Craft Lighting

I don't know about you. But I craft morning, noon, and night. I'm not lying!!! I have been a caregiver for about 7 1/2 years now. I had a completely different career before. And I would only crochet as a hobby.

These days, it has turned into a business for us. And honestly, a way to pay the bills. But at night, it's so hard to see. I avoid all dark materials. At all costs!

We live in an old house. 100+ years old. It's adobe. And the lighting is horrible! During the day, it's great. Open the curtains, and get to work. But at night, ugh!

So I've been researching lamps. I mean, we have your standard lamps. A floor lamp from our local furniture store. And a couple of table top lamps. But our overhead lighting...it's horrible!

Have you taken a look at lamps? Lately? How about craft lamps? They are expensive!!! But I was thinking, with a Joann's coupon...it's not too bad. So I got on Joann's website and did a little search. Here's what I found...

This is an OttLite Dawson LED Floor Lamp. Right now, it's on sale for $74. I like the simplicity. But at the same time, I feel like I can find something similar at Walmart or Target.

This lamp is an OttLite Dual Head Floor with Tablet Stand. It's currently on sale for $120. And I like that it has a stand for my tablet. More and more, I'm saving patterns on my tablet. And not printing them out. This would be a nice little number. You could even put use the stand for a printed pattern. I just think this one, is a good idea. And honestly, my favorite of the bunch!

The 24w 3-in-1 Craft Floor Lamp has lots of useful options. For $140, you get a few different things. There is the light. And a magnifier lens. There is also a clip, on a gooseneck. To attach your patterns and such. This is nice. But I wish it had some sort of shelf. 

The Daylight Flexi-Vision Floor Lamp is a little pricey. $200. And there are no bells or whistles. So to speak. Basically, it's a lamp. A heavy duty daylight lamp. I'm not too anxious to purchase this guy.

This lamp is my FAVORITE!!! Also the most expensive of the bunch. $287. But to me, it has everything you could need, as a crafter. It looks nicer. As in, goes with your home decor. The goosenecks. I LOVE the craft shelf. Sorta wish it had more of a tablet shelf. There's a magnifier lens. And a clip for patterns.

You have the option to put the wheels on. Or leave them off. I like that! Because I would leave the wheels off. I really do like this lamp. Any friends or family reading this...I have a birthday coming up. All Joann Giftcards are welcome! ;)

I don't know about you guys, but I really do need a lamp. I also need my own Craft Room. My Mom has a Sewing Room. And I've been considering a little redecorating. An addition of a comfy chair, some good lighting, and storage. We have a room that we don't really use. It's kind of the "Catch All Room." So who knows... 💕

Inspired By the Love of Friends

My friends and family inspire me. Craft wise, they're always sending me pictures, dreaming up ideas, and tagging me on social media. I LOVE it!!! Some times, I get overwhelmed. Like when I had 800 tags for that heart blanket on Facebook. Ya, I don't have time to make all those...

But honestly, some of our best selling products...come from our loved ones. They'll see something, need something, or dream something up. Once I've made it...I fall in love. And so many people want those items!!!

I also run new items by our loved ones. Make something for a birthday present. Try out a new idea. Have the littles play with some toys. That kind of thing. I'm telling you, try it! Especially if you don't have littles of your own. :)

In the last few weeks, I've gotten many pictures. Some I have saved on Facebook. Because quite a few of us belong to a "Secret Group." And the settings don't allow you to save the pictures...or even share them on your page. I still haven't figured out how to save them. But I know they are there. And I use them for inspiration.

Here are a few of my favorite pics, that I've gotten via text. They're all Valentine's Day related. Many have to do with the littles. Because most of my friends have littles...as in younger than 10.

I almost died when I saw this! One of my really good friends, just had her baby girl. She has 2 little guys. And was so excited, when she found out she was having a girl. Since the Fall, I've been making so many things for her. She's ordered a ton of things from us! And in the 5 days prior to baby girl coming...I might have stayed up all night working on orders. Baby props and such.

But this is just adorable!!! And looks so simple to make. My friend asked if I could make one. By Valentine's Day...baby girl will only be 2 1/2 weeks old! I already made a pink heart blanket for her. As in, shaped in a heart.

So I think this will be adorable to add! I need to get working. So I can send it off this week. It might take an hour or so. But I think this is something I should add to the regular. :)

My same girlfriend, sent me this picture. At Christmas time. I had recently whipped up a similar Christmas set. With a matching diaper cover. And she asked me to make this. In pinks. With a cute diaper cover. I have it started. But I HATE having to change the colors at every single row. But I'll have it done!

