The Spring Market

The Spring Market is coming!

Our boutique will be full of vendors making the most creative, beautiful, cute, fun, and fantastic items you've ever seen. This isn't your grandma's craft fair. No teddy bear clothes or dried flower arrangements.

Looking for gorgeous stationary or a custom dog collar for your fave pet? How about tutus and onesies to die for? Birthday banners, fantastic jewelry, and unique gifts? Cool screened T's ? Amazing art? We have it all!

Check out the vendors on our website:
www.thespringmarket.net

From hair accessories to lotions to the brand new Allie birdie bag...there is something for everyone! Each vendor is a local artist just waiting to meet you.

Saturday, April 24
10-5
3440 24th street
Paula V Salon (Curtis Park)
*See website for directions*

We've donated space to two local schools for fundraising. That means....BAKE SALE!!
(Because you need a Rice Krispy treat while shopping.)

Please join us, and pass the word along to friends.

Happy Spring,
Alicia

Introducing Alanah Krueger of Yarn Plus Yarn

I am so excited to introduce Alanah Krueger. She agreed to give an interview on knitting. Alanah owns the Yarn Plus Yarn store on Etsy with her sister Emily. Together they create wonderful items like the one below:

This is their Cowl/Neck warmer in moss green, one of the many fabulous items that these ladies create.

DGC got to sit down with Alanah today for a little one on one interview (via email).

DGC: How old were you when you first started knitting?

AK: I learned to knit when I was 15.

DGC: How did you get into knitting?

AK: My older sister Emily taught herself to knit and I loved all the projects she was working on. Plus, I was determine to make a purse with a cable running down the front. That was the main reason I started knitting. When I finally got the hang of it, I loved it so much that I branched out and started making other things too.

DGC: What are your all time favorite and least favorite projects?

AK: That's tough to answer. I don't really have a least favorite project. If I don't enjoy making it, I don't make it! . Lately, my favorite project has been making wrist warmers.

DGC: What do you feel is your biggest accomplishment as a knitter?

AK: Learning how to knit! I have to be honest, it was one of the hardest skills I have ever learned. I got so frustrated and I wanted to give up SO many times! But I am the most stubborn person ever, and I really wanted to make that purse. So after months of trying, one day I just got it.

DGC: What lead you to create an online store?

AK: I started a jewelry store a few years ago and it was a lot of fun, but since jewelry is the most popular thing on Etsy, I felt like I wasn't getting much exposure and it was too hard to try and put up a new item every day. So I went back to my first love, which was knitting and crocheting. My sister Emily and I were on a camping trip when we dreamed about opening a combined Etsy shop. After that I couldn't get the dream out of my head and a month later we were open for business!

DGC: What inspires you most in the realm of knitting?

AK: Other knitters really inspire me. Everyone has such different tastes and visions and it's so inspiring to see the different things that people can create.

DGC: What prompted you to start a blog?

AK: I have always loved writing and since the invention of Google Reader, I have been in love with all the different blogs out there. Plus, I really enjoy Etsy shops where I feel like I know not only the product, but the person behind it. As a huge plus, I have made friendships because of my blog and met people that I might not otherwise have come in contact with.

DGC: What would you say to a person who was just starting out with knitting?

AK: Don't give up! It may be super hard at first and difficult to get used to, but with time and persistence, you will get it! Determination and stubbornness is key. Once you get the hang of it, the possibilities are endless of what you can create with your hands and some needles.

I had a wonderful time getting to know Alanah. Along with her sister Emily, they have a real unique store with lots of fabulous accessories for a real great price. Yarn Plus Yarn is a great find. Be sure to check it out. I know you will love it!

Thank you Alanah for “meeting” with DGC today. We wish you and your sister the best of luck with your store.

New items for Spring and Summer

I have been wracking my brain on things that I could make for my store and events that would be good for the spring and summer months. I have been working furiously on some new jewelry. I am very excited about it. My new antique key necklaces were unveiled on March 20th with success.

Here is a small sample of the selection that I have currently at DGC.

I am also working on some new knitted items. Cotton is a fabulous yarn to work with. So soft, holds it's shape well and breathes. Take a look at some of the new cowls from my luxury line.

I am very proud of these cowls. It is one of my favorite patterns. I have begun creating my own designs, and while that process is kind of scary, it is also very exciting at the same time. I am currently in the process of making 3 more of the Devine cowls in purple, navy and fern green. The colors pictured above are evergreen, sea spray and espresso. I hope that these do well. It is my second cowl pattern that I have created.

I am working on a new line of home accessories. From knitted covers for plant pots to knitted floor pillows and more. Be sure to check back for those items.

Mark your calendars! If you live in the Sacramento, Roseville and whatever else area around here, DGC will be in 3 events this coming month!

