February 2014 CAL

UPDATE: Thank you to everyone who participated in the CAL!  It was so fun to work with you and I hope you will join me again for future CAL's.
If you joined in and would like a copy of the PDF pattern, please email me a photo of your progress so far along with your Raverly ID if you have one and I will send you a copy through Raverly.

This pattern is also available on www.craftingfriendsdesigns.com

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Happy February everyone! Are we excited to get this thing rolling?

First,  I want to say thank you for joining me.  It's always fun to work along side other crocheters and to see everyone's progress along the way.  I can't wait to see the colors everyone chooses.
What I'm going to do is keep this as a single post so that if you are off a day, it will be easy to jump back in without having to search for another post :)

Here are the materials required in case anyone joins in a after day 1. 

This will require 3 colors of yarn. It can be your brand preference as long as it's a #4 WW yarn.
       I have used Red Heart Super Saver for mine.  You could also use Caron Simply Soft, Red Heart Soft,
       Vanna's Choice or something similar
             1. Your first color needs to be dark. Color C
             2. Your second color needs to be a lighter shade of your first color. Color B
             3. Your third color needs to be a neutral.  Color A
                  For example:  Windsor Blue, Country Blue, Aran
                                        Dark Sage, Light Sage, Aran
                                        Claret, Dusty Rose, Cream
Yarn Qty: Small - 6oz each color
                Med -  12oz each color
                Large - 18oz each color Hook size: H (this is what I use, but again, you can use the hook size you are most comfortable with as the pattern will work for any size.

Here is what we are working on the "Camo Afghan"

 Tip:  So you don't have so many ends to weave in at the end, work over the beginning "tail" as you start each new section

I keep hearing of more and more friends joining in and it puts a smile on my face :)

What do you think so far?  I love playing with color combinations for this design!  (Can you tell?)
The green one was perfect for my little nephew, the pink one I started for my mom and the blue one...well, I don't know yet but I'm sure it will go to a happy home.

Now,  If you haven't already,  Make sure you go to my website and enter daily for my Freebie February I am hosting to celebrate my birthday this month.  Every day, I will draw another winner for their CFD individual pattern of choice.  Click on this link to take you to the form www.craftingfriendsdesigns.com

AND,  we are joined in the Hookin On Hump Day with Moogly fun last week.  If you have a moment,  hop on over to see what other wonderful blogs you can find!

  Feb 12th update on my afghan:

Featured Crafter: Loops of Love

As many of you know,  I love to collaborate with other designers!  This is how I first met Lisa from Loops of Love.  I had designed my Emerald City   Dress pattern  and she happened to design a cute      little Cora Couture Bonnet around the same time that matched perfectly. 

Lisa is such a sweetheart and I'm happy to count her as one of my many friends I have been blessed to meet through crochet.  So, I would love for you to get to know a little more about her also.

Elise Slouch 

What is your main business focus?  

Although I do take custom orders, my main focus is designing. I really love learning new stitches and seeing how I can turn it into a new design. I also sell finished items at a local artisan shop, Griffin’s Studio. Loops of Love on Etsy

Serenity Hat

What is your greatest accomplishment or what are you most proud of? 

I taught myself to crochet when my grandson was born.  I loved it so  much and was making so many things that I decided to start my Loops of Love Facebook page to sell some of the items. That, in itself, was a big accomplishment to me. 

I never thought I would be designing my own patterns.  Stepping out and giving that a try and now having over 60 patterns in my shops has been my greatest accomplishment. 

What is something you struggle with? 
My biggest struggle is definitely time management. I get so distracted so easily and have found that the best way to stay focused is to have a list with goals. 

Crissy Headwrap

What advice would you give someone starting out? 
First of all, just have fun. Remember why you started crocheting in the first place. Second, don’t compare yourself or your sales to anyone else. Learn what works for you and stay focused on that.



Is there someone in the craft community that you admire and why?  
When I first started my shop, I “met” Melanie from 3 Boys and a Ball of Yarn. She started out like I did by selling finished items on her Facebook page. She later started designing her own patterns. The fact that she finds time to work a “regular” job, raise 3 boys and be a crochet designer is such an inspiration. I love her work , and she’s a truly amazing person, as well. 

Elise Cowl

Thank you Lisa for taking your time to let us put a name and a face behind the business name.
Now that you know a little more about Lisa, you can check out her patterns on her other Social sites. 

Loops of Love on Craftsy

Loops of Love on Ravelry

 Loops of Love on Twitter 

Freebie February Day 2

Since my birthday is in February,  I've decided to have some fun and give you a chance to win a gift!
Each day, I will post a new question.  All you have to do is answer that question correctly and you will be entered in a daily drawing.  The winner will receive a free pattern of choice (collections not included) from my shop.

Comment below with the answer to the following question.

Who in the crochet community does Jonna look up to?

(comments are moderated, so they will not show up today)