Once again, behind the 8 ball!

So, here I sit, brainstorming for July, when the June samples are not nearly finished! Okay, so they are almost finished, but not close enough to warrant additional brainstorming! Im very excited with the way that all of the batts and rovings have turned out for this month. "A Midsummer Night's Dream" was the theme for June and I split this into two separate categories: "A Midsummer's Night" and "Dream". I was inspired by a photo collection on Flickr by Alexandria LaNier filled with beautiful fairies! "Dream Fairy" inspired this lovely color combo, which is currently available in SW BFL and Merino/Tencel, and will also be available in two different types of sock yarn:


"Dream Fairy"In addition, for the "Midsummer's Night", I decided to a batt series based on the complexities of a Midsummer's Night in the Midwest. The batts are to be titled "Neon Night", "Stormy Night", "Dead of Night" and "Lakeview Night". I am ridiculously excited about these batts and I really think they are turning out great! Two fo the three batts are uploaded and fully for sale on Etsy and the other two will be added soon! I cant wait to finish them up so I can preview them in the Phat Fiber group on Rav!
Ahhh, so, the brainstorming: July's theme is something along the lines of "Buccaneers and Scalawags", so I have come up with an off-the-wall idea, once again, to keep my excited about this theme. Unfortunately, it probably means that I need to make a few massive orders for fiber coming up here in the very near future. Oh, well! I will be testing out the improved version of my knit AND crochet friendly stitch markers, also, so Im excited about that.

Otherwise, I am envisioning another 4 batt series, including the following:
Batt 1 (bl): superwash corriedale (white), mohair (multicolored), firestar (tropical), sari silk, angelina (lots and lots of glitz)
Batt 2 (cb): superwash corriedale (green, fuschia), nylon (yellow), firestar (color-to-be-decided)
Batt 3 (m8km): oatmeal bfl, alpaca (white), yak (brown), silk (rainbow)
Batt 4 (pfl): polwarth (natural), silk (natural), bamboo (purple), merino (black), angora (????)

Im very excited about this batt series and cant wait to reveal more details!

So, who is super stoked? I am super stoked! I got my first shipment from Global Mamas yesterday and it is everything about which I could have ever been excited! The unfortunate part? I want to keep it all for ME! I did order myself a shea butter (in lavender, which smells amazing!), a Sudsy Mutt for the Weasel and a new Pet Mat for the Weasel (In the pretty daisy print!-you'd never know it by the teeth and the manly demeanor, but she IS a girl!) As a tribute and a preview, I will be having a "Barely Marked-up" sale: not quite wholesale, but lower than my future website pricing! This sale will run on Ravelry (PM me), on Facebook (message me), and through my email (email me!). I suppose, if you already have my phone number, that you could call me to reserve your items, too. If youre in the area, pick-up is available, otherwise, I will offer my flat-rate shipping of $5 to the continental US and Canada, and discounted shipping overseas.

Time for a little promotional goodness, before I post a price list. This excerpt is taken from the Global Mamas website, with a little background:

Global Mamas is a non-profit and fair trade organization assisting women in Africa to become economically independent. By purchasing Global Mamas products, you are offering sustainable livelihoods to women and their families living in poverty. All proceeds go directly to the women and to the non-profit programs that assist them with business development.

Time for some personal testimony! I have used the shea butter and the trunk scrub, in the past (and still use the shea butter). It is great for tired skin and anyone who works with fiber on a regular basis knows the dry crackiness that ensues (especially in cold winter climates). The shea butter is a great, all natural moisturizer with some yummy smells (I currently carry lavender, unscented, and vanilla). I also got an apron for the Holidays from my cousin (THE Global Mama, herself!) and I use it for dyeing; it works great! I now carry the "Trashy Aprons", which I think would be even better for dyeing, as they are waterproof! All of the "Trashy" products are made from recycled materials salvaged from the streets of Ghana, in order to reduce pollution and waste. The juice container pouches are so cool!

