Hello, Sunshine!
This gift giving season was similar to many that have come before it. My fingers and creativity were flying fast. The littles make 2 different wish lists for their birthdays and Christmas. There is a list that can be taken to a store and one that only mom can fulfill, “The Mommy-Make-Me List.” Oftentimes, this special list is longer than the store bought list. Lucky for me, some of the items are already made and come from my inventory. Other times, I have to put on my thinking cap and crochet something purely from my heart.
This year my skills were put to the test designing a “Bettie Hooded Blanket.” The Pun’in collects the Sasquatch Squimallows. She owns 13 of them at the moment. She is too big for the majority of the hooded that can be found commercially; so, cue a Mommy-Make-Me. It has two super soft textures for the body of the blanket. It gives the body and belly texture of a ‘Mallow (what my littles lovingly call their Squishmallows). The hood is made of extremely bulky and furry yarn, just like a Bettie’s head. The Pun’in has been hauling it around the house since she opened it. I would say that it was a success! She also received a chicken from my inventory. She has named it Cluck, and he is on her bed to be snuggled.
The Bug had her normally massive list of requests. She has a new duck backpack buddy, a chubby frog, and a baggy sweatshirt. The sweatshirt was a special request that she spotted on Pinterest. It has a beautiful Tyrannosaurus Rex wearing a tiara and carrying a wand. The phrasing says, “I WANT TO BE A PRINCESS DINOSAUR.” The duck is on the backpack ready for school in a couple days, the frog is all cuddled in her bed, and the sweatshirt has needed to be washed more than once. I am sure that sweatshirt will be worn that first day back to school.
With the mention of sweatshirts, I designed and made MAMA MARGE her own crew neck for wrestling. It was more of a last moment request but I got it done. She has worn it a number of times, and it made the trip to her mom’s house this week. I am positive that it will make its wrestling meet debut at the end of the week. It should be a hit, or so, I hope.
The last handcrafted gift from this year went to my father-in-law. This man is always freezing if it is below 85°F. I am barely exaggerating, and I mean barely. So, after crocheting a sports blanket for an order, I took that idea and made him a fleece and double stranded blanket. Now, he doesn’t need three blankets when sitting on our couch. He sits with just one blanket that matches the couch and not a full rainbow. (**Hint, hint: These will be coming to an order book near you soon**)
I always enjoy hearing how much the creations I sell are loved once gifted. They are favorite presents to watch being opened at home. The littles’ faces light up brighter than the Christmas tree. Each one is treasured for years. Proof: my husband still sleeps with the first gift that I ever gave him 12.5 years ago. I made him a red and white crocheted blanket. I love seeing it on my bed every single day, even though it is well loved.
In closing, handmade gifts are always special! Whether you order them from a local crafter or make them yourself, these are made with love, attention, and care. So, the next time you are searching for something unique, don’t forget to check out your small and local crafters!
Sprinkle the world with Sparkle! -Kim
ShinySunstar Creations 