Review: Too Yarn Cute e-magazine

Subscriptions

Today I'm excited to share with you my thoughts on the Too Yarn Cute e-magazine.  Let's get this out of the way first - This is not a paid review.  I have not received anything to share my opinion other than the magazine itself to review.  This is my honest to goodness opinion.

Growing up, I watched my grandma and my mom crochet and mom taught me to crochet when I was 10.  Most of the things mom would crochet were just basic afghans using patterns found on the yarn wrappers.  She had a few small books from the store, but not many.  Grandma on the other hand subscribed to Hooked on Crochet and a couple of others from Annie's.  I have never actually subscribed to crochet magazines.  Grandma gave me her entire collection a year or so ago since she's not really using them anymore so between those and making my own designs,  I don't have a whole lot of time.  I do however like seeing the work of the many other amazing designers out there right now and follow them on different social sites. 

February WIP Challenge Results

I knew it, I knew it! ~ I knew I wasn't the only one who has a big WIP (work in progress) pile of projects.
Last week, I issued the challenge on my FaceBook page to post a photo of WIP's.  Everyone was given the weekend to complete as many of the projects in the photos as possible. 
This is what we accomplished from the challenge:

 This is the pile I began with on Friday.  10 projects and most have been in a box for at least a year.  The  Patriotic afghan has sat the longest, so I knew I wanted to tackle that for sure.  Then the White and blue Diamond Capelet was started when I was designing the pattern and I'm not sure why I didn't just finish it.  I had my 5yr old try it on and it was just the right length.  All I had to do was add the border and ties...WHY was that so hard???

Crafting Friends

Featured Crafter: Little Luvies Shop

Good Monday morning everyone.  I hope you all had a wonderful weekend.

I'm happy to introduce you to another wonderful friend I have come to know through Crochet.  Jennifer  is the gal behind Little Luvies Shop and has been a tester for me since day. She has been a huge support through all my ups and downs.  Jennifer also designs on her own, so I hope you will take some time to visit some of her social sites and see what she is up to.

An unfinished project with one question in mind - Keep going or turn it into something else?

Isn't it funny how the mind works?  When the creative juices start flowing,  it's hard to focus on anything else but that next design that you are dieing to work up!  As I was looking for a crochet book to reference an afghan pattern to here on the blog,  I had to move a box of unfinished projects out of my way.  Uggghh!  The Guilt and the dread that I felt - well....It was sad :( 

I bet it's been close to 1 1/2 years ago that I started a small Red, White and Blue afghan.  Really,  it's like a baby sized afghan and it's still sitting in my pile - I know, I have issues.  I have always worked really small bubble style stitches and I thought it would be fun to try a larger popcorn type of a stitch. I had a good sized stash of Red Heart Super Saver Yarn  and I kept telling myself that I needed to use the stash up before I go out and buy any more.  In all seriousness,  do you know any hookers who clean out their stash of yarn before buying more?   I don't.  And don't let anyone fool you - they probably have some yarn hidden in the closet or under the bed. This pattern was fun at first.  I just made it all up as I went along my merry way.  Nothing spectacular, just some good ole simple, mindless stitches. Then....Creativity struck!!! Now, I don't know what it was that made me put the afghan aside, but I had to get those fingers moving on . 

New Crochet Pattern Release - Ribbon Candy Afghan

Ribbon Candy Afghan

Are you as excited as I am?  Welcome the Ribbon Candy Afghan to the collection!
This afghan is worked C2C (corner to corner) and directions are for a finished size of 40"x40" with instructions on how to easily adjust to the size of your choice.  It is such a fun design and would make a great addition to any room.  This actual afghan will be a gift to my youngest sister for her baby coming this year.  I can't wait for her to see it! 

New Pattern Release: Diagonal Weave Skirt

Since our Featured Crafter for the week is Jennifer from Crochet By Jennifer, why not have a little something extra to celebrate?

