Pizza Blanket, All Grown Up

The adult size Pizza Blanket is all finished and delivered to the VERY happy customer.  It was a lot of work, but I'm happy with the way it turned out.  Here's a video of Miss R hanging out in it to show you how awesome it is.  

She was very upset with me that she couldn't keep it.  Then again, she gets upset with me every time I make something that she likes and can't keep.  

The VERY happy pizza blanket customer sent me this adorable photo of her daughter and husband in their matching pizza blankets.  It makes me happier than you can ever know.

Aren't they the cutest???  I just love it and I'm so thankful that I get to share the picture with everyone!!  Thanks Michelle!  :-)

This is One HUGE Slice!

Right now, I am working on an adult size pizza slice blanket.  I have a very lovely pattern that I'm working from, but apparently, my gauge is off because this slice turned out HUGE!  I had to stop following the pattern because it was going to be waaaaay too big.  Today I am hoping to finish up the crust layer and stitch it onto the cheese layer.  Then, I have to make pepperoni and get them sewn on.  I'm excited for it be done and photographed.  In the meantime, Miss R and I did a little video for the DandoisLion DeLights Facebook page.

I'm very excited to get this project finished and delivered to my customer.  Hopefully she loves it!!!!  I make these in every size and you can order your own here.

Viking Hats Are Beyond Cool

Last fall a friend of mine asked me to make him a bearded Viking Hat.  The hats were all over the internet, and I couldn't WAIT to give it a shot.  So I used a lovely pattern by Mamachee for the hat.  It was perfect.  For the beard I used a pattern by Totally Stitching.  So far, it's the only beard pattern I use, although I'd like to try a few different designs.  
Here is the hat, modeled hilariously by me.

Intimidating, right?  It was perfect.  My husband had to model it too.

Since this first one, I've done many color combinations, including one in the colors of the Minnesota Vikings.  (Unfortunately my model was already at work when I packed that order up to ship, so I never got a photo.)

He was mean muggin' for me, trying to look tough.  

This is my favorite.  There's something about the orange beard that I just really love.  I've also done a ladies hat with no beard, but it has braids on the sides.  I didn't get a picture of that one either.  I wish I had!!

Then I got a really cool request to make a beanie hat with a beard resembling the German flag.  Here's how that one turned out.

So cool.  I'm hoping I'll get a chance to do some crazy beards in other cool color combinations.  Ya know, just for fun.  :-)  

A Pizza Blanket? Yum!

Sometimes I get orders that I know I'm going to love.  This is a story about one of those orders.  My friend Michelle, she owns the boutique where I sell some of my creations, was pregnant, and she wanted me to make a pizza cocoon blanket for her soon to be born babe.  I said yes, of course, because who wouldn't want to see an adorable baby in a pizza blanket?  It took me ages to get it finished because I was swamped with other orders, but luckily Michelle is understanding and awesome.  I managed to finish it before Baby E arrived, and we were all excited to see the pizza baby photos.  (Well, and meet Baby E of course!!)

It's pretty adorable even without a baby inside, right?  I love it so much.  It's really warm and cuddly too because it has two layers crocheted with double strands of yarn.  So soft and squishy!!!  So after Baby E was born, Michelle got photos done, of course, and she lets me use this one, which is pretty damn amazing.  I use it every chance I get because it's a fabulous photo of an adorable baby in this totally cool thing that I made.  

Pizza is Life!  

Photo by Nicole Chudacik Photography

Right now I'm working on an adult size version of this blanket.  Then I have to do a baby size, small child size, and a large child size.  I have boxes of "pizza yarn" in my craft room just waiting for me.  Want me to make one for you?  Here is the link to the listing in my Etsy shop 

My family loves pizza and we eat a lot of it.  My favorite topping is mushrooms.  I love lots and lots of mushrooms on my pizza.  Do you like pizza?  What's your favorite pizza topping?

Captain Jack Sparrow Newborn Set!!

At the beginning of January I answered an ISO post (In Search Of) in one of the group pages I hang out in on Facebook.  The OP (original poster) was looking for someone to make a Captain Jack Sparrow inspired set.  She's expecting a baby boy in March and LOVES the hilarious Captain Jack Sparrow.  I did some searching for patterns, but didn't find any that were what we were looking for.  There are lots of pirate patterns out there, but none for the coat he wears.  I searched and searched.  I found patterns for the boots and the hat.  Then I finally found a sweater pattern that I could modify to make the coat. 

The first go-round with the boots was not good.  They were too big for a newborn, but the second try was perfect.  The first pair is up for purchase in my Etsy shop now. 

The pattern for these is available on Ravelry, or you can purchase a pair from me through my Etsy shop.

