I'm ready to reveal the next design - Are you ready to see it?
Challenger #3 in the Battle of the Stitches was Ann from Glamour4You.
Ann is a designer that I have watched for a while and she amazes me. Very unique and creative.
She chose to use Deborah Norville Yarn for her design and it's beautiful! It's a brand that I have not tried yet and it's now on my list.
Thursday, March 27, 2014
Challenger #2 Battle of the Stitches Reveal
Challenger #2 in our Battle of the Stitches Round 1 was Jennifer Hatch
Spring is Definitely in the air with this collection from Hatch-ed With Love. Jen chose to use some fun, bright colors in the I Love this Yarn Brand. The 3 different options she worked up are wonderful and I would love to make some for our home. Buttons are such a great touch to the design and I plan on using some fun ones for mine!
Spring is Definitely in the air with this collection from Hatch-ed With Love. Jen chose to use some fun, bright colors in the I Love this Yarn Brand. The 3 different options she worked up are wonderful and I would love to make some for our home. Buttons are such a great touch to the design and I plan on using some fun ones for mine!
Affiliate Link |
Challenger #1 Battle of the Stitches Reveal
It's REVEAL time - WOO HOO!!! If you have been playing along with the Battle of the Stitches games and following the designers, I hope you are as excited as I am to see the final designs.
So we don't have to keep seeing the same thing over and over, if you are just tuning in to see what all the fun was about, you may find the details of the Battle here: Battle of the Stitches Crochet Challenge by Crafting Friends Designs
Our Challenger #1 was Jennifer Prekopa from Little Luvies Shop.
So we don't have to keep seeing the same thing over and over, if you are just tuning in to see what all the fun was about, you may find the details of the Battle here: Battle of the Stitches Crochet Challenge by Crafting Friends Designs
Our Challenger #1 was Jennifer Prekopa from Little Luvies Shop.
Jennifer from Little Luvies Shop |
Wednesday, March 26, 2014
My Battle of the Stitches Project and Craft idea
It's getting close to the reveals of our Battle of the Stitches designs! Woo Hoo!!!
What a VERY exciting time this has been. The Designers have all been amazing and their creativity and talent. It has been a wonderful and positive experience. While I would have loved to be one of the Challengers, I didn't think it would be fair since I set everything up. I also didn't think it would be fair of me to expect them to design something with a stitch that I haven't tried myself. So, my solution for this was to work up a project myself and just not have it judged.
The theme for the Battle is Mother's Day. The designers were asked to design something using the Rocky Road crochet stitch that they would give as a Mother's Day gift OR something that they themselves would like to receive for Mother's Day. As many of you know, I love to make old fashioned candy. I enjoy cooking (when I don't have to worry about picky eaters) and learned to cook from my mom. She is a fantastic cook!
What a VERY exciting time this has been. The Designers have all been amazing and their creativity and talent. It has been a wonderful and positive experience. While I would have loved to be one of the Challengers, I didn't think it would be fair since I set everything up. I also didn't think it would be fair of me to expect them to design something with a stitch that I haven't tried myself. So, my solution for this was to work up a project myself and just not have it judged.
The theme for the Battle is Mother's Day. The designers were asked to design something using the Rocky Road crochet stitch that they would give as a Mother's Day gift OR something that they themselves would like to receive for Mother's Day. As many of you know, I love to make old fashioned candy. I enjoy cooking (when I don't have to worry about picky eaters) and learned to cook from my mom. She is a fantastic cook!
Sunday, March 23, 2014
Featured Crafter: Trifles N Treasures
Happy Monday friends! I hope your weekend was a great one. Our Featured Crafter for this week is Tera from Trifles N Treasures. Tera is a fun and outgoing gal who I have come to know over the last few months. She has such a spunky personality and I enjoy chatting with her. Congrats Tera on reaching 6,000 fans on Facebook!
Tera from Trifles N Treasures |
Thursday, March 20, 2014
The Question was asked... The Challenge was issued... The BATTLE IS ON!
The Battle is ON
The Designers are set
The Designers are set
Their Hooks came out swinging
Their yarn they did get
The focus - One Stitch
The Theme - Mother's Day
Hold on to your seats!
There's more on the way...
Wednesday, March 19, 2014
Battle of the Stitches Round 1 Game #1
So Follow along and join in the fun
This is the first in our list of games
Can you list the Challengers Names?
Comment below with the Name of the person behind the business. Comments are moderated and will not show up until I approve them to make it fair for everyone. Make sure to leave your name in the comment for me to contact you.
Friday, March 7, 2014
Ribbon Candy Scarf Pattern
Last week, I posted my Ribbon Candy V Scarf pattern for everyone to try. The response was AMAZING!
I love the V in the design and it makes it such a great pattern to have for men or women. The Ribbon Candy Scarf is the same stitch work, but worked in a different direction than the other scarf gives the design a very different look. I love it!
