Charlie Hat CAL: Week #2

How did week #1 go? Can I be honest here...I've been drowning in our favorite green guys over here. But I got to work on my hat. And I'm feeling slightly better.

For week two...we're finishing up our hats. Working on the brim, sewing them up, and adding our pom. A little trick that I learned over the last few months...add a small button inside your hat. Then you can attach your pom. But when your hat needs to washed, you can quickly take the pom off.

Any questions for me? Let me know. And when you're down...tag #TwoCraftyHearts and #ACraftyConcept with your pics! Next week...we're working on a blanket! 💕

Charlie Hat CAL: Week #1

Are you like me? Under the weather. Beat down from Winter Craft Shows. Ready to just sleep for a week, under the coziest blanket I can find?

I know. Quite dramatic. But I'm just tired. And sick. I may have lost my CroJo too! Whenever that happens, I always feel like a quick project fixes everything! That's were the Charlie Hat comes in.

This week, we will begin the first CAL of 2020. It's a quick one. A 2 week-er. Everyone ready? Got your yarn and poms ready? I'm still trying to decide what yarn I want to use. And I may have an excuse to go roam the aisles of JoAnn's...because they're new poms are AMAZING!

Head over to A Crafty Concept and get the pattern. We'll be working rows 1-23 this week. Beofre you know it, we're going to have a hat! Perfect for this cold weather. 💕

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. 

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!!!