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

Easter is on it's way

I've started seeing a bunch of Easter items out and about since the holiday will be in March this year.  I love seeing all the little girls dressed up in their new Easter dresses.  With prices of everything going up, I know there will be many who choose to make their own things this year - whether it's the candy/treats for Easter Egg hunts or the oufits their little ones will be dressed in for photos or church.

I have decided to have a sale on my Emerald City dress patterns and give people plenty of time to make 1 or 2.  My girls love their dresses I made them with this pattern and they receive so many compliments every time they wear them.  Now through Saturday (Feb 23rd) You can get this pattern on sale in my Craftsy store only.

Available sizes are Infant, Toddler and Child (newborn to child 12)  Individual patterns are only $3 and the Package including all sizes is only $8.  Links are posted under each photo below.

 Infant Dress on Craftsy

 Toddler Dress on Craftsy

Child Dress on Craftsy

Pattern Pack on Craftsy

I would LOVE to see photos of anything you make using my patterns!  If you are willing to share a photo, you can either email it to me at craftingfriends4you@yahoo.com or post it on my Face Book page Crafting Friends on FaceBook

Happy Wednesday - Hope you are having a fantastic week!

Baby Tuxedo Crochet Pattern

I am so excited to show you what I have been working on over the last week!  I have had a baby Tuxedo on my list to design for a while and decided it was time to get it done.  We have 3 daughters right now and are expecting our 4th child in April.  Since this will be our last baby, we have decided not to find out if it's a boy or girl.  Although it is driving everyone around us crazy, I think it will be fun to be surprised. 

My oldest daughters blessing dress was handmade by a wonderful friend of mine.  My middle daughter's dress was made by my mother in law and my youngest daughters dress was made by my mom.  I wanted each to have their own keepsake from their blessing day and each dress is beautiful.  I figure that it is my turn to make the blessing outfit for this baby and since I don't know how to sew, I will crochet an outfit.  Not knowing if it's a boy or girl, I will be making my Angelique dress for a girl and a tuxedo for a boy. 

Pattern available here: Angelique pattern on Craftsy

It will look much better with a dress shirt and bow tie - but I couldn't wait to share

I wasn't sure if a crocheted tuxedo would even look good.  I've only seen a pattern for 1 while searching the web and it wasn't exactly what I had in mind, so I HAD to come up with my own.  I'm actually quite pleased with the way it turned out.  It was a LOT of work, but I think it will be worth it.  This black one was specifically for design purposes and I will be making a white one for the baby.  I still have to design the pants to go with it, but compared to this - pants should be a piece of cake! 

I'm typing up the pattern over the next few days and will have it tested by the ladies in my testing group.  It should be ready to release with in the next week or 2 :)

What do you think?  Would you make or use a crocheted baby tuxedo?

Pattern Release: Boot Cuff Package

I'm thrilled to let you know that my Boot Cuff pattern package is now available.  The pattern includes directions for 5 different Boot Cuffs with 3-4 sizes each for $6.  They are quick and easy to work up and there are photos to help show stitch placement on the harder pattern (Loop the Loop - Shown top right) I also offer support on all of my patterns if needed.

Here is a link to buy the pattern now through Ravelry (you do not have to be a member to purchase):

 To celebrate my birthday this month, I also have set up a 37% Discount on all orders through my Ravelry Shop which will automatically be taken off at check out.  This discount will be available through the end of the month.  If you would like to take advantage of the discount and purchase any other patterns, you can do so through this link:  Crafting Friends on Ravelry

 I am so exited to be releasing patterns again and have already started my next project.  I would also love to hear any ideas for designs that you have and would like me to create :)

New Boot Cuff Patterns coming soon

Thank you to everyone who entered the 2 Super Bowl giveaways I held.  I appreciate all your support and Congrats to the winners - Darlene Fishback and Melissa Hottenstein!
Darlene won an adult Ravens hat and Melissa won a team hat of choice.

Now that the team hat sales are starting to slow down, I've had time to get back to some designing :)  My daughter asked me to make her some boot cuffs and I was able to come up with 5 different patterns in 3-4 sizes each.  They have been tested and will be released as a package this week (as soon as I get a few good photos)  Here is a sneak peak for you

Bubble Boot Cuff

Puff Boot Cuff Version 2

Shell Boot Cuff

Loop the Loop Boot Cuff

Super Bowl Team Hat Giveaway #2

a Rafflecopter giveaway I have decided to end the 1st giveaway early.  The entries had slowed down and I wanted to be able to do a 2nd giveaway specifically for the Teams playing.  I have an Adult Size Ravens hat ready and an Adult size 49ers hat almost ready to go.  The 49ers logo will be different than the one in the photo below.

