What We Made #8

This week, I feel like I've been slacking. I feel like I've lost my CroJo. Part of it, has been my Mom's health issues...over the last 10 days or so. And part...because of this situation. That whole thing, actually got worse, when I read an email response this morning. Ugh! I'm just over it!

Another thing is, we don't always post our finished products. Because I'm trying to stash them away for an upcoming event. For example, I know have 15+ Market Bags. That I was saving for the DGM. I've been making 1 or 2 a week. About 2 months before Dia de los Muertos, I'll stash away our skull and marigold items. It just a thing that I do. So we have enough product for various events that we do. 

Oh, and I'm not sure if you know...I do pattern testing. For various independent designers. And sometimes, they don't want the product made public. So I have to hide out some of those projects...until they are ready to release their patterns. I completed a bunch of those type of projects...over the last 2 weeks. 

But those sorts of things...and repeat orders...mean I don't have many new pictures. And when I sit down to write these posts, I think...wow, you haven't made anything this week. What have you been doing?

Which isn't true. But it feels that way. For example. 2 weeks ago, I was working on our beanies. For a beanie swap. My Mom had gotten sick, so I also made hers. I probably should have shared them last week...but I didn't send them out until Saturday. So here they are. 

This is one of the beanies I made. With some goodies that I sent out. I probably should have taken a picture of just the hats...but I forgot! I used Hobby Lobby I Love This Yarn for this one. And my swap buddy really liked it!

This beanie was made with Red Heart yarn. I still haven't heard from my swap buddy. And haven't gotten my hat. So I'm not sure.

My Mom has been under the weather. So I managed to make hers. And took this picture. So she could see what I made. I used some I Love This Yarn that she had picked out.

All three hats, are made with a new pattern. And I really like it! Gosh, I can't remember the name of it...or the designer. But I bought the pattern at the end of last year. On Ravelry. During all the sales.

Now I want to make a bunch of these. In all different colors. If I can remember correctly, there were a variety of sizes on this pattern. It's super comfy. And has a ton of space. In this picture, I had a messy bun hidden under the hat.

I had also been working on these guys. Actually 5 of the smaller guys. And this larger Yoda. I really like him. It was a lot more complicated. And I was super excited to deliver it. Which never happened...

My Mom got into the pattern testing game too. I think she was going a little crazy...being sick in bed. She actually reached out to the designer before she got sick. And when it came time to submit her work...she was sick.

But she had tested the pattern. And I gave her a few suggestions. Since I'm the one that usually makes the play food. I think the designer liked the modifications that I suggested...and my Mom made. We know have a dozen jam cookies! I think my Mom did great for her first test!

A couple of pictures up, I said how I had made some new Yodas. I had a lady reach out to me on FB. I made the one I always make, and then tried this bigger guy. Because she needed the Yoda to both have legs...and clothes. The baby Yodas that I make, have legs. But just a diaper. And my usuals, have a robe...but no legs.

So I did some searching. And modifying to another pattern. And came up with this guy. I happened to post it on FB and got another order. So I whipped another one up. Let's stop here a minute...he actually takes a while to make. I can make about 3 of the ones in the tan robe...in a day. This guy took a solid day. And I was stressed.

Not because of my skill level. More because of the time. It was a rush order. And then I NEVER heard back from the person when I was done! I know. Sometimes I want to shot myself in the foot.

I'm also charging almost double the price for this bigger guy. Remember I said my Mom had been under the weather? Well, things got a little nuts. And when I reached out to everyone...I was stuck with both big Yodas. And about 4 of the ones in the tan robes. On a positive note...the 2 ladies who I delivered to yesterday, we're all so excited!

What are you going to do? I mean, I understand if you changed your mind. But a few of the people...acted like I was selling them for $2. And then hit them with the price. I'm just going to add them to our stash. I'm sure I'll sell them to someone else.

This last picture, was a very last minute order. Sort of. I made it over a month ago. And kind of lost contact with the lady who was buying them. She's from the East Coast. And wasn't actually here. But I was supposed to deliver them to her son. I kind of never heard back from her. So I took them to our last Craft Show. And sold them!

