IKnitQuiltSew - HAF Blog Ring Feature

Being a knitter, sewer, and crocheter myself, I can recognize talent when I see it. This week's featured artisan is IKnitQuiltSew from Handmade Artist's Forum. Her talent is immediately recognizable in her work. While browsing her studio on Etsy, I was so impressed by the arrangement first of all. Her baby items are arranged so attractively by color, so it is not hard to find matching sets for your little one!

Secondly, she gives you these adorable little baby dolls and teddy bears that are practically irresistable.

My babies are growing up and out of the teddy bear and doll baby stages, but they are so great I might just get one for myself. Where I really fell in love, though, was with her Baby Quilt/Wall Hanging. Quilting is a time-consuming, labor intensive act of love, of which I have done once in my life! I know why they are so expensive, but I have never been drawn to one enough to say that I would buy one. HOWEVER... this quilt spoke to my heart.

Welcome Home Quilt

Notice the details

When that happens, I start thinking how will I get the money for this??? It's not really that expensive, though. Only $150 for this beauty. But with my 5 kiddos I have to carefully gauge each and every dime. This quilt, though, echoes the desires of my heart - a home of our own. We've been wanting a home for the last 12 years of our marriage, somewhere our kids can come back to with thier own families eventually. We've had heartbreak after heartbreak, but the dream still lives. This would make a beautiful "Welcome home baby" quilt or housewarming gift.

IKnitQuiltSew has a blog that showcases more wonderful artisans from HAF. She let us all know that she is recovering from surgery on her rotator cuff. Anyone that knits, quilts, or sews knows the challenge of not having your primary arm available for your craft. Her tenacity and love for her art shows through again, though, because she is still knitting. Albeit slowly - but still knitting!

 I have thoroughly fallen in love with IKnitQuiltSew's creations and am just tickled that I can bring them to you through the HAF blog ring.

Twiddletoes

There is nothing like a nice, warm, comfy pair of socks in the winter, especially when the weather is cold and the floors are iced over. But what about those summer sock people? You know, the ones still wearing socks with their flip flops at the beach or pool. While I can't say that I fully understand this concept, there is hope on the horizon for the sock dedicated!

This week (a bit late, sorry), we have Twiddletoes from Handmade Artist's Forum. Twiddletoes began six years ago as a way of helping out those that still insist on wearing socks with their flip flops. These intricately knit socks have a big toe area seperate from the rest of the toes - just right for fitting in that flip flop strap! Not only are they innovative, but they are also made of some of the highest quality yarns available. These crafty artisans also makes traditional socks (with full toes) for those of us still sticking with the "just for winter" look.

You can read more about Twiddletoes and buy your own on her blog. They are also on Etsy and 1000Markets. 

HAF Blog Ring - Haffina Creations

It is amazing how even across continents you can find people that inspire you. Just when you think you are one of the busiest people on earth, you find someone even busier! This week I have the pleasure of introducing to you Haffina Creations from Handmade Artist's Forum. Haffina and I share a lot in common. She is a mom of five (me too!), has eclectic tastes (same here), loves to create (ohhh...spooky), and is so super-busy, but manages to pull it all together and get up the next day to do it all over again (do I have a missing twin???). Haffina lives in Austrailia, one of my dream countries to visit, and makes amazing jewelry and polymer clay beads.

This talented and creative mom also writes a beautiful blog, Haffina Creations, where you can find glimpses of her work and her other creative tasks. When an artist is passionate about her work, it shows through in all that she does. When an artist shows dedication and care in pursuits other than her art, you can expect great things from the art that is produced with that same dedication and care. I encourage you to check out this handmade artisan and her art. I'm sure you will be as delighted as I am!