Another one of my girlfriends, knows how to crochet. I taught her about 10 years ago. Before she had kids. She now has 2 girls and a boy. She will tell you, that she is still at a beginner level. No, she is past beginner. In fact, she and I have hosted a number of CALs together. :)

But she is a lot slower than me. Hello! 3 kids will do that! She sent me this picture, asking me to make these for her kids. I'm almost positive that this is an Etsy pattern. I just haven't had the time to look. But I will...

Another friend of mine, has all girls. And asked if I could make each one...a box of chocolates. Different colors though. What a cute idea! I sorta hope, I can find a pattern. I know I can wing it. But a pattern will help make these cuties...a heck of a lot quicker!

This little game, was something I was sent by other friend. Who has 6 little ones...and two on the way. She was wanting a couple off these, for when they go out. Like to dinner and such.

She's looking at this game, as something to keep them entertained. And something that's not too loud. She said it doesn't matter the color. Because my friend wants her kids to use this for a while.

I know there has to be a pattern somewhere. But I think it's simple enough to wing. 2 small squares...in single crochet. A little stitching. And some hearts. Easy enough!

That same girlfriend is expecting twins. As in, any day now! They were a total surprise. Her and her hubby were done having babes. She had her tubes tied and all! Then she got pregnant. With twin girls!!!

Needless to say, she had given away, most of their baby stuff. And now, is in need. But she ordered these hats. For her sweet baby loves. I like how the hearts become sorta like little ears.

I'm also thinking up some sort of diaper cover. I have a few days. But I can't wait to see the babes in these. I think they will be so cute!!!

Another friend, sent me this picture. He's a fire fighter. Has 3 little girls. And now, has the sweetest little boy. That was born, last Spring. I had already made his girls, some cute Valentine's Day hats. 

But he was looking for something, for his little guy. We agreed on this hat. I want to try and crochet the heart. I saw something a while back, that was a heart with cross bones behind it. Like a "biker" kind of embellishment. So I'm going to try that.

Because Love Day, isn't just for girls. Boys should have fun too! It's just a little difficult for me to find inspiration for the boys. How about you?

My little Goddaughter, loves her some Holiday Garlands. I blame myself. I am always making her one, and sending it to her. She is always into celebrating the holidays, decorating, and putting up some garlands.

She asked me to make her one of these. No problem. Who doesn't love a good pom pom? I just don't like making them. Maybe I can make the balls. And have my Momma fluff them. She makes the prettiest pom poms!

And I might have to make one for me. I told you, it's my fault she likes garlands. They are my weakness. And I just think it would be a fun decoration!

Funny thing about these coasters...I've had them on my list...for like 5 years. I came across this picture and kept wanting to make them. Never getting to them. But now, a friend has requested 7 sets. For the ladies in her life. 7 different colors. 

I have a long list of things to get through. So many orders! So little time. But I am so inspired by all these pictures. And so grateful, that these ladies turn to me. I can create amazing things for them. And their families. And of course, it helps my Momma and I!

What inspired you as a crafter? Your little ones? Family, friends, crochet groups? How about patterns and books? I'd love to see your inspiration too! 💕

CAL #1: Sweet November Shawl

Happy Friday! And happy CAL#1 of 2018!!! I'm so excited to start the year, with our CALs. 

I got a bunch of emails and PMs, via Facebook. Regarding the speed of our CAL. So I'm going to make a few adjustments. And we'll work this shawl, in 2 weeks. Instead of 3. 

First up, our supplies. I've made this a million times. To be honest, this week I've made 3. One to get pictures of. The other 2, because I'm starting to stock pile our stash. :) 

You will need a size J crochet hook. For the life of me, I could not find mine. So I did what any other crafter would do. I dug in my stash, for 3 hours. Gave up. And pulled out a K. To be honest, I liked it more. I also found that I needed about 8 oz of yarn, to complete this project. 

I used this Mainstays yarn. And I also used some Big Twist. Both required just over a skein of yarn. Where exactly did I run out? Putting fringe on the last third of the shawl. Two quick things. I used a slightly larger hook. And instead of putting 2 strands of yarn, for the fringe...I put 3. Oh, I also added another row. I have this weird thing about the way this pattern ends. So I work 45 rows..instead of the 44 that it calls for. 

If you follow the pattern, and have a similar gauge, to the pattern...I'd say one 7oz skein will be more than enough. I'm always cautious...and buy 2 skeins. You just never know!

As far as the pattern, this week we are working rows 1-25. And before anyone gets too nervous about the pattern...let me say something. It's basically a double crochet, chain 1, all the way across. You work in the chain 1 spaces. And at either end, you make an increase. Simple. The wording of the pattern can be a little tricky. But it really is easy! 

This was my Sweet November Shawl. Rows 1-25 done. I sat and worked on this, during A Hallmark movie. If I'm not mistaken, it took me about 30-45 minutes. I'm not sure. I had the entire SNS worked, with fringe, by the end of the movie. It really does work up fast!