Then I thought better of it. Just had a feeling, and I remade them last night. Along with that baby Yoda. For another customer. To be honest, I had about 5 baby Yodas. That all need to be delivered today. It was a busy day yesterday!

FB Marketplace is great to sell stuff. But just like the bigger Yodas...things happen. I've had a ton of orders. Some people who took a little longer to decide to pick them up. Some that ghosted me. But for the most part 80% of my FB customers have been amazing!

Running around town...not so much. And the people who decide to not answer when their orders are ready, are also tough. I have about 6 hats. Just waiting for someone to claim them. But I think it comes with the territory. I've met some amazing people doing this. And I'll continue to do it. Because eventually, I'll sell these items. 

So there's our week. In stuff that we made. With a few test items, waiting for the designers to give the go ahead. But I'm just not motivated to make stuff. I know I need to get my CroJo back. But to be honest, I've felt this way for a few weeks now. I just need to work on a project for me. Something I'm super excited about! 💕

2019 Goals

Do you have big plans for 2019? Was 2018 a tough year? For us, as a business it was one of our better years. Can't complain much there. We honestly only had 1 "bad" day at the Rail Yards this season. And one Craft Fair that didn't really work out. But it was a pretty good year.

But let's talk about personal stuff. It was such a tough year! We lost so many people in our lives. It's hard, when you realize an entire generation is slowly dying. The toughest, was my Nanie (AKA Grandma). She is the one that taught me how to crochet. That sparked so many things, in my life. Gave me so much creativity. Saying those goodbyes were so tough. Losing our dear friend, Landis was also difficult. In fact, they passed just days apart. Lastly, my brother's unexpected death...well we're still trying to make sense of it all.

My Mom and I both struggled with our health this year. In ways I cannot even begin to explain, I struggled. At my lowest point, I could barely walk. We both endured months of physical therapy. I moved on to aquatic therapy. Which, by the way, was a lifesaver! There have been countless doctors' appointments. And well, things still feel really uncertain. My Mom is stable in her cancer. Right now. She is doing so much better.

Me? Well, there are so many questions. I have a ton of tests and appointments in the new year. And fingers crossed, some answers. I was released from PT and AT earlier this month. And physically, didn't seem ready. But insurance only pays for so much. I shouldn't complain, I think I had 5 months of therapy. So I was sent home. And told to return if something else goes wrong...in a few months. I still have days, when it is difficult to walk. Most nights, I don't sleep. And my weight is all over the board. But I'm trying to physically do better.

But 2019, is just a few hours away. And all I can say is, I know it will be better. This year is going to be better. We'll be stronger. Two Crafty Hearts will continue to grow. And we'll continue to raise money for our foundation.

So what are my goals for 2019? I have a ton! For all parts of my life. Mostly, to stay positive, grow our business, and be more open to life experiences. But here are a few of my goals...

Two Crafty Hearts/Love For Blue Goals:

 1. Continue to grow as a business. We are entering our 19th year! Do you know it all began, when I ran for Queen at my church? I won. And we continued to sell our crafts. It wasn't until 2015, that we really started to expand our business. And put a ton of effort into it.

Applications are put in. And we're hoping that we get into the Downtown Growers' Market and Rail Yards Market. Hopefully weekly at the DGM. And semi weekly at the RYM. We are also hopeful about Craft Fairs and other markets in the coming year. Unfortunately, most people will tell you about things...after the applications are due. So it's up to me, to investigate and get things in.

And I'm still debating the entire Etsy thing. About 10 years ago, I sold a TON on there! It was a ton of work. But I enjoyed it. Maybe I'll get our shop going again. Another avenue to raise money.

 2. As far as our foundation, I'd like to have 4 fundraisers this year. I've set the dates. And we're looking at a 5K and Car Show in April, a Tea Party in July, a Dinner and Dance in October, and a Holiday Kids' Party in December. And of course, our weekly Market sales.

