Monsters and Aliens!!!

FINALLY! A new design set for BOYS...and it's not even a birthday set! What do you think of it? I created it using clipart by Sanqunetti. You can find her at My Grafico. They have amazing artwork over there. If you ever see anything you love that you want in embroidery just holler! I've been lucky enough to be picked to be one of their members of a special Design Team. I get to create embroidery off of their artwork each week...super fun for me! Now if I can just keep up with it all.

So this design was fun! I made a shirt for Nick and then created a stuffed monster to match. The monster was made entirely in the hoop, with the exception of one small part that had to be sewn by hand. That is MY kind of sewing! I love embroidery, but despise sewing so it's been fun for me to start learning these "in the hoop" type projects.

So let me know what you think and if you want to see more designs done up using My Grafico artwork.

THE red wedding trane

FINALLY! I have pictures downloaded of the embroidery I did on the wedding trane. Sorry the pictures are so small! I'm not sure why I saved it that small and I don't have time to fix it now...so do you best to see...sorry!
This was a red trane that snapped on the back of a cream color gown...kind of fun! I had to "match" the embroidery work off of another trane so there were a LOT of hours spent creating the design, laying it out to make sure it work, etc. I'm talking around 5 hours here! Then on to the embroidery. I was able to do it on my new machine- which is amazing and that only took another 6-7 hours...that's all...just 12 hours to do this amazing trane. Ok..so it took a LONG time but it turned out beautiful! They did a lot of bead work on it after the embroidery was done so I'm hoping to get some pictures of it on the beautiful bride as I would love to see what the finished product looks like. And don't you just LOVE that big beautiful machine! That is my new baby and I just about cried yesterday when I thought I had broken it...but it survived and so did I. I'm getting lots of new orders done on it and it runs SO smooth!

It's a TUTU EXPLOSION!

Yikes! This weekend was a little bonkers! I had my two step daughters here with me and for some reason they WANTED to help do up tutus...must be because I let them pick the colors for a few. We matched a bunch to my new BabyLegs that I just got in! These are going to be the cutest combos ever...but you will have to stay tuned until next week after our big photo shoot to see them. After that time I will start carrying BabyLegs on my website and possibly sell them as tutu/BabyLeg combo sets on Etsy. Can you count how many tutu's I have hanging up? Don't get sidetracked...I'll give you a hint- there is MORE then one that is the ever popular pink/pink combo. Thanks also to my ever helpful Mercedes that also did up 7 tutus! Way to have a productive weekend girls!

Last week my embroidery machine decided to give me fits...it has a bent needle, meaning that I now only have 5 needles to work with. Kind of a pain on any design that has more then 5 colors. BUT I'm not too sad...I haven't even called the repair man yet to get it on the 4 week waiting list...and why you might ask? Because I got APPROVED last week for a new machine! And not just a "new to me" machine, but a BRAND SPANKIN' new machine! It is so crazy but the down payment ended up being MORE on the used machine then the new machine? Kind of crazy. Thanks to some "miracles" I was able to come up with the downpayment and I should be getting my new machine this week-maybe even tomorrow! I'm SO excited!

So before I started having too many problems last week I worked up a few more fun orders that I thought I would share. My first one was a new baptism towel design. Do you like the CTR with the flames? I LOVE it. :) I know...I might be a little biased, but still...come on! Flames and CTR? Too fun. The other fun set was another Minnie Mouse set for a set of 3 girls that are lucky enough to be heading to Disneyland. I love working up these sets because I always picture me doing this for my own kiddos sometime soon...ok...probably NEXT christmas, but I'm planning now.
I've also been working like mad to finish the organzing in my studio- so I'll get pictures up of that soon. I tell you- this past week I got more orders out then ever before and felt SO productive! I'm sure it's because this room is so stinkin' organized and nice to work in! Thanks Kasa and Heather for helping it happen! It wouldn't have happened without you both since my organization skills are zip. Well..I've got to go wake kiddos and get them up for school..so the process begins. Later!

