Crazy Busy Adoption Life

I haven't been crocheting much lately - we have been CRAZY busy and the little spare time I do have now, I try to spend with my hubby instead of my needle :)

We began our PS-MAPP classes this week. These are classes that we will take for the next 12 weeks in order to become Certified to adopt out of our State foster care system. I am very excited and hopeful about our new family building journey. It definitely does not look like ANYTHING I had been imagining since I was 6, but we are going to have a beautiful, strong family and I am extremely grateful for the opportunity to open up our home to a child/children that need a good, stable home.

Other than this blog, I am going to remain fairly quiet about our family building decision. Mainly because many people have vast misconceptions about the type of adoption we are pursuing. I have no problem educating as needed, but I really just want this to be a private journey between my husband and I.

Here is a picture of the cute little baby sandals I made for a friend's sister that is having twins :)

Headbands!

I learned my very first crochet stitch in November 2011 while I was riding with my crochet mentor and our husbands to an adoption seminar. The great thing about learning to crochet is you can make some really awesome winter stuff like beanies, scarves, shawls, slippers etc. I found myself feeling a little sad as winter faded into the background because I wasn't sure what I was going to crochet now...then I found some amazing patterns and have thoroughly enjoyed making accessories that are perfect for any season!

I made this fun little headband a couple of months ago, but this was my first time wearing it. I am in that very awkward phase of growing my hair out, and I wasn't really sure how it was going to look, but I absolutely LOVE it!

I have two skeins of the yarn that I used for the flower and it is Uh-dor-able! It is a super soft pink, blue, gray and white variegated yarn. I have found myself being very picky about what I use this yarn on because I love it so much!

Here is a picture of a headband that one of my friends ordered for herself that is very cute, simple and understated. I LOVE this headband and think I am going to make a slew of them for myself this weekend!

This headband is made with the same yarn that the one above is - isn't it cute?

I have been busy finishing up some crochet projects for graduation gifts and also working on a little baby carrier for my husband's little sister. She is almost 7 and felt that she needed something that she could carry her babies around in to "keep her hands free" LOL - that kid cracks me up. I couldn't find a pattern online for it, so I am just making it up as I go along - we will see how it turns out!

Branching out for NIAW

Welcome to my new blog! It is with great pleasure that I launch my new blog during NIAW (National Infertility Awareness Week) It is pretty fitting! This blog will be a little bit of everything, my family building journey, my journey to find myself, my everyday life,  but mostly my crochet projects. It is through crochet that I find peace (most of the time unless you make two baby mittens and when completed, look at them and they are 2 completely different sizes) and that I make time for me.

I wanted to start my blog with a list (and pictures) of what I have been working on recently and introduce my hobby and my craft with all of you. So...here it is. I will be adding to it, and taking away as I find new patterns and switch out the stock, but this is at least a start! Please be kind as I am NOT a photographer!

I am selling these items upon request. The colors can be customized, please allow at least 3 weeks to receive your item as I am only one person :) I have listed the prices below each picture and can combine shipping prices for multiple items. Thank you and I hope you enjoy them as much as I do!

Oh....the beautiful little model is my niece - isn't she stunning!


Chunky Beanie: This beanie is one of my favorites! It comes with a large flower and the bill. These beanies are $20 plus $5 shipping (if applicable)

Clutch: I have a variety of fabric lining to choose from that we can coordinate with the outside color. Includes button closure. This clutch measures approximately 9inches long and 6 inches tall. The clutch is $25 plus $5 shipping (if applicable)

Hobo Bag: This is also a very fun one! Colors and flower are customizable. These bags are $35 plus $5 shipping (if applicable)

Popcorn Stitch Bracelet: This picture does not do the actual stitch justice, it really is pretty fun. I have a couple of different bracelet patterns, but I just haven't taken pictures and uploaded them yet, so if you are interested in a bracelet, even if this particular stitch doesn't tickle your fancy let me know and I would be happy to help you find one that does :) This bracelet is $10 plus $5 shipping (if applicable)

Barefoot Baby Sandals: These have been a huge hit and with the summer quickly upon us, are fun and cute for any little one. Please note that these are sized for infants. I am working on some other sandals for adults and young children as well, but this is what I have for the time being. The colors are customizable, these come with a flower, button in the middle is optional. These are $15 per pair plus $5 shipping (if applicable)

Skinny headband with Posy: This one is super versatile and cute. (Oh...and the model in this one is me. LOL) You can choose up to 3 colors of yarn for the headband itself and 1 color for the posy flower. These headbands are $10 plus $5 for shipping (if applicable)

That is all I have for now - I will be adding more soon I promise! If you have any questions or would like to place an order, please email me at Nicholeinaz1.at.gmail.com