Part of this, is also looking for donations. You know, artisans, business people, and others to donate. Either a product, giftcard, or money. I was hit earlier this year, with a CRAZY expense to use a local park. So we definitely need some sponsors. I also use donated items for prizes, raffles, and silent auctions.

 3. Market ourselves. By this I mean, T-Shirts, bags, and hats. It's tough out there. I've been selling T-Shirts since 2015. And included bracelets. But I'd like to expand. I just need to find a reasonable source. Some places, make it unrealistic to turn a small profit.

 4. Be more connected in our community. And expand our presence. It's hard. Especially when you are trying to grow your business/foundation. I want to get our message out. I want to help more kids. And I know, this only happens by getting out and about in our community.

 5. Lastly, I want to be more steady on our online stuff. Like posting on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, our blog, and with our groups. I want to be consistent with our CALs, I want to start a Sip and Stitch group, and perhaps get another Crochet Class going.

So much to do! So little time. Lots of reaching out to our community. And asking for the help of others. That's the most difficult part. I wish I had another person...or army, to help me out.

Personal Goals:

These are the hardest! When I really have to look into my soul. And ask myself, what I want.

 1. Be healthy. I want to not hurt as much. To be able to walk. And eventually sleep. I want answers from my doctors. To continue with some sort of Aquatic Therapy. Maybe get back into yoga. Eventually, being able to walk my dog.

Nothing too crazy. I've lost and gained so much weight this year. And all I want to do, is be healthy. I've started to give away my "big" clothes. I don't want to be there again. At the same time, I don't want to be the woman I was in my early 20s. 97lbs, and always weighing my food...and working out. There has to be a happy medium.

More than anything, I want to feel good. I know I can't run anymore. And Zumba is out the window. But there are other things. And ways. Who knows, I might learn how to swim this year.

 2. Self Care. I did pretty good this year. Every Sunday, I had some "Me Time." With the exception, of the week my Nanie passed away. And by that, I mean just some time for myself. Sometimes reading, other times writing, maybe just listening to my favorite music.

I ALWAYS pamper myself a bit. With a face mask, some nail polish, and sometimes a bubble bath. But mostly, just time to focus on me. Pampering doesn't hurt. But it's about taking care of oneself. Your inner self. The part that needs the most care.

In 2019, I want to do all of this. And do the self care, that will make me stronger. Making time for my doctors' appointments, going to the dentist, or getting my hair cut. Those things don't hurt either.

 3. Reading. I LOVE to read. Like no body's business. And this year, I've really slacked. I've tried to pick up a book many times. But with everything physically going on with me...I just can't get it together. It's horrible. My goal is to at least read one book a month.

 4. Faith. I LOVE my faith. I hang onto it, like no body's business. It's the ONLY thing that has gotten me this far. I want to continue to read the bible daily, to study it, and keep my daily prayer journal going.

I would like to find a good bible study group. Or a group of ladies, who have the same love of God. Earlier this month, I went to a Girls' Night Out with my Mom. To my cousin's church. It was so fulfilling. Not our religion. But the faith was strong. And I enjoyed it.

This is what I miss most, about the community I used to live in. That sense of community. When we'd meet to study the bible, craft, or just hang out. I need to find a group like this.

 5. Speaking of...I want to have a "Local Circle." When I used to live by myself, in another city, I had that. A group of friends, that became my family. We'd worship together, play together, and perform together. We did life together. In every aspect! I miss that so much!

I want that here. Unfortunately, I didn't really keep up with my friends from school. And these days, most of my friends are of retirement age. I'm looking for a bit of a younger circle.

And when those people ask me why I'm not married...or don't have kids. Well, I have a new response for all of you. Do YOU know a good man? Honestly, this part of my life is...well let's not talk. Unless you know someone.

 6. Fun Mail Fridays. I'm really good about this, with our foundation. But I want to do this with my family and friends. About halfway through the year, it all fell apart. And I want to get it going again.

