Hello Again...crafters!

When I left my crafting life, I thought I was through. I thought that time and obstacles would be the end of my creative drive. Boy was I wrong. In the last year, I have published 5 books and been included in an anthology. I have continued to make cards, but never got into the video/picture mode that is a requirement for blogging and such. I have found that I have some time on my hands, so I am back in the saddle.

Good thing too. I have tons of crochet patterns that I haven't finished up for publication. I have some new card layouts I cannot wait to show. I may even start a Youtube channel with tutorials. I would like to thank those who have patiently continued to explore the scheduled posts I had for 2015. It means the world to me to see that so many people continued to read.

Here's a small list of things that will be coming in the future:

Updates to my patterns (formatting)
Cascading Ball Gown - Barbie, Skipper, and Stacie
Ball gown sets - Skipper and Stacie
Mailbox Playset
Barbie Bedroom Set
Raccoon Beanie
The Dabbler Fairy Beanie

I cannot wait to go on a new crafting adventure with you all!

New Changes

I started this year with the intention of having every week filled with posts, and two months in that can't happen. It was a great set of intentions, but we all know that life gets in the way of that sometimes. If you do not know it, I graduated college a few months ago with the intention of focusing on my writing career. I have always written something, but it wasn't until December of 2014 that I became published. It is a huge source of pride for me. One that makes me so happy. And something that I want to cultivate.

As any crafter will know, sometimes we have to put our hobbies aside to proceed with life as we want. And that is what I am doing. That does not mean I won't be posting. In fact, in the coming months I will be posting unreleased patterns, updating the free pattern section, and more. What I can tell you is....every one of my patterns on Ravelry are now free!

It would have been nice to continue on trying to get them to sell, but I am not the type of person to chase people around begging for them to buy. So, instead I am going to go with my own personality and provide them for free. I want everyone to enjoy my patterns. I want them to be used and loved by many people instead of bought and coveted by the few.

Here's the link to my Ravelry shop! If you have viewed the pattern, here's your chance since they are FREE!!

What this means is that all my future patterns will also be free. There will be a post on the website, Ravelry upload, and a page dedicated to the pattern on this blog.

Another change is that I will no longer have Craftsy or Facebook. The only place you will be able to find my patterns is this blog and Ravelry. It is just two of many difficult decisions I had to make, but in the long run will be a positive for me as a crafter, as a writer, and for my fans.

Please don't think I will stop posting. I will continue to craft and essentially update my blog to showcase what I make. It just won't be scheduled and 4 days of the week! Even a super woman needs a crafting break!

Until next time,

Sarah

Throwback Thursday - I love my Kindle

When I first thought about Valentine's Day, the first thing I really think is pretty horrible. The sentiment behind the holiday is perfect - sharing, caring, love. What bothers me the most is the commercialization surrounding it and the thought that you should only show you love someone near this time of year. Not that this means anything to Throwback Thursday, but I thought I would share.

This Kindle cover is one that I created around 2012 or so with the theme of love. I called it The First Blooms of Love or something like that. It has a little heart that hangs down. Each of the petals on the flower are hearts. It just seemed fitting.

Perhaps it was the love I feel when I look at my Kindle and how much it has changed my life. Maybe not. But, I thought it represents an aspect of my life that I love and appreciate all year long.

That's something I can support and hope that you do as well. If you love someone, let them know all year. Don't wait. It isn't worth the cost of waiting!

Wishing you a Happy Valentine's Day,

Sarah

Throwback Thursday -

I realized early in my crochet pattern designing that I wanted to focus on something I rarely saw - Barbie patterns using larger yarn. The patterns that have been developed by thread crocheters are simply fantastic. If you have not seen any, I suggest you google it. My absolute favorite is Scarlett O'Hara's Green Curtain dress. (Okay, I admit. I am a HUGE Gone With the Wind fan. Sue me.)

I don't own this photo! I found it here.

I thought I would give thread crocheting a try. How hard could it be using the same stitches as normal crochet? Well...apparently MUCH harder than I anticipated. What really bothered me was the smallness of the hook and the slippage of the thread. It was hard to control. I continued to mess up. My hand and wrist was hurting. And I just couldn't take it. I knew after that first try that without some serious intervention I would never be a thread crocheter. So I stuck with what I knew.

A size G hook and Red Heart.

Who needed the end product to be super soft and not itchy? I was absolutely sure that plastic Barbie would have no issue with a scratchy dress. So, I began designing patterns. The first ones were a little horrible. Even my first purses...Well, they could use some updating.

