Hello! September is almost over and I am shifting into full knitting gear to get ready for my lineup of holiday shows. Even though my next event isn't until November, I hope to pop on here more often over the next few months to give you an idea of what I'm working on. I finished this crazy neon monster last night. He is so fluffy! I saw that yellow yarn at the store and it screamed "MONSTER!" I think he's hilarious and I look forward to hearing what you guys think!

I also finished the stockings that I designed. I am embarrassed at how long it took me to complete this order- and to be fair they're not completely done, I'm still embroidering the names on them- but am very pleased with how well they turned out! I'd love to make more of them in the future [as long as my clients give me LOTS of time... they take FOREVER to make.]

Speaking of LOTS of time, if you're planning to order any monsters for Christmas, now is a good time to let me know! Just saying ;)

Okay, it's time to get back to knitting. I have a pile of monster ornaments that need mouths.

I feel pretty silly that I haven't updated my site since winter. Where has this year gone? Seriously!

Summer is almost over. This past weekend was the Elmwood Festival of the Arts. I set up inside the UUCB at the corner of Elmwood and W Ferry. I've set up inside there for the past few years. I have entertained the idea of applying for a spot out on the street... but then I think of all the monsters I would have to make and sell just to break even... and the hours it would take me to do that. That scares me. It would be so much fun to be on the street and get a truer festival experience.

I love this festival. And this year I was super happy to be where I was! Thanks to all the volunteers and all the happy customers I met throughout the weekend!

Here are a few pictures of things I made for the show and my table. If you follow me on Instagram or Facebook, you've probably seen these already. And if you don't follow me on Instagram or Facebook, you should. I post there more frequently.

My next show in the area is the Music is Art Festival on September 13th and that is at Delaware Park from 10am-dark. I'll have a tent set up in the rose garden and will be selling all sorts of monstery fun.

I'll end this post with a picture of the Christmas stockings I am currently knitting for a custom order. I will be making four total. The client LOVED the ones I made for Emily [@merrypad on most social media] so I am making her a similar set. I am done knitting three of them. Of course I still need to deal with loose yarn ends, wash them and block them so they are flat and tidy, just like Emily's.

[Here are the ones I made for Emily so that you can imagine how awesome this set will look once they are finished!]

Let's hope it's not 8 months before I post again!!!

It is New Years Eve. I can't believe how quickly this year flew by... especially after 2012, which seemed to drag on for eternity. I am happy to say that 2013 was pretty nice. I didn't have any huge life-changing events [but after 2012 I didn't need any!] but I will remember 2013 as a "pretty nice" year.

It is really crazy that Christmas was a week ago already. I am always so busy right up until Christmas Eve working on last minute commissions and gifts. This year I gave myself a 3 day break from knitting starting on Christmas day. I meant to go a whole week, but my hands were bored. I had no idea what to do with myself. Apparently I can't just watch TV for entertainment, I have to be DOING something too. Oh well.

Here's just a few of the gifts and special orders of the season: I was honored to make a friend who graduated with me from High School a little owl to compliment her son's nursery. I crocheted a few cute cowls for gifts and remembered how satisfying crochet can be. A nice customer commissioned eight cute small round oddballs for gifts. I designed and knit a few monster stocking ornaments for gifts. I think they are cute enough to make for the holiday 2014 season. [Always thinking ahead!] My dad asked for a honey badger. I knit him a honey badger [pattern by Miriam L. Felton] and a cobra. I made some ornaments with sparkly yarn that looked like gold tinsel. And, last but not least, my boyfriend's mom got the little white llama she wanted. And she loved it!

One big project that I completed this season was knitting stockings for my friend Emily's whole family! Emily blogged about her new "forever stockings" on her blog, merrypad.com. I was so honored that Emily asked me to do this and I had a lot of fun [and a little frustration] figuring out how to make something new.

The stockings weren't the only new project of 2013. I also started to test my design skills and made a successful [SOLD OUT!] line of tie dye monster onesies. I then went bigger and designed two really fun monster tshirts. My Uncle Vince picked out the tshirts above when he was visiting in September and brought them back to the ladies he works with in the Philippines as gifts. I love that they hung a little monster ornament from their sign too. :)

Looking back, I think my favorite project of the year was my monster yarn bomb. I had never done any site specific knitting and loved decorating one of my favorite places [the SUNY Fredonia campus] with warm, friendly knitting during the cold, cold winter months.  

Goodbye 2013. I don't have any big projects in the works, but something always comes along. And when it does, I'll fill you in. Happy 2014.
<3
Erin

You may have noticed I like llamas. My business card has a monster riding a llama... my website and facebook currently have a monster riding a llama as the top banner... and ... well, stay tuned, I'll let the other thing be a surprise. I decided to try and knit some llamas. Eventually I want to make a sculpture of the monster riding the llama. I am still working out my pattern for these guys, but I'm pretty happy with the cuteness level of these two llamas!