The hat gave me no trouble at all.  I followed the advice of other people who have made it and went down a hook size or two to get the right size.  However, I wasn't sure I was happy with it.  I ended up making two versions of the hat and letting the Momma decide which one she liked better.  Then I put the extra up in my Etsy shop.  This is the hat with the bandana attached.  They're really hard to get good pictures of because of the shape of the hat.

The hat pattern is available on Ravelry or you can purchase a hat from me through my Etsy shop.  I can make them in baby-toddler sizes and child-adult sizes.

The jacket.  Ahhh, the jacket.  The pattern I modified for this was very well written and I would like to make a version of the sweater exactly as the pattern is written.  I will not be giving away the information on what I did to modify the pattern though.  That's my secret.  

I'm so in love with the way it turned out.  I might, at some point try to make one using felt for the "buttons" and "buttonholes" instead of crocheting them, but I like it this way.  I'll be adding a listing for the jacket to my Etsy shop once Momma gets her photos.

Because we were worried about it being too short to cover baby's diaper, I also made a quick little diaper cover.

After everything was finished I spent nearly an hour trying to get a decent shot of the entire set together.  Then I gave up and made this silly little collage instead.

So, I can't WAIT to ship this adorable set out tomorrow and I'm even MORE excited to see pictures when the baby boy arrives!!!  What do you think?  Did I do alright??

The Falling Leaves Festival

In September I had the amazing opportunity to be a vendor for the Falling Leaves Festival at Watson Homestead in Painted Post, NY.  Guys, this place is literally minutes away from where I grew up.  That meant I got to stay with my parents!!  The Festival was an interactive Native American Pow Wow and it was amazing.  There was music, dancing, and storytelling.  The turnout was really wonderful, and everyone was in good spirits for the whole weekend.  My spot was right next to the main gathering area, so I was able to spend the two days super close to all of the action.  

Miss R enjoyed the festivities for a little while each day, but then went to Grammy & Bunka's house to have some family time.  (We're really lucky to have wonderful family & friends.  Support systems man, they make all the difference in the world!  Thank you to all of you, you know who you are!)

These are the only photos I got the entire time we were there because I didn't bring my camera!!  I will NOT make that mistake this year.  I want good pictures of all the performers this time.

While I didn't get many photos, there WAS a drone with a camera flying around and it's owners put together this video.  If you watch, you'll see my husband and I in our booth around the 1:37 mark.  (We're the white tent with the rag rugs on the ground. There is a blue tent right next to us.)  You'll also hear some beautiful flute music and see some of the dancing.

I'm already looking forward to the festival this year.  I can't remember the dates off the top of my head, but it's at the end of September.  You'll hear more about it as we get closer.  Maybe we'll see you all there!!!

I QUIT!!! No, Seriously, I Did!!!!

In October I quit my full-time job.  There were a lot of reasons, but the main one was that it was slowly killing me.  I'm not even exaggerating!  The last week of August I got really sick and just couldn't shake it.  Working all night and then coming home to be a Mommy all day 3 days a week was utterly exhausting.  I finally recovered from that somewhere around the end of October and have been feeling awesome ever since!! 

That means I have time to devote to my business. DandoisLion DeLights is definitely growing thanks to all of my newfound energy.  Miss R is awesome and my husband was even able to get a new job!  

This will mean I'll be blogging more and hopefully trying to spotlight some other blogs that I love.  

In the meantime, I'll share some things I've finished lately!!

This awesome Fancy Nancy Inspired Crown Headband was made for a little girl's 7th birthday. She is having a Fancy Nancy birthday party.  I'm hoping that Miss R will want birthday parties like that when she gets a bit bigger.  The fancier the better. Tutus, crowns, fancy dresses, and jewels are all so fun!!

My kitty Roland LOVES to model my crazy creations. She looks mad here, but she was actually very relaxed and comfortable.  Sometimes when she models I need my husband to help hold her still, but this one she laid right where she was, letting me take tons of pictures.  

And finally, a picture of Miss R because, well, because!!  Everyone needs a little Miss R in their lives.

She has gotten so BIG!!!  Well, I'm off now to get to work on orders!  I'll be back soon!!

Vintage Doll Cradle to Awesome Photography Prop

Last summer I found an awesome vintage doll cradle at a yard sale for only $5, so I, of course, had to have it.  It was falling apart when I bought it.  The bottom piece was no longer attached to the cradle and the whole thing was extremely unsafe.  I brought it home with every intention of fixing it up straight away.  Can you guess where I'm going with this?  Yep, I figured you could.  I'm kind of predictable like that.  Anyway, it sat.  For an entire year, until this weekend when I decided to get it done.  I don't have a before picture because I forgot.  I do, however, have a picture of it after I started sanding it and got it all put back together.

