ladybug&babybird

Awhile ago I set a goal for myself, to learn how to knit whether I liked it or not. I won't lie I'm terrible at crocheting and don't really like to do it so when I came to my mom about knitting there was little to no faith.  We started working with washrags ( which I would suggest for anyone starting out with knitting because they are so simple and help you work on your stitches). Eventually we worked up to hats, blankets, and clothing and it's like a whole new world opened up.  I adore knitting and have come to find that baby knits are my absolute favorite, I also happened upon the wonderful world of felt and discovered how amazing they both went together. 

ladybug&babybird has been my brain child ever since I started knitting, it's my own little knitting/crafting business. Because I love knitting so much and love what the final product is I felt like bringing it to those who wanted some originality in their lives would totally make it worth while. It's actually Ky (hubby) that really pushes me to get my stuff out there and he was even the one that inspired the name.  Ladybug, and Babybird are actually both nicknames that he has for me (aww) and they both make me think of a little girl (ladybug) and a little boy (babybird).  I have a product blog (you can actually click the link to it in the sidebar) that has some of my product on there but to be honest I'm more for bringing my product to the public with craft fairs.  We did a few over Christmas just to test out the "scene" and it was an awesome experience. Don't be discouraged! I still take orders via email ;)

I wanted to kind of show you my process, how I fill orders and even how I came up with my packaging.  It all starts with a beautiful ball of yarn, some rounds, and an idea...

What is so great about hand made hats is that everything is made to order, color, size, embellishments are all something that can be customized.  For this specific order I needed to make four hats, two boys and two girls.

A lot of the hats that I do come with the felt sewn on them because of how original it makes the item, I can honestly say that not one hat is the same because I cut the felt freehand and often forget how I made the previous character :)  It really helps to lay the hats out with what felt I want on them, that way I'm not dissapointed when I sew them on and have to start over again (nothing I hate more than having to unpick stitches!). Here are the before and afters...


I love making new characters and trying new things, these are three new ones I just made up tonight.

 I would have to say that hats are my most favorite things to make because they are so easy and look so cute on little ones.  Plus they need to be kept warm, even in spring and fall.

After I make my hats I package them up...pardon my french but I am a packaging whore, so when it came to whatever it was I was going to put my product in I knew it needed to be original and really keep to what my theme is.  I also wanted something simple and for some odd reason I really wanted it to involve brown paper bags.  I love kraft brown (the color of brown paper bags, silly) and so it only made sense to use them.  Kyle was kind enough to help me with this idea and even thought of using the stamp on the corner that we used on our wedding invitations and to top it all of using the black clothespins from our wedding as well.

I love how this looks and makes for an awesome way for those purchasing to not have to rewrap if they are gifting the item.  I usually attach my business card with the clothespin (which is made from kraft brown paper as well) that way they have my info just in case they would like to contact me for another order.

If you have any questions or would like to place an order of any kind please email me at asay.stephanie@gmail.com or just become a follower and comment me.  Realizing summer is just around the corner it's always nice to have something like this on hand just in case a baby shower pops up.  I will keep you informed of any upcoming fairs or shows that we might have a booth at so you can come and check us out!

Steph