Loopy 4 Ewe

Weekend to End Women's Cancers Auction

2011-04-16T09:30:00.005-04:00

I have been very fortunate to meet some pretty amazing people in my life.

This is my third year walking in the 60km Weekend to END Women's Cancers. This means it's my third year committing to raise a minimum of $2000 in order to walk. Since I live and walk in Ottawa, all of the funding goes to the Ottawa Regional Cancer Foundation.

Sometimes it can be difficult to raise the money. I won't lie. But over the years I've discovered that people are incredibly generous! You just have to put it out there (and work for it) and you can do it!

This year one of my awesome retailers Spoiled Sugar offered to donate $2 from the sale of each of my beanies that she sells to my walk. Then she thought that she would put together a little auction of some of her demo items! How great is that!!!

Well, she put it out there and now local, amazing Mom's (and Guys!) have stepped up to the plate with over $2000 worth of donations that you can bid on right now!

A custom beanie is up for grabs from me. Right now it's sitting at $20 for a $25 value hat. ALL the proceeds are being donated. 100%!!! My mom just donated this cutie sock monkey! It hasn't been added yet, but it will be and it likely is already up by the time you see this post!

Check out the Weekend to End Women's Cancers Auction. Biddind ends at 8:30pm Easter on Sunday, April 17. Spoiled Sugar will send you a paypal invoice and your winning auction items must be paid for within 48 hours.

Here are the auction details you will need:

Auction Link: http://bit.ly/hgzYTy

Auction ID: weekendtoendcancer

Auction Password: spoiledsugar

Now get over there an bid!

A special thank you to Spoiled Sugar and all the businesses who have donated to this amazing cause! Thank YOU!!!

OOAK Toronto

2011-03-14T19:35:00.002-04:00

Hello!
I know - I haven't been around for EVER! And it likely won't get any better any time soon.

If you are going to the OOAK show in TO at the end of March. My hats will be making a guest appearance with some cute dresses. They won't be under my tags...but they will be mine! Meep. So excited.

Now all I have to do is finish up a bunch of orders so I can rock as many hats as possible to go to the show!

Last chance to shop in person this year!

2010-11-30T07:09:00.002-05:00

Next Chance to Shop in Person!

2010-11-15T19:16:00.002-05:00

Yes - I am very sorry I have been neglecting my blog:)

No time for pictures or posts these days. I do update Facebook regularly though:

Holiday Open House
Saturday, November 20
11am - 2pm
11 Hearthstone Place (Barrhaven)

(From the Queensway, head south on Woodroffe, past Strandherd, turn left on Whitewater, right onto Grovemont (first stop sign), Hearthstone is the first left.

Vendors include: Me! Loopy 4 Ewe as well as Norwex, Pampered Chef, Fantasia (in a separate room;)), Epicure Selections, Discovery Toys and Isogenix.

There will be prizes, cash and carry tables and snacks!

Please come out and join us!

Shop in Person

2010-09-14T07:38:00.002-04:00

I'll be at the Ladies Night Out on Tuesday, September 28 from 7pm to 9:30pm

Come out for a fun night out! I will have limited inventory so if there is something you're interested in you may want to consider placing a custom order and I'll do my best to have it ready. You can email me at loopy4ewe(at)rogers(dot)com

It's at the Stonebridge Golf Club in Stonebridge (South on Greenbank - past Strandherd). Admission is free. There will be hor d'oeuvres, amazing door prizes from the vendors (each valued at approx $50+) and a cash bar.

I hope to see you there!

Show Preparation

2010-08-12T08:29:00.005-04:00

On Sunday, August 15 I'll be at the Ottawa West Mompreneur Show from 11am - 4pm at the Kanata Holiday Inn Select and Suites on Kanata Avenue.

A lot of Mompreneurs will be there so be sure to come and check it out.

Of course I have been frantically making hats and as always I feel like I'm lacking in certain styles and certain sizes! But this is where I'm at right now. This is what just over 70 hats looks like. I'm hoping to add more but we'll see what happens as I'm also trying to get wholesale orders completed!

I'm also excited to announce that Spoiled Sugar will soon be launching their website and they'll be stocking Loopy 4 Ewe hats! I'm working on getting hats to them as quickly as I can - right now I have a few that will be picked up today and hopefully shown on A-Channel (in Ottawa) tomorrow at 9am! So be sure to watch the segment for a peak at Spoiled Sugar and hopefully some Loopy 4 Ewe hats! Here's a sneak peak of some of the Spoiled Sugar hats!

This Always Happens!

2010-07-22T12:46:00.002-04:00

Every year I think I'll take advantage of the summer and make tons of inventory for the fall and experiment with new hats. But summer is always so busy. I do make hats...but... lol not as many as I dream of. The weather is hot and sticky, the activities are plentiful and this year I have fallen prey to an incredible author and her series of books that haven been around for many many years but I've only recently discovered and fallen in love with.

Tomorrow is exciting. We're having a photo shoot with the talented Jennifer Bailey (http://www.jenniferbaileyphotography.com) assuming it doesn't rain! Please don't rain.

We have some great joint promotions planned which are in the works and will hopefully be revealed soon. Check back soon for some sneak peaks of the photos from tomorrows session and be sure to check out her website too and book her! You will never regret having these moments captured forever!

Photography Props

2010-06-24T08:33:00.003-04:00

I have a lot of photographers who've purchased my hats for their prop trunk. I love love love seeing pictures of kids wearing my Loopy 4 Ewe hats so if you have some please post them to my Facebook page or you can even email them to me at loopy4ewe(at)rogers(dot)com To see them come in truly makes my day!

I was recently checking out Kim's blog. She's a local photographer who's purchased a few of my hats and I was thrilled to see a couple of posts with some sweet newborns wearing Loopy 4 Ewe hats.

Check them out:
Newborn Baby Boy Beanie

Newborn Baby Girl Beanie

Join Our Mailing List

2010-06-01T07:58:00.002-04:00

I'm starting a mailing list and you can sign up here at Loopy 4 Ewe's Mailing List :

Why should you sign up?

I know not everyone checks Blogs and Facebook all the time. This mailing list will be used to provide you with details for upcoming shows, the launch of a new website, specials and promotions that you won't want to miss out on!

And don't worry - I won't be filling your mailing box on a daily or even weekly basis! The majority of the emails will likely come in the Fall when I have the most shows. Even then I'll try to keep them concise!

Thanks so much!
Jay

Latest Pictures

2010-05-20T08:55:00.003-04:00

I do love opening my email inbox to find new pictures!

These ones were taken by the super talented Shipra Panosian. If you're in Orlando you should contact her. Gorgeous!

Open House! Time to Shop in Person.

2010-05-20T08:40:00.002-04:00

Spring Open House with Loopy 4 Ewe and Apples 'n' Oranges!

Sunday, May 30
9:00am - 1:00pm
1635 Canemore, Orleans, ON

I'll have a variety of hats and sock monkeys on hand. If you'd like to place an order before hand to pick up at the open house (and save on shipping!) send me an email to loopy4ewe(at)rogers(dot)com and I'll have it ready for you. I'll also have a clearance bin with items up to 80% off! Sock monkeys will also be available which are only available in person.

Apples 'n' Oranges is offer 20% off their Spring 2010 Peekaboo Beans - one day only! As well as up to 80% off items to clear out old inventory!

We always love to meet our customers in person, so come on by!

New Pictures Have Arrived!

2010-05-06T08:34:00.003-04:00

This computer shuffle I'm doing is a bit of a pain but I'm slowly getting into the swing of things.

Check out some of the new pictures I just received. The Abbey Rose is one of my new favorite colours. I LOVE it! This picture makes me giggle too.

I love this combination for the fall. Gold, brown and burnt orange.

Thanks to Erin Dietrich for providing these shots!

I'm hoping to be getting some more pictures in the next few weeks too! Love it when they arrive in my mailbox:)

New Pictures Coming Soon!

2010-05-04T14:02:00.002-04:00

I just received a cd in the mail today with some shots of my hats. They are huge though so I have to reinstall my software to make them smaller. Plus I'm waiting to hear about some others that I should receive soon.

Stay tuned!

Spring Sale!

2010-04-28T12:37:00.003-04:00

I'm offering 25% off all items in my iCraft shop this week, until May 1st. This includes any custom orders as well!

All prices have already been reduced. Just head over to http://www.icraft.ca/loopy4ewe to check it out. If you've seen a hat on this blog or on my Etsy site at http://www.loopy4ewe.com , that you'd like I can make a custom listing for you! You'd just need to let me know.

Check it out! Good time to stock up on hats for the fall and/or baby shower gifts!

General Update:
I'm finished shows for the season. I'm not sure when/where my next show will be but it likely won't be until the fall! I'm working on building inventory for those shows as well as working on some large wholesale orders for a fall delivery date. If you're a retailer I do offer wholesale pricing! I can be reached via email at loopy4ewe(at)rogers(dot)com

Thanks!

Saturday, April 10 Shop in Person

2010-04-07T08:45:00.003-04:00

Don't forget I'll be at the
Walter Baker Sports Centre on Malvern Dr in Barrhaven
on Saturday, April 10
between 9am and 2pm
along with about 50 other vendors!

I've been doing my best to beef up my inventory but as usual it's lower then I'd like. If you have a specific request let me know and I'll try to have it in stock for you!

I'm always available via email at loopy4ewe (at) rogers (dot) com

New Hats!

2010-03-30T10:43:00.003-04:00

Check it out - I'm going to be offering new hats soon. Well I actually already do if you shop in person!

These are the new visor beanies I'm making. I sell them without flowers. $24 for kids, $32 for adult. However these prices will be going up in the fall. I also sell flowers separately that are on clips. They can be purchased to change the look of the hat or to be worn in hair. They are $5 each.

