The Return of the Top Ten

I did not forget the Top Ten. It just seems like I've forgotten the top ten...I did not though. I am listing the top ten finds I've run across trolling on Etsy. And here's a new twist. If anyone on the top ten wishes it, they can have a 4ft free table space at the June19th Craft Cafe. That's a savings of $15. So they can have a 4ft. space for nothing or an 8ft space for just $10!


So, without further ado, here's the Top Ten finds on Etsy this week:

1. Chicago Jewels - Lincoln Park Pretty Botanicals
It's simple and it's pretty.

2.Chicago Vintage - Earrings
I recently met someone who makes jewelry from paper and it was stunning. These are great and I would spend the money for them. I would make sure the weather didn't have a chance of rain!

3.Girl Savage - Bunny Rabbit
You just have to go look for yourself. I swear if she had a unicorn, i'd be tempted.

4. Gloria Lynn Glass - Glass Heart
Love the color! Love the shape! Love the color!

5. Leaves of Glass - Vintage Earrings
These would be an excuse to go shopping as I do already have clothes to go with them but would want something special!

While we have this pause in the action, I want to give a shout to Breezy who is our latest follower: she also follows

Blonde Chicken Boutique -

Chicago Craft Social -

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Check out what she checks out and we might all learn something..let's do the last 5

6. Creative Apples - Unicorn Card
Speaking of unicorns....

7.Substance Designs - Filigree Earrings
iwanem...iwanem...iwanem...

8.Hier apparel - Obi Sling Bag
And the only questions the veterans are asking is why it took so long for a bag to show up on the list.

9. Camille Star - Colorblock bag
..and now that she's started will she stop? This bag is smoking!!

10. Nac Jac Studio - Azalea
And the answer is yes, so you can look at this gorgeous photo!

There you have it. Did you miss it? I enjoyed going through and finding things. The talent never ceases to amaze me and it's always fun finding people, places and things so close to me. I feel great that so many talented folks are within reach. I hope to see them out and about (and maybe even a few of them at the Craft Cafe!!)

Who You Gonna Call?

I have the attention span of a baby gnat. I can get myself bored in record time. It's amazing that I am still knitting after all these years. Trust me, no one is more surprised by that than me. Every once in a while something gets a hold of me and I stay with it until the very end. I think it's because I can be so easily distracted that something catching and keeping my eye is a cool thing.

And so it is with the stash bust.

It's not just the granny square afghan that's making the skeins disappear - though I must admit skeins are beginning to drop - I am using my ninth skein. But I am also doing some other things that using them up. Take a look: I'm doing a ribbed afghan. I love ribbing. I have no idea why but I do. So making a strip afghan using ribbing is fun for me. I may not feel that way when trying to crochet the strips together but living in the moment with it is quite nice.
I am also making wagon wheel granny squares and knit squares using different stitches. Can you tell I reentered the afghan stage?

What I love about these projects is the controlled chaos. With the white granny square afghan, there's an order. it only has five colors, there are only four colors per square and then the white final border on all of them. There are only so many combinations that can be made and while I am not bored there are no surprises. But with the ribbed afghan any color can pop up and be used - and I have lots of colors. The rule is that there are no rules except twelve rows of one color followed by 36 rows of another.

And the squares can be of any color because they aren't necessarily being used in the same afghan. Nothing boring there!

I still have a ton of stuff to do before tomorrow's sale. The weather forecast is still good so I am really hoping for a great turn out. We have some really exciting talent coming and I am looking forward to seeing it all in one place. I know what a lucky girl I am to be able to pull them all together. I so much want them to succeed.

I hope you have a great weekend and since the rules of life apply to everyday, I plan to be back tomorrow - and Sunday I'll tell you how the sermon went!

What A Week!

Howdy!
Yes, I know, it's been a while!

Heather and Cici! You won the contest and I need your contact info to send your prizes!

So, what have I been doing for this past week? StitchCraft was participating in the Pleasant Home Holiday Shop for the week. Pleasant Home is a beautiful mansion and for the first week in December, it is turned into a holiday shop with handmade crafts and art from local artisans.

We've had the pleasure and honor of being there for three years and ever since we've been there we've been the top sellers and I think we've probably had that distinction again and keeping that record holds special meaning for me because this is the first year the group isn't with the church. (They had their own space in the shop far away from ours.)

I was worried there wouldn't be enough merchandise to sell so I was furiously knitting up a storm and I ended up with about 100 pieces. I needn't have worried because five others contributed items and we had nearly 200 items to sell.

Everyone had at least one sale - Marion did really, really well with her jewelry and knitted goods. Overall, we made more than we made last year - which was another personal point of success for me.

Melissa took some photos and I'll let you know when she posts them. But our tablescape was really nice. Melissa did the original setup and Marion did some tweaking. We had a great variety.

My task from Mr. Honey was to come home with less than I left with. I left with four big bags and a box. I came home with three bags. I sold a little over 20 things. My goal was 30 but I can live with it since, well, I have to and because I sold an afghan for over $100!! (it was a great week for me on that front as well.)

I saw a couple of folks who have shops on etsy and still haven't managed to make my top ten list (that will return next week, btw!) and I got some ideas from some of the crafters that I will have to make reality.

So, today, I'm a bit tired and I have a meeting at church. I am going to take the rest of the day off and then come back strong tomorrow. I hope you had a great week last week and a great week this week. I cannot tell you how great positive reinforcement is for the soul.

Make it a great day!

The Chicago Top Ten for the Week of Nov. 30, 2009

You still have today to get into the contest. Mr. Honey will pull the winner sometime this evening and I will review all the entries and announce the winner tomorrow!!

