Only a few days old, and already changing the world.

Everything I've ever wanted has come true, and isn't that the weirdest thing? I mean all my life I wanted to be a mommy. I felt so unfulfilled. It's okay if you don't have a pull to have your own, I fully support those that wish to always be child free, kids aren't for everyone.

But for me, myself, I just needed to be a mommy, and I am the happiest person with my tiny spawn.

Enough gushing. Let's get to the new stuff!

Click here to see this set on my Instagram

I've started making wraps, as well as a new take on my "Touch of Lace" bonnet. This cool-toned purple wrap matches the lace detailing of the bonnet, surrounded by a standard white knit bonnet.

You can't go wrong with this beauty, and I can make this wrap and bonnet in many various colors. Fiber: Mohair, Size: Newborn

Flower Framed - Hand Embroidered Bonnet

Now, here she is again! But 3 months old this time.

This is a sitter sized bonnet, she is a chunky baby, and is already wearing 6 month clothing.

Plan on seeing more hand embroidery in the near future. I cannot get enough of this little sugarbean in these types of bonnets.

Colors can be changed, all you need to do is ask!

Mr. Shannon

It's a lot of work, being an adult. Stresses of the world always bog you down, deadlines come fast, and the days of silence and stillness seem to come less and less.

So about 2(ish) months in advance my wonder Mister and I decided that we would go with my parents on a small trip for a family reunion.

We spent more time with each other, doing things off the grid that we have in a long time.

Our 3 year wedding anniversary had just passed a couple days prior, and we let this refreshing trip be our gift to each other.

I was also able to grow closer to my parents, and grandparents, as we ate s'mores around the campfire, and told stories of our past lives.

Now he's back to work, and I'm back to edit images, and create new props/fill orders, and I can happily say it was one of the most special moments we have shared together.

Take a moment to enjoy those as they are now, and don't forget to bring a camera to capture a moment, as well.

Sitter Shorts | Teal

Birthday Cake Smash Bashes, are extremely trendy, their popularity seems to grow yearly.

I first heard about these little niche sessions, my first year of photography, and it was still a budding art, along with gender reveal sessions, and parties.

To me there is nothing better than spontaneous and surprise sessions.

So what outfit will you treasure enough to represent their first year, but also be fine with completely destroying after it's all said and done?

Now you don't have to choose, as my Sitter Shorts, (and rompers) are completely washable, and will be ready for re-wear after the last glob of icing is cleaned off the studio floor.

Dawn (the wonderful photographer of these shots) has used, and reused my Sitter Shorts time and time again for boys and girls. There is nothing better than a photography prop that has use outside, and inside the studio.

Many color options are available, and many more color options can be requested by just asking. Whatever your first year theme, Smash Session, or 1st Year Celebration you can rest easy knowing your little shorts will also last until they grow out of them, and thanks to my drawstring, and sizing options that will be longer than the few weeks you're used to their outfits lasting.

Sitter Shorts | Sage

Size Options:
Newborn
3 - 6 months
6 - 12 months
12 - 18 months
18 months - 3 years

Photo Credit: Dawn O'Hara Photography

Ashley Christine String Theory Photography

When I'm not knitting, I'm cleaning, blogging, and on occasion, shooting.

The last session I was honored to shoot, was an adorable small family. Mom, dad, and the cutest little girl, little Ms. R.

There is something magic about a small children, they can convey emotions so purely, and display an array of facial expression without a second thought.

I am absolutely in love with capturing this little girl, ever since last year during 4th of July Minis. Now in tow was her parents, and her.

Ashley Christine Sting Theory Photography

I saw so much love within this small family, along with a well behaved 2 year old (yes she's two), was a loving mother, and a doting father.

We had just under gone some heavy rain the last week, and there was a rather large mud puddle.

I mean, you could jump it, with a running start, or take a few thoughtful, and well placed steps and hopefully have minimal mud on your shoes. But there was no going around, or finding a different way.

So, I crossed with props in tow, and observed a loving man pick up his two girls, first crossing, one at a time. But on the way back, he had them both in his arms, keeping them out of the filth.

Truly a family based in love.

Now, here comes the fun bits, showing off the gallery to parents, and having them pick out the images that will hang on their walls and fill their frames.

New colors are making their way to my shop. From Stone to Off White.

The bottom romper is 3-6 months, and is Cherry, down to the legs, which are Snow, that romper is to be shown another day.

These little rompers are apart of my "Simply Solid" Line, minus the top. Which is a new version, "Simply Cabled".

Please keep your eye out for these in the near future, along with matching Flour Sack Hats!

