Frizzy Hair On A Sunny Day

PLEASE BE PATIENT

2015-03-23T12:08:00.002-05:00

WE ARE CURRENTLY UNDER

RECONSTRUCTION

AND REVAMP!

PLEASE EXCUSE THE TIME

IT TAKES AND CONTINUE

TO CHECK BACK

WITH US!

WE APPRECIATE YOUR

SUPPORT!

All Things New!

2014-01-07T20:04:00.000-06:00

Well, it's been a crazy end to the old year and an even crazier beginning to the new year!

We are STILL sending out Christmas items (Merry New Year!) because I ended up having to purchase a new-to-me van in the middle of the Christmas shopping season. Now we're playing catch-up on sending out gifts. But hey, you gotta take care of the necessary things you gotta take care of and just hope those family members understand.

My son's soccer team, Khaos, recently had their final game of the season. They were playing indoor for games so that kept us from freezing, but they were practicing outside and it's cold out there people. I call that dedication.

The kid in orange up against the wall is #11 Joseph Hutchings

Now we're headed into popcorn basketball for the daughter. Since school hasn't been back in session for the new year due to snow days we don't know what team she is on and when they're going to practice. I'm ready to get back into a schedule that's not quite so chaotic.

We also added two more kitties to our household this past year. In June P-Dog™ rescued a little kitty in our backyard that had been hiding out in our shed. She was still so small I had to bottle feed her. By the time we decided we would try to find her another home my kids had named her, the dog was cuddled up mothering her and everyone was pretty much attached. The Dad™ ended up with the final say of "we're keeping her", so we did just that. Her name is Lizzie Wednesday.

The second one we found on a rainy night the first week of November. I've decided to believe he caught a ride into town on someone's engine, crawled out when the engine got cold and then got let behind. He was standing in the middle of the Subway parking lot when we stopped to get gas and The Blonde One™ nor myself were planning on leaving him there. He also had a pretty nasty gash in his leg so we brought him home, cleaned him up and doctored him. By the time his leg really started healing he already had a name and The Dad™ once again was attached so he stated "this is the LAST ONE! but we're keeping him." So we did and named him Duke (as in John Wayne).

P-Dog™ has been going everywhere with us. She hit the age of two in October and calmed down tremendously so I decided to start her for service dog training.

I'm training her for personal mobility and balance and she's doing a wonderful job.

I hope I never have to utilize her fully for what she is being trained, but in the event I do,

all the time and effort will be totally worth it.

A bonus…it really comes naturally for her and that just makes it so much easier

with which to deal!

We decided to try to get her into the water this summer and we finally succeeded. The closest local pool had a "Doggie Dive-In Day" before they closed it for the season so we took her for a swim. She didn't much care for the water, but introducing her to other dogs that did like the water helped tremendously.

She also won 1st place at our local Hootin an Hollarin pet show this past September for Hardest Working Dog.

But enough about our dog because my kids get teased enough that mom

loves the dog more than them even though they have admitted it would kill them

just as much as it would me if we lost her.

The Dad™ has just been busy at work and I'm just trying to get the house purged (FINALLY!!! Our trash guys I'm sure are beginning to hate me!) and back to all the mom stuff and creative things that I really want to get back to working on. Continue to come back and check up on me. I promised myself to keep up with my Frizzy Hair stuff better this year.

And remember…keep your chin up…

God loves you no matter what…even if you have

frizzy hair on a sunny day!!!!

So Many Things…

2013-01-15T10:28:00.005-06:00

Well, as you can tell if you come by here on a daily (or weekly even) basis…I'm not doing so hot to keep updating as much as I'd like. Things just get busier and busier!!

It's also very, very COLD!!!!

I'm not sure our heat has kicked off since 4 am this morning. I love being able to cuddle under warm blankies with the kids, dog and cats,

but they only way I think it's going to warm up is if it…dare I say it?

SNOWS!!!!!

Today both of my children are home sick, it's a deadline day for my newspaper job

(thankfully I'm almost finished and it isn't even noon yet!) and both kids have doctor's appointments

in another town this afternoon to get this nasty nipped in the bud.

But that's only PART of my day.

I have FIVE new fingerless mitt designs I've been trying to get pulled together, typed, pics taken, etc.

to get uploaded as well as several fun things as well. As soon as they are all finished,

I will post links to their pages!

Over the holidays, I created an apple in a worm for my daughter's teacher and she loved it so much

I thought "Why not write out the pattern."

So I did and I'm working on getting that pulled together as well.

It also comes apart and they sit on their own!!

I hope to get a few made up to sell in my etsy store!!

The written pattern will be available at my Ravelry and Craftsy stores.

Also, don't forget to go to the Frizzy Hair on a Sunny Day Sally facebook page and like us

to keep up on happenings!

Something else I wanted to share…please go and visit my friend over at Millie Fern Originals.

She is having a give away this week until Friday and you can check that out here.

She has some of the cutest designs ever!!!

I really would love to win this bunny!!!!

And check out her etsy store! It's full of lots of cute critters and items!!

Well, that's it for me today. I gotta finish up my paper duties and get those kiddos to the doctor 'cause they're not old enough to drive themselves!!!!

Keep your chin up…even if you have frizzy hair on a sunny day!!!

Off to a New Start!

2013-01-02T14:29:00.004-06:00

Happy New Year!

I feel a bit behind. We had a wonderful holiday season and the kiddos head back to school tomorrow to start a new quarter in the new year!

Right now while we're counting down the days until school starts we've been trying to purge our little house. Everyone hears we have 4 bedrooms and 2 baths and they think our house is HUGE. What most don't realize is my son's bedroom is smaller than my kitchen and that's not saying much since my kitchen can only handle one person at a time in it.

