OMGosh Time Goes By So Fast!

With everything that has happened in the past month, with graduations, school endings, birthdays.. I mean man o' man... it seemed like May was only yesterday and here we are getting nearer to the end of June!

One of the first sales I made on the Sea Turtle Comfort Cuddler was to a lovely lady named Judi from Florida!   She had completed her first Sea Turtle Cuddler on May 19th  - that lets you know just how "behind" I am!!  Judi was kind enough to send me photographs of him and I was granted permission by her, to share her work/photographs on my blog.

While I have made several, all generally looking like copies of one another .. an artist replicating their own work isn't really that big of a deal.  Now when a client replicates that work from written instruction; that is when your heart sings and you feel like you've contributed something to the art.  
Judi really did a wonderful job on him and I just had to share!!

I am always tickled when my clients share photos of their work with me.  Not only the creativity that they display in the little additions or personal flare they give to the project - but in being a part of an art form that is so vastly beautiful and that can be shared with others.

Thank you so much Judi for sharing your beautiful creation with me and allowing me to share it with my readers!  

Here's What You Should Have Seen...

"Thankful Thursday Final Week"  and of course, "Happy Thanksgiving"

I do not know if I clicked, when I should have selected, or if something else went wrong - but I believe all happens for a reason.  Perhaps with all the hustle and bustle of Thanksgiving and Black Friday shopping, my post would have been over looked that day..
*shrugs*

But, now at least, my final Thankful Thursday honoree receives the spotlight all to herself!

I met Miek through Ravelry.com and she quickly became a huge inspiration to my work.  Her subtle quirkiness in her work, with bold, vibrant colors; allows her personality to shine brightly in all her creations.  Although she's quiet and doesn't flaunt her doodles, she was quick to point out to me what she does with them.  

Many, in fact probably most, children will never face such a horrifying disease as cancer.  But I can tell you, from experience, those children who do; are among the bravest kids I have ever met in my life. 

The Poekie Project was started after it's founder, Saskia, found out her own child had lymphoma and would need to endure Radiation and Chemotherapy treatments. (Which I can attest to, is NO picnic - even to someone who is old enough to understand fully what is going on!)
A year later, her son is well; but she's not forgotten how much love and support children going through similar treatments need to keep their spirits up.  Named after her "cat", The Poekie Project has brought smiles to the faces of many very ill children at the Ghent University Hospital and continues to seek crafter's support to brighten the days of children facing cancer.  What a beautiful gift to give back to a hospital and so deserving of a mention!!

Thankful Thursday - Week II

Well, technically, it's week 3 of November, but I do not think anyone will fault me for ignoring November 1st of this year since Sandy made such a mess of things.  Many, MANY on the east coast are still without power; (work just sent 7 more crews down on Saturday to help with restorations) but especially since a Nor'easter came in on Sandy's heels and just as people had finally gotten restored... boom, out goes the lights again...

FiberDoodlesbyK4TT has been able to donate this year, (thanks to wonderful clients who've purchased this month) helping many animals;  victims of this devastation.  (Many fleeing from Sandy, evacuated their homes leaving behind their pets.  Now these animals are in shelters and being cared for by organizations like 2ndChance AnimalShelter (from MA) in hotel rooms - now, with no electricity).  There is still a long way to go...

Another animal advocate, which I have followed for YEARS... is Sara of Crafting4Greyhounds.  This wonderful lady, residing in the UK; is a doodler... honest.  In her collection she has several in the KISS Series, including the Elephant, Puppy and Bunny, but those are for personal - her passion is doodling for the hounds.

Sara, in addition to fostering greyhounds, works with several charities to ensure that these majestic animals are given a second chance once their 'entertainment value' is over.  You can find her products here in her shop - Crafting 4 Greyhounds. 


from the United Kingdom we travel to Spain... Luziane is no stranger to the FiberDoodles by K4TT blog!  She's been featured here before for her beautiful fiber interpretations from FiberDoodles patterns.

I believe I first met MAIu in 2011, but it wasn't until recently that I discovered her passion for helping children and animals!  Once you take a look at her Facebook page you cannot help but to be both inspired and enchanted with her creative eye and generous heart.  


Submit your shop address and a brief description of your charity for review to fiberdoodles@gmail.com  FDbyK4TT will be showcasing Doodlers each Thursday, throughout the month of November.

Thankful Thursday

Some might remember me asking for those of you working with or for charity to send me links to your shop(s) so that I could share your finished doodles with the extended FiberDoodles Family.
So for November, where here in the United States we celebrate "Thanksgiving"; I thought it was not only appropriate but preferential to share doodlers who donate their time and doodles to local charities.  