Interested in shooting these? Send me a private message here.
But contact me soon, because my RTS* items never stay long.

The larger 6-12 months version of these will also be getting an expanded color catalog soon!


*Ready To Ship

*Disclaimer, all TTC posts will be unfiltered and real life truth. If menstrual cycles, ovulation, pregnancy, sexual themes/words, bodily fluids and functions, make you uneasy, please refrain from reading further. This is your warning, and I will not apologize if you feel offended by my words in any way.

Ovulation tests are much more complicated than pregnancy tests, they also take forever (the full 3 minutes) and there are many things that can go wrong, and waiting 8 minutes for an error message to go away, just to wait another 3 minutes for a new test can leave you very anxious.

Also, those little lines, mean almost nothing, if you're using Digital life's ovulation tests. I felt like I had three test  (all from different days) with all the same little two lines, but only one came back with a high Lg Surge.

The life of a woman TTC can seem to be only to be for peeing on sticks, and waiting 3 minutes.

Surely, there has to be a better way, well unless affordable at home sonograms, or blood testing kits become a thing we are stuck checking temps, checking fluid, and peeing on sticks.

I'm already done doing all of it, and this is my first month of TTC!

I will say this, when I got my first SMILEY I was ecstatic, I showed my mom and my husband I just about talked my poor dads ear off right after I got it. Then after the excitement of finally getting a positive ovulation test wore off the, "OH NO, I ONLY HAVE 12 HOURS!!!" set in.

Yes it's 12 to 24, but when it's something you want to last forever, you expect it to be quick, and if its something that "shouldn't take too long", it lasts forever.

Thankfully, it all worked out, and my DH and I had a long conversation about what is reasonable to expect, and what is reasonable to compromise with with each month we try. We agreed on a window, or we will never hit the mark, and I agreed to be calm with every SMILEY or Empty Circle.


Lastly, the reason why I don't count my menstrual cycle as apart of my 28 day cycle, is for this reason. My P.Tracker app counts it as 32 days, and I ovulated like a 28 day cycle. It told me 3 days after my ovulation was said and done with, that I was NOW going to ovulate. I certainly would have missed the mark, had I just been using one form of tracking and testing.

Finding what works for you, and with you is the best thing to do, and try not to become stressed and obsessed.
I know taking your first ovulation test, makes you wish it was tomorrow so you could get to THE DAY sooner. But enjoy your days, do what you need to, because in time, you won't have any, and you'll be missing the days that went slower.

6 to 12 Months | Sitter Romper

I love sitters! Well actually, I love all tiny people, and I love creating for all ages!

I've been having a blast with newborns, don't get me wrong, my life is filled with the constant flow of newborn photography, and props.

But, it would be neglectful to ignore my sitters! So I bring you my "Simply Solids" in Sitter Romper Size!

Do you know what color that is? Well if you haven't been living under a rock, you would know how obsessed I am with Denim, and Dusty Rose. This is the former (obviously).

I do hope to get out more colors, but I am in the works of a few (like 100,000) different projects. More colors are on that list, and will hopefully come to you very soon.

Color Shown: Dusty Rose

I do need to thank my wonderful photographer: Campbell Girl Photography, and her precious daughter!

*Disclaimer, all TTC posts will be unfiltered and real life truth. If menstrual cycles, ovulation, pregnancy, sexual themes/words, bodily fluids and functions, make you uneasy, please refrain from reading further. This is your warning, and I will not apologize if you feel offended by my words in any way.

There are many, many ways to track your ovulation. To keep myself sane, and to feel in control of this emotional, and stressful time (the first month of TTC) I decided to keep busy with many different ovulation tests, and trackers.

There is an app on my iPhone, call P.Tracker it does everything from tracking fertility (if you tell it you are trying) to your monthlies. I had been using said app for well over 2 years, and had my cycles tacked to a T.

Unfortunately, due to some user error, my iPhone broke, and I lost a full years worth of information, down from spotting, to intimacy days, to period duration. Thankfully, I was able to re-download, and restart (from scratch) this last years information.

My cycle, thanks to my pills, was 28 days, 32 if you count your period.
I do not count my period as a part of my ovulation cycle, I will explain further in my next TTC post.

So, the form I used daily, during my menstrual cycle, to my pre-ovulation, during ovulation, and post ovulation, is temperature tracking.

What exactly does one need to do daily to get an accurate standing with your ovulation?
All you need to do, is simply take your temperature, and have it charted every day.

Once you hit your lowest temp, 12-15 days after your menstrual cycle, you are most likely about to ovulate or are in process of ovulation. Please remember sperm lives up to 72 hours, where an egg only live 12 - 24 hours. So as soon as you get your base number, it's time to start TTC.