 7. Getting ready. As easy as it sounds, it gets lost. Especially when you are home. 90% of the time. I live in oversized sweats. Rarely wear makeup...or do much with my hair. I want to change that. Again, probably not were things were 10 years ago. But to get it together. Use some of that crazy makeup stash. Feel good about my hair...my cousin did an amazing job. So get it together girl.

 8. Stop being a "Yes Girl." Say what's on my mind. Don't be afraid. Stop avoiding people. They will still be around, if they were meant to be. But were does it get me, to always say yes? Be stressed out!

 9. Start those new businesses. That one, that includes my passion (baking). Continue to grow my blogs. And grow my YouTube channel. All things I once did. And LOVED. It's time to pick up that passion.

10. Hit those goals. By that, I mean a trip for my Mom and I, a new pup, working on the house, maybe a car, and hopefully a job. All those things, that require me to be doing better physically.

There you go. My goals for the year. How about you? Anything special planned? Big goals for yourself, business, or craft? I can't wait to see 2019! 💕

The Week of WIPs

I don't think people believed, that I was going to take it easy this past week. But that is exactly what I did! Partly, it was an unwilling decision. But any way that you look at it...I took it easy.

In all reality, I didn't do much crocheting. I did a TON of sleeping. And not by choice. Because I literally, couldn't do anything else. And then, I tackled these dreaded 4 bags. Of Yarn Barf...

If you're not familiar, that is when all your yarn gets tangled up. Pretty much, I started with one bag. Who knows when. And I stuffed all my WIPs in it. I thought I'd quickly go back. Instead that HUGE reusable bag from JoAnn's...soon was met with a second bag. Then they got put in the closet. Where they'd fall. And I just shove everything back inside. Not really paying attention, to the mess that was happening. 

Eventually, it grew to 4 bags. With yarn tangled everywhere! One skein of yarn, was literally tangled in and out of all the handles...of those 4 bags! It took me 3 days, off and on, to untangle everyone. I rolled the yarn into balls. Made 1 bag of WIPs. And got to work.

I didn't seem to finish many projects this week. Honestly, only one got done. But I've managed to find a bunch of pieces to projects. 3 WIP blankets. And I started to work on some potholders and coasters. Which are needed at this time! Our supply is way down!

My Mom managed to stay motivated. And worked through all my naps. She is back into sewing. And spent a better part of her week, cutting out aprons, hats, and toys. She likes to do all the cutting. Then all the sewing. Eventually ending, in a day of putting everything together.

And as always, there are items that we worked on. But didn't quite finish. So they will be saved for another day. Hopefully next week. Until then, let's take a look at what actually made it to our stash!

Technically, this never made it to our stash. Nor was it intended to. This bag, I started it last week. I was making it for my Sister Jai. For her birthday. And when she unexpectedly couldn't make it to her Birthday BBQ...I didn't finish the bag. But I managed to finish it last Monday night. After a 12 hour nap!

I think my sister, is the only person that doesn't have a favorite color. So I let my Mom pick out the yarn. And I made my regular Market Bag. The yarn is a Caron yarn. The large skeins. I think it's 14oz. And I'm not sure of the actual color. I think I tossed the label, before I could write it down.

Two things about this yarn. One I LOVE this particular color! I want to make a blanket out of it. I think a baby blanket would be a nice addition to our stash. And I'd like to make a larger blanket, for our upcoming Love For Blue Fundraiser. It's just a nice mix of blues and browns.

Second, most of the Caron One Pounder yarn...is really thick! And kind of stiff. Perfect I found, for making these Market Bags. And winter blankets. Oh, and hats and scarves. But the variegated yarn, is softer. Much softer! And has a nice feel, in your hand. You get 2oz less, than the normal One Pound. But it's soft. And a little thinner. In my opinion, this would make the most perfect blankets! I've made 2 blankets, with other colorways. And they sold the day I put them out. I had another one, that I was working on...and it sold before I finished it. Too bad I can't find that color anymore...

We gave my sister her gifts yesterday. And immediately, I realized that I should have made the straps longer. I mean, they are the same as all the other bags...that I've made. But my sister likes to wear her bags, across her body. So I should have made those handles a little longer. But she still liked it. I think she's going to use it for a Yoga Bag.