  To enter, click on the giveaway box above.  You must be a fan of Crafting Friends on Facebook and you must leave your Name, Team choice and email address you can be contacted through if you are the winner in 1 comment on THIS POST ONLY.

All comments will be hidden from public view and will not be shared.  I will post a comment for each entrant with their name and team choice so that you know your entry has been accepted.  

I will have a seperate list  for each team and will choose a winner from the winning team list either Sunday evening  after the game or Monday.  The winner will be announced through Rafflecopter here on my blog and I will also email them, so make sure the email you list in the comments is one that you check.

Thank you for your support of Crafting Friends and Good Luck!
Kate

Super Bowl 2013 Giveaway

Good Morning to all my Friends and Happy New Year.  I hope you all had a fun and safe holiday season and that 2013 is off to a good start for you.

Last year, I held a giveaway for a team hat during the month leading up to the Super Bowl and it was a great success.  I have decided to do it again this year :)

Super Bowl 2013 Giveaway on Rafflecopter

All you have to do is click on the link above to enter.  You must be a fan of Crafting Friends on Facebook and can earn an extra entry for sharing the giveaway and posting a link for me to verify. 

The winner will be able to choose the size of the hat and their team (limited to available logos).  This is not limited to the 2 teams going to the SuperBowl.  Here are some of the teams I currently have available:

 

Good Luck to everyone and Thank you for supporting Crafting Friends.

New Store up and running

Happy Monday Everyone!!! I hope you made it through the weekend ok.  I have finally gotten my groove back :)  I struggled for a few weeks with many different things and hated how I felt.  I burnt a batch of Peanut Clusters (my daughter asked how that was even possible...lol) and then burnt a batch of homemade oldfashioned fudge.  The Cakepops that I worked all day on for some youth in my area - well - The dipping chocolate didn't work out for that either :(

It's a new week and I have chosen to focus on making myself a better person instead of focusing on everything that seems to keep going wrong.  Since doing this, things have quickly started to look up for me! 

While I still have my Etsy shop running, I'm not huge on paying a bunch of fees. It seems that in order for your items to actually be seen by a wide variety of potential customers you have to pay extra for your product to show up in search results and other things.  I came across Storenvy.com and have decided to give it a try.  It is completely free for me to use and is accessible through my FaceBook page for followers to view.  I'm excited to give this a try and hope for the best.

My NFL Mohawk hats are back up and very popular, so my focus has been on trying to get a bunch of them readily available for people to order instead of having a wait time for me to make them.  While I do have a few still ready to go, most have been going quickly - such a great feeling to know that others enjoy what I make :)
Here is a link to my shop: http://www.storenvy.com/CraftingFriends

Many of the dresses that are ready are priced at 50% off to try and make some room for more designs when I get time to get back into designing.
The photos shown are few of the Hats that are ready to ship.

December Thoughts

Happy December my Friends!  Can you believe that the year is almost over?  I have been truely blessed this year.  We have had our ups and downs like everyone else, but we have a roof over our heads and food in the cupboards and have no serious health problems...who could ask for more?

I met a sweet lady yesterday at the boutique in town where I sell some of my items.  She is having a rough time right now and my heart aches for her.  She recently had surgery and lost 2 nephews (brothers) all within a few weeks.  Her neighbors and church "friends" did not take the time to check on her and I am just floored!  Are we that busy with our lives that we don't notice?   There are so many posts being shared on FaceBook about giving and sharing and serving and remembering the true meaning of Christmas.  I hope that more people will be willing to actually put forth the effort to do those things and not just click a button to share and pretend that it means something. 

I was in a hurry last night and my 3 daughters were waiting in the car for me.  Though I listened to her trials and hugged her while she cried, I admit that I should have done more.  I am a complete stranger, and was there to comfort her - but I think that I will see if I can find out who she really is and where she lives and do something for her.  She seems familiar to me, but I failed to even ask her name...I myself need to be better and I will be putting more effort into serving others.

How well do you know your neighbors?

21 Days of Thankful Giveaway Day 21

Today, I am thankful for the many people in th past who were very strong willed to have traveled as far as they did from other countries and struggled as much as some of them did in order to come to a new land and give us the Amazing country that we have now. Tomorrow will be a day of reflecting on the things we have that we are thankful for and spending time with family. I Love the Thanksgiving Holiday and I truely appreciate all that I have been blessed with! I know that there are many out there who do not have the means to celebrate as many of us do at this time and my prayers are with them. My heart aches for those who are struggling right now and though I don't have much to help anyone out, I have done and will do what I can in my local area to try and lighten their burden.

For some reason, Rafflecopter is not working for me this morning. It is not allowing me to choose a winner for yesterdays giveaway (I will keep trying until it works) or load todays.

