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

Next pattern up - Why yes, I think so...

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all of you!  I hope your holidays have been filled with lots of family, friends and fun.  December was not a very productive month as far as patterns go for me.  I had some dental surgery at the first of the month and have been filled with orders and trying to get things ready for Christmas. 
We have been very blessed this year.  While we sure have had some scary moments, the blessings far outweigh it all.  My girls are growing so fast and I love watching them and being able to spend time with them.  My oldest will graduate from High School this year and turns 18 in January.  Wow- Time has just slipped by.  My next daughter will start kindergarten next year, so there is a huge gap in age but they all love each other so much!

Now that the orders are almost finished (only 2 requests to go), I have set a goal for the new year.  I will be highlighting the many wonderful women I have come to know in the craft community and hope you enjoy getting to know a little about them.  I am also getting back to patterns and will continue to design a wide range of sizes.  While my girls are little and enjoy dressing their dolls, they think it's fun to dress the same as them, so I will be designing American Girl sized clothes to go with the larger sizes.  This is the dress that will be my 1st release for 2014.  The doll size is being tested right now while I work on the larger sizes.  More exciting things are on their way, so stick around and let's have some fun!

American Girl Sized Dress Patterns

I am absolutely delighted to share with you my latest endevor. Crochet by Jennifer released a collection of American Girl Doll sized hats based on a few of her other patterns.  They are absolutely darling!  They are available here: American Girl Doll/Preemie Baby Hat Pattern on Ravelry

Last year for Christmas, my husband's dad gave my 2 toddlers the generic version of the doll and his wife sewed a bunch of clothes for them.  I have thought about designing this size dress to match my dress patterns for quite some time, but always seemed busy with other things.  I finally slowed down a little and decided it was time to get it done! 

I have released my 18" Doll Dress collection that will match 5 of my Basic Infant and Toddler dress patterns.  This size is great for American Girl dolls, Generic 18" dolls and Preemie babies. 
This set includes the Oh Snap, Snap Dragon, Diamond, Baby Tay and Shell Brook patterns.  My girls were so excited for new dresses for their dolls and the best part - they can wear the larger versions of the pattern and it's a perfect "Mommy and Me" deal!

Each pattern works up very quickly and with less than a skein of Caron Simply Soft yarn.  I absolutely will be making more to use for gifts and since they fit preemies too - well, I think I will be making some for hospitals in our area also :)

You can get the collection on my website as an instant download here: www.craftingfriendsdesigns.com
The normal price for the collection will be $10.50, but for you wonderful friends, I will leave it on sale for $3.99 until December 15th. 
Take a look at all the fun colors that were used in the testing process :)

Love for Emma Granny Square Free Crochet Pattern

Over the past 2 years, I have had a group of ladies test my patterns. I have come to know them well and consider them my friends.  I've seen their ups and I've seen their downs and they have supported me through my struggles.
 Recently, one of them passed away.  Her name was Emma and she was  a sweetheart!  She had every one of my patterns and made so many of them in a beautiful array of colors (her favorite colors were red and black).  While we were working on the infant dresses, her little girl would ask if I would design some that would fit her...and so I did.  She is a doll and I loved seeing her in my designs - but even more happy to see the smile on her face for having something that her mom made her.  My heart aches for her family and I tear up every time I see something on my computer that was hers.  Though I never met her in person,  I miss Emma and her comments about getting a Coke from McDonalds and seeing her photos of crocheting at her daughters softball games.

I am proud to be part of a loving Crochet Community who has come together and is making an 3 afghans in her memory.  One for her oldest daughter, young daughter and husband.  In honor of Emma,  I made this Granny Square pattern to be used and it is available for free here:

Copyright 2013 © Kate Wagstaff of Crafting Friends Designs

You do have permission to sell finished items using my patterns.