Lastly, don't forget about our Facebook CAL Group. If you have questions, and are on FB, go there. It will be faster for me to answer. And I encourage everyone to post pictures of their work. Happy Friday!!! 💕

Inspired to Be Organized

So I don't know about you. But when January rolls around, I ALWAYS have this deep desire to organize my life. Especially my crafty life. How about you? I think, all of a sudden, that every piece of craft supplies...needs a place.

Actually, for about 2 years now, I've wanted to make a space like this. My Dad passed away in March 2015. And by January 2016, I was ready to convert our old dining room. Into a craft room. It was a space we didn't really use. And it needs so much love!

You see, I take care of my Mom now. She got sick, almost immediately after my Dad's passing. We are the "Two Crafty Hearts." And we craft so much! Not just crochet. Although, that is what we focus most of our crafty energy on.

Our home is an old house. One that has been added to, remodeled, and is a little funky in layout and function. So we have this room. That was our dining room. It's purpose now? Well, that is tough to say.

My Mom's sewing table is in there. So are some shelves with craft supplies. Our large freezer. The dogs' food supply. And some containers with our "Craft Stash." It's somewhat organized. But not the most inspiring of places. I'd like to change that. Along with getting us organized.

So I took to good 'ol Google. And did a search. Just to pull up some images. I know, I could have found better on Instagram or Pinterest. But y'all, I'd still be lost over there. Probably looking up recipes or Summer crafts. Because that's what happens on those pages. So let's take a look at what I found...

I adore this frame! My Dad actually bought us, about 6 peg boards. About a year before his passing. Our local K-Mart was closing. And he wanted to buy some shelves. For his business. While we were waiting to talk to a manager, my Mom spotted the peg board.

It's sitting behind a bench. In our porch. One piece, keeps our dogs in the kitchen, when we need them to be in that space. Did we ever make a display for our crafts? No we didn't. This would be a nice use of that pegboard.

I'm thinking more for hanging tools, scissors, that sort of thing. Maybe a place for small baskets. Nothing too crazy. Or complicated. Just a space, to have things handy.

Isn't this the BEST??? I think it is! I adore those thread holders. My Mom has some built into her sewing table. And some smaller ones, in her sewing room. But nothing like this. I wonder where you'd find these...

As far as the buttons and ribbons. I swear to you, when I lived alone, my supplies was like this. Organized. Displayed for me to see. When I was working on a project, I could be inspired by my supplies. I had Mason Jars filled with buttons. Sorted by color. My ribbon, all hung like this. I used wooden dowels, and eye hooks.

We NEED to do this. Especially for my Mom's sewing projects. It just makes life so much easier! I think a couple of shelves, dowels, eye hooks, jars, and racks...could accomplish this!

This is the picture that got me started. I seen it on Facebook. I like the re-purposed furniture. I LOVE that it is white. And that there is open shelving. I just like the idea, of having my craft supplies, be the stars. You know, be the accessories of the room. 

Everything has it's place. From the hanging baskets, to the boxes. And all those cute containers. I just adore this picture! It's eclectic. But is still very visually pleasing. 

In this picture, I like the idea of all the storage. I once did interior design. Mostly for friends. But it was so much fun! When I look at this picture, I want to go to Lowe's. And buy cabinets. You know, the box type. They are a lot more affordable. I want to take them home, hang them, and paint them white. Total bonus, if they have glass!

There are so many things that I like about this picture. I like how they reused a kitchen table and chairs. I adore all of the cube storage. And the idea, that everything is white! For real. This picture inspires me. And the chandelier, just makes me smile. It's like jewelry for the room. Do you want me to tell you, about all the chandeliers I had in my home?

I like the idea of the open shelving. And the white furniture. It would be a perfect place to put all of our colorful supplies. I like the idea of keep all the furniture and rugs, black and white.

It makes the space feel open. And ready to be creative. I adore this chair as well. I'd like to find us something comfy like this. In a fun color. Craft rooms are supposed to be fun and colorful. A place to inspire creativity. 

I like this shelving. Here they are showing power and paint. But I think this would be a nice idea, for yarn. I like how you can color code your stash. And see it all. I mean, I wouldn't be able to put our entire stash here. But it would be a nice start. :)

These are just a few ideas. I wish I could completely redo this room for us. And then organize my Mom's sewing room for her. It's all in the plans. You know, 2018 just started. I have 12 months to at least get started. 💕

Cute Crochet Reads

I wanted to talk about crochet books and magazines today. I'm constantly searching at Joann's, Hobby Lobby, Michael's, Wal-Mart, and Barnes and Noble. I also spend a lot of time searching Amazon, Etsy, and eBay for fun books.

