Allison Barnes Collection

February literally flew by thank goodness as the weather was dismal. I did get to make some beautiful clutches though. Here they are - enjoy!

I blabbered a whole lot in my first "a year in review" blog post so this one is just going to be photos of some of my favourite crochet custom's from 2013. Enjoy!  

Well hello there, February! We are getting ever closer to Spring here in Edmonton (although it doesn't feel like it now, brrr) and I know many of us have had it up to "here" with the snow and the cold. I'd like to share some custom clutches I made last month for my wonderful clients and hope they bring you some warm feelings and a smile to your face. Feel free to share my blog with friends and family. I also have a "Pin It" button now so you can share Allison Barnes Collection with the world! I'd be ever so grateful if you did.   Without further ado - some necktie clutches for you!      For those of you wanting a necktie clutch but not willing to wait (LOL) I have a couple of necktie clutches ready to ship that are currently listed on Hyenacart in the Make It Canadian, Eh online store (Click Here) . You can shop from there or send me a message via email (use the contact me button on the sidebar) or Facebook . Check out these beauti...

I have the pleasure of collaborating on a project with Agata Raymond Photography bringing you a fantastic and new idea for a Easter/Spring Portrait session for your little guys and girls. These sessions are being booked for dates in February and March 2014.   Myself (Allison Barnes Collection) will be creating the crocheted outfit after consulting with you and Agata (our brilliant photographer) will be running the shoot.   For more info please contact Agata Raymond Photography at:  shootme AT agataraymond DOT com   Find Agata on Facebook here: Agata Raymond Photography on Facebook   Find Allison on Facebook here: Allison Barnes Collection on Facebook

Hard to believe my son is turning four years old in only four days! Not only is he growing and learning, so am I and my hobby-turned-business, Allison Barnes Collection (or ABC). Looking back, 2013 was such an  awesome year for ABC! Emotionally, there were many ups and downs especially in the latter half of the year. My Dad was diagnosed with bladder cancer (he's responded well to treatments thus far) and we moved house. I took on far too many crochet projects in the last few months of 2013 and my hands told me to SLOW DOWN! Don't get me wrong, I love making all of your crocheted orders (because I love to crochet) but I didn't have a good life-work balance and it took its toll. This year of 2014 my "resolution" is to find balance; to schedule orders ahead of time and not get drowned in a long list of orders hurriedly trying to complete them in time for Christmas. I also want to find more balance between crochet and sewing. Another goal for 2014 is to complet...

I'm packing up all my fabric, all my notions, all my yarn, all my wool sweaters....everything.  Well, I'm keeping SOME yarn out to work on a few orders.  :) Best of all, while I pack up my things I keep imagining the new space where it will all live harmoniously!  In our current house I had all of the above stored in at least 5 different areas of the house.  Somewhat organized but NOT at all convenient.  The only place I plan on keeping some yarn outside my new work room is in the family room, in a nice neat basket that I will store in one of the built-in cupboards!  Storage and organization here I come! No more yarn-bombed couches...   Like this one!   Oh, and since I'll have copious storage and space you better believe I'll be going on a wool sweater shopping spree when we're all settled in.  'Tis that time of year when my customers are wanting to order wool longies for the Fall and Winter months!   In my next post...

I know, I know.  Where's the one blog post a week?  Seriously.  Needing to pack the house, keep up on orders and enjoy all that summer has to offer has put a wrench in my plans to keep this blog updated.  I swear I have ideas for posts. :) Meanwhile, I've been sewing items for stocking in  our Hyenacart Conglomerate "Make It Canadian, Eh" which stocks every two weeks including today!  Previews will be posted as of 3pm Eastern Standard Time with shopping opening at 7pm EST.  Here is a link for you to check it out: Make It Canadian, Eh on Hyenacart Here's a photo to show you my current sewing/work area: What you don't see is the mess of papers, yarn, buttons, patterns, post-it notes about moving stuff, shipping supplies hiding behind my computer's monitor.  We can't wait to move into our new house - including a new workspace for me!  I'll be going from an approximately 80 sq.ft work room that doubles as an office to at least dou...