). This year, with my youngest little monkey in kindergarten and my oldest monkey back in public school, I counted a total of over 13 teachers and therapists. Some may say, well, just give the 'main' one a gift. In the world of special education, each and every one of these kiddos' teachers play an integral role in their education!!

This year, I am thinking of working up a few mug huggers for the teachers' coffee cups and maybe a little coffee mug and a pack of hot chocolate or single serve coffee. A few of my favorite patterns are the Snowman Mug Hug from Red Heart.

Red Heart has this cute Puppy Mug Hug also, for the puppy lover on your gift list!

My other favorite is the Coffee Hugger by Loop Leigh Loops. Sorry, this link is not free, but it's only $1.99. I have made it and it is simple and quick to work up!

Micah Makes has this cute pattern for a mug hug with coaster.

Let me know how these work up for you guys!

Try It Out Tuesday! - Zip 'n' Go Yarn Organizer

How many times do you look at a pattern or start a project and you use two strands of yarn? I tried an old trick that I noticed my mother-in-law does - she uses an old tub of butter, punches a hole in the center of the lid and just strings her yarn through there. That works fine for her because she only crochets using size 10 thread. It doesn't work so well when you have funky or bulk yarns.

Perhaps I'm just really goofy and clumsy, but I felt all tangled up. That was until I found this great gem over at Herschner's. The Zip 'n' Go Yarn Organizer bag has three grommets at the top of the bag so you can thread 3 different skeins of yarn (or perhaps more) at once. Here are a few of my thoughts on Zip 'n' Go.

The PROS

• Great price - Only $9.99
• Light Weight
• Doesn't tangle or tear yarn
• Great design - has a pocket in the front big enough to hold a pattern or a small book and top zip
• Roomy
• Long handle
• Works out if you want to keeps several skeins of a particular project together. (Heaven knows I'm always misplacing one color or another mid-way through my projects)

The CONS 

• Only comes in black
• No separate storage for hooks or needles, (but I will say that you can easily store these items in the front pocket)

My thoughts over all on the Zip 'n' Go Yarn Organizer.....LOVE IT!

**DISCLAIMER**I do not work for or receive any profit for reviewing this item. In no way, shape or form do I represent the above product or company. I'm simply a crafty mom sharing information on products, goods and services that I have used.**

Try It Out Tuesday - (A little late) - Let's start Decking the Halls!

I don't know about you, but I know that there is so much excitement building up at my house this week. Today marks the second  day of my kids' Thanksgiving break. Plus next week there is a teacher in-service day after the break. The little monkeys get a total of 6 consecutive days off. TRUST me, I am planning away on what we should do to keep these guys busy!

This summer we moved to a new house. With our new house,we are starting new traditions. One of which is going to be an advent calendar. Every year we start one, but we start kind of late....(oops). This year, I thought the little monkeys could help me out with making this calendar I found on Etsy.

I love these awesome instructions. Very clear and easy to follow. I would love to see how yours turn out!

Wednesday's Woman

You may remember a while back, (actually a LONG while back) I featured Dusty from Crochet My Love on this blog. Since that time, I have been inspired by her and many other wonderful crochet artists and crafters. I would love to pay homage to them all and I hope that you too will be inspired by their creativity. If you are interested in sharing your story please contact me.

Are you ready for some football? - Free Pattern

With the holidays around the corner, I am certain that everybody's hands are busy creating all sorts of goodies! I thought I would share this darling little hat that I found on one of my new favorite websites - Repeat Crafter Me. I know that so many families have a holiday tradition of football before or after stuffing themselves with turkey on Thanksgiving. What better way to celebrate the tradition that crocheting a little football hat for the youngest football fan in the house!

What I love about this pattern is that Sarah gives step by step instructions on this little hat and best of all it's FREE! What crafter doesn't love freebies?

Enjoy! Share how yours turns out!

Thankful Days

All around Facebook, I have seen that everybody is taking time out during this month to give thanks to those who have blessed our lives. It has been so refreshing to see facebook full of positive posts this month! I am jumping on the bandwagon and giving thanks as well. It is amazing to see how much better you feel and how much better you day goes when you give thanks for the simple blessings in life.

I will be honest, at times, it is challenging to think of what to be thankful for. At times, it is overwhelming to say thank you to just ONE person, because there are so many wonderful people in our lives. Over at The Crafting Chicks blog, they had a great post this month with 'prompts' of who to send thank you notes to.  This may be a good way to start de-stashing those scrapbook papers that have been collecting dust on your shelves, or perhaps try out a few new scrapping techniques. In the age of technology it is so nice to get a handwritten thank you, a nice note or something other than a bill or advertisement in your 'physical' mailbox.

I'd love to hear from you all how the thank yous are going this month!

Follow & Win!

A few days ago, I posted about my little contest, "Ready, Set, Follow", about following on my blog. Just wanted to let you know that there is still time to get a sweet gift card to Hobby Lobby and a women's Autism T-shirt! Let's see who will win these goodies!

Just a reminder - here are the RULES

Rules....

