The So Soft Scarf

I just listed this scarf in my Etsy shop. Its been waiting a long time to get photographed and listed. This scarf is so soft in 100% wool. The yarn is one single chunky ply which probably helps make it so soft.


I knitted this scarf with a drop stitch which is what gives it its mesh look. This make it light while still being warm. I love long scarves because you can wear them all different ways. This one fits the bill at 76 inches not including the fringes. Such a beautiful model wearing the scarf as well.

Favourite Etsy Shop Friday

Favourite Etsy Shop Feature
Bear Creek Design
www.bearcreekdesign.etsy.com

1. Tell us a bit about yourself.
I am a farm girl raised on the Prairies of North Dakota. I have always had a love for animals since I was a young child. I grew up with cattle, chickens and sheep. After college I worked as a National Park Ranger and eventually came home to North Dakota, married and have 4 children that are now growing up on a farm with cattle, chickens and sheep.  My love for the fiber arts began when I purchased a few sheep for our family. This project led to spinning, knitting and eventually needle felting. The Romney sheep we own provide me with my favorite medium. I love the texture of the wool and how easily it blends together to make the animals come to life. I continually look for ideas for my sculptures – in the wild, in pictures and in my own pets and farm animals. I began sculpting animals out of wool in 2006. Mostly I use the wool from my own sheep and dye what I need to get different colors. I do purchase/trade wool with other fiber lovers in the area. This gives me different textures since each type of wool has characteristics all its own. I sculpt mostly realistic animals – but I’m developing more and more whimsical animals from my own imagination. The devotion of time spent on the face of the animal really brings the overall expression to my piece of art. To truly appreciate my work, one needs to understand the process of needle felting and the time that is necessary to create such detail out of wool.

2. What made you open your shop and why Etsy?
I started selling my critters on Ebay with much success and then I found out about Etsy and it was a perfect fit for me. I liked the idea of having a shop where customers could always find my products and have a place they can come back to in the future. I also love that we all make handmade items and have made many friends through Etsy.



3. Do you sell your needle felted critters anywhere else?
I occasionally sell sculptures on Ebay but not that often anymore. I have developed a customer base on Etsy and have many return customers and collectors so I mostly list on Etsy. I also have a Website where customers can go and learn more about me and see more of my past sculptures. I also sell kits and some Sculptures on my Website. www.bearcreekfelting.com

4. How did you choose your shop name?
Our pasture that my sheep graze in has Bear Creek Running through it. Bear Creek Ranch is the name of our farm where we raise cattle, chickens and sheep.



5. What are your favourite things to do?
I have 4 children that I homeschool and I love to read books out loud to them. Photography was my first love, before felting. Spring time when we have new baby lambs and calves is my favorite part of the year. I also love to knit, spin and sing.

6. What inspires you?
Animals inspire me! Mostly their faces and the way they look at me make me want to run to the house and quickly felt that look.



7. Which creature do you enjoy creating the most?
That’s a hard question. I love making my “Bunnies in Dresses” mostly because I get to work with different colors when I put on their dresses. They always make me smile when I am finished with them and at times it is hard for me to close them up in a box and send them away to their new owners.

8. Which is your most popular item in your shop?
The highest selling items are the Snowmen and Bunnies. The top selling kits are the pumpkin and Snowman. The most popular Piece in my shop would have to be my Cow.


9. What handmade possession given to you do you cherish?
My husband is a welder and has made me very sturdy gates and pens for my sheep. They are better than anything I could have purchased. I cherish them most during lambing, they make everything go very smoothly for me!
10. Name 3 other Etsy shops you love to visit.
1. My favorite shop on Etsy is Greenwood Fiberworks I love the beautiful colors of wool, and I often buy wool from her to spin and use for the scarves and hats on my snowmen.
2. Another favorite is Sunset Fiber I love to work with different types of wool and all the wonderful colors available. I use my own Romney wool for needle felting and buy wool for spinning fun!
3. sTuckintheCoop is another favorite. The funny thing is I don’t buy jewelry for myself. If I were to buy some this is where I would shop.



A big thank you to Bear Creek Design for being my favourite Etsy shop featured this week. All I can think of when I see these needle felted animals is how amazing they are. Such life like animals created from a needle and some wool would take such skill and talent. They are like works of art. I just know that you will be going to this shop to see the other animals she has created as soon as you are done reading this interview. You wont be disappointed.

A New Hat

I just listed a new slouch hat in my Etsy shop. I actually made it a couple of months ago but its hard to get my Megan in one spot to take pictures.


I love this pattern. Its slouchy but its fitted enough on your head where it wont fall off. Even more than the pattern, I love the colour of the yarn.


As you can see from these picture it is the middle of November and we're not buried in snow yet. Its been quite warm actually but at any time the snow could be here. Its pretty but I get sick of it by the end and I loathe shoveling.


Here is the back of the hat where you can see its slouchy shape. I'd love to see how this design looks in other colours.

