Flower Frenzy

I have been on a flower frenzy!!! And I'm having fun being creative and using all these fantastic fibers! All of these flowers are for sell in my shop. I will be adding more as the weeks go on. These flowers are a great addition to paper craft projects, hair clips, pins and buttons and the list goes on and on. Most of the flowers here are from 4 inches to 2 inches. I have used buttons and pearls as centers for most of them as well. I hope you enjoy!! I just thought I would share! If you're interested in purchasing these or would like to make a request please visit my shop blog. Thanks so much!

Lucky Goldfish

Natural

Blue Velvet

Patriotic

Natural Fleck

Thanks for taking a peek! 

A pretty good weekend

This past weekend was my nephew Michaels first birthday and he lives in North Carolina (where most of our family resides.) So we took a trip there so we could #1 celebrate Michaels 1st birthday at his party and #2 meet our niece Lexi for the first time!

Unfortunately my poor hubby had an accident at work on Thursday night resulting in a hospital stay and 5 bulging discs in his back! :( He was a trooper and didn't want to let his nephew down so we still took the trip. The drive down was ok until we hit the Virginia/North Carolina line and hit some CRAZY weather! It had me pretty freaked out! I hate heavy rain and not being able to see where we are going!

Just check out these crazy storm clouds! 

The party was Sunday morning and it was small but really fun. Michael was in a wonderful mood, and I was so happy to see him and spend time with him. He had a fascination with my locket and tried to make a snack of it a few times. LOL.

I was laughing at him because he wanted the camera. 

Tim's Parents with their grandson

My hubby with Michael

His totally cute cake!

He tried to get messy but he was more interested in the toys than
the actual cake lol. 

This guy was wandering around the park..

And Michael really enjoyed meeting him!

After the party we said goodbye to everyone there and headed to see my brother, sister in law, and baby niece Lexi. I was so excited to meet her for the first time! We didn't get the best pictures and folks I was looking rough by the time we got there! LOL. It was hot and I was tired, so please forgive my funkiness! ;)

Uncle Tim and Lexi

She's such a beautiful little girl, and her smile really makes the trip worth it!

I made Lexi a baby blanket shaped like a star in her nursery colors of pink, cream, and brown and her parents seemed to really like it. Our trip home was looong and tiring but I was sooo happily surprised when I was settled at home and sat down to check my email to find a beautiful picture of Lexi with her blanket! It really made me happy and surprised me in the best of ways!

I'm so glad everyone liked it :) I'm kinda proud of it! 

I finished a hat that I made for her and am working on a male version for my nephew. I will be selling these in my shop as well if anyone is interested! 

Minnie Mouse Beanie

Today I started a purple, white and black throw for my niece Clair and actually got a good bit of it finished... I will post pictures and everything soon. I need to work on a tutorial for the Exploding box I made for my mil for Mother's Day as well. My husband has been dealing with workman's comp and getting a work release from the doctors. Thats a big headache! The hospital referred him to a Neurologist and we called today for an appointment and they said they can't see him until June 9th. So now we are trying to find another doctor that can hopefully see him sooner and release him so he can go back to work, otherwise we are going to be in a BIG ko-ink-e-denk! Why do they always make things sooo difficult?! Other than that there's nothing much going on... I do have an important personal blog to post in a few about a situation that we recently went through, but thats another blog and I don't want to bring this one down much. I hope everyone had a wonderful weekend!! 

All my love, 

Shades of Green Afghan

I have been spending all of my spare time crocheting this afghan, and yesterday I FINALLY finished it! Its my first afghan! Woohoo! I'm really pleased with the design and the colors that I chose. My hubby likes it so much that he asked me to do one in Gators colors, so that'll me my next side project. Then I think I will put together a baby blanket. I'm so glad to be back online too! My modem went out in my laptop so I was without the net for about a week (not good when you have an online business!!!) My hubby decided to get me a desktop this time and so thats what Im using now. I am really hoping that in the coming weeks we will be able to get highspeed internet because netzero is creeping! I mean, I have had dial up for sometime. It comes with the territory of living in the middle of nowhere lol. BUT when I had aol it was much faster than netzero. I can literally click on a website, then go to another room and finish a chore like vaccuming or dishes before its totally loaded! Its really annoying to be honest, but at least I am online lol. Keepin my fingers crossed for high speed though! =) I will be working on some new art in the coming days as well. I'm trying to get a little of everything in my shop and its lacking art at the moment. I just need to figure out WHAT it is I want to draw or paint. Any suggestions folks?!?

With Love,

Andrea

New Blog & stuff...

I'm so sleepy! If I sound like a complete loon, please attempt to overlook it. LOL. I was up until almost 3 am because I couldn't sleep, then my hubby leaves for work at around 5:15 and wakes me up to say goodbye (his normal routine) and I just couldn't go back to sleep. My mind kept wandering, and I couldn't stop thinking of all the things I wanted to do today... My lifestyle changes that I am praying I will actually stick with... The things me and Tim need to do this weekend when he gets off... I even was looking around the room and thinking of how I could redecorate it! ACKK! So I just caved and got up. I hate when my mind races like that!

Me and my best friend Ginger decided that we both are going to give our best effort in changing our lifestyles to something healthier. We plan on dieting & exercising to reach goals that we both set. We then created a blog where we are going to share healthy recipes, our goals,accomplishments and fallbacks, as well as personal blogs through our journey. We want to keep each other motivated, so that we dont cave on it and we actually reach our goals to better, healthier lives. Its not going to be easy! If you want to follow along our journey and even help to support us, feel free to check out our blog at http://twofatchycks.blogspot.com/

On another note, the postal service stinks! LOL! We sent a package out almost 2 weeks ago. It will be 2 weeks on Saturday. To my sister who lives in California and she still has yet to receive it! It really drives me crazy at how slow things they can be... especially when you pay for priority mail thats SUPPOSED to be 2-4 days. UGH!

I finished re-reading Eclipse for the upcoming film. I can not wait until the movie comes out! I want to go to the midnight show but I know that it will be super hard for Tim since he has to leave for work at 5 am. Sooo I think we may go on the 1st after he gets off of work or something. I'm really glad I read the book again too because I completely forgot some very important moments in the story! It would have been too funny if I would have seen the movie and claimed that they added things and really they didn't.. it was in the story and I just didnt remember. I'd really feel like a smart person then. Haha! I'm hoping they keep to the story though and that they don't leave too much out. I know they can't include every little thing but still. I also think it will be very interesting to see how they mention Imprinting. Thats going to be a toughy!

Now I am reading 'The Last Song' by Nicholas Sparks. So far so good, but I haven't really gotten into the story yet. Only read the first couple of chapters.

I've added a couple of pretty cool items to the shop. Check them out at http://longestyarn.etsy.com/

Well I think thats all for now,
Later Gators,

Marrakesh Mary Jane Slippers

Check out these fashionably cute and cozy women's slippers!! They're made from acrylic Redheart Yarn in a Marrakesh (Morrocan) pattern with contrasting Espresso Brown. They feature a working strap & stylish button!

These slippers fit women's size 8 but can stretch to a 10. Keep in mind when purchasing, these do not come with grips or soles yet are super comfy!

They are adorable & you'll want to wear them round the clock to keep your toes toasty!! Wear them at home, while you're traveling, or at the office when those heels just aren't working! Treat them as your favorite pair of snuggly, cushiony socks with that comfortable fit you love so much! *Not to be worn outdoors.

These slippers are washer and dryer safe! Just turn them inside out and wash on gentle cycle!

The slippers are currently available for $10 a pair.

If you are interested in purchasing these slippers please click here! If you are looking for slippers like this but in another color scheme, email me at owner@thelongestyarn.com . Custom orders are VERY welcome!

If you are interested in crocheting your own Mary Jane Slippers check out my pattern by going here!

Introducing Melonee

I dont know if I mentioned that the former Ms. Head (my 1st handmade mannequin) took a spill a few months back and didn't make it =( She's off to mannequin heaven unfortunatley. However, my bestie found a mannequin and was kind enough to ship her to me =) I'm sure you're probably wondering why I couldn't go out and buy a mannequin here... well I live in the middle of nowhere people! LOL... I searched everywhere for one.... anyway, a big THANK YEE to Ginger for finding Melonee, my new mannequin =) I'm debating on whether I should leave her white as pictured, or spice her up with some decopauge... any suggestions?