It reminds me of holding a roll of ribbon and letting it just unwind falling to the floor.
This is the same design, only sized for American Girl dolls.
I love the V in the design and it makes it such a great pattern to have for men or women. The Ribbon Candy Scarf is the same stitch work, but worked in a different direction than the other scarf gives the design a very different look. I love it!
Ribbon Candy Scarf by Crafting Friends Designs |
This is the same design, only sized for American Girl dolls.
Thursday, March 6, 2014
5k Fan Appreciation Giveaway
I want to let you all know how much I appreciate your support. I am extremely thankful for the friendships I've made with many of you over the last few years. It is so exciting to see my hobby grow and have so many people appreciate what I do. What an awesome experience this has been!
To celebrate gaining 5,000 fans on Face Book, I have a fantastic giveaway starting today. Red Heart has generously donated a wonderful prize package valued at $125 - WOW!
This Retail Prize Package includes:
· 4 With Love
· 3 Anne Geddes
· 2 Boutique Magical
· 2 Reflective
· 2 Boutique Treasure
· 2 Boutique Sassy Fabric
· 1 Boutique Sashay
· Red Heart Tote Bag
· Susan Bates Knitting Needles Set
· Susan Bates Crochet Hooks Set
· Red Heart Tape Measure
To celebrate gaining 5,000 fans on Face Book, I have a fantastic giveaway starting today. Red Heart has generously donated a wonderful prize package valued at $125 - WOW!
This Retail Prize Package includes:
· 4 With Love
· 3 Anne Geddes
· 2 Boutique Magical
· 2 Reflective
· 2 Boutique Treasure
· 2 Boutique Sassy Fabric
· 1 Boutique Sashay
· Red Heart Tote Bag
· Susan Bates Knitting Needles Set
· Susan Bates Crochet Hooks Set
· Red Heart Tape Measure
Monday, March 3, 2014
New Pattern: Ribbon Candy V Scarf
Every now and then, I like to offer patterns for free and this is one that I designed specifically with that in mind.
The Ribbon Candy V Scarf is really easy to work up and can be made in any size. Instructions are given for an 18" doll sized scarf also to give girls a "mommy & Me" set. A photo is shown at the very bottom of this post as an example.
AND - if you keep going on the repeat rows, it would make an AWESOME afghan!
**Affiliate Link**
I hope you enjoy this pattern and I would love to see photos if you make something with it. Feel free to post it on my Facebook page.
If you would like a PDF ready version, it's available for purchase here: http://www.craftingfriendsdesigns.com/store/p195/Pattern%3A_Ribbon_Candy_V_Scarf.html
Red Heart Soft on Amazon
The Ribbon Candy V Scarf is really easy to work up and can be made in any size. Instructions are given for an 18" doll sized scarf also to give girls a "mommy & Me" set. A photo is shown at the very bottom of this post as an example.
AND - if you keep going on the repeat rows, it would make an AWESOME afghan!
**Affiliate Link**
I hope you enjoy this pattern and I would love to see photos if you make something with it. Feel free to post it on my Facebook page.
If you would like a PDF ready version, it's available for purchase here: http://www.craftingfriendsdesigns.com/store/p195/Pattern%3A_Ribbon_Candy_V_Scarf.html
Ribbon
Candy V Scarf
**This post contains affiliate links**Red Heart Soft on Amazon
Size: 18” Doll (3’, 4’, 5’, 6’)
Gauge: 4 SC & 4 Rows = 1”
Hook: Size H or size to match gauge
Hook: Size H or size to match gauge
Saturday, March 1, 2014
Spring Sparkle Shawl Pattern Release
Spring Sparkle Shawl |
It's quite pretty! It has a fun shine to the threads and Sequins are sporadically placed to give it that extra sparkle. I have been asked many times to design a lacy shawl and when Red Heart sent me a skein of Boutique Swanky to try out, well, I knew exactly what I wanted to use it for!
Friday, February 28, 2014
Review: Too Yarn Cute e-magazine
Subscriptions |
Growing up, I watched my grandma and my mom crochet and mom taught me to crochet when I was 10. Most of the things mom would crochet were just basic afghans using patterns found on the yarn wrappers. She had a few small books from the store, but not many. Grandma on the other hand subscribed to Hooked on Crochet and a couple of others from Annie's. I have never actually subscribed to crochet magazines. Grandma gave me her entire collection a year or so ago since she's not really using them anymore so between those and making my own designs, I don't have a whole lot of time. I do however like seeing the work of the many other amazing designers out there right now and follow them on different social sites.
Tuesday, February 25, 2014
February WIP Challenge Results
Last week, I issued the challenge on my FaceBook page to post a photo of WIP's. Everyone was given the weekend to complete as many of the projects in the photos as possible.