But here's a picture of the new hat:

Actually if you've been around for awhile you know they're not that new. I've made them for the little ones before on a special request. But now they will be offered on a more regular basis and in more sizes. They are not listed yet in any of my shops so if you want one - contact me and leave your email address or send me a message through facebook - www.facebook.com/loopy4ewe

How to Post A Fan Photo on Facebook

2010-03-30T10:38:00.003-04:00

Ok- Lots of people are arriving here by doing a search on how to post a fan photo on Facebook. So I'll tell you! Because it wasn't obvious to me at first either:)

On the page that you want to post a photo - just under the comment box there is a grey box that says "Attach" and it has icons for a link, photo, an event or a video. Click the 2nd icon to attach a photo and it'll take you through the process to post it.

And while you're at it - become of Loopy 4 Ewe Fan at http://www.facebook.com/loopy4ewe and I always love to see those fan photos!

If this helped you - leave a comment to let me know and say hey.

Want to Shop In Person?

2010-03-25T17:14:00.002-04:00

I've been busy whipping up some hats for a Spring Show! Yay for Spring Shows! It is my first Spring show, which is crazy considering these hats are perfect for Spring!

It is also my first time East of the city! yay!

When: Saturday, March 27 from 10am - 2pm
Where: Divine Infant Catholic School, 8100 Jeanne d'Arc Blvd in Orleans

It's a fundraising show for a competitive cheerleading team and they are expecting a lot of crafty vendors and vendors selling products (like epicure spices)

I have another show in Barrhaven coming up on Saturday, April 10. I'll post more details about that one soon!

Hat Production - Spring is here!

2010-03-08T08:14:00.004-05:00

Loopy 4 Ewe hats make the perfect spring accessory! I've been making a lot of Easter coloured inspired hats lately as well as these which have all been custom orders.

I'll have to take a picture of some of the sock creations that have been born lately! Truly they are just too cute. Including a super soft bunny and a cowboy. For now if you want to get your mitts on some of them you'll have to come and visit one of our shows.

Why People Stop By!

2010-02-17T12:03:00.003-05:00

It's interesting to see what people are searching for when they land on my blog. Lately a lot of people coming have been searching for information on The Weekend To End Women's Cancers (Formerly the Weekend to End Breast Cancer) http://www.endcancer.ca/

If this is something you are considering signing up for - DO IT! You will not regret your decision. If you're worried about fundraising - just get creative! When I signed up for my first walk (only last year) that was my big worry too. How will I raise the minimum required $2000 to be able to walk. It took some work, but it was great and you know - I raised more then just the $2000!

What did I do? I sent personalized emails to people asking for donations and explained why I was walking. Cancer effects so many people. Chances are if your asking someone they've either been effected by cancer or knows someone who has been. Which sucks.

I also got my community involved. I found a local organizer of a huge used clothing sale and my team set up a bake sale table. I had a friend having a street sale and she invited our team to set up a table and sell stuff - all proceeds going to the walk. We signed it well and told everyone - this way we had very few people haggling over prices! Some people even brought us stuff to sell or just handed us over a donation and we did bottle drives.

I also made stuff and sold it. Which inspired others to make stuff! Within the past 2 years I've made hats and lip balm cozies which I've sold and donated the proceeds to the walk which here benefits the Ottawa Regional Cancer Foundation. Then it grew - I had an amazing glass bead maker make handmade lampwork buttons that I used on my lipbalm cozies, an incredible seamstress made beautiful wallets made out of pink ribbon material that were sold, a bath and body maker made custom lip balm with our team name and url to go with my lip balm cozies! It's a snowball effect. If you start it and get the word out it grows. People want to help! Bookbinders, jewlery makers, card makers and more have all helped me by making handmade items that they've sold and donated the proceeds.

What can you do? Do you bake? Cook? Have a girls night in party with a min donation required. Does your local grocery store allow charities to hold bbqs? A garage sale and ask everyone you know for stuff to sell. Ask a store manager if you can set up a table and ask for donations from their customers (hand out ribbons, or our kids made pink and white zipper pulls/keychains!). The biggest thing that you may have to overcome is asking people for money. It's a good idea to remember that you're not askign for a handout. You're asking for money to help make a difference it the lives of millions. Don't you want to be a part of that?!?!

Yes, committing to this walk is a bit of a commitment. Yes, the idea of raising $2000 can seem scary. But you know what?!?! Anyone can do it - including YOU! You just need to put that thinking cap on and get to work. Ask your friends for ideas! It's not hard. And the memories you make from the walk will be worth it. So much so that you may find it a bit addictive:)

A few new hats

2010-01-24T08:47:00.004-05:00

I'm hoping this will post. I've been having issues lately connecting to some sites and posting pictures. Which is why I haven't been around much!

Here are 4 of the latest flappers I've done.

Post a Fan Photo on Facebook!

2010-01-21T11:55:00.002-05:00

No, I haven't dropped off the face of the earth. I got a new computer just before the holidays and have been having issues with various sites since I've received it. For some reason I have a hard time loading sites like Etsy and even this blog!

To keep the momentum going I'm asking for past customers to post their fan photos on the Loopy 4 Ewe facebook page. Do that and in February I will award one lucky fan who's posted a picture with a free Loopy 4 Ewe hat!

Fun eh? You get to show off your cuties and you may get a free hat out of the deal.

Here's the direct link:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Loopy-4-Ewe/137037377982?ref=ts

Down Time

2009-12-21T15:59:00.001-05:00

The shows are done. Woo Hoo

All of my orders are completed. Woo Hoo

Now I'm just crossing my fingers and toes that the last few packages arrive intime! They were all sent with plenty of time to arrive so please postal workers - get those few remaining packages delivered.

I finished a pair of socks I've been working on since the spring. Woo Hoo!

Taking a wee break from hooking. But I have 5 more hats I need to get made up soon. I will return to the hook after the holidays.

Tips for a Craft Show Organizer

2009-12-08T07:45:00.000-05:00

What makes me the expert? Nothing. But I have been to a more then a few as a vendor. There are shows that are well organized and well attended and others that aren't. I don't have all the answers - but I here is a list of items that I have found make for a better craft show.

1.Getting vendors is easy! Make sure you get the traffic too.

Vendors are eager to to go to successful craft shows. We hunt them down. Word of mouth, internet even publications. The key to a successful craft show is to get traffic with people who come prepared to spend money. Of course if your vendor products don't match your traffic target audience then there will be an issue there too.

If you are organizing a fundraiser make sure your community is willing to support you. At a recent (not so great) show another vendor came up to me and said he can tell if it will be good based on the bake sale table. If the parents and volunteer community within the organization are willing to support the bake sale with great baked goods, chances are it will be a good show. But don't rely on your immediate community of family and friends. Spread the word!

A. Signage within the neighbourhood. And good signs. BIG BOLD lettering that people can read while they're driving by. I've seen so many signs that I've been looking for and I can't even read them! Place, Date, Time maybe even directional arrows. If you need more space - use 2 signs spaced one behind the others so people can catch Craft Show, Date, Time then a few meters behind the place. This way if they're driving they don't have to strain to see it. I've been told I have amazing eyesight as a passenger and if I'm straining - there's an issue with the signs! Loads of signs - surrounding the neighbourhood.

B. Community Papers - use them! I know that most organizations don't have the advertising budget to place an ad. But ALL community papers have a "what's going on" section. Send them the information a few weeks in advance including the date, where, when, what, and even why if it's a fundraiser for something. Community papers love to support their communities! Even send out a press release and get them their for the event for some after event media coverage. The more you build the reputation of a show the more successful it will be year after year.

C. Web Sites - There are tons of websites that allow you to list events for free. Use them. Many people I know search Kijiji. Does your local community have a website about what's going on? Contact them and put a listing in. It's usually free for community organizations who are putting on a fundraising activity.

D. Drop Flyers - this is something that is so easy and can be so effective. Especially if you're a school. Make up a little 1/2 page flyer. It can be an simple black and white flyer with a little clip art. Get volunteers to help and simply put them into the mailboxes of the homes surrounding your organization. This can serve two purposes. The first is to invite them to the invent. If they're not part of your organization they may not be aware of it. And secondly it can at least alert them to (hopefully) increased traffic in the area as a common courteousy. I'm not talking thousands either - it doesn't take long to drop 200 flyers and it's great exercise. Of course avoid the houses that ask for no junk mail or flyers. The last thing you want to do is anger your neighbours.

2. Communicate!

This is huge. Communicate not only to your community and to the public but to your vendors! I know you're busy, but a few days before the show send out a reminder email (or call) to all the vendors. Build excitement with them! And give them, or remind them, the information they need. Where is the show. General directions. Do they check in (where) once they arrive. When can they start setting up? Will you have helpers there for vendors? If you're asking for a donation to a silent auction or raffle will someone go around to collect them? Will you have a canteen or a place where vendors can purchase food during the day. Specify that vendors are not allowed to pack up before the closing time!

Once at the show and vendors are set up - I've often found it's a nice touch when the organizers go around to each vendor if possible to thank them for joining them and to wish them success during the day. It's something so small, but it makes a big difference.

Feedback forms are great too!

3. If it's a Craft Show - make it a CRAFT Show.
I've been to craft shows that should have been called an open house or a shopping party or something else. As a crafter when I attend a craft show I expect it to be crafts! Not resellers! How are Ty Beanie Babies considered a craft? You know - I'm even fine with a few reps from something like Creative Memories, Epicure Spices even though it's a bit of a stretch but there is still some creativity involved in the end product, but selling china dolls from china? Or silk scarves from India? Don't get me wrong - I think there is a place for everything, but again if you are calling it a Craft Show - keep it to crafts. I know many artisans who are not as willing to stretch their imagination of crafts as I am.

Also - think about the layout of where you're putting your vendors. Do you have 2 card makers beside each other?

4. ATM Machine!
I know this one costs money - but if you're at all able to, bring in an ATM machine! Your patrons and vendors will love you for it:)

5. Seeking Vendors
As I mentioned before in my opinion it's very easy to get vendors. But make sure the vendors you get are right for your target audience and community. There are some wonderful crafters who are hobiests and price their pieces accordingly. There are some wonderful crafters who are artisans who actually pay themselves for their work and price their pieces accordingly. Are you looking to have more of a bazaar type sale with hobbiests? Or a slightly upper scale sale with artisans? Not that you need to choose one or the other. I think a great show has a good variety of items and a variety of price points. But something to think about.