Current stock and SALE PRICE LIST: (orders will be filled on a first come, first served basis)

• Batik tote bags (various prints, pictured above)-$14 each
• Recycled flour sack totes-$9.50 each
• Batik padded zip purse (chose from two prints, pictured above)-$4.75 each
• Trashy totes (waterproof!)-$12 each
• Mama Africa Trashy tote (yellow or pink medley-1 of each in stock, pictured above)-$15 each
• Trashy zip wallet-$3.50 each
• Trashy juice wallet-$4.25 each
• Trashy coin purse-$3 each
• Sister-to-sister earrings (chose from "United", "Transformation", "Prosperity", or "New Day", pictured above)-$4.25 each
• Hodgepodge Bracelet (styles vary from bracelet to bracelet, picture above is for illustrative purposes only)-$5.50 each
• Batik Aprons (various prints, pictured above)-$11 each
• Trashy Apron (waterproof, great for dyeing)-$11 each
• Trunk Scrub Shea Soap (noni/lemongrass or tea tree)-$3.75 each
• Dandy Lion African Black Soap (shea or exfoliating)-$3.75 each
• Slippery Slope Shea Butter (lavender, vanilla, or unscented)-$8 each
• Sudsy Mutt Shea Butter pet shampoo (citronella/tea tree)-$3.75 each
• Pet Matts (various prints, pictured above-lined with waterproof "trashy" material)-$6 each

Please feel free to browse and let me know if you have any interest or questions! You can also leave comments here!

Strike that; reverse it

Okay, everything I said about barely knowing I was pregnant...yeah, strike that! These past three weeks or so havent been so fun. I have been getting migraines like crazy, so the nausea ensues...I'm awaiting results of a sugar test, as I was tested for gestational diabetes...and I had to have another (unplanned) ultrasound, as the doctor was unable to hear Gibelett's heartbeat at the last appointment. Thankfully, the ultrasound was great...baby's heart is beating at a steady 150 (which everyone assures me is "girly" territory...though I'm convinced it's a boy). Really, as long as the ultrasounds keep coming up gravy, I'm completely okay with going through everything else. Makes my love life a little, well, nonexistant (sp?), but other than that, keep my Zombie baby healthy!

On a more frustrating note, I am in the process of designing my brand new website and it's giving me fits! I think it's simply because I am super overwhelmed with the whole process. I just need to have OBO sit down and walk me through it without killing each other and it will be great! I will be carrying my newly purchased Global Mamas items (awaiting my first order as we speak!), patterns, gift sets, and baby items. Ive been sewing up a storm (made 4 bib/burpee sets last night!) to stock the website when it gets established. Also, Im having a super sale in my etsy store, so if youre in the market for yarn and fiber, include the message COVER MY BUM in the note to seller for 15% off all orders, including shipping. Also, if you custom order something from me, I will refund the purchase price at 30%...hey, Im desperate! Here's your chance...2 faithful readers (hey, at least one that I know of...Love ya, Haley!)

Finally!

So, once again, it has been awhile! I have been very vague and clandestine...and now we know why! Aaron and I are expecting our first baby in November! We finally told the family last weekend. We were trying to wait till Mother's Day, but this year our Mother's Day weekend will be filled with a memorial extravaganza for our dear friend, Marilyn. I am a firm believer in the fact that when God closes one door, somewhere He opens a window. My window is open and breezy, let me tell you!
So far, the pregnancy has been great. I have started feeling a little yucky these past two weeks, which is strange, as I am in the final week of my first trimester. Oh, well, the first 10.5 weeks were pretty okay. Some headaches and nausea, but not too much. We have been trying to get things in order, meaning the house is being "updated", hopefully, and we are getting some fundamental values on the same page. Mostly, that has been the easy part! We are very excited to cloth diaper, breast feed, and baby wear. We have been stalking coupons and cloth diaper forums like mad (I just scored 2 brand new Bum Genius Organic All In One, One Size for $40 total, including shipping! This was a great price!). Etsy and I have always been super-duper friends, but now, it is sort of ridiculous and my "favorites" list is...well...massive! Gifting is always welcome ;)
Wraps and Mei Teis, wet bags and AIOs, fitteds and prefolds...it all sounds awesome, to me!