Wow! I've been a busy little bee!

It must be having this nice big studio to work in...I feel all organized and I am being SO productive! I've gotten my orders done through this FRIDAY! I'm ahead of my schedule for once...that itself is close to a miracle. And one that I'm super excited about because I've been working on some really really fun holiday designs that I'm going to have time to stitch out tomorrow! I'll try to post pictures as soon as I get them done, because REALLY...they are going to be great!
So- this is what I've been up to the last few days. I did this ADORABLE ladybug dress. I did NOT sew it, but I did add all the little ladybugs on the bottom- cute huh?I have made a TON of ladybug tutu's. Ok Ok...so one of my employees actually made most of these, but I made my share! Ladybug themes are going bonkers right now...it must be the IN thing.I made this SUPER cute little onesie for a baby that is having his first birthday...he has a little Yorkie that he loves so mom decided to plan the party around the puppy. I thought it turned out pretty darn cute.
I also made this circus themed onesie for a little boy...I'm TRYING to find more boy designs..I really am! :)And my FAVORITE thing that I have worked on today was this super cute set! What do you think? Close to my other first birthday onesies, but with a cute little minnie head.

I of course have done my share of ladybug onesies, butterfly fly away onesies and other misc. orders. I'm always love being busy and I'll take all the orders I can get. My other BIG news! I'm getting closer to getting my second machine!

COME ONE COME ALL**It's a Modeling contest!***

For the first time ever I'm teaming up with my good friend Christy over at Cheapshots LLC. to provide a unique and one of a kind contest. We are planning a photo shoot to get pictures of my new products and get her more kiddo photos in the middle of Oct. We have it all planned now we just need to find some models! So...if you are in the Provo area Oct. 13th and want to participate check out Christy's blog for the rules to the Baby contest. It's going to be tons of fun and you get FREE product for participating! Here is a sneak peak at her adorable pictures that she has done for me in the past!

My new studio

Ok...So last week I spent a HUGE portion of my time moving my kids playroom (what was once upon a time the Preschool room) and my studio. It was a HUGE process, but with the help of GREAT friends that insisted that I do it I now have it complete AND I have room to work in and organize all of my inventory! It feels absolutely fantastic to have it all done and it's so fun for me to work in the room and feel organized and productive. :) Silly...I know- but it still feels great! Oh! AND I have windows! Meaning I don't feel like I work and live in a dungeon anymore...that's always a good thing, right?

Here is what my new studio looks like. If any of you live close by you of course are always welcome to come for your own personal tour- as I know you are all dying to see it firsthand. But for those of you who live out of state, pictures will have to suffice.

This view shows my wall of shirt/bloomer and other "stuff" inventory. I have a TON of items just WAITING for you to pick it so it can be personalized and sent to your home.
This view is taken from my inventory shelf...it shows my computer station..aka...where I LIVE and create designs and answer emails, etc. As well as my tutu cutting table and my inventory of tulle. Look at all those fun colors! Think of the endless possibilities!
And my other EXCITING news? See that blank spot right by my computer desk? That is going to be the new home for my NEW (ok used) machine! Yeah! With some miracle type events happening it looks like I will be getting a second machine-something I've been needing for SOME time to get orders out a little bit quicker. I'm SO excited! It will be a commercial grade machine (my other machine is a home professional machine) which means it will NOT need to be taken in 2 times a year to be serviced...whew! That will be nice. I will have a lot of learning to do as it's set up a lot differently then my other machine, so i'm sure it will take time to learn it, but I am super excited!

New Design Sets!