I love doing craft shows! I love setting up and showing my Loopy wears. I love talking to potential buyers about my hats and the sock monkeys. I love talking to other vendors and checking out their talents. It's amazing what people can do!

I've always found it easy to tell when a show is successful. If vendors are buying it's been a good day:)

I don't think if you fall all of these tips that you'll have a guaranteed hit, but I do think that these tips will certianly help get you there. Organizing any type of event is no small task! It's a lot of hard work, organization, communication, blood, sweat and tears I get that! These are just tips of things I've noticed in the shows I've attended as to what makes for a better show then others.

I'm sure other crafters have other tips they'd like to share! Feel free to leave them in the comment section:)

Good luck!

Gotta love little helpers:)

2009-12-07T10:40:00.000-05:00

I was just taking a picture of all the size 0-3mth hats (and the newborn hat) I have in stock to email someone. I got the picture I needed and then my little guy wanted to help with the photo shoot. This was his vision:)

Ask and you shall receive! Some of the latest custom orders

2009-12-02T16:41:00.000-05:00

I've done a multitude of custom orders lately both from the online sites and from the shows I've attended. The moral of this post -I don't have everything in my online shops that I make. So if you think I can make something - ask! I probably can. Different colour combos, add a flower, whatever! There's just no way I can make all the hats and have pictures taken of them to post. Not enough hours in the day. And lets face it, on the rare occasion I do allow myself to slack off and take a hat free day:) Not often, but it happens on occasion.

This one is so cute I had to post 1 pictures of it so you could get the full view. One of the new colours I've been working with (sold out - waiting for a new shipment!) is Abbey Rose with the Burnt Orange - beautiful!

And as you can see it's an earflap hat with a flower :)

I also get a lot of requests for single coloured visors. Not a problem. I love the black here with the black flower. I've done this with the flapper style too - charcoal with a charcoal flower. Nice and subtle.

And 2 or 3 toned flowers! Not a great shot but you get the idea. The hats here are celery and the centre of the flower is celery for each of them. One row of petals one colour and the outside another colour. Very cute!

And I just really liked these hats - all in soft ecru with the rose pink and celery flower. Don't you love my new wicker heads too! So much nicer then that styrofoam ball!

I'm attending one more show this Sunday. Details are in the previous post. Well actually there's one last show after that but it's at an office building. I'm still maintaining my quick turn around and hats are still being shipped out within 3-5 days!

Another Chance to Shop in Person

2009-11-24T09:04:00.000-05:00

It's been a whirl wind of shows. Four down and two more to go.

The next show I will be at is:

Windows on Christmas
Sunday, December 6th from 9am - 3pm
Walter Baker Sports Centre, 100 Malvern Dr in Barrhaven

I also have a show scheduled for December 9 & 10 in an office building in Hull.

If I do any more I'll be sure to list them here. It's been a busy season and I'm loving it!

The Burgundy Order

2009-11-13T09:25:00.000-05:00

After our show last week I came home to a custom order of 6 hats in burgundy and grey. Here's a picture of them which are now on their way to Texas. I love these colours together.

I've done a lot of other custom orders too, I just haven't had the time to photograph them before shipping them out which is usually my first priority to get them to the buyer as quickly as a can.

I've also received some really great new colours! A dark grape, abbey rose and I think my new favorite it Tannin. Which is almost like a brown with a hint of purple. Gorgeous!

I also just finished an awesome adult flapper beanie that I will try to get pictures of after this weekend to list. A black one with a red flower. Beautiful, very classic looking.

We're just in the process of last minute prep work for our show this weekend which is being held at the Glebe Community Centre. If you're in Ottawa be sure to come and check it out!

First Show of the Season

2009-11-12T10:23:00.000-05:00

Well we had a great first show of the season and I'm hoping things only go up from there! As listed in the post before this one I'll be at the Glebe Community Centre this weekend!

I took some pictures of my table as I was excited about the new items I added this year. I think it's coming along great!

Every year I'm able to add a little bit more to the table to help make it a bit better. Of course every show you're at you learn something new too!

Want to Shop Loopy 4 Ewe in Person?

2009-11-05T07:44:00.001-05:00

'Tis the season for shows! So if you're in the Ottawa area and have wanted to buy a Loopy 4 Ewe hat but just weren't comfortable ordering online here's your chance!

All Saints Catholic High School Craft Fair
5115 Kanata Ave, Kanata, K2K 3K5
Saturday, November 7
9am and 3pm
*I will likely be in the gym
Admission is $1 or a non-perishable food item

GNAG Craft Fair
Glebe Community Centre
175 Third Ave, Ottawa, K1S 2K2
Friday, November 13 6pm-9pm
Saturday, November 14 10am - 5pm
Sunday, November 15 10am - 4pm

W.O. Mitchell Elementary School Craft Fair
Saturday, November 21
10am - 3pm
80 Steeple Chase Drive, Kanata, K2M 2A6

There are possibly 2 more shows that I am waiting to hear about and I will post them once they've been confirmed!

Prepping for my shows - what does it look like?!?!

2009-11-03T12:07:00.001-05:00

This is where I'm at with my show prepping:)

I have in my hands 12 sock monkeys. We'll have at least 14 for the first show I believe.

We have some great socks to that will eventually turned into adorable monkeys or other creations....

(I have no idea why spacing gives me an issue with some posts! Like this one!!)

I also have 54 new hats ready to go. And 1 more is almost done. I'd like to get at least another 10 done for the Saturday show.

Also in this shot you can kind of see one of the wicker heads I got. Not a great shot of it but they are adorable.

And I'm so excited because I just picked up my poster that my friend designed for me. It's awesome!

*Photo credits:

Shipra Panosian of Orlando, Florida

Melissa Fullmer of Dallas, Texas
Kim Vandermeer of Ottawa, Ontario

Traci Nelson of Hamilton, ON

I can't wait to see my table all set up with my new stuff!

Just really busy~

2009-11-02T14:06:00.000-05:00

I have not abandoned the blog! I'm just super busy preparing for my shows.

Although I did finally upload the picture of the little bear hat! So I'll leave you with that:)

I dont' have any listed and I don't have any instock - but if you'd like one just ask:) And I will be listing them at one point! I'm also hoping to have some instock for my upcoming shows!

Become a Facebook Fan!

2009-10-10T15:25:00.001-04:00

I've set up a business page on Facebook under Loopy 4 Ewe . Become a fan! Post pictures of Loopy hats in action in the fan photo section too - it's one of my favorite things to see!

Eventually I'll be offering exclusive offers through the Facebook fan page. Maybe even some contests for a chance to win FREE Loopy wears. Sounds good? I just need to get past the craft show circuit season, build the fan base and then we'll get things in motion.

See you over there!

What's been happening in Loopy land? Lots!!!

2009-10-09T15:46:00.000-04:00

I dropped off my order yesterday to 3 Little Monkey's on Bank St. yesterday! Some great hats from 0-3mths right up to 2-4T.

I've also been steadily working on custom orders like these ones!

I've been making double thick earflap hats for awhile now and have had every intention to get some made and put them up for sale in my shops but it just hasn't happened. So I was excited when someone asked me to make some for them.

I've also made this great charcoal hat with the black flower. I'm running low on charcoal and hoping my shipment arrives soon!

I also JUST finished this hat that's on it's way out the door as soon as I post this blog post. I love the bright colours of the flower.

New Colour Combo

2009-10-06T06:20:00.000-04:00

I've been getting in some new colours for my stash lately. Love the colours! Here are 2 hats that I've recently done with the newer colour combos. I'll be (not so) patiently waiting for the mail to arrive within the next couple of weeks because I've ordered some brand new colours that I can't wait to see. I'll be using them for inventory for my upcoming shows.

With these new colours my stash is growing. I think it may be time to retire some colours from my collection as well. That will be hard!

I'm still having a hard time photographing purple!! Seriously.I have tried different lights and it's just not working. This is the closest picture I've had to the truest colour. But it's not event close!

Quick Turn Around TImes

2009-10-03T10:53:00.000-04:00

I'm happy to report that even though I'm very busy making hats I still have a quick turn around time. Usually when a buyer puts in an order I can have the hats made and shipped withing 3-5 days. Sometimes even within a day. If you need it fast just let me know. I can usually accommodate.

Providing quality hats and great customer service are very important to me.

So even as we're approaching the busy season this will continue to be my goal!

If you have any questions feel free to contact me either through my iCraft shop or my Etsy shop.

Final 20 of the 104 order shipped!

2009-09-28T09:12:00.000-04:00

I shipped off the final 20 hats of the 104 hat order I was working on last week. These last 20 hats had some great new colour combinations including one of my new favorite. Here's a picture of just a few of the hats that were included in this order.

I thought I'd be ready to work on orders for my upcoming shows but this is not the case. Approx 57 more hats to make and THEN I can start working on inventory for shows. Although I think I will have to start sneaking some inventory in between orders soon or I won't have anything for my tables!

24 more hats on their way!

2009-09-16T16:33:00.000-04:00

Today I shipped off another 24 hats. And once again I did not have time to take a picture. 28 left to go and I can start working on inventory for my upcoming shows...well and orders I get between now and then!

Even though I didn't take pictures of those last 24 hats I do have some pictures to share!

This is a picture of the 15 hats I delivered last week to a shop in Kanata that carries just the smaller sizes. They made an appearance at the Baby Boom Show so who knows how many are left!

I had a customer ask me to make some sweet hats for two girls that are part of triplets and sent the two pink ones. The visor beanie is for their older sister.

Kim, a local photographer emailed me late last week asking what I had in stock for newborn hats, which was nothing, but I was quickly able to get these cuties off the hook for her and ready for her newborn weekend photo shoots! Can't wait to see the pictures from that. The hats always look WAY cuter on then flat or on styrofoam balls! lol

50 hats delivered / shipped

2009-09-13T10:01:00.000-04:00

Woo Hoo - On Sept 9 I managed to ship and deliver 50 hats. Phew. It sure felt good!