You are in no way to alter the pattern and claim it as your own to sell

or give to others.  Please give credit to Crafting friends Designs when using this pattern

 by sharing a link to my site: www.craftingfriendsdesigns.blogspot.com

Love for Emma Heart Square

Size: 6”           
Materials: Small amount 4ww yarn
Hook: G
Gauge: 4 rows & 4 St = 1” (SC)
Stitches: 
St(s) - Stitch(es)
Ch - Chain
SC – Single Crochet

HDC – Half Double Crochet
TR – Treble Crochet

Sl St – Slip Stitch

     

R1: Begin with a SC Chainless Foundation of 21 OR Chain 22 and SC in 2^nd chain from hook and each chain across (21)

R2: Ch 1, Turn, SC in next 10 sts, TR in next st, SC in remaining 10 sts

R3: Ch 1, Turn, SC in each st across (21)

R4: Ch 1, Turn, SC in next 9 sts, TR in next st, SC in next st, TR in next st, SC in remaining 9 sts

R5: Ch 1, Turn, SC in each st across (21)

R6: Ch 1, Turn, SC in next 8 sts, *TR in next st, SC in next st* Repeat *to* 2x, SC in remaining 7 sts

R7: Ch 1, Turn, SC in each st across (21)

R8: Ch 1, Turn, SC in next 7 sts, *TR in next st, SC in next st* Rep *to* 3x, SC in remaining 6 sts

R9: Ch 1, Turn, SC in each st across (21)

R10: Ch 1, Turn, SC in next 6 sts, *TR in next st, SC in next st* Repeat *to* 4x, SC in remaining 5 sts

R11: Ch 1, Turn, SC in each st across (21)

R12: Ch 1, Turn, SC in next 5 sts, *TR in next st, SC in next st* Repeat *to* 5x, SC in remaining 4 sts

R13: Ch 1, Turn, SC in each st across (21)

R14: Ch 1, Turn, SC in next 4 sts, *TR in next st, SC in next st* Repeat *to* 6x, SC in remaining 3 sts

R15: Ch 1, Turn, SC in each st across (21)

R16: Ch 1, Turn, SC in next 3 sts, *TR in next st, SC in next st* Repeat *to* 7x, SC in remaining 2 sts

R17: Ch 1, Turn, SC in each st across (21)

R18: Ch 1, Turn, SC in next 4 sts, *TR in next st, SC in next st* Repeat *to* 2x, SC in next 2 sts, Repeat *to* 3x SC in remaining 3 sts

R19: Ch 1, Turn, SC in each st across (21)

R20: Ch 1, Turn, SC in next 5 sts, *TR in next st, SC in next st, TR in next st* SC in next 5 sts, Repeat *to* 1x SC in remaining 5 sts

R21: Ch 1, Turn, SC in each st across (21)

Border: Ch 4, Turn to work down the side.  HDC in side of end st and evenly down side of square (HDC, Ch2, HDC) in corner st, Turn, HDC between each st of bottom foundation, (HDC, Ch 2, HDC) in corner st, HDC evenly up 2^nd side of square, (HDC, Ch2, HDC) in corner st, HDC in each st across top of square.  Sl St to beginning ch 4 to connect.  
Fasten off and weave in end.

This pattern is available in PDF format which includes 2 Graph's on www.craftingfriendsdesigns.com for $.95
If you are familiar with using graphs, each black square on the graphs on the following page represent a TR and each blank square represents a SC. The written instructions are for the top graph only and for a single color.  If a 2^nd color is wanted, you will switch colors for the TR stitch section and switch back for the SC sections. The second graph is an optional square that is the opposite of the first one as far as texture.

Here is some of Emma's beautiful work I wanted to share with you.