This is also a way to track, and avoid sex, if you are not ready for a child, or another child just yet.

I am very glad my first month, I was doing temperature track, cervical fluid tracking, AND ovulation tests.

My little app, was fantastic with keeping my temperature number in a chart for me, but it's prediction on ovulation was slightly wrong. Had I not known about more than temperature tracking, I may have missed my opportunity, as my temp was steadily declining day after day, until my base.

I would't have known it was my base, had it not been for my other trackings and tests. The next day my temp went back up to normal, and I knew that temp tracking had worked for me.

What did I do?
Every day at the same time, I would take my temperature and mark it on my chart, that's it.
Once I got to 12 days after AF, I also found my cervical fluid had drastically changed, and I got a SMILEY on my ovulation test. That's how I found out I had hit my base with my temp.

I was at 96.1 that day, and 97.5, the next.


(I know, I know, yes I hope I'm this organized when I do have a itty-bitty. But that's probably wishful thinking.) ;)

Vintage Inspired | Romper and Bonnet

If you're a follower on my Facebook or a "fan" on Instagram then you would have seen multiple versions of this little Alpaca Mohair Romper and Bonnet Set, for newborns. It took a lot of work, time, and energy to set up a large partnership with four different photographers, and a few handfuls of new itty-bitties.

I am please to announce that my newest line, The Vintage Inspired Line, is now up for viewing on my FB, and for sale in my little shop.

There are five colors in total: Mud, Vintage, Wine, Lavender, and Denim.

I am absolutely in love will all of the hard work, and adorable images sent in from my fantastic photographers.

Color Shown: Vintage*

*Please check out my shop for all of the new line and to see the other FOUR colors!

This little gem was sent in by: Capture Life Events, Photography by Crystal Kelley.

The Pill - Birth Control - Contraceptive

*Disclaimer, all TTC posts will be unfiltered and real life truth. If menstrual cycles, ovulation, pregnancy, sexual themes/words, bodily fluids and functions, make you uneasy, please refrain from reading further. This is your warning, and I will not apologize if you feel offended by my words in any way.


I've been chained to the daily pill since I was 15, due to medical issues that were easily stifled with a daily prescription. After my body finally went on to relatively regular cycle, I was able to finally start enjoying my life, and get more active in after school activities.

I was 13 when AF first showed up, and I was very excited, and even did a happy dance. After starting high school, and having my first few BFs I found myself in embarrassing situations, that lead my mother talking with me more about our genetic line, and physical health. I have Endometriosis, which means, I suffered from my uterine lining growing outside the uterus; causing heavy flow, irregular cycles, sever cramps, and horrible mood swings.

It took a former boyfriend pointing out that my 3 week period was, "not normal", and me awkwardly saying "I know." To ask my mom what I could do.

That was 9 years ago, and I had been on the pill ever since. So after a romance, and engagement, a marriage, and moving into our first home, it felt foreign putting the empty pack in the trash, and not grabbing a new one.

It wasn't strange purchasing pregnancy tests, because even with 3 forms of BC, pregnancy still has a chance, and being a few days late always put my life in a tail spin.

No, what was weird was buying ovulation tests, getting out an unopened packaged thermometer, and saying the cliche;

"Are you sure?"

"We are sure."

For the first time in 10 years, I had a cycled end exactly on the day it was suppose to, I started tracking my days 'til fertility, and for the first time ever we started trying.

At this very moment this post goes up;
3-21-2016
7:23 PM
I am 2DPO.

Sisterly Love Photography

What is this? A newborn? What???

It seems that I've been obsessed with sitters, month 6-12, lately! Where are all the adorable and squishy newborns?

Well good news, I have partnered with a new photographer who will be helping me with this very thing soon.

I hope to have the images in hand by the times this post is up!

Another thing I plan on having is to send out a newborn twin 100% wool set!

I need to get cracking before the busy season starts back up, and I have no time to do any sort of free crafting for myself. I just know you all will love what is to come, and if you have any suggestions of what you would like to see me make please tell me!

And to those happy seeing my older baby props, do not fret, as I will be designing new props for older sugar bears, too!

~ Ashley          

Desserts

AshleysHomeSpun

It's okay to stress, it help gets things done, and puts the needs in full view.

Unfortunately, once you've stressed for far too many moons, it can take a toll on your mental health.

Something many people turn to in times of stress is crafting. I for one turn to many different types of crafting. If it's creating a house hold decoration, or creating a DIY for a cosplay accessory, maybe even getting some writing done. I cannot tell you what a release it is to work on a novel.

