Vacation Depression

So as a New Englander I'm dreading the third weekend in a row because of ... snow. The season finale of Downton Abbey has not helped at all either. To put us all in a better mood here are some of the things I did on vacation in Florida, because we can at least think warm. 

After we landed I refused to leave the airport until I had put my sweatshirt away, because it is much to warm to where a sweatshirt in Florida right? The cold night air blasted me in the face as we left, and I felt as though we hadn't actually left home. The next day was much nicer though.

Funny I didn't realize till I got there that I'd never seen a palm tree in person before.

I never really considered myself a pool, person, but when there is on readily available, I definitely got used to it.

I got to pet a baby alligator and then...

I ate one.

Went to the aquarium and saw a sea lion do this,

while a sea turtle just kept swimming.

I also saw Ms. Attitude.

Doesn't my Woolie Alligator look just like her?

Woolie Alligator

But now I'm back and I will shovel away like all hearty New Englanders do, yet I'll be thinking about this while I do.

Even though it's a little more like this.

So everyone stay warm! There is good news here though the Sweet Carolyn's shop has tags!

Have a great Day.

Vacation Preparations

So I went on vacation, it was great, and now I'm back, but it took a lot to get there. My normal vacation plans are usually day trips, maybe a few days somewhere, but this time I headed far south for an entire week. Which was a welcome relief, because here in New England it had been a bit chilly.

I do my best not to complain overly about the cold, because I just think about weeding a cornfield in 20 pounds of wool in 90 degree heat and humidity. It's just that last year was such a mild winter, that this was a welcome break.

The downside to this trip is was that I had been instructed that all my belongings for a week needed to fit in a carry-on bag........ no it was not a joke. So after much debate and outfit arranging, I pared down all my needs to a carry on and large purse.

Incase my bag needed to get checked at the gate due to space issues (I'm a planner and a worrier, a dangerous combination), I prepared with a luggage tag to make it more noticeable. (No the fact that it is green was not enough.) So I decided to go with a nice luggage tag, how about one that's personalized that does the work for you.

Great Tag!

Unfortunately I didn't order this with enough time allotted but you can! I'm now back, safe and sound (blizzard and all) and did tons of exciting things, and now that I'm back I have great new things headed for my store, and more vacation inspiration to follow!

Great hand knit felted bags, but couldn't leave them plain, oh no.

Needle-felt whales! I think a needle-felt tutorial is in order as well, don't you think? Keep tabs on us wherever we go on instagram @sweetcarolyns.

First Step: To Admit There is a Problem.

So we all make those New Years Resolutions, and right about now a lot of people are slipping, falling and flat out jumping off their wagons. I have, so far, stuck to my resolution, which was to buy no more yarn, until I use what I have. Sensible, I know, but I have A LOT of yarn, but at this point I may not need to buy anymore until next year.

I have yarn in these bins and the baskets on top.

There is yarn hiding in bags under these finished woolies, and there's about two more bins, if not more around my studio. 

The second resolution I made was that I wouldn't take a three month vacation this winter, and that I would use it to build inventory back up. Thankfully I can crochet just about anywhere, so I've been crocheting pieces for Woolie Animals whenever and where ever I can. I then set up my studio table as a Sew Um Up station.

Look all those Woolies ready to go.

Here's a Woolie Bunny in progress......

Woolie Bunny Hand Crocheted Plush

and finished! I hope you are sticking to your resolutions whatever they may be, stop by my shop to see what new creations all this yarn is making. I'm thinking about expanding to include accessories as well...

The Sickness

I came home today to find this...

I think I need a new place to live for a while; at least until the infected are better. Then I need to invent a type of bug bomb that is disinfectant instead, so we can just bomb the whole house. For now I will hide in my studio, so more new creations soon!

Stay healthy out there.

Hey! Nice to meet you.

So after years of thinking about starting a blog I have finally taken the plunge. I've been creating art ever since I can remember, my grandmother had a ceramic studio were she taught, and a good part of my childhood was spent there. My favorite job was when she had me open every bottle of paint and pick all the dried drips so the looked presentable for her students (or it was just to keep me busy). That creativity seemed to stick, I got a Bachelor's of Fine Arts in Textile Design and Fiber Arts, and that's when I started a little online business Sweet Carolyn's. 

Woolie Whale Hand Crocheted Plush

That's where I sell things like this Woolie Whale and all other sorts of creatures.

Woolie Alligator

Now, I'm sharing the stories that come along with running your own small business, being a crafter with far too many projects, and oh wait, I have a full time....... I would say normal but its really not, job.

Oh yes that's me! For 5 days a week from 9-5, I eat, live, breath, 17th century life, but then I go home and crochet woolie whales and ship packages all over the world. It's an exciting and interesting time and if you're crafty, geeky, or just like a good laugh you should defiantly subscribe and come along for a crazy ride.