I suggest keeping tuned for that!

Anyway, here is my first Throwback Thursday photo.

My first Barbie purse design

It isn't TOO bad, but it could use some work. You can find it on my blog by searching Barbie Purse with Flap or clicking here.

A Review of the Year and Wishing you a very Happy Holidays

I know! I know! Some people have a problem with the term "Happy Holidays," but there is more than one holiday during the month of December and January. So, that's what I am saying. I want to wish all of you a very Happy set of Holidays, whichever holiday it is. In this post, I want to reflect a little on my year and some of the wishes I have for the future.

This year was pretty amazing here on the blog. It went by too quickly personally, but that may be my advancing age. Okay...If you want to know, I am 31. Not too advanced, but I sure ain't a spring chicken. Either way, I was just asking my husband a few weeks ago "Where has this year gone?" Perhaps it is a mark of growing older. Time slips away making it harder and more important to connect to the things we truly love and cherish.

One thing that is not really known on this blog is that I am a writer. I recently graduated (as in a few months ago) college with a Bachelors in English. My main focus was literature - old and new. Writing and literature has been one of my passions since I was about 8 or 9 years old. That can be attributed to one person - Mrs. Leihkauff. Mrs. Leihkauff was my third grade teacher. She opened my eyes and heart to the world of reading and a love of writing. Because of her, I delved in writing my first short story (16 pages) at 9. It was crap, but it was mine. It was the start of a passion in me that hasn't been matched by anything else.

In the past few months, I have been working on my first novels and preparing them for publish. That choice has meant that sometimes this blog gets neglected. It is sad, but the reality is that each of us need to focus on the things that are our passions whether it is our family, our job, our hobby, or our passion. So I urgently request that instead of making resolutions that revolve around your weight or something else that may not happen...make one that puts you closer to something you cherish and love with all your heart. I know that 2015 holds the key to opening the door on my future.

Now, on to some fun stuff.

The 5 Most Popular Posts of 2014

1. Clothespin Snowflakes 

2. Sled Ornaments

3. Washcloth Lollipops

4. The Photo Box

5. Christmas Skirt - Throwback Thursday

Those are some fantastic posts. Make it Monday and Throwback Thursday have been a popular addition to my blog. Quite frankly, it is something that I enjoy doing. I plan to continue that through 2015. What has your favorite post been?

Mine? Well...I LOVED making the Snowflakes and Sleds. It was something new and exciting.

4000 Page Views

This was an accomplishment I pushed for. Thank you to everyone who has read what I wrote. I have been featured at some of the news sites for crochet which made me immensely happy.

For 2015

As we catapult into the new year, we are ultimately forced (sometimes reluctantly) to view our year, life, and who we want to become in the next year. Here are some of the things I wish...

• a safe and happy holiday for each of you.
• a year filled with laughter and joy
• peace to overcome this nation
• love and tranquility
• for everyone to find someone to rely on
• respect, tolerance, and growth for all creed, religion, sexual orientation, gender, and ethnic background
• time to craft, hobby, and just have fun
• to cherish every moment as if it were my last

This post will be the last one for 2015. We will pick up again in 2015 with more crafts, more crochet, more laughter, more tears, more Make it Mondays, Throwback Thursdays, and fun. From my messy craft room and loving home to yours, my family would like to wish each and every one of you a safe, happy, and loving holiday.

Until 2015,

Sarah

Christmas Ball Reveal

In Week 12, I offered up a free pattern for a Christmas ball with a mention that it was inspired by a certain animated character. My roommate absolutely adores the movie this character is in, but I have always been leery about posting the finished products involving inspirations of certain characters. I have read too many horror stories about how companies who trademark suck the fun out of this art. Since this is not up for sale and just an artistic expression for my household only, I am going to show what I crocheted using my Christmas Ball pattern (offered on Week 12). The only addition to the pattern was a little bit more yarn and some puffy paint.

Look how stinkin' adorable that little guy is. Obviously, this is not a true representation of the character as it was inspired. At the end of the day, I know the receiver will enjoy this little ornament. There has been many ideas floating into my mind about how to customize this Christmas ball pattern for whatever receiver you wish. Ella inspired. Mouse inspired. You name it, you can probably create one.

So if you are interested, feel free to experiment. Don't forget to share with me on Ravelry through your projects. I would LOVE to see what you make with my patterns.