We house is about 1500 sq. ft. and sometimes we get so busy that it seems to get piled because we need to just stop and let go. The start of the new year is the perfect time to do that, but it's been challenging. I know I'm not the only parent with this problem, but I get tired of cleaning it all myself because my children seem to stand there with that "Where do I start?" look in their eyes.

We've devised a system where we work in 10-15 minute intervals (with a 5 minute break in there to access and look around) and it goes a little something like this:

Get a trash bag and throw away everything that is obviously trash. My kids have a nasty habit of saving EVERYTHING.
With a large storage container seat aside things you would like to keep
Find smaller storage containers and their lids (which have labels of what belongs in them) and start sorting what belongs in each
If it doesn't have a storage container put it in a bucket to be sorted later
Decide what we're really going to KEEP and what needs to be DONATED (to go live with someone else!)
Fold laundry and put it away (if we're not donating the items)
Sweep and mop the floors after everything has been put away
RELAX and be proud you've accomplished something

Now, we constantly have to break down into smaller tasks most of these chores. They've been working on one room for 4 days now and still aren't finished. Day one was just picking up the floor. Day two was clearing out the bookshelf corner. Day three was cleaning out the floor and shelves of the closet and today is getting EVERYTHING out from under the bed. I'm trying to not go in there and check on them constantly because I'm not sure I want to KNOW what is under the bed.

Not enough storage room is another problem. That is where we're forced to utilize our attic. Just don't forget that you stored things up there. That is why I like storage containers. You can find almost any size to fit anywhere and we stash them under beds, under hanging clothes in the closet and it also makes rotating things through the attic a whole lot easier than a cardboard box. Pest control is easier too!!!

But back to the fun stuff…

I am making headway in pattern writing process. It seems that has not been a priority and I apologize. The next thing I will be releasing will be an e-book of fingerless glove patterns that range from easy to intermediate and may be purchased individually or in a complete e-book. Those will definitely be available on Craftsy and Ravelry. I may even put them up for sale in my esty store.

I will also be making available for sale several items that are often requested for me to custom make. Most will already be made (as knitting and crocheting are therapy for my hands and arms) but custom orders are welcome as well.

I'm back to sketching the illustrations for the book, but none of what I've produced is at "finished" quality and I'm not even sure if some of them fit in to the story line so they may be used for a different book at a later date.

Also keep a look out for several projects and ideas we will be releasing throughout the new year. I will keep you up-to-date when we get closer to releasing those.

Hope your year is off to a great start. If it's not, keep your chin up and look to God…especially if you have frizzy hair on a sunny day!!!!

YUCK!!

2012-12-11T16:14:00.004-06:00

Okay, so on the front of posting more I'm doing a terrible job…I apologize.

The last week has been exhausting…

On top of myself having a life-altering change from 1000% stress to 0% and it causing my body to freak out and my getting sick, my entire household short of one ended up sharing the madness!!

I always tend to catch SOMETHING during the Christmas singing season (which around here is EARLY and over with quickly but I still enjoy participating!) It's just my body's way of telling me I need to slow down so I slept most of last week. I tried to get on here and post several times, but my arms hurt so badly I didn't even knit, let alone think of typing. My brain was also cloudy from all the meds and cough drops. YUCK!

Then my daughter ended up with a full blown case of strep!! FUN!! She spent two days running a 102º fever and upchucking and I'm not even sure she had eaten enough to warrant what I was cleaning up. YUCK!!!

Fun Workbooks for Preschool & Kindergarten Kids

Then The Hubs™ got it, but it was something else entirely different than even what I had or the daughter had. I got him his cold meds of choice and he was forced to go on his merry way to work. No laying around here. Suck it up and go because if you lay around here it will only gets worse (at least that was the pep talk I gave him!!! :)

The boy managed to come out of this sick period unscathed but that was a minor miracle. We are now back on the path of health and into routine but I'm seriously a whole week behind in work. I know I will catch up but it seems daunting nonetheless.

Back to list making…and getting things done!!

Get Organized in 30 Days

What I don't get accomplished today can always be done…………later!

We hope everyone escapes the holiday season sick bugs (YUCK!) and ya'll have a Merry Christmas!!

I promise I won't wait so long to post the next time.

Ya'll keep your chins up……even if you have frizzy hair on a sunny day!!!

FRIDAY!!!! YAY!!!!!!!

2012-11-30T19:00:00.000-06:00

My brain is really excited. It's FRIDAY!!!!

For some reason I have in my head that I will be knitting most of the weekend,which is probably true, but a few things have to be accomplished first!

I have decided that we need to tackle the crazy chaos of our house one room at a time. Today is the kitchen. My goal before I go to bed is that every dish be either in the dishwasher (and it running!) or on the towel drying from being hand washed. This is a HUGE goal as I have never, even as a kid, liked doing dishes and it seems impossible for every dish in my kitchen to be clean all at once.

I'm actually a HUGE advocate of the paper plate. I'm really trying harder to make a smaller footprint in the landfill so we are eating on our ceramic plates (for now!) It also seems that every time I do a cake or a specialty order, it takes longer to get the mess cleaned up. I don't know why, but I constantly go back to the kitchen and find yet ANOTHER cake pan or frosting something-or-other that never made it through the wash.

LEARNING HELP FOR KIDS!!!

This week we have has several trying issues crop up as well. As the stress level in our household subsides, I guess my brain and my body have decided they don't remember how to operate. I've been running on stress adrenaline and lack of sleep and now that I'm sleeping, eating and not stressed I seem to be having emotional breakdowns. I've had several days where I couldn't stop crying and I have no reason to cry. It's very strange. I know I just need to give it to God and He will help me through, but sometimes that's easier said than done. I just have to keep hitting my knees in prayer though.