3 years ago, when we started selling at the Growers' Markets, my Mom had a stash of these blankets. These are her Go-To, for Baby Shower Gifts. And they've become a staple in our little TCH Shop. So much so, we ran out! The first full day, that my Mom was on her vacation.

So while she was beach side, in Cali, she worked on this blanket. And she ended up, finishing it, early last week. We have a yellow one in the stash. But that is it folks! Grab it, while we got it.

Because we recently ran into an issue. Walmart stopped selling many of the Baby Bernat colors. Pink, blue, yellow, white, and some variegated colors are available. But the green, lavender, and peach...we're struggling to find them. We managed to find a skein of lavender and one of peach...in a sale. But haven't had any other luck. And we've checked every craft, hobby, and yarn store around...

Like I said, my Mom got back to sewing. She had cut out this hat...back in June. And had plans of making an entire outfit. Before she got sick. Then it went on the back burner. And 4th of July came and went...

But she finished this Sunhat. And I think it's so cute! It's a patriotic pup pattern. Now she's debating...should she sew the little outfit? I think so. But who knows, what will happen next.

My Mom was also trying to get some Super Hero stuff made. Before Sunday. Because it was Super Hero Day, at the Rail Yards Market. I mean, I also had plans of 3 Super Hero amigurumi toys too. I managed 3 capes...and all their arms and legs. That's as far as I got.

As you can see, my Mom managed a Superman hat. We already have an Avengers. We sold both of our Batman hats. And have 2 more cut out. Super Heroes are ALWAYS popular! So we'll continue to make them. As long as we can find the fabric. Because that's were things ALWAYS get sticky.

As for my toys, their parts are still waiting. In a bag. And I'm determined to get them finished up. I'm working on 2 Super Boys. And a Super Girl. And I have plans before football season begins. So be on the look out!

Blankets. Oh blankets! And oh MERMAIDS! We've made quite a few of these. In the last few months. And this has to be our most popular girl pattern. This season, we've easily sold 10. And my Mom made another 6. On Friday! Just in time for the DGM.

We also managed 4 of these sweet "I Love My Daddy, I Love My Mommy" blankets. I realized that we don't have any...in the boy color scheme. And for whatever reason, it's not a fabric that we buy. Regularly. But we should. There seems to be a "Boy Rush" this year. And we need more boy items.

This is our most popular boy print. The "Rock Monster." Same story as the Mermaids. We added 4 more of these blankets to the stash. Because...ya know! There seems to be a buncha boys being born...

To me, this fabric speaks...All things boys! We bought it back in January. And hadn't done anything with it. We only had enough for 2 blankets. But I see this, as being one of those popular ones. I think it's super cute!

Lastly, these coasters. Remember when I told you, I found a bunch of stuff...mixed with my Yarn Barf. Well, I have a stack of coasters. And of potholder pieces. I've been trying to find the entire set...so I can finish them. I keep finding 3 potholders, 2 coasters, or the pieces...and not the yarn.

That's what happened here. I found these 4 coasters. Just waiting on me. All I had to do, was hide the ends! I know. But I managed that Saturday morning. While sitting at the DGM.

Now to tackle the 3 blankets I found. The stacks of heart purses. And all those coasters and potholders. Ugh! If I could just find the entire set. It would make life so much easier...

Between, I've also started some other projects. Like another baby blanket. Using a variegated yarn by Caron. In a baby print. Off the top of my head, I can't remember the name of the color. But I LOVE the way it's looking!

Oh, and I have those toys I started. Along with another mermaid. And some more potholders. What's with me and potholders? I managed to crochet the sides of a lot of the heart purses together. And to crochet around the handles. I just need to actually sew the handle to the purse.

I'm giving myself 2 weeks, to tackle this HUGE bag of WIPs! There are so many good things in there. Including a Sugar Skull scarf. That I just need to hide, a million ends. And those blankets...I really need to finish them. For our stash.

