New For 2018

Hi guys! I hope everyone had a good Christmas. And has a safe New Year's. Me? I've been buried in crochet orders. My Mom and I have managed a little Christmas fun, with our friends. And some quality time with my grandma.

But I've been thinking about so much for this year! beginning with our CALs. One of my favorite things. And about getting a bit more organized. Also, having a place for people to reach out, and chat a bit. So I'm starting some Facebook groups.

For those of you that participate in our local Learn to Crochet classes...we've got a group. I know it can be difficult, when we only meet once a month. So I thought this would help a bit. I think it will help me as well. I get a lot of the same questions. And I just feel like, this will be an easier way, to communicate with everyone.

For our customers and fans, I've also started a group for you. A place where I can let you know where we will be selling. Maybe show some of the items we are working on. Be more interactive with our customers.

Lastly, I started a group for our CALs. This group, should be the most fun. A place to interact while we make things. And speaking of CALs, I've already picked the first 7 for the year! Of course, I'm using free patterns. With one exception. For the first time ever, you'll have to purchase one pattern. I think it is for $5.

Here's a quick look of our Two Crafty Hearts 2018 CALs...

This is one of my favorite, go-to gifts. I think all of my girlfriends, my Momma, and a few church ladies have all been gifted this Sweet November Shawl. It works up so fast. And darn, I can't find any of my pictures. But it is a beauty!

This sweater...I fell in love with it! The moment I saw it. This is the one CAL, that you will need to purchase the pattern for. But I think it is well worth it!

I'm always wanting to make blankets. I find it a little difficult to stay motivated. You know, past a baby blanket. So I think this shall be fun. And a ripple. I do love the look of a ripple. Although, I think I've only ever made 3 in my life!

I came across this Hopscotch baby blanket on Facebook. I saved the picture to my phone...but not the link. And it took me a while to find this. Once I knew what the pattern was called, it was no problem!

I just like the look of this blanket. A little vintage. A nod to the Call the Midwife blanket, that was so popular a year ago. Something that I can imagine my great-grandma creating.

I have a bit of an unhealthy obsession with monkeys. I don't know what it is. When I saw this, I wanted to make it immediately! It really is cute. :) But the pattern is only for the applique. For our CAL, I want to include a Granny Square blanket as well.

I've also been quite obsessed with amigurumi food lately. I think it is always a good thing, to throw in a quick CAL. You know, after making a blanket. Or something large.

Lastly, I picked a dog. Why? It's the Year of the Dog! And let me tell you, it took me a looong while to pick a pattern. All the ones I wanted to make, required you to buy a pattern. But I was really set on making a dog.

As always, I'm open to your suggestions. What would you like to see? As far as CALs go, I try to stay with free patterns. I try to have a variety of projects and skill level. But if there is a pattern that you are interested in...please let me know!

Come back tomorrow, and I'll let you know what CAL #1 is. I'll be posting the pattern link and materials needed. On Fridays, I'll be posting our goal for the week. I think it will be better than Sundays. See you tomorrow! 💕

Dia de los Muertos Toys and Decorations

When I think about Dia de los Muertos, I ALWAYS think of my Goddaughter. She LOVES this holiday! The kiddo, is just 11 years old. And has gotten all of us, to fall in love...with this amazing day. And celebration! 

And when I think of celebrating, I think of good memories. I was a professional Mariachi for over 10 years. And this was one of my favorite celebrations to work! I learned so much about my culture, and this holiday, from all those years!

So when I think about Dia de los Muertos, I think about fun. About celebrating, our loved ones. About making new memories. And passing on tradition. I think about all those things...that make this day so special. The people, religion, traditions, food, music, art, stories, etc. 

A few years ago, I found this pattern. And thought my Goddaughter could use one. For her birthday. I modified it a bunch. And made 3. Sent them in the mail. And I thought she was just going to kill over. When she got them, she was so excited!

This is another idea, that literally fell into my lap. And has been such a success. A friend, asked if I could make one. Before I knew it, I was making 10! She is such a fun doll. And I've attempted a few other similar dolls.

Whenever I think of Dia de los Muertos...I think of Papel Picado. And I was so excited, when I found these last year. I'm not a thread crocheter. But this could be a game changer!