We had some excitement at school dealing with the teenager. I won't go into specifics, I just know that he is a good kid, but I'm not going to be that parent who says "My kid wouldn't do that!" The fact of the matter is he did do that and he got caught. The only thing that saved him was owning up to his mistake and taking responsibility for his actions. This also got him in less trouble when he got home.

Now what the boy actually did was not a huge major infraction, meaning not requiring expulsion, but it was disrespectful nonetheless and that is just not tolerated in this household. The teacher had every right to reprimand him and he took his punishment and corrected his behavior. I'm proud of that.

But I also applaud his standing up for himself. You see, my son is dyslexic and we have seen it all. We've gone 'round and 'round with our school, teachers, principles, superintendents, other parents, a couple of doctors, spent countless hours…actually we can account for it…4 hours a night screaming, crying and tearing out hair (mine not his!) and that was only spelling…never mind there's still math, social studies and science homework left to accomplish! The school is telling us to get a medical diagnosis (when it's really their job to test for this they just dont' want to spend the money) and our doctor who is laughing that our school would even suggest such a thing.

I miss his English teacher from last year who listened to a 12-year-old when he explained himself his problem and took responsibility for his own grades. It angers me greatly when a teacher won't listen to students who are genuinely trying. I guess it has become the norm for them to not care and just show up for the paycheck. I'm not saying every teacher is like that, but I'm finding that more and more of them are. I get tired of hearing that dyslexia is an excuse for not doing the work. It's super hard to do the work if you don't even understand it!

We're not rich or even well-to-do. We're like every other two-parent-working household in this country right now thankful we can pay the bills and still have food on the table. There was no way to privately have him assessed. We were having to find free or inexpensive ways to help him that wouldn't put pressure on our already fragile budget.

Then I found Susan Barton.

http://www.brightsolutions.us/

I had opportunity to hear Susan Barton speak at a neighboring school and I was overjoyed. You see, that year I had decided it was time for me to take the step to homeschool my kids even if it was for only a year or two and get my son back up to the grade level he should be. She applauded that. In fact, she said parents need to get control of the situation if the schools won't. I felt so relieved. She has helped our little family (without our spending a dime and just receiving her e-mail newsletter) in so many ways and she doesn't even know it.

Now if we could only curb the typical teenage outbursts and drama!!

TEENAGE PARENTING HELPS!!

Parenting a teenager isn't all bad and those of you who have made it through successfully know! I have only one year of this journey under my belt. Maybe I'll write a book about it along the way. A friend of mine suggested the book end with a stiff drink! I laugh but my choice wold be a thankful prayer to The Lord thanking Him for his guidance along the way!

But let's leave some other teenage talk for another time. I need to get off of here and go cook supper now.

Ya'll keep your chins up…even if you have frizzy hair on a sunny day!

Goofy Crazy Life!!!

2012-11-29T09:38:00.000-06:00

Okay, so it's been a while since I've gotten on here. Life has been really crazy. I do apologize for not keeping everyone up-to-date with happenings.

On the Hutchings Household front…things have just kept piling on and it seems like I'm never caught up. I actually have thought about taking my vacation just to purge the house and do a little bit of painting and remodeling. That just never seems to work out either!!! Life is just too busy!!!

On the kids front…we have finished basketball (I think) and soccer and now we're trying to get into the holiday season. Music and band concerts are starting to take over!!!

My camera died in July and I have yet to replace it. I'm kind of being a bit picky since it will be an investment and probably the last camera I purchase for a while. So, needless to say, I haven't been taking too many pics to upload ANYWHERE lately!

On the crafty front…I'm almost booked solid for holiday knitting and I'm pretty sure that family gifts may have to be finished AFTER the big Christmas day at my mom's (which is usually around December 15th and too early!!!!) I did not do this intentionally but things are tight this year and every little bit helps!!!!

I'm also going to try to do better to post every couple of days. I've been working on some new patterns I need to get posted so everyone can start downloading those. They're not dolls, but I'm sure there will be some in the mix at some point!

I've also been finding some really cool projects to do with the kids and maybe you all would enjoy checking those out as well!

On the book front…I've decided that since I shelved it last year I'm not going to put a deadline or publish date on it. I wanted to have it finished well before now in time for holiday gift giving, but that's just not going to happen. I still have several illustrations to finish before I can put it together and as I've said in the past, they just cannot be forced. I'm going to just give it to God and let Him lead me through it. I will let everyone know when I get it sent in so you can order it!!

Hope everyone is enjoying the beginning of the holiday season and those of you who Black friday shopped survived it without casualty or injury. I personally don't Black Friday shop, but I have extended family who do!!

Oh, before I forget…I have a friend who turned me on to this if you're looking for a way to make a little extra cash this holiday season. It seems like we could all use a little extra these days.

http://www.getcashforsurveys.com/?hop=sunnysally

Remember to tithe from your earnings and give a little back as well. You will prosper in the long run!!! Check it out…I know she'll appreciate it.

Have a blessed day and keep you chin up…even if you have frizzy hair on a sunny day!!!!!

School is About To Start!

2012-08-06T10:15:00.001-05:00

Okay…so………

I haven't been on here much lately. I have forgotten how much of my time Summer takes up and all the things that I have on my list to accomplish before kids head back.

According to my list I'm behind and I detest being behind.

The heat also seems to have zapped our minds and brains don't think too well when it's been as hot as we've had here.

Over the course of the next two weeks we have several doctors appointments (well check-ups, eye exams, dental exams) and many tasks here at our house as well.

One of our goals was to have several rooms purged, items donated or sold, wallpaper torn down and walls repainted. Needless to say we have accomplished very little in that area. It's just too hot to do ANYTHING it seems.

