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

 

21 Days of Thankful Giveaway Day 13

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Today I am thankful for Creativity.  If you would have asked me just over a year ago to crochet some baby clothing, I probably would have said no.  For some reason, it intimidated me.  Yet, here we are a year later and I am designing my own clothing patterns :)  I Love it and have enjoyed seeing the finished items, hearing my girls compliment everything I do and also being able to see what others have made with my patterns and little ones wearing things I designed!  What a joy it has brought to my life.

I will be releasing my Bubble Baby Sweater pattern tomorrow (size 0-3mo only) SO,  for today's giveaway, I will have 2 winners.  The first winner chosen will receive the Emerald City Toddler pattern.  The second winner chosen will receive the Bubble Baby Sweater pattern.

Remember - ONLY 1 prize per winner throughout this giveaway.  Any enterants who have already won will be deleted in order to give everyone a chance to win.  Exchanges will not be given.
Good Luck!

21 Days of Thankful Giveaway Day 12

a Rafflecopter giveaway

I appologize that I missed posting the Thankful day yesterday.  There were enteries though, so I was able to choose a winner.  Thank you to all of you who stay on top of things!

Today I am thankful for power.  There was an accident a couple of blocks away from our home on Saturday night and it took the power out for a few hours. luckily there were not serious injuries! I learned that I need to be a little more prepared and hide the flashlights from the little ones.  All of the batteries were dead except for 1 flashlight.  Luckily, Brodie had his big lantern in the shed along with a heater, so we were able to pull out the couch bed for the girls and I read to them and we had a little fun before they fell asleep.  It was kind of funny to watch them the next morning...they went from room to room turning each light on to check and make sure everything worked.


Today's pattern for the giveaway is the Emerald City Infant size. 

21 Days of Thankful Giveaway Day 10

a Rafflecopter giveaway

I am very thankful for Snow. I love the looks of it when it's left untouched and this morning, my girls were so excited to look out the window and see white on the ground :) They got dressed and headed...

out the door. I love that this makes them happy!

 

This is a photo taken by Bow Peep Creations of the town I grew up in. Always a beautiful sight to see and the girls and I are headed out there now to spend some time with my mom and youngest sister. I'm getting my hair cut and colored (hope it turns out how I want it)

 

 Today's pattern for the givewaway is the Diamond Infant size.

 

Happy Weekend everyone!  I hope you are having a fantastic day
Kate

 

21 Days of Thankful Giveaway Day 9

a Rafflecopter giveaway


Happy Friday everyone!  It has stormed here most of the night, but it was more wet than anything.  What little snow we did get, unless it cools down more today it will melt :( 
Today I am thankful for sleep!  I can't remember the last time I had a full nights sleep.  Between the toddlers getting up in the night, my husband leaving for work at 3am and now being pregnant and my nerves/emotions are all wacky, I don't get much sleep.  Though it was nice to get a few hours in last night before Brodie got up for work.  I feel slightly better today.

Today's pattern giveaway is for the Angelique Dress.  This is only sized 0-3 months, but is one of my favorite textured dresses. 
Remember: Only 1 prize per person.  All duplicate enteries by winners will be deleted.  Exchanges are not allowed, so if you already have this pattern, please allow others the opportunity to win.
Thanks for supporting Crafting Friends.  I Truely appreciate each of you!

21 Days of Thankful Giveaway Day 8

a Rafflecopter giveaway

My daughter has finally decided to get her Drivers License.  When I was in school,  I was able to take the class during school hours.  It made it simplified everything so my parents didn't have to drive me to class everyday.  Unfortunately, they no longer do this :(  I have to have her to the school by 6:30am every morning for class.  My poor toddlers are drug out of bed to go with us so they are not left home alone.  I do have to laugh though because each night, I will tell them they need to settle down and go to bed so we can take Madtie to school in the morning and each time, Brooklynn's response is: "Oh no, not again"  (said in a dramatic voice).
As the days are getting colder, I am thankful that we live in a time where we can jump in our cars and turn on the heater to stay warm!  And the joys of heated seats? Well,  How on earth did I ever live without them before I got my latest car?????

Yep, we are spoiled :)

The pattern for today's giveaway is the Oh Snap Toddler size. 

21 Days of Thankful Giveaway Day 7

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

Today and always, I am thankful for Freedom of Religion in America!  I am very greatful to be a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.  It has blessed my life tremendously and I know with all my heart that the gospel is true.  For those who understand my religion, this is the Temple that my family and I were able to be sealed together as a family for Eternity and it will always hold a special place in my heart.

I have made many friends over the years who are from many different faiths and I love and respect each of them and their beliefs.  I also believe that we are all human and as such, there is good and bad in every religion and I will not judge an entire faith based on the negative of individuals.  

I read a quote once when I was a teenager that has stuck with me since. 

 

"Going to church on Sunday does not make you any more of a Christian than sleeping in a garage will make you a car" 

 

The way you live your daily life says more about you than anything.  Be kind to your neighbors.  Help those in need. Be honest in your dealings with others.  People will love you for who you are more than who you pretend to be, so Live and Love what you believe!

