Independence Day Contest

Have you started your Independence Day set for our contest yet?

I'm starting to see photos of dress sets for this contest and am so excited!  Very cute and creative options.  I cant wait to start posting photos.

This is another example of what I'm looking for.  This is my Diamond baby dress that I made with a pair of sandals. The sandal pattern was in a book that my grandma gave me but I didn't completely like it, so I made some adjustments. 

To enter, all you have to do is make one of my dresses and an accessory to make a baby set. Email a photo to craftingfriends4you@yahoo.com by June 25th.  Entries will be judged by an independent group and the winner announced on July 1st.  Winner will receive their choice of $25 Etsy gift card to be used in any shop which accepts them, or $25 to spend in any shop on Ravelry, or a $25 Michaels gift card.

The more participation I see, the more prizes I will add :)  Please help spread the word so we can make this a huge success.

Thanks
Kate

Independence Day Contest 2013

Since I have had the opportunity to work with some other designers and come up with some cute baby sets, I thought it would be fun to have a few contests throughout the year using not only my patterns, but patterns by other designers to make the perfect Holiday baby sets.

This will be the first contest and hopefully there will be enough participation to make it fun and enable us to have more.

Rules:
1. Make one of my dresses in colors and/or using embellishments that would be perfect for the 4th of July holiday. All of my patterns can be found here: Crafting Friends Pattern Store

2. Also, make an item to go with the dress to make it a set.  The 2nd item could be a hat/bonnet, baby shoes/sandals, a blanket....Just something  extra that would help make photos or the gift more fun. Links to matching patterns are posted below. You do not have to stick to this list, it is there to show the options.

3. You agree to give Crafting Friends permission to use the photos entered. It would be fun to have the dresses modeled, but is not required. If a model is used, please make sure I have permission to also use the photos on my blog, FB page, or other sites I sell patterns on.

4. Photos must be emailed to me at craftingfriends4you@yahoo.com by the 22nd of June in order to be entered. Please make sure your name and the name of the patterns/designer you used for your project are listed so I can give credit to those designers also.

5. I will add all photos on the blog and also share them on my Face Book page for 1 week to give everyone time to see them. Each project will be numbered and then voted for by an independent group. Winner will be announced on July 1st.

6. Winner will receive their choice of $25 Etsy Gift Certificate (can be used in any Etsy shop which accepts them) OR $25 Gift card to Michaels OR I will buy $25 worth of patterns on Ravelry for you.  Winner will only have 48 hours to claim their prize or a new winner will be chosen.

Here are links to the other patterns that match some of my dress patterns

The Addie Hat by Frayed Knot

 Cora Couture Bonnet by Loops of Love

Swirly Whirly Hat by Little Luvies Shop 

Swirly Whirly Barefoot Sandals by Little Luvies Shop 

 Miss Priss Baby Legs by Heidi's Hook

 Snap Dragon Hat by Made by MTL

Vintage Vine Hat by Frayed Knot

Vintage Star Baby Bonnet by Crochet by Jennifer

Star Stitch Diaper Cover by Crochet by Jennifer

Ashlee Cloche by Crochet by Jennifer

New Arrival and a crazy life

It's been a while since I've posted.  There has been so much going on this last month with my family and I don't seem to have time to get what I would like done. Slowly, things are getting back to normal and I will try and post more often. 

We welcomed our 4th little girl into our family on April 15th.  Kensley Lenora is a beautiful healthy baby and we are very blessed to have her in our lives. The labor and delivery went well and she came fast. What was unexpected was the issues that I had after they took me to my room.  Luckily, I was in a good hospital with a fantastic doctor and wonderful nurses that were quick to take care of me.  I ended up staying an extra night so they could keep an eye on me.

The not so fabulous part of staying that extra night was that my oldest daughter was in a car accident that night and was not wearing her seatbelt.  She hit her head on the windshield and ended up in the back seat of the car she was in. While I was in the hospital with the baby, she was in another hospital's ER 30 miles away.  Luckily, she was able to walk away with just bruises on her knees and a very sore head. 

She was definitely watched over that night. Lots of prayers were said for us that week and I am so blessed to have an amazing family and wonderful neighbors who jumped in to help us out.

With a new baby, and watching my 3yr old nephew during the week along with my 3 & 4 yr olds, I'm a little slower at designing. I do have a new dress which will be released next week. This was inspired by the Ashlee Cloche & the vintage-star-baby-bonnet patterns by Crochet by Jennifer.