That being said, at least we've cooled down the last few days and seem to be getting back on track. I know that we're making a concerted effort today and who knows what we'll be able to get accomplished. Lots I hope!!!

On the creative front…my craft room is one of the first rooms to get reorganized and I'm hoping to get things back in order quickly, get some things worked out with my website and get all of that up and going again.

So I will keep you all posted as to what's happening hopefully sooner than later.

EVeryone keep your chins up…even if you have frizzy hair on a sunny day!!!

Where Have I Been?

2012-07-03T19:56:00.001-05:00

Hmmmm…

THAT is the question it seems.

WHERE have I been?

BUSY…

Busy at life,
Busy at work,
Just BUSY and it never seems to stop.

I've been working on some things that I would like to add to my array of items to offer on my website and I've just been too busy to get everything completely organized.

As soon as get everything together (remember God's time?) I will be letting everyone know. Don't forget to find me at Ravelry because I'm working on getting some more patterns available there and at Craftsy. I'm working on getting some new designs uploaded and the patterns finished for some of the projects I already have posted.

I am also working on making available some of my favorite yarns through my website and getting a shopping cart set up there as well.

And I'm STILL working on illustrations for that book. Each time I sit down to work on it it seems to take on a life of it's own and head in a different direction. One thing that I've learned in my artistic life is to not force anything the direction YOU think it should go. You have to let it be free to form itself and that seems to be what's keeping me from finishing up the book.

I WILL finish it, but again, God's time and apparently that isn't right now (or the last year it seems!)

I appreciate everyone's patience while I continue to get things in order. What I have taken on seems to be overwhelming and my brain doesn't think it should be!!!

Keep your chin up…even if you have frizzy hair on a sunny day!!!!!

I apologize?

2012-03-11T18:44:00.000-05:00

Okay, so I must apologize…for several reasons.

One, because I haven't posted on here in such a long time. It seems like my life is being overtaken by everyone and everything else in it.

Two, for not getting my patterns finished and uploaded sooner. I'm still working on those and for the same reason as reason as #1.

Three, for not having my book finished. Again, reason #1, but you also can't force drawing creativity and my creativity, although blatantly still here is at an all-time low. I just don't seem to have enough time to let it all out.

Now…

Some of you know we recently adopted a puppy BUT that puppy seems to have been mis-aged and is closer to six months than three. She seems to be starting her cycle of coming into heat and we wanted her fixed by then. Sometimes I wish vets would actually LISTEN to the pet owner on what the background of their animal is. My puppy was seriously malnourished when we adopted her so her age cannot be solely determined by her teeth alone. They were not where they were supposed to be because of her health. After all, somebody dumped her and she just happened to find a loving family to take her in, but who knows how long she was out there on her own?

I am going to admit that I'm complaining because I don't have a fenced yard and now I can't trust my puppy in our yard alone. She knows her boundaries and I trust she'll stay there (our training is going AWESOME!) BUT what about all those boy dogs out there? UGH!!!

The Hubs™ schedule also changed and we're back on nights. It's really hard to practicing singing during the day or let the kids have friends over during spring break when The Dad™ has to sleep during the day. Also, the dog doesn't understand that our schedules have flip flopped and she can't be in the house (she does have the sunroom to herself!) all day with mom. She just gets a bit too rambunctious while The Dad™ is trying to sleep.

The Blonde One™is starting soccer this week and we're looking forward to that, but with the birth of my nephew, Nugget (affectionately, of course) on the horizon our schedules are only going to get more crazy. So I ask that you all bear with me

I do hope to get a few projects finished up this week and I'm going to start working on ideas on updating the website. Things just aren't moving fast enough for me in some areas and that seems to be taking it's toll on my as well. I thrive on keeping busy and some things have slowed WAY down. I'm praying daily for patience in that area.

So stay tuned, I get what I can on here!!

And keep your chin up, even if you have frizzy hair on a sunny day!!!

God Bless!!!

Super Bowl and More!!

2012-02-05T16:23:00.000-06:00

Just a quick note…

My kids and I are getting geared up for the Super Bowl. I really only watch it for the commercials since I haven't followed the NFL since I married The Hubs™ 11 years ago. I am in advertising and like to follow the trends!!!

I'm still working on patterns, but as some of you know we're working a new family member into the household. She's fitting in nicely. She's got our personalities all figured out and learns something new every day.

She has learned when the light goes off in her room it's time to sleep…quietly. Quiet is a nice thing with a puppy. She has learned to sit, but we're still working on other commands (and POTTY TRAINING!!!)

I know a lot of people don't like barking dogs, but I wanted to know if my girl had a voice and I finally got to hear it!! She likes to bark at Rascal, our Siamese kitty, while trying to get him to play with her. Rascal is still trying to figure out what to make of her!

Our other two kitties, Kaplony and Aria, have yet to venture too close. I'm sure when Poptart starts visiting inside they'll get used to her, but until we can get her potty trained, she's residing in the sunroom.

Well…I just thought I'd give you guys a quick update and I'll try to get some new patterns on my Ravelry site soon!

Keep your chins up…even if you have frizzy hair on a sunny day!!!

OMGosh…A PUPPY!!!

2012-02-02T13:02:00.000-06:00

Okay, so I haven't posted in a while. I've been a little busy with my "Gotta get these things finished" list so I am able to concentrate on designing and illustrating more.

But that's not all that's been going on around here.

Saturday, my son and my husband seemed to continue seeing an animal duck and dodge around our carport (carports are garages without walls for those who may wonder what it is) and never could really get a glimpse of it. Finally that night The Hubs™ came in and quietly asked for my assistance outside. What I saw when I went out was just…well…I'm not sure I have the words to describe it.