One of my most frequent clients is Meghan of Southern Sewing Mama.  This little southern gal and I hit it off straight away... and how could we not?  She's got a heart so big and warm, you just can't help but to enjoy working with her.

Okay, shhh.. cause I am not supposed to tell you about this - but I think she deserves every ounce of credit, so I'll whisper...
Did you know that for every item she makes and sells, she makes an identical item to donate?  Did I tell you she had a big heart or what??!  
Currently, I know she is working with shelters that benefit Battered Women and Children in the Baton Rouge, LA area.  So, please, checkout her Facebook Page or her Blog and allow her to help you as well as help out local charities.  



and although not a "doodler", I had to give a shout out to Chassity of 2 Little C's

Although I rarely have time anymore to check out fellow designer's blogs, when I came in on Sunday to update for the week ahead, I couldn't help but notice her Blog in my blog list and it's latest entry.  "Blankets for the Kitties".  Anyone who crochets, knits or makes for animals most definitely deserves a kind word from this blog!


If you have not yet submitted your shop, there is still time.  I'd like to only showcase 2 per week, but if we have more, we can certainly squeeze everyone in :)
Submit your shop address and a brief description of your charity for review to fiberdoodles@gmail.com  FDbyK4TT will be showcasing Doodlers each Thursday, throughout the month of November.

I Just HAD to Share..

There are few things more enjoyable to me, than seeing client's finished doodles!
Many times, they BLOW ME AWAY with their creativity.  
I always find it such a privileged to be able to look through the eyes of my clients and see how they see my doodles.

Here are the 2 most recent little lovelies!
Mitzy the Mouse was born August 2012.  She is truly an original!  With her adorable little pink bows to the gentle curls of her hair.  I instantly fell in love - I think the Miz would too!!

aww... look, I made her blush :)

and then, there was  Miek's version of Pulp, the Pumpkin - which reminds us of that old saying "less is more".

She says she wants to "fix" the eyes - 
how on Earth do you fix perfection?!!

Lovely job ladies.  Thank you so much for sharing your work!

Yea Yeah. I Know..

Where you at?  Where's ... such-n-such? ... are you going to make ... so-n-so?

I am working!  So much so, that I've actually had to self-medicate to keep on going.  Aspercreme,  Tylenol and Iced Coffee.  
My tester knows.. and soon you will too!  (There's about 8 new patterns which will be out within the next 2 weeks)  I would love to show you photos - but let's keep it a surprise . . .
(You should see at least 1 new pattern either later tonight or tomorrow - I just need to make the 'bonus' that will go with . . . him.)
Apparently the 'creativity bug' crawled way up inside me and won't let go.. 
can't say as I am really complaining - originality (not imitation) is what keeps this art growing!

In the meantime..
I received an absolutely melt-in-your-mouth, to-die-for of cute overload in my inBox last weekend.

One of my wonderful clients from Spain created this little muffin who I fell in love with at first sight!  So perfect .. Perfection!!  Thank you so much for granting me permission to share your work!

Sharing Sunday

I have gotten so many wonderful photographs from my clients!  I just LOVE showing them off... it is just finding the time to do so - so today I am MAKING the time to do so!!

Late April, I received photos of this gorgeousness little kitty from Angela.  Although she was completely happy with the results of her finished project, I suspect her other 3 kitties were a little less than pleased with having to share the garden with Sneeze the Siamese!  Thank you Angela for not only sharing your sweet kitties with me, but for allowing me to share them with my readers!

Christiane created a sweet little Peeps as a Birthday Gift for a little girl on Election Day in France :)  How sweet and special!  Thank you for allowing me to share your sweet little Peeps with my readers.

My favorite photos have got to be kids with my doodles.  Joelien has been gracious enough to share these photos  (Since my blog is open to the public, I have blurred the photos for the safety of the child) - it just makes your heart MELT!!!  This is just so precious to see.  The giant smile with an armful of doodles and sleepy comfort that doodles can bring!!  Thank you so much Joelien for sharing your little one with me - this is truly the reason FiberDoodles exist!

... and who says boss' don't get any love?  Sara made this sweet little Bunny for her husband's Boss who had just had a baby girl at Easter Time.  So sweet!!



Thank you to all you ladies who've allowed me to share your beautiful creations with my followers.  If you would like to see your photo featured on the FiberDoodles by K4TT blog, simply purchase a pattern and send me a photo.  I love showing off my clients' work - and will always obtain permission before sharing your photo.

Holy Flippin' Smokes

I have had some quick 'testers' before, but Claudia set a record I think...

Flip isn't even done on MY end yet, but he's all tested and ready to be published ..  which I will most likely get around to doing tonight - 
those who are eagerly awaiting Flip... blame the people!