I don't really have much to say about them, so this is going to be a mostly picture post. Enjoy :)

*smooch*

See ya next time.

The week after a big show is always weird. Part of me wants to take a break and relax. I've been knitting pretty much nonstop for the past few weeks and it would be good to give my fingers a break. The other part of me, however, realizes that a lot of monsters found new homes this weekend [YAY! Thank you!] and I gotta work to restock for the next show. So, I don't know what to do and have been having disorganized, partially productive days.

These two ornaments were a custom order. They are wedding gifts for a couple who are getting married this fall. The color scheme for the monsters was built around the school colors of the university where they met. I considered giving the bride a veil and bouquet, but decided it was bit much for a small ornament and instead opted instead for a little felt flower with a pearl button center. Perhaps if I make a larger monster bride and groom set I'll give them more accessories.

Add these guys to the list of fun "ERIN MAKES STUFF" ideas for weddings! Remember the Ring Bearer Monster from my friend's wedding? And Name Designs always make great gifts too!

Besides the wedding monsters, I also finished the monstapus I was knitting this weekend at the the festival. It's nice that I can get a little work done while I'm at a show... a lot of artists can't do that! I'm lucky that knitting is portable. I love how this guy turned out. I haven't made a monstapus in awhile!

Now to get some more work done... What would you all like to see at the next show? Let me know in the comments!

Even though I don't follow football, I had a request for a custom monster in Packer's colors and I happily accepted! He was fun to make. The logo on his body is felt that I carefully cut out and stitched by hand. He even has his own little Cheesehead hat... which, after much thought, I made out out a sponge that I cut and painted.

If you're ever looking for a unique gift, I can always custom make a monster to match whatever team or school colors you need! I have even made monsters to match wedding colors. I love making custom monsters for cool people and special events :)

I changed my mind. Etsy shop updates will be on Mondays. I quickly realized that Monday updates gave me the weekend to prepare. Friday was much too hectic. So I will be adding new items to my Etsy shop on MONDAYS at NOON! Yay. New stuff. I have tons of ideas so this should be an exciting summer in the world of erinmakesstuff.

So, what's new this week? I started off by listing a few items that I have in stock! I put up these two owls:

Here is the listings for the Purple and Blue Owl and the Pink and Teal Owl. Each of these owls are hand-knit from wool yarn and measure about 7 inches tall. EDIT: Both these owls sold, but you can custom order one HERE

Now let's move on to what's new!

Did you know that the horn on a narwhal is actually a huge tooth that grows straight out from the whale's face! Imagine if our teeth did that! This little narwhal is certainly a cutie and would look great hanging anywhere in your home. This ornament is approximately 4" long and hand-knit from wool yarn. I have three available right now! Which is your favorite? EDIT: SOLD OUT- But I will be making more!

Want to make your tablet cozier? This friendly monster will hug your electronics like a warm sweater! This cozy has a lot of stretch and can fit most iPad sized tablets, with or without a protective case. Thick crochet offers a little extra cushioning for your device. A button closure on the back holds your tablet snugly inside. It measures about 8 x 10.5 inches when flat.

The Blue and Purple iPad Monster Cozy shown above is in stock! I also have a listing set up that you can custom order one in whatever colors you choose.

This was a pretty busy week and I hope you all enjoyed the update! Soon I will be confirming some summer events and as soon as I know where I'll be, I'll let you guys know.

Hi everyone! It's Friday and that means that I've updated my Etsy Shop! This week I listed two more items that you can custom order [Ducks and Phone Cozies!] and a Sea Monstapus who is not scary, despite having claws.

Monster Cell Phone Cozy: Want to make your cell phone cozier? These friendly monsters will hug your electronics like a warm sweater! You'll smile every time you pull out your phone. By default each cozy is sized to fit an iPhone 4/4S or iPod Touch. Please message me your phone model in a note to the seller so I can size your cozy to perfectly fit your phone. A button closure on the back holds your phone snugly inside.

Each monster cozy is hand-knit to order. It'll take me 3-5 business days to knit and then ship your order. You can pick the color stripes you want [see the last picture for color options] or, if you don't care, just pick "SURPRISE ME." Button eyes and yarn color of the mouth and arms will always vary based on what I have available so each one will always be one of a kind. These monsters are knit from acrylic yarns so if they get dirty, just hand wash them in the sink and let them air dry. Easy peasy.

Order yours HERE!