I bought the thread months ago...I just need to sit down. And put my mind to it! I want to at least make 3. For my Dad's alter. But how fun, would these be, as place mats?

And because all kids need to carry something. I usually make wands. But these would be fun too!

This pillow, I may have gotten a few requests for them too. I think they are so fun! And would be fun, on the couch. All season long!

These buckets, were a regular for me as well. They're not tough. Just a fun addition to the season!

I saw similar pieces to these recently. And I fell in love! The possibilities are endless. I can already see myself, making a ton of them!

Skulls, buttons, and amigurumi! Need I saw more? I want to make dozens and dozens. They are so fun! And for my Goddaughter, they would be a fun birthday favor.

Kids enjoy the holiday as much as us adults. And I think we should encourage it. More than just the outward "skulls." But the true reason, behind Dia de los Muertos. Let the littles help with the alters, prep, and of course...the celebrations!

Hat Season Is Here!!!

Hat Season is here! In full swing. At the Growers' Markets we've definitely seen the shift. The last month, sales have been all about babies! We completely sold out of baby boy items in July. And last week, we sold all of our baby girl blankets. I'm kind tired of all things blue and  pink. So I decided to try something else, that we're in need of. HATS!

There have also been tons of sales...surrounding hats and booties. It doesn't matter what they look like. People are just in the market. I have sold about 20 sets, of hats and booties. All colors and sizes. 

So I've been making tons of these sets! TONS! I used to like the I Love This Yarn, Fan Pride. By Hobby Lobby. It was a nice way to make "Sports Themed" sets. Without having to use a bunch of colors.

I didn't know that it had been discontinued. I went to Hobby Lobby recently, and couldn't find it. When I searched the website, and eventually did a Google search, I realized it was discontinued. I'm so sad about this. Already JoAnns doesn't sell Red Heart's Team Spirit. And it NEVER goes on sale, on their website.

So I found this yarn. I can't remember what it was called. But it's by I Love This Yarn. They have 2 or 3 colors, that can sorta pass for sports team colors. I had an order for a Denver Broncos set. And this is the final product. I also bought a couple of skeins to make for the Saints. We'll see how this goes...

I've also decided to crack down on my animal hats. We've sold quite a few. And I've not really restocked. All season long! I think I've made about 3, since April. I couldn't find any of the patterns that I had previously used. So I winged it. I found some pictures, of hats I'd made in the past. And went to work.

I really like this bird pattern. To me, it looks a lot more, like a bird. For now, I'm trying to concentrate on beanies. In a bunch of different sizes. But hopefully soon, will add a few hats with earflaps.

These really are a favorite of mine. I like how every single hat, has it's own personality. Even if I make 5 of the same type of hat...they each look slightly different.

This is the only hat I made with earflaps. I sorta went off of an old pattern. But I'm not crazy about this hat. I think I would like it more, if it were a beanie. I just can't get enough of monkeys though! So I'm sure, this week, I'll be making more. 

I also hear all the time, that we don't have enough "Boy Stuff." So I decided to make all the Ninja Turtles. I don't know their names. I just know what color they are. 

I made them all different sizes. Sat down, and crochet the first green section, and the color. Then when I came back, to finish them...I ran out of green yarn! Ugh! So I just finished one. 

I still need to go get some more green yarn. But this honestly, is one of my favorites. The kids get so excited. I'm also considering a few baby items. Maybe a cocoon. Or a diaper cover set. :)

Then I decided to try a few "Seasonal Hats." The first being this Candy Corn. I thought it was so cute! I want to make a ghost, witch, Jack-O-Lantern, Frankenstein, and maybe something with a spider. I already make a black cat. And I'm considering some sort of skull.

I also made a pumpkin. It is super tiny and cute! Think newborn. Oh. My. Goodness! It is so cute. And I'm considering making one, for me. We've been helping a Farmer Friend of ours. Selling at a few Growers' Markets. How fun would this be...when the pumpkins start coming in!

Lastly, we have this 'lil apple. I think this could be my favorite. Again, it's super tiny. I was experimenting with a new pattern. But I want to make this in a bigger size. You know, Apple Season is here!