12 Weeks of Christmas - Week 12 Reveal

Wow. Can you believe that 12 weeks has already flown by? I sure can't. When I first decided to do this, I had no clue that it would go so quickly. Yet, here it is...the reveal for Week 12. The free pattern given for Week 12 was the Christmas Balls pattern in small and large. The large is one that can be customized the most for characters of animated movies or other such embellishments. The colors I chose (especially for the large one) may indicate the character I am going to embellish mine for.

There will be just one more post in 2014. Please come back on December 24th for a look back on this year at Dande Creations. If you just came here for the countdown, I would like to thank you for joining me on this journey. It has been a pleasure to do.

Holiday Craft Update - Photo Heavy

If you are like me, you are busy crafting your little fingers off to finish the presents before Christmas. I would love to say in the second week of December that all my gifts and cards are made and packaged neatly for gift giving, but alas, I cannot. My list, fortunately, is not that long; however, I still have a lot of last minute crafting and packaging to do. Along with that, I have tons of cookies to make for a family get together where we plan on sharing cocoa, cookies, and caroling much to the joy of my little nieces.

Why am I writing this then instead of crafting my little fingers off? Well besides the fact that my wrists need a break, I wanted to share some of the things I have accomplished as gifts. I am lucky to know that most of my family members do not know about this blog much less frequent it. So, below you will see some photos of the gifts and how I have them packaged with a small description.

Tea Length Barbie Dresses

I was able to make 3 of these for my nieces this year. All of whom are avid Barbie lovers. It is the first thing in my house that gets fought over.

If you are looking for this pattern, you can find it at the following links:

     

Remember December Deals is going on at Ravelry. 35% off without a coupon code!

Christmas Cards

The following are the cards I have made thus far.

Lastly, the sleds I blogged about previously. These are such fun to make. 

This one is slightly different than the one I blogged about. It has longer sticks as the runners and a small cross bar.

I look forward to sharing more with you. My list is slowly dwindling, but I still have a long way to go.

What have you been working on?

Sarah

12 Weeks of Christmas - Week 10 Reveal

If you are like me, the week before Thanksgiving everything tends to get much busier. You find yourself running around attempting to accomplish last minute things like buying gifts, making cookies, packaging gifts, and cleaning. So when I decided to do this holiday countdown, I knew that the ornaments I wanted near the end of the countdown needed to be simple and quick. What that led me to was creating a few new patterns myself to offer. It wasn't a hard job as I love to create and design new things.

What inspired this pattern was the wreath we created in Week 8 and a few doll hair patterns I have seen. Who doesn't enjoy the thought of bouncy swirls? Okay...maybe there is a few of you. That's why it also doubles as an icicle in an abstract sort of way.

This last weekend has been a bit crazy. Holiday shopping. A Christmas party. Preparing for another Christmas party. In the midst of all that, I forced (without any reluctant behavior) to sit and prepare some of these for my own tree and for my mother. Here are the results:

Simple and to the point, this is a no thought, no focus pattern. What I love about it is that it falls down in a bit of a cascade. Here's some pictures.

This pattern will be used in 2015 for a doll pattern here at Dande Creations. Look for it soon.

We have only 2 weeks left. It's crazy to think that we are only a few weeks away from 2015. Get your hook ready for Week 11 and 12.

12 Weeks of Christmas - Week 10

This week is another simple pattern. It is one that I created and will be making free for the rest of December as a gift to those of you who read my blog or participate on Twitter. It was recently introduced as a new pattern in previous weeks on this blog.

The Swirl Ornament

Please click the Ravelry picture below to be transferred to the free pattern.

This pattern is written fairly simple for all types of crocheters to understand. What I love about this is that when hung on a tree, it looks like icicles hanging down. If you used some white yarn with silver thread in it, it would give that illusion even more dazzle. Had I a craft store closer to me, I would pop to the store and pick up some of that yarn to see. Unfortunately, I am stuck with the colors I have in my house.

Looking forward to reveal,

Sarah

12 Weeks of Christmas - Week 9 Reveal

I hope that you enjoyed your Thanksgiving. I spent my week having a wonderful get together with my extended family and a private dinner with myself, my husband, and our roommate. I used my lone pumpkin to make our pie.

This week has been a fun and easy time with crochet. Small snowflakes are not only the perfect way to decorate the tree, but this pattern is super easy and quick. That means you can spend less time crocheting gifts and ornaments and more time with your family. Especially in the week of Thanksgiving, having some extra time to spend with friends and family is amazing.

Despite the small issues I mentioned in the first post about the pattern and lack of a holder, these things are simple to correct. It worked up very easy and I had no issue understanding the pattern as a designer. If the corrections were done, this would be a perfect snowflake pattern to rely on.