Since Melonee is styrofoam HOPEFULLY she will not be as prone to deadly accidents lol. I just thought I would introduce my new employee =) haha! Hoping everyone had a great weekend!

Cute Camo Creations

Camouflage seems to be pretty popular these days... at least in my neck of the woods it is. So I thought I would put together a group of a few really cute camo creations to share...

You can go to: http://www.etsy.com/treasury/c485ea1d4773cf4bfeda7d00/cute-camo-creations to click on each item and see a larger picture & description. You can also leave comments on your thoughts for this treasury. Hope you enjoy!

Cute Camo Mary Jane Slippers

Last night I completed my first pair of mary jane slippers. Aren't they cute? For some reason I'm really on a Camo kick, I guess because its just really popular around here. IDK. This particular pair fits a size 8 womens foot, but they can stretch to fit a size 10 womans foot. I like how stretchy they are. They are super cozy and comfortable. I really like them. I Hope to make more soon. I plan on making them for a mother's day gift for my m-i-l and my mom. I did list these on my shop here: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=45271831 and I am taking request for custom sizes and colors. Email me at tasince00@aol.com or send me an etsy convo if you are interested in ordering a pair.

Happy hump day!

Sharing My Bandana Pattern

I thought I would share the pattern I am using for the Bandana's I have created to donate to the Relay for Life Charity Event in Kingman, AZ on June 5 & 6, that I am participating in through the CreateCrochet Team.

I would love to see your creations w/ this pattern! Do you have a better pattern or a different pattern for bandana's? I would love to try it out! Please share =) If you need any help I will try my best, just send me an email at tasince00@aol.com or comment here.

Happy Crocheting! =)

Bandana Pattern

Skill Level: Easy

You Will Need:
Hook: vary for size
Child 4.5 mm or smaller
Teen/adult: 5 mm or larger (experiment w/ sizing) (I used H-8 5 MM)
Medium Weight Yarn in 2 colors (I used Redheart)
Tapestry Needle

Directions:
With Color A, Ch. 135

Foundation Row (RS): 1 sc in 2nd ch from hook, 1 sc in each ch to end of ch. Fasten off.

With Main Color & RS of work facing, sk first 31 sc, join yarn with sl st to next sc.

Row 1: Ch 1, 1 sc in same sp, *ch 3, sk next 2 sc, 1 sc in next sc, rep from * 22 times more, ch 1,
sk next 2 sc, 1 dc in next sc. Ch 3, turn.

Row 2: 1 sc in first ch-3 sp, *ch 3, 1 sc in next Ch-3 sp, rep from * across ending with ch 1,
1 dc in last ch-3 sp. Ch 3, turn.

Rep Row 2 until the following row has been worked: "1 sc in first ch-3 sp, ch 1, 1 dc in next ch-3 sp,
ch 1, 1 dc in next ch-3 sp. Ch 3, turn."

Next Row: 1 sc in ch-3 sp. Fasten off.

Outer Edging:
With RS of work facing, join Color A with sl st in same sc where Main Color was joined onto
foundation row. Ch 1, work 2 sc in each hole along diagonal edge of bandana to hole at point,
work 5 sc in hole at point, work 2 sc in each hole along opposite diagonal edge, ch 1, sl st
in last sc where main color was worked onto foundation row. Fasten off.

Weave in loose ends.

Bath Puff Anyone?

Its been a long day & its 1 am soooo I think I'm going to make this blog post short & sweet. I did want to share my newest creation however. Last night I finished up this super soft summer sherbet bath puff. It's a nice size (a little larger than my hand- measurements will come later lol.) I used each of the colors light pink, peach, & yellow from the summer sherbet dishcloths. Because in all honesty, you could use the dishcloths for washcloths as well. They would be perfect for either use. They are thick, absorbent, soft, sturdy & washer/dryer safe.... I just had to share because I like its outcome. I plan on working on potholders next. Then maybe an actual matching bath set, complete w/ bath puff, back scrubbie, wash cloths, & facial scrubbie! Who knows... I may also take a break from those items and try something completely different! LOL. Good night for now...

Cool Shop + giveaway = AWESOME!