These are not the only hats, that I'm working on. I currently have, 12 hats...waiting on parts. I make a ton of beanies. Then all the parts. Then one day, I sit down and put them together. So if you follow us on Instagram, then you'll be seeing a ton of hats. Probably by the weekend. 

Dia de los Muertos Crochet

It's that time of year! You know, the temps are changing. Fall begins this month! And although I wear and think about skulls all year long...this is when I start pulling everything out!

So I started going through our stash. I tend to take all of our Seasonal stuff, out of our regular containers. You know, I don't want to be hauling Santa to the Grower's Market in June. And then, when we get closer to that season, I add them to our stash.

I didn't find anything! Not a thing! Not a scarf, a skull, or a marigold. What?!?!?! Then I remembered. I took them with us, to one of our Holiday Craft Shows last year. And sold them! Every single one!

I can't even find the pictures from last year. So what am I to do? You know, I don't go off of patterns either. So I started a Google search. And came up, with so many fun projects. So many...that there will be a few posts...

I'm still on the fence, about being in the parade this year. My family gets all into it. And if it was something I knew right this second, I'd make this for me. I still might make this headpiece. I like the look. And no matter what, I'll at least paint my face. Dressing up, is 95% of the fun!

And isn't this the cutest little thing? I would LOVE to make a bunch, for the Muertos y Marigolds event. In lots of bright colors of course!

This sombrero, immediately made me think of my Compadre! He would have me make him this. And we'd sport our looks, to our Goddaughter's birthday party. Because that's how we roll!

I had just been talking to my Mom about this idea. I make a ton of animal hats. And thought something like this, would be a fun addition. Honestly, I'm going to get started on these bad boys, right away!

Last year, I made a bunch of similar scarves. All colors! They were such a good seller. And this hat, I've honestly wanted to make something similar for years. I need to get started!

This hat is another fun and simple twist...on skulls. Something fun for the kiddos. I really enjoy this look. And can manage to make a bunch...in just a short amount of time. 

Then I started thinking about marigolds. And did a quick search. Because you can't have Dia de los Muertos...without marigolds!

These baby sandals are so cute! I want to make them all year! Not just for Dia de los Muertos. 

Twinkie Chan ALWAYS has fun ideas. And this shawl, is a play on marigolds. I think this would be a fun item. You know, it's usually cool...if not cold...during the festivities. 

And where there are celebrations...I have to have buntings of some sort! I came across this marigold bunting. And just fell in love!

How about a more open marigold? This is so pretty! And I think it would make a GREAT addition to any alter or area setup, for Dia de los Muertos.

And when we talk about Dia de los Muertos...we must include Santos! I've saved quite a few pictures over the years. And I'm still on the fence. I think I never want to make something look odd. I want it to represent the Santo well. But I'm feeling like I must dive in, head first!

Here are just a few ideas, I have floating around. I've been wanting to make a bunch of more "culture rich" items for a while. To have on a regular basis. Not just trendy stuff. So I think this is a good start. Dia de los Muertos is just 2 months away!!!

Learn to Crochet #1 Projects

Hey guys! Like I mentioned in my last post, we're starting a Learn to Crochet class. The last Tuesday of every month. If we need to do it more often, we will. In October. And I'm trying to put together a Sunday afternoon class. I've had a TON of people, request something on the weekend. 

Back to our TCH Learn to Crochet class. I want to teach you something easy. So you don't get discouraged. But something that you will enjoy. I've come up with 5 options. At the end of the post, leave me a comment. With your favorite idea. The one with the most comments, will be our first project!

Option 1: Granny Square Potholders. This option will lead to Option #5. Keep that in mind. I always have people asking me about the Granny Square. It's simple! And can be used in a variety of patterns. After learning the chain...this was my first real "pattern" to learn. A potholder is also useful. And an easy gift to make. Think upcoming holidays...

Option 2: Earwarmers/Headband. As I was making this...all I could think of, was Fall! To make this option, it's all about learning tension. Super fast project. You can leave the band thick, with no cinching. Or even making a skinny headband.

Honestly, I added all the projects from this post, to our Market Stash. But this one...I just couldn't! I'm keeping this one for me. And praying that the weather changes soon...

