Just plain excited :)

It was amazing to sit down at my computer this morning with my first cup of coffee (after the usual "get up and get to school" routine with Bryce) to see that people have already gotten to work on their own eye masks! I only posted that pattern last night! I'm already getting excited to see how people modify the pattern for their own projects. I love free patterns - they are the basis for my creativity. I find ones I like, make the project according to the pattern, and then usually un-ravel the whole thing and make it with my own modifications. I use different stitches, different textures, different hook sizes, and anything else I can think of. I can't wait to see how other people interpret my first pattern.

Joe's still begging me to write the patterns for my Yo Gabba Gabba dolls and sell them.



I'm sure I eventually will. The problem is, I made those free-form and didn't keep any notes. I didn't count, I didn't even use a pattern as a basis. I guess I'm just going to have to make them again! I'm sure Bryce won't complain - he loves his "pals". His latest pal is Lowly the Worm from "The Busy World of Richard Scarry".


I guess I'd better get to crocheting and writing! ;)

Just in time for Valentine's ;)

I've finally written my first crochet pattern! I was browsing around on Ravelry and Etsy and was inspired that everyone is crafting with Valentine's Day in mind. I decided I should start simple, so here it is:




Sleep Mask, or Not ;)

I used a size G hook and cotton yarn.

Ch=Chain
SC=Single Crochet
Sk=Skip

Chain 7.

R1) SC in 2nd chain from hook and in each ch to end (6 SC total). Ch 1, turn.

R2 - 3) SC in each SC (6 SC total). Ch 1, turn.

R4) 2 SC in 1st SC. SC in next 4 SC. 2 SC in the last SC (8 SC total). Ch 1, turn.

R5) SC in each SC (8 SC total). Ch 1, turn.

R6) 2 SC in 1st SC. SC in next 6 SC. 2 SC in the last SC (10 SC total). Ch 1, turn.

R7 - 8) SC in each SC (10 SC total). Ch 1, turn.

R9) Sk 1st SC, SC in next 7 SC. SC2TOG. (8 SC total). Ch 1, turn.

R10) SC in each SC (8 SC total). Ch 1, turn.

R11) SC in next 6 SC. SC2TOG. (7 SC total). Ch 1, turn.

R12) Sk 1st SC, SC in next 6 SC. (6 SC total). Ch 1, turn.

R13) SC in next 4 SC. SC2TOG. (5 SC total). Ch 1, turn.

R14) Sk 1st SC, SC in next 4 SC. (4 SC total). Ch 1, turn.

R15) SC in next 3 SC. 2 SC in last SC. (5 SC total). Ch 1, turn.

R16) 2 SC in 1st SC. SC in next 4 SC. (6 SC total). Ch 1, turn.

R17) SC in next 5 SC. 2 SC in last SC. (7 SC total). Ch 1, turn.

R18) 2 SC in 1st SC. SC in next 6 SC. (8 SC total). Ch 1, turn.

R19) SC in each SC (8 SC total). Ch 1, turn.

R20) 2 SC in 1st SC. SC in next 6 SC. 2 SC in last SC (10 SC total). Ch 1, turn.

R21 - 22) SC in each SC (10 SC total). Ch 1, turn.

R23) Sk 1st SC, SC in next 7 SC. SC2TOG (8 SC total). Ch 1, turn.

R24) SC in each SC (8 SC total). Ch 1, turn.

R25) Sk 1st SC, SC in next 5 SC. SC2TOG (6 SC total). Ch 1, turn.

R26 - 28) SC in each SC (6 SC total). Ch 1, turn.

R29) This is the edging row. As we all know, it's a little difficult to decide where to place stitches on the edges, so use your best judgment and remember that your way is the right way ;) SC in next 5 SC. 3 SC in last SC (one for the side, one for the corner, one for the bottom). I have 32 SC total spaced evenly across the bottom edge (not counting the ones in each corner). Be sure to put 3 SC in your last SC on the bottom to create the corner and the first stitch on the other side. SC in next 4 SC (across other side). 3 SC in next SC (one for the side, one for the corner, one for the top). I have 29 SC total spaced evenly across the top side (not counting the corner stitches). Make sure you remember to put the last corner stitch in. Join with a slip stitch to the first SC. You should have 6 stitches on each side, 1 stitch for each of the four corners, 29 across the top, and 32 across the bottom. Use your best judgment here to get the right look for the edging. Once complete, don't cut your yarn just yet, as your next step is to make the straps.

I made straps on my eye mask, mostly because I was envisioning the tying and untying process might be a little bit fun and flirty if this mask was used for anything but sleeping. ;) I just saw that a fellow Raveler made hers into a band which is definitely more functional for actually sleeping. Imagine sleeping on a big bow or knot?! Crochet is up to the artist, so you choose...

Anyways, here's how I made the straps...

Next, chain 51. SC in 2nd chain from hook and in the following 49 stitches (50 SC total). Join with sl stitch to the side. This forms the first strap or tie.

Join yarn on the other side and repeat for the second tie. Finish off and weave in the ends.

Enjoy! ;)

Since this is my very first written pattern, I welcome all comments and suggestions. :)

I just posted another absolutely adorable hat!

Woo! This one turned out great! I tried the "up down" stitch for texture and I absolutely love it!! This is one of my most favorite hats so far. I guess I'm going to have to stock up on this cotton yarn ;)

Caps for Good

I just discovered this on Ravelry and have decided to participate. Hooray! It's my first charitable gift from BambooShoots!

FINALLY! My Etsy store is up!

OK, the holidays were unbelievably busy, but I've finally had a chance to bring out the real camera and take some product pictures for my Etsy store. There's so much I need to learn about photography, but that's another story. I started with my favorite pieces so that I could practice with product descriptions and photo editing (well, cropping and light adjusting is about the best I can do for now). It's there, people are looking at my work, people are "favoriting" my projects, and I'm starting to move at a faster pace!



My store can be found at: http://www.etsy.com/shop/bambooshootsltd

I'm also posting these on Ravelry at the same time to get feedback from other "fiber artists". This is so much fun!

Now I'll cross my fingers (and my crochet hooks!) and hope for the best!

Back in the swing of things

Wow, things have been crazy since I posted last. I quit an awful job, moved to a new house, and my little guy has since started Kindergarten! Joe's on track to getting his Enrolled Agent's certification (the tax equivalent of CPA). Things have been tough, but we're here and we're surviving!

So many people have urged me over the years to sell my crocheted works, and I've finally taken the first step! I've gotten unbelievably positive feedback and support from friends and family, and I'm finally going to carry this idea forward and see how far I can go!

I know I need to start with a product I can make pretty quickly, so I've started with the cutest baby and kid hats! I'm having so much fun coming up with new ideas, and each finished work is so cute!

Next, I'll bring out the REAL camera and get some good pictures taken and uploaded to Flickr and to Etsy. I'm seriously having so much fun doing this!

Flashback

Remember these guys?! On a whim I decided to freestyle one of these today to see if I could make something really fast. It turned out cute! Now Joe's bouncing around the house jumping up and punching him to get an "extra life". Goof-ball! Next will be the red one!