Sitting on my neighbor's walk was the most beautiful chocolate lab puppy I have ever seen. She had obviously been abandoned because she was in pretty bad shape. (No, she didn't belong to my neighbor, she wouldn't have THIS type of dog!)

Well, being the animal lover I am (and knowing this is the exact breed of dog my husband has always wanted) we decided she couldn't just be left outside to fend for herself. She needed some veterinary attention and some close watching and care.

Things started a little crazy because we were not equipped to handle taking in a puppy at that very moment, but I do have a friend who is so we called her and our puppy has been hanging out at her house. At first it looked like she might stay and live with them, but after a bunch of phone calls and moving things around, it worked out so that we could keep her.

The interesting thing is that most of the strays that show up at our house usually seek out ME. For some reason that's just how it has always been. The Dad™ will obviously say NO to keeping ONE MORE animal (we have three inside cats!) and I have pretty good luck (with some help from God) in finding really good homes for them. But this time the stray found The Dad™!

I'm pretty sure this was a sign we were supposed to have this puppy. My daughter has wanted a dog since she could talk and The Dad™ has always said no, but not this time. This is the one…she found US and we're pretty ecstatic about it!!!

So today we're bringing Poptart home and now I have some training to do on top of everything else (cleaning and painting the house room by room, work, etc.), but I'm okay with that. It was time for a big change and this is great one!!

I will have some more patterns hit my Ravelry store soon and I will be updating and changing around my website sometime in the next few months. So I thank you for your patience and keep coming back.

And keep your chin up and trust in Him…even if you have frizzy hair on a sunny day!!!

(We have since learned she is a German Shorthaired Pointer mixed with Great Dane and The Hubs™ seems to be okay with this!)

Busy, Busy, Busy

2012-01-23T08:36:00.000-06:00

Wow, things here just seem to get busier!!!

I do appreciate your patience on my lack of getting to blog more often. I just haven't found the groove to keep it in the schedule more than a couple of times a month!! I will definitely work on that as the new year continues.

My daughter has started her season of basketball. It's elementary age level so it should be over by the first week of March, but it has us busy every weekend until then!!

I'm starting up a second knitting group at our church. This one is mainly for the kids, but the adults are always welcome to join us because most of them are unable to come to the one I have in the middle of the day on Thursday. We are also teaching crocheting. Some people think two needles is too difficult so since I do both it's not too much to just squeeze them in too!!!

So, the exciting thing right now is that I now have a pattern store at Ravelry. I just haven't had time to update my website as of late and get the shopping cart and everything up and going like I'd hoped, so this is a better alternative to my etsy shop. I know everyone is usually already right there looking around on Ravelry and this allows instant downloads. It's easier to keep just one or two things updated right now with my busy schedule and trying to get the book completed. Life keeps getting in the way, but I'm going to finish it!

So here is the link directly to my pattern store.

Hey everyone, check out the Onnica Hutchings Designs store over at Ravelry.

You can download patterns instantly after paying for them or just choose the free ones!!!!

http://www.ravelry.com/stores/onnica-hutchings-designs

I'm also working on getting more of my designs into type (some are still just hand-written) and getting them uploaded so you can have access to them!

I hope this finds you all well and those who have snow and ice stay warm!!!

Keep your chins up…even if you have frizzy hair on a sunny day!!!!

Happy New Year & All That Jazz!!!!

2012-01-03T17:50:00.001-06:00

Well…2012 is finally here!!!

It's been a very tiring holiday season and I wish I could say it is over, but for our household it is not. Our tree is still up and we have more more family Christmas celebration to go (Jan. 14th!) and then we can put things away until next year.

I am not one to make New Year's resolutions. I find that Iusually end up breaking them before I ever get started so it seems to me to be wasted energy. Kuddos to those who make them and keep them!!!

However, I do have plans for this coming year…

My house desperately needs to be purged for it is too small for my growing children, three cats, a husband and myself along with my children's and my huge creativity. We have many things that need to be downsized, sorted, thrown away or put away and things put back in their respective places. There's also our desire to do away with the current wall paper and perhaps do a little bit of painting that would make this house feel a little more "ours".

We keep starting all of this and then life gets in the way and plans get put aside, but my plan for this year is to not let that happen.

I also have many crafting, knitting, crocheting and artistic plans for the year, one of which includes plodding on with my children's book. It's a bit frustrating to not have it completed, but it also is not my full-time job to write and illustrate (or even knit and crafty-create!) and the bills have to be paid and food needs to be put on the table. So I'm hoping you all understand that creativity has to have ROOM to happen and right now I don't have that!!! That's why I need to concentrate on my house first and THEN I know it will come to me!!!

By the way, that latest project that has kept me from getting on here was this…

As far as I could tell, my sister-in-law LOVED it. It's for my soon-to-be nephew currently affectionately named "Nugget".

I hope you and yours have had a great start to the new year!

I hope it's not so long before I have a chance to catch you all again!!

Keep your chins up…even if you have frizzy hair on a sunny day!!!!!

Gearing up!!!

2011-11-20T21:50:00.000-06:00

OMG!

is all I have to say right now!!!

I have been SOOOO super busy with things I've barely been knitting. In fact, the knitting group I teach at my church is taking a break until the second Wednesday of December. There are too many things going on to keep up!!!

So, what have I been doing you ask…

WELLLLLLL…………

My daughter is in special choir at our elementary school and they're working on this little musical that is going to be pretty awesome (and this isn't from a biased mother of course!) We're coming down to the final days before our big performance and I'm sewing like a mad woman and I'm getting really excited about our upcoming showtime.

So if any of my local peeps would like to come see a great little show, here's the info. We'd love to see you there!!