Ducks: Quack Quack! I'll knit you one of these ducks in the colors that you choose! Pick up to two colors [or if you don't care, you can always pick "SURPRISE ME!"] and let me do the rest. Now you can order an duck in your favorite colors, baby shower theme colors, wedding colors... the possibilities are endless! If you need colors beyond what is listed, add your needs in a message to the seller when you purchase. Each duck has the most adorable knit webbed feet!

Ducks are knit from soft wool yarn and are about 7 inches tall. Eyes are sewn felt with locking black safety eyes. Each duck will have an "erinmakesstuff" tag sewn on its back.

Order yours HERE!

Sea Monstapus: I actually knit this guy as my submission to the Buffalo Etsy Team's May Creative Challenge. The theme for May was sea creatures/ sea life. I think this guy fits the bill!

This monster emerged from the sea to look for a new family. He may have claws and tentacles, but he is harmless! In fact, he's one of the cuddliest monsters around and loves to give hugs. He is knit from acrylic yarns and stuffed with polyester fiberfill. This monster has one of the cutest button-eyed faces around, how can you resist?

From top to bottom, this Monstapus measures about 11.5 inches. He has six tentacles that measure about 7 inches each.

Want him? He's up for grabs HERE.

Next Friday I'll have two new items. New items will be launched at noon [EST] in my shop! Look for posts on Facebook too!

This summer I plan to launch two new products onto my Etsy shop each week. New products will be announced on my Facebook page on Fridays at noon EST. Each item is made to order and you can pick the colors! Last week the two items were MONSTER CAN COZIES and OWLS.

Monster Can Cozies: Want to get some smiles at your next summer bbq?These one-of-a-kind knit monster cozies... or if you want to say "coozies" that's fine too... will not only help insulate your drink, but entertain your friends! And you'll never forget which drink is yours. These friendly monsters just want to be helpful. Look at those eager faces.

Each monster cozy is hand-knit to order. It'll take me 3-5 business days to knit and then ship your order. You can pick the color stripes you want [see the last picture for color options] or, if you don't care, just pick "SURPRISE ME." Button eyes and yarn color of the mouth and arms will always vary based on what I have available so each one will always be one of a kind. Monsters are knit from acrylic yarns so if they get dirty, just hand wash them in the sink and let them air dry. Easy peasy.

Order yours HERE !

Owls: Hoot Hoot! I'll knit you one of these adorable owls in the colors that you choose! Pick up to two colors [or if you don't care, you can always pick "SURPRISE ME!"] and let me do the rest. Now you can order an owl in your favorite colors, baby shower theme colors, wedding colors... the possibilities are endless! If you need colors beyond what is listed, add your needs in a message to the seller when you purchase.

Owls are knit from soft wool yarn and are about 7 inches tall. Eyes are sewn felt with locking black safety eyes. Each owl will have an "erinmakesstuff" tag sewn on its back.

Because this is a Made to Order object, please allow 3-5 business days for me to knit your owl before shipping. Trust me, it's worth the wait! These owls are super cuties!

Order yours HERE !

This Friday two new products will be launched. What will they be? Find out Friday!

I just finished another pet drawing! I absolutely love drawing animals. This guy is named Simon and he's a black lab mix. The drawing is a surprise gift for a couple's new home! I hope they love it. He's a cutie. 

If you're interested in a portrait of your pet, there is more information in the PORTRAIT INFO tab above. 

I love special orders. I love it when someone asks me to make something that I would probably never think to make myself. It's really exciting to see it come to life. In the past, special order monsters have been anything from a Monstapus to carry wedding rings down the aisle [which I still think is the best ring bearer pillow idea EVER], to a funny walrus and even Cthulhu. Each was a lot of fun to make. 

Lately people have been asking for birds... mostly owls. And I still need to make some more. I owe a friend one from last summer... but now I have that pattern figured out so I can get going on more owls! So here is what I made recently: Two Owls and a DUCK! [The little webbed feet on the duck make me smile!] Enjoy.

I was having a little fun taking pictures of these guys. I posed the duck with some hand-carved wooden ducks that my uncle sent us from the Philippines. Here's my favorite shot:

This Saturday is that "Something Cool" that I mentioned in the last post... stay tuned this weekend to see what that is all about! I think you'll like it... especially if you live around Fredonia, NY. 

I just finished another custom pet drawing. I'm super happy with how this drawing turned out. It's already framed up and looks really polished. I can't wait to deliver it!

If you like it and are interested, I'd be happy to draw your pet too. Information is on the PORTRAIT INFO tab up top. 

I thought yesterday was pretty productive. Not only did I finish knitting the bodies for three small round guys, but I also finished up this drawing of Cody, the large furry friend of Emily at merrypad.com. 

Mostly I put up monsters here in the bloggy part of the site, but I also wanted to let you know that I love doing custom portraits of people and animals. I updated the "PORTRAIT INFO" tab up top to include examples of my work and pricing. 

Here's Cody!