I didn't get a chance to take a picture of the 32 hats I shipped off to Denver. It's part of a much larger order that I'm still working on. I do have pictures on my other camera of the 3 hats I shipped off to BC and the 15 hats I dropped off at a local store.

I did take a picture on the camera I just uploaded of this hat that was purchased as part of a fundraiser for The Weekend To End Cancer. I had made another hat that was very close for her cousin that was a hot pink hat, a yellow centre and the flower petals were blue. The girls like to have the same, but different so switching up the flower colours is always a great option for situations like this.

I also received an email from a photographer in Hamilton who was in town and purchased one of my hats at a store in the Market. How great that she contacted me and was kind enough to share her pictures! This is one that she took. Thank you Traci from Creative Simplicity! Makes my heart melt:)

Right now I'm working on finishing the large order for Denver. I believe there are about 43 hats still to go. I'm almost done all the hats and will soon start adding the flowers! Some great new colour combinations coming. Plus I have a few other custom orders and I'm trying to sneak in some hats to take to the store in the market. All in all it's still very busy and no time for knitting socks yet!

Fundraising for The 2010 Weekend To End Cancer

2009-08-26T08:46:00.000-04:00

I was so excited to go to my mail box last night to find that the lip balms from Carvel Country Soap had arrived! I ordered 5 cherry, 5 raspberry and 5 strawberry lip balms to go with the new breast cancer awareness lip balm cozies I'm making with the handmade lampwork buttons from Brilliant Beads! Carvel Country Soap even made a custom label for our team - Groovy Boobie Girls! They're the perfect match for the cozies!

I'm selling the cozies for $15 (includes cozy, lip balm and shipping!) at both my iCraft and Etsy shops. So far I've only listed one in each but there are more to come.

I have enough buttons to make 20 cozies, although I will admit I finally kept one for myself! I didn't last year so this year I kept the first one I finished!

This is the one I kept for myself!

The proceeds from the sale of these lip balm cozies and lip balms are being donated to the Ottawa Regional Cancer Foundation to support the continued research, education and patient care for women with breast and gynecological cancers. Our goal is to raise $20,000 and help provide hope.

New Boy Visor Beanie

2009-08-26T08:42:00.001-04:00

I was making some hats to drop off at the local store and made up this cute visor beanie in a misty grey and apple green. I love the colours together. This is one I'd like to make to get photos taking to add to my iCraft and Etsy shops. Maybe one day! lol

Here's the latest batch of hats I made to bring to the store. They sold out of the last batch I brought them within 3 weeks! It's been a busy summer.

Sneak Peek of What's to Come!

2009-08-19T16:45:00.000-04:00

I think it's obvious by now that I'm participating in the 2010 Weekend To End Women's Cancers again this year? lol I'm on a personal quest to raise $2400 and to help our team achieve a goal of raising $20,000! In order to do that there's lots of fundraising involved. Besides asking friends and family to donate I try to get my craft involved!

Last year Gillian from Brilliant Beads made me some gorgeous handmade lampwork pink ribbon buttons. I once again asked her if she would do the same for me this year and she agreed. So these beautiful buttons are on their way to me right now! Soon I'll be able to add them to lip balm cozy key chains.

Also on their way are fabulous lip balms from Carvel Country Soaps! She's even made up some great labels for our Groovy Boobie Girl team so I can't wait to see them! They'll be in strawberry, cherry and raspberry flavours! I'll be selling some of the lip balm cozies with lip balm and some without. And of course the proceeds from the sales will be directed towards my 2010 Weekend to End All Women's Cancers!

As soon as I get them completed I'll be posting them on my Etsy http://www.loopy4ewe.etsy.com/ site and my iCraft site www.icraft.ca/loopy4ewe I have about 9 cozies that are just waiting for buttons and won't take me long to complete! Hopefully within a week I'll have some listed.

Some of the Custom Orders Completed

2009-08-18T13:23:00.001-04:00

Here are just a few pictures of my recent custom orders. An adult hat in brown with a pale pink flower and an apple green centre along with 2 lip balm cozies.

These were actually part of a trade I did with Becca Bee Designs (www.beccabeedesigns.etsy.com) who makes the BEST girls dresses. We have 5 now and LOVE them all. Very well made, wash, dry and they come out gorgeous! And psst - she has a back to school sale on now!

And these two cuties that were for sisters - a soft ecru hat with a pale pink flower and celery center and not to be exactly the same but to match is a pale pink hat with an ecru flower and celery center. They were really sweet.

No time to photograph

2009-07-23T09:26:00.000-04:00

I have been working on a number of items that have gone out without me taking pictures! This included 12 hats that I dropped off at a local store a few weeks ago.

I did manage to snap a some quick picts of these cute hats. Similar but just the colour of the inside of the flower is different.

This is the ever popular flapper beanie in Ivory with a rose pink double flower. One flower has a celery centre the other has a soft teal centre. I can make you a hat of any colour combination too either through my Etsy store www.loopy4ewe.etsy.com or my iCraft shop www.icraft.ca/loopy4ewe

And I managed to take better pictures of this hat. The previous pictures didn't show it off very well.

What I really need to do is make some hats to send off to my photographers again. Oh and make some hats for the upcoming November shows! I feel so behind already. Note to self - contact the retailers soon to get their fall orders. Ack!

I've also been working on lip balm cozies that I will be selling again with the proceeds going to The Weekend To End Breast Cancer. My team, The Groovy Boobie Girls has a goal to raise $20,000! Not bad for a bunch of chicks:) I have a few cozies ready, just waiting for the amazing buttons from Gillian of Brillian Beads. She's once again making me some amazing handmade lampwork pink ribbon buttons for these cozies. And Krysta from Carvel Country Soaps is going to make some yummy lip balm for me to go with the cozies this year! They'll have a special Groovy Boobie Girl label and will come in Strawberry, Raspberry and Cherry flavours! Stay tuned!

28 Hats Down, 54 To Go!

2009-07-07T10:10:00.000-04:00

I finished the first 3rd of an order. Here's the first 26 hats I completed and shipped off to Denver. Woo Hoo. And his is what they look like:)

I also made these 2 lip balm cozies which I listed in my Etsy shop. I'm still donating 80% of all items with pink (and all lip balm cozies- pink or not) to Breast Cancer until July 15! Shop for a cause:) The lady bug one has already sold - Thanks for your support!

Newborn Hat in Action

2009-07-06T15:15:00.000-04:00

hehe - a couple of weeks ago I had a local photographer ask if I could make her a hat for a photo session that coming weekend. Of course I could! Check out her too blog posts for a picture of the sweet baby boy sporting a newborn Loopy 4 Ewe hat. Have I mentioned how much I LOVE seeing little ones (and big ones) wearing on of my hats! Meep:)

Here's Kim's blog post 1 - scroll to the last picture for the hat pict: Introducting Baby "C"

And the 2nd post (top photo!) - The Rest of Baby "C"

I showed this hat a few posts ago - here, but seeing them flat just doesn't do them justice.

2010 Weekend To End Breast Cancer

2009-06-27T07:31:00.000-04:00

As I've mentioned I'm once again planning to raise $2000 and walk 60 km next June for the Weekend To End Breast Cancer.

Of course fundraising is a huge part of this. All funds raised go to support the Ottawa Regional Cancer Foundation to support ground breaking research. More information and information on donating can be found at http://www.endcancer.ca/goto/jay A tax receipt will be automatically issued for direct donations.

Out team has many fundraising activities planned. It's my personal goal to attempt to reach over $100 by July 15. In an effort to do that I've decided to donate 80% of all items sold from either my Etsy shop or my iCraft shop that has pink in it (even if it's just the centre of a flower!) to The Weekend To End Breast Cancer until July 15! Even custom orders!

If you've been thinking about purchasing a hat now would be a great time. Please help spread the word and help support an amazing cause. If you have any questions you're welcome to email me too!

Thanks!

Oh The Hats I've Made

2009-06-26T18:48:00.000-04:00

Life has not slowed down. I've been busy busy busy doing landscaping projects and despite saying I was going to take this year off I have already signed up to do the 2010 60km Weekend To End Breast Cancer walk. Not only as a participant - but this time as a team captain! Our team the Groovy Boobie Girls is currently made up of 6 women. My goal was 7 but it looks like we may have 10! How great is that. 10 women means $20,000 towards ALL Women's cancers. Amazing!

And of course I've been making hats. I've been busy working on the order of 84 hats. 28 hats are done, working on the flowers for those hats then darn and sew them on. 1/3 of the order will be done. My goal is to have the first third done by the end of next weekend. And here are a bunch of other hats I've been making - custom orders.

I love how this wee hat turned out. All soft ecru with a pale sage green in the center. It's gorgeous and so classy.

These are a bunch of hats I made to take to one of the local stores. I've been trying to make more to bring her because they keep selling but I'm only a one woman show! lol

And these hats were also a custom order for the store too. A woman hat come in and wanted to get her grandbaby a hat and asked if she could get a matching one for Mom and one for Dad too!

This past week a had a couple emails asking me for some quick hats for baby pictures. This cute hat was for a wee one. I had made a 0-3mth size but then found out she was just a wee one so I quickly made a newborn hat. Good thing - the newborn hat fit her perfectly!

And I finished this cute baby boy hat yesterday for another local photographer. Love the white with the robins egg blue! Can't wait to see the pictures :)

Where Have I Been?

2009-06-10T08:56:00.000-04:00

I've been saving lives! Well - it sounds a bit dramatic but I just finished the 2 day, 60km Weekend to End Breast Cancer where our team of 5 women raised over $12,000 to help find a cure for Breast Cancer. There was a shirt in one of the tents that I almost bought "Someone I loves saved lives this weekend" Loved it.

And organizing a fair at a local school. Things like that sure suck up a lot of time, but so worth it!

I've been busy working on orders and getting them sent off and not a lot of time has been spent on taking pictures. Hopefully I'll get back into that swing of things soon!

Thanks for sticking around!

Loopy 4 Ewe's Sock Monkeys

2009-05-17T09:31:00.000-04:00

I've mentioned before that my Mom was the one who taught me how to knit and crochet. She also attempted to show me how to sew. Something I was never able to master. I wish though!

She also helps me with my Loopy business. She comes up and participates in shows with me which is awesome! She also makes the cutest sock monkeys that we sell at our shows. I just took some pictures for a show that we're applying for. Our first juried show. Gulp. Fingers crossed for this one. But I wanted to show off her work because the monkeys are too cute!

Yay for awesome Moms!

Plugging away at hats

2009-05-09T10:05:00.000-04:00

I have an order of 84 hats to get working on. I'm trying to tie up loose ends and of course get orders that come in out as quickly as I can. May is an extremely busy month in this household so it's a bit of a challenge to get orders out in a timely manner. I usually like to ship within 1-2 days of the order. Lately it's been taking 4-5 days. Not terribly long considering all items are handmade by me, but longer then I like:)

Here are some hats I've recently completed. I few flappers in some colour combos I've done for a different style hat but not for flapper hats.

I'm donating this hat to my friend who is organizing a walk for JDRF. It will go on their raffle table.

And this hat is one that my husband has been telling me to make forever. And I've been wanting to make forever, I just haven't gotten there. But I had a request for one and I've done it. The hat is done, but I'm going to make a clip on flower to add to it. I'll take pictures of the 2 together when the flower is done. The bookends don't do this hat justice. It needs a cute kid in there!

Finally Finished! Ribbon of Hope Afghan

2009-05-06T08:47:00.001-04:00

I finished this Afghan a couple of weeks ago, just never had a chance to get the pictures until now. And I had no idea how to take a decent shot of it.

I had intended to make this afghan for a raffle with all proceeds going to the Weekend to End Breast Cancer. Unfortunately my intention was to finish it last August. But that didn't happen. It's finished now and I'm not sure what to do with it. Should I try to sell it? With all proceeds still going to Breast Cancer? It's a large afghan. I haven't measured it but it's certainly big enough to cuddle up with.

I'm just not sure what to do. I'm happy with how it turned out though and happy to move it from the WIP pile to the completed pile.

Spring has sprung but it's still busy

2009-04-25T17:19:00.000-04:00

I have no idea where my days are going. Well, not true. I have a lot on the go between Loopy stuff, volunteering, my kids, and training for the 60km Weekend To End Breast Cancer (even with a gimpy foot!)

I still need to take a picture of the completed ribbons of hope Afghan. But I did take a picture of some of the hats I dropped off today at a local store for a custom order. Two more hats I need to work on and finish this weekend. I've also had a cool request that I'm looking forward to trying out.

May is going to be insane too. I hope I can take the time to finish the 2nd sock sometime soon!

Custom Hat Being Posted Today

2009-04-14T11:55:00.000-04:00

A couple days ago I had a request to make a hat to match a great petty skirt. So here it is. I finished it last night and it's going in the mail today.

I love custom orders! Thanks for asking me to make this!

Hats for a Twins Newborn Photo Session

2009-04-07T09:42:00.000-04:00

I was asked by Natasha Moine, Ottawa photographer extraordinaire, to make some new hats for a twin photo session she has this week. Quick timing since the session is on Friday, but of course I was up to the challenge!

I honestly think these are the cutest newborn hats I've made to date. I just love them. Took awhile to get them right and I had to rip them out quite a few times, but I love how they turned out.

Of course you can have your own cutie hats like this. Just contact me either through my iCraft site : www.icraft.ca/loopy4ewe or my Etsy site http://www.loopy4ewe.etsy.com/

I'd love to make you one:)

More hats finished and on their way to new homes

2009-04-03T10:19:00.000-04:00

Last weekend I stopped in at one of the local shops that sells my hats. The message I got - bring in more hats! So I started making them on Monday with the hopes of having 10 completed that I could bring in today (Friday). I managed to get 12 finished and here are the 12 hats I'll be bringing in. I really love the Spring colours. Beautiful!

Flapper Hats and Lacy Beanies Finished

2009-03-25T08:34:00.000-04:00

I finished up the wholesale order I've been working on. Twenty Five hats in a combination of flapper style and lacy beanies.

I love the colours. Very Spring and Easter like. I'll be delivering these today. WooHoo!

Fun Work in Progress of Flapper Hats and Lacy Beanies

2009-03-23T11:10:00.000-04:00

I'm working on 25 hats to bring to 3 Little Monkeys on Bank Street in Ottawa. March break threw me behind schedule, but it's coming along nicely!

I thought it would be fun to show a work in progress. All of the hats are completed and ends darned in. I have 18 of the 25 flowers finished and as you can see I still need to darn in the ends and sew them on the hats.

This is a picture of the hats in their "size" pile. Important to keep track of which size flower needs to be made

And a picture of the hats with the flowers that are done so far. As you can see there are lots of ends to darn in.

There are some really cute hats and colour combos in this order!

Limited Edition Vintage Fabric Bib for a Good Cause

2009-03-23T08:22:00.000-04:00

I have been so fortunate to have "meet" some great artisans. Since signing up and fundraising for the 60km Weekend To End Breast Cancer many artisans have offered to make and sell something with all the proceeds going to my walk.

Rikrak made the cutest limited edition raspberries and cream vintage little quilt fabric bib . How sweet is this. Makes a perfect gift for someone you know or even a great addition for your own baby. And not only will you feel all warm and fuzzy for buying such a great product from an amazing seller, but you can also feel warm and fuzzy for supporting The Ottawa Regional Cancer Foundation in their efforts to help men and women fighting breast cancer.

Thank you Rikrak for your support and thank you to all the great buyers who have been purchasing the products from artisans who support great causes like the fight against Breast Cancer.

Other items that are still for sale that will benefit Breast Cancer are here:

Sixth and Elm's wood burned box with an antique stain.

String Me Along's Peruvian pink oval earrings

Paisley Baby's card holder/mini wallet

Adorn You's charm bracelet

Stuff by Steph's rug for your mug and journaling tags

Prices of these items range from $50 to $5. Thanks to everyone for their support!

Professional Shots

2009-03-21T11:45:00.000-04:00

I was so excited to open my email this morning to see that Shipra Panosian had sent me some pictures she had taken of my hats! I already listed one on my Etsy site. I'm not sure if the pictures are large enough to list on my iCraft site, but I will try soon. Of course I take custom orders on either site.

Here's just a sample of the pictures Shipra sent to me:

She has some other hats that she is going to shoot for me as well. I just can't wait to see them. If you are located in her area of Whitefield, Main. I highly recommend you seek her out for your family shots. Just look at her work!

(Blogger is driving me batty! I have tried and tried to get several spaces in here, but it's not working! hehe)

I've been very fortunate to have met and worked with Natasha Moine who is local for me. She works out of Ottawa and is such a sweet heart to work with. Amazing with children as we learned first hand when she took some incredible family pictures for us. She's also taken some product shots for me.

And of course Melissa Fullmer who is in the Texas area has also taken some gorgeous pictures for me. She's expecting her 2nd child very soon and I'm hoping that once that little girl arrives that I'll be seeing some more cute pictures arriving soon:) Can't wait.

It's like receiving little gifts when I open my email to see pictures of children wearing my hats. Whether it's professional shots for my listings and products or even when customers send me pictures of themselves and their kids wearing my loopy hats. I just love it! So please keep the pictures coming.

Soap Addiction

2009-03-20T09:24:00.001-04:00

Since opening my Etsy store I've been introduced to some great artisans. I love to buy handmade items. One of which is soap! I've read a few blog posts recently who showed off their soap collections and I thought it would be a fun thing to do. One day last week I took out my soaps from one drawer. I didn't bother to go through my house and pull soap and goodies from my other stashes like the fridge for the muscle cream from Bovine Bubbles or my purse for soap on the go from Carvel Country Soap. And of course it doesn't include all the soaps, bath salts, candles and melts that I have purchased to pass on to my mom. Which I think equals this stash:)
What's in my soap stash? Fabulous handmade soaps from Clean and Bright, Shannon's Irish Bliss, Bovine Bubbles and Carmel. Bar Shampoo from Carmel Soaps and liquid hand soap from Carvel.

If you start it's hard to stop!

I'll also admit I'm a paper addict. I love to buy handmade cards. I won't even take a picture of all the cards I have. But I am very good at giving handmade cards for almost all occasions. I still have a few of the store cards that are in my stash that I have to hand out every once in awhile. My card stash became a little out of control so I switched it over to soap.

And since I gave a shout out to some of my favorite soap makers I'll also give a little shout out to some of my favorite handmade card makers. I've bought from all these sellers multiple times. There are many others that I'd recommend too but my list woud be a bit nightmarish if I listed them all! But I love, love, love the products from Creative Paper Trail, Amie Hartman Designs, and DZ Designs just to name a few. There are sooo many though:)

I think my soap addiction has become a little out of control now too. What should I buy now?!?

I will admit that I have now started to buy handmade kids clothes to replace my once handmade card addiction turned handmade soap addiction.

Cute Little Flappers

2009-03-20T09:19:00.001-04:00

Here's a picture of the latest wee hats I made and sent out.

They were a custom order for someone in Vancouver who had purchased one of my hats from a local store who had run out of the smaller sizes. Thanks so much for finding me! I love custom orders and sell my hats in my Etsy Store and my iCraft Store online.

I'm working on another order for 3 Little Monkeys which is a local store on Bank St. They've also run out of the smaller sizes. I'm excited to get this order completed and dropped off since there are some cute new hats that I'm creating! Of course pictures will follow:)

Trying To Get Up To Speed

2009-03-09T12:03:00.001-04:00

I've done a ton of creating lately. I just haven't had time to get things set up to show off all the work! So here's a quick post to get caught up.

I made this gorgeous soft ecru visor beanie with the pale pink flower. One of my recent favs I think.

An adult flapper in sage green with a double layer brown flower. The sage is such a great colour.

And my very latest. A beanie for Breast Cancer Awareness which is for sale here in my Etsy shop. It sells for $32 and all the proceeds will be donated to the 60km Weekend To End Breast Cancer walk I'm participating in. I'm getting there. Just over $700 left to raise to meet my $2000 goal. If you'd like to make an online donation (Receipts automatically issued for donations over $10 to Canadians) you can visit my page here. Thanks!

And I recently sent off some Lip Balm Cozy Keychains that will become part of some Team TransCanada Goodie Bags which will sell on the TransCanada Etsy page for a steal! Watch for them. (Sorry the picture is sideways)

Completed Custom Orders

2009-02-23T20:32:00.001-05:00

I've just finished up a few custom orders. I'm still working on two more, but it won't be long.

A pink flapper with a navy flower. It's a bit hard to see the navy in this picture.

An itty bitty newborn sized hat. Which is smaller then my 0-3mth hats. Not the best picture since I was expecting it to be picked up at any moment. Instead the baby had other plans for her and Mom :D Which just made my day when I heard that!

I love the bright hats. Pinks and browns are very popular, but I love the hats that pop - like this fuchsia hat with the white flower and orange center. So bright and cheery!

It's Been Awhile

2009-02-17T10:24:00.000-05:00

Well, just over a week, but still. Seems like awhile considering everything that's been happening

I've been busy and just getting over a nasty virus that knocked me out of commission. Good thing it happened on a long weekend when hubby was home to help out.

Spring is on it's way which means it's about to get busier for me! Yay!

I dropped 16 hats off at one of the local stores, Tickled Pink, on Friday.

And I just finished this cute order for Naturally Sweet based in Alberta.

I have some great ideas in the works. One is for a Breast Cancer Awareness Beanie. If it will actually come to fruition as I imagine it I will be selling them in person and in my Etsy shop with all proceeds going to my 60km Weekend to End Breast Cancer Walk in June 2009! Coming up fast now! The other idea...well I won't even hint at it. But I've been getting more and more requests for it lately so it's sure to be a hit!

Canadian At Par at www.loopy4ewe.com

2009-02-07T11:33:00.000-05:00

I will have pictures soon of some of the hats I've made. But for now I just wanted to let everyone know that I'm offering Canadian at Par in my Etsy shop.

Here's what you'll need to do.

1. Go through the Etsy part of the transaction - place the item(s) in your cart, checkout, select the address you'd like it shipped to and confirm your purchase.

2. Do NOT follow the Paypal link. Stop the transaction there. I will issue you a Paypal invoice in Cdn Funds that you can pay.

Unfortunately I can't change the currency on Etsy so this is the only way I can make this happen. But it's a great deal for you Canucks who love to shop on Etsy!

Or if you'd prefer - my icraft shop is always in Canadian Funds. Check it out at www.icraft.ca/loopy4ewe

This special will run for the entire month of February 2009 and is even valid for special orders!

International CPSIA Blog-In: Awareness & Action!

2009-01-28T08:01:00.000-05:00

Chances are you will read the following post more than a few times in blog land today.

Please do take a few minutes to read through this post. I and so many others truly appreciate your time. While this new law applies to families living in the US it does effect international sellers like myself who make products for children and sell them in the States.

It concerns the CPSIA or the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act, a new set of laws that will come into effect in the U.S. on 10 February, 2009 and will impact many, many people in a negative way. To show how real this is, Forbes, the American Library Association and numerous other media are paying close attention to it. Although I believe that this law came about to truly protect our children based on the massive number of toy recalls last year myself and many others don't think they have thought it out well enough. It is too broad a band-aid and needs to be investigated more.

But how will these new laws affect you? Here are a few examples:

To the Parents of Young Students:
Due to the new law, expect to see the cost of school supplies sky rocket. While those paper clips weren't originally intended for your student to use, they will need to be tested now that your 11-year-old needs them for his school project. This law applies to any and all school supplies (textbooks, pencils, crayons, paper, etc.) being used by children under 12.

To the Avid Reader:
Due to the new law, children's books will be pulled from library and school shelves. There is no exemption for them. Here is an article from the American Library Association.

To the Lover of All Things Handmade:
Due to the new law, that blanket you originally had your eye on for $50 will now cost you around $1,000 after it's passed testing. But then it won't even be the one-of-a-kind blanket you were hoping for. Items are destroyed in the testing process making one-of-a-kind items virtually impossible. So that gorgeous crocheted hat you bought your child this past winter won’t be available to you next winter.

To the Environmentalist:
Due to the new law, we're due to find items in non-compliance dumped into already overflowing landfills. Imagine not just products from the small business owners, but the big box stores as well. They can't sell it and they can't even give them away. If they are caught, it is a violation.

To the Second-Hand Shopper:
Due to the new law, you will now need to spend the money for that brand new pair of jeans for your 2-year old, rather than shop at the Goodwill for second hand. Many resale shops are eliminating children's items all together to avoid future lawsuits.

To the Entrepreneur Like Me:
Due to this new law, you will be forced to adhere to strict testing of your unique products or discontinue making and/or selling them. Small businesses will be likely to be unable to afford the cost of testing and be forced to close up shop. In a time when unemployment is reaching record highs, this doesn't bode well for the economy.

To the Antique Toy Collector:
Due to the new law, you'd better start buying now because it's all going to private collection and will no longer be available to purchase. “Because the new rules apply retroactively, toys and clothes already on the shelf will have to be thrown out if they aren't certified as safe.” Read about this in an article from The Wall Street Journal.

If you think this is exaggerating, here is a recent article from Forbes .
And for those of you prepared for an intellectual workout, The CPSIA

Thanks for reading!

Hmmm - What have I done lately

2009-01-27T19:18:00.000-05:00

I just realized it's been awhile since my last post. I've been steadily working on hats and have completed some pretty cute ones. Right now besides working on a steady stream of orders I'm also working on some hats to send to photographers. Here are a few pictures of some of the hats I've completed recently.
These are really sweet. And I love the soft colors. I will eventually make these in larger sizes as well. These are just itty bitty, perfect for a shower gift! I've already listed these in my Etsy shop.

And something that I've been trying to figure out for awhile but finally put some time into it. Here's a typical visor beanie and the flower is detachable! So you can move it around, change it up and even where just the flower in your hair if that's what you'd like:)

Not too keen on these ones

2009-01-16T10:35:00.000-05:00

Here is a picture of the last pair of socks I completed. I thought I would love them. I love the yarn, I love the stripes, I love the colour! Unfortunately I tried a different sock pattern which I'm not too keen on. They're just more slouchy then I'd like them to be. Perfectly fine socks, but not my favorite fit.

I still have to pick out which sock yarn to use for my next pair.

Flapper Hats Ready to Ship Out

2009-01-13T15:10:00.000-05:00

I have just put the finishing touches on these 3 hats and will be heading to the post office momentarily. I love the bright colours. The grape and apple green look amazing together.

Mine, All Mine

2009-01-11T15:00:00.000-05:00

I rarely make anything for myself, until I started making socks. But I needed a hat. It's funny that a girl who makes and sells hats didn't even own one. Yeah, lots of ribbing about that. So I finally made myself an earflap hat out of cotton. It's a bit different from the ones I make for kids. I did this one with 2 strands of cotton so it's still double thick, but instead of using a single crochet stitch I made it using a half-double crochet stitch.

It's very comfy. I've worn it almost all day. I don't look too happy in this picture. lol That wasn't the intent. I must have been concentrating too hard to take a decent picture:)

Socks, Flapper, Brim Beanie

2009-01-05T12:50:00.000-05:00

I didn't have time to take a picture of these until now. My girl has been bugging me for handmade socks. I started making socks this past summer. For me. Just for me. No one else. Every time she saw me knitting socks she'd ask when she was getting a pair. In August while on vacation she came with me to a gorgeous yarn store. And there I had her pick out some sock yarn that I would make her a pair of socks with. I'm also suppose to make myself a pair of socks with the same yarn.

Great. Not a problem...but it was 6ply yarn. And although the ladies at the store told me to just cast on xx (48 stitches maybe?) instead of the usual socks are way to new to me to be messing with a pattern like that. I finally found a pattern for kids socks using 6ply yarn at a local yarn store and made these socks in time for Christmas. They were a gift so I didn't check them before making the 2nd. Sure enough they were too small. So I had to cut the toe off, pick up the stitches and made them longer.

The good news is she loves them. I still need to find a pattern to make adult socks from the same yarn.

I have also just finished and shipped a custom order for the following flapper and brim beanie. I'm working on finishing up two more brim beanies that will be delivered tonight if all goes well.

A Newbie's Needle Felting Creations

2009-01-02T15:52:00.000-05:00

I finally got to try my hand at needle felting. How cool is that! Take roving, stab it with a needle and voila! Here are the two things I made.

A frog - incase it's not obvious:) Poor frogger was man handled (well boy handled really) before I managed to get his picture taken, so he's a bit worse off then he started, but you get the idea. I received a kit to make him over the holidays.

And this is my gnome. But he's not finished yet. Still a work in progress.

Handmade for Breast Cancer Fundraising

2009-01-02T08:15:00.000-05:00

With the holidays over and the new year beginning I'm able to focus again on other things happening in my life. The walk that I am participating in to raise funds for breast cancer is this year! June 2009. Only 6 months left to go. To date I have raised $1185 through various venues. In order to participate in the 60km walk I still need to raise an additional $815.

I've been fortunate to have some incredible artisans help me on my journey. Many I have already mentioned in various blog posts. Today I'd like to mention two more.

Tellie from Sixth and Elm has offered this beautiful wooden box that will be wood burned with the script from the love letters of Abelard and Heloise in french and stained a light antique pink colour! How great is this to keep your treasures in. She will be donating the proceeds of this box to The Weekend To End Breast Cancer.

Sharon from Adornyou has made this Breast Cancer Awareness Bracelet. And she is also offering the proceeds of this bracelet to The Weekend To End Breast Cancer.

Thank you so much to Sixth and Elm and Adornyou for your generosity and support!

Just in the Nick of Time

2008-12-24T08:46:00.000-05:00

Last night I picked up the mitts from my friend to go with the hat I posted yesterday. Here they are. I will once again say that these are by far the best mittens ever! So warm and cozy. Love them and I'm happy to share them with an awesome buyer I have.

