What are Felties?!?!?!?!

Felties....Felties....What in the heck is a Feltie??????


Let me break down the Feltie Madness for you!!!

Felties are Felt appliques that you can use for multiple crafting uses!!!! They are machine embroidered felt embellishments that can come in an array of designs, colors, and sizes. Felties consist of a front felt piece that is backed by a 2nd felt piece to hide the thread from the front piece. You will often find stabilizer in the middle to give the felt applique extra support.

What would you use a Feltie For?????

These appliques are a great way to embellish just about anything you would want.

• You can use them in the center of your hair bows or on a hair clip
• They are great for felt Tic-Tac-Toe game pieces. 
• If you are having a themed birthday party or shower you can use them as cupcake toppers. 
• They make great scrapbooking and card making embellishments.
• You can embellish a crochet/knitted hat or headband with them. 
• They can also make a great embellishment on those can cozies
• You can also glue them on to magnets or pin backings. 

There are so many more other great ways you can use them. 



Misc Feltie Info.....
The average size of the feltie runs around 1.25 inches to 2 inches. 

Here are a few of my samples that I have made. All my designs were digitized by me made from graphic designs from a variety of graphic artists. 

Special Notes about choosing colors for your Felties!!!!

*You can find a special list of felt colors HERE. 















*I also wanted to show you how choosing the right color choices can make a difference in the way your feltie will look.













~Shop for Felt Appliques

~Shop for Felt Hair clips



If you ever have any Feltie questions please feel free to message me.
I am excepting custom orders. Please note that there will be a small designing fee included in your custom order.

Blog Stalkers ~ Issue #4

April sure brought some amazing blog posts! Spring is here and many bloggers are blogging about it. We’d love to see what posts you’ve found so be sure to drop us a comment or share on our Facebook Page, we’d love to see you over there! And now for the fun part… our blog finds!

Hi there Stephanie here one of your friendly neighborhood blog stalkers. I have a family that is CONSTANTLY on the go and it seems that we are gone at least 4 days a week when the weather gets nice. With that we are almost always in need of certain items. My family has been doing this for years. And I wanted to share a blog post that I found that is great from the Tip Toe Fairy

http://thetiptoefairy.com/2014/03/create-a-health-and-wellness-necessity-kit/

My oldest son is a kindergartner. As a first time mom of a child in school, I want everything to be perfect! I want him to succeed, I want his classmates and teacher to love him, I want him to be safe…. as of right now, it’s off to a perfect start! And then there’s a holiday, a day in which a gift should be given to the teacher and I’m torn! I want my son to give something nice, something his AMAZING teacher would love and use… but what??? Year after year, students give teacher gifts… what would really stand out?? And there’s SO MANY blog posts on ideas, all of which are great… but I found the best gift of all, one I never would have thought of. We all like to be recognized for our hard work and our teachers have one of the most important jobs of all- teaching our children. What better gift to give than a letter to a principal or administrator explaining how amazing your child’s teacher is! Brilliant idea!! Read more from It’s Always Autumn and her post about the very best (and free) gift you can give your child’s teacher. And just a reminder- Teacher Appreciation week is May 4-8.

As we near the end of another school year, I have been looking for ways to tame the paper monster of drawings, stories, and report cards. I already take pictures or scan artwork and special project but then what? They end up taking up space on my hard drive. I need organization and inspiration so I turned to Pinterest. My blog find this month has met several of my challanges. Thirty Handmade Days has a plethera of binder ideas including a School Binder. It even includes a First Day and Last Day interview form to have your children fill out. They also have binder printable for the family. http://www.thirtyhandmadedays.com/2013/07/school_binder_with_printables/

Thank you for following us and looking forward to next months finds….

