Throwback Thursday - A Teddy Bear for a Friend

One of my husband's long term friends enjoys the things I make with crochet. When I asked her what her favorite color was, she didn't seem surprised that I asked. What did surprise her was that I decided to crochet her a teddy bear in that color. It wasn't planned. I wasn't expecting anything in return, as I hardly do.

What it gave me is the happiness and joy at seeing someone else enjoy something I gave to them. It could be food. It could be a hobby project. It could be something I made. It doesn't matter what it is. What matters is that I took time, effort, and love creating something that someone else will love through time.

Although I have many instances of this in my arsenal, I chose this teddy bear because it is an adorable teddy and because it shows no planning. It was a spur of the moment decision. And like that, a Random Act of Kindness was born. Here's the finished product:

Isn't he a cutie? You can find the pattern at these links:
PDF - http://gosyo.co.jp/english/pattern/eHTML/ePDF/1004/amicomo3-34_Amigurumi_Bear.pdf
Ravelry - http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/amigurumi-bear-2
Gosyo - http://gosyo.co.jp/english/pattern/eHTML/toy_ornament.html

Please note that this pattern does seem like it is just a diagram, but there is numbers in a table that provide the stitch count. This is not a beginner pattern unless you want to jump feet first into learning things like this. It is relatively easy to understand if you know about stitches, increases, and decreases.

What is one of your RAK?

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.

December Deals

As a gift to all my readers, I am offering 35% off on all my patterns in Ravelry. There is no coupon code. Anyone that purchase a pattern in the month of December receives the discount.

Click on the Ravelry button below to be taken to my shop!

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 7

This wonderful week is inspired by my newest free pattern. You can find them by clicking the following logos:

  

Like all the previous weeks, this is a quick and simple pattern for those who wish to have more time pursuing other things. I have already provided a picture of this project in the blog post, so it won't be much of a surprise for the reveal. I plan on making this pattern in multiple colors though, since they are going to charity.

Project Type: Scrap buster

Skill level: Easy/Beginners

Hook Size: I/9 5.50mm hook
    Recommended - For smaller beanie, use a smaller hook

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

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

Please join me in this Week's project. 5 more weeks until our countdown is done!

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

12 Weeks of Christmas - Week 4 Reveal

This week's pattern was super fun for me. I absolutely LOVE snowmen and chose my colors to match the majority of my ornaments - cherry red and white.

Additional Notes about Pattern:

• Some suggestions if you have come here and not followed the pattern. Be sure to stuff your snowman as you go. It is difficult to maintain shape. I was able to stuff more into the head after Rnd 7.
• Overfill each section so you do not regret the shape after you have finished.
• The project lasts about 30 minutes from start to finish for me. That time will vary depending on your crochet speed.

Now, I personally did some changes to the pattern to suit what I wanted. First, I did not put a face on my snowman. I like the just plain look, and I don't have to worry about small beads falling off and my cats eating them! Secondly, I put a hanger on the top of mine with a ch 16. Instead of weaving in the ends, I added a bow that seems to suit it. Lastly, I did only one row on my scarf so that it was a thinner scarf. I like it better.

Here's the photo:

As you can see, it is cute as a button without the face and hat as well.

I want to suggest that you change the pattern to suit what you want. If you don't want a face, don't do one. If you want a smaller snowman, do so! Make the pattern fit what you need.

Looking forward to Week 5,

Sarah

12 Weeks of Christmas - Week 3 Reveal

This is such a cute ornament. I would like to share my experience with this pattern. First, the designer of this pattern (Frayed Knots) is obviously an accomplished pattern designer. The pattern is easy to read and spaced in a nice manner making it easier to understand. There is an abbreviation list and a materials list for those who need it.

The only thing that I would desire in this pattern is a way to create a holder or hanger for the tree. Some perhaps would use the handle as a hanger, but I do not find that too desirable. If you do, YAY! I do have a way to add a hanger if you would like to continue to read.