While I was sanding, I made a decision.  I was going to paint this cradle with chalk paint.  To make the chalk paint I used 1 cup of paint, 3.5 Tablespoons of Plaster of Paris, and 1.5 Tablespoons of water.  Here's my paint when I was finished.

Painting took FOREVER.  There are so many surfaces on the cradle, that I painted for hours to get it to look the way I wanted it to.  Then I sanded it.  I know, kind of annoying that you have to do all that painting just to take paint off, but I love the way it looks distressed.  

After I finished THAT step, I spent a couple of hours waxing it.  Yeah, that part was the most tedious part of the whole project, but I'm glad that I did it.  It was very rewarding because when it was all done, I got to take some pictures of the finished product.

When Miss R saw it, she immediately wanted to climb in, so I let her.  She just happened to be wearing a tutu dress that I made, so it made for some AWESOME pictures.

I'm definitely not a photographer, so I can't WAIT to see what someone with skills can do with this piece.  You can see that the blue shows up differently in every picture depending on the lighting.  I'd say that in reality it's closest to the indoor picture.  What do you think?  Is it an improvement?


Linking up at these Linky Parties: Sew Darn Crafty

Pretty, Pretty Poncho--The Butterfly Breeze Poncho

This weekend I finally got a chance to make this awesome poncho.  The pattern is from Sincerely Pam and is called the Butterfly Breeze Poncho.  

Originally I was going to have 3 different blues, but I couldn't make it work.  The darker blue yarn was a gift from one of my awesome friends.  I'm so glad that I finally got a chance to use it!!

Isn't it pretty?  I love the way it turned out.  I debated about putting the fringe on, but eventually did it because, well, I wanted to.  

Ya know, for taking these pictures myself, of myself, I didn't do too badly!!!  What do you all think?  This poncho will probably be in my Etsy shop by the end of the week.  I might even make the matching hat if I get a chance!!!  

Linked up at Your Whims Wednesday, Whatever Goes Wednesday, Catch As Catch Can, Sew Darn Crafty

Told ya, I love Chroma yarn!! Creepy Skulls Slouchy Hat!

Right around her birthday in February, my littlest sister sent me a picture of this hat that she thought was cool.  Well, it turned out that the woman who wrote the pattern for it is in one of the crochet groups I'm part of on Facebook, so I'd seen the hat a few times already.  I couldn't make one for her right then because I was pretty swamped with orders at the time, but things have calmed down a bit now.  I even had the perfect yarn for the project!  Chroma really has THE best color changes outside of hand-dyed yarn.  This colorway is Rollerskate or Lollipop, I can't remember.  Anyway, last week, I finally made her a Creepy Skulls Slouchy Hat!!!  

My husband was at work when I finished it up, and I didn't want to wait for him to get pictures.  So I pulled out my trusty cellphone and took a few pictures myself.  Isn't it awesome?  The yarn is Chroma in worsted weight.  I LOVE the way the color changes look.

When I was crocheting it, I was a bit worried that it would be too big for my sister, but it's perfect!!!  She's in love with it already, even though she hasn't gotten her hands on it yet.  Soon Shellie, soon!!  I love it so much that I might make one for myself.  Although, I'll probably never wear it.  I have a very nice hat collection, but I never wear them.  It drives my husband crazy.  What about you guys?  Do you wear hats?  

Linking up at the Sew Darn Crafty Linky Party, Swing Into Spring, Catch As Catch Can

My Craft Room is Organized!!!!!

For months now I have dreaded, DREADED, going into my craft room.  The mess was out of control.  My yarn stash was overflowing, there were unfinished projects everywhere, and every surface was cluttered beyond belief.  But for Mother's Day, Jeff and Miss R bought me organizers for my yarn!!!!  That led to a serious re-organization effort on my part.  I didn't take before pictures because, well, I was embarrassed, but I took lots of after pictures!!!

Isn't it awesome?  See that latch hook rug?  I made that ages ago and still haven't gotten the edging on it.  Ah well, one of these days.

Even my tables are organized now!  My supplies are all in their proper places and within easy reach of my work space.

Another of my organizers.  This side is still a little messy, but hey, what are ya gonna do?

Some beautiful yarns that my Mom bought me, just waiting to be run through the winder!!  So what does everyone think?  Pretty fantastic, right?  The room I mean.  Well, the yarn too I suppose.  I've already been working on a bunch of projects today, and I guess it's time to get back to work now!

Linking up to Sew Darn Crafty Linky Party, Swing Into Spring, Catch As Catch Can

Crocodile Stitch Baby Booties Anyone?

Crocodile Stitch Baby Booties.  Specifically the Bonita Patterns version of Crocodile Stitch Baby Booties.  They are, hands-down, my favorite thing to crochet.  They are quick, adorable, and everyone who sees them has a tendency to squeal over them.  Here are a few that I've made recently.