Any chance I get, I want to help other shops promote on Etsy. Its an AWESOME venue for creative people to sell their handmade items, but sometimes it can be really challenging to get the sells & promotion ya need. So I follow a website called Everything Etsy that is an EXCELLENT place to see wonderful things other shops are doing. I really enjoy it. I thought I would share the featured shop & the AWESOME giveaway they are offering! I LOVE all the items at SewCuteShop! I think the pjs and the owl onesie are the CUTEST! If you get the chance check out SewCuteShop & Everything Etsy I promise you will be sooo inspired & you wont be sorry!

WIP: Washcloths & bath puff

Whats a WIP? It's a Work In Progress... I just thought I would share my WIP for the week. Aren't those colors fanominal together?! It reminds me of cotton candy or sherbet! The yarn is one of my favorite brands (I know I say this allll the time!) But 'I love this yarn' brand from Hobby Lobby is sooo great. I love the colors, and the softness of it. If you didn't look at the label you would NEVER know that its 100% acrylic yarn. Its just TOO soft! Thats why I decided to use it to make this set. So far I have 1 washcloth finished, and I'm half way finished with the second. Once I finish all the washcloths, I plan on making a bath puff with all of the colors mixed together. I think it will be pretty.... I also learned a new stitch, the crab stitch! I really like the outcome of the stitch too. It makes a really nice corded edging for the washcloths. I'll share pics when everythings finished! Wishing everyone a wonderful weekend!

Relay for Life Donations

I've mentioned before that CreateCrochet is hosting a Relay for life Charity event. I finished 2 bandana's for the event... I am thinking of creating 1 more but havent decided the color scheme yet.

I took some better photo's of the 2 bandana's that I have made so far. Both are using Redheart Acrylic yarns.

Blue & Yellow

Pinks

I also made a blue & white beanie. Its my first time crocheting a beanie but I was pretty happy with the turn out. Funny, I never realized that the colors are Duke Blue Devils colors until my hubby pointed it out today LOL. Go figure! =)

Excited to be featured!

A fellow CreateCrochet team member featured my laptop sleeve on her blog w/ some really awesome items from other fellow team members! I am sooo happy and excited to have been one of the featured creators! YAY! What a great way to start off the weekend! Yippee!

Check out her blog here: http://walnutbaby.blogspot.com/2010/04/etsy-createcrochet-team-how-talented.html

The items featured are GORGEOUS! TGIF!~

Turquoise Treasures

I got a treasury west tonight on Etsy! I'm sooo excited!!!! I decided to do my favorite Turquoise items. To view the treasury and leave your comments you can go here: http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list_west.php?room_id=94337 I thought I would share my favorite items here as well, there's actually more here than I could put on the treasury and I couldn't share my item which is the laptop sleeve in turquoise & espresso! I hope you enjoy! Would love to hear your thoughts!

Etsy: Your place to buy & sell all things handmade longestyarn.etsy.com

BTW- if you click the treasury link above that I shared it will move my treasury up further in the listings. The more clicks the better! THANKS!

FB Fan Giveaway

I have 62 fans on Facebook now and as promised I'm having a giveaway! Sooooo I assigned each fan on facebook a number, then I went to www.random.org and I entered 62 as the maximum number value.... The number chosen was 41 and so the person assigned to this number is Mary Linker Wagner! Mary has 24 hours to contact me about the giveaway. If I dont hear from her then I will chose someone else.

Whats the prize you ask? Mary gets to go to the shop and choose 1 item that is currently for sale. I will then make her an item just like it in her choice of color(s) for free =) I'm soooo excited to have 62 fans! YAY! Thanks to everyone who is following and supporting me and my shop! Much Love to you all!

Charity Kerchiefs

I am one of many participating in a Charity Crochet event in the CreateCrochet Team on Etsy. Everyone participating is sending their items to Kingman, AZ where there is going to be a Relay for Life on the weekend of June 5-6, 2010. The items will be sold there & 100% of the proceeds will be donated. I was going to crochet a few chemo caps as my donation BUT I'm really not that good at making them... sooo... I decided to try making these cool kerchiefs. So far I've made 2. This one is in Blue and Yellow, and the other is in Pinks but I havent photographed it just yet. I think I may make a few more, and possibly TRY to crochet a Chemo Cap. I'm excited to be able to participate and help out with this! I'm sure they will be posting on the team blog the items being sold for this event so please check out http://createcrochet.blogspot.com often.