Right now, it will be relesaed in infant sizes. Toddler and /child sizes will follow :)

Pattern Test for Crochet by Jennifer

Hello everyone.  I hope you all have had a good start to the week.  Still no baby yet :(  We thought we were going to have it late Friday night, but weren't that lucky.  So to keep myself busy (on top of taking care of the toddlers)  I was able to do a little bit of yardwork before the storms rolled in.  I have also had the chance to test a pattern for another designer  Crochet by Jennifer .  She has some really cute designs and I'm hoping to work with her on some baby sets.  I have worked with 5-6 other designers in the past where I have designed a dress to match their hat - or, they have designed something that matches one of my dresses.  It is so much fun!

I am not a fan of taking photos of myself, but needed to get some to show the results of the pattern test.  This is the Ainsley Slouchy that Jennifer designed and the pattern is available here: Ainsley Hat on Ravelry.  It works up quickly, is easy to follow and has many sizes to choose from. 

 I also tested the Toddler size for her and had Brooklynn model for me.  I love this little girl! 

Ready for Summer?

The weather has started to change in my area :)  It's exciting to see all the flowers blooming.  Though we are still getting some nice little rainstorms (which we need), the days are getting warmer.  I can't wait to get out my patio furniture, clean out the pond and waterfall and relax outside with a new baby enjoying a little crochet work and the girls playing. 

Photo by: S bar O Photography

With the warmer weather soon upon us, many crocheters are starting to work up some lighter patterns.  My Princess Britt patterns are a big hit and I can't wait to see what colors everyone chooses to use!  I also have the Swirly Whirly Sundress patterns that are perfect for summer.  I've decided to offer a sale for the set of patterns.  Through April 11th, you can get both Swirly Whirly patterns which will include instructions for sizes Newborn to Childs 8 for $5.50 along with a diaper cover pattern for infants.  Basically, it's a buy 1 get 1 free deal - you can't beat that!

Here is the link to the patterns on Craftsy: Swirly Whirly Pattern Pack on Craftsy

It's also available on Ravelry: Crafting Friends on Ravelry  You will just need to add both patterns to your cart and the discount will automatically be given at checkout.






Also, the month of April is Autism Awareness month.  A friend of mine has compiled some items and crochet patterns that can be purchased with part of the proceeds going to this cause.  If you have a moment, please check out her album and let her know I sent you. Autism Awareness by Yarning for More

Have a beautiful spring weekend my friends!

1st Professional Photos

I am thrilled that I finally found a local photographer to work with on taking photos of my designs.  I wish I had photos of my things done from day 1 - but I'm not looking back.  These photos are amazing and really show off the Butterfly Garden Overlay and Afghan. 

If you have a minute, stop by Nicole Nelson Photography and check out her work. 

I can't wait to add these photos to my new patterns.  Both the Afghan and the Overlay should be released by Saturday.  I will have them on sale individually and as a set and will share the link as soon as it is up and running. 

Happy Easter Weekend my friends! 

Spring is in the air

Good evening my friends :)  I hope you are all off to a wonderful start to your week.  So far this year has been a roller coaster for getting sick around our house and it's all been different issues.  Right now, with the snow melted and the trees starting to bud there is quite a bit of pollen in the air and we all have allergies.  Never fun, but we will get through it! 

I love the change of seasons.  Each one helps me appreciate the others.  I am so excited to see the flowers popping up all over our gardens.  Last week, my husband and 2 little girls planted peas and carrots.  They LOVE being able to go out and pick fresh peas to just snack on.  With the baby due in just over 2 weeks and my allergies being terrible, I wasn't able to go out and help.  I'm hoping that once the baby is here, I will be able to get some more treatments and  get over the pollen, weeds and grass allergies...crossing my fingers it works.

Last year, I started designing a butterfly dress.  I designed this beaded one and wrote the pattern down, but it wasn't "exactly" what I wanted.  So, this one has never been typed up and I'm not sure I know where all of the notes are for it now.

I started another one in pink with the butterfly on the shoulder, but when it came to the skirt, I wasn't sure what I really wanted.  I still have the top, but it was put away until the design could just come to me.  It seems like that usually happens at night when I should be sleeping...I started keeping a paper and pen by my bed just in case an idea hit me and I could write it down.  That doesn't work though since my husband has the lamp on his side of the bed and with his work schedule, I don't want to bother him. 