Most importantly, when I am bogged down with life's struggles, I go to my knitting, or crocheting, and I am not the only one. I get to be apart of these fantastic communities that many stressed, and anxious creators join in.

My main place to unwind and relax is a crochet group. All the beautiful pieces that flood the screen make my heart leap, and knowing that it's not a dying art keeps my mind at ease. 1000s of people share their latest yarn finds, patterns they've newly written, and my favorite, completed projects.

Everything from lace doilies, to chunky afghans shower the screen every minute. Sparking new inspirations from young and old crafters alike, taking everyone's mind back into a place where only creativity and wonder exist.

It's okay to stress, it's okay to worry; it means you have something to do, but remember. When you bog down your mental health with negative thoughts, to take a moment to bring in 10x as much positive.

Don't let life's temporary worries, and struggles dictate your happiness have them work for you. 99% of all my creations have happened because I needed to take a breather.

What beauty awaits in that stormy mind of yours?

Drawstrings

Do you know what the best thing in life is? To me it's baby feet, maternity bellies, breast feeding, birth stories, baby rolls, and children's honesty.

If none of those are your best thing in life, I would hope you would at least agree they are a great part of human existence.

So big shock the woman that makes props, and take pictures of growing families for a living loves all those things. Another great joy in my life has to be emails with attachments.

Now not just any email, spam and viruses are the worst for a digital photographer, and online business owner. But when my little notification turns on and the email is from a friendly sharp shooter, my heart beats fast.

There are a few reasons, I'll list 3 good ones below, as to why an attachment can make my year.

Precious Stones Photography

Bright Eye Boutique

Sisterly Love Photography

I'd say those are some pretty convincing reasons, I don't think a counter debate even has a leg to stand on.

I hope you like my new little Shortie Sitter Sets, now available in Newborn to - 6 to 12 months sizes.

Click Here to view the Sets

I can't wait to show you more of a my favorite things, in the next post.

~Ashley

Have you ever?

Knit Mohair Overalls - 6 to 12 months

"Never have I ever..." That's how the game starts, and when you're in a new world that list seems endless. By the time your journey is over, have you even made dent?

Something I never would have done was photography, if it hadn't been for a wonderful woman that decided to take a risk with my little prop shop.

Never would she ever get to cyber-meet and talk to a small town Texas girl, and never would she ever get the chance to see what that girl might have become.

I am forever grateful to a wonderful woman, that has long helped me in my journey to become a professional prop maker, and photographer.

I thank her everyday with each creation I make, because she believed in my horrible little shop. (It was a huge mess, and the images were very sad).

It's wonderful that people still take risks, and try to help others today. Don't feel bad for being kind, and helping yourself, too.

Never have you ever? Take a risk, and write something off your never list.

~ Ashley

Thank you Kari, it's been a joy watching your photography mature and blossom, I hope you've enjoyed seeing me do the same.

Photography Credit: Kari Layland Photography

Watching the Numbers Ascend 

What's this? Another post? so soon?

Why yes I'm back to update you all, again. It's only fair considering that I missed you all for an entire month, well technically a year, but let's not open old wounds.

So, I'm back to tell you all some news, (of course what else would I be doing here?), and I must say it's good news.

I've been having increasing sales off my usual website, and within 2 days, I have sold 7 hats. That's more than I usually sale in two months, minus October - December. All through the wonderful power of networking and word of mouth; something to do with my boldness, and good name. Who would have thought my name would actually carry some positive weight?

Other than that, I just pressed the button on an order to help with my new sold orders. For the longest time I have been using tissue paper, and packing paper for my orders, and while it's aesthetically pleasing, it's not practical. 

And to be quite frank it usually has me worried sick about the paper color bleeding into the yarn crafted hat. So much so I wouldn't use tissue paper for pale toned hats and props, which isn't fair to those in which purchase those types from me; consistency is something I strive for.

So what did I do to change this? Well starting the 28th, when my order arrives, I will be using clear poly bags. (The one's that have the warnings on them, naturally.) Now, even though the tissues is gone, and the paper has wrapped it's last hat, that doesn't mean my packaging is going stale.

If you've ever purchased anything from me in the past, or even worked with me (photogs I'm looking at you), you will still receive that special extra something that has always been there. No, I won't be saying what that extra something is, that would ruin the magic.

I feel like this is a step in the right direction, and I want to come across as professional as possible. So I hope you all embrace this change in a positive way, as well.

Also, before I sign off, this wouldn't be an AshleysHomeSpun blog without a cute photo of a baby!

Knit Ribbed Bonnet 6-12 months

~ Ashley

Photo courtesy of: Kari Layland Photography