Ahh, once again

My posts keep getting fewer and further between...it's been a long month! In some ways, this has been a good thing, however, in some ways, bad. Our home computer had a massive virus (think: redirection to granny-porn when trying to access google). Good thing I married a smart man-however, we could probaby up the tollerance level a titch, as he was pretty much unbearable throughout the whole thing. I havent helped, really; no lying. Ive been beyond-stressed as I have transitioned in so many ways. I am now one week into a new job that I think I may actually ENJOY, however this did not come without plenty of hell to pay. Transition is often stressful, and even more so now, with both OBO and myself making some serious changes (mostly involving career moves). Mine has been transitioned; his, not so much. In addition to the personal (read: familial) struggles, this has been a pretty stressful month, compounding a pretty stressful new year. We'll live!

Good news, however: I am officially a Global Mama's wholesaler and will be making my first purchase order very soon. Still looking for items to carry, so if you have an opinion, I sure would love to hear it. Im thinking that I will start small; soaps and shea, potholders, purses, and such. Really, though, opinions would be great (and sales would be better!). Im hoping to get a website up and running within the next two months. I wanted to get it done by the end of May, but with the new full-time job, I don't honestly know if that will happen.

In fiber-y goodness: lots of news! The etsy store is still alive and kicking; hopefully I will be able to dedicate more time to this, as well, as my life gets slightly less chaotic and infinitely more structured. Still participating in the Phat Fiber sampler box and still absolutely loving it! Last post, I believe I was brainstorming for April and failing miserably. Well, I just got the samples finished up last night and I love them. I went corny...of course! The theme this month was: All Creatures Great and Small. So, I decided to theme some batts around "great" creatures and "small" creatures; how literal, really! The All Creatures "Great" batts contain merino wool and yak down (great=large) and the All Creatures "Small" batts contain some SW wool (for substance) and various varieties of silk (silkworms=small): tussah silk, silk noil, and sari silk. I think they're pretty fabulous, to be quite honest! Next month's theme is Blossoms and Bark and I was having a rough time with it. I think I have an answer that Im stoked about, so it should be fun!

Also in fibery news, I think I may actually be putting my yarn, fiber, and batts in a brick and mortar store! Im super excited, but as not to jinx the process, Ill hold out on the details for a bit.

Wow, that was longwinded and picture-less. Epic fail. I promise pictures for next time! And I promise that next time will be MUCH sooner!

Brainstorming

Just had to jot down a few ideas for the upcoming themes in the Phat Fiber box...April is "All Creatures Great and Small" and May is "Blossoms and Bark". So far, Im thinking..."all creatures great and small; all things wise and wonderful" So, maybe a "Wise and Wonderful" batt series? hmmm, on paper is just doesnt sound as great. Does anyone read this thing? I'll take any ideas in the comment section that I can get!

Blossoms and Bark: really wanting to do "all bark", and "a little bite" batts. Hmmm...okay, brain is sufficiently smoking!

Also, if anyone cares to comment: I am officially a Global Mamas wholesaler! Take a look at the site and let me know what you would like to see me carry (on a future website...not too far in the future, for sure!) I need ideas!

Oops

Okay, so I realized that I have been on the "epic fail" end of the whole blogging consistently thing! Here I go! Probably very briefly today, but I figure it is better than nothing!

It has been quite a whirlwind here, and I can finally post about it! I was offerred a job at another social service agency here in town: wow. WOW! I literally had between 4 and 6 interviews for this position, so naturally, I didnt think I would get the position. Then, after weeks of deliberation, I get a phone call with a job offer. Okay...so, they wanted an immediate answer, which I was completely unprepared to give. I accepted after some deliberation. After more deliberation and a healthy serving of drama, I am scheduled to start on April 5th. Holy shit.

More news: I am officiallly a registered business in the county of Kent and have received my Michigan tax ID! Huge step. It was definitely something I wanted to do this year and Im really proud of myself and super excited. I am now awaiting approval to become an official Global Mamas retailer. That would be beyond awesome. Working on getting my March samples all finished up and carding up some batts for the shop. Did a major update with fibers last weekend, which was also exciting. It seems to be a year for progress, in some ways, and a year for personal challenges, in many other ways. That leaves something for another post, however...