Favourite Etsy Shop Friday

Favourite Etsy Shop Feature

SnW Creative
www.SnWeStore.etsy.com

1. Tell us a bit about yourself.
I am 42 years old, married a Graphic Designer for 16 years, have a 14 years daughter and a "fat" Pomarian. I am a breast cancer survivor for 8 years now.

2. What made you open your shop and why Etsy?
8 years ago when I had breast cancer, I am in deep depression that no one or medication can help. One day, my husband discovered a Chinese store selling origami paper, so he brought me some, I start to fold and fold and start to feel a little better. Meanwhile I daughter (she was 6 years old) learned her first origami crane with me during that time. We start to fold together, and eventually the house was pack with origami, so my daughter ask me if she can sell on ebay and use the money for her college fund (she always want to go to Standford, since little), so I agreed, business doing good, and we discovered etsy from an ebay customer, so we open a store.



3. Do you sell your origami anywhere else?
yes, at ebay (no much business now), artfire.com, and my own website and local customers.

4. How did you choose your shop name?
SnW Creative S- is my husband, W - is me, with "little" n -my daughter between us.



5. What are your favourite things to do?
Now my favorite is to created more items with origami....and go back to school...lol

6. What inspires you?
Anything can inspires, but I always go some crazy idea when I shop, I don't know why.



7. What is your favourite origami animal to make?
I like to folded butterfly, because there are many ways to fold, and each look different, very cool, I also like flowers, but it is too hard to ship, so mainly is for my local customer.

8. What is the most popular item in your shop?
Origami crane and butterflies may be the most popular for now, but the peacock is picking up (local and online)



9. Which handmade possession given to you do you cherish?
I have a wedding arch with origami flower lighting that is my favorite that I can't let go, so it is in my house now.

10. Name 3 other Etsy shops you love to visit.
Have It Sweet - love their marshmallow, so cute.
your store KnittedForEwe, I can knit, but I can't knit animal, my hand some how don't like to knit animal...lol I can't think of the third store at this point, but I remember it is a jewelry maker use all wire only, but I forgot to add her/him to my favorite so I lost track, hope someday can find the store again, because I really love it, but too many jewelry store in etsy....



Thank you so much to SnW Creative for being my favourite Etsy shop feature this week. I never knew origami could be so beautiful. Who could imagine that just folding paper could be turned into such pretty things? I think my favourite are the origami lights. They are such a great idea with a wonderful effect. Check out this shop and you are sure to be impressed.

A Custom Order

Recently I got a request on Etsy to make this monster from the Bride Racing car seat logo. It looked simple enough and I was up for the challenge. I have never made my own toy pattern before. I have made up my own pattern for hats and bags but never a toy. I like to challenge myself in knitting every once in a while because I can learn from it and push myself to try new things. You just never know what you will get out of it. Well challenged I was and pushed myself I did hehe. This monster just about kicked my butt but I kept going because I knew I could do it. 4 weeks of going through alot of grid paper and starting and restarting, using the wrong needles and buying the wrong size needles and all sorts of little silly mistakes, I finally got on the right track and it was coming together. The customer hasnt seen it in person but he has seen pictures and I think he likes it. Take a look at the end result and let me know if you think I got it right. Does it look like this monster in the logo?


He is knitted with cotton yarn and his face is felt that I stitched on.


This is what he looks like on the back. Sorry the pictures arent brighter. The sun wasnt cooperating that day.

Nellie The Little Pink Elephant

A new little critter was recently added to Knitted For Ewe.Her name is Nellie and she is a sweet little pink elephant.


I just love pink elephants. They are so cute. There's just something about elephants when they are pink that make them so much sweeter.


This little one was knitted with a soft cotton light pink yarn and has embroidered eyes so she is safe for everyone to play with.


I love this pattern because the result is cute, they are quick to make and they are a great yarn stash buster. In fact I am actually working on another one right now. I think this next one is off to New York City.


Here is the essential butt shot. For some reason her tail doesnt want to sit flat but Megan says that adds to her appeal.

Favourite Etsy Shop Friday

Favourite Etsy Shop Feature

LittleSnowflakes
www.LittleSnowflakes.etsy.com

1. Tell us a bit about yourself.

I am a Stay-at-home Mom with three kids: 21,20, and 7. My family and I live on a small 1/2 acre Urban Homestead just outside of a small town in Texas. We garden, have a small flock of chickens, and live as organically as we can while teaching our children to live a self-sufficient lifestyle.

2. What made you open your shop and why Etsy?

I have been creating in the kitchen since I was tall enough to reach the stove with a kitchen chair. I was about 4 yrs old. Put away the calculators! We don’t need to do the math, let’s just say it has been a LONG time (Smile) As for how my business got started: Well friends and neighbors found out about what I could do and the next thing I know I am creating goodies for Teachers, Schools, Churches, and local Realtors. My husband found Etsy and told me I should expand. And here I am! I have tried some of the other on-line venues but none of them have been able to compare to Etsy. These folks really know what they are doing!



