also makes horse blankets with ….

also makes horse blankets with a similar design.

Depending on the request and supply availability, Talbot says she is willing to try making custom pieces.

“A lot of things on my website, if they see something they like, but they don’t like that color, I usually have another one in another color, or I could find a color,” said Talbot.

For most things Talbot makes, no two are exactly alike.

“Most of the time, if I follow a pattern once, I don’t follow it the next time,” said Talbot, as she always tries to improve the outcome.

She says tweaking and making up patterns also keeps her from getting bored. Talbot also participates in an online challenge series to keep things interesting, where participants don’t know what they are making until they are done with the project. Each week, they are given a part of the pattern to work on.

Talbot says she doesn’t shy away from a challenge – or a dare. Once, when she was in the store and bright orange yarn caught her eye, her husband, Pat, immediately dared her to make something with it.

“So, I made the first orange bunny and he turned out so cute, that I got the other colors,” said Talbot.

From there, she found more yarns that are even softer, to make more crocheted bunnies with. She says they were popular over the Easter season and make good gifts.

Talbot also says she has some thoughts in mind for a crocheted bear pattern.

Crocheted bears aren’t the only teddy Talbot makes. She began making comfort bears out of loved ones clothing, starting about five years ago, after her father passed away. She says the bears make for a nice keepsake and have been appreciated by all ages, children through adult.

“I’ve sent bears all across the United States,” said Talbot.

Then, someone requested a pillow, instead of a bear, so Talbot started making comfort pillows, too. She says she even includes a note inside the pocket on the pillows.

Talbot also dabbles in alterations, tailoring items such as wedding and prom dresses.

“I like to make people look good,” said Talbot.

She says she will often make suggestions for alterations she thinks would improve the look or fit, then pin it to show what it will look like.

“I have four sewing machines, so I guess I better use them,” said Talbot, with a laugh.

She says she has actually melted the plastic insides of some newer sewing machines, because they got too warm after hours of sewing.

The only clothing items Talbot doesn’t make, are mittens, because she can’t seem to get two that look the same. Talbot says she suspects that has something to do with her habit of tweaking patterns to make things look better or lay flatter.

While she does have a sock machine, Talbot says socks are not her favorite to make, either.

“It’s not hand-work, when you’re using a machine to crank it,” said Talbot. “But when you’ve got the yarn going through your fingers, you know you put something into it.”

Outside of fashion, Talbot also makes hornets nests, to help deter the real deal from making a nest nearby, which have been well-received by customers.

“They’re stuffed with plastic bags and then they’re scotch-guarded, so they can be out in the elements,” said Talbot.

Talbot says the secret to her longevity is not charging a lot for her products, made possible by shopping for supplies when they are on sale. She says she makes things because she enjoys doing it and hopes her craft brings happiness to others, too.

Crocheted kitchen towels are one of Talbot’s Treasures most popular items, especially on the business’s online store. Seasonal and holiday patterns are often available.JULIA WOLF/COURIER SENTINNEL