Well, that's it for now. I hope you all have a great Thanksgiving holiday. And for all you crazies out there who shop the day after, good luck to ya! I'm doing mine on the internet this year!!!

Everybody keep your chins up and keep it real…even if you have frizzy hair on a sunny day!!!!

Gearing Up For All The Eating!!

2011-11-08T10:04:00.000-06:00

Well…this note may seem a little melancholy, but I'm blaming our rainy weather!

As Thanksgiving approaches many of my friends have started listing what they're thankful for on a daily basis. I'm not really one for trying to keep up daily and I usually just thank God every morning for waking up and having another day, but I'm thankful for those friends who do remind me to be thankful for even the smallest of things.

So…

on that note…

let the eating commence!

Just kidding, BUT

this weekend my little family is attending our first of several Thanksgiving meals of the holiday season.

I've dearly missed my sister-in-law, who has been running here and there getting to know soon-to-be-new family members as her son recently got engaged. I'm not bitter, I'm happy for her, but now it seems that I really never see her anymore and Facebook has become our main means of communication.

Oh well, It will be good to get to see her this weekend.

On to other things…

Many people ask me where I purchase the yarn for the hair for my dolls such as Sally. Well, I'm proud to announce that you now may purchase those yarns through me and they can be shipped directly to your house! To visit the FrizzyHair yarn store, just click the link below.

http://frizzyhairsunnyday.yarnshopping.com/

If you're looking for a specific yarn that I have used, just email me and ask and I'll be happy to assist you.

We're still having our Sally contest. Email me at frizzyhairsunnyday@centurytel.net for more info on how to enter. We've extended the contest time two weeks, but there will still be plenty of time for Sally to reach the winner before Christmas!!!

Ya'll keep your chins up…even if you have frizzy hair on a sunny day!!!!!

HAPPY INTERNATIONAL CANDY FESTIVITIES DAY!!

2011-10-31T10:40:00.001-05:00

Okay, so I borrowed that one from my niece. It's pretty good don'tcha think?!!!

I am still feverishly working on the illustrations for my book, so those of you chomping at the bit to get it, please pray and don't give up hope. It WILL happen, but it also has to be God's time.

I will have another alien pattern available this week sometime so look for that. Her name is Twila Two-Eyes and I can't wait for you all to meet her.

We have a couple more weeks left on our Sally raffle and I'm going to have to say that I'm a bit disappointed. We are not going to be able to donate as much as my children had hoped we would to Operation Christmas Child. That is, unless you all spread the word and can give.

Remember it's a donation of $1 a ticket or $5 for 6 tickets and a HUGE chunk goes to making sure kids everywhere have a Christmas. This program is very near and dear to my children's hearts and I just have to say that I'm very proud of them for forfeiting over half of their Christmas wish lists to spend it on kids they've never met. Won't you help them raise even more?

Just email me at frizzyhairsunnyday@centurytel.net for more info!!!

So for International Candy Day Festivies we are just about ready to go. I will post pictures later in the week. After all my kids do come up with some interesting costumes!!!

Remember, we have Frizzy Hair on a Sunny Day T-shirts available and I take custom orders to make a Sally dolls (or any of my patterns) but you must order before Thanksgiving. My schedule is starting to fill up and I don't want to promise something I am unable to deliver.

Ya'll keep your chins up…even if you have frizzy hair on a sunny day!!!!

ALIEN HOOTY!!!!!

2011-10-21T13:58:00.000-05:00

Alrighty…

Well, I had an insomniac night a few nights ago so to keep myself busy, guess what I did?

YEP, YOU GUESSED IT!

I KNITTED.

Well, just what could you possibly knit in the somewhat darkness of your bedroom with a very dim bedside lamp you ask?

ALIEN HOOTY, THAT'S WHAT!

Here he is…

Hooty is one of those aliens inspired by my children’s drawings and knitted in the middle of an insomnia night!

He desperately wants to be an owl and be nocturnal, but since he doesn’t have wings or a tail he is unable to fly. Also, he’s a daytime alien and can’t sleep at all during the day not even a nap. So instead he has his “hoot owl horns” and he perches in trees hoping that he blends in enough for all to believe as much as he even though he doesn’t get that nocturnal means during broad daylight he should be sleeping!!

Pattern Info:
Skill Level: EasySkills used: Basic knit stitch, increases, decreases, knitting in the round
Amount of Time To Complete Project: Depends on skill level
Pattern Format: Adobe PDF file
Suggested Yarn: We recommend a cotton worsted weight, but you pick!
Needles: We recommend 4 mm (US 6). Hooty is knitted in the round and we LOVE the Magic Loop Method so break out your circular needles & DPNs!
Gauge: The pattern is written to be knit with worsted weight yarn on smaller needles but you can adjust it by simply knitting your yarn on needles 2-3 sizes small than those recommended to create a tight knit fabric the stuffing doesn’t show through.
Finished size: Depends on the yarn you use!!

This 2 page pattern is very clearly written and includes unlimited email help from me in case you need a bit of help or get stuck!!!

It's available for the low, low price of $3 in my etsy shop and you go there from here

http://www.etsy.com/listing/84363460/alien-hooty-pdf-knitting-pattern-only

and I will email you the pdf shortly after you purchase it.

He loves trees. I found him out in my magnolia tree this morning and if I didn't lock the front door I'm sure he'd be back out there in it!!!!

Well, I gotta get back to everything else. I just thought I'd let you all know he's out there. Go snag a pattern and make your own. He's super easy and fun!!!

Ya'll keep your chins up and have a great one…even if you have frizzy hair on a sunny day!!!!

HE'S OUT THERE!!! (FOR SALE!!!!!!)

2011-10-13T11:06:00.000-05:00

ALRIGHTY…

WHEW!!!!

