F.........ebruary Experiment: Day 5

Much to my surprise, this little bonnet has been a best seller. I designed it originally to go with a Christening gown, and it's a good thing it was listed separately in my Etsy shop. Several folks have kind enough to buy it to go with a family or antique Christening gown. It's done in fine crochet cotton, and features shells, the symbol of baptism. The ribbon ties make it adjustable.

It was less of a surprise to find it was my first sale in February as well. I'm not sure if it was the result of the February experiment that I'm doing, but it's possible. Yesterday I rewrote and edited almost a quarter of my listings and posted in several forums. This weekend there will be a massive rewrite and editing. Stay tuned for updates the rest of the month!

N.........ew Christening Dress

In the last several years, I have found that many folks are waiting to have their babies baptized when they are a little older than we did. My daughters were christened when they were only a few weeks old. But lately I've had several requests for lager size gowns. I adapted this pattern for babies and little girls ages 6 months to 2 years. It is hand crocheted from fine crochet cotton and adorned with ribbon ties. Because it measures 15" inches from neckline to hem, it is also suitable for those who are already walking. Featuring a cascading shell pattern, it is particularly appropriate for baptism, but would be lovely for any special occasion. The ribbon tie under the yoke adjusts for babies with a 19"-24" chest measurement. This dress and matching bonnet and socks are available in my Etsy shop!

B.........ooties with socks

When searching for a way to make booties to

accompany my latest Christening dress, I

wanted to be sure that it would not be so easy for the baby to kick them off. I remembered seeing booties done around baby socks a long time ago and adapted a tiny pair of socks by attaching a bottom, sides, and an instep to the bottom cuff with a fine elastic thread. The actual crocheted portion of the booties is done in the same crochet cotton as the dress and the lace roses attached to the instep match the rose on the bodice of the dress. Both are my own designs and are available in my Etsy shop. Although the booties were designed to go with the dress, they would be darling for any special

occasion!

B.........askets and Babies

Every once in a while, something comes out of my hands that I personally, really like. Since being on Etsy, I've been encouraged to try a wide variety of projects, and since I'm continuing to celebrate my Etsyversary this week, I though I'd show some of my personal favs. The first picture shows Camille, one of my amigurumi bunnies that I adapted from a Lion Brand Yarn pattern, overlooking perhaps the pine needle basket of which I am most pleased. This round basket features a lid coiled around wire hexagons with a swirling teneriffe pattern. The sheath ends of a few needles form the handle.
Also, I've designed, made and sold several hand crocheted Christening dresses. It's always an honor for me to have a baby baptized in one of my dresses and I am in the process of completing another complete with hat and booties and hope to list it this weekend.
I wish to sincerely thank my readers, customers and fellow artists and crafters on Etsy for their great support. I've put a few of them in my latest treasury: http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list.php?room_id=33563 , but there are so many more to thank! Please stay tuned tomorrow for my special blog give away and a special offer from my shop in honor of this first Etsyversary!