Saturday, February 15, 2014

A Quick project to thank our Service Men and Women

Beanies for Bravery
Do you ever see the news and the things that our military have to go through and think... "I really wish I could do more to help those who put their lives on the line for our freedoms everyday" ???

I know I have.  It just doesn't feel like enough to say thank you to those we see on the street or in the store who have or are serving our wonderful country.  I have met an amazing woman who has set up a great way for us to help and it's so simple,  I am kicking my self in the behind that I have not jumped in to  help before now. 

Beanies for Bravery is a project that Heidi from Snappy Tots has put together.  She collects beanies (specific colors and sizes) along with thank you notes and sends them to the many men and women who are serving.  If you Crochet or Knit and even if you don't, you can still help out.  It is so simple and honestly a quick project and even 1 thing can make the world of difference.  Click on the photo to be taken to Snappy Tots project information page

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