Now, I am going to show you the photo of my completed ones.

If you were to crochet these with a sparkly yarn, they would glitter in your tree! You could also string them together between chains of yarn and make a garland. Such a versatile pattern!

Looking forward to Week 10. We only have 3 more weeks to go. 

Black Friday Pattern Sale

This weekend every pattern available at my ravelry store is Buy 1, Get 1. This is limited to one pattern PER transaction. If you want three patterns, you will only get one free.

Promotion will last from 11/28 to 12/2.

Visit my Ravelry shop here: http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/sources/sarah-mchattons-ravelry-store/patterns

12 Weeks of Christmas - Week 9

Week 9

Snowflake Ornament

(http://flowergirlcottage.blogspot.com/2013/11/easy-crochet-snowflake-pattern.html)

I have mentioned previously that I absolutely love snow and snowmen. I may not like to get out in it, but it's beauty is something to behold every year with a breath of anticipation and reverence. So when I crochet ornaments, one kind I love completing is a snowflake. Who doesn't enjoy snowflakes? Imagine that on your tree...snowflakes covering a green tree, simulating actual snow. Well...maybe not, but you can imagine right?

So this week's pattern comes from a blog called Flower Girl Cottage. It is a quick and simple pattern without much frills. What makes this pattern so great is the versatility it provides. You can use any color you wish (light blue, white, even silver) and still have wonderful snowflakes.

One note before you start the project. Part of the pattern is written incorrectly. The woman of the blog states in the comments that she is not a professional pattern designers, which is more than fine. As I am able to write patterns, I did spot an issue.

Her Pattern: 
Round 1:
Ch 4 (this counts as as hdc, ch 2) Hdc, Ch2 (5 times) into the circle or magic circle

Correction:
Ch 4 (counts as hdc, ch 2), hdc, ch 2 (5 times) sl st to 2nd st in ch 4. This creates 6 clusters.

The only issue was closing the round.

Project Type: Scrap buster

Skill level: Easy/Beginners with a little advanced knowledge about sewing

Hook Size: G or H hook (I used H.)
    Recommended - H, but G will make it slightly smaller.

Type of Yarn: Worsted Weight - I used Red Heart in  White.

Extra requirements:
Scissors
Stitch marker (if you need it)

Uses for finished product

• embellishment on a present
• ornament
• hat embellishment
• garland

For a hanger: On final sl st, ch 15 and sl st to the same spot. Fasten off and sew in all ends.

Come back on Monday to see the finished product! I would like to wish you all a Happy Thanksgiving here in the U.S. Please have a safe holiday and a holiday weekend. If you do your shopping, be wary of the mass amount of people and kind to others.

12 Weeks of Christmas - Week 8

Week 8

Mini Wreath

(http://www.planetjune.com/blog/free-crochet-patterns/mini-wreath-ornament/)

In recent months, I have become slightly obsessed with the swirl type ornaments as you probably guessed. One of my most recent patterns involved creating an icicle looking ornament (based on the color you choose) with one of these swirls. I absolutely love how they look. It's like little ringlets. So when I happened to stumble upon Planet June's Mini Wreath pattern that incorporated something I am so enjoying, I knew that I had to include it in my countdown. So here are the stats:

Project Type: Scrap buster

Skill level: Easy/Beginners

Hook Size: G or H hook (I used size I/9.)
    Recommended - H, but G will make it slightly smaller.

Type of Yarn: Worsted Weight - I used Red Heart in Medium Thyme and Burgundy.

Extra requirements:
Scissors
Stitch marker (if you need it)

Uses for finished product

• gift
• ornament
• Attach to a mason jar gift

Check back on Monday to see the reveal!

12 Weeks of Christmas - Week 6 Reveal

There is something so wonderful about a pine cone. I remember taking walks with my mother and sisters when I was younger. We would walk down our country road enjoying the scenery and nature. Every once in a while I would watch my mother swoop down and pick something up. She would eagerly show us what she found. Sometimes it was a small pine cone. Sometimes it was an interesting rock. At that younger age, it was interesting to view them. Looking back as an adult, I see it as a connection to my family that shared a memory.

Perhaps that is why I am so drawn to this pattern. It reminds me off times gone by. As I am trying to fill up my tree with homemade ornaments, this fits the bill. One made from a memory.