1. Comment on my earlier post, "Ready, Set, Follow" that you are a new follower.
2. Let me know who sent ya!

Only comments on the "Ready, Set, Follow" post will be counted.

There is still time....

A family that is near and dear to me is in need of some support. As I shared before in a post, their four year old son, Isaiah, was diagnosed with Autism. Recently, the family found out that their little angel has been diagnosed with a brain malformation called, Chiari Malformation. The condition is serious and in order to correct and heal little Isaiah, he must undergo brain surgery and possibly spinal cord surgery. As you can imagine, brain surgery is a costly and delicate procedure that will require a ton of attention from mom and dad. There is still time to help the Biel family.

If you feel moved to help the family, please make a donation directly to them on their ChipIn.com page. Another way to help is to visit my Facebook page. On my Facebook page, I have opened an auction to help the family. In order to bid on items in the auction simply click on the Auction for Isaiah photo album and leave your bid amount and paypal address in the comments. Winner will pay for their item and shipping. Bidding ends at 11:59pm Monday, April 24th. All proceeds will go directly to the Biel family. Following are a few goodies you can find in the auction.

Pink Glitter Newborn Beanie by Funky Crochet by Lynne Renée

Soap Saver Cozie by Funky Crochet by Lynne Renée

$25 Gift Certificate to Lia Sophia Consultant Marcy Rowley

3 Pack of Patterns by 3 Boys and a Ball of Yarn

3 Pack of Patterns by Loop Leigh Loops

3 pack of patterns by Loops of Love

2- 6 oz skeins Red Heart Plush Yarn donated by Crochet from My Heart and Soul

Skinny denim blue scarf by Loop Leigh Loops

Summer beanie by Funky Crochet by Lynne Renée

Autism T-shirt by Warrior Mom101

Men-Women's Autism Necklace by Warrior Mom101

Men's OSU Spike Stitch Hat - Size Large

0-3 month Marble beanie by KC Creations by Karrie

Orchid beanie by KC Creations by Karrie

Let the bidding begin!

Mother's Day and graduations are just around the corner. Stop by 8 Little Monkeys Facebook page to get a jump start on your shopping by participating in the Auction for Isaiah.

As I mentioned to you all, I have a darling friend who is in need of some love & support. I have set up an online auction for the Biel Family on my Facebook page. There are some awesome goodies on there!

The auction is scheduled for Friday, April 20th through Monday, April 23rd. Winners will be announced on Tuesday April 24th. This auction is to help his loving family with the costs associated with brain surgery that are not covered by health insurance (food, travel, hotel for the family, child care for siblings, etc).

To make a monetary donation directly to the family, please visit the family's page on ChipIn.com.  Winners will be announced on April.

Happy Bidding!

Auction for Isaiah

In my life I have been so very blessed with the love, support and friendship of so many amazing people. In some of the toughest times in my life, I have been able to count on a few wonderful folks who have lent me an ear, a shoulder to cry on or a helping hand. Recently, I found out that one of the families that has touched my life was given some life changing news about their 4 year old son, Isaiah.

Isaiah is a sweet 4 year old little boy who was diagnosed with Autism a few years ago. During a recent routine neurology visit, the family was informed that Isaiah is suffering from a condition called Chiari Malformation.  Chiari Malformation is a serious condition of the cerebellum - the part of the brain that controls motor movement and other functions. The condition can cause severe headaches, difficulty swallowing and be as serious as paralysis. Little Isaiah is scheduled to have decompression surgery on May 9th. 

To help defer the costs associated with the operation, 8 Little Monkeys is holding an online auction. This auction is to help his loving family with the costs associated with brain surgery that are not covered by health insurance (food, travel, hotel for the family, child care for siblings, etc). The auction is scheduled for Friday, April 20th through Monday, April 23rd. Winners will be announced on Tuesday April 24th.


If you are a shop owner or vendor and would like to donate an item to this auction, please contact me at 8littlemonkeys@gmail.com. To make a monetary donation directly to the family, please visit the family's page on ChipIn.com. 

Ready, Set, Follow....

In honor of my first year, I would like to thank my fans and friends for all their support. As a thank you I would like to offer a $10 gift certificate to Hobby Lobby and a women's size large Autism t-shirt to the fan that brings me the most blog followers by 11:59pm on Tuesday April 24th. The winner will be announced on Wednesday April 25th.

Rules....

1. Comment below that you are a new follower.
2. Let me know who sent ya!

Only comments on this post will be counted.

Thanks so much! Ready...set....refer & FOLLOW!!

Happy Birthday!

So the other day, I was packing up an order and I noticed that my stash of business cards was getting kind of low. Then, I went to my stash of yarn and I realized that has taken over my bedroom. It wasn't until I logged into my Etsy shop that I noticed that 8 Little Monkeys is a year old!

Wow! Where has the time gone? It has been a busy busy year for all 8 little monkeys. It has been an especially busy year for this mama monkey! I have met some amazing folks on this journey in the past year and I have loved every busy minute. I want to thank you all SO very much for your support and I look forward to many many more fantastic years!