I did choose to use a size H hook instead of the recommended G hook simply because it was near me. This gave me a bigger ornament. If you want a smaller ornament, I do suggest using a G hook or even a F hook if you crochet loosely.

I chose to use burgundy as my main color as it is a deeper red simply because the color reminds me of Christmas. The "coffee" or "hot chocolate" color I chose is Cafe Latte by Red Heart. It works with either one as the coffee that I am around (but don't drink) is usually caramel in color. The only changes I did to the pattern for my own desires is adding a hanger and creating just a chain for the handle. It still looks good!

Here's the photos!

Looking down into the cup.

From more of the side.

This years and last year's cups!

Size comparison between a H hook and a G hook.

The smaller one is a G hook.

As you can see on the first two photos, I added a hanger. What I did was attach the red yarn at the final sl st and the beginning of the cup handle. I chained up 16 and reattached it to the same spot. This will give a tipped over look on the tree as if the coffee/hot chocolate is spilling out. As you can see, I did not make the marshmallows as these are "coffee" ornaments. I also chose not to overfill the red one, but you can see the effect of overfilling on the green one.

Would you like to know where these new ornaments are heading too?

Stay tuned for an update post!

Sarah

12 Weeks of Christmas - Week 1 Reveal

If you are like me, the weeks leading up to the holidays equals tons of stress and busyness. So, my plan has been to create one thing for each week leading up to Christmas in hopes to have something done. I do have a large family who loves receiving homemade ornaments, so my focus is usually geared toward that. In Week 1, I provided the pattern for a cute little Christmas stocking from Daisy & Her Things as a way to kick off the 12 Week Countdown. It is an easy pattern that eases everyone into Christmas making mode. Boy did it deliver.

Great factors

• Easy pattern to follow
• Quick project
• Scrap buster with no purchases required (only due to having yarn already)
• Serves multiple purposes (gift, hiding small gifts, and ornament)
• In U.S. Terminology

Bad factors

• The pattern does not give many instructions for beginner crocheters. Some may not know how to read a pattern.

Are you ready to see the finished product?

Here you go!

Not hanging up

Hanging up, but not on the tree.

Obviously, it is much too early to put them on the tree for photos in October. As it gets closer to Christmas, I will take some photos of them on the tree and update photos.

How did you enjoy this Week's ornament?

Sarah

12 Weeks of Christmas - Week 1

Week 1

Stocking Ornament

(http://daisyandherthings.wordpress.com/2011/10/05/free-pattern-little-christmas-stockings/)

As I attempted to create a balanced list of ornaments that represented the holidays for me, I came across this 2011 pattern by Daisy & Her Things - a cute little Christmas stocking! How could you not fall in love with this little guy or girl if you like? I am sure I made it previously, so I can be sure that this pattern is easy for all levels of skill.

Project Type: Scrap buster

Skill level: Easy/Beginners

Hook Size: G or H hook (I used H.)

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

Uses for finished product

• a small gift holder
• an ornament
• for small candies
• hiding candies on the tree
• a gift for someone special

This is a quick pattern that can be used to hide candies or other small trinkets on the Christmas tree. My mother in law use to do this with her sons when they were young. I have no experience with it as a child, but my husband has told me stories of finding tiny kisses and other things hidden on the tree almost like an Advent calendar activity.

Please check back on Monday to see the finished product. If you want to participate in this activity and submit a picture, please email them to dandecreation@gmail.com with a name and a photo. I will add them to the blog to share.

Sarah

12 Week Countdown to Christmas

Hello blog readers! If you are reading this, you may be searching for the perfect holiday craft to create for someone you love or for yourself. I know that as the days tick by and creep closer to Christmas that I begin loosing days I can craft toward my goal - a true homemade Christmas. Perhaps I inherited the gene, but sometimes I end up too stressed or busy to accomplish the goals I set each year regarding gifts and purchase some in the weeks leading up to the holidays. This year, I am preparing!

Beginning October 2nd, I will be posting a new ornament to crochet that should be usable by any skill level. The patterns I choose may be free and some may not be; however, the respective owners need to receive all credits. Please respect everyone and keep the patterns free by not copying and giving credit to the people who deserve it.