This is what we accomplished from the challenge:
This is the pile I began with on Friday. 10 projects and most have been in a box for at least a year. The Patriotic afghan has sat the longest, so I knew I wanted to tackle that for sure. Then the White and blue Diamond Capelet was started when I was designing the pattern and I'm not sure why I didn't just finish it. I had my 5yr old try it on and it was just the right length. All I had to do was add the border and ties...WHY was that so hard???
Crafting Friends |
Monday, February 24, 2014
Featured Crafter: Little Luvies Shop
Good Monday morning everyone. I hope you all had a wonderful weekend.
I'm happy to introduce you to another wonderful friend I have come to know through Crochet. Jennifer is the gal behind Little Luvies Shop and has been a tester for me since day. She has been a huge support through all my ups and downs. Jennifer also designs on her own, so I hope you will take some time to visit some of her social sites and see what she is up to.
I'm happy to introduce you to another wonderful friend I have come to know through Crochet. Jennifer is the gal behind Little Luvies Shop and has been a tester for me since day. She has been a huge support through all my ups and downs. Jennifer also designs on her own, so I hope you will take some time to visit some of her social sites and see what she is up to.
Saturday, February 22, 2014
An unfinished project with one question in mind - Keep going or turn it into something else?
Isn't it funny how the mind works? When the creative juices start flowing, it's hard to focus on anything else but that next design that you are dieing to work up! As I was looking for a crochet book to reference an afghan pattern to here on the blog, I had to move a box of unfinished projects out of my way. Uggghh! The Guilt and the dread that I felt - well....It was sad :(
I bet it's been close to 1 1/2 years ago that I started a small Red, White and Blue afghan. Really, it's like a baby sized afghan and it's still sitting in my pile - I know, I have issues. I have always worked really small bubble style stitches and I thought it would be fun to try a larger popcorn type of a stitch. I had a good sized stash of Red Heart Super Saver Yarn and I kept telling myself that I needed to use the stash up before I go out and buy any more. In all seriousness, do you know any hookers who clean out their stash of yarn before buying more? I don't. And don't let anyone fool you - they probably have some yarn hidden in the closet or under the bed. This pattern was fun at first. I just made it all up as I went along my merry way. Nothing spectacular, just some good ole simple, mindless stitches. Then....Creativity struck!!! Now, I don't know what it was that made me put the afghan aside, but I had to get those fingers moving on .
I bet it's been close to 1 1/2 years ago that I started a small Red, White and Blue afghan. Really, it's like a baby sized afghan and it's still sitting in my pile - I know, I have issues. I have always worked really small bubble style stitches and I thought it would be fun to try a larger popcorn type of a stitch. I had a good sized stash of Red Heart Super Saver Yarn and I kept telling myself that I needed to use the stash up before I go out and buy any more. In all seriousness, do you know any hookers who clean out their stash of yarn before buying more? I don't. And don't let anyone fool you - they probably have some yarn hidden in the closet or under the bed. This pattern was fun at first. I just made it all up as I went along my merry way. Nothing spectacular, just some good ole simple, mindless stitches. Then....Creativity struck!!! Now, I don't know what it was that made me put the afghan aside, but I had to get those fingers moving on .
Friday, February 21, 2014
New Crochet Pattern Release - Ribbon Candy Afghan
Ribbon Candy Afghan |
This afghan is worked C2C (corner to corner) and directions are for a finished size of 40"x40" with instructions on how to easily adjust to the size of your choice. It is such a fun design and would make a great addition to any room. This actual afghan will be a gift to my youngest sister for her baby coming this year. I can't wait for her to see it!
Tuesday, February 18, 2014
New Pattern Release: Diagonal Weave Skirt
Since our Featured Crafter for the week is Jennifer from Crochet By Jennifer, why not have a little something extra to celebrate?
Introducing my latest design - the Diagonal Weave Skirt crochet pattern. This skirt was designed to coordinate from Jen's latest collection and it has an amazing texture to it! The diagonal weave is NOT a pattern for beginners. It is more an Intermediate/Experienced level and the results are fantastic! I love the look of this skirt in a single color and in multi colors.
What's that? You want to know what sizes it comes in? Well, you're in luck! The skirt includes directions for sizes 18" doll clear to Child 12. A wonderful addition to any pattern collection. Snag one of the amazing designs from Jennifer and you have a Perfect Mommy and Me set to make for your little girl, granddaughter or even for gifts.
Through February 22nd, you can get $2 off your purchase of the Diagonal Weave Skirt pattern on www.craftingfriendsdesigns.com
Click on any of the photos with a hat or bonnet below to be taken to that pattern in Crochet by Jennifer's Craftsy Shop.
Introducing my latest design - the Diagonal Weave Skirt crochet pattern. This skirt was designed to coordinate from Jen's latest collection and it has an amazing texture to it! The diagonal weave is NOT a pattern for beginners. It is more an Intermediate/Experienced level and the results are fantastic! I love the look of this skirt in a single color and in multi colors.
