So, I just got an email that my submission to KnitPicks was accepted! I definitely did a little happy dance. :)
Next steps are finishing up the pattern (it's mostly written, I just need to do some fine tuning), crochet the sample, take some pictures and have a few testers work the pattern to check for any mistakes.
If you are interested in testing for me, send me an email! ProchetByEAS@gmail.com I am not able to offer compensation at this time, but you would receive the pattern and any corrections/updates free of charge.
If you've never tested before, it's easy (as long as you can read a pattern, of course)! I'll email the pattern to you, and you work it up exactly according to the pattern. Keep in contact with me through out the process, especially if you have any issues or questions so I can rewrite to make the pattern more clear. Then, when you've finished crocheting the sample, email me a picture of your final item with any questions, comments or concerns you had while making the item. Pretty simple! I've done some test crocheting for other designers and it's pretty fun!
This pattern is for a mug cozy that would make a perfect Mother's Day gift or a lovely little gift for yourself. You will need cotton worsted weight yarn in three colors (about 55 yards of the main color and 8 yards of each of the detail colors), an H hook, a 1-1.5" button and a yarn needle for weaving in ends.
Monday, April 28, 2014
Tuesday, April 22, 2014
Free Pattern- Grass Ball
If you follow me on Instagram, you may have seen the little grass ball I whipped up after a visit to Hobby Lobby a month ago.
I noticed when I was out shopping that grass themed items seem to be in this season. I saw some cute plastic grass balls and thought they'd be pretty awesome used as a vase filler, but even cuter in a crochet version! So..if you crochet, I've written up the pattern for you to make some for yourself, and if you don't I've added a few to my shop!
Enjoy! I'd love to see pictures if you make your own. You can share photos on my Facebook page, Ravelry group or use the tag #prochetpatterns on Instagram.
I noticed when I was out shopping that grass themed items seem to be in this season. I saw some cute plastic grass balls and thought they'd be pretty awesome used as a vase filler, but even cuter in a crochet version! So..if you crochet, I've written up the pattern for you to make some for yourself, and if you don't I've added a few to my shop!
Enjoy! I'd love to see pictures if you make your own. You can share photos on my Facebook page, Ravelry group or use the tag #prochetpatterns on Instagram.
Grass Ball
Design by: Elizabeth Ann
Smith
Skill Level: Advanced
beginner (only because working with Fun Fur can take some practice)
Materials Needed:
- Crochet Hook US H/8 (5.00mm)
- Yarn needle
- Stitch marker (optional)
- Red Heart Super Saver: Spring Green
- Lion Brand: Fun Fur
- Fiber fill stuffing
Gauge: Gauge isn’t
essential for this project, just make sure your stitches aren’t too loose, you
don’t want the fiberfill sticking out.
Abbreviations:
- st= stitch
- ch= chain
- sl st= slip stitch
- sc= single crochet
- sc2tog= single crochet two stitches together (single crochet decrease)
- The whole piece is worked holding 2 strands together; 1 of each: Fun Fur and Red Heart Super Saver.
- Normally, as you work you would flip the piece so the right side is facing out, I have found that more fur sticks out on the wrong side, so (since you can’t see the stitches anyway) you will leave the wrong side facing out.
Holding 1 strand of each, start with a
magic ring or ch 3 and sl st to form right.
Round 1: work 6 sc into ring (if using a magic right, pull end to
close ring).
Round 2: 2 sc in each sc around. (12 sc)
Round 3: *2 sc in next sc, 1 sc in next sc; repeat from * around.
(18 sc)
Round 4: *2 sc in next sc, sc in each of next 2 sc; repeat from *
around. (24 sc)
Round 5: *2 sc in next sc, sc in each of next 3 sc; repeat from *
around. (30 sc)
Round 6-10: sc in each sc around. (30 sc)
Round 11: *sc2tog, sc in each of next 3 sc; repeat from * around.
(24 sc)
Round 12: *sc2tog, sc in each of next 2 sc; repeat from * around.
(18 sc)
Begin adding fiberfill here and
continue stuffing as work progresses.
Round 13: *sc2tog, sc in next sc; repeat from * around. (12 sc)
Round 14: sc2tog around.
