CAL #3: Traingles and Stripes Baby Blanket

Hi Guys! Happy February! So I've been wanting to make a bigger project. To be 100% honest, I like to make blankets in the winter. And only in the winter. I've managed 4 baby blankets since New Year's. I'm on a roll. But probably because it's been so cold here. I HATE having to sit down and crochet a blanket, in the middle of summer. But winter...I can make a blanket in a day or two.

And after chatting with a few people on Facebook, a blanket seemed like the most obvious way to go. I've been looking at a ton of patterns. I know a lot of beginner crochet peeps are following us. So I didn't want to tackle a king sized anything. Have you ever tackled that size? Me...not quite that big. It's a little heavy...in many terms...to tackle that size of a project.

So we're tackling a baby blanket. I figured it would be the best way to go. On top of that, Baby Season is almost here. So we better start getting ahead of the crowd. 

To be honest, I was searching for something completely different. And I came upon this picture. Followed a few links. And found the pattern. I thought it would be perfect for our foundation. So I'm being a little, I don't know the word for it...selfish? Because I need to start making items for our next fundraiser. 

As far as the CAL, I'm thinking this should be a fast one. The pattern is really easy. And I think many of us, will be pushing to work ahead. I thought of making this one of those CALs, that takes the entire month. But I think we can get this one done, in 3 weeks. 

Working 1-3 color section, every week. Basically 18 rows a week. By the end, we will be anxious to get that trim done. And call it a day. What do you say? Are you in? Is it too fast? Let me know your thoughts. 

Oh, and I'm completely stumped by my color choice. Initially, I was drawn to this pattern, because of the picture. I like the simple pattern. And feel like this pattern needs a solid color. No variegated yarn for me. At least for this project.

I really like this entire project. The color scheme used. The pattern. The design of the diamonds. But I have 4 large balls of Lion's Brand Baby Soft. 2 in Creamsicle. And 2 in Bluebell. I'm thinking one of those colors would be a nice option. I can't really tell you how much yarn you will need. The designer doesn't state. But I'd say less than 4 skeins total.

I'm making my blanket a little larger. Starting with a chain 102. Instead of a 90. I find when selling, this is a good size. And while I'm thinking about it, I have a large amount of a cobalt blue yarn. Ugh! The decisions...

But in a nutshell, 3 weeks. We'll have a baby blanket! If you're like me, you might work ahead of schedule. Because I HATE having undone projects laying around.

Don't forget to print the pattern, get some yarn, and work rows 1- 18. That's the first 3 color sections. 💕

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! 💕

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.