The changes I made are:

• I did a chain 18 first and sl st to the beginning chain. This creates the hanger without having to add it later.
• I did not weave in ends. Instead, I used them to create a bow at the top so I could reduce my work. If you don't like the look, please go ahead and weave them in.
• I also slip stitched the final stitch to the same chain to create a uniform top. 
• I used a size I/9 hook instead of the suggested G hook. This created a bigger, fuller pine cone.

It is such a quick and easy pattern for experts and beginners alike. If you want a more natural looking tree, you could make these and add them. I also thought you could go back in and add some white yarn to create a "snow" capped pine cone.

Next week, we will be doing my newest pattern - The Beanie!

See you then,

Sarah

12 Weeks of Christmas List

The 12 Weeks of Christmas is a great way to become connected to that sense of spirit that catapults our minds and hearts into the child zone of the holiday. Each week, I offer a free ornament pattern and show you what I have done to make it my own. Think of it as a "crochet"-a-long. Here's the list:

Week 1: Stocking Ornament

Week 2: Crochet Mitten

Week 3: Hot Chocolate/Coffee Mug ornament

Week 4: Lion Brand Snowman

Week 5: Granny Square Star

Week 6: Pine Cone Ornament

Week 7:

Week 8:

Week 9:

Week 10:

Week 11:

Week 12:

New Deal - 75% off

Yes, you read that right. As of November 7th, 2014, all my patterns at Ravelry are 75% off. There is no coupon code. There is no gimmick. There is no minimum purchase. All patterns qualify. You just add them to your cart and get 75% off. You can click the Ravelry button below to be taken to my shop.

This is the first of the massive deals that will sweep my pattern shops for the Holiday season, so get it while it is up!

November 7th through November 12th.

Sarah

Announcing New Pattern

This evening, I am super proud to introduce a new free pattern available in my pattern shops at Ravelry and Craftsy. The inspiration is the increasingly colder temperatures in my neck of the woods. Just last week we were snowed in for a few days as 13+ inches dropped on our area. My family was lucky to only have our power out for a while. Some in my area was left without power for 5 days. That's what happens when winter visits the mountains!

I am trying a new format on this announcement. It will be what I do in the future for all my patterns. In the next few weeks, I plan on going through my posts and creating a similar link system for ALL my patterns. This is done to make it much easier for you to click the right place.

With no further ado, the newest pattern is.....

The Beanie Ornament

You can click the following logos to find the free pattern. The price will not be changed for this pattern. It will remain free!

       

If you want to share your created patterns, just upload a picture at Ravelry with this as a project! I can then surf through what you have created and potentially add the picture to the profile.

Happy Crafting,

Sarah

12 Weeks of Christmas - Week 5 Reveal

What can I say? I keep choosing patterns that I absolutely love. Besides being extremely quick to work up, this pattern is a great addition to any tree. There was a few things that I didn't like about the pattern, but they were minor and completely based on my own desires for ornaments.

1. I do not like the third round. When using the H hook (lol...yes the H hook again), the star turned out way too big for my Christmas tree. I actually prefer to have similar sizes of ornaments throughout the tree instead of small, medium, and large. That is just personal preference.

2. The pattern was written in a way that would make it difficult for any beginner crocheter. It is very close together and hard to read. This could be a personal issue as well.

3. The author did not provide a crocheted hanger option. I used my go to by slip stitching yarn to a point ch 3 space and ch 16. I slip stitched that into the same space and fastened off. I weaved in all the ends.

Now that the discussion is out of the way, would you like to see the reveal?

Aren't they adorable? I just love the look of them. It's very "country" almost.

Sarah

12 Weeks of Christmas - Week 5

Week 5

Granny Square Star

(http://ahappyone.wordpress.com/2010/10/15/free-pattern-friday-granny-star-ornament-netflix-freebie/)

I recently found a cute little pattern that works up rather quickly and will look fantastic on the Christmas tree. It can be made in various colors to suit your own personal color scheme. The colors I chose match the type of theme I go for on my own tree. I was actually in the hospital waiting for my sister to deliver crocheting these. It is easy to pay attention to other things and crochet them once you have the pattern down. Anyone who has crocheted a granny square shouldn't have an issue with that.

Project Type: Scrap buster

Skill level: Easy/Beginners

Hook Size: G or H hook (I used H.)
    Recommended - H, but G will make it slightly smaller.

Type of Yarn: Worsted Weight - I used Red Heart in Burgundy.

Extra requirements:
Scissors
Stitch marker (if you need it)

Uses for finished product

• gift
• ornament
• Attach to a mason jar gift

This pattern is so cute! I can't wait to see if you like it.