Blast Off #3

Blast Off Bonanza Giveaway #3

Casey's Creation: Girly Girl Blue & Brown Outfit in Size 2T

This too cute set features a pair of cropped blue jeans trimmed with blue, white and brown ribbons and brown rick-rack. Check out this close up to see all the work that went in to making this one-of-a-kind outfit. Let me add that the ribbons and rick-rack are sewn, not glued, into the jeans. If you're a crafter like me, you understand that means two things: 1.) This was not just thrown together and glued. It took some work. 2.) The decorations on the pants aren't going to fall off before you can even get the kiddo's shoes on.

The blouse for this set matches the ribbons on the pants. (I say this with amazement because I couldn't match two colors if they were the only colors I had, ever, anywhere, on Earth. Seriously. It's quite sad.) And now, back to the clothes. The super-soft, shiny blouse is a rich chocolate brown with short sleeves and bow detailing on the cuffs. I just love the roomy top. Another thing I love about this blouse is that it's not one of those paper-thin ones like a lot of kids clothing. I took a good look at the seams and they are sewn very nicely. When my daughter was this age, finding good quality clothes was such a job. Some of the cutest clothes are poorly made. Any sewing fan will tell you, it all comes down to the seam. This is especially important with little ones who are always stretching and rolling and running about. Most manufactured clothes don't have any excess in the seam, so once they've blown out a seam, it's over. Nice blouse, thumbs up.

Top it all off with a pretty hairbow and you've got some sweet threads! This bow is so cute and is made some of the same ribbon as those detailing the bottom of the crop pants. Which is, again, truly amazing (refer back to the "I couldn't match stuff if my life depended upon it." discussion.) Now, I say bow rather than bows, because this set was made with two, but I only have one. I believe the other one ran away or has gone on to greener pastures. But that's okay. This one bow has enough pretty in it you'll think you're looking at two.

Speaking of details, I bet you want the details on how to win this awesome outfit. You know you do. This giveaway is limited to U.S. residents and will run from May 25th to June 15th. (If you're looking over at my Blast Off button for May 25th thru June 30th and wondering where did those 15 days go, worry not. I've got more stuff coming your way. Oh yeah. Just you wait.) The winner will be notified by e-mail and will have 3 days to respond.

Entries:
Initial entry: Since this outfit is so match-a-rific, I want you to choose two things you would match up if money was no object. Example: I would choose a matching SUV and boat. Go wild. Get silly. If you make me laugh, I'll give you a bonus entry. The funniest of all gets two (2!) extra entries.
Extra entries: Since this is my Blast Off, I'm going for all the "linky love" I can get. So I've given an utterly obnoxious number of extra entries. Feel free to do any, all or none. Just leave a separate comment for each and you must leave a link or i.d. where neccessary.
All the links you need should be on the left sidebar.
1. Grab my button
2. Grab my Blast Off button
3. Add me to your blog roll
4. Join my Google Friends
5. Follow me on twitter
6. Subscribe to my feed
7. Tweet about this giveaway
8. (2 entries) Blog with link back to this giveaway
9. Stumble
10. Kirtsy
11. Digg
12. Mixx
13. Delicious
14. Fuel my Blog
15. (5 entries!) Open your own Lemonade Stand by using the lemon slice link on my right sidebar. (This is a pretty wide gadget, so you'll want to go into the html code after you paste it and change the width to fit your sidebar. Or post it as a gadget down with your footer.)

I told you I was offering bunches of extra entries! Feel free to do any or all. I'd like to thank you for taking part in the HeatherSphere Blast Off! I've got lots more sweet summer stuff in the works. Good luck to all, Heather

Blast Off #2

Blast Off Bonanza Giveaway #2
Raspberry and Vanilla Poncho with Matching Cloche

HeatherSphere is blasting off into cyberspace with giveaways galore. I'm offering lots of entry options to give you many chances to win some prizes in exchange for some "linky love." The crocheted Raspberry and Vanilla poncho set (size 4) is hand made by me and is available for order in your choice of color and size at http://heathersphere.blogspot.com/2009/05/order-poncho-cloche-sets.htmlersphere.blogspot.com/2009/05/order-poncho-cloche-sets.html. I've been crocheting for 20 years and encourage anyone interested in learning to check with your local craft store for classes. It's a wonderful hobby.