Hi there! I've had a busy crazy week! I decided that I had officially outgrew my studio so I bumped my kids from their HUGE playroom and now I have a BEAUTIFUL studio...which is double the size of my last one. I LOVE it! But it was a huge "process" in changing it all over. I FINALLY am now moved in and newly organized and I've even caught back up on my orders. I'm feeling like I accomplished a lot this week.
Tonight while my hubby was off watching a football game I decided to get the rest of my Made to Match Birthday Party Theme items listed on Etsy. I still need to get them on my website, but atleast I have them in one place. Keep in mind that I can match to ANY theme...even if it's not an official theme with plates and decorations. I'm doing a really cute one this week for a little boy that owns a Yorkie and they wanted a party theme that included the little dog. I'll make sure I take pictures when I get it done. I'll also try to take some new pictures of my amazing studio!
Here is a sneak peek at two of my favorite designs...take a look at my Etsy shop to see them all!

I still have tons more photos to upload for new listings so stay tuned!

ANOTHER giveaway!

Ok..I must be feeling generous because I'm doing ANOTHER GIVEAWAY! I've teamed up with a FABULOUS gal that does a a fun "make it" blog. It's called Make it and Love it. She creates the funnest items, and occasionally she takes on sponsors that she features on her blog...a nice little addition to her already fabulous blog. Right now I'm being featured and there is another gift certificate giveaway involved. Check her out! I'm sure you will fall in love with her blog- I know I did!

And the WINNER IS....

Thank you so much for everybody that joined in my celebration of 500 sales on Etsy. I really appreciate everybodys support! I typed in everybodys name/entries and then let Random.org do the dirty work. My lucky winner is #12- DAISY! Contact me to find out how to redeem your $20 gift certificate. Everybody else needs to stay tuned because I'll be posting in just a bit about ANOTHER giveaway being done on a fun site where I'm being featured, starting tomorrow!

CELEBRATION TIME!

Yeah! I've made it! ..well, almost! I'm nearly at 500 sales on Etsy. To help celebrate I am giving away TWO gift certificates, each valued at $20!

The first gift certificate will go to the person who makes the 500th sale on my etsy shop.

The second gift certificate will be chosen by a random drawing. To get your name in the drawing simply visit my etsy store or my Stitcheroos website and pick what you would want to get with the $20 gift certificate if you were the lucky winner. Leave me a comment here on my blog.

-For an additional entry simply visit my facebook page and leave a comment there as well.
-For ANOTHER entry become a facebook fan and leave me a note here on the blog that you have done so.
-And for one final entry become a follower of my blog and leave me a note stating that you now follow my blog.

I will pick the random winner of the 2nd drawing first thing Monday morning so get busy!

New Birthday Line

Wow...I thought everything would slow down once I had my kiddos back in school- especially since I have decided not to teach Preschool any longer. BUT of course it hasn't. Life continues to clip along at a STEADY and fast pace.

Part of the reason for things remaining so busy is my super cute new BIRTHDAY line. I have started creating sets to match birthday party themes and so far they have been super popular and I have had a ball creating new designs. I will SOON be announcing my new Etsy shop where I will be selling my actual embroidery designs that I create, for all of you who have your own embroidery machines.

Here are some cutie pie pictures that I have of the Modern Ladybug Birthday line. Cute huh?

UPDATE! ...finally...

I know, I know...I've been missing in action for a month and a half. But if you saw my crazy schedule for this summer you would understand. Fun, but very crazy! I'm back for the summer and now I'm just trying to catch back up on everything. Because I'm a total slacker I missed announcing two different giveaways that were offered on other sites that featured me. Sorry for the lack of information. I plan on getting back in the swing of things for contests starting on August first so watch for the new contest. It's been fun sending out all of the goodies to each of the winners.
I have also gotten LOTS more embroidery designs. Some that will be just PERFECT for backpacks and jackets. So start thinking school!

May contest winner

Drumroll please! The may Stitcheroos $30 gift certificate winner is........Treasia! Claim your prize anytime within the next 30 days...simply email me what you would like to purchase! Thanks for everybody playing. I will post June's contest today- first I have to think what I want to do as I want something a bit different this month...suggestions are always appreciated!

