Coming Soon - Lemon Lime Summer Collection

I finally did it!!!  This is the first pattern that I have been able to keep under wraps until it was ready for release :)  Usually, I get so excited about my new designs that I can't wait to share photos with everyone and considering my lack of photo talent - it's not really a good thing. 

My Lemon Lime Summer Collection will be released on Monday July 29th.  I am doing something different this time and releasing all sizes and all variations in the same pattern.  It is something that has been asked for and because it really is a simple pattern with just a few variations, it was easy to do.  This collection includes a Skirt, Dress and Summer Top with instructions for sizes Newborn - Child's 12.  I hesitate slightly on the dresses for the older kids because they can become heavy from the amount of yarn required, but I have it as an option.

I have really liked working with Cotton this summer.  It is a first for me.  Cotton just seems harder to work with - it doesn't slip through each stitch as easily as acrylic does and I wasn't sure I would continue using it after my first projects.  I have used several different brands and they each have good and not so good traits to them.  Red Heart's Creme de la Creme is what I have started using more of.  It is on the thinner side of cotton, but it's not so hard on my shoulders when using it - AND,  Here are the results...

 

Something else I haven't usually done with a pattern release is give a copy away. Well,  we are going to change that with this release :)  From now until Sunday night, you can enter my Giveaway for a chance to win your copy.  I will draw 1 winner for every 10 fans who enter. 

Good luck!

Inspiration struck

It's been a while since I've had a good run of inspiration.  Yes, I've been able to design a few things here and there, but I finally feel like I'm back in the groove of things.  Now, if there were more hours in the day to actually work them all up.  Right now, I have 3 patterns being tested and I'm doing something slightly different with them.  I will be releasing these as a Lemon Lime Summer Collection and including all sizes (newborn - childs 12) in 1 release and it will include directions for a Summer Top, Skirt and Dress.  I'm really excited about this.  Normally, I would seperate them out and release them by Infant, Toddler and Child with a discount for purchasing all 3.  I asked Crafting Friends fans on Face Book how they would like to purchase a pattern and gave a couple of options.  This is what was requested the most.  With that many sizes and items, it could potentially be confusing to others.  I'm hoping with the help of my fabulous pattern testers that we have made it the best it can be and worked out all the kinks along the way so that it will be easy to follow now. 

Keep an eye out over the next week for it's release.  You won't want to miss this one!

Fall 2013 Pattern Set Contest

Our next contest is about to begin. The theme for this one is "All Things Fall"

What you need to do is make one of my dresses in Autumn colors/embelishments and Also an accessory from another designer to make it a set. Examples are a hat, bonnet, leggings, shoes, headbands, blanket...etc.

You will need to list the name of the patterns used, The designer and a link to the pattern when submitting your photo.  You do not need to have the items modeled. 

All entries need to be submitted by August 24th 2013.  Please email them to craftingfriends4you@yahoo.com with Fall Contest written in the subject line.  A random group of judges will select the set they like the best.  The winner will be announced on Sept 1, 2013 and will receive their choice of $25 to use on Etsy, Ravelry or at Michaels.

I will also have a 2nd prize offer. For anyone who gets a friend to enter, If they list your name as a reference on their entry, you will be entered in a drawing for $10 to use on Etsy or Ravelry.  (Note: you can not refer each other though. Example: If Mary refers Jane, then Jane can not get credit for refering Mary)

I'm looking forward to seeing all your creativity! Good luck everyone :)

2013 Independence Day Contest Winner

First, I want to thank the ladies who entered this contest.  It was fun to see the different colors used and combination of patterns.  I loved all of them!  I know there were a few others who had planned on entering and I actually saw the dresses they made but for various reasons, they were unable to make the remainder of the items needed to enter.  Since this was the first contest being held, I knew that participation might be low but I am hoping that it will keep getting bigger as they keep going. 

Also, Thank you to the ladies who helped judge.  Lisa of Loops of Love, Crystal from Crystalized Designs, and Renee from Dugans Girls.  If you have a moment, go check out their Face Book pages to see some wonderful work.

Now... Congratulations to Kendra McGill of TwistedLoopDesigns for winning my 2013 Independence Day Contest!  Kendra chose to receive $25 to spend on Ravelry.  Each of the other entrants will receive a pattern of choice from my shop. 