OK, so I chose a restaurant for my birthday dinner. Way back decades ago when I was in college, there was this restaurant by the campus called My Pie (except on the sign the pie was the Pi sign.) Great pizza - I mean really great. They closed but then a year or so back I read an article where they reopened a couple of restaurants and I tucked that information away. When Mr. Honey asked where I wanted to go for my birthday, I chose My Pie. I dutifully looked it up on the Internet (because Mr. Honey always wants to review the menu before he goes) and I looked at the menu - not surprising for a pizza restaurant, it had pizza stuff like that and it had a daily special that said either dine in or carry out.

I need to repeat that: the daily special was good for dine in and carry out.

So we mapped out how to get to the place because it wasn't far but it wasn't close. So we get to it and

no restaurant.

I don't mean that is was closed - I mean I didn't see a building. We passed by a few more times and then I saw it. It's not a stand alone restaurant - it's in a mall.

So we park, get out of the car and walk over to the place.
Do you know what dine in means?

One of those tacky little glass patio tables with two ratty rattan chairs and some of the rattan was missing.
Ended up going to Giordanos' cuz we wanted pizza. Mr. Honey was kind enough to say that didn't count as my Bd dinner. There's another My Pie location in the suburbs and he suggested I call them to see if they were a dine in restaurant - but I don't trust them to know.

But that's not why you're here. You want to see the goodies I've picked for this week - and I want to show them to you. I promise the word 'pie' is not in the title of any of them. So here, in no particular order, are the ten things that will make me forget the birthday restaurant experience:

Holiday Pillows by Earth Cadets
It's nice that there's a pair - but I only need the one.

Iris Heart Necklace by Chinacherie
It's pretty and elegant and will suite a wide age range. This is the kind of piece that goes timeless.

Cashmere Dog Sweater by shopKCQ
Not only is the sweater cute, but you know the dog is saying: 'After this is over, you so better be giving me treats.'

Orange Dichronic Glass pendant by lpjewelry
Whimsical, cute and the color is eyecatching!

Blessing Pears by Middleburg
I could never do paper mache when I was a kid. I just ended up with a goopy mess my mother wouldn't even show off on the mantle. This is a much better improvement!


So, how's the Christmas shopping coming? I have one set of items to make. During the week when I haven't been posting, I've been a cotton dish/hand/body cloth making machine. I've made about 10 spa cloths, 5 scrubbers, 4 pots/pan scrubbers and 5 face scrubbers. We'll see how well they do at the holiday shop which opens this weekend.

I've also been working on the new church website. So, you see, I have my reasons. Hey, a new giveaway is coming, too. Kind of a neat prize, too. You can thank that ole Knitting Knoobie Suzy for it. I'll explain that when it happens! For now, here are the final five:

Mena by jenniferhawkjewelry
These are so pretty!

3 Strand necklace by sweetcharity
Colorful and really beautiful, I can see wearing this necklace on a nice night out (to a restaurant with real seating!)

Santa Stone Coasters by creativecoasterchick
Here's my selection for the holiday season. These are kicky and cute. You can sit your glass right on Santa's face!

Messenger sling by toteworthydesigns
That this cute little tote bag made the list isn't a surprise - but how did a store with the word 'tote' in it escape my notice for so long?

Timmy by glasscat
Glasscat returns to the list because of this very cute and funny suncatcher. I think it would look great in the window of a child's room!


I hope your Thanksgiving was great! I cooked a really good dinner and we had the leftovers the next night and they were even better than the first night. Mr. Honey will be cooking the Christmas dinner and he has something to beat; I'll tell you that!

I also hope you get the chance to take the batteries out and let them recharge. The holiday season is hectic and leads right into the new year so there's stress to be had all around. But you don't have to let it get to you. Make the time to take some deep, cleansing breaths and let the world turn without for a moment or two. It's the best present you can give yourself!

The Chicago Top Ten for the Week of Nov. 9, 2009

Let's do some housekeeping:

1. You can enter the giveaway contest to win a copy of Knit Fix and other goodies here.

2. I hope you are all reading the tips that have been entered. There are some really good ones there, heck, they're all good. And they will all be the subject of their very own posts giving credit to the person who submitted them. I'm learning some new things every day from you guys (which happens to be a very good tip submitted by a reader!)

3, You won't believe what I just did! I had a meeting with my new pastor this afternoon and of course, I mentioned my knitting. She said she knew someone who had a stash of yarn from a yarn shop that closed down and they were giving it away and she wanted to know if I might be interested in having some of it.

I said no.

Before you beat me to a pulp.

Then I said to myself: "Girl, you crazy, you better get some of that."
I said: "This is yarn from a yarn shop?'
"Yes."
"Oh yes, we want some of that. We can use that to make prayer shawls and use them for members and the like."

You can put your knitting sticks down now. You won't need to beat me with them. I was thinking about the huge stash of yarn I already have and I was also thinking my mother also told me to say know when folks offered stuff.

But that was all overridden by it's yarn from a yarn store and if it's the yarn store I think it is - they don't sale very much acrylic yarn (which I love) but this could be a source of some natural fibers and that would be a great source of higher end items that can be made for church members.

In any case, that old training was left behind!

But that's not why you're here. You're here to see who and what I've chosen for this week's list. I am eager for you to see them so without further ado (what's an ado, anyway?) here, in no particular order, is this week's top ten:

Gray Mohawk Hat by LeafLee
Come on, now. You gotta admit it's way cool. I like the fact that it even exists.

Fall and Grapes by promirta
This is a lovely and unusual piece. The entire shop is like that. Another newbie who makes the list their first time out.

Evening Stroll by Elizabeth Wren
This isn't the first time Elizabeth has made our Top Ten and with work like this lovely shawl, it won't be the last. It's just beautiful and it looks snugly.