Throughout the weeks, this blog post will be updated to include every week of the countdown for an easy way to view the entire list. I will also label every post with Christmas Countdown. This new event will replace both the Make it Monday posts and the Throwback Thursdays posts.

I am so excited to be able to bring this countdown to you.

Here's how it works

• On Thursday, I will be providing a post that includes a link to the pattern and my goals for the end result. This will include a list of all materials necessary to complete the product.
• On Monday, I will post a picture of the finished product and my thoughts on the pattern or any changes or embellishments I did.

If you happen to want to participate by sending in photos, please do so by sending them to dandecreation@gmail.com. Remember to post a good photo and the name you want to be known by. I will post the pictures on my blog to show!

It is that simple! I post the pattern. I make the product. And I am one step closer (and you) to giving them as gifts around Christmas.

Planning on participating?

Sarah

Throwback Thursday - Reading what?

Hello friends!

Today is the day that I share some exploits of the past...and by exploits, I mean craft/crochet that I did. In the coming weeks, I am going to share some of my "firsts." By that, I mean that I am going to share with you the first time I completed a certain type of item. The horrible, the improved, and the best, in essence.

This week's share: My first designed kindle cover - Love Themed

I created this cover around Valentine's day as a product in my Etsy shop. It was never purchased. I am thinking about creating the pattern to sell on my Ravelry and Craftsy pattern stores. I have some ideas for a technology set. We shall see how that goes.

What was your first cover like?

Sarah

Throwback Thursday

Don't judge, but I am apparently on a Christmas kick. Yes...by the end of the year I will be entirely tired of Christmas and spent about 3-4 months not thinking about it until the realization that I am a) a crafter and b) me and thus, start working on projects, gifts, and products so I will be done early. I know! Exhausting.  But any good craft can tell you that getting things done early is better than scrambling last minute to accomplish a huge goal. My goals for Christmas? HUGE! Thanks to a large family. LOL!

Well, this week I wanted to share with you something that I really enjoyed doing and the story behind it. My mother LOVES handmade gifts. What mother doesn't? I know without a doubt that I can spent an afternoon or a weekend creating a handmade ornament in the first experimental phase with my mother loving it from the moment she sees it. Maybe it is a mother just bolstering her child. I highly doubt it though. Two years ago it was crocheted snowman ornaments. Last year, it was medallion ornaments.

When my husband left the Navy in 2010, we ended up staying with my parents for around 4 months as we had to move states and such. It was Christmas in July (crafter's paradise) and I wanted to start on my gifts. This was before I was selling. As a stress relief, I chose to make my mother something special. Since as long as I could remember, my mother would use a plastic tree skirt that would threaten to fall apart every year. Tradition yes, practicality, no. So that was my goal - a crocheted tree skirt.

Before that time, I had never made one. So I spent a few hours searching for a pattern that was simple, within my skill range of the time, and would be finished in time. Without fail, I found a good single crochet tree skirt that I could change the colors on (Red, Green, and White). I would stay in the room we were staying in attempting to crochet on this tree skirt without notice. Once I heard someone coming, I would scramble to put it away fast enough so the gift would be a surprise. The smile on her face was the best present of all.

I unfortunately cannot find the picture of it finished and around the tree; however, I have a picture of it almost finished.

Last year, I finally created a tree skirt for my own family in deep red, dark green, and white. It was a great experience. Slowly, we are moving away from commercialized gifts and products to handmade and local!

Do you have a similar story?

Sarah

INTRODUCING: A New Spring Pattern - Barbie One Shoulder Dress

Okay! I told you I am attempting to get my Spring Barbie Line ready and published so I can start on the summer, fall, and winter versions!  Well, I am introducing a new addition to the Spring Line.

The One Shoulder Dress

.

Short version

Back of medium

Medium

Here are the links to the published patterns! Available to purchase now. I will also crochet custom colors in this dress for sell in my Etsy shop!