Until next month,

Stephanie, Lisa, & Crystal

Blog Stalkers ~ Issue #3

March has come and gone. Spring is here and we all seem to be on the upside of the sicknesses.  We have some great blogs to share with you this week.  Don't forget to follow us on Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/blogstalkers

"Hi there Stephanie here one of your friendly blog stalkers. WhenI first decided to start blogging I started following a blog called U Create. I found this blog to cover so much in the DIY world and better yet just about everything that comes out of this blog is bright, colorful, and inspiring!!!! Head on over and check out U Create for yourself!!!!!  http://www.u-createcrafts.com/

I love crochet, that's no secret! But crochet in my life is limited! What do I mean?? Well, I have a few hats, a few tops, and a few items that are not yet complete that are just for me but that's it! No crochet blanket, no slippers, no hot pads or scrubbies... so when I found this article from Moogly, I had to share it with you all! The post is about 10 FREE crochet curtain patterns. Love, love, LOVE #3 on her list... and #10!!! Hilarious!!!! One day, I will have crocheted curtains! What kind of crochet do you make for yourself?http://www.mooglyblog.com/10-free-crochet-curtain-patterns/

This months Blog find was one of desperation. Having 2 boys who both spend way to much time on electronics, I needed a solution. I wanted to incorporate a chore chart but not pay them for doing things like brushing teeth or making bed. Homework is a must but I would give time on tablets for doing it without whining (oh anything to stop the whining). I found lots of blog posts but the one I liked the most was yourownhomestore.com. I am still finding my way around the system we are putting into place but I am so excited for trying it out. So far my 7 yr old has chipped in more around the house and even has more completed that his 10 yr old brother. If you are finding yourself at a loss for finding a happy median between the tv, tablets, game systems, and just plain old legos, check out this blog post: http://www.yourownhomestore.com/family-store-and-chore-system/

Thank you for following us and looking forward to next months finds....

Until next month,
Stephanie, Lisa, & Crystal

Birthday Celebration (Part 1)

We are finally starting to thaw out over her in WI!!!! YAY!!!! It has been in the upper 50's most of the week which is a huge change from -3 just 2 weeks ago.



So last week I introduced you to my Birthday Twin. This week we are starting the celebration of our birthdays with a sale!!!!

Start celebrating with us!!!

 15% off in our shops from now through March 22 at Midnight (CST)

Use the Coupon Code - CELEBRATEWITHUS

The coupon code is good in both our shops. ENJOY!!!!

8 Little Monkeys

Etsy

Smalltown Dreamz

Etsy

Stay tuned for a Birthday Giveaway announcement 

Happy Crafting

Meet My Twin!!!

HAPPY MARCH!!!!! 

I don't know about you but I for one am so happy that winter is starting to wind down and Spring is almost here. 

So over the past couple years I have started networking and growing my relationships with other businesses. I have met so many amazing people through doing this and have become close friends with a handful of them. I didn't have a sister growing up so it is a lot of fun to be able to talk to someone with such similar interests.

About a year ago while having a conversation in one of my network groups I found out I had a twin. No...not the biological kind but the Birthday kind!!!!!!!! That is right one of my crafting "sisters" shares the same birthday with me. How awesome is that.

There is something to be said about finding someone that not only understands what it is like to juggle our families and our crafts but that can share in a celebration of life with you. I am over joyed to introduce you to my Birthday Twin!!!

Meredith from 8 Little Monkeys is honestly such an amazing person to me. Between everything she does for her family and her business I am not sure where she find the time. On a personal level I look up to her as a mother because she is so strong and selfless. I can only pray that I am that strong. I could not be more honored to share my Birthday with anyone else.

Meredith and I will be celebrating the whole month so stay tuned for more details on giveaways, sales, and whatever else we conjure up this month!!!!!!!!!!! We are looking forward to sharing our day with you!




Happy Crafting

Blog Stalkers Issue 2

Here we are at the end of February. The Blog Stalkers have been battling the sickies within each of their homes. Resulting in being a little behind on stalking blogs. However, we have some goodies for you. Don't forget to follow us on Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/blogstalkers

"Hi there Stephanie here one of your friendly blog stalkers. So I am able to joke often about probably being America's worst cook. However I have found a blog that I love that is inspiring my inner cook (where ever that may be) I have a book mark list a mile long of recipes that I want to try from these amazing ladies. Have you tried any of their recipes? http://www.sixsistersstuff.com/

I'm a huge fan of It's Always Autumn! I love the variety of posts she writes, from holiday crafts to photography to food! After painting my home in preparation to attempt to sell, I kept all my pictures off the walls. I'm the type of person that love to have photos, art,

wording... anything that reminds me of the life I'm so grateful to have. So, this post by It's Always Autumn really caught my eye. I love how this instagram wall of photos looks and really want to do something like!