I also finished a hat for my hubby that will be wrapped momentarily. He has been asking me for a hat for about 2 years. Heavily for the last year. I don't think he was actually expecting me to finish one in time for Christmas but here it is.

The only question that remains is can I finish a pair of socks in time? Tick tock.

And let me just gush about my camera for a second. I love my new camera! Nikon D60. I took these pictures this morning. The sun is not fully up yet. The room is still quiet dark. I didn't use a flash. They are no where near perfect pictures, but I am thrilled with the clarity and even the fact that it picked up the blues in the dark hat for my hubby!

Great Combo

2008-12-23T12:56:00.000-05:00

I just finished up another special order. I'll be picking up a pair of the Best Mittens Ever from a friend to match this hat and ship them off to the buyer.

I do love this colour combination.

Mmmm Sage

2008-12-23T10:44:00.001-05:00

I had a special request to make a sage green visor beanie with a cream flower. I was torn as to what to make the center. At first I made a flower with navy, but wasn't too keen on it, so I opted for an antiqued pink. I think it complements it nicely.

Two More Hand Delivered

2008-12-22T16:40:00.001-05:00

Lately I've been getting the hats finished without having time to take pictures.

Well Yay - I managed to get pictures of these two.

Just a quick one

2008-12-14T10:04:00.000-05:00

I've completed a few projects. Here are the latest things to come off of my hook, that I managed to catch pictures of:

Brown Flapper Beanie with a Pale Pink Double Flower and a Celery Center

Brown Visor Beanie with Pale Pink Stripes

Brown Visor Beanie with Rose Pink Stripes

New socks right in the thick of it

2008-12-08T16:31:00.001-05:00

I had a few days "off". It was wonderful. So what do I do when I'm taking time off from crocheting? Well knit socks of course! I had completed one of these socks awhile ago and had finished up to the heel on the 2nd one (top down) So I only had to finish up the 2nd one.

So here they are! My newest socks:)

Brim beanies and Flappers Shipping out

2008-12-02T10:34:00.000-05:00

I have 6 hats I'm taking to the Post Office today to ship. I am back to being fairly caught up and wait times have been reduced again:) Yay. Most items/orders will likely ship within 3 days now.

These hats are another "Mom & Me" set. Teehee - so cute!

Express to Vancouver

2008-11-28T10:26:00.001-05:00

I have just completed (still need to tag) these 20 hats that will be making their way to a shop in Vancouver. Some great new colour combos here too!

Black Friday to Cyber Monday - Free Shipping in my Etsy Shop

2008-11-28T08:51:00.001-05:00

Who doesn't love a good deal.

Between Friday, November 28 to Monday, December 1 I will be offering FREE WORLDWIDE SHIPPING in my Etsy Shop on all of my items. I have already changed the shipping charges so you can just add the items to your cart and go! No minimum purchase either. Free shipping on everything to everywhere!

What will you find in my shop right now? Hats and scarflettes. This offer is even valid for custom orders!

10 Hats to Go

2008-11-26T12:25:00.000-05:00

Last week not only did I deliver the 20 hats that I previously posted about, but I also delivered these 10 hats to a store in Kanata. Unfortunately I wasn't able to catch the natural light for this picture.

I did want to highlight one of the hats though - the fuscia with the white flower and gold centre! I love the brightness of it.

I've also just 19 out of 20 hats for an order being shipped off to Vancouver very soon. Once I finish the last hat I will be making the flowers, sewing them on and darning in the ends. Out of this order came a great colour combination of charcoal and red. It looks super! Hopefully I'll be lucky enough to get some nice light to take those pictures.

Jingle Bell Rock Christmas Shoppe

2008-11-23T19:29:00.000-05:00

What: A shopping party with multiple vendors selling handcrafted items

Date: Saturday, December 6, 2008

Time: 2pm - 6pm

Location: 150 Abaca Way, Stittsville, ON

Who:
Soul Sister Designs - Contemporary hand stamped marble coasters, trivets, wall hangings and candle platters

Loopy 4 Ewe - Crocheted hats and accessories available in all sizes (newborn to adult) and sock monkeys

Crazy Bliss - Whimsical and fun stocking stuffers, cards and gifts

Photographics - Photographic greeting cards, nature and pet themes

Come on out and join us. There will be hot apple cider and tasty treats!

Any questions - let me know.

20 Hats Ready to Roll

2008-11-18T14:01:00.001-05:00

I just finished tagging (and making of course) the last of my first order I'm delivery to a cute local store! Here are the 20 hats I made for 3 Little Monkeys. And out of these I think I now of new favorites!

I just love this pastel pink with the white flower and celery center!

And for boys I love this brown with soft ecru stripes...a little Oreo cookie hat:) Yummy!

I thought my camera was ready to bite the dust. Instead what I realized is that little fingers have attacked it. Hopefully I have solved the problem and any other pictures I take will be with out the bit of smudging!

Flowered Brim Beanie and Flapper

2008-11-14T17:13:00.000-05:00

I just finished and shipped two hats today that I was actually able to get photographed. I've just been shipping them out faster then I can click.

These two hats were custom orders. I hope they keep their new heads toasty:)

Nothing to show

2008-11-10T22:36:00.000-05:00

I have been making custom orders like crazy! I wish I had taken pictures but I've been packing them up and shipping them off faster then I can take the pictures. It's great. Busy time of year. Before the weekend I had 56 hats I had to complete. Now I'm down to 45. I completed more then the 11, but had a few orders at the same time.

I'm not complaining. I love it.

Tonight I took a hat to a Mom to try on her little girl. She wants it in a different colour, but the little girl loved the hat! Now I can't wait until I finish her own little hat and bring it to her:) Nothing like seeing the little ones wearing a Loopy hat!

Finding Balance

2008-11-04T16:14:00.000-05:00

It has been a busy, busy past couple of months with no real end in site. I am not complaining. I love being busy and I love that my hats have become so successful. What I need to focus on is the ability to find balance. Today after meeting with a local store and receiving an order for 20 hats I decided that I needed to take advantage of the day and spend sometime with my kids.

Today I attempted to add a bit of balance into the mix. We went to see these sculptures and we were lucky enough to met the artist too! Rocks balanced on each other. Beautiful!

Sweetness

2008-10-30T12:43:00.000-04:00

My friend recently had twin girls. I made these hats just for them and mailed them off. I was suppose to meet the girls this week but was sick so I had to postpone my visit. I can't wait to see the cuties!

Recently I was asked to make Mommy & Me hats, both in brown. This is the finished version. I think it would be great to see a picture of the pair:)

And I thought I'd include this picture too. These are hats I made for the Westboro store last month. I love some of the colour combinations in this one.

I have been busy preparing for shows. I have three in the coming weeks and I'm concerned about inventory levels. Once these shows are behind me I will start working on some new hats which will include earflaps (helmet heads) and aviator hats. Stay tuned.

A New Store

2008-10-25T06:30:00.000-04:00

Last night ten hats made their debut in a Kanata store. Well, actually they'll likely be on out and ready to sell today. I used a few new colours for these hats that likely won't make it into either my Etsy shop or my iCraft shop since I have a limited amount of it.

I'm also busy with craft shows. The one I attended last weekend was a bit of a bust. Clearly not my target audience, but it's a learning experience. I have 3 more planned within a week. I have to rebuild inventory again as I dropped a bunch of the hats off to the Westboro store after last weeks show.

I also received more professional pictures from Mellisa Fullmer who is based out of Texas. A photographer I am not. I will gladly leave that to the professionals!

Cuteness

2008-10-16T12:56:00.000-04:00

Natasha Moine is an incredible, local, photographer that I have had the pleasure of meeting and working with. I fell in love with her style as soon as I saw this picture! She has photographed some very cute children and wee baby wearing some Loopy hats and I just had to share.

You'll see these pictures on some listings soon, once the craziness of craft show season ends.

Beautiful aren't they!

The start of a hat display

2008-10-11T12:45:00.000-04:00

I have 3 shows coming up and it was a goal of mine this year to have a table that looked half decent and somewhat professional. My awesome, super supportive Hubby and VP of Loopy:) is making me some hat display stands!

Here's what it looks like right now. It's not finished. He will sand and paint it and add another small piece of wood to help with balance. But I think it looks great! I will have 3 of these for my tables. It's not the best picture, but it gives you a general idea of what it will look like! WooHoo

More Wonderful Crafters

2008-10-07T13:25:00.000-04:00

There are so many wonderful crafters out there who have been incredibly generous. I've had so many emails telling me about items people have made and that they will donate the proceeds towards the 60km Weekend to End Breast Cancer Walk in June. Here are a few more.

KritterKnitter has created this pocket and it even comes with soap!

StuffbySteph has an entire section of goodies that she's made and will donate the proceeds once they've sold. Some great tags and even rugs for your mugs. How clever.

I hope that I have not forgotten anyone. It's been a busy month or so. I haven't even been able to work on the afghan that I was hoping to have finished by the Labour Day Long weekend.

But before I leave, I just have to say - all of these people have donated their time and effort without me asking! It's incredible how kind and generous people can be. Thank you!

EtsyKids Bogo Sale

2008-10-06T23:05:00.000-04:00

On Friday, October 24th and Saturday, October 25th be a part of a massive Etsy Street Team event. An EtsyKids BOGO sale of monstrous proportions!! With over 175 EtsyKids’ shops participating you’ll be sure to find huge deals on what you need this holiday season for children big and small.

