Etsy Bling

In anticipation of my upcoming craft fair I finally got around to "branding" my Etsy shop!  I made a new logo that actually has matching business cards and such.  Now I just need to get around to actually making more product...I'm in the process of crocheting a yoga bag which I have had to start over about 5 times for various reasons - maybe I should just give up...

(I know the image looks tiny but if you click on it you can actually see it.)

Shrug

So here it is - the first article of adult clothing that I finished.  I think it turned out pretty well.  I had to make a TON of alterations to the pattern because the original pattern ended up making a teeny tiny shrug that maybe a 10 year old would fit into - it also had a weird seam that I decided to get rid of (I guess that is what you get with free patterns).  Overall I think if I did another one I would make a few changes but I am pretty happy with it.  There were also suppose to be ruffles (like around the sleeves) at the neck and back but I decided to skip that because Boris and I both thought it looked fine without the extra ruffles.

A Shrug, A Sweater, Jewelry - I just can't stick to one project

So I have been busy starting crafting projects and not finishing them.

The list of my half finished projects includes:

- A crocheted sweater (about 50% done)

- A crocheted shrug - which I hope to wear this Saturday (about 75% done)

- Two crocheted bags that just need linings

- A bunch of silver pieces that need to be sanded and finished (I did finish three pendants and bracelet already but I have a few other pieces left - plus I want to make more)

- I found a dress I want to sew

- I need to finish Chase's scrapbook

- Oh yah and I am suppose to be getting ready for a craft fair that I have done nothing for because I've been busy making stuff for myself - whoops...

I would include pictures of all these projects but I broke my camera =(

The Sweet Return to Crafting

It has recently been hard for me to find time to craft as life has been a little hectic but I finally had time to get back to a few projects.  

Here is a little cream sweater that I finished crocheting yesterday.  I LOVE this sweater, it is made of a bamboo blend and is super soft and a nice weight and I think the bubble details at the bottom and the little jeweled red buttons are adorable.  I wish I had a little girl to put this on!  The best thing about crocheting baby stuff is that it goes SUPER fast because the pieces are so small. 

Yesterday with the help of some grandma baby sitting - which is always the best - I finally got around to playing with my new clay supplies!!!  I am not totally in love with any of the pieces that I made but I wanted to make some super simple and small items so that I can play with firing them.  I figured that if I made something really nice and it was ruined in the kiln I would be pretty upset so better to start small.  We'll see how these fire up and then get into pieces that I like better.  I also realized that I think the difficulty with this craft is going to be that the options are limitless so it is hard to get started and even harder to settle on something that isn't perfect.  I'm sure over time I will get better.

The other project that I was able to start yesterday was my first crochet project for myself!  I am biting the bullet and I am going to try to crochet a full adult sized sweater - I have been fearful to start something this large and complicated in the past!!!  Phew it feels like quite the task and  I think I need to go buy more yarn because I doubt I have enough of the yarn I chose to use (which is a super soft really nice merino wool blend).

Here is a picture of the pattern and what I have started so far - I really like the stitch so far.  I am doing the sweater in grey because it happens to be the yarn I had around - I really like the orange in the picture but I'm sure it will be fun in grey too.  The only thing I am a little concerned about is that the grey won't show off the detail in the sweater as well as the orange does but  I may just have to live with that (or I guess if it goes well I could always make it in another color).  The best part about this sweater will be picking out the buttons!!!

Wish me luck on this one - I'm sure I'll need it.  So far there has been limited cursing involved but one never knows how a project will progress.

My First Baby Sweater!

I finally finished crocheting my first baby sweater (and I do mean finally it took me a few weeks to find enough time to finish this thing!)  The only thing I'm not thrilled about is that I wanted the opening to be a little off centered by it is REALLY off centered...I guess the weight of the sweater is a bit heavier than I would have preferred as well.  Otherwise I think it turned out alright.

It's Here!!!!

I am so excited because my kiln and PMC supplies are here!  I unfortunately haven't had any time to use them yet but I am still happy that it is all ready to go.

I have kind of been in a crafting lull lately as I haven't been able to find any time to finish anything but I'm almost done with the baby sweater I am crocheting and PMC jewelry will be coming after that!

Crocheted Hats

I've been hooked on crocheting lately.  I made a darling red and cream baby blanket for a friend (which I unfortunately didn't take any pictures of) and I made the below kiddo hats.  I really like the beanies with the brims - I think they are as cute as can be.  I'm also currently in the process of crocheting a baby sweater.

I also have a ton of upcoming projects that I just haven't been able to get to!  I bought some acrylic because I want to try to use it with my jewelry making and I ordered a PMC kiln which I am very excited about!

I hope I can find some more crafting time soon!

Addicted to Crafting

I am a total crafting addict.  Here are some of my latest creations (most of which I plan to sell at the upcoming spring craft fair).

Tile Magnets

Tile Necklaces - The problem I keep having with these is that for some reason the top coat keeps cracking.  Very annoying.  I think they are charming though...

This is my second attempt at a crocheted purse and right now it is my pride and joy.  I made the pattern for it and I am very happy with the results.  In fact I may end up keeping this one because I love it so much!  I still need to line it but I wanted to put a picture up anyways.

Here is my first attempt at making a crocheted purse / my own pattern.  It turned out alright but it is smaller than I wanted it to be and I'm not sure I love the shape.  Also the holes are a bit large for my taste.  It is lined and has a cloth strap which I think turned out pretty well.

Here are some cut metal bird necklaces.  I really like the one on the chain...

This is just a simple glass bead necklace.

More to come soon!  I do love trying out new crafts...

Spring Craft Fair

My neighbor and I recently decided that we are going to do a Spring themed craft show together.  I am so excited - here are a few sneak peeks at the types of things I plan to make.  Everything has a spring / earthy feel to it.  Very fun.

Crocheted Newborn Baby Crocs (I love love love these).

Knitted Slipper (I am currently finishing up the second one).

Crocheted Animals

Jewelry (I liked the leather cord this necklace is on).

Book Thongs