Angelique Dress

Baby Tay Toddler Dress

Baby Tay Infant Dress

Bubble Baby Sweater

Emerald City Child Dress

Jackson Tuxedo

Oh Snap Toddler Dress

Princess Britt Dress

Ribbon & Lace Toddler

Shell Brook Toddler

Snap Dragon Toddler

Shell Brook Toddler

Happy Holidays

Wow have I been Busy!  I have neglected my blogging fun for the last month :/

I hope you all had a safe and fun Halloween and wish you each a happy, safe and warm Thanksgiving.
Through the month of November, everyone is great at posting things they are thankful for. I want you to know that I appreciate all of you - every day. With out you, I would not be designing as much. You all inspire me to challenge myself and sometimes go out of my comfort zone.  I have been blessed having the chance to get to know some of you and consider you my friends.

This past month, I have been busy with a few different designs. Several have been or will be posted for free. One I will share in a moment.

 I'm THRILLED to announce that I now have a website for all of my patterns. www.craftingfriendsdesigns.com is up and running and the fantastic part - All of my patterns are Instant Download <3

To celebrate, I'm offering  HUGE discounts on my patterns through the end of November.  So, hop on over to see all of my designs together and take advantage of the great prices.

Here are a few of the designs recently added:

Diamond Christmas Tree Skirt

Mystique Capelet

Coming Soon

Have a wonderful Week my friends!
Kate

Christmas Contest Entry #1

Good Monday morning my friends!  I hope you all had a fantastic weekend.  I am starting to receive the entries for my Christmas Contest.  You still have time to start and finish a project if you are interested in joining the fun.  You can find the guidelines here: 2013 Christmas Pattern Set Contest

Lisa Braegger worked up this beautiful outfit!  I would love to see this on a baby :)

From head to toe, here is what she made...

The Baby Headband is a free tutorial full of wonderful photos to help with each step of the pattern.  Lanas & Hilos is a new site for me and I'm excited to look into everything that is offered there.

The jacket (I absolutely love this) is called the Flutter Baby Top from Lion Brand and is also free (wow!)  It includes Size 3-9 months (12-24 months, 2-3 years, 3-4 years).  I think I will be making one for my girls.

The dress is my best selling dress pattern the Ribbon & Lace Infant Dress This is the dress that actually got me to start writing and selling patterns.  I had made the peach dress and had a photo of it on my page.  It was shared on a crochet site and everyone went crazy for the pattern.  If you don't have your copy yet,  click on the link and you can get it for 50%off through Oct 31st.

The socks just make me smile.  I remember having some for my oldest daughter when she was little.  I may have to go buy some socks and work some up for my little Kensley for the holidays.  This is the Dainty Trims II pattern by Lisa Naskrent.  Another fun website that I will be looking through.  If you are a fan of Ravelry,  you can also find her patterns here: Lisa Saskrent on Ravelry.


Love, Love, Love seeing these sets and can't wait to share more with you. 

Royal Capelet Pattern Release

The 2nd Cape pattern in my collection has been released today.  This is the "Royal Capelet".  Perfect for Fall and spring since it is a lacier pattern than the others.  It would also be great for holiday photos.  Sizes Preemie/doll, 0-6month and 6-12month are given in the pattern.  Larger sizes for this design will come at a later time. 

I have only used Fun Fur one other time and it was on Flip Flops for my daughter.  I thought it would be fun to use as the edging on this design and while it ended up slightly thinner than what I was wanting (and I didn't want to frog it and start over)  I really like the way it turned out. 
Then one day, I was shopping at Joann's and they had the Ribbon yarn on sale and I thought it would be fun to try on something also.  It was slightly more difficult to work with, but it's really pretty once you get the hang of it.  There are a few other different yarns that I would like to eventually try as edging just for fun, but hopefully these photos give you a few ideas of how to make your cape your own :)

You can get your copy here: The Royal Capelet on Craftsy

Diamond Capelet

Last month,  my 2 toddlers took a lamb to the county fair.  Now, I had never heard of it prior to this, but my husband talked them into doing the little peewee lamb show.  The kids dress up and so do the sheep.  I did what I do best and crocheted their costumes :)  Brook was Minnie Mouse and I made a cape and cap for her lamb to be Mickey Mouse.  Taylee was Little Red Riding Hood and I made a cape and cap for her lamb to be the wolf.  They turned out really cute and as soon as I figure out how to load the photos from my new (old) phone,  I will post them for you to see.  From this, I ended up designing the Riding Hood cape and the girls really like it.  That is how the Diamond Capelet came about.