Get your shopping list ready today and beat the crowd by previewing the entire list of EtsyKids shops taking part in this colossal event:

A La Mode Fabric - http://alamodefabric.etsy.com/
Ali Bug Bowtique - http://www.alibugbowtique.etsy.com/
Baby Friendly Beads - http://bfbeads.etsy.com/
Baby Hangers - http://www.babyhangers.etsy.com/
Baby Kay's - http://www.babykaysboutique.etsy.com/
Baby Peas And Carrots - http://www.babypeasandcarrots.etsy.com/
Bam Designs - http://bamdesigns.etsy.com/
Black Eyed Susie - http://www.blackeyedsusie.etsy.com/
Boo Roo's Bowtique - http://www.booroosbowtique.etsy.com/
Bossy Baby - http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5430401
Bows & Things - http://www.bowsandthings.etsy.com/
Bumble Belly Designs - http://bumblebellydesigns.etsy.com/
Chichi Boulie - http://www.chichiboulie.etsy.com/
CiCi Art Factory - http://www.cicifactory.etsy.com/
Ciuccio - http://www.ciuccio.etsy.com/
Coco and Milk Weed - http://www.cocoandmilkweed.etsy.com/
Cozy Cabin Creations - http://www.cozycabinmom.etsy.com/
Cute And Sweet - http://cuteandsweet.etsy.com/
Daisy Chains - http://daisychains.etsy.com/
Deedaloos - http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5137032
Designs By Michele - http://www.designsbymichele.etsy.com/
Dine.N.Doodle - http://lilbdesigns.etsy.com/
Doodies Booties - http://www.doodiesbooties.etsy.com/
Doodle Designs - http://doodledesigns.etsy.com/
Ellie Beans - http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5202542
Flora and Nicole's - http://www.flowernicky.etsy.com/
Francisbel Boutique - http://www.francisbel.etsy.com/
Going-Ga-Ga - http://goinggaga.etsy.com/
Grandmas Girl - http://www.grandmasgirl.etsy.com/
Griffin Gear - http://griffingear.etsy.com/
Happy House Quilts - http://happyhousequilts.etsy.com/
Hip Kids Tye-Dye - http://www.hipkidstyedye.etsy.com/
Hot Fudge - http://www.hotfudge.etsy.com/
Hullabaloo Boutique - http://www.hullabalooboutique.etsy.com/
I Luv U TuTu Much - http://iluvututumuch.etsy.com/
Itsy Bitsy Bunny - http://www.itsybitsybunny.etsy.com/
Jennifer's Bows and More - http://www.jennifersbowsnmore.etsy.com/
Joey And Aleethea - http://joeyandaleethea.etsy.com/
Jus Shar Designs - http://psbbdesigns.etsy.com/
Kaching Design - http://www.kachingdesign.etsy.com/
Kathy's Lil Creations - http://www.kathyslilcreations.etsy.com/
Katie Bean Kids - http://www.katiebeankids.etsy.com/
KeiKi Boutique - http://www.keikiboutique.etsy.com/
Kim's Stitch In Time - http://www.kimsstitchintime.etsy.com/
Kissie Girl - http://www.kissegirl.etsy.com/
Knit Style - http://knitstyle.etsy.com/
Kuddle Bugz Threadz - http://kuddlebugzthreadz.etsy.com/
Lemon Cadet - http://www.lemoncadet.com/
Lilly Rose Bow Company - http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5095159
Little Bird Creations - http://www.littlebirdcreations.etsy.com/
Little Bit Designs - http://www.girliemomma.etsy.com/
Little Butterbeans - http://www.littlebutterbeans.etsy.com/
Little Duckies - http://littleduckies.etsy.com/
Little Empress - http://www.littleempress.etsy.com/
Little Prairie Designs - http://littleprairiedesigns.etsy.com/
Lizzy Pops - http://lizzypops.etsy.com/
Loco Mo Momma - http://www.locomomomma.etsy.com/
Loopy 4 Ewe - http://loopy4ewe.etsy.com/
Love 2 Sparkle - http://www.love2sparkle.etsy.com/
Luca Bella Designs - http://www.lucabella0522.etsy.com/
LuLu & Peep Children's Shop - http://www.luluandpeep.etsy.com/
Madaline Jane - http://www.madalinejane.etsy.com/
Mami Girl Boutique - http://www.mamigirlboutique.etsy.com/
Mary Had A Little Party - http://maryhadalittleparty.etsy.com/
Michele's Jewelry Designs - http://micsjewelrydesigns.etsy.com/
MJD Boutique - http://mjdboutique.etsy.com/
Mom N Mia Quilts - http://momnmiaquilts.etsy.com/
Moochies Mama - http://www.moochiesmamma.etsy.com/
My Kangaroo - http://mykangaroo.etsy.com/
My Sugar Plum Baby - http://www.sugarplumbaby.etsy.com/
Nana McQuilts - http://www.nanamcquilts.etsy.com/
Ninkey - http://www.ninkey.etsy.com/
Odannysgirl - http://odannysgirl.etsy.com/
Olive & Ollie - http://www.oliveandollie.etsy.com/
On Cottage Way - http://www.oncottageway.etsy.com/
On The Sweeter Side - http://onthesweeterside.etsy.com/
Once Upon A Cloud - http://onceuponacloud.etsy.com/
Oscar and Theodore - http://www.oscarandtheodore.etsy.com/
Painted With Heart - http://www.paintedwithheart.etsy.com/
Petit Debutant - http://petitdebutant.etsy.com/
Petunias - http://www.petunias.etsy.com/
Pink Dixie - http://pinkdixie.etsy.com/
PJ Hill Co. Crochet - http://www.pjhillco.etsy.com/
Pretty Baby Boutique - http://prettybabyboutique.etsy.com/
Pumpkin Head Baby Co. - http://pumpkinheadbabyco.etsy.com/
Punky Fae Designs - http://www.punkyfaedesigns.etsy.com/
Punky Fae Designs - http://www.punkyfaedesigns.etsy.com/
QB Tots - http://www.qbtots.etsy.com/
Reilly Belle - http://reillybelle.etsy.com/
Retro 80's - http://www.retro80s.etsy.com/
Retro Family Works - http://msliesenfelder.etsy.com/
Ribbon and Ruffles Boutique - http://www.ribbonsandruffles.etsy.com/
Rosey Posey Bowtique -http://www.roseyposeybowtique.etsy.com/
Rozzis Sweet Peas - http://www.rozzissweetpeas.etsy.com/
Scandeez - http://www.scandeez.etsy.com/
Scissor Stitch -http://www.scissorstitch.etsy.com/
Seaside Quilts - http://seasidequilts.etsy.com/
SewSoNancy - http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5198033
Sheeps Clothing - http://sheepsclothing.etsy.com/
Snap Dragon Design House - http://www.snapdragondesign.etsy.com/
SoBright Designs - http://www.sobrightdesigns.etsy.com/
Stella Bella Designs - http://www.stellabelladesigns.etsy.com/
Sunny Day Tags - http://sunnydaytags.etsy.com/
Sweet Beets - http://sweetbeets.etsy.com/
Sweet Pea Boutique - http://happygrandma402905.etsy.com/
The Bird & The Bean - http://www.birdandbean.etsy.com/
The Clever Kitty - http://thecleverkitty.etsy.com/
The Quilted Lion - http://thequiltedlion.etsy.com/
Thumbelina Boutique - http://thumbora.etsy.com/
Tiki Tales - http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=41608
Trendy Tot - http://www.trendytot.etsy.com/
TuTu Cute & Moore - http://www.tutucuteandmoore.etsy.com/
Tweet Tweet Boutique - http://www.jabstweettweet.etsy.com/
Twinkle Star Art - http://twinklestarart.etsy.com/
Whimzee Baby Boutique - http://www.whimzeeebaby.etsy.com/
Wild Olive Kids - http://www.wildolivekids.etsy.com/
Zwei Baby - http://twinmommy.etsy.com/*Sale/sale items vary per shop, please read individual shop announcements before purchasing*

Beanie Frenzy

2008-10-02T13:08:00.000-04:00

Yesterday I completed these 13 hats for an order heading to Barrie, Ontario! They will soon be available online at a shop that promotes Canadian Talent!

Restocking

2008-09-26T12:04:00.000-04:00

Here are the 22 hats I took to the store to restock their shelves. I was very pleased to see that there were few left. And happy to hear that people go into the store with no intentions of buying anything, but then they simply can't pass up a Loopy hat! Riding a bit of a high today:)

Hat Head

2008-09-25T13:03:00.001-04:00

Hats it is. Here are the latest hats I've been working on. I'm in the process of finalizing 22 hats to bring to the store tomorrow. Then on to the next batch of 13 for an online shop that focuses on Canadian Made goods!

The green beanie with grey strips and the brown visors were custom orders.

This is a (bad) shot of my hats on display at the store. Not many left from what I brought in. This was taken about a week ago. My battery light just started flashing so I had to be quick!

Completed hats

2008-09-18T16:29:00.001-04:00

Here's a surprise, I've been working on hats! The local store is keeping me busy which is perfect! And I'm just about to bump up production so I can start building inventory for 2 shows coming up in mid-October and early November.

I have sourced a new cotton supplier that has given me access to some great new colours. I'm thrilled with them. Here are four of the hats I've recently finished. The all ivory flapper and the white with the pink flower were custom orders.

The two visor beanies are ones that I made up with some of my new colours!

Hobbling For Healthy Hooters

2008-09-14T19:50:00.001-04:00

I have been working on hats galore. I have more hats to work on. But I am completely taken back by the all of the wonderful craftswoman who have made items and listed them in their Etsy Stores specifically to raise money for Breast Cancer.

In June 2009 I am walking in the 60km Weekend to End Breast Cancer Walk. In order to participate I must raise $2000.

The latest amazing woman to offer items for sale to which all proceeds will go to The Ottawa Regional Cancer Foundation are here. Truly amazing in talent and spirit I think!

PaisleyBaby has made 35 of these beautiful cardholders! She also makes the best bamboo handbags! 35 of them! They're simply adorable.

Nancy from NancyWallisDesign made 2 pairs of pretty pink earrings. She's selling them as a set for mother/daughter or even just friends. So sweet!

The other day I also received an email from HarvestMoonPaper. She was motivated by my walk and decided to make 1o of these cards to sell!

And Paula from UxCritter surprised me by making pink bath salts and these cute catnip toys! How clever.

The support I have received from Etsy friends is unbelievable! Thank you to everyone who is helping me on this journey make a difference for so many.

I should point out that if you are interested in purchasing on of these items you can either go to the store or if you click on the image it will take you directly to the listings. Unless that listing has already sold. If it has check the shop to see if there is another one listed.

I'm also excited to announce that I only have 3 lip balm cozy key chains left out of the 20 I made. You can find them in my Etsy Shop