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! 💕

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!!!

Valentine's Day Headbands

Do you ever see something, and say to yourself, "I have to make that!" I do this all the time. Usually, it's while I'm looking at some overpriced headband in Claire's. Or a simple piece of jewelry at Charming Charlies. I'm just being honest here. But most of the time, I snap a picture and head to the craft store.

For me, part of it is the price. I'm a college student. That really doesn't have much money, to spend on anything, besides my tuition and books. Then there is that thing. You know, the making of something. It always feels so good to see something, that you've made. And I like that. So I took some inspiration, from this picture.

I was all smiles! Looks like felt, buttons, and an elastic headband. Simple. And inexpensive. I'm thinking, I could glue the pieces together. Maybe sew them. But wouldn't this be way too cute, for Valentine's Day?

How about a smaller one? For a baby. I think these are great projects. Fast projects. Super fast! And I'm thinking, I can make a couple of these. For our upcoming Craft Fair. OK, maybe more like a bunch of these. We really need to start stocking our "stash" again.  Because seriously, we are running low on crafts!

Maybe I can even make some for gifts. My cousin's upcoming baby shower. Maybe as Valentine's Day gifts. Or just as a cute birthday gift...for a little girl. Heck, I want one for myself!

Craft Fair and Amigurumi

Today my Mom and I, are selling at our church's Holiday Craft Fair. We don't sell at many. Mostly because, well, we don't have the time. I would LOVE to do more of this. But my schedule really doesn't allow for that. My Mom and I always look forward to December and February, when our church has these Craft Fairs.

We started to just support the church. It's fun. We get to meet new people. We support our church. And we're able to make a little bit of money. Maybe in the future, we'll do a few more. Or start selling on Etsy. It's been a goal of mine. To start our shop.

This has been a tough 2 weeks. Trying to get ready for the Craft Fair. But also, dealing with life. I got really busy with work and performing. School has been crazy! I've been ridiculously sick! Time has been almost scheduled to the second! I haven't had as much time as I had originally hoped. But I've gotten some things done. Mostly, these little guys.

For whatever reason, these amigurumis are a BIG hit! I just don't have enough time. I wish I did. Oh, and I can't find these darn eyes! I live in a small town. We have 1 store that sells them. And 99% of the time, they're out of stock! But I managed to make a few. And I have the parts, to put about 5 of them together. That will be my project. As we're hanging out today.

So if you're around, come by. We'll have 2 tables. Everything from crafts to baked goods. Yes, I made cupcakes and candy. My Mom baked lots of cookies. Sadly, I didn't make peanut brittle. It's my thing. The one thing, that everyone knows us for. But I can't find the ingredients. And well, I really didn't have too much time this week.

Don't forget to stop by and say Hi! Our church, 9AM-1PM. Santa will be there. The church is also selling breakfast and lunch. Honestly, it's delish! And there are so many great booths. If you need more info, e-mail us, or call me. Hope to see you there!

The Flu, Dark Water, and Crafting

The past week has been tough. I started feeling sick last week. But I pushed on. It was Thanksgiving after all. And we had a lot of company coming over. Lots of cooking to be done! We got through it. And during the weekend, I could feel it coming on. I was getting sick.

I tried to ignore it Sunday. But Monday morning, there was no denying it! I could barely move. Everything hurt. And I felt like someone had hit me with a bus! I slept most of Monday. My parents had no medicine. And by the time I got some Monday night, I just wanted to sleep.

I got it together and went to work on Tuesday. Spending most of my day, driving. It was horrible! Come to find out, I not only have the flu. I have Strep Throat. Ugh! This was not the week to get sick. On top of all of this, I have 2 big concerts to perform at. And my Mom and I, are selling at our church's Holiday Craft Fair. Yup, bad timing!

While trying to recover this week, I've been curled up, in my office. I would say, a good 85% of the doctors are sick. The hospital is horrible right now. And I don't get it. We get so many shots every year, so that we don't get sick. But some "mysterious" flu has hit. A couple of us, have been reduced to "paperwork duty." Not too bad. We curl up in my office, watch a movie, do paperwork, sleep, hydrate, and I've been crafting.

One of the movies we watched this week, is Dark Water. Oh my goodness! What a movie. Initially, I didn't want to watch it. But my colleague was all over it. So I said, why not? It was such a great movie! You have to see it. I know that my Mom would LOVE it! She really likes movies like this.

I was just so into this movie. The ending was so good! And I got about 5 hats made. 5 hats, in less than 2 hours. At least my crocheting, isn't getting affected by my horrible health! :)

1 Month Away

We have just 1 month until our annual Craft Fair. My Mom and I don't sell at many Craft Fairs. In fact, until a few years ago, we didn't sell our crafts at all. But our church started having a Craft Fair for Christmas. And every year, we've gotten 2 tables. And filled them up with all of our crafty goodness.

Yes, just 1 month away. And I feel like I haven't been adding too much to our stash of goods. Mostly because I'm busy with school and work. Oh, and I've been making lots of gifts lately. I have a nice list of things I want to complete. But I'm not sure it's going to happen.

As for Mom, she's working hard. And has gotten a lot done. Mom has been sewing lots of scraves. They are so pretty! And she's been crocheting some "Old School" Strawberry Shortcake dolls. We do have a nice stash of items that we add to through out the year. So I shouldn't be too worried. Even if we only have 1 month to go!