Introducing my latest design - the Diagonal Weave Skirt crochet pattern. This skirt was designed to coordinate from Jen's latest collection and it has an amazing texture to it!  The diagonal weave is NOT a pattern for beginners.  It is more an Intermediate/Experienced level and the results are fantastic!  I love the look of this skirt in a single color and in multi colors. 
What's that?  You want to know what sizes it comes in?  Well, you're in luck!  The skirt includes directions for sizes 18" doll clear to Child 12.  A wonderful addition to any pattern collection.  Snag one of the amazing designs from Jennifer and you have a Perfect Mommy and Me set to make for your little girl, granddaughter or even for gifts.
Through February 22nd, you can get $2 off your purchase of the Diagonal Weave Skirt pattern on www.craftingfriendsdesigns.com
Click on any of the photos with a hat or bonnet below to be taken to that pattern in Crochet by Jennifer's Craftsy Shop.

Pink and Purple Diagonal Weave Skirt

American Girl Sized Diagonal Weave Skirt and Diagonal Weave Baby Bonnet

Diagonal Weave Skirt Pattern

Diagonal Weave Skirt and Beanie/Newsboy Hat

Diagonal Weave Beanie or Newsboy pattern

Featured Crafter: Crochet By Jennifer

I am jumping up and down with excitement!  As many of you know, I've been collaborating with Crochet by Jennifer.
Last summer, she called for testers on her page and I filled out her form.  She is extremely talented and I love working with other designers.  Jennifer usually does not have other designers test for her and I can completely understand that, but lucky for me,  a few of the gals who know both of us talked her into letting me join.  We hit it off and get along great because we have respect for one another and will not cross boundaries when it comes to items to design.  We  have come to find out that we are a lot alike and I appreciate the opportunity to design dresses and other clothing to match her wonderful creativity!
Now that you know how we met,  it is my pleasure to introduce you to her. 

Lion & Lioness baby bonnet

What is your main business focus?  

Designing crochet patterns. I no longer sell custom orders as I found it took too much time away from designing. I just want to continually grow and improve. Lately I've been going back and re-writing all my older patterns because I've learned so much in the past couple of years. 

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

Kylie Baby Cocoon

I am most proud of the fact that I have turned something I love doing into a successful career and that I can stay home with my younger daughter. My job doesn't even feel like work to me because I love it so much. The fact that I can earn a living doing what I do is just a bonus to me. I love the fact that my husband is proud of me too, and tells people all about my work. 

  

What is something you struggle with?

Finding enough time in the day to do everything I want to do! My "list" of things to design is so long I'll never see the end of it. I also struggle with time management and making sure I work on all aspects of my business equally. My Facebook page, blog, website, etc are things that I would like to build up even more in the future so I can always be interacting with people and sharing my patterns.

 

Star Stitch Infinity Scarf Cowl

 What advice would you give someone starting out?

Take the time to learn your craft thoroughly. I rushed into designing a little too quickly and I had no idea how it would snowball. I wish I'd gotten into it a little more slowly and tried more patterns before I started selling my own designs. My own personal ethic is that I don't view other designer's patterns because I don't want to be influenced or feel that I am copying, but I wish I had seen more of what was out there before I joined the designing crowd. There are several designers whose work I admire, but I have never tried their patterns.

 

Arrowhead Beanie

 Is there someone in the craft community that you admire and why?

Vita of Mon Petit Violon. I think her designs are gorgeous and she's a lovely person. :)

Thank you Jennifer for taking your time to share a little about who you are. I've heard of Mon Petit Violon and I've even seen her designs floating around on different social media sights. I had to go check out her FaceBook page and sadly, I wasn't a fan - Until now :) I have to agree, she has some amazing designs!

Well, there you have it in a nutshell. She is such an amazing designer and I'm thrilled that we are working together. If you are not a fan of her's yet, check out her other shops and become a fan on Facebook.

Crochet by Jennifer.com

Crochet by Jennifer Ravelry Shop

Crochet by Jennifer Craftsy Shop 

Crochet by Jennifer Etsy Shop

You can find all Designer Collaborations on my site, but here are a few.

 Katrina Cloche    

Kate Baby Bonnet

Karma Baby Bonnet

Vintage Star Baby Bonnet

Ashlee Beanie

Primrose Baby Bonnet

A Quick project to thank our Service Men and Women

Beanies for Bravery

Do you ever see the news and the things that our military have to go through and think... "I really wish I could do more to help those who put their lives on the line for our freedoms everyday" ???