Crochet Picture Frame by double stitch
Now this is something I've never seen before and when you look at it you say, 'well, of course!' I love creativity and resourcefulness.

Abstract Gold Earrings by allisonmooney
These earrings are almost 3 inches so they have substance. I was thinking I shouldn't wear the big earrings because I have no neck and then I saw a reporter on the t and v and she has hair even shorter than mine and she was wearing these big a earrings and she doesn't have a neck, either. That's why these earrings are on my list.

I want to thank the new followers that I've picked up and remind all of you that I will give a shout to all of (especially if you have a blog or store or both to promote. In the meantime, I enjoy you all very much.

Now, back to the show...

Red beret for kids by fril
I've never seen a leaf pattern done in this way. Great job? I'm so gonna make my own version! Thanks for the inspiration,

Holographic Bling Pendant by FireGrog
Gimme,gimme,gimme,gimme

Blue Dreams Quilt by kateemarie
Wow! Lovely simply lovely. I don't have this kind of patience!

Rebecca's Growing Garden Pendant by westbyron
The piece is very sweet and the description is touching. Read it for yourself and fall in love with it.

Spiral scarf by trucksandpearls
This scarf is quite lovely and the care that went into it shows up very nicely. If I didn't knit, I'd be looking to buy it.

There you have it - isn't an unusual but exciting list? Christmas is getting closer, do that holiday shopping and you can have bragging rights over your friends. Look locally, look at handmade and see if that doesn't supply your every gift giving need!


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The Chicago Top Ten for the Week of Nov. 2, 2009

Well, I am woefully behind on my posts - the best I can hope for is to do well in November and December and finish the year strong. Would you believe Christmas is at the end of NEXT month? Where did the last months go?

I am already looking at the blessings of the past year and the big ones came during these last few months. I am blissfully clear of credit card debt, I have a great knitting group with a core group of women who are fun to be around and inspirational to boot, I may have even found a new place to worship - God is amazing in all that He does.

And I cannot help but believe He's at work in the artistry we create - including these ten items from local Chicago artisans. Here, in no particular order, are ten more works from the Chicago creative circle:

Sangria by TaraBacci
If someone has a spare $288 and would like to get these for me - I wouldn't turn them away!

Colorblocked by CamilleStar
I will need something to put the Sangria earrings in.

Winter Bear Hat by EliesHappyHats
Come on, don't you wish you had a little head? Or knew someone willing to make one for your big head?

Fig Beret by PandoraSpocks
Can't playa hate. When someone does what you do and they do it well, you gotta give the props. Her hats are cool!

Jade earrings by Your Time
I just can't help it - a lot of artisans make jewelry. My ears are so happy for them! These are cute little gems!


I was supposed to launch a contest last week and I will launch it - just have to move the dates. But I will be giving away a copy of the book 'Knit Fix', some yarn from the stash and a set of knitting needles. Nice huh? Stayed tuned for the new launch date - it will be very soon. Now, back to the final five...

Bakelite Chetties by PetitOiseau
I love the color of this necklace and the little leaf. It is a delicious piece!

Rustic Cross by Wickedlygood
One, I collect cross necklaces. Two, there's just something about a store called wickedlygood selling a cross!

Pink Elephant by Hamandeggs
The menagerie is sweet, but this little fella just stuck out.

Hooded baby blanket by doodlebugmlh
Pretty baby blanket - hey, is this the first baby blanket to make the list? It just might be - and it comes in all sorts of pretty colors!

Patchwork blanket by homemadebysony
It's a blanket, it's a fleece! It's darned cute and look, back to back blanket picks - not planned I assure you. And the shop is bilingual as well.


There you have it! I can't help that I love earrings but I feel great that there are so many jewelry makers in the area and knitter, sewers and other artists. I bet if you look - and not all that hard - you can find such craftspeople in your area.

I informed Mr. Honey on Friday that we were buying handmade/homemade this year for our Christmas presents - I think he was somewhat relieved by it. After all, they're easy to find on line! Why don't you go take a look and see what you can find?

The Chicago Top Ten for the Week of Oct. 26, 2009

I had a brain freeze - somehow I forgot it was Monday. I looked on the calendar and there it is - time to list the top ten items I found while perusing the shops. My apologies for my lateness, I was having so much fun looking over the weekend that I forgot to share the goods with you. So, without further delay, and in no particular order, here are the top ten choices from local artisans:

Pom Junkie Necklace by bumblesea jewelry.
This piece seems delicate with great texture. It's a white pomegranate!

Evil Notecard
There are times when people just don't get it - and only a nice card with a great layout can get the message across.

Fairy Necklace by LibraLu
This is a vintage piece that has an old style look about it. That's probably why they call it a vintage piece.

Dubliner Earrings from urbanlegend
I love these as they are but if they had a darker bead, I would have bought them then and there!

Crocheted earrings by joyce is crafty
OK, I have never seen anything like this and that was worth expanding the geographical location to include Indiana - just this once.

Whew! What a week. If you've been reading the blog, you know I've gone just a little bit hat crazy. Keep your fingers crossed that they do sell. I tried a different pricing formula but that increased the cost on some hats and lowered it on others. I don't know. If someone out there has a good way to price their goods, please let me know. In the meantime, I am putting together a small tutorial on seaming. Yes, I am laughing too, but I can do it. You'll see!

Princess earrings by djewelsrfab
I have a pair or earrings that are like these - but they aren't these - which is why these are on the list!

Bella Jet Black earrings by lindab142
Yes, I've noticed the trend of what I'm picking this week - but have you noticed these earrings!

Kimonos by dolluxedesigns
Is that doll wearing a kimono?

Autumn Coasters from Creative Coaster Chick
For some reason, these remind me of 'Under the Tuscan Sun' where no coaster was even given a close up. Don't ask me why they do just be glad they aren't earrings.