Lastly, I have this growing list of items, that I want to make. From toys, to blankets, to hats, dolls, and baby sets. I recently started Pattern Testing again. Which makes me so excited! And I found a really cool serious of amis on Insta. 100 minis. That I'm just waiting to go on sale. I've been LOVING all the pics, that the designer keeps sharing.

My Mom also has a pretty lengthy list of projects. She's got so many aprons cut out. As well as sunhats and bonnets. Raggedy Ann and Andy sets...are slowly coming together. Toys are being sewn...and just need to be stuffed. Lala Loopsy Dolls, are slowly coming together. I keep finding pig's ears, frog's legs, and duck parts...in our couch. Oh...and I may have started working on some rag dolls. And dish towel sets!

So that's it, for this week. Time for me to go rest. And get some crocheting done. I really want to have a good amount of items next week. And have a pretty high goal, set for August 11th...when we return to the Growers' Markets! Happy Monday! 💕

Easter Garlands

It's almost Easter. And if you're like me, you're running a little behind this year. Is it just me, or is the year racing by???

Yes, the "Queen of Holiday Decorating," is ridiculously behind. If I hadn't run to Dollar Tree on Monday, for electrical tape, I wouldn't have any Easter decorations. Nor would I be motivated to create any. But there is something about that store. And once I seen the cute wreaths, I knew I had to get in gear.

Yesterday was insanely busy! Add to that, my Dad was incredibly sick. Today he's not much better. But there seem to be a few hours, between "emergencies." Also, we are less busy. And my Mom can help much more.

So I thought I look around the internet for some inspiration. And I found just what I needed. You know, to get me motivated. And with some scraps of yarn, I'm well on my way, to making a fun Easter garland.

I'm using this bunny pattern. Making a few of these sweet little guys. They are super easy! And I slightly modified the pattern. I wanted bigger ears. And I wanted the bunny to look a little more "neat." The way the pattern is written, my bunny was a little on the "wonky" side!

Then I found this cute egg pattern. This is really helping me use up the scraps of yarn, that have been stacking up! I've got bits and pieces of so many colors! But I picked out 5 colors. And I think I'm going to make 2 eggs, with each color.

A few years ago, I made a cute Easter garland. It's back at my house. And I haven't been able to find the same patterns, that I had used. :( I know! It really is sad. One was an adorable chick! But I think this is going to look great!

And if I had more time on my hands, I would try something like this. :) I know for a fact, that my Mom has a ton of these plastic eggs. But you know, I'm just going to be happy on Monday, when I can take down the St. Patty's Day stuff, and add in some cute bunnies. I can't believe, Easter is almost here!!!

A Little Inspiration

I have a confession to make. Money is really tight around here. For me anyway. Mostly because, it's the end of my Spring semester at school. And I need to be making some rather large payments. It's unfortunate I tell you! Being that my Mom's birthday was Saturday. And Mother's Day was yesterday. But what can you do?

I got real creative. And I wish I had taken pictures to show you. But my Mom enjoys certain things. Like gardening. So I went to the Dollar Store, bought a few fun baskets. And loaded them up, on fun garden things. Including a ton of seeds!!! My Mom has been planting a garden, for a few years now. I also bought some gardening tools, and decorations. Oh an of course, flowers! My Mom LOVES flowers!

I also made her a fun basket, full of snacks. My Mom likes to snack. :) So I thought about lots of yummy things. But like I said, she had 2 special days. And I wanted to make her a little something for her kitchen. Being that she's in the middle of changing the decor.

A few weeks ago, a friend of mine, and I were looking at one of those catalogues you get in the mail. And we saw these colorful wooden utensils. So fun! But they were a bit expensive. $50 for 5 utensils. What? That's what I thought! 2 days later, Jelly e-mailed me this picture. And it all hit me!

Jelly and I got to painting. We painted up 2 sets. A very colorful one for her. And a more "manly" set for our friend, Mems. He cooks for all of us, twice a week. We just thought he'd enjoy this.

