Thursday, February 13, 2014

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






Monday, February 10, 2014

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




Monday, February 3, 2014

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: