Working My First Craft Booth

FogFest 2012 was an amazing experience. It was the first time I've run my own craft booth (in collaboration with my good friend Dana of course) and we rocked it! All of our research and planning really paid off. 

1. We started by finding a small festival that had the right audience for our products. We decided on FogFest because it was family friendly and it was close by our homes. We applied and waited to be accepted.
2. Once we were accepted, we went online and read through the multitude of websites that give advice on how to do a craft fair booth. (I'll list my favorites in another post.)
3. Then we browsed tons of photos and did some hands-on craft fair snooping (see earlier posts in this blog) to find out how we might want to set up our booth.
4. At the same time we looked at the layout of other booths, we also looked at how much product other booths featured. That was really helpful in figuring out how much inventory we needed to create.
5. In Google documents, we created and shared lists of things we thought we needed, that way we could each comment and keep track of what we were each thinking.
6. Dana and I met up at least once every other week in the months before the festival, if only to check in and see how we were each doing on inventory creation. 
7. Three weeks before the festival we got together at Dana's house and setup a mock booth. We didn't have all the pieces, but this mock setup helped us figure out what we still needed.
8. A week before the show we did another mock setup in Dana's backyard to fine tune the missing pieces. We made a master list of everything we would need to bring to the festival with us.
9. The night before the festival we gathered everything at Dana's house and checked everything off our master list and packed it in Dana's mini van. 
10. The first day of the fest we showed up at our booth location a couple hours before the festival opened. Our tent was already set up by the festival people (we paid extra for that). 
11. Setup for the booth went smoothly because we were already so organized. 
12. And thanks to Dana's husband and my fiance, we were set to go long before the first people walked through the gates.

We had so much fun and learned so many lessons, which I will list out in the next post :)

Puppet Scarves

After an extremely busy holiday season I suddenly have a ton of baby and children crochet projects to work on. Spring has sprung early and I don't even get a break! Again, I shouldn't complain. 

Red Heart's Puppet Scarf Pattern - Free!

I finished a couple of baby beanies, which inspired two more friends to want them for their friends' babies. On top of that I'm trying to get baby booties and a baby blanket done for a coworker who's having a baby in March. 

However, my favorite project right now is the puppet scarves I'm making for Drew's nieces and nephew. I'm altering a free pattern from Red Heart and I'm using Stitch Nation's Bamboo Ewe yarn. I'll post photos when I finish :)

Next I need to work on my scarves for the Special Olympics before I miss all the deadlines. AND the 2012 Waverly for Bernat Crochet-Along and Knit-Along is coming up on February 15! Whew! I need to get on it! 

Oh and February 23-26 is Stitches West 2012 in Santa Clara -- yarn galore! I can't wait :)

I Love Bamboo

Bamboo is my favorite yarn fiber because it's:

1. Super soft
2. Natural and sustainable
3. Beautiful and has wonderful drape
4. Durable (if you treat it well)
5. Biodegradable 
6. Naturally antibacterial

Although, as with all things, it has its downsides.

1. The price (at least compared to acrylic)
2. Needs to be hand-washed (gently: it can swell and lose strength in water)
3. Splits a bit (not as much of a problem for crochet hooks as it is for knitting needles)

For me, however, bamboo's softness and natural sustainability wins out over the price and the handle-with-care issues.

Even when I'm making things for kids. Acrylic might hold up better, but I'm dedicated to crafting with natural fibers. Especially when it comes to items I sell in my store.

So, what are my favorite brands?

Bamboo Ewe by Stitch Nation is probably one of the least expensive and easiest to acquire. Its a light worsted weight blend of 55% viscose from bamboo and 45% wool.

Red Heart produces Eco-ways Bamboo Wool, an affordable, worsted weight blend of 55% bamboo and 45% wool.

I also liked Tranquility by the South West Trading Company, but they discontinued the brand, so I can only find it on Etsy.com or at the Stitches trade-shows.

I say check it out next time you're looking for a soft, beautiful yarn for any clothing project.

Presque Isle has launched!

Finally! After months of crocheting, writing, organizing, and picture taking the Presque Isle shop on Etsy.com is open for business.

I'm sure some people expect a ton of responses and loads of orders the moment their store opens, but honestly, I'm happy to have a slow start. I need to work out the kinks before people start ordering things.

The CIRRUS beanie in gray and teal.

My friend Andi ordered a CIRRUS beanie from me and I still need to sew the label in, make the hang tag, and craft my follow up emails. She also requested a pair of gloves to match the beanie, and gave me some great advice on promoting custom orders in my receipts and thank you messages.

I have so much to learn!

For example, I didn't think I'd really need a logo, but as I create the hang tags I realize a logo would be a nice sign-off. So now I'm figuring out if I want to design one on my own or get my designer BF to do it for me :)

Anyway, check out Presque Isle when you have a chance and let me know what you think!