So, for todays giveaway of the Swirly Whirly Child's Sundress pattern, you will need to leave a comment on my Facebook day 21 post here: Crafting Friends on FB letting me know what your favorite part of Thanksgiving is.  I will give each entry a # and use Random.org to draw a winner tomorrow. 

Remember: Only 1 prize/winner and exchanges are not allowed. 

Happy Thanksgiving to all of you and please travel safe!
Kate

21 Days of Thankful Giveaway Day 20

a Rafflecopter giveaway

I am thankful for wonderful neighbors!  Each of my girls have a good relationship with many neighbors and it's comforting to know that if we ever have any trouble, they are there for us.  It's also fun to watch my little toddlers when they play pretend.  Lately they have pretended to be our neighbors :)  I think sometimes, they have enough of me since they are with me all day every day and it's good that they have other great examples in their lives.  I believe that trying to make the world a better place has to start in your home first and then in your community and we are blessed to live in the area that we do!

The pattern for today's giveaway is the Swirly Whirly Sundress size NB-4T

21 Days of Thankful Giveaway Days 18 & 19

a Rafflecopter giveaway

I am off a day again :(  I didn't even get on the computer yesterday, so we will have 2 patterns up for grabs today.  The 1st winner will receive the Ribbon & Lace Infant size pattern and the 2nd winner will receive the Ribbon & Lace Toddler size pattern. 

Today, I am thankful for the rain!!!  We really need it and a good amount of snow this winter to get us the moisture we will require next year.  Last night, we had a good ole thunderstorm with lightening that lit up the entire sky and I loved it!  :)  I remember as a young kid, we would sit in the living room with the big windows and just watch the storm and count how long between the thunder and lightening.  If we were lucky, my parents would come in and we would all sit around and listen to ghost stories.  One of the stories my dad would always tell had to do with the cemetary.  After he would tell it, he would dare us to drive out to the cemetary and run across the length of it alone....Ummmm....NO Thanks!  I would get scared just walking upstairs alone in the dark after that.  I swear there really is a ghost in their house!

21 Days of Thankful Giveaway Day 16

a Rafflecopter giveaway

I am very thankful we have a home.  Sometimes it would be nice to have more than 1 bathroom, BUT we have a home that is ours.  We are blessed to have a roof over our heads and heat to keep us warm each night.  I know there are many, many families who have lost their homes recently due to the storms or economy and my heart goes out to them and prayers are with them that they may find their own, or fix their own home soon.  It is such a comfort to not have to worry about things like that and I do not take it for granted!

The pattern for today's giveaway is the Princess Britt Toddler size.  Good luck!

21 Days of Thankful Giveaway Day 15

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Today's pattern for the giveaway is the Princess Britt Infant Size.   This is one of my favorites!  And with the release of my Bubble Baby Sweater,  It would be a cute outfit for christmas for any little one. 

The Bubble Baby Sweater pattern can be purchased
on Ravery: http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/bubble-baby-sweater

or on Craftsy: http://www.craftsy.com/pattern/crocheting/clothing/bubble-baby-sweater/36511

 

Today, I just want to let you all know how Thankful I am for you!!!  When I started all of this blogging/FaceBook stuff for my craft, I never imagined it would grow so much and it's all thanks to you.  I know that the #'s of fans don't really count because not everyone "truely" follows, but I have made many, many True friends who I may have never met, but have made a difference in my life and I thank each and every one of you :)

 

Remember: Only 1 prize/person, so if you have already won a pattern in this giveaway and enter again, your entry will be deleted to give others a chance to win.  Exchanges will not be given.

Thanks again to all of you who support Crafting Friends!

21 Days of Thankful Giveaway Day 14

a Rafflecopter giveaway

As you saw in a previous photo from this giveaway, I live near the mountains. I have mentioned that one of my favorite things to do as a family is ride through the mountains during the fall to see the leaves change colors and the wildlife. 

 

I am thankful that my daughters all have an appreciation for animals (pets and wildlife).  This tiny little guy found it's way to our friends house and Brook was able to pet it.  Very Cool!  I Love wildlife and my favorite to see is the Grey Wolf.  I know they can be destructive, but they are beautiful.  I would love to have a tiny dog for a house pet, but my allergies will not allow it right now.  We do have a Red Heeler that Brodie has had forever and he is spoiled by the girls.  He is a good dog and is getting old, so I do feel bad that he is outside.  I have put quilts in his doghouse to help keep him warm and the stinker always pulls them out.  The girls will let him in every once in a while because they feel bad that it's cold out side, and I'll let him stay for a bit, but I get stuffed up quick :(

 

The pattern for today's giveaway is the Emerald City Child size.  Congrats to all those who have won so far and good luck to everyone who enters over the next week!

Remember: Only 1 prize/winner.  Duplicate enterants will be deleted.  Exchanges are not allowed.
Happy Wednesday my Friends!
Kate