I chose raspberry and white yarn for this project because the raspberry is such an interesting color and the white yarn sets off nicely in the edging and rosette. This pattern is one of my favorites. I've made alterations and improvements to the original patterns to allow for growth and comfort. The poncho neckline does not cut at the neck or fall off the shoulders, two very annoying problems. The "V" pattern (rather than a circular pattern) fits nicely regardless of a child's height and will not bunch up on the shoulders. The raspberry poncho is finished with a white border around the neckline and a decorative edging.

The matching cloche is cute and comfy. As with the poncho, I made alterations to the original pattern which makes this a very comfy cap. It fits around the head nicely. The stitch I use has a lot of "give" so it the cloche will not squeeze the noggin or fall down over the eyes. The raspberry cloche is finished with a white border and rosette. If you're interested in purchasing a poncho set, please visit my order link at http://heathersphere.blogspot.com/2009/05/order-poncho-cloche-sets.html. You're probably thinking more about pools than ponchos, but you'll save about 25% off my regular EBay starting price by purchasing one now. I also have more time for custom orders, so you'll be getting a great deal. In the order post you'll see that don't use generic sizes, just a few simple measurements, so the poncho I make for your child will allow for growth. In most cases, it's about a 2 year growth margin, depending on your child's age.

Wanna win one? Of course you do! Here are the entry details. This contest runs from May 25th thru June 15th and is open to residents of the continental U.S. The winner will be notified by e-mail and will have 3 days to respond.

Initial Entry: Go to my order page at http://heathersphere.blogspot.com/2009/05/order-poncho-cloche-sets.html, come back here and list the two measurements needed for custom ponchos.
Extra Entries: I've listed lots and lots of bonus entries. Feel free to do any or all, just leave a separate comment for each with link or user i.d. for each.
1. Grab my button
2. Grab my Blast Off button
3. Add me to your blog roll
4. Join my Google Friends
5. Follow me on Twitter
6. Tweet about this giveaway
7. (2 entries) Blog about this giveaway with a link to this contest
8. Stumble this giveaway
9. Fuel my blog
10. (5 entries) Open your own Lemonade Stand (On my right sidebar, click the lemon slice.)

Thank you for taking part in the HeatherSphere Blast Off! Good luck to all, Heather

Blast Off #1

Blast Off Bonanza Giveaway #1

Blueberry and Chocolate Poncho with Matching Cloche

I bet "chocolate" got your attention. Now that I have it... Let me welcome you to my very first giveaway. HeatherSphere is Blasting Off into cyberspace with some great giveaways. I'm offering lots of entry options to give you a chance to win some prizes in exchange for some "linky love." The crocheted Blueberry and Chocolate poncho set (size 4) is hand made by me and is available for order in your choice of color and size at http://heathersphere.blogspot.com/2009/05/order-poncho-cloche-sets.html I've been crocheting for 20 years and encourage anyone interested in learning to check with your local craft store for classes. It's a great for relieving stress and you're making something useful & pretty. Win-Win!

The baby blue and brown colors in this set are a pretty mix and this pattern is one of my favorites. I've made alterations and improvements on the original patterns to allow for growth and comfort. The poncho neckline does not cut at the neck or fall off the shoulders. The "V" pattern looks great regardless of the child's height, and it will not bunch up or constrict the shoulders. It also fits nicely as a caplet. The baby blue poncho is finished with neck border and edging in chocolate brown. I'm not a fan of yarn fringe edges as it always seems to get twisted or stuck in the washing machine.

The matching cloche is too cute. As with the poncho, I made alterations to the original pattern which makes this a very comfy cap. It fits nicely around the noggin' without squeezing the noodle or falling down over the eyes like it's "Pin the Tail on the Donkey" time. The pattern stitch has some "give" so it will fit a greater margin of sizes. I've finished off the cloche with edging and a pretty crocheted rosette.

If you're interested in purchasing a poncho set, visit my Order link http://heathersphere.blogspot.com/2009/05/order-poncho-cloche-sets.html. This is an excellent time to buy as it's not the Ebay "Fall freak-out" & the craft stores are not yet stuffed with only holiday red, white and green yarn. Seriously. So, check out my order page (hint. hint.) Wanna Win? (Of course you do!) Well, here's the details you've been waiting for: This contest runs from May 25th to June 15th and is open to U.S. residents. The winner will be notified by e-mail and will have 3 days to respond.

Initial Entry. Finish this statement from the above text: Crocheting is great for relieving ___" Extra Entries. Since this is my Blast Off, I thought I'd give you lots of options to earn extra entries. Feel free to do any or all. Just leave a separate comment with link or user i.d. for each.
1. Grab my button.
2. Grab my blast off button.
3. Add me to your blog roll.
4. Join my Google Friends
5. Follow me on Twitter
6. Tweet about this giveaway
7. Blog about this giveaway
8. Stumble this giveaway
9. Kirtsy this giveaway
10. Digg this giveaway
11. Mixx this giveaway
12. Fuel my blog

Order Poncho & Cloche Sets

Poncho & Cloche Sets

You can order your own matching poncho and cloche set in your choice of color and size for only $30. You're probably thinking more about sunscreen than winter wear, but my prices go up as fall approaches. These sets sell on EBay for about $40. So, take advantage of my non-crunch time to get off season prices.

Concerned you'll buy a set now and it won't fit when cooler weather comes around? Not to worry. This set is designed to fit a varied size, that's why I love it so much. I've altered the original poncho pattern and use a very durable, yet comfy, yarn to allow for growth and longer wear time. It doesn't choke at the neck or fall off the shoulders. It is very warm and comfortable to wear. The original cloche pattern has been altered to allow for some "give." It doesn't squeeze the noggin' or fall down to the nose like it's "Pin the Tail on the Donkey" time.

The poncho is comprised of a main body with one color and decorative edge and collar of a second color. The cloche is comprised of a main body with edging and rosette of a second color. Washing instructions: This yarn is very durable. You can hand wash or machine wash in lingere bags in cold water on the delicate setting with mild detergent. Add fabric softener if you'd like. Spread flat to dry. When it's almost dry I throw it in the dryer with a dryer sheet for about 10 minutes on low or no heat. Hint: To keep this set looking it's best, do not wash or dry with other items, especially those that might leave lint in the threads. For sets with a marked contrast between colors, only wash when needed, and launder carefully.

1. Choose your colors. Simply go to Red Heart Yarn http://redheart.com/Default.aspx?tabid=75&yarnid=e300 and pick one or two colors that you like. Please specify main and detail colors.

2. Specify your child's measurements. (I prefer to use measurements rather than generic sizes as these sizes are not always consistent. Also, this will allow me to make the poncho to fit your child now and allow for growth.) Cloche: Circumference of the head - around the noodle over the ears. Poncho: Neckline to waist - For best results: dress your child in their most comfortable scoop-neck shirt. Measure from the scoop-neckline to where you'd like the "point" of the poncho to fall.

3. Order: Send me an e-mail at dontaskme22@yahoo.com with your choice of colors, measurements and a way to contact you. Do not leave your address in the form. I'll contact you directly regarding order details.

My First Tag! Fun Little Meme

I'd like to thank Casey (the Deuce) at A Couch With A View http://acouchwithaview.blogspot.com for giving me my first tag! (I'm really moving up in the world)

This is how the tag thing goes down. You give cred to the tagger, list 6 unimportant things that make you happy, then tag 6 bloggers to pass the meme along.

Here goes:
1. Rain: I think it's so funny to watch people run thru the rain hunched over like "The Planet Of The Apes" trying not to get wet, even though the same people willingly step into the shower (uh... falling water) everyday.

2. Watching COPS. Whenever I start to feel like my family is really disfunctional, all I have to do is catch an episode of COPS and I think, "Dang, we're damn near royalty!"

3. Oranges. I like oranges. btw, nothing rhymes with orange. Did you know that?

4. When my coupon and a grocery store sale meet in a celestial dance of savings. Woo! What a rush!

5. Occassionaly my cat will catch site of his tail, startling him. He jumps and runs around like crazy. Very amusing.

6. Crime shows. When it starts, I think "Whoa, I could totally pull off that bank job." About half-way thru the show, I think "They solved that pretty fast." Keeps me on the straight and narrow.

And now to announce the tags (envelope please...) The following taggees were chosen from these catagories: funny posts, recent wins and cool sites. It was difficult to only pick six, but here it is:

1. Eliza from Life Of A Home Mom: http://homemom3.blogspot.com/
2. Alyson from Berrie Sweet Picks: http://berriesweetpicks.blogspot.com
3. Cat from 3 Kids and Us: http://3kidsandus.com
4. Natalie from Red Sox Mommy: http://redsoxmommy.blogspot.com
5. Tara from Tara's View Of The World: http://www.tarasviewoftheworld.com
6. Angela from Barefoot Mommies: http://www.barefootmommies.com/

Thanks and happy blogging,
Heather