Baby Pod by ventichai
You should see the rainbow and the one that looks like a football. OK, let's all say it together; "Aaaawwwwwwwww!"

Yes, I know there are a lot of earrings out there. But that just means you can grab a pair for yourself and I might not even notice you took them right out from under me. Psssttt...Christmas is eight weeks away. Not a bad idea to get over to my shop and these shops and start making that list - so you'll have time to check it twice before you check out!

Have a great week!

The Chicago Top Ten for the Week of Oct 19, 2009

The infamous afghan is on hold - I needed to get more hats done. I had a special request for one and I also bought a new book a few weeks back and I wanted to get in to it. I didn't think I would be able to because it calls for nothing smaller than size 9 dpns and often wants 10 and above and I didn't think I had any - until I noticed I had a set of 10.5 dpns. I also had two coupons from JoAnn - one for 50% off one item and one for 40% off one item - so after church (found a new church!) the car found it's way to the JoAnn Superstore where I purchased a set of size 9 dpns and a set of size 13 dpns - I figured with the 10.5 set I was good to go because if the pattern called for a set of 11, I could counter with the 10.5. So I opened the book yesterday and there are now two more hats (in addition to the special request hat.)

Yes, I bought yarn - OK, you pulled it out of me. The Deborah Norville chunky weight yarn was on sale 2 skeins for $5 - it makes great hats so there are now 16 skeins of it in the trunk of the car.
Don't you dare tell. To distract you, I am going to show you the top ten selections for this week - and we are again going to different places to find them because Chicago artisans are all over the city and all over the web. So here, in no particular order, are the Chicago Top Ten:

Fly Away earrings from cutejewels
These are unusual and quite cute - so her shop is correctly named!

Eat, Drink and be Married by orangebeautful
The entire shop has some interesting items and with over 1700 sales, they certainly have an appeal. I loved this because I think it would make a great cover for a wedding invitation or for an anniversary party. Mr. Honey and I will be celebrating our 14th and this makes me want to throw a party.

7up Pound Cake Soap by dirty loves clean
This caught my eye because I thought it was an actual 7up pound cake and I had never heard of such a thing. Then when I looked closer, I saw it's a bar of soap, and then when I read the ingredients, it made the list!

Crow Dress by devotees
Got to love the creativity of this. Go to the thrift store where you can find lots of things on the cheap, take them home and put your own mark on it and make it into a piece of wearable art. That's creativity, recycling and the business spirit rolled into one. And this dress is just plain cute!

Carpe Diem pin by Michell Kaffko
There's a little bit more to it than that - just as there are to all her pins. You should check them out for a good chuckle.

Somehow, when I wasn't looking, we passed by the 300th entry for the blog. On the one hand, that's a great accomplishment - on the other, I was hoping to have 300 in the year and I don't think that's going to happen. But I will not sit on the negative. I will focus on the fact that we've been together long enough to have something to talk about 300 times - I'm not sure I talk to Mr. Honey that often!

But I digress - on to the second half of the list!

Get Well Card by RebeCards
This was so clever it made me go 'duh' when I saw it. Of course, a get well card should look like this. Points to Rebecards for having the brains to do it!

Owl Earrings by amyleejewelry
Very retro-fresh! These appeal to me because of their simple elegance.

Pocket Tote by Besu
Just when you thought I wasn't going to have a tote bag on the list...

Vest by Posh Pig Vintage
I couldn't wear it, but I'd sure want to.

Slouch Beret by Rotten Cupcakes
OK, I admit this made the list because it's something I haven't mastered yet and want to. I think slouchy berets are cool. She's doing something I cannot d0 - inspirational, that's what that is!


And there you have it - a very different sort of list, don't you think? I mean, yeah, it has the tote bag and earrings, but there's something different about it at the same time. Getting close to Christmas - buy something handmade for someone - even for yourself. It's a great thing to do to get something unique and with such positive potential for so many.

OK, just think about it!

The Chicago Top Ten for the Week of Oct 12, 2009

I woke up this morning with a headache - the kind that tells me my blood pressure was a little high - so I took a walk. A workout makes everything better - which is why I should do more of them. And I do feel better! It was a very short walk, but enough to get me breathing deeply and working up a sweat and when everything calmed down, the headache has abated - it's still there, but it isn't as bad as it was. I am determined never to need blood pressure meds again. I don't want to be dependent.

You know what else makes me feel better? Looking at the shops to see what the local artists have been up to. And we're doing something a little different - we're branching out past Etsy. There are other sites to purchase quality, handmade goods and it's only right to reach out all over the city wherever they can be found - so, in no particular order (and from no one particular site) is this week's Chicago Top Ten:

Newsboy baseball cap from Annie Fanny's Attic.
I love this cap. In fact, I have sections of a baseball cap on my blocking board. Nice to see one way it can look when it's done.

Green amethyst earrings by beaded bauble
I'm telling ya, the new haircut brings out the desire for earrings that can make a statement on their own - and these do!

Margarita soap by epically epic
I just discovered key lime pie - I thought it would be more tart than it is and I like it a lot. This reminded me of the piece I had last Thursday (not that I go around eating soap - you understand.)

Victoria's Revenge by Life'sanexpedition
I don't know about revenge, but this reminded me of a Monet watercolor. Revenge is sweet!

Heart pendant by Glass Cat
It's colorful and cute and I have just the top to show it off well!

I wanted to let you know there are some new things coming to the blog: instead of doing a blog shout out during the Top Ten list - I'm going to start doing a whole blog entry about a blog (or blogger) I want you to know about.

There will also be reviews of knitting books (I have a ton of them and want to review them and give them away!)

Along with blog shout outs, there will be posts about shops that go more in depth than the top ten list.

