They Make Me Happy

I know I promised this yesterday, but Roadrunner decided to stop working, so I am now sitting in Starbucks while my good guy Will plays with cars and eats a chocolate mini donut (which is about all I've been able to get down him today). Also, my husband took my camera and left it at his friend's house, so some of the great pictures that I had to share with you are not in my possession right now. Nevertheless, They Make Me Happy:

:: Brown-eyed Susans
:: Those perfect blue jeans - worn in, maybe a little thread worn, and make your butt look fantastic!
:: Old gnarled jade plants (have you ever seen one in full bloom?)



:: Will running full speed toward me for a hug
:: Seeing bloggy friends in "Artful Blogging"
:: Getting "that look" from the one you love - and your knees turning to Jell-o
:: Hummingbirds flitting about the Solomon's Seal



:: Unspoiled views that you just happen upon
:: Goldendoodles. I really want one.
:: Cranking up your favorite song on the car radio and singing really LOUD.


You can buy Emma's "muriel" here

:: The crochet of Emma Lamb
:: Woolly worms
:: The magic of tiaras



source

Unless otherwise noted, all photos property of Erin Wallace

Here's to Good Etsy Days!

So, with this being the first day of September and it being back to posting as usual, I probably should be writing about something wonderfully deep and spiritual for my readers who have patiently waited through my August Break (which was wonderful, by the way). But I'm just having the best etsy day, I had to share my happiness!

Yesterday I wrote about my new note cards. I woke up this morning to see that I had sold two. Just overnight, just like that! I certainly wasn't expecting such a quick response!

Then I listed two of my pretty crocheted pillows that it seems I've been trying to get posted forever. The Pink Granny Crocheted Pillow and the Sunburst Granny Square Crocheted Pillow have been listed with more to come.

Last, but certainly not least (and so freakin' cool) is that Lulu Loves Gifts has listed my "Serving Lunch" photograph in her beautiful Food For Thought Etsy Treasury. Lulu wanted me to pass on to you that all Dropped Stitches readers who say they found her here will receive 20% off of her shop items. Her items are very nice, so check out her shop!

To celebrate (and cuz my birthday is coming up), I'm offering 20% off of all photos for all of my readers during the month of September. Just mention the discount and I'll give you your new price.

Promise it'll be back to usual tomorrow - going to do a "They Make Me Happy List" and am going to try to continue posting a photo a day. Hopefully I'll get a better camera for my birthday (if my mom can find a good deal!). I'm so happy to be writing again, I've missed it.

Sponsor Love: Knot-Cha-Chá!™

I have my first sponsor and I am so excited to introduce you to her!

I've been reading Sharon's blog, Knot-Cha-Chá!™ for a long time and it has become one of the required stops on my blog list. Sharon is "a designer/maker, teacher, writer and spinner of yarns with a love of color, texture, and simplicity of line." Her articles on spinning (and the beautiful results) have made me want to learn to spin and her featured knitting is beautiful. In addition, she writes fun articles about her life and adventures and includes tutorials for some really beautiful projects (I Love the Understatement Necklace).

Her Etsy store, Knot-Cha-Chá!™ is full of gorgeous knitted and crocheted confections like this merino wool scarf (that I have been coveting) in a lacy ribbed pattern. Buy it for me, won't you?

She also makes hats, bracelets, wraps, cowls, and many other delicious handmade accessories. Be sure to check them out!

Thanks, Sharon, for being my first sponsor!

More information on sponsorship opportunities can be found here or by clicking the "Become a Sponsor" button in the left sidebar.

In The Bag

I though I'd give you a look inside my knitting (which is temporarily my crochet) bag.

I have decided to crochet a blanket, as it is National Crochet Month. The yarn is Lion Brand and Cookies and Cream cotton. I've found that Cookies and Cream splints quite easily, especially when subjected to a crochet hook, but it is inexpensive, soft, and comes in some really great colors. The blanket is being done in a double crochet stitch with random striping throughout. The varigated cream/blue and solid cream will be the predominate colors (done in 5 to 7 row stripes), as this is what I have the most of. The other yarns will be stitches as one or two row stripes. What you end up with is similar to the cotton blankets that you can buy at the linen store, but with cooler colors and stripes. Will post some photos as it gets a little bigger.

Also in my bag are a blue pouch that holds tapestry needles, a tape measure, more hooks, stitch markers, a small pair of scissors, a pen and pencil, and whatever paraphanalia that I think I need. The grenn book is a graph paper pad which I use to sketch designs and come up with cable patterns. Behind it is a copy Interweave Knitting Accessories 2009, which I happen to be perusing at the moment. On the bottom you'll find a ruler (for figuring yarn weights) and a pair of Susan Bates 7mm aluminum needles. I think I have a small skein of waste yarn in there, too.

So that what I've got in the bag! What are the essentials that you carry with you? So you have a special bag? I'd love to know!

Darn Yarn Needles and Thread

I'd like to introduce you to a new friend of mine. Lisa Krack is the soon-to-be purveyor of locally crafted fiber arts, supplies, and notions at her storefront, Darn Yarn Needles and Thread in Butler, PA. In addition to Handspun yarns by EnchantedYarn, e-reader wraps, hats & crocheted miscellany by Allkrackedup, Tapestries by HotShades Tapestries, Tri-Looms by Jim @ Sunflower Fibers, and Buttons and Shawl Pins by Handmade in the Hills, she'll be stocking recycled yarns from my company, Howard Knits! I'm excited for her, and excited to have my yarn in a store! She is slated to open on St. Patrick's day, so if you are in or around Butler, PA, make sure to check out her shop!