Fasten off leaving a long tail. Use
the tail to thread thru the final 6 stitches to close. Weave in all ends.
You can use your crochet hook or
yarn needle and run it across the ball to bring out and fluff out the fur.
**Please note, this pattern is for personal use. Please do not copy, redistribute or sell this pattern. Thank you!**
Thursday, April 17, 2014
Craft Show Confessional
Confession time.
I participated in my first craft show last October. I was pretty excited about it and did my research about what kind of displays are the best; I read about all the things I would need to bring; I bought a special table cloth; and I spent months building up stock.
Then not long before the show I started reading about "target market" and I realized that not only was this show venue not my target market, I wasn't even my target market. The show was in a small town, in a school gym. I had been to this show before and walked through without buying anything because I didn't find that "right bargain." I know my items can seem pricey, especially to someone looking for a bargain, but to be honest everything is priced using a formula taking into account time spent and the materials used and I couldn't possibly price any lower without losing money.
Knowing all this I went into the show thinking, if nothing else it would be a learning experience. I frantically made some items at lower price points hoping I would at least make a few sales.
Show day came and I was super nervous; it's hard putting yourself out there! My mom and my cousin came to help me set up and keep me company throughout the show (thanks so much guys!). And I didn't make one single sale. I knew this was a possiblity, but it still hurt the ego. We started packing up my booth a bit early; I put everything back into containers and shoved them under my bed when I got home. I didn't want to look at all that stuff because I'm an "avoider" by nature. Out of sight, out of mind.
I'm not writing this because I'm looking for sympathy, because I'm definitely not! I just think it's important to share your failures as well as your sucesses.
I didn't close up shop after the craft show incident, I just avoided all that extra stock. I didn't want to think about all that effort and work I put into something that didn't work out. But, a few months ago I pulled it all out and took inventory of all the things I had and all the things that still need to be added to my shop. And finally, the past few weeks I've been taking photos and getting it listed. It's definitely a relief because with my online shop, I feel like I'm finding my target market.
This one show didn't turn me off from craft shows all together, but now that I'm learning more about my target market, I can pick the right show next time.
I participated in my first craft show last October. I was pretty excited about it and did my research about what kind of displays are the best; I read about all the things I would need to bring; I bought a special table cloth; and I spent months building up stock.
Then not long before the show I started reading about "target market" and I realized that not only was this show venue not my target market, I wasn't even my target market. The show was in a small town, in a school gym. I had been to this show before and walked through without buying anything because I didn't find that "right bargain." I know my items can seem pricey, especially to someone looking for a bargain, but to be honest everything is priced using a formula taking into account time spent and the materials used and I couldn't possibly price any lower without losing money.
Knowing all this I went into the show thinking, if nothing else it would be a learning experience. I frantically made some items at lower price points hoping I would at least make a few sales.
Show day came and I was super nervous; it's hard putting yourself out there! My mom and my cousin came to help me set up and keep me company throughout the show (thanks so much guys!). And I didn't make one single sale. I knew this was a possiblity, but it still hurt the ego. We started packing up my booth a bit early; I put everything back into containers and shoved them under my bed when I got home. I didn't want to look at all that stuff because I'm an "avoider" by nature. Out of sight, out of mind.
I'm not writing this because I'm looking for sympathy, because I'm definitely not! I just think it's important to share your failures as well as your sucesses.
I didn't close up shop after the craft show incident, I just avoided all that extra stock. I didn't want to think about all that effort and work I put into something that didn't work out. But, a few months ago I pulled it all out and took inventory of all the things I had and all the things that still need to be added to my shop. And finally, the past few weeks I've been taking photos and getting it listed. It's definitely a relief because with my online shop, I feel like I'm finding my target market.
This one show didn't turn me off from craft shows all together, but now that I'm learning more about my target market, I can pick the right show next time.
Sunday, April 13, 2014
Easter
Easter is only 1 week away! If you're still looking for a last minute gift, you could whip up one of the Basket Buddies from my free crochet pattern on the Michaels website. They are super adorable, quick and a nice non-candy present!
This has been a really great Easter season for my shop. My bunny basket orders have been keeping me plenty busy and let me tell you, busy is a wonderful feeling! I'm happy that so many people have let me and my creations be a part of their Easter celebrations. I have 2 final orders going out tomorrow and I think I may be a little sad not to have cute little bunny baskets hanging out all around my workspace.
