finished: headbands for custom orders

Woohoo!  Friday at last.  It's sure to be a busy one in my neck of the woods.  I've been preparing a bunch for a craft show tomorrow - so much that I had to put my shop in vacation mode so I could concentrate on building stock.  I think I did a pretty good job with making as much as I did with two weeks of work, class, and a hurricane, but we'll see how things pan out.

Innyhoo, here's a photo of two headbands I finished for custom orders - before, of course, I temporarily paused my shop:


I know I'll be making a bunch more of these in the coming weeks.  I have a few custom orders to work on this weekend at the craft show, too, so there will be lots of photos coming your way soon :)

But for now, I have a killer sinus headache thanks to post-Sandy barometric pressure, so I apologize if this post is frazzled or not written in English.  We escaped fairly unscathed, though we've lost power, cable, and Internet with barely an estimated return date (our friends' estimated return dates are either next week or have blown by with no change, so I'm not expecting them back any time soon).  But it could be worse.

hurricane sandy prep

As most of you know, I'm located near the east coast of the US.  Depending on what source you're reading, we may experience either heavy winds and rain or potentially fatal conditions.  Either way, it's almost definite that we'll be without power for a few days at best.

Here's pretty much what they're predicting (I'm not sure how you've been able to escape the news coverage, but you never know):


I was supposed to post a Sharp Crochet Hook review tomorrow, but am postponing it because I'd like to be able to answer your questions.  I also ran out of time with everything going on, including Hurricane Sandy ridiculousness.

I may or may not have access to the Internet over the next few days, but either way, I wanted to let you know that we are prepared - though my responses may be slow.

Stay safe, everyone, and don't go outside unless you have to (which I do).

finished: front- and back-post crochet beanie

Hello, hello, hello!

We have started another week, and it's back to work, class, and custom orders for me.  I'm not sure how I managed to do it, but I was somehow able to accomplish a lot this past weekend - including a bunch of custom orders (and even starting one for my upcoming craft show [so I'll at least have one item to show now]).

Here's one of my faves:



It's a cream-colored front- and back-post crochet beanie with matching flower.  I love making these and don't think people order them enough.  That said, it's been gaining in popularity lately, so I'm happy about that.

The pattern is my own, inspired by a picture I saw online years ago.  The yarn is Loops & Threads Impeccable, and I enjoyed working with it.  I couldn't get out to Hobby Lobby to grab any "I Love This Yarn", which is my new go-to acrylic, but I thought this was a good substitute.

If you support my opinion that not enough people are wearing this hat, then check it out in my etsy shop.  They make great holiday gifts (wink-wink-nudge-nudge) or they'll protect you from an early snow storm.  Shout outs to a few of my Canadian customers ;)

I hope everyone is having a great start to your weeks!  I'm sad that my favorite month is coming to an end - even if it means it's almost time to enjoy a delicious Thanksgiving meal soon.

fun halloween knit & crochet patterns 2012

My new "thing" (if you haven't noticed) is compiling adorable knit & crochet projects that cater to upcoming holidays.  I'm not sure how or why this started, but I've really been enjoying my new found interest in Etsy treasuries and the joy they bring when preparing for crafty and festive events.

This week, I put together some paid-for knit and crochet patterns that struck my fancy.  Nothing like some eye candy to brighten a dreary day (and it's been a bit rainy in my neck of the woods).  I love fall and Halloween colors, so they made me happy.

These adorable knit and crochet patterns are sure to get you in the Halloween spirit - and may even make great costumes! Enjoy one of my favorite holidays with two of my favorite crafts:


PDF Pattern Five Li...
$6.00

SALE Frankenstein H...
$4.50

Witch Hat and Ruffl...
$5.00

KNITTING CHART - Sk...
$3.00

Halloween Set - Cro...
$10.00

PATTERN Crochet BUN...
$7.00

Crochet Garland PDF...
$5.00

Pattern Frankenstei...
$5.00

Halloween Witches A...
$4.95

CROCHET PATTERN - M...
$4.80

Crochet Pattern: Ha...
$4.50

Crocheted Mini Hall...
$8.00

X361 Filet Crochet ...
$3.95

Knitting Pattern fo...
$1.50

Owl Knitting Patter...
$3.00

Knit your own Creep...
$4.00