DandoisLion DeLights

They look like orange sherbet, don't they??

DandoisLion DeLights

Can you believe that both of those pairs came from the same skein of yarn?  I love using Chroma yarn from Knitpicks.  They have awesome color changes.

 DandoisLion DeLights

They are even super adorable in simple cream!

DandoisLion DeLights

More Chroma yarn.  Told ya, I love the stuff!!!!  If you crochet, I highly suggest trying out the crocodile stitch.  It looks difficult, but it really isn't.  If you don't crochet, and you want a pair of these booties, contact me.  I'll make them for you.  It would be my pleasure.  

And now, a picture of Miss R.  Because, well, she's smart and adorable and this picture rules.

Seriously, look at those eyes!!  Oh, but please disregard the yogurt facial.

Sharing at My Repurposed Life, The Shabby Nest,Creative Collection Link Party, Link Party Palooza, Sew Darn Crafty Linky Party, Swing Into Spring

Bench Seat: A Before and After Story

Before I tell you about the project and show you the lovely pictures, I have to admit something.  I am slightly (only slightly) embarrassed to admit that I bought this bench seat waaaay back in the spring of 2011.  Yep, 3 years ago.  I paid $5 for it at a thrift store and I was REALLY excited to get started on it.  Well, I didn't.  It sat, and sat, and sat.

It had obviously already SAT for a long time, so what's a few more years, right?  One weekend while I was pregnant for Miss R, my parents came to visit.  My Mom and I got started on cleaning it up.

There were A LOT of staples holding the fabric on.  Once we got the first layer off, we found out why.  There was another layer of fabric underneath!

At this point, we had to move outside.  The dust was crazy!!!  The seat was stuffed with straw!  

UGH!  We were very glad that we took it outside!!!  

See?  I was VERY happy.  After this we did some sanding.  A couple weeks later, I painted it.  I found the perfect fabric and bought the foam for the seat.  Then, well, it sat for another two years.  It's not my fault!  I had a baby!  (Okay, it IS my fault, but shhhh)

Finally, on Mother's Day weekend this year, I finished the bench.  FINALLY!!!

I had a little bit of trouble with the foam, you can see it in the front, but hey, it's my first time!!  I learned some things for the next time.  What do you guys think??

Well?  Did I do alright?  I mean, jeesh, it only took me three years!!  I'm so excited that it's finished, and I'm really proud of the way it came out!!!!

Shared on Frugal Friday, Catch as Catch Can 165--My Repurposed Life, Creative Collection Link Party, Link Party Palooza, Sew Darn Crafty Linky Party, Swing Into Spring, Whatever Goes Wednesday, Beyond The Picket Fence

Any Camo Fans Out There??

A couple of weeks ago I finished up a set of things for a customer done with camouflage colored yarn.  Now, I'm not a camo fan personally, but these turned out so cute that I may change my mind.  Here are the boots and hat :

Camo Cowboy Hat and Boots

Then I did the sweater: 

Camo Striped Sweater

And finally, I did the blanket:

Camouflage Star Baby Blanket

So what do you all think?  Did I do a good job??  The good news is that my customer is happy, so I'm happy!!  I can't wait to make more of the blanket in different colors!  If anyone wants the links to the patterns I used, let me know and I will share them!

OVER A YEAR??? WOAH!!!!

It's so hard for me to believe that it's been over a year since I've written a new post.  It just doesn't seem possible!  Miss R is now 18 months old.  At this rate she'll be packing her bags next week to leave for college.  People are not exaggerating when they tell you that the time goes by quickly.  

So what's been going on in the last year?  Well, a lot of learning how to be a Mom, for one.  It took a loooong time after Miss R was born for me to feel normal again.  Now though, I feel pretty normal and I have been crafting away like mad!!!

My dream is to be able to quit my job and be a stay at home crafting Momma.  I think we'll probably have to win the lottery first though.  :-)  

Check out my Facebook page to see everything I've been working on in the last year!!  DandoisLion DeLights  

Here Fishy, Fishy, Fishy....Rainbow Fishy

A couple of weeks ago, a client sent me a picture of a headband she's in love with.  I decided I wanted to try my hand at making my own.  Here's the original

I'm not sure where the image is from.  I did some searching online but couldn't find it anywhere.  I just don't want to take credit for the design as it's not my own.

This is what my versions look like:

This is the big version.  I love the colors in this one.  It's kind of big on Miss R, but on an older girl I think it would be perfect.

The smaller version.  Still super cute!!!  My Mom suggested giving the headband, along with the "Rainbow Fish" book, as a gift to little girls and I love that idea.  Here's some pictures of the headbands without my super adorable model.

I think I'll be making more of these very soon.  Probably a whole school of them!  (ha ha, I crack myself up)