Wednesday, August 29, 2012

August Giveaway

Finally...this month's giveaway. Please forgive me. Things here are stressful right now. We've been house hunting and have just bought a house (scroll down for photos). Trying to round up all of the documentation required is so time consuming. Anyway, here's what's up for grabs this month...


I made these from a pattern that can be found on Etsy. It can be found here. I made a couple of pairs and these turned out too small for my feet. 


I changed the design by not adding the back part which would go around the back of the foot.
This pair would fit a size 5.5 - 7.5 US.
So if you are interested in winning this pair of slippers just leave me a comment. I'll randomly choose a winner in a week or so...probably next Sunday (in about 10 days)

Sorry about the blogging inactivity here lately. The house hunt and negotiating has put everything else on hold.

Here's a little preview of the house and land


9.2 acres


Sunroom...I've always wanted one. (These photos show the side of the house. The front is to the left side of the photo below.)


I love weird and different

Not so much for Ireland...this is how she feels about it all:D


She may not be happy about it, but I am. I sure do hope that all goes well (inspection and all) and we can close with no problems.

I'll keep you posted.

Come back in a few days for the Pink Panda hat pattern. I'll have it soon, I promise:)

Don't forget to leave a comment if you would like to win the slippers.

Have a great rest of the week and weekend:)

Monday, August 13, 2012

A Crochet Resolution...and a Preview of This Month's Giveaway

I've made a crochet resolution...As of now, I am not crocheting for payment any more. I'm sooo over Etsy. I joined in 2009 and have never really enjoyed selling. Don't get me wrong, I love Etsy. I buy most of my bags and jewelry from the talented sellers there.   I love to purchase crochet patterns as well. I appreciate all of the great finds that can be found there.


These are some of my latest purchases


Using Etsy as a buyer is much more satisfying (for me)

I actually sell more outside of Etsy. People email and message me with requests. Some are friends and people I know...that's the toughest. Saying no to all of them. 

Personally, I find no pleasure in selling my crocheted projects any more. I love being able to provide something for someone, but find more joy in giving crocheted gifts, offering patterns for free, and blogging. I haven't really spent much time on my Etsy shop. After getting an order for the Colorful Stripey Mitts, I realized that I would rather spend my time doing other things...

I love my day job much more (it pays more of course) I love blogging much more. I love bartering a heck of a lot more. I found that I love crocheting much more without attaching dollars to it all. It's no fun anymore. So now I hope to regain the love of crochet again. No stress, deadlines, or obligation to get it all done.

I have a new friend, a knitter, who I love to swap with. I really enjoy swapping on Ravelry as well.
If anyone would like to swap, let me know...but for selling, I'm done, mostly. I may make a project here or there for sale. But for the most part, I'm gonna give, swap, and enjoy myself again:D

With all of that being said, I'll announce this month's giveaway soon:D


Here's a hint...it's a finished item or two;)




The Pink Panda pattern will be ready in a couple of days as well. I'm slowly trying to get back to what I love to do.

I will offer more details about the giveaway tomorrow when I have better photos.

Have a great week:D


Sunday, August 5, 2012

New Projects and a Pattern Preview

I'm finally starting to finish some of my projects;) Considering it's summer, I'm not too worried about it. Here's one of the bunnies. I'm still working on the second. This boy was really easy to make...just time consuming



I've also been putting Pinterest to good use. I've been wanting to make an earring organizer for so long now. I love the frames with the screens, and I've seen them on Etsy and in person at a couple of shops and boutiques. I decided to try one myself. Michael actually made it. He painted the frame and tried to staple the screen inside the edge of the frame.


This was definitely a learning experience. I'm going to ditch this one and start on another. The frame was not sturdy enough. The staples warped the edges of the frame.


So I've decided to go back to Pinterest and follow the tutorial that uses good old Duct tape:)


I've also been working on a new pattern;) 

Can you guess what it is?


Stayed tuned...I'll have it ready in a few days.

Have a great week:D