OBO has been baking bread up a storm and I cant wait to get some pictures here. I thought I had uploaded them to Flickr, but I suppose I will have to wait till I get home! I feel better for making this commitment to blogging (look at me, being all responsible and proactive and shit!)

A post of its own

Finally finished up my samples for the Phat Fiber box this month. It was a rough one, mostly because I really wanted to do my signature stitch markers, but my finger nails had other plans. It hurt. My thumbs were swollen for about three days, but it was well worth it! This month's theme was "Master Painters". I went for inspiration by Warhol. I love Andy; he's a genius with color and inspiration. So, I give you: DK weight wool in "Warhol's Marilyn" and stitch markers inspired by his "Butterflies". I sure hope they get there in time for the box!

More sewing!

As mentioned in my previous post, we have babies and lots of 'em! So, I wanted to make something for Amber's Wedding/Baby shower. They are pretty sure it's a boy (after this blankie, I sure hope so!) So, OBO really wants to keep this one, too. Really? He's a packrat! This is super-cute, though! An alien blankie with the soft minky dots on one side. Also, a burp cloth and bib set (well, two of them in the mix-and-match prints. I will keep the other set for more babies). I'm having a lot of fun with my sewing machine, but there will be some bribing going on soon. I have a cute pattern for a diaper bag, but I think it may be a little beyond my ability at this point. I tried interfacing once; it didnt work out so hot. I am in the process of trading spinning for sewing. My cousin is a fabulous seemstress (sp?), as is my "bestie" (hehehe, sorry, Im a little punchy). Haley, however, lives in NYC, so not so practical at this point.

Sew Cute!

An appropriately cheesy title to an applicably cheesy and slightly pathetic post! Okay, so we have babies coming out our, well, you know where they come out of...but there are lots of 'em coming out! Our family was just blessed with a new addition on January 26th. Evan Stampfler was 7lbs 9.5 oz and is super-cute! His sister Addie is a happy girl, so far! Also in the works, my cousin Keely is due to have Riley Aislinn any day now (Im hoping she holds out for my birthday...but since Keely was born on Jackie's birthday, it would be pretty sweet if Riley was born on Jackie's daughter, Rachelle's, birthday, on the 3rd!). My cousin Jake and his wife are pregnant, my great friend Jacks and her husband, Casey, are pregnant, my other cousin John and his fiance Amber are pregnant, my other cousin Jim and his partner are pregant...wow! So many babies. So, in the spirit and in my restless craftiness, I started sewing some yesterday! A blankie for Evan (even though OBO wants us to keep it...no, we're not expecting!) and a bib and burpcloth set! It was fun and the blanket turned out super-cute, especially.

A great end to a rough...month

I got my swap package from Naomi in the Bohoknitterchic swap! It was a great package (hehehe, we are immature, yes...packagepackagepackage!) It included some great sock yarn, an awesome Care Bear Batt from Bohoknitterchic, herself! I have been lusting after this particular batt for some time now. It spoke to me! It's the Cheer Bear colorway, and I just love it!

I also got a mug, some pendants, cute stitch markers, chocolate that was YUMMY! (and now it's gone), conversation hearts, a bookmark, a pampering package, a sheepy bank, and a sexy crocheted outfit for Valentine's day!

The day after Fiber Friday...Sheepy Saturday?

Okay, as promised: pics of my samples for the January Phat Fiber box! I think I mentioned before, that this month's theme was For the Love of Books. As an avid reader, this very much excited me! I spent alot of time with my grandma growing up, therefore, was itroduced early to "grandma books" as OBO calls them. Also, as he so lovingly points out every time I make him read a book out of one of the series' that I am enveloped in: I am a sucker for a well-developed character. Hence, the affinity with series books. So, one that I love and have loved and will continue to love: the "Cat Who" series by Lillian Jackson Braun. I love the mysteries, I love the mindlessness, I love the characters. Inspiration.

So, here's my samples for this month (as per the tardy nature of my postal contact...aka...I didnt move my ass to the PO fast enough, I hope they got there in time for the box drop tomorrow!)