Make sure you check back later this week.  I will be announcing the next Contest :)

Happy Independence Day my friends!  I hope you all have a wonderful Holiday and weekend of fun.  Please stay safe.
Kate

2013 Independence Day Contest Entry #4

We have another cute little model for our 4th contest entry. 

This is Stars & Stripes Toddler Sundress pattern.  Now,  Check out how clever Michelle Wulf was...She used the strap pattern from the dress to make her daughter a bracelet, necklace and headband.  The stars pattern is from My Merry Messy Life.
Only a few more days to get your entries in for a chance to win $25 to Etsy, Michaels or Ravelry. 

I will be holding another contest after this one.  Help me decide what theme to use - Fall, Halloween, Thanksgiving.  There will for sure be one for christmas, so keep that in mind when you start your next project :)

Stars & Stripes Toddler Sundress Pattern Release

It's finally available!  

My Stars & Stripes Toddler Sundress pattern has been released and is now available for Instant download. 

Stars & Stripe Toddler Sundress on Craftsy 

Stars & Stripes Toddler Sundress on Ravelry 

Check out some of the cute color combos my fabulous testers used - and my Thanks to them for sharing some adorable models! 

Kendra from TwistedLoopDesigns

Michelle Wulf

 TwistedLoopDesigns

 TwistedLoopDesigns

Krissy

Jennifer from Little Luvies

 Lisa from Pink Snail Boutique

Jonna from Frayed Knot

How fun are all those colors!!!  I am leaving the pattern on sale for $2.99 through the 4th of July.  The discount on Ravelry will automatically be given at checkout.  No coupon code needed. 
If you get a chance to make one,  I would LOVE to see photos :)

2013 Independence Day Contest Entry #3

There is a little baby out there who is going to look AMAZING in this set.  Francie Christensen did a fantastic job. 
She used my Emerald City Dress Pattern and accessorized with The Addie Hat by Frayed Knot.

The sandal pattern is the Simply Summer Sandals by Two Girls Patterns.

 And finally the diaper cover pattern is the Baby Bum Diaper Cover by Crochet by Jennifer

The flower on the hat is the Croco Flower pattern by Bonita Patterns

2013 Independence Day Contest Entry #2

Another fantastic lady - Martha Shaw has worked up the Diamond Infant Dress  and has completed this darling set using Baby Rosey Ballet Slippers pattern by The Lovely Crow

Too cute!!!

2013 Independence Day Contest Entry #1

Kendra McGill is a fantastic crocheter and always has such fun photos of her work.  It doesn't hurt that she has an adorable model either!

She used my Stars & Stripes Sundress and matched it up with the Vintage Star Baby Bonnet by Crochet by Jennifer

 

I'm loving the entries I'm seeing!  More to come :)

Entries are due by June 25th

Auction for Colorado Fire Families

My friend Angela is one of the many who have been impacted by the Colorado Fires. I offered to help her by holding an auction on my Face Book page.  Many other businesses have generously donated and I'm hoping to get as much help for her as possible.  This is what she has to say:  

Colorado has several devastating fires burning and there are many displaced families and families that have lost their homes. The best way I know to help is to have an auction with all monies collected going directly to help the families that fell victims to these fires. We have 6 responding agencies to the fires at present. They are: The American Red Cross, Care and Share Food Bank for Southern Colorado, Discover Goodwill Southern and Western Colorado, Humane Society of Pikes Peak Region, Mercy's Gate, and The Salvation Army. You will be allowed to designate where you want your auction money to go, if there is no choice then the monies will be sent to The American Red Cross and Humane Society of Pikes Peak Region. All records of this action will be made public so everyone will see where the monies are going. Auctionis open now through July 3, 2013. No Bids will be accepted after the end date. All auction items should be paid no later than 10 days after auction closes. Unclaimed auction items will be offered to the next highest bidder. Thank You for your support in our efforts to help the victims of the Colorado Fires. I will be happy to answer any and all question you may have. Please feel free to email me at coloradofireauction@gmail.com. Direct donations can be sent through paypal to the same email address.

Here is a link to the Auction Album

I would love to see this be a huge help for those involved.  If you can, please take a moment to look through the donations and help her out.  If you would be willing to donate something, please let me know.

Thanks for your support
Kate