Lastly, I will start running excerpts from the books I am working on to tease, entertain and get feedback from you.

I'm hoping these new features will make you happier - and bring new readers, too! Now, back to the list!

Recipe Cards Set by TerriTaylorDesign
A perfect reply to someone when they say 'Bite me' - you can hand them this card with a recipe on it.

Bronze statue by Pixie Cat Studios
Given the news about Chicago cemeteries, lately, this photo is compelling and disturbing.

Chocolate with sprinkles dress by poshpipsqueak
She's done it again. This dress is adorable. It's too cold to wear it now, but it's a lovely and fun outfit for the little missy!

Carnelian earrings by jpgemenergy
The designer makes jewelry with a purpose. These are for vitality. So she says. I say these are to make me look too cute! Wait. Same thing.

Unicorn brooch by Spinal Fusion
Anything with unicorns...good!

Wow, the list went fast this week. That's good considering I'm not feeling 100% and I looked over more shops than usual. Sometimes having too many choices isn't always the best thing - it can clog the decision making process, but under these circumstances, when there are so many artists who need the encouragement, I just find this a great way to spend an hour.

I hope you take some time to visit handmade artisans. And I hope you decide to purchase at least some handmade goods this holiday season. Mr. Honey doesn't know it yet, but all our gifts this season will come from a handmade artisan. I think it has more meaning and more impact - and it's good karma!

The Chicago Top Ten for the Week of Oct 5, 2009

I would have had the list up earlier, but Melissa and I had a play date at the Barnes & Noble in Skokie. We sat, knit and yakked for about four hours. I bought a book of hat patterns (cuz I haven't done enough with hats yet. There are five more done along with two scarves!) Mellisa brought her felted hat (cute!) and is working on her second mitten. She's on her way to knitting goddess status.

But that's not why you're here - you're here to see the funky-fresh stuff I selected this week. And so, in no particular order, is this week's top ten:

Color Block by Camillestar
I looked at this and thought it would make a cool every day bag - I didn't even think of it as a knitting bag - until right now. It would make a cool knitting bag, too.

Buttercream Snikerdoodle soap by kamali2029
It looks like some fun soap - and how often do you get to say that when you're not seven years old?

Peridot by earthstreasure
drool....excuse me....drool

Black and Gold Bracelet by uncharted
Yes, I like bracelets, too, but they have to be special..and this one is.

Turquoise earrings by walkerstudios
These would go great with the new haircut. It would show them off quite nicely.

This week's shout out goes to Melissa et. al. at Giftzandgreetingz. They have some really fun stuff - check out card candy and the eco-friendly cards and bookmarks! High impact to whomever you're writing - low impact on the environment! It's a win-win!

Tree of Life pendant by katherinesbeads
Sometimes you just like something and you don't know why. This reminds me of a big silver dollar and I think it would be really cool to have this on a long chain to wear as a necklace.

Brass Fall Nest Necklace by greylakes
The shape is unusual and if you have a vee-neck sweater and any kind of a bust line (and I have) this will be a conversation starter.

Cherry Red Necklace by Bohemienne
I have a pair of earrings these would go with beautifully. I tell ya, short hair means jewelry!

Black and Blue blanket by erink745
Take the trip without doing the drugs! This is psychedelic!

Kawaii patchwork pinafore by littlelily
How retrofresh is this for your little one? Colorful, funky with a touch of old school. She should have fun wearing it!

How different was this list, huh? Some new shops I've never visited and I am, as always, impressed with what's sitting in my own backyard. Holiday shopping this season will be fun because everything is coming from one of this local, handmade artisans. I'm really excited to be bringing business to them and quality items to my family.

You go browsing too and see if something doesn't catch your eye!

This Week's Chicago Top Ten Week of September 21

I'm glad to return to this look at some of the best work done by folks in the Windy City!This list will feature not only some really cool (and hot) stuff, but some creative juice as well. So here, in no particular order, is this week's top ten list of Chi-town goodness.

Seatbelt Tote Bag from alamodestuff
What a cool idea. Taking old seatbelts and making them into something functional. I have no ideas where they got the old seatbelts from, but this was a great way to recycle and upcycle.

Posh Legs by Poshpipsqueak
They must know what they're doing because they have over 100 sale in just a little over four months. These are just a sample of the cute baby leggings they sale.

Fine Silver Earrings by designbysuzyn
She's made the list before and this girl is not only talented, she's also prolific. She has a huge selection of items. If there is someone on your gift list that loves jewelry, then make sure you make a stop at this shop. This pair is just striking.

Quilted Green/white bag from allthingsquilted
I find this shop to be an inspiration because not only do they offer traditional quilts, which are a classic family heirloom, but they also do quilted accessories which is a unique sort of thing. I can see this bag being passed down from generation to generation.

Reversible hobo bag from retrofied
All I could think about when i saw it was 'how much yarn could I stuff in there before Mr. Honey noticed I have more yarn AND a new bag?'

I see there's a new follower and I thank you for making me a place to stop by. That's what I really want to accomplish: to be site where folks (especially crafters) can feel at home. It's why I do the list and will step up doing the interviews and features. I want to provide a little 'feel good' throughout the day. And speaking of followers and feeling good; have you been to LocalGringos yet? She's a one stop shop of feel good things. (There's a set of hand knit tags that are coming to my house!) Now that I've spent money, let's get to the rest of the list!

Red Beret from Pandora Spocks
I'm in a hat phase (I made one last night and have another on the needles as we speak) so I am in awe of those knitters who can make one item again and again. This is a cool beret, and if you go to the site, you'll find it in a variety of different colors!

Dog Collar by LuckyFiona
I don't think I should have been surprised at seeing custom made dog collars, but I am - happily surprised. Note to self: put knitting dog sweaters to match up with dog collars on knitting to do list!

Paper bag print by katep
I had to chuckle when I saw this cuz sometimes I feel like this! Nice depiction of deep whimsy.

Arm Warmers by TrixyXchange
Not only do arm warmers fascinate me, but the presentation on her photos is also nice.

Good and Plenty by funkyeggert
I would not have thought of taking an empty Good and Plenty box and making it into a belt buckle. I wouldn't have thought to do that with a full one, either.

Didn't I say the creative juices were flowing? You have to admit I was right, come on, say it just once. If you have a chance, explore the shops and show the owners some love. Same message - different day. Same message EVERY day. It is the entrepreneurial spirit that will bring us back - the little people - we will save ourselves by owning shops and offering quality items at honest prices. Shop and purchase from them whenever you can.

This Week Chicago Top Ten for Sept 7, 2009

Need your input! Which book to write first!
Oh kidlets, today is painful! I mean it - painful. I had what I thought was a sore back from doing a whole bunch of walking during the last week, but last night and this morning my back feels like a bunch of little feet spent all night kicking me.

Mr. Honey gave me one of his 800mg Ibuprofen and the back pain actually tapped me on the shoulder and laughed in my ear. The heating pad that was on the spot for most of the night did not help. The only relief I have found thus far is sitting up. But that's not why you're here. You're here because you want to see who and what have made it to the hot list for the week. So, back pain notwithstanding, here, in no particular order, is this week's top ten from among Chicago's best:

Orange Wrap by mylittleaura
Ponchos have been talked about lately as my niece, Tracy, wants me to knit her one and for some reason, I'm liking the color orange. (I would have gotten some the last time I was Hobby Lobby, but they didn't have orange in stock!)

Halloween Stroll by noodleandlou
Y'all know I can't draw a straight line with a ruler so I am always in awe of those who can actually make distinguishable things with paints and stuff. This one just struck me. I like her cheekbones.

Vintage quilt by vintagemerchantile
I had quilts made by my grandmother and didn't know what it was I had so I no longer have them. This is a beautifully done quilt.

Flapper by Elieshappyhats
My nephew, Mike, has a daughter and Megan is a little fashion plate. This is just the kind of hat she would have worn at this age.

Love Choker by lpjewelry
This is a great idea for a personalized gift and it doesn't have to be limited to Moms.

Another follower has joined us since last week! Glad to have you and hope to see your comments on these pages soon! This week's shout out goes to Anne. Visit her blog and you will find free patterns, original designs and all sorts of goodness! We love creative people! Check out the creative and socially involved Anne for a feel good time.

Hand Knit poncho by HappyKATT
Like I said, ponchos have been much discusses. (Hey, it's not a pair of earrings!)

AHPS shirt by greeniebeanrecycle
I just thought it would be fun making up names to go with AHPS.

Scarf by Feltinspired
While I was immediately taken with the colors and design of the scarf, it took me a few minutes to get the double meaning of the shop. I'm blaming the back pain.

Heart by Wrenindoubt
I just like it. And I like it a lot more after reading the description and knowing what's inside.

Steph purse by enjolive
Oh come on, you know one would show up. This bag is great fun. It gives me ideas of my own and isn't that a sign of a good piece of art?

There you have it. Obviously, with the back I won't be running (or even walking) to get the back up modem. Maybe this is God's way of telling me Mr. Honey was right and I didn't need to go out and spend money when the modem will be here in a day or two. Maybe this is a way to help me exercise my soul with patience. OK, I get.

Please visit the shops and take a look at the wares. You know, the holiday season is really just a few weeks away and if these aren't the gifts you'll give, they are certain to give you inspiration!

Chicago Top Ten for the Week of August 24, 2009

Yes, it's late in the day, but hey, this list is good for a week and after because it will be archived! That being said, I'm in a strange kinda mood and that may be reflected by what you see on the list this week. The good news is the quality, creativity and uniqueness of the artisans remain intact - it's just me that may be a little different. So here, in no particular order, is this week's Top Ten list of Chicago Artisans.

Tkraft keychain by tkcraft
The cute factor on this one is through the roof!

bow me over by bonniegoldingpurses
The description says everyone loves this purse. I don't know everyone, but I know me and I love it!

River Drifter by beesbureau
These are unique and made to order - these original issue are lovely. I bet the others will be too.

Windy Day by Inglesart
There's more than one painting in the gallery that could have made the list. Hopefully, we will all be around long enough for another work to make the list.

Funky String by sweetlifepaper
I purchased personalized stationery almost ten years ago - and I still have a lot of it. I won't run out any time soon - and I use it pretty regularly - but when I do, its nice to know there's a place I can go to.

Half why through! I picked up some new followers and I am grateful. I want to give a shout out to Madison House Designs. I've been searching for your site and blog. There's a lot of Madison House Designs in Google. If you give me your blog - I'll link folks to it!

Back to the list!

doodle art collage by discordelia
This is cute and funky - and the cord is a nice length.

bustle gown by countessa
I really admire folks who can sew - I flunked Clothing in High School. This gown is wonderful and she does custom work on any size body!

Classic gown by rohm
Yes, two wedding gowns made the list. And it has nothing to do with the weddings coming up in the family! This gown is exquisite!

Fire Creatures by Horse drawn Carriage
Huh?

Baby Shoes by JunieBJersey
If you didn't go 'awwww' when you saw these, then you don't have a mouth!

You got through this whole list and had only one set of earrings and no tote bags to go through! Told you I was feeling a little different. It's that and it's also how the ball bounced. If I had look in another place first, we could have a different list. But I am glad of this list. I love it when it gets shaken up!

As usual, click on a link (or ten) and show some love by looking around and giving these artisans some views - perhaps even make something a favorite. The hard working folks will appreciate it (so will the ones that don't work as hard!)