It should be known, that I LOVE to make toys. It's my favorite thing to make. And I'm always looking for new patterns. And new designers. If you have a favorite, please leave it in the comments. :)

With that being said, I like to try new things. New designers. New patterns. New toys. Here are a few of the books, I've recently had my eye on...

Everything about this book, says fun!  I want to make every project in this book. I haven't seen it in person. Only on Barnes and Noble. I wouldn't mind getting this book now, and making ahead for next Holiday Season.

These Zoomigurumi books are my favorite! There are a ton of them! I've managed to pick up a few, at Joann's. Using a coupon...you can get them for almost nothing. Like a third of the price. I'm not lying. I think we have 2 or 3 in the series. All the toys are just too cute to make. I just wish my local stores carried more of them.

These Care Bears are too fun too! I remember this book, from years ago. I was in college. And would "visit" it at least once a week. Hobby Lobby was about 2 minutes from my home. But I never seemed to have extra money at the time.

By the time I could afford it, and the Winnie the Pooh book, they no longer sold them. And it made me so sad. I still think about these books. And search for them. Whenever I'm online. I am yet, to come across them...for less than $30 a piece!!!

Ana Paula Rimoli has been my favorite pattern writer. For years and years! I made my first Etsy purchase...at her shop. I don't think she sells patterns any longer. All of her patterns are in books now. And I have the first three.

I can still remember finding her shop. And wanting every single pattern that she offered. I bought 3. And she gave me 2. The first time I got a large paycheck...and extra spending money...I bought all her patterns. I emailed her beforehand. And she gave me an incredible deal! I might have also been gifted a book or two. ;)

This book looks like so much fun! With bigger projects. Something that I'd now make, for family and friends. Oh how fun! I need to go look for this book!

Ana's other new book...seems to have a lot of her OG patterns. I have most of these as files. But would 100% buy this book. To have everything in one place. Easy to access when needed. 

Can you see why I LOVE Ana's patterns? They are so cute! With her patterns, I went from making crochet blankets...to the fun stuff. Her patterns are so easy to read. The projects are completely adorable! Her patterns...changed my life!

I'm 100% a magazine reader. In fact, when my friends asked me what I wanted for Christmas a couple of years ago...I asked for magazine subscriptions. I'm so lucky, that they gift me, my favs for my birthday or Christmas.

But since Red Heart discontinued their magazine a few years ago...I haven't subbed to any Craft Magazines. But this one...is calling my name! Where do I find it? Because Joann's only has cute knit amigurumi magazines.

This is another cute magazine. That I wouldn't mind being subscribed to. I saw a couple of covers, during my search. All the patterns look too cute! I think these 2 magazines are probably from the UK. But I'd still like to receive them.

I would love to hear what you've got your eye on. Or what your favorite magazine, book, or leaflet is. I like to try a little of everything. Hope I've inspired you a bit. 💕

Sweet November Shawl

Happy 2018! I hope everyone had a fun and safe night. My Mom and I went out for dinner and ice cream. Then spent the night watching movies and crocheting. Y'all everyone but me, was asleep by 9PM. I managed to finish a couple of more hats!

But we're not here to discuss that. Not today. We're here to talk about CAL #1! The Sweet November Shawl. As I hinted to yesterday, I've made this a bunch of times! Like a ton. I've never once sold them. Just made them for my friends and family. But I thought it would be a fun project to begin 2018 with.

I don't know about you. But here it has been unseasonably warm. Like 15 degrees warmer than normal. That might be, why I never got into the holiday spirit this year. But I haven't wanted to tackle a ton of wintery projects. This is something, that you can use 3 seasons a year. And it works up so fast!

Here's a couple of things. I always use Hobby Lobby's I Love This Yarn. I buy 2 skeins. I never use more than 7 oz. It just depends on how large you want to make this. I also like to lean on the side of having more yarn...and not running around trying to find the same color to finish up a project. If you are using a varigated yarn, remember there is always less yarn in these skeins. But I always buy 2 skeins. Because Hobby Lobby is on the other side of town. And I'm generally finishing a project last minute...in the middle of the night.

Once I made this, using Red Heart Super Saver. It doesn't really change a whole lot. I think I used slightly more than 1 skein. And the shawl/scarf laid a little differently. It was a bit more bulky and stiff. Something maybe you'd wear in Winter. But not Spring.

I can make one, in a sitting. Put on a good movie or two, and let me work. It ALWAYS takes more time to cut and attach the fringe...than making the shawl. ALWAYS!!! But I want to take it easy on everyone. I think we are all still recovering from the holidays. So we'll take 3 weeks to make this project.

Friday we'll begin. With rows 1-20. We'll work this section from January 5th-11th. Until then, print the pattern and get your yarn. I think I'm going to try something new. I bought some Big Twist at JoAnns. During the crazy yarn sale this week. I'm going to make it in a dusty pink. See you Friday!!! 💕