I know I have.  It just doesn't feel like enough to say thank you to those we see on the street or in the store who have or are serving our wonderful country.  I have met an amazing woman who has set up a great way for us to help and it's so simple,  I am kicking my self in the behind that I have not jumped in to  help before now. 

Beanies for Bravery is a project that Heidi from Snappy Tots has put together.  She collects beanies (specific colors and sizes) along with thank you notes and sends them to the many men and women who are serving.  If you Crochet or Knit and even if you don't, you can still help out.  It is so simple and honestly a quick project and even 1 thing can make the world of difference.  Click on the photo to be taken to Snappy Tots project information page

Ribbon Candy Afghan pattern coming soon!

I am absolutely THRILLED and very humbled at the response I have received to my latest design.  To wake up and see that so many of you have "Pinned" it, well, I was blown away! 
Here is it's Official Debut to my collection and it will be released next week.
Update:  this pattern is now available here: www.craftingfriendsdesigns.com

The Ribbon Candy Afghan

Ribbon Candy Afghan

Ribbon Candy Afghan

This is such a fun and warm design and I can't wait to give this afghan to my nephew who will be arriving this July.  This is worked C2C using Red Heart Soft Yarn and it is easily becoming one of my "Go-To" yarns.


As you know,  I have been designing a variety of items using this same stitch sequence.  My Ribbon Candy 18" Doll Dress was the first to be released and has been a fun addition to my doll sized dress collection also.

Ribbon Candy 18" Doll Dress

Then came the Ribbon Candy Infant Dress sizes and look how cute it is on a baby!

Ribbon Candy Infant Dress

Ribbon Candy Infant Dress

In addition to the Ribbon Candy Afghan pattern, I also have 2 Scarf designs and a Cowl that will all be released by the end of this month. 

Ribbon Candy V Scarf

Ribbon Candy Infinity Cowl

Ribbon Candy Scarf

There is so much more in the works right now and I hope you enjoy them all as much as I do!
To view more Crafting Friends Designs AND to enter Daily for your chance to win a free pattern during the month of February, please visit my website www.craftingfriendsdesigns.com

Featured Crafter: Live Laugh Love Crochet

Good morning my friends.  Are you ready to meet another crafter? 
This week, you will be able to get to know Nancy Creek from Live Laugh Love Crochet
Nancy has been testing my designs for a few months and I'm excited to get to know her better along with you!



 



What is your main business focus?

Live Laugh Love on ravelry

     My main focus is just doing something that I love for my kids, family, friends and others who appreciate my work. I started crocheting 5 years ago right before I had my son. He was my inspiration. I wanted to make him a blanket.  Nothing fancy, just a plain baby blanket. Now here I am 5 years later reading/writing patterns making dresses, pillows, graph-ghans, and so much more. All of this is thanks to my family and friends for their encouraging words. 

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

My greatest accomplishment thus far would have to be meeting all the other wonderful crocheters that I have come to know and call my friends. They have accepted me into their lives and I just love being apart of the community.

What is something you struggle with?

TIME! Time is always a struggle when you have children and families to care for. I seriously need more hours in the day to create at least half of the wonderful things I see.  I have tested patterns for numerous designers but I test for 3 different ladies on a regular basis and LOVE their designs. I can not get enough of them hence the reason I struggle with time lol.

Rachel's Shell Cloche Pattern

What advice would you give someone starting out?

Hmmm, first thing first NEVER GIVE UP!!! Ever. If you are working on a difficult pattern take a deep breath and walk away. Come back to it in a couple hours or even the next day. If someone tries to discourage you stand tall and prove them wrong. You can create anything if you set your mind to it.

Mommy & Me Hat and Infinity Scarf Pattern

Is there someone in the craft community that you admire and why?

Well to be honest I admire all my fellow crafters. They all make wonderful creations in their own way. If I had to choose 3 people they would be my dearest friend Rylie of Mother Dear Crochet, Colleen of Tricity Hokes Creations, and Kate of Crafting Friends Designs. These 3 ladies have been very understanding with me and have talked me through a lot of things. They are always sweet and there when I need to talk or help on a pattern. 

Thanks Nancy for sharing with us.  Good luck in your new adventures and keep up the good work!
Now that you know Nancy a little better,  here is a link to her blog
www.livelaughlovecrochet.weebly.com

live.laugh.love.crochet@gmail.com

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

-----------------------------
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)