Sunday, February 2, 2014

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. 


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)

Friday, January 31, 2014

CAL Project Materials

Good morning my friends.  I hope you have all had a good week and are off to the start of a fun weekend. 
I will be starting my Crochet-A-Long on Monday.  There will be quite a few of us working together and I can't wait to see your end results! 

This project is gender neutral and can be made in various sizes.  I will post 1 section of the pattern each day on my blog until we reach the "repeat" sections and then I will give you a few days (or more if needed) to work through those.  At the end of the CAL,  I ask that you post a photo of your project on my FaceBook page and msg me your email address or Ravelry ID and I will "gift" you the PDF pattern for your keeping. 

So, Let's get started!  Here is a list of the materials you will need.

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. 
             2. Your second color needs to be a lighter shade of your first color. 
             3. Your third color needs to be a neutral.
                  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.


This is a great way to go through some of that stash that you've been hiding under your bed. Or maybe in the closet?  Mine is all over the place since I have a small house and not enough storage :)  And if you don't have enough in your stash, well, now you have a reason to go shopping - right?
I'm so excited!  Go gather your things and we'll meet back her on Monday at 11am MST.  (the first section will only take you a couple of minutes)