What's that? You want to know what sizes it comes in? Well, you're in luck! The skirt includes directions for sizes 18" doll clear to Child 12. A wonderful addition to any pattern collection. Snag one of the amazing designs from Jennifer and you have a Perfect Mommy and Me set to make for your little girl, granddaughter or even for gifts.
Through February 22nd, you can get $2 off your purchase of the Diagonal Weave Skirt pattern on www.craftingfriendsdesigns.com
Click on any of the photos with a hat or bonnet below to be taken to that pattern in Crochet by Jennifer's Craftsy Shop.
Pink and Purple Diagonal Weave Skirt |
American Girl Sized Diagonal Weave Skirt and Diagonal Weave Baby Bonnet |
Diagonal Weave Skirt Pattern |
Diagonal Weave Skirt and Beanie/Newsboy Hat |
Diagonal Weave Beanie or Newsboy pattern |
Sunday, February 16, 2014
Featured Crafter: Crochet By Jennifer
I am jumping up and down with excitement! As many of you know, I've been collaborating with Crochet by Jennifer.
Last summer, she called for testers on her page and I filled out her form. She is extremely talented and I love working with other designers. Jennifer usually does not have other designers test for her and I can completely understand that, but lucky for me, a few of the gals who know both of us talked her into letting me join. We hit it off and get along great because we have respect for one another and will not cross boundaries when it comes to items to design. We have come to find out that we are a lot alike and I appreciate the opportunity to design dresses and other clothing to match her wonderful creativity!
Now that you know how we met, it is my pleasure to introduce you to her.
What is your main business focus?
Last summer, she called for testers on her page and I filled out her form. She is extremely talented and I love working with other designers. Jennifer usually does not have other designers test for her and I can completely understand that, but lucky for me, a few of the gals who know both of us talked her into letting me join. We hit it off and get along great because we have respect for one another and will not cross boundaries when it comes to items to design. We have come to find out that we are a lot alike and I appreciate the opportunity to design dresses and other clothing to match her wonderful creativity!
Now that you know how we met, it is my pleasure to introduce you to her.
Lion & Lioness baby bonnet |
Designing crochet patterns. I no longer sell custom orders as I found it took too much time away from designing. I just want to continually grow and improve. Lately I've been going back and re-writing all my older patterns because I've learned so much in the past couple of years.
What is your greatest accomplishment or what are you most proud of?
Kylie Baby Cocoon |
I am most proud of the fact that I have turned something I love doing into a successful career and that I can stay home with my younger daughter. My job doesn't even feel like work to me because I love it so
much. The fact that I can earn a living doing what I do is just a bonus to me. I love the fact that my husband is proud of me too, and tells people all about my work.
What is something you struggle with?
Finding enough time in the day to do everything I want to do! My "list" of things to design is so long I'll never see the end of it. I also struggle with time management and making sure I work on all aspects of
my business equally. My Facebook page, blog, website, etc are things that I would like to build up even more in the future so I can always be interacting with people and sharing my patterns.
What advice would you give someone starting out?
Take the time to learn your craft thoroughly. I rushed into designing a little too quickly and I had no idea how it would snowball. I wish I'd gotten into it a little more slowly and tried more patterns before I
started selling my own designs. My own personal ethic is that I don't view other designer's patterns because I don't want to be influenced or feel that I am copying, but I wish I had seen more of what was out there
before I joined the designing crowd. There are several designers whose work I admire, but I have never tried their patterns.
Is there someone in the craft community that you admire and why?
Vita of Mon Petit Violon. I think her designs are gorgeous and she's a lovely person. :)
Thank you Jennifer for taking your time to share a little about who you are. I've heard of Mon Petit Violon and I've even seen her designs floating around on different social media sights. I had to go check out her FaceBook page and sadly, I wasn't a fan - Until now :) I have to agree, she has some amazing designs!
Well, there you have it in a nutshell. She is such an amazing designer and I'm thrilled that we are working together. If you are not a fan of her's yet, check out her other shops and become a fan on Facebook.
You can find all Designer Collaborations on my site, but here are a few.
Katrina Cloche |
Kate Baby Bonnet |
Karma Baby Bonnet |
Vintage Star Baby Bonnet |
Ashlee Beanie |
Primrose Baby Bonnet |
Saturday, February 15, 2014
A Quick project to thank our Service Men and Women
Beanies for Bravery |
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
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.
Then came the Ribbon Candy Infant Dress sizes and look how cute it is on a baby!
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.
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
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 |
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 |
Ribbon Candy Infant Dress |
Ribbon Candy Infant Dress |
Ribbon Candy V Scarf |
Ribbon Candy Infinity Cowl |
Ribbon Candy Scarf |
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
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)