This has been a labor of love and a time when I wish the graphic designer in me just wasn't so darn picky!

Cedar Pete's pattern is for sale in a couple of locations. One listing is in my etsy store and the other is on ebay. BOTH of those links are below.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/120793322847?ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1555.l2649#ht_626wt_1398

http://www.etsy.com/listing/83783441/cedar-pete

I haven't had a moment lately to update my website, but I promise I'm working diligently on it. I'm still working through some bugs on the e-commerce end, but as soon as I get that worked out it will be back up to speed and the other places I list won't be so time consuming.

I'm working on "P" the Pig's pattern right now. It should be easier to complete and get uploaded for sale AND I'm working on book illustrations. I so want to have that finished so everyone can get their copy. I just know ya'll will love this book!!!!

Well…I gotta get back to it, there's much to accomplish today.

Ya'll keep it real and keep your chins up…even if you have frizzy hair on a sunny day!!!

IT'S ALMOST READY!!

2011-10-10T13:44:00.001-05:00

Yes, that's right! You read this correctly…
Cedar Pete's pattern is ALMOST READY!

Just a couple of more "knit" picky things for me to nail down and I'll have it posted!!!

Of course I'll put the link for it on here as well, but I'm thoroughly excited to finally be getting it out and available.

I want to thank everyone who's been patiently waiting for it.
It's not the "MAIN" job I have, so sometimes finding time to wrap up final details get difficult.

I also want to let everyone know that I should be updating the website soon. I've neglected it and I have to apologize for that. There's just been a whole lot of crazy busy around here, but there's some changes happening and the website is going to become more of a priority where you can get things!

I'm trying to stay on track with the book. I may even get some drawing in today!! I haven't set a release date, but I'm still praying we can get it out before Christmas!

Don't forget we still have our Super Sally contest going on. A donation of $1 gets you one entry or 6 entries for a donation of $5.
Email me at frizzyhairsunnyday@centurytel.net for more info or how to donate and enter.

The Sally doll we're giving away is worth $300! She's just under 3 feet tall!!

We are also donating a portion of our proceeds to
Franklin Graham's Operation Christmas Child.

Check out what they do here
http://www.samaritanspurse.org/index.php/OCC/

You can also now purchase T-shirts on ebay (even cheaper than at our Zazzle shop!) and you can view my store at this link http://myworld.ebay.com/frizzyhair1

We have Youth sizes AND Adult available.

If you don't find what you need, just email me. I'm sure I can hook you up!!

I have my Sally pattern listed as well as T-shirts.
Other things will be going there soon too!!

I'll try to keep ya'll updated on all the happenings.

Keep your chins up…even if you have frizzy hair on a sunny day!

Dirt Cake and Flowers!

2011-10-07T20:13:00.002-05:00

Okay, so I took a break from knitting, writing patterns, illustrating and graphic designing today…

The basketball team my son is on, the girls' team and the cheerleaders from our junior high had a spaghetti dinner this evening and Joe was responsible for bringing something. He said he wanted to bring a dessert.

Well…

Okay, so I do cakes. That seems the easiest thing to do, BUT

I'm not really about to donate a $150 fondant covered cake to a team spaghetti dinner, am I?

no…

so…

I made a dirt cake instead.

Now if you've never had a dirt cake you are seriously missing out…butter and cream cheese whipped together with milk, instant pudding mix and powdered sugar (don't forget a touch of vanilla!) folded together with Cool Whip! Oh…and most importantly…CRUSHED-TO-OBLIVION OREOS!

Aren't you going into sugar shock just thinking about it?! =]

Well…

Most of these kids have probably had dirt cake, or at least something similar, so I decided to dress it up a bit. I know some people serve it in a flower pot, but that wouldn't be big enough to feed the number of people expected.

So…

I put mine in a planter box, arranged some fake flowers on top (don't forget to add gummy worms!) and stuck a plastic shovel in it.

My son had to be the first one to dig in just because everyone else thought it was just a flower arrangement, but it did go over very well and I'm glad because that would've been an awful lot of dirt cake to have at my house over the weekend.

I'm going into a sugar coma just thinking about it!

Here's the pic! (I apologize that it's blurry…I took it with the camera on my phone and I guess I was in a bit of a hurry!!)

Well, I gotta get back to all the other stuff…

But first a game of "Guess Who?" with The Blonde One™.

It's always good to take time with the kiddos, even though most of our quality time is spent with them learning how to do the things I love to do!

Cedar Pete's pattern is almost ready. I'm just going to finish up some drawings for the sewing part of the pattern tonight and get them put in and it'll be ready to go. I'll post the link to the store as soon as it's up!

And don't forget about our Super Sally Raffle.

Remember…a donation of $1 a ticket or 6 tickets for $5. Email me at frizzyhairsunnyday@centurytel.net for more info on how to enter.

Well, gotta scoot!

Ya'll keep your chins up, even if you have frizzy hair on a sunny day!!!!

HERE'S SOCK SALLY!!!

2011-10-01T14:10:00.000-05:00

I have to admit that she was really fun to make. I think I'm digging her this size even more so than Super Sally.

I just wanted ya'll to see her! I've had a very weird and busy day (not really anything I can share here, but interesting none-the-less) and I need to get off here and finish up some things before I can move on to the next project.

I would like to update that the Cedar Pete pattern should be ready this week. My workload lately has kept me from wanting to spend extra time at the computer so I have spent that time working on the illustrations for the book instead.

I keep thinking…at least I'm getting SOMETHING accomplished!

Hopefully the book will be finished soon too!

If any of you want to try making a sock Sally, just let me know. The pattern you purchase is the same, but I will reduce the clothes pattern for you. Just let me know which you would like to have.