Option 3: Cell Phone Holder. This is another item, I'm always asked about. I honestly, never thought about it...until I started getting 10+ requests a day! Super easy and quick. And you can customize it, to your liking.

Honestly, I'm not into the long strap...personally. And I finally got around to making one for myself. Without the strap. But with a button. To close the top.

Option 4: Easy Scarf: I know! It's still a million degrees outside! But if you are learning to crochet...you will soon be considered a crafter. That being said, crafters usually think a season ahead. So making a scarf, isn't too crazy!

Again, you can customize this pattern. Have a favorite sports team...use their colors. Don't like the fringe? Skip it! Add a border instead. This is also another great option...for gift giving.

Option 5: Granny Square Blanket. After learning the basic Granny Square...you can turn it into a variety of items. Like a blanket. :)

In this picture, I'm showing a blanket for a doll. It's roughly, double the size of the potholders. And probably took me, an hour to make. This same idea, can be turned into a baby blanket. Or any size of a blanket, that you want to make.

Don't forget to comment with your favorite project. Monday night, I'll count up the comments. And post our project on Facebook.

Also, don't forget to pick up a skein of yarn. Or 2. Depending on the colors you want to use. I prefer Red Heart's Super Saver. And a crochet hook...or 3! Buying the 3 pack from Boye is probably your best option. With sizes G, H, and I. The supplies should cost you, under $10. Hope to see you Tuesday!

Do You Want To Learn How To Crochet?

Have you ever wanted to learn how to crochet? Every week, I get at least 10 people asking me to teach them. It's not a new thing for me. I've taught a few family members. A group of friends. And a class...or three.

And about 10 years ago...I taught my first class. 12 of my besties. We'd meet every other week. At Barnes and Noble. They'd order coffee. And get me a brownie. We'd hangout for a couple of hours. And after a few months, my friends had each made a blanket.

Recently, I've had a few family members who are also interested. And a ton of our customers. So I thought, why not another class? That's right! A crochet class. Let's talk about the details...

Ideally, I'd like met twice a month. Somewhere not too far from my house. Where we can be comfortable. Since I'm opening this up to the public, our home is out of the question. Sorry folks. And when I think about the surrounding area...I'm a little stumped. There's not a lot to pick from. Back when I was in college, the Barnes and Noble/Starbucks was minutes from me.

So I'm thinking, the Unser Library. If that doesn't work...Dion's on Coors and Central. These locations seem to be more central, to the people I know...who are interested. We'll be meeting on the last Tuesday of every month. Starting in August. Due to some other commitments, I won't be able to do 2 classes a month, until October.

I've also had some interest in a weekend class. So how about we starting thinking about that. I'm going to say, we'll aim for late September. Probably on a Sunday afternoon. Possibly the last weekend of the month. Weekends are tough for us. Being that we sell at the Downtown Market weekly. And then at the Railyards, from time to time. The off season gets more complicated, with Holiday shows.

As far as supplies, you need to provide your own. I would recommend buying a skein of your favorite Red Heart Super Saver Yarn. Maybe even 2 different colors. Keep in mind, dark colors are a little more challenging to work with. Black yarn, makes seeing your stitches a little difficult. And as much as you may want to try a soft yarn, or something more fancy, it's a challenge when you are first learning.

When we talk about crochet hooks, I'd suggest buying Boys crochet hooks. More specifically this set of 3. That include the size G, H, and I. One hook is about $3, at Wal-Mart. And the set of 3 is $6. These 3 sizes are the most common. So if you have them, you'll be able to make so many different things.

The cost of this class, is free. Other than, about the $10 that you'll spend on supplies. But if you want to bring something...well I'll never turn down an iced tea, dark chocolate, a gallon of gas, something yummy to eat, or a fun pair of socks. Heck, I'd be excited with a skein of yarn. But don't feel like you're obligated. Heck, your spare change will make me smile. And so will your smile! :)

Our first class will be on August 29, 2017. At 7PM. Just make sure to bring your yarn and crochet hook. In the next few days, I'll have a post. With a few projects to vote on. I'm excited to share my favorite craft, with all of you!