Monday, January 13, 2014

Ribbon Candy Infant Dress

It is so exciting to see things coming together.  I have such a good feeling about this year!  My latest design is quickly turning into the Ribbon Candy collection.  I just can't get enough of this pattern and all the options.  It started with the American Girl sized dress (which my girls love) and we are working on finishing up the infants sizes right now in order to release it this week.  I'm just waiting for a little more feedback from testers and some wonderful photos from Ashlee Parkinson Photography and badah bing badah bang - it'll be ready!

Here is a look at the fabulous work during the testing process.  I love seeing all the color variations that these lovely ladies come up with!  What do you think? 
What do you say to having some fun while we wait?  For your chance to win a free copy of the Infant size Ribbon Candy dress, Enter through Rafflecopter.
You will need to leave a comment on this post letting me know what 2 colors you would use to make this dress and be a fan of Crafting Friends on Facebook in order to be counted.  There are other options to earn extra entries, so don't miss out on that chance.

NOTICE: If you comment as anonymous, you will need to add your name so that I can contact you if you win.  
https://www.facebook.com/LLLCrochet

Becky Cannon

https://www.facebook.com/LittleLuvies

Angela Henson

Noelle Christensen

Crafting Friends Designs

Crafting Friends Designs

Thursday, January 9, 2014

Ribbon Candy Dress

Thank you to Samantha Cook for naming my new design!  This was such a fun pattern to work up and I love it so much that I am designing an entire collection with it :)

The 1st is the American Girl Doll Sizes dress which will fit any generic 18" doll and Preemie babies.  It is available for a discount through the end of this week on my website Crafting Friends Designs only.
The Infant size dresses are being tested right now and Toddler and possible child sizes will be following shortly.  Along with the dress, I plan on designing a scarf and cowl to be in the same pattern, an afghan, possibly boot cuffs, leg warmers and a headband and maybe even the infant vest.  So many ideas! 

Here are some of the dresses that were made by my wonderful testers.  I love how switching colors on different rows will give this such a different look!



Crafted by MWA

Little Luvies Shop

Angela Henson

Becky Cannon

Martha Shaw

Martha Shaw

Dulcy Harris

Sunday, January 5, 2014

Featured Crafter: Frayed Knot

Happy New Year my friends!  I hope you all had a fabulous holiday season and were able to stay warm and safe.   I am excited for the changes that are going on with Crafting Friends Designs this year.  To kick things off, I would love to introduce you to an amazing friend and Crochet designer. I will be featuring the many talented people I have been blessed to meet through my business about twice a month. They give me the inspiration and sometimes strength I need to keep on pushing on.

Meet Jonna from Frayed Knot.  I have known Jonna for a few years now.  I believe that the first time I spoke with her was when she asked about my NFL mohawk logos.  She seemed very sweet and I was happy to help her out.  Around this same time,  I was making infant dresses but not yet writing up the patterns.  I had shared a photo of my peach Ribbon & Lace Dress on a Face Book crafting page and received so many requests for the pattern that I decided I  better start writing them.  Jonna was one of about 12 amazing women who started testing for me.  I am always excited to see the colors she uses because they are always fun and beautiful!  I know you will Love Frayed Knot when you read a little bit about her...
Frayed Knot Website

What is the main focus of your business:
          My main business focus is pattern writing. I want to continue to get better and better. I also want to push myself to learn more and to think outside the box. Currently I'm working on getting my website up and running and trying to make my business more cohesive. I started off crocheting and taking orders and now I found my niche in pattern writing. It's truly become a passion of mine!




 What is your greatest accomplishment or what are you most proud of?
           I think my greatest accomplishment would be having the opportunity to be a part of Design Wars. This venue has opened up so many doors for my business and made me want to be a better designer. Having the awesome experience of getting to know some of the "greats" in the crochet world and learning from them has been such an honor! When I was first approached when DW started I knew right away it was something I needed to be a part of. I was in a design funk and you can say it helped bring me back to life!

 What is something you struggle with?
           I struggle with time management! Can I get an amen?? I have a lot going on. I homeschool my 2 amazing boys, I lead a weekly women's Bible study, on top of just the "normal" MOM & WIFE duties, and then I run Frayed Knot. Sometimes the business has to take a backseat so I can play catch up on life. And that's ok with me! I never want FK to become a burden on my life or my family. I enjoy the freedom of designing what I want, when I want. Now... do I need to perfect the art of list making??...Maybe
Frayed Knot on Pinterest

 What advice would you give someone starting out?
           My advice would be for anyone starting out, whether it's selling finished items or patterns, picture quality makes ALL the difference in the world! I would really encourage you to find a photographer you can work with or invest in a good camera and learn to take your own photos. You will be surprised the difference it will make and the more attention your business will receive.

 Is there someone in the craft community that you admire and why?
           I really admire and adore Tara from Mamachee *Crochet Makes Me Happy!. I seriously want to be her when I grow up ;) Her designs are super fun and her patterns are extremely well written but behind all the gorgeousness of her work is an amazingly awesome lady! So nice and always willing to help and answer questions. So blessed to have "met" her!

Isn't she Fantastic?  Here are some links to help you enjoy her beautiful work and talent. 
Frayed Knot on Craftsy          Frayed Knot on Ravelry          Frayed Knot on Etsy