Exciting News!

Hello dear friends!  I have some great news to share with you all!  Many of you have written to me in the past requesting that I come up with a little mouse pattern, so I finally decided it was high time to get busy on one!  Once I had the pattern figured out, I just couldn't stop making them!  Oh my goodness, they are so easy and turn out so cute that I decided to make five of them, each with a special little something to add a bit of fun and variation.  What do you think?

 Each little mouse measures about the same height as my thumb - so just under 3 inches tall and each one has a little tail made from all 6 strands of embroidery thread with a tiny bow sewn on the end of it.  These could easily be made into ornaments for hanging on a Christmas tree, or you could make a pretty little match box - you can find a template for one here and tuck a little mouse inside with a scrap of felt for a blankie and a teeny pillow.

 These little cuties were so much fun to make and I really could've made a whole bunch more, but I figured I'd better stop and get started on writing up the pattern so that you could give it a try too:)

I recently revised my Gingerbread ornament pattern and am planning on putting together pattern kits  for them.  There will be a couple of different colour options available and each kit will contain the felt, eyes and trim to make a set of two - a lady and a gent.

I'm also very pleased to announce that I'm adding a new line of 100% wool felts to my shop very soon!  Squeal!!!!  I cannot contain my glee!  Seriously!  The range of colours I've chosen are amazingly gorgeous and the felt is extremely soft and durable.  It is non-toxic and ecologically friendly, completely biodegradable, non-flammable and safe for babies, children and pets.  It is also Oeko-Tex certified and free of harsh chemical dyes and lead.

Before I say goodbye, I'd like to share a request from my dear friend Kathleen Burke.  She has designed and created a pattern for a little doll that she's making for needy children around the world.  They are being donated to Operation Christmas Child, an organization that has helped so many people through the wonderful work they do.  If you'd like to help by making and donating dolls for this purpose, please contact Kathleen at kat.burke2u@yahoo.com.  She will be happy to give you more info about this project.

Have a lovely weekend,
~Shelly  xo

PS  I almost forgot about one more thing!  My Hansel and Gretel patterns are now available in my shop.

Congrats to the Winners!

Thank you all so much for entering my Little Lady pattern giveaway! 

 The winners are:

Pamela Robbins
Polly Elmbaro
Elena
Ionica Dauz
Dottie Rubalcaba

I've sent an email to each of you along with the pattern and you have also received an email from my mom with the little cardigan pattern.  Have fun making them!

The pattern for the Little Ladies is now available in my shop, and you can find the cardigan pattern in my mom's shop.

Have a great week!
~Shelly xo

Free Pattern Giveaway!! Little Ladies

Oh I'm so excited to be announcing this Giveaway!!  For the past few weeks, I've spent countless hours perfecting my next pattern - the Little Ladies!  Although these dolls are based on my original pattern, I've added new elements to the design which I think have added a fresh new look.  I hope you love how they've turned out!   

This pattern is very detailed...  There are step-by-step photos throughout that include options for creating a hand embroidered or painted face, making the hair and sewing a sweet little pair of undies, a pretty sun dress and a pair of Mary Jane shoes. 

 My wonderful Mom has even designed a little cardigan pattern for those of you who'd like to knit one!  Please visit her Etsy shop for details.

These little dolls are the perfect size for cuddling or displaying and measure about 12 inches tall. 

If you'd like to be one of five lucky winners of this pattern, please leave your name and email address in the comments section below, or on my Facebook page under the link to this blog post.  I'll draw the names of the winners on Tuesday, October 15th.  Best of all - winners will receive the pattern for the doll and her outfit AND the little knitted cardigan pattern from my mom!

Best of luck to you all and Happy Thanksgiving to my fellow Canadian friends!  Hope you have a lovely long weekend!

Oh, and one more thing:  I just had to share the photo below - it's a progressive story if you will on the evolution of my doll making.  From left are my very first attempts at creating my own sort of style.  And yes, do feel free to have a good laugh!!  Some of them are downright horrid!  As you look toward the center of the photo, you'll see my very first Little Lady, she's the one with the pink hair and periwinkle dress on, and then on to the right you'll see how my dolls have progressed to the very last one on the right which is the newest Little Lady!

~Shelly  xo