Chicago Top Ten for the Week of August 17, 2009

The more things change, the more they stay the same. For us that means top Top Ten list will change but the quality and creativity of Chicago artisans remains top notch! Glad to report my 13th sale! I sold an afghan this week. It came at a time that I could use the lift. I'm also thrilled to report StitchCraft now has over 90 members! I'm hoping to pull together a meeting where we can all gather and gab (and knit of course!) But that's another post. This post is about other Chicago artisans. So, in no particular order, are this week's Top Ten:

Victoria Telephone by retroology
I used to dream about having a phone like this. Now, not only can I dream it, I can achieve it!

Baby hat by suzannedobbertin
Cuz a girl's gotta style at any age!

Sterling earrings by ueburkunst
I mean, look at them, duh.

Mrs. Parker's earrings by leavesofglass
I don't know who Mrs. Parker is, but I'm about to take her ear bling!

Tangerine Dream by julrebox
Oh, this is nice. Hey, at least it's not a pair of earrings!

While we have a pause in the action, I want to give a shout out to Two Happy Stampers.
1. Cuz the name is cute. 2. Cuz they're a Mom/Daughter duo. I love it when I see Moms and daughters together. The one thing in my life I miss constantly is having a parent. 3. Cuz they're in AZ where Mr. Honey says he wants to go to. 4. They're fellow Etsians (they just their latest sale, too!) 5. Their blog is a good read.

I could go on, but I'm already in the middle of a top ten list - getting back to it...

Chicago El by Rebecca Plotnick
Wouldn't be nearly as nice if it were in color and the circles that go throughout the whole photograph. Love it!

gyoza dinner by gobuggy
This is just too cute. It looks great as an art piece.

Crystal red drop earrings by lenmar
habbba..habba...habba and they have a matching necklace. I almost licked the screen.

Hobo bag by retrofied
I need something to hold the earrings and necklaces.

giraffe stationery by sweetlife paper
love giraffes. love stationery. This is very cute. I'd write folks with this!

That's it for the week. Yes, I know -jewelry - but it's not my fault, indeed it's a blessing, to have so many jewelry artisans so close by. I'm looking forward to my birthday and Christmas!
Once again, click on one or two if you don't have time to click on all ten. Trust me, those of us with shops look to see how many views are items are getting and how many hearts they have. It shows us what's popular and what may be sold sometime in the future. We love what we do even if no one buys it, but when you tell us what you will buy, then we love making what you love - it's a win-win for everybody.

Chicago Top Ten for the Week of August 10, 2009

Well, things are certainly looking up from where they were last week. I had three sales (one customer) last week. Sold some of the kettle dyed yarn! And this week's Chicago Top Ten is filled with fun, fresh and funky items from the Windy City's best. Here, in no particular order, is a sampling of the fun holiday shopping that just a few week in the making!

Squamodo by getintimidnation
Hard to select which little critter was my favorite, but since this one was so bold as to invade the backyard, he was my choice!

Indian Princess Green by daisypetals
Love the color, the boldness of it (bold again, could this be a trend?) and then there are unusual details.

Gingerbread Latte Upcycle Tote by Greeniebeanrecycle
Oh yeah, like you didn't know a tote bag was going to make the list...

Dewdrop Earrings by evasdesign
..Or a pair of earrings....

Big, Bold Amber by BeauFemme
...or two. These are by a new shop owner with no sales yet. (That could change very soon!)

Here we are, halfway through this week's list already! Where does the time go? I want to give a shout to Heather at Heart On Sleeve Art. She does her own feature on different artists - a habit I would like to see more folks do. But if you take a look at her blog, you will see she has fun with an eclectic group of folks who seem to enjoy each other's company. Gotta love a girl like that! Thanks for following my blog, Heather. I appreciate the support.

Eco Brown Tote by Mojospastyle
It's not my fault! They're out there; they're cool, they make the list. Simple as that.

Tangle Tango by CuteJewels
These are tooooo cute. (What really amazes me is that there are still shops that haven't been placed on my favorites list!)

Leaf Earrings by Chinacherie
I know the shop has made the list before. They just make nice things. Kinda like Meryl Streep.

Pizza by laineyspawtique
Pizza for the pooch! And she donates a huge chunk of what she makes to animal organizations.

Bitch Friend by puck55
Well, because this is the mildest one in the bunch and it certainly embodies bold.

This week's selection went by quicker than last week's and I thought that went pretty fast. I love finding these things and I love sharing them. Wherever you live, there are local artisans who make fantastic things. Consider scoping them first before you shop at the big name stores and the Internet - not that I am knocking them; I'm not. Lots of folks are employed by them and if they don't have a bunch of tax breaks then they contribute to keeping taxes down for the rest of us. But it's just the idea of something made by hand so it will be automatically unique even if the artist makes another one that's supposed to be just like it.

Visit these shops to show your support and visit local shops in your area. We're in it together!

The Chicago Ten for the week August 3, 2009

This has been a trying week for me. (No need to go into details other than to say, I've put a great deal of it behind me as for the rest, I am going to gather up some courage and deal with it - I hope.) What has helped to brighten my spirit is the love of true friends and friends I can be true to and gathering this week's Chicago Top Ten. Nothing like a little mind shopping to lift the spirit! So here, in no particular order, the top ten Chicago artisans! (If you have someone in Chicago who has an online shop, I'd be more than happy to look them over, just contact me!)

1. Blue Polka Dot ruffle by Besu
Nothing makes me feel better than a tote bag! So this was the first thing that caught my eye this week. And it's soooooo cuuuute!

2.Recycled Yarn by Craftyyarn
The yarn is recycled and beautiful! The color you'll see is burgundy from an old sweater. Love the recycle, love the color!