This pattern has instructions for sizes Preemie/Doll - Childs 14.  Perfect for those of you who like to make matching items for your little girls and their dolls!  It also has 2 versions.  The first is the Spring/Fall option.  It is less full and open in the front.  The second is the Winter version.  It is quite full and when they lift their arms, there should still be good coverage of the cape to keep them warm.  Perfect for Caroling :)

It's now available here: Diamond Capelet on Craftsy  for instant download.




To make mine a hooded cape, I used the Cora Couture Bonnet from Loops of Love and just made it larger than the size needed so that it would fit better stitched onto the cape.  Another fun option - especially for Christmas time is the Diamond Edge Stocking Cap by Little Luvies.

2013 Christmas Pattern Set Contest

Happy Weekend my friends!  I hope you are able to get out and enjoy a little fall weather.  It has been a typical fall here with sunshine and rain and that crisp, clean cold air in the morning - Love it! 

While I don't care for cold or driving in the snow with crazy people who don't know how to drive in the snow,  I do love winter.  To me, it's wonderful to have the definite change of seasons because it makes you appreciate each one a little more :)  Plus, I love Thanksgiving and Christmas time.  Very Family oriented holidays for us and I love my family!

So,  now is the time everyone is starting to get their ideas going for Christmas presents.  I'm going to start my Christmas contest on October 1st and end it on the 31st.  This will give everyone some time to work up some Christmas outfits and also give the winner some time to use their prize. We haven't had a big support for this contest (I'm a little surprised), so if this one does not get much response, I will not be continuing them.  If we do get a great response this time,  I may throw in some extra prizes, so help me spread the word and get as many projects in this as possible.
                                                                                    Rules as follows:
1.You must use one of my patterns to make a "set". You could use the Bubble Sweater pattern and then make a pair of booties to go with it, or a dress pattern and make a bonnet or hat to make it a set. It must be Christmas/Winter themed - whether it is a Christmasy color or you use a santa hat or elf shoes, Mrs. Claus cape, etc...it's up to you.

2.  The second pattern you use will need to be from another designer.  You will need to let me know what pattern you used and also provide a link to that pattern so that I can give credit to the designer when photos are posted. (also Christmas/winter themed to match your first project)



3.  Your items do not need to be modeled.  You are welcome to share good photos of just the items themselves. 

4.  Entries need to be emailed to me no later than Oct 31st to be included.  Please include the pattern info with your photo and use 2013 Christmas Contest Entry in the subject line. 

Entries will be judged and a winner will be chosen the first week of November.  Winner will be given $25 through paypal to use how ever they prefer. 

To give everyone a chance to get the pattern they want to use for this contest,  I am offering 50% off all of my patterns through Sept 28th from  Crafting Friends on Ravelry.

Good Luck Everyone!  I can't wait to see all the amazing sets you make.  If you need any suggestions on accessory patterns, feel free to email me or contact me through Crafting Friends on FaceBook.

Winner Reveal for Fall 2013 Contest

And the winner of the 2013 Fall Pattern Set Contest is .....

Francie Christensen of The Mad Capper   She will receive her $25 to her choice of Etsy, Michaels or Ravelry. 

I love her choice of yarn and this is a beautiful set! 

She used the Kate Bonnet by Crochet by Jennifer and paired it up with the Lemon Lime Skirt. 

Thank you to everyone who entered this contest. You will each receive your choice of 1 pattern from my shop for entering.  You all did a great job and I look forward to seeing everyone's entries for the Christmas contest. 
Guidelines for the 2013 Christmas contest will be announced later this month.