I also love that the photos can be changed easily. Swapping out photos is something I do regularly when my frames are up, but this would be easy! Check out her blog post to find out exactly how to accomplish this project by yourself!

Find me on Instagram here { https://instagram.com/crystalizeddesigns/ } Where can I find you??
http://www.itsalwaysautumn.com/…/huge-diy-photo-wall-bullet

My blog post find this month is perfect for anyone running a home business. Fellow crochet designer, Thomasina Designs helps us all out with some great advice on "Keeping Accounts." She includes instructions on setting up a spreadsheet to track of your money coming in and going out. Now is the perfect time to get your own income/expenses in order and see how your "really" doing.

http://www.thomasinacummings.co.uk/keeping-accounts/

Thank you for following us and looking forward to next months finds....

Until next month,
Stephanie, Lisa, & Crystal

FREE Crochet Pattern ~ Sport My Pencil Case

This past fall I was invited to do a pattern for the Back to School edition for Too Yarn Cute. I felt it was time and I wanted to share it with all my fans. With it being Superbowl Sunday perhaps it was a coincidence.....the world my never know. Here is the free pattern  

Sport My Pencil Case

2 colors needed

Yarn Brands best to use:

Red Heart Soft OR

Caron Simply Soft

Gauge: per 2 inches

 8HDC BY 7 ROWS

Crochet Hook Sizes:

I

Special Notes

You will need 2 toilet paper rolls , yarn needle, and a button

Abbreviations:

CH - Chain

SC – Single Crochet

HDC – Half Double Crochet

SL ST – Slip Stitch

BLO -  Back Loop Only

SK ST – Skip Stitch

Magic Circle           

Round 1: SC 8 into Magic Circle

Round 2:                  2HDC in each(16)

Round 3:                  *2HDC, HDC* Repeat * 7 more times(24)

Round 4:                  BLO HDC  7, SK ST, BLO HDC 7, SK ST, BLO HDC 8, SL ST to join(22)

Round 5:                  HDC in each, SL ST to join (Joining with Color B) (22)

Round 6:                  HDC in each, SL ST to join (Joining with Color A) (22)

Round 7:                  BLO HDC in each, SL ST to join (Joining with Color B) (22)

Round 8:                  BLO HDC in each, SL ST to join (Joining with Color A) (22)

Round 9:                  BLO HDC in each, SL ST to join (22)

Round 10-22:          HDC in each, SL ST to join (22)

Top of case

Round 1: SC 8 into Magic Circle

Round 2:                  2HDC in each(16)

Round 3:                  *2HDC, HDC* Repeat * 7 more times(24)

Round 4:                  BLO HDC  7, SK ST, BLO HDC 7, SK ST, BLO HDC 8, SL ST to join(22)

Round 5:                  HDC in each, SL ST to join (Joining with Color B) (22)

Round 6:                  HDC in each, SL ST to join (Joining with Color A) (22)

Round 7:                  BLO HDC in each, SL ST to join (Joining with Color B) (22)

Round 8:                  BLO HDC in each, SL ST to join (Joining with Color A) (22)

Round 9:                  BLO HDC  10, CH6 BLO HDC 12, SL ST to join (22)

Label section

Ch 10

Row 1-3 HDC, CH 1 and turn.

Fasten off leaving a long tail to sew label to body of case.                

Sewing Section

The first thing you will want to do is embroider

the initials into the Label.

Attaching the label to the body of the case.

Sew your label on towards the side or the front of the case. Making sure that you sew your label on so that the edges are all secure.

Attaching your top to the body of the case

Flip both pieces inside out. Line up your 2 back seams.  Sew your 2 pieces together using the 5 stitches on both sides of the seam.  So that the back half of the top is attached to the body.

 

Weave in all your ends and turn it right side out again.  Also sew on your button at this point.

Using 2 toilet paper rolls to stabilize the case. Insert your first roll into the body of the case. The case will stretch a bit around the tube. Take the 2^nd tube and cut it down size so that there is small tube section that will fit in the top of the case.

~Finish off and weave in your ends~

 

That’s it. You are all done. I hope you enjoy!!

This pattern has been tested but if you believe there may be a mistake, please contact me.

 I also offer assistance if you need it, feel free to contact me at smalltowndreamz@gmail.com

Happy Crafting