 

Today's pattern for the giveaway is the "Oh Snap" infant size

 

 

21 Days of Thankful Giveaway Day 6

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Today, I am thankful that I live in a country where I have a say in who is the leader!  I'm also thankful that we will not have to see and listen to any more debates and political ads.  We all have the right to our own opinions and it's amazing how nasty some people can be if you don't agree with them :(  I hope everyone will respect others right to their own views and opinions - even if you don't agree.

Today's pattern giveaway is for the Snap Dragon Toddler Size

21 Days of Thankful Giveaway Day 5

a Rafflecopter giveaway


Good Monday morning my friends.  I hope you all had a safe and fantastic weekend! 

Today, I am thankful that the crazy nightmares I have everyonce in a while will never come true!  I had a scary one last night that was so real, I woke up in a panic.  My heart was racing and stomach upset and mind was going 100 miles an hour and it took a while to settle back down enough to just relax.  Hate it when that happens!!!

Today's pattern for the giveaway is the Snap Dragon Infant size pattern.

Only 1 prize/person and exchanges are not allowed.  Pattern will automatically be sent to the winner.

Thanks everyone for following Crafting Friends :)

21 Days of Thankful Giveaway Day 4

a Rafflecopter giveaway


I am very thankful that I learned how to crochet.  My mom taught me when I was about 10 yrs old.  I have made over 100 afghans and have photos of most of them.  Some were sold, others were made for humanitarian projects for my church, a few were given as a service to some families who were in a pinch during the holidays (they don't know where they came from since I personally don't know them).  Every member of my family has at least 1 of my blankets and it is comforting to me that they can wrap up in it and it's like getting a hug from me if needed. 

I have only been designing baby dresses for the last year and to be honest, it's hard to work on afghans now...lol.  The dresses are so quick and fun to do!  It warms my heart when I see a little baby wearing something I have designed and my toddlers are my biggest support.  They are constantly telling me how cute everything is and what colors to use for their next dresses.  I love that they are so happy to wear something I have made :) 

The pattern for today's giveaway is the Shell Brook Toddler size.  All you have to do is click on the giveaway tab at the top of the page to enter.  Only 1 prize/person and no exchanges.  Patterns will be automatically sent to the winner chosen.  Good luck to everyone and I hope you are having a great weekend!

21 Days of Thankful Giveaway Day 3

a Rafflecopter giveaway

I LOVE music!!!  I was born into a family full of musical talent.  My grandpa (dad's dad) would always sing a song to us when we were little with our name in it...It always made us feel special.  3 of my sisters and I were all in our High School choirs and have sung at funerals. I love that this talent has been passed on to all 3 of my girls!  Madtie sings in her High School choir and has been asked many times to sing solos for church.  My 2 toddlers love to try and sing along with the radio and recently have started making up their own songs (very entertaining).
Along with the singing,  I love to play the piano.  I have been extremely blessed in this.  I took 1 year of piano lessons when I was around 6-7 yrs old and then the teacher quit to go back to work.  I wanted so badly to be able to play as well as my sisters, so I practiced all the time and started teaching myself how to play.  With practice, I was able to play for 2 of my choir classes in school and also for many church callings.  I can't imagine life with out it :)

Today's giveaway pattern is the Shell Brook Infant size.  Just click on the giveaway tab at the top of the page to enter.  Only 1 prize per person and exchanges are not allowed. Pattern will automatically be sent to the winner through their email listed on the entry page.

Have a fantastic Saturday my friends!

21 Days of Thankful Giveaway Day 2

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Day 2

Today, I am so thankful I had the opportunity to know my grandparents! (my mom's parents) This is my Grandpa who passed away last month. He was a wonderful man who served in the Navy and was a teacher at our High School for many, many years. My Grandma was a nurse when she was younger and raised 3 boys and 3 girls. She is why I crochet :) She taught my mom...

, and I learned from my mom...BUT She is the one who always amazed me because she will just sit down and crochet her own little designs. She would raffle off an afghan at our famil reunions and I won one of them and asked her how she made it and she didn't have a pattern - just came up with it. She gave me the conifidence I needed to start designing my own things. I LOVE them both!!!

The pattern for today's giveaway is the Baby Tay Toddler size.

 

 

 All you have to do is click on the giveaway tab and be a fan of this page on FaceBook :)
Once again, only 1 prize per person and no exchanges. If you already have this pattern, please let others have the opportunity to win.

 

Happy Friday!!!

Kate
 

Thankful Giveaway Day 1

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Good morning my friends!  I hope you all had a Happy Halloween.  I am hosting 21 Days of Thankful Giveaway.  Each day I will post something I am thankful for and will giveaway 1 pattern a day through Thanksgiving.  All you have to do to enter is click on the link above and be a fan of Crafting Friends on Facebook.  I thought this would be a fun way for you to get to know me a little better and also to give everyone a chance to win 1 of my patterns.  Exchanges will not be given, so if you already have the pattern for the day, I ask that you please give others the chance to win it. 

Day 1:

I am extremely thankful for my family!!! This is a photo of my family a couple of years ago (we are due for a new one, but baby needs to be here first) I have the most amazing parents who have been married for over 40 years. They are a great example to me of how a marriage should be and how to serve others. My siblings and I all have a very strong connection and I know I can lean on any of them in a time of need. We all live within 2 hours of each other and I love spending time with them! This is what life is all about :)

 

 

Today's pattern giveaway is for the Baby Tay Infant pattern.

Happy Thursday!

Kate