3. Sterling Silver tiny Teardrop Earrings by lpjewelry
I was strolling through and when I saw these I said "Ooh!" Which is always a good sign that something will end up on this list!

4. Moonriver by Beesbureau
I stopped and stared and wished I had more money. Cuz if I did, these wouldn't be available to make the list.

5. Crazy Quilt by Time2cr8
It's a quilt for the wrist and it gave me an idea for some knitting! Gotta give a shout out to that which causes your brain to move!

While we're halfway through, I'd like to pause and give a shout out to my buddy Susie and her blog Knitty Knoobie. First, she's a knoobie no more, she's knitting up a storm! Second, she buys more yarn than I do - and that's saying something. Third, and most important, you just get a feeling about folks and if we were in the same vicinity - I'd be hanging around her cuz she's a great friend. I'm so glad you entered my life!

6. Purple Hair Bow by punkynmunky
Sometimes it's those simple things that touch you. This little hair bow is one of those things!

7. Prehnite earrings by designs by suzyn
I'm not purposely selecting earrings! It's just that when they look like this - they belong on the list!

8. One Dollar Sketch 3 by onedollarsketch
I actually like the concept of the shop and the sketches, too. Check it out!

9. Adorable Silver Elephant Earrings by Angeldamico
Honestly, I was looking at the clothing on the site when I saw these.

10. Zipper Bag by Elizabeth Wren
Start with a tote bag, end with a tote bag, that's my motto.

I have to say this was the quickest list I've put together. What that says to me was there was a great deal of creativity going on and it was out there just waiting to be found. Though I don't get many comments on the list, I'm hoping it does have some impact for these artisans in terms of visits to the shop and potential sales. Just doing for others what I hope someone would do for me!

This Week's Chicago Top Ten - July 20, 2009

It's an exciting thing to go searching through store after store searching for things that literally make you stop and look. But that's what I do every week for the Chicago Top Ten. I go through stores by Chicago based artisans and stop when something catches by eye. That's the only criteria - it has to 'make me look.'

Here, in no particular order, are the Top Ten items that made me stop:

Peace for Two by SwivelSpace
Earrings and necklaces are probably my two most worn items. So a necklace that's a little funky and a little edgy will work for most day.

Lampwork Lariat by Inglassworks
It's shiny, sparkly and intricate - oh my!

Cameo Cookies by Sweetambs
They only look like jewelry - honest, they're cookies!

Sterling Silver and Blue Stone Dangles by mLindvall
Oh, these are preeettttyyyy!

This Bird... by Kittenintheengine
Harkens back to the 60's - the decades of protest and change.

We are halfway through this week's picks. I am pleased to say how different this list is shaping up to be compared to all the others.

Heart Cluster Necklace by Offbeet
I love stuff like this. I can see this around my neck.

Plum Dichroic earrings by GlassCat
These are mine - go get your own.

Sullivan Personalized Stationery by Silhouette Blue
I like personalized stationery. I have some and yes, I still send letters Old School.

Earrings by lizsage
This is a 'retro-fresh' (I made that up a little while ago) reminds me of Rowen and Martin's Laugh-In. The show that helped launch Goldie Hawn!

Hot Pink Pasties by Belmont Burlesque
That's right - pasties - and they come with a bottle of glue!

The only way you can get this kind of variety is to have this kind of variety available. Kudos to the CCA (Chicago Creative Authority - I just made that up, too!)

The Chicago Ten for the week July 13, 2009

Still looking for entries to the Haiku Contest

It occurred to me sometime between last week and this that it might not be enough to just list those ten artisans or their work that made the list. It might be helpful to put just a little blurb as to why I chose it. It might be the color of something, or it could evoke an emotion, it might make me laugh, smile or think (egad!) So, starting this week, there will just a little bit more than a list because these artists deserve a little bit more than just a mention. Here, in no particular order, is this week's Chicago Top Ten:

rjeanmarie - baby blue hobo
I admit it. I'm a sucker for bags - especially tote bags. This hobo bag caught my eye because it's big and roomy and could hold a knitting project. Yeah, it's also fashionable, but that's just a bonus. Y'all know I don't care about being fashionable.

creativeapples - Hey, Giraffe
Second only to the Unicorn, giraffes are on my favorite animals list. Chances are good I've seen this giraffe up close and personal on one of my visits to Brookfield Zoo.

Mommyto4 - Bold Necklace
As far as jewelry goes, I love earrings, necklaces and pins. And because I tend to wear v-necks or scooped necklines, the jewelry has to, well, bold. This necklace is!

beesbureau - wood and silver earrings
These earrings manage to be both elegant and funky. And they made me go 'hmmm' when I saw them.

beesnetta - the Field Guide
You could tote a child around in this bag - not that I would; I'm just saying!

Half way home!! Please give feedback to this new format of the Top Ten by making a comment.

sofiamasri - Francesca earrings
These earrings remind me of rose windows in a church. I would also love these in different colors..(hint!)

The Owl Lady - Salt & Pepper Shaker
They looked so cute and they look like they needed some love. Yeah, I know they're inanimate...still.

Chinacherie - Copper Filigree earrings
My ears actually started to ache when my eyes told them about these earrings. All I can do to leave them on that page so I could tell you about them on this page.

fivetrees - Simon
Yes, he's cute. But I admire anyone who has this kind of patience and attention to details. Traits that are lacking in me.

Ken Carrano - Woodblock One
Wow. Jeez. Huh. I don't know which one I thought first, but I thought all of them.

Visit. Browse. It's one of the ways these folks measure the success of their store fronts. They would love it if you bought from them, but even if you just give them a kudo or a heart or tag something as a favorite for those times when you are looking to shop, that would be a great show of support!