J. Leigh Designz review on Stitcheroos

Another fun review and contest from Stitcheroos is being held over at J. Leigh Designz. Check out her site! She is always doing fun reviews on products and has LOTS of contests going on, including my $30 gift certificate giveaway!

Giveaway Today FEATURE!

Yeah! Another Feature on Stitcheroos!! I can only hope that this means people are liking my products and that word is getting out there! This one is being done by a gal over at "Giveaway Today" . The feature runs today through Monday and there is a $30 gift certificate GIVEAWAY involved! It's super easy to win and I'm REALLY hoping to break the record on entries, so help me out! Share the info. with family and friends...who wouldn't want a free $30 gift certificate to be used on whatever you want?

In preperation for this review I have listed a TON of new items on my website. I of course still have a ton more to get on there, but I did get lots of my baby gift sets, bloomers and some of my Mickey Mouse items online. Here's a sneak preview of some of the new items.

First up...made to match birthday party shirts. These match the specified theme that my customer has given me and they are turning out SO cute!

Purses...anybody want one?

Ok everybody! I just put in another bag order and as always decided to get a few bags that are NON embroiderable...so if you want to stake your claim on this limited supply let me know soon and I'll mark it as YOURS and get it to you when it arrives. Prices for the leather purses are $25-$35...the polka dot purses are $18-$22 and the little girl purses are $15. This first one is my personal FAVORITE!I THINK that these polka dot bags will be able to have a monogram embroidered but I won't be for sure until they arrive.

COLOR! Name your favorite color combo and Win!

Ok...for May's contest I'm simply asking for a bit of your help. My sweetheart hubby got me hooked up doing newborn baby gifts for employees at his work...this is AWESOME (much better then flowers and I can do them for YOUR company too!) but my problem comes with the fact that the Human resources department simply gives me the info and let's me go at it. While I LOVE the opportunity to come up with new designs I need COLOR help! Is Pink and brown still "in"? What color combos are you LOVING? Tell me what you like for newborns so that I can start doing a bit of VARIETY! Here's some pics of what I've been up to just so you have an idea of what I'm talking about. I usually do a onesie and blanket set and the onesies will be either white, brown or black...blankets will be white, blue or pink.

The rules are easy peasy! All you have to do is comment with your favorite color combo and do one or more of the following.

• -Post a link from your blog to mine.
• -Become a facebook fan of Stitcheroos.
• -Email 5 friends about this contest...include me as the 6th email recipient.
• -You get one entry for EACH of these items!...so do more and have a better chance of winning.

The winner will receive a $30 gift certificate to be used at Stitcheroos for the items of your choice! I will have the random integer machine pick a winner on June 1st.

April's Autism Awareness WINNER!

Another lucky winner! My winner for the Autism Awareness contest is whitequeen...comment #4! Thank you so much for all of you that took the time to enter this contest and tell us how Autism has effected you. It was very touching to read everybody's comments. I'm off to my "Walk Now for Autism" walk in the morning, so keep spreading the word...let's make everybody aware of Autism and how it affects families.

Winner of the Photo Contest

Winner, winner!

The winner of the Photo contest is Leslie B with her photo of her daughter and a CTR bag. The winner was chosen by a random number. Thanks for playing! Make sure you claim your prize sometime soon. ;)

Last call for Photo Contest!

Hurry, hurry!
It's last call for the Photo contest!
This contest closes at midnight on the last day of April and a contest winner will be randomly selected on May 1st!
The contest is easy to enter! Simply email me a photo of you or your little one using my item! Here are some GREAT entries that I have already received. This has been such a fun contest for me...thank you to all who have already participated! Aren't there some BEAUTIFUL pictures? And yes, I've already put several to good use in my shops. Thanks a bunch!

**These are not ALL of the photos, but most. I'll get the rest on another day.