I have promised the people a 'Day Out'..
The weather has turned here - spring is in the air and because the people are still considered 'home schooled' (although they do go to school for a few hours) - MCAS means they do not get time at school today.. 
Since one is missing gym and the other absolutely hates not being able to go to school for a few hours everyday  ...
I am thinking a walk to the beach may be in order .. and definitely a 'yard clean up'...
perhaps I will find something in the soil which will inspire me for even more fiber goodies!

In the mean time.. 
My very good friend Erin has a tantalizing little friend for everyone who is feeling the Spring bug's bite...

"The legendary, slightly annoying guardian of the forest... the Lorax."

Which you can pick up completely FREE from her Facebook Page - so please, go take a look at Erin's Toy Store,  "Like" her page and get out today and PLANT A TREE!

Friday Features ...

YOU!

I wanted to show off some of the lovely photos that I received this past week of wonderful doodles created by your hands.
(This is the BEST part of designing!!)

These lovely JellyBean and Peeps are so ready to share Easter with their some lucky someones...

Claudia had her Peeps and JellyBean made before they had even been on sale for an entire week!  THAT gets me so tickled!!  And I had just received a photo of Peeps from Karen when BOOM - there was JB ready to go as well!


And who couldn't help but just want to cuddle up with this adorable little pillow?!?  

I immediately fell in love with this little blue bundle!  The sweet little heart* embellishment makes this a truly unique and heartfelt gift!

And I love... Love... no... LOVE!!  these guys!

As a designer, I often play it safe.. ducks are yellow and bears are brown, etc .. etc.
These vibrant color combinations just scream individuality!   

Thank you to all you ladies for allowing me to feature your work here on fiberdoodles.blogspot.com    It is not only inspirational, but continues to remind me how blessed I am to know each of you.

Please continue to eMail me photos and I will continue to display the beautiful work here!



* heart embellishment not included in the Pillow Pals Puppy pattern

Poultry is Poultry?

Readers who've followed me long enough, know that I get some of the wildest excitement from seeing my doodles done by another's hand.  Their version of my vision.  The artistic flare that their eye sees when they view one of my doodles.  What their mind actually envisions when they view one of my completed designs.    Where they would take it, how they would do it differently.. make it 'their own'.

It's just very ... it is amazing to see where others take you on their journey of creativity.  I find myself often thinking  - OMG!  I didn't even see that!  How original!  Something as simple as a color change, or an extra embellishment here or there...  well it really can put a whole new spin on a design.

In April of this year, a brilliantly creative client of mine had purchased several patterns from both the KISS Series as well as the Sculptured line.   She was generous enough to share the photographs of her wonderful KISS Zebra and Lion; but it had been some time since I had heard from her. The last I heard, she said she was going to begin working on a bunny...

That was until the other day..

"Dear K4TT, a few months ago I purchased your Pilan the Poult pattern and I was so busy I never got to create it. I just wanted to share these few pictures with you. Your pattern was a great inspiration when a friend of mine needed a hen for a Christmas gift for her 2 year old niece. I just used your body part as head and vice versa (to have a smaller and more hen-like head) and created a comb. My friend loves it very very much and I can't wait till Christmas to hear about her niece's reaction. So thank you very much for you great work! You are my inspiration."

UPDATE: "My friend likes the chicken so much that she won't give it away and she will give it to her daughter instead. Just to keep it home."

Needless to say, I am so thrilled!  Thrilled!!!  I LOVE the chicken!!  I think it is so brilliant!!  So adorable and just the sweetest derivative works created from one of my designs!
Hmm.. I think I may actually want it to come to the States to live with me... :)

Thank you for sharing Zuzana - Your friend is truly blessed to have you in her life.  It is wonderful clients like you, Zuzana, which inspire me.  I want to see what you do with Maxie... hmm.. but since you've not purchased him, I think I will just have to send him to you.

Story and Photographs shared with permission

© 2011 - All Rights Reserved 

These Photos May NOT be Uploaded to Share Sites

Wow! That's About All I Can Say.

October was one heck of a month!  

Aside from many medical issues, which kept me more in bed viewing the world passing by rather than enjoying it - it's the introduction to the 'Holiday Season'.

Within the past few weeks- Wow!  That is all I can say ..

I won't go into all of it, but seriously, where have manners gone?

Remember "thank you"?  Have people become so self-absorbed to remember those 2 very small, but incredibly formidable words?  Very Sad!

Perfect timing perhaps... as November is the time when we - even if only superficially and for one day - "give thanks".

People often ask me "Why.." - "Why don't you just sell your patterns?  Why give quality patterns away for free?  So-n-So doesn't do it....  You need to stop just giving your talent away".   (taken from an actual eMail omitting the other designer(s) names of course!)