3. Do you sell your treats anywhere else?

My primary focus is my Etsy shop. However I also give "special offers" to my Facebook Fans (http://www.facebook.com/littlesnowflakes) in my Facebook store. For my “local” customers I also make custom cakes, Wedding Cakes, and cupcakes. Of course recently at the urging of one of my regular Etsy customers, I started selling and shipping Cupcake Kits.

4. How did you choose your shop name?

I am from Texas and my husband is from Rhode Island. When our youngest child was born we called her "daddy's little snowflake". One day my husband surprised me with the domain name LittleSnowflakes. I built my business around the name.

5. What are your favorite things to do?

Family time is my favorite thing: watching movies, working in the garden. I love to create; painting, sewing, woodworking, AND cooking. When I have time I enjoy reading a good book.



6. What inspires you?

I would have to say that my Granny was the biggest creative inspiration in my life. That woman was AMAZING! She herself was a self-taught cook. She was faced with the task of raising her three younger siblings and had to learn HOW to cook so that they could eat. With her background she felt it was very important that I learn how to cook as well. However, her creativity lessons didn’t stop there. She also taught me sewing and painting. Believe it or not those skills have also helped me in the Edible Arts Field

7. Of all the different treats you make for your shop which do you enjoy making the most?

Lately my internet customers have been keeping me busy with Custom Fortune Cookie orders! I have been making them for Brides, Baby Announcements, and Birthday Favors. Who knew a Fortune Cookie could be so versatile?!

8. Which yummy treat is the most popular?

Next to the Custom Fortune Cookies, I would have to say that my Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Truffles are the most popular. Especially as we get closer to Christmas.



9. Which handmade possession given to you do you cherish?

The oil paintings that my Granny painted. I have 4 but my favorite is a simple painting of a chicken yard. Even though it was one of her earlier paintings, I still think it was her best work.

10. Name 3 other Etsy shops you love to visit.

Oh my ONLY three? There are so many wonderful artisans here on Etsy it is really difficult to choose only three :-( Ok, here goes:

Lucky Dog Treat Company

A Time 2Bee Unique

Ashley Jacobsen Photography



Thank you so much to LittleSnowflakes for being my featured shop this week. It was wonderful to hear about how supportive your family is of your business. You have to go to this shop and check out all the yummy treats she has to offer. I warn you though, there may be some drooling involved. If you are in the mood for something homemade, sweet and delicious and dont have the time or maybe your not so skilled in the kitchen, then you need to take a look at this shop.

Tricks Or Treats

This past Sunday we had the joy of having Halloween. Victoria and her Dad are big into Halloween. I like the treats and Megan likes the cheesy Halloween movies. So there is a little something for everyone. Usually Victoria has a plan of what she wants to dress up as for Halloween the day after the last Halloween. This year she really had to think about it when it came time to pick out a costume. Then it came to her and she was excited. She was going to be a Leopard. But my Victoria cant just be a leopard, nope she was telling everyone that she is Queen of the Leopards hehe.


This was actually one of the best costumes she has picked out because she could wear layers underneath and she was warm, it was easy and not alot of money. For some reason we couldnt find leopard print pants but she was happy with black. We found these leopard print mittens that have the flip top and turn into fingerless gloves in a discount shop and the mask, tail and collar all came together. A leopard costume wouldnt be complete without a Star Wars trick or treat bag, right? Hehe thats Victoria for you.


Lots fun was had on Halloween. Joe's friend brought his 2 kids out to trick or treat with us as they have for the past couple of years and Halloween just wouldnt be the same without them. Oh my how crazy those two kids are. Zach who is 6 every year starts off running to every house and by the end of the second street has announced that he is too tired to keep going. This year at every house he had to announce to the world what kind of treat he got and would tell the person if he liked or didnt like what they had given him. When we came to an unsupervised bowl of treats with a sign that said please take one you would hear him say oh man, just one? and then he would take forever to select just the right one. He cant wait to get home to eat them so he is attempting to eat and walk at the same time while being told not to eat the treats yet. Olivia who is 8 does the same thing every year. She wears a costume that she has issues with. This year her costume was not warm enough. She started out arguing she was not cold and didnt want to wear her jacket. By the end of the first street she was non stop complaining how cold she was and her legs were turning red and being itchy with cold. She and I made a deal that next year she would have a costume that was both warm and comfortable, something I have yet to see her do over the years hehe. It was definitely chilly as we even got some snowflakes as we were walking around.



Victoria convinced Joe to dress up this year. She was so excited at the thought that he just had to do it. We had both dressed up a few years ago so he already had the costume. This costume kind of freaks little kids out and impresses grown ups so Joe enjoys wearing it. I chose not to dress up this year hehe. Megan did dress up as a lady pirate and her boyfriend dress up as a boy pirate. We dubbed him Captain Red Beard as he has red hair. She just dressed up for school and I didnt catch her with my camera. She managed to dodge that one.

After trick or treating we did the traditional pizza back at our house and fun was had by all. Now that Halloween is all done it will be time to get into Christmas mode. Thats when our house really comes alive.