In other non-Easter news, I've submitted my first pattern proposal to KnitPicks for their Independent Designer Partnership Program. It's a really great program and I should hear from them within 30 days on their decision, so wish me luck! I'm also working on a submission for a magazine. I'm super nervous because rejection can be scary, but I've been learning to push the nervousness away and just go for it. After all, what's the worse thing that could happen?
This has been a really great Easter season for my shop. My bunny basket orders have been keeping me plenty busy and let me tell you, busy is a wonderful feeling! I'm happy that so many people have let me and my creations be a part of their Easter celebrations. I have 2 final orders going out tomorrow and I think I may be a little sad not to have cute little bunny baskets hanging out all around my workspace.
In other non-Easter news, I've submitted my first pattern proposal to KnitPicks for their Independent Designer Partnership Program. It's a really great program and I should hear from them within 30 days on their decision, so wish me luck! I'm also working on a submission for a magazine. I'm super nervous because rejection can be scary, but I've been learning to push the nervousness away and just go for it. After all, what's the worse thing that could happen?
Thursday, April 10, 2014
Ravelry Love
Are you on Ravelry? I've been using this site for the past few years, mostly just to admire projects and find inspiration. But recently, I've started using it much more. If you've never even heard of Ravelry, it's basically a social networking site for yarn fanatics! (And if this isn't your thing, I'm about to get super nerdy, so sorry in advance!).
You have a "notebook" where you can add and keep track of projects, yarn in your stash, hooks, needles and lots more! I like to use my notebook like a little crochet diary. When I start a project, I'll make a post for it in my Ravelry notebook as well. This helps me keep track of the hook size & yarn I'm using and I can write notes & post pictures as I go. If I ever want to remake a project, I have all of my notes and information in one place!
Beyond your notebook, you can also find loads of patterns using the pattern search or browse feature. This is my favorite part! You can find so much inspiration this way. When you find a pattern you're interested in, check out all the other projects people have made using this pattern (another great place for inspiration!).
Then, if you don't get stuck browsing all of the beautiful patterns for hours (I do SO often!), there are also groups and forums where you can meet other crocheters, knitters, spinners and weavers. There are groups for your favorite designers, groups dedicated to tv shows, yarn companies, books, gardening, just about anything you can think of! It's such a great place where you can meet & connect with people who share your interests AND crochet or knit! How could it get any better? :)
My user name is EASmith and I recently started my own group on Ravelry. I wanted a space where I could answer any questions people had about my patterns, let people know when I need patterns tested, announce new pattern releases or errata and just generally get to know people! I'd love it if you joined my group!
If you are interested in pattern testing for me, keep an eye out in my group for announcements and you can also email me at ProchetByEAS@gmail.com and I will be sure to keep you in the loop when testers are needed!
You have a "notebook" where you can add and keep track of projects, yarn in your stash, hooks, needles and lots more! I like to use my notebook like a little crochet diary. When I start a project, I'll make a post for it in my Ravelry notebook as well. This helps me keep track of the hook size & yarn I'm using and I can write notes & post pictures as I go. If I ever want to remake a project, I have all of my notes and information in one place!
Beyond your notebook, you can also find loads of patterns using the pattern search or browse feature. This is my favorite part! You can find so much inspiration this way. When you find a pattern you're interested in, check out all the other projects people have made using this pattern (another great place for inspiration!).
Then, if you don't get stuck browsing all of the beautiful patterns for hours (I do SO often!), there are also groups and forums where you can meet other crocheters, knitters, spinners and weavers. There are groups for your favorite designers, groups dedicated to tv shows, yarn companies, books, gardening, just about anything you can think of! It's such a great place where you can meet & connect with people who share your interests AND crochet or knit! How could it get any better? :)
My user name is EASmith and I recently started my own group on Ravelry. I wanted a space where I could answer any questions people had about my patterns, let people know when I need patterns tested, announce new pattern releases or errata and just generally get to know people! I'd love it if you joined my group!
If you are interested in pattern testing for me, keep an eye out in my group for announcements and you can also email me at ProchetByEAS@gmail.com and I will be sure to keep you in the loop when testers are needed!
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