And I tell you, through the month of October, I began to ask myself the same question.

But through all the selfish...

through all of the "it's all about me" ugliness...

that has seemingly blanketed September and October like those fake cobwebs clumped up on the dying leaves of a New England Autumn slumbering tree- 

Thursday, I received an eMail from one of my blog viewers and it truly brightened my weekend and reminded me "why".

Ailsa is a blog viewer only - to the best of my knowledge, she is not a 'follower' or 'client' or 'friend'.  This was the first time she'd contacted me.. and why?

Not to ask me questions about sales or remind me how tough times are asking for a free pattern ... but to give me, Katt, a gift.  

A wonderfully unselfish gift of the heart.

Ailsa used her imagination and creativity and the Giraffe Pillow Pal as a base - and created gifts of her own for small children in her family.

"Hi, My name is Ailsa and I absolutely love your patterns, I have made the giraffe for one of my nephews and he takes it everywhere with him, his baby brother has started wanting it so I decided to make him one but realized they would be the same, so I made the giraffe but in cow colours! So I thought Id show you so you could use it if you wanted, the pattern is the same the only difference is the bits of black on his back which I just made up as I stitched and the udders which is basically a circle and a few smaller versions of the ossicornes.

I hope you like it

Thank you for your fantastic patterns and your clear instructions!"

My heart is light  -  my eyes ready to burst with tear and my nose tingling.  Not only sharing that I have inspired - that one of my patterns has benefited a child - that the child adores the doodle created.. Ailsa and my clients and blog viewers like her, give me a gift each time they share such heart warming stories with me.  

Ailsa, check your eMail - while you are most welcome to use your creativity for your reindeer needs, I have taken the liberty of eMailing you the KISS Reindeer as well as the entire KISS Easter Collection.


Many Blessings to you and yours. 
May thankfulness and generosity be as inspirational and contagious as humanly possible.  Pay It Forward is more than a 'movie' - it's a state of well-being.

Easter Sunday 2011

From my family to yours..

Hoppy Easter!

FiberDoodles by K4TT's Benton the Bunny by CodyJunk

More KISS Easter/Spring Doodles

More KISS Easter/Spring doodles as done by YOU, my clients!  Thank you so much for sharing all your wonderful finished projects with me!  I cannot express adequately the feeling of warmth, gratification and excitement I feel, each time someone shares with me another completed doodle!

 

Easter is Almost Upon Us

and the KISS Easter/Spring doodles are multiplying like, well, like rabbits...

Here are a few of the finished Bunnies, and Duckies and Lambs (Oh My)

These ladies have been so wonderful in sharing their doodles with me and allowing me to share them here with you!  I think each and everyone of them are absolutely beautiful. Thank you for the kind gift of a smile!

More finished Doodles will be showcased on Thursday,  If you are not already a member, please consider joining us on Ravelry at FiberDoodles by You and share your finished doodles.

Wow! The Holidays are Here... Already?!?!

It seems like only yesterday, I was listening to my children complain about the heat and wanting to go into the pool!

But here we are, Halloween 2010 is dissolving into just another memory; a big ole' Turkey Dinner with all the trimmings and a Christmas Tree with packages wrapped in brightly colored ribbons and bows - will be on everyone's mind before you know it.  (Sorry - I am a bit  'materialistic' when it comes to the symbolism of this time of year).

hmm.. and Me.. deciding to YANK my children from public school BEFORE the holidays... what was I thinking??!?  (Yeah, that's why the blog disappearing act again - but I am trying to balance everything out and make time for home school, home cleaning, home cooking, home working... hee hee)

But before we completely let Halloween 2010 escape from our memories (at least until next Halloween) - I wanted to show off one of my dear bloggies' works.

Genevieve participated in the Monster C.A.L. and was kind enough to eMail me her finished Monster - he is just A-DOR-ABLE!

I LOVE HIM to pieces!  Thank you so much for sharing him with me!

If you participated in the C.A.L. and would like to show me your completed Monster, I am sure we can extend Halloween a little longer... hee hee...

Well, I have a Math Lesson to prepare and some Creative Writing to read..

so I guess that will have to be it for now.  

Ciao,

Available Now

Due to some family/medical issues, it took me a bit longer than I anticipated to get Maximus proofed and written up for sale in the etsy shop; but he's finally there.

I truly hope you take the opportunity to make Maximus - the photos (IMHO) really just don't do him the regal justice he deserves.   The colors used on him really make him warm and inviting.  I am so very proud :)  

And while I am busy with Maximus' cousin *grin*, I thought I would leave you with some WONDERFUL images of Lu and Layla that my customers have done.