Ravelry: http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/barbie-one-shoulder-dress
Craftsy: http://www.craftsy.com/pattern/crocheting/toy/barbie-one-shoulder-dress
Etsy: https://www.etsy.com/listing/186211763/pattern-barbie-one-shoulder-dress

Have a great day!

Sarah

Re-Release: Ball Gown for Barbie

Like previously mentioned, the two new patterns came from a decision to re-release and update my patterns. Want to see the pictures of the Ball Gown?

The newest pattern is available at all my stores!

What do you think? Aren't they just cute?!?

Sarah

New Patterns: Barbie Mini Ball Gown and Tea Length Ball Gown

For the last two days, my fingers have been crocheting like crazy. I have this insane notion that I need to revise and re-release my old patterns in the new format with new photos. This requires me to re-crochet the items to re-photograph. What was my first pattern choice for this, you ask?

Well, it was the Barbie Ball Gown. It was a floor length dress with alternating colors every two rows.

............................

Yeah, that is a lot of work! (rolls eyes)

I am not sure how I decided to make every two rows another color on a dress that had many stitches and went to the floor, even if it was just for Barbie.

So, for two days I have been selecting colors of yarn that I felt would photograph well. I stayed up later and began working first thing in the morning. With sore hands and wrists, I want to show you the newest patterns in my pattern stores and Etsy.

Barbie Tea Length Ball Gown

(armholes and halter)

Barbie Mini Ball Gown

(armholes and halter)

These two patterns are modifications to a previous pattern as mentioned but include two finishes: armholes and halter. I personally began falling in love with the way this dress falls and the halter option! If you are interested in purchasing, you can find it at Ravelry, Craftsy, and Etsy.

Have a wonderful day!

Sarah

The Essence of What I do

There was something weighing on my mind last night and the last few months. Something large that seems to be pushing at my soul. It's about my life, my passions, and about my business. I have struggled like many other small business owners in this economy. I have struggled with other crocheters undercutting my prices or offering the same items. For months, the struggles I faced trying to build up a reputation as a good designer and as a good seller seemed to bring me down further instead of uplift me. The fear of not succeeding weighed me perhaps the most.

What if I spent all this money and no one buys?

What if I upgrade this and redo that with no interest?

What if my customers have no interest in my patterns or items?

As months went by, those stones in my basket became heavier and heavier to bare. I continued to doubt myself. I changed this thing and that thing to increase business. I offered deal after deal with not one bite.

Through all that, I continued to see a quote about how long it really took to build a business and a brand. How many hours, heartaches, struggles, changes, and frustrations it took to build a worth while business....

Last night, it dawned on me.

I do not crochet, craft, or write because of other people. I do not sell items. I do not sell my time, my materials, or even a bunch of yarn knots made with a metal hook. I make and sell memories. I make and sell a connection between two people that will last a lifetime. I make and sell heirloom ornaments and dolls...that will withstand more than a few weeks of play at Christmas time. I make and sell that smile exchanged between two people....and the hug...and the heartfelt gratitude.

Most handmade sellers do the same. When you factor in the fees, the listing amounts, the time, energy, material costs...even the gas to get the materials, some of us barely break even trying to keep up with trends and the "best" price.

Well, no more! I want to maintain the very essence of why I do what I do - the memories, the hugs, the laughter, the smiles, the connection, and the heirloom that touches more than one generation.

So thank you, for sharing that with me. It means more than you know!

With lots of love,

Sarah

INTRODUCING: Barbie Sweater Dress

Today I am introducing one of my Spring Barbie Collection patterns. It will be available to purchase in all shops by the end of the day.

Barbie Sweater Dress

The inspiration of this pattern came from a pair of fingerless mittens I saw with a ribbing. It reminded me of the bottom cuff of a sweater! So, I developed the pattern to fit Barbie.

Want to see the pictures? Of course you do!

Look how cute! This cute dress will be available for purchase in my Etsy store soon. I have one available now; however, I do accept custom orders.

Looking forward to releasing new patterns,

Sarah