Finally, after completing the tuxedo pattern, I had an idea.  This is my latest dress design.  The "Butterfly Garden Overlay"

I wanted to try some different types of yarn, so the first one I made used baby yarn and the skirt wasn't full enough.  This one is made using cotton and ended up to big.  It wouldn't be bad if the hook size is adjusted down, but the cotton is harder to work with and takes longer.  I made 2 others using Bernat Softee Baby yarn and really liked them.  I will have to share photos later. 

Of course, after I sent the dress pattern out to be tested, I HAD to make a baby afghan to go with this dress to make it a set!  I am so happy with how it turned out.  I have taken the set to a professional photographer to get some better photos for the pattern and can't wait to see what she comes up with.  

Both patterns should be released this weekend :)

 

X Stitch Afghan Pattern

It has been a while since I have gone through some of my old patterns.  I was asked if Allfreecrochet.com could publish one of my patterns in an Ebook they are working on.  I figured I had better look at it again before they used it and I'm glad I did!

The pattern has been updated and makes better sense than it had.  I made a new afghan and was able to get a better photo :)


**This post contains Affiliate Links**

Yellow & Blue X Stitch Afghan Pattern

X Stitch Afghan

An ad free / printable pdf of this pattern is available here for a small fee: www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/388585

Stitches:

Sl St – Slip Stitch 
Sk - Skip                                            
Ch – Chain                                                                                           St – Stitch (es)
DC – Double Crochet

HDC Chainless Foundation     

Materials: Size H hook
       18oz Caron Simply Soft Yarn or 4ww

Size: 35" x 27" or customize by working the foundation chain in multiples of 3 + 2

Gauge: 4 DC & 2 Rows = 1"

Begin with a 137 HDC Chainless Foundation.

If you have not used a chainless foundation, you can learn how through this photo tutorial

Row 1: Ch 3, turn, Skip next 2 Sts, DC in next 2 Sts, DC back in 2^nd skipped St, *Sk 1 St, DC in next 2 Sts, DC back in skipped St* Repeat from *to* across, sk next st, DC in end St. (45 X stitches made) 

Row 2: Ch 3, turn, Sk next 2 Sts, DC in next 2 Sts, DC back in 2nd skipped St, *Sk next St, DC in next 2 Sts, DC back in skipped St* Repeat *to* across, sk next st, DC in end Ch 3

 


Rows 3-48: Repeat Row 2 (x will match up with x in lower rows)

Fasten off and edge with your favorite edge pattern

Announcing the "Jackson Tuxedo Set" pattern release

Good afternoon to all my friends!  I hope your week has been a good one so far and wishing you a fantastic weekend.  I have had a very long week as  being 7 1/2 months pregnant and watching my 2 toddlers and my toddler nephew all week can wear a gal out...But I wouldn't change it for the world.  I love them all :)

I really am excited to release this pattern.  I honestly have wanted to design a tuxedo for a while but was worried that I would be disappointed in my own efforts.  Thankfully, I tried anyway and I love how it turned out.

This pattern is for 0-3 months only.  Jacked, pants and bow tie instructions are all included.  This is an intermediate crochet pattern, though I do have photos to help and I do offer support if needed.

Jackson Tuxedo Crochet Pattern by Crafting Friends Designs

I will have the pattern on a "Release Sale" through Sunday evening here:  Jackson Tuxedo Set on Craftsy

Thanks for all your support!  I would love to hear what you think about this newest pattern.
Kate

Update:  Pattern available on Crafting Friends Designs.com/store

Shelby Beanie by Loops of Love

I have finished up the "Jackson" Tuxedo pattern set and am just waiting for feedback and photos from my testers.  While I am waiting, I enjoy being able to test crochet patterns for other designers.  Last weeks pattern I tested was the Shelby Beanie by Lisa of Loops of Love.  It is such a cut pattern and very quick and easy to work up.  I have had these Lady Bug buttons for quite some time and really wanted to use one for a project.  This worked up perfectly and my girls LOVE it!
The hat pattern is available here: Shelby Beanie on Craftsy

This hat is made using Cotton yarn and is light and airy - perfect for spring and warmer days.  The flower is a combination of 2 patterns I have.  The red flower is the Croco Flower by Bonita Patterns.  The White flower is called the Large Gerbera found in this book 200 Crochet Flowers Embellishments &Trims.

If you like to crochet, Loops of Love has many other darling patterns to try out. 

Hope you are off to a good and warm week my friends!
Kate