• April 10th: Brown Dog Cottage Studio Event from 4pm to 8pm at 211 Sequoia, Roseville, 95678. There will be refreshments, live music and many fabulous things to purchase. Visit BDC at http://www.browndogcottage.blogspot.com/
• April 18th: The Roseville Spring Antique Market from 8am to 4pm at the Tattered House. Many great vendors, food and of course, shopping. For more information, please visit http://www.thetatteredhouse.com/faqs.htm
• April 24th: The Spring Market from 10am to 5pm at the Paula V Salon. Urban, chic and fashionable vendors have been assembled for this event. For more information, please visit http://www.thespringmarket.net/.

Lots of good things on the horizon. I hope that DGC will do well. Cross your fingers and spread the word about these 3 fabulous events. You have 3 opportunities to come by and say hello.

New things...

I am currently working on some new and exciting projects. Don't worry, there will still be yarn items...but as we move into the warmer months, I am looking towards new ideas. No one wants to buy knitted mittens when its 105 out. So, some new things will be added to the shop.


I am returning to my roots, or my first love...aka hobby. I am making jewelry again. I forgot how much fun that can be too. I started making jewelry when I was like 13. I got the knitting bug at 20 and had never looked back to my jewelry stuff. So there it sat, waiting patiently for my return.


Here is a glimpse of things to come...

There are a lot more new and fabulous items, but I haven't taken pictures yet. I am working on some new necklaces and even a few new knitted items. The unveiling will take place at the Brown Dog Cottage Studio Event on March 20th, from 4-8pm at 211 Sequoia, Roseville, Ca, 95678. I will be putting new items up on my Etsy store shortly after the studio event. So if you can't make that, be sure to keep checking back with my store.

Thanks for stopping by!

I have been blogged about!!!

It's an exciting day! My embellished umbrellas have been blogged about! Check it out!

http://designedbymestationery.blogspot.com/2010/03/its-like-rain-on-your-wedding-day.html

My store has been generating a lot of hits lately...thank you Lord! I am in the process of being reviewed by another blogger, I have been invited to attend a craft fair in downtown Sacramento, and now I was blogged about. I am so excited to be getting so much traffic on my shop lately. Now if I can only sell something. It was tough there for a little while. I was really starting to feel depressed about my little shop not doing so well and then bam!

Now if I only didn't have to go to the DMV, then it would be a good news day. I guess it's a good time to get some knitting done.

Take care!

March Madness turns into March Smarts

Brown Dog Cottage Studio

Presenting:
Brown Dog Cottage

Daisy Girl Creations

Boho Boutique

Greetings!

Brown Dog Cottage is joining forces with Daisy Girl Creations and Boho Boutique to bring you the studio event of the month! On March 20th from 4pm till 8pm, you can come to the studio and find unique and one of a kind items for yourself or for someone you love.  There will be delicious hors d’oeuvres, wine and of course an excellent selection of items for your shopping pleasure.

Brown Dog Cottage

BDC's Tire Pots 

These amazing up-cycled tires can be used as flower planters, water features, fire pits and even dog beds.

Come by and see what other fabulous finds await you at the BDC Studio.

Tire pots are created by Clinton.

Daisy Girl Creations

Affordable Handmade Accessories

DGC specializes in handmade accessories to add a touch of spice to any day. Accessories range from jewelry to knitted and crocheted items.

Come and join us for refreshments and some fabulous shopping.

Boho Boutique

Fabulous up-cycled clothing & accessories. 

Boho Boutique will be joining the studio event this coming March. Boho Boutique offers affordable fashion with a unique flair. Need some unique for that special date or event? Kelly’s Boho Boutique has just what you need to make the right impression and set yourself apart from the masses.

Contact Us
211 Sequoia

Roseville, Ca 95678

916.532.9347

We hope to see you there!

Sponsors

Brown Dog Cottage

Daisy Girl Creations

Boho Boutique

Drum Roll Please...

Ok, I have the results of the drawing for the winner of the $25 gift certificate to Daisy Girl Creations! I had to wait for Dennis to get home so I could have a non-biased pick. All the names were entered into a drawing and pulled out from a knitted hat. Are you ready to find out who won?

Can you feel the anticipation?

Are you annoyed that I haven't said who it is yet?

Ok, ok...

And the winner for the $25 gift certificate is.....

Erin! Congratulations!

I will be doing another drawing next month! Stay tunned!

The winner of that drawing will be announced on April 13th.

By the way, if you live in the Sacramento area, Daisy Girl Creations will be joining Brown Dog Cottage for the studio event of the month! March 20th at the BDC Studio at 211 Sequoia, Roseville, Ca 95678. Come by and say hello!