Yellow (cormo/corrie cross, pin drafted roving): Mildred Riker

Shades of Blue (sw corrie/bamboo batts): Polly Duncan

Salt and Pepper (corrie batts, corrie/shetland batts): Qwilleran

Shades of Brown (Polwarth combed top/roving): KoKo

Brown and Violet (Polwarth combed top/roving): Yum Yum

It was pretty great and Im pretty proud of those contributions this month; it is my first month contributing batts, after all! Im loving my Fancy Kitty Kitten drum carder that I got for Christmas! Good job, OBO! (oh, and the in-laws, too) Hopefully next month will include another new pattern. Im trying to get this designing off the ground, this year. Im thinking a man's hat in greys...sophisticated, classy, versatile, sexy. Now, to convert the vision to finished product!

On another note: in the spirit of fiber and Phat Fiber in particular, I have been looking at lots of yummy goodness for my BohoKnitterChic swap. Just wanted to post some of the lovelies that I have been lusting after: this particular beauty in Tropical Storm from Beesybee Fibers; yum!

A busy new year

Between work, and well, mostly work...this has been a busy new year. I havent had much time to devote to my blog; not nearly the way I would have liked. I am currently in the business of setting new personal, familial, and professional goals for the year. Hopefully they are real, measurable, and most of all...manageable! So far, it eludes me as to how I can continue functioning on a human level, especially with my current work load!

A few goals I have for myself:

• Participate in the Phat Fiber Box every month (I only missed a few last year and have contributed consistently since...May, I believe!) (Oh, yeah...this month's samples are almost done, I promise. They will go out tomorrow! The last bit of fiber is drying in OBO's bathroom right now!)
• Promote my etsy store. That's a big one. Tentative. Scary. Daunting. Scary. Nerve-wracking. Exciting. Scary.
• Blog more (hehehehe; it hasnt worked so hot, yet!)
• Use said blog to promote said etsy store!
• Perform. I dance...I love it! I dont strive to be the best dancer out there (something very unreasonable for me, as yet. I dance with some incredibly talented ladies), but I do want to better myself. I want to get on that stage, at least once, this year. I am an extremely outgoing person, but have always been very nervous in front of a crowd a people. I want to build that confidence in myself and owe a service to the talented ladies (one, in particular) who believe in me and in my ability as a dancer. I didnt grow up with dance, and have recently found this passion for myself and as a form of exercise. I digress...I want the stage!
• Make it through my new daily devotional. I bought "Babes with a Beatitude: Devotions for Smart, Savvy Women of Faith" for my cousin for Christmas and liked it so much that I bought myself a copy! It seems to be what I need as my faith waivers...another digression to a completely different goal!
• Swap! As much as possible, budget-willing. I am currently participating in the Valentine Swap through BohoKnitterChic's Boho Gypsy Caravan group on Ravelry. Love it! Just got my partner's info today. Cant wait to stalk and post and acquire nommy goodies!

So...a few. Nothing too unreasonable, at this point, it doesnt seem. Although, seeing it listed out like that...wow! Hopefully I will have some teaser pics of my samples by tomorrow. Just need to get them packaged up and in the mail! Theme: For the Love of Books!

New year, new blog!

Well, as we ring in the new year...I have already punked out on one of my goals for 2010. Epic Fail. I wanted to try to make mass for each Holy Day of Obligation this year and managed to miss the very first HDoO for the New Year. Prayers for all and a special blessing in honor of the Solemnity of Mary! It can only go up from here, right?!

On a positive note: My new Fancy Kitty drum carder is fantastic! I have started my sample batts for this month's Phat Fiber sampler box. The theme for the January box (one year anniversary...woohoo!) is "For the Love of Books". As an avid reader, I am in love with this theme and am really excited about my interpretation! Sneak peeks to come.

Finally, tonight, I am really hoping to elevate my fiber business from "lucrative hobby" status, to something that may actually supplement our income. I love what I do, in all aspects, but sometimes feel guilty for time and money it brings takes, for seemingly no payoff. OBO (Oh, Bearded One...Marty Stewart...my hubby, for those not in the know!) is incredibly supportive, of course, often increasing the feelings of guilt. Ahhh, the good ole guilt-factor!

A parting picture to ring in the new year: Eloise in her Halloween costume. Apparently, all the other angels just happened to be busy during this particular photo shoot!