Then I decided, I'd make my Mom a set. For her, I used yellow and green. She's going to be decorating her kitchen in John Deere tractors! How fun. :)

So there you go. My Mom really enjoyed her set of kitchen goodies. Not only did I do a little painting, but I managed to make some potholders. And add some fun decorations, to some plain kitchen towels.

Now, I think I'll start making some more of these sets. For the Christmas Craft Fair. I might even make some aprons. These should be fun!

A Story About a Sewing Machine

I got my first sewing machine, when I was in elementary school. I wanted to sew. But I'm positive, my Mom didn't want to teach her small child, how to sew on her expensive sewing machine. Instead, my parents bought me a sewing machine for Christmas. Nothing fancy, or special.

But I LOVED it! My sister also bought me a big sewing box, filled with tons of supplies! There was not a happier 7 year old, around. :) I'm almost positive, my parents bought the sewing machine at Wal-Mart. For less than $100. Crazy thing is, I never used it! I think, I tried sewing once. And didn't know what I was doing. Heck, I was 7 years old!

Well, we ended up taking my sewing machine, to my parents' cabin. We figured, on the weekends I'd learn how to sew. It didn't happen. But my Mom did sew on it. :) Jump ahead. I'm in my twenties. Living on my own. And I take my sewing machine, to my house. I start sewing, and I LOVED it!

For the next few years, I'm so inspired. Not just by "Blogland." But by my friends' kids. My Goddaughters. And stuff that I couldn't afford to buy. All was going great. Until, it wasn't anymore. My sewing machine, didn't want to work. I tried everything. I took it, to get worked on. Nothing!

After a few months, I just gave up. And I honestly didn't have any money, to spend on it. Or a new one. So when I had to sew, I'd go use my Goddaughter's sewing machine. Not convenient. But it was working. My parents surprised me, with a new sewing machine.

Again, it wasn't anything fancy. One of the Singer sewing machines that Target sells. That week, it was on sale for $70. How do I know? Because I went to the 5 local Target stores, looking for it. With no luck! And I happened to mention this, to my parents. On a Friday night. Before my birthday. Not expecting anything. Just annoyed that I couldn't find my sewing machine.

My parents happened to find one, in their city. The next morning. That was my birthday present. And I was over the moon! It was quite a bit different from my old machine. This one, was a front loading machine. My other, was a drop in bobbin. This machine, was also light weight. That was both good, and bad. But I've gotten to enjoy it.

Honestly, I've been saving my pennies. Hoping to buy a better sewing machine. It's not that I don't appreciate these sewing machines. Or that I don't love them. Because I LOVE them!But I've been sewing a lot more. And I want something more durable. Something that has a few more "bells and whistles."

That lead to me visiting JoAnn's. And I was dreaming of the day, when I could invest in a nice sewing machine. One that makes button holes. And has fun stitches. Something to grow, with my new sewing abilities. That's when I spotted this beauty!!!

Isn't this a pretty sewing machine? Well, I picked up the brochure. And showed it to my Mom the other day. She LOVED it too! I'd love to buy this for myself. The 50th Anniversary Singer Sewing Machine! It's nice to dream about. A little bit of history.

But I'm very happy with my sewing machine. And the fact that there is history behind it. My own history. My own story in the sewing world. And I'm really grateful, that my Mom shared this love of hers, with me!

A New Day

For a long time now, my Mom and I have been wanting to start a craft blog. We have a love for crafting! My Mom started to crochet and sew when she was in school. She learned how to sew in school. And taught herself how to crochet by watching her grandma, my great-grandma.

As a kid, I watched my Mom and my grandma. My grandma taught me how to crochet when I was 3 years old. Nothing fancy. But enough so that I could make my dolls little blankets. As I got older, I taught myself using various crochet books. And after I moved out on my own, I taught myself how to sew.

Eventually Mom and I would like to start and Etsy shop. We've been selling at a few different Craft Shows, for a few years now. But we'd like to share some of that. And thought, a blog would be a nice place to share. And to meet new people! Please introduce yourself. We'd love to get to know you!