Personally, and I AM BIASED…this one is kinda my fave!

Ya'll keep your chins up…even if you have frizzy hair on a sunny day!

Sock Sally (and other things)

2011-09-30T18:05:00.000-05:00

Okay, I guess I'm now going to have to start taking orders to make Sally. I had a friend as me to make a smaller one so I used sock yard instead of worsted weight and she's…well…TINY!

I shall post pics as soon as I am finished with her!

I am working on illustrations for the children's book this evening. I am hoping to get that back on schedule and have it available before Christmas.

It would be helpful though if the funds to publish were there. So The Hubs™ came up with a great idea. Why not have a raffle and donate 1/2 of the funds to one of our favorite organizations/charities and the other half goes to publishing costs.

I mean, people are wanting the book, but even if I were finished with it it would still be sitting here waiting to be published due to lack of funds so…

We're having a RAFFLE FOR A SUPER SALLY!!

Now the Super Sally we're raffling is worth about $300. I mean, she takes a week to make and a lot of materials, time and effort goes into her…not to mention she's almost 3 feet tall!

The easiest way to enter our raffle is this…tickets are $1 a piece or 6 for $5. If you purchase a Sally pattern your name gets entered or if you order a doll. I will try to have dolls available to order up on the website soon, but the ticket purchase is the easiest.

Email me at frizzyhairsunnyday@centurytel.net for info on how to purchase your tickets and we'll get your name entered into the drawing!

Our raffle is running until November 15, 2011. We will draw the winner's name in time for Sally to be shipped and received by Christmas. There will be a couple of smaller prizes for second & third place winners and those will be announced shortly.

So email me and get your tickets today!!!

I'm still working on Cedar Pete's pattern and it's almost ready for upload. I will post something here as soon as it's available for purchase.

And don't forget we still have Frizzy Hair on a Sunny Day™ shirts available!

Ya'll keep your chins up, even if you have frizzy hair on a sunny day!!!

TIME CONSUMED!

2011-09-26T20:41:00.001-05:00

Hey everybody!

First of all I want to thank everyone who keeps visiting my blog and my website. Since this isn't my full-time job, I really appreciate the patience you all have with my not getting things uploaded as quickly as I would like. It really means tons to me you keep dropping by!

NOW…I need to let you all know that even though it is slow going getting my new patterns formatted (I'm quite picky you know?) and out there for you all to purchase, it will take me a little longer to get my website updated and e-commerced. The purchasing of my patterns, for now, will have to happen through my etsy store and I am thinking of starting a pattern store on Ravelry as well.

We still have Frizzy Hair on a Sunny Day™ T-shirts available. Again, I can make one in your size if we don't have what you want or need in stock. Just email me at frizzyhairsunnyday@centurytel.net to order one (or more!)

I will eventually be listing for sale already made dolls as well. As I sit and knit for my enjoyment I will be making some of the creations I've designed and I don't have enough shelf space in my house to keep them all!

Anyone who would like to order a doll to be made may do so at the same email address. Please just email me for prices and please keep in mind that the price INCLUDES shipping and handling charges. It costs money to put something in a box and ship it. If you live close by and would rather pick it up then let me know so I can shoot you the price without shipping!

Ma is almost finished. I guess I really underestimated the time she would involve (or maybe this is my knit-picky kicking in?) I believe after her pattern is finalized she really won't take that long, it's just figuring it all out and wording it so the rest of ya'll can understand it!!! I will post pics the minute she's finished!

Also I am going back to working on the book in the hopes of having it ready before Christmas. The drawings come in spurts so it's been a little slow going. Sometimes and idea hits me and I have nothing with me to draw on so that is kind of hindering the process. I guess I should start carrying a drawing bag with me too!!!

That's about it for now. I continue to keep you updated on the progress of things and again, thanks for stopping by.

Have faith…
and keep your chins up, even if you have frizzy hair on a sunny day!

HILLBILLIES!

2011-09-21T20:08:00.000-05:00

I'm still not quite finished…with Ma that is. Her dress and bonnet are proving to be a design issue for me.

I believe that the lack of brainpower from the crazy of the last few weeks has depleted my ability to look at her body and then just draw the pattern that would fit her form. She DOES have curves!

I have, however, taken pictures of the rest of the family so here they are…

I think they turned out quite nicely. I'm still working on putting together the patterns for sale. I really don't know why I think I can accomplish it in a day. It takes a lot of organizing and making sure the correct instructions get placed in the proper location.

And then there's proofing…

I found a couple of typos in my Sally pattern (stitch counts) that I hadn't even noticed until I started knitting another Super Sally. I've knitted numerous Sallies of various sizes since writing it and I just NOW noticed it.

GOOFY!

Another thing that we're going to be doing is making some handmade barrettes and hair clips for sale.
Here is a picture of the one I made today of "P".

"P" the Pet Pig was such a huge hit with the kids this past weekend that we decided to branch him out. He also will have a sister named Penelope, so look for her in the future.

And for those of you who may not know, I'm the artist who draws Cedar Pete and his family. I illustrate them every year and my mother prints it on souvenir shirts and items.

I didn't create the original Pete, but my twin sister and I created THIS Pete and his family. He was almost lost and forgotten at one point before she started asking around about his history and we started drawing him again. His simplicity is an integral part of our town's festival history.

So here is one of the drawings I've done so you can see and compare the dolls to the drawing. I'm finding it pretty cool to have 3-d versions of them!

Well, that's all for now. I'm still working on those patterns. I guess if I weren't so picky they'd be finished, but I'm sure those of you who would like to create one of these guys would like the pattern to be accurate.

Ya'll keep your chins up, even if you have frizzy hair on a sunny day!