Scarves for a Good Cause

Sure there are plenty of projects to work on right now, especially with the holidays coming up, but here's one easy charity project to keep in mind--and the deadline isn't until February for many states!

The Special Olympics USA Scarf Project collects handmade scarves and presents them as gifts for the Special Olympics Athletes.

Every year the project picks the official yarn colors and Red Heart puts the yarn on sale for about a dollar off the regular price. The colors this year are:

Red Heart Super Saver 387 Soft Navy

Red Heart Super Saver 319 Cherry Red

Red Heart Soft 4604 Navy

Red Heart Soft 9925 Really Red

Red Heart also supplies free crochet and knit patterns, but you can use any pattern you like as long as it's between 54" and 60" long, and approximately 6" wide.

Each state that elects to participate asks for a certain number of scarves. So if your local center reaches their goal, you can send your scarves to another state who needs them.

I was sad to find out California isn't one of the states that chose to participate in the program, so I'm sending mine to Colorado :)

Ravelry Rocks

One of the best web resources for fiber crafters, Ravelry.com is my favorite place for all sorts of crochet and knit information.

Sweet Eleanor Scarf

Patterns: Rather than scour dozens of sites, you can go straight to the Patterns section of Ravelry and search for what you need. The results range from brand name patterns to user created and submitted patterns.

Some are free and some will cost you, but you can sort your search by whether you want to pay for a pattern.


Yarns: Sure you can find some great new colors and textures by browsing around the listings in the Yarns section, but if you're thinking about putting down cash on a few pricey skeins, knowing how the yarn is going to perform is even more valuable.

Just click on the Comments tab at the top of a yarn's page and find out what other people think about: how the yarn washes, if it pills or splits when you work with it, and even how the quality of the brand has changed over the years.

Noro Kureyon

Also, if you're thinking about buying a yarn through the internet, getting an idea of the texture and weight from someone other that the seller is extremely helpful.

Oh, and if you just bought a bunch of yarn on sale because you simply couldn't pass up the price, just look up the yarn on Ravelry and click the Pattern Ideas tab. You'll find dozens of ways to make use of your new stash.

Forums: Ask questions and get answers on everything from patterns and techniques to trade shows and tools. The Ravelry community is really what makes this site awesome.

Groups: Looking for a little more human interaction? Ravelry is tied to fiber artists groups all over the world. From Albania to Wales, you'll find groups of crocheters, knitters, and spinners--you can even add your own.

Ravelry Wall Art

Shop: Support Ravelry by purchasing fun stuff from their Mini-Mart. Or buy yarns, patterns and anything else for fiber arts from fellow Ravelers in the Marketplace.

My Notebook: The online library that helps you keep track of your stash, tools, books, patterns you're working on and those you want to work on, and everything else.

Now all I need is a Ravelry mobile app, and rumor has it there's something in the works :)

Cumulus Beanie Pattern Redux

"Cumulus" beanie in peach.

Finally figured out the pattern I made up for my Cumulus Beanie. I'm not sure I got it exactly right because increasing a cluster stitch can get a little complicated.

However, the beanie fits well and looks how I wanted it to, so as far as I'm concerned it's mission accomplished.

Now I get to try writing out the pattern. It will be the first pattern I've ever written and I'm not sure I can get it to the point where I could share it with other crafters and have them understand it, but I shall do my best.

I guess this is the learning process when it comes to designing your own pieces. Next time I'm going to write everything down as I go--even if it only makes sense to me ;)

A good gift pattern

What qualifies as a good gift pattern? For me it depends on how many different versions of the same pattern can I make by changing colors. Also, how many different people do I know will actually enjoy getting the finished product for a gift?

My work so far on the Granny Square Blanket

For example, scarves and beanies are great go-to's because guys and girls of every age and inclination can wear scarves and beanies--as long as they don't live in a tropical climate year-round.

In my search for gift projects this year, I've stumbled across a couple patterns that may work depending on how long they take to complete. I'm doing tests now.

The first is a Giant Granny Square blanket that The Purl Bee posted. It's one giant granny square that is just an ever increasing rainbow of fuzzy goodness. I can watch my favorite SyFy shows and work this blanket at the same time.

Everyone needs an extra blanket: to curl up on the sofa with, take to a picnic in the park or at the beach, add an extra layer to the bed, or even use when company comes to stay the night.

So far I'm estimating 18 hours or less to finish one blanket. I may not make blankets for everyone, but I think I can crank a few out by Christmas :)

Love Love Love Amigurumi

This post was inspired by the Star Wars amigurumi created by fellow Etsy shop owner lucyravenscar.

I've only completed one amigurumi--a cat, surprise surprise--and I gave it to a friend of mine.

Does this qualify as a possible holiday craft? Amigurumi personalized for all my friends and family? Elephants, dogs, dolphins, turtles... doesn't everyone have a favorite animal?

Or a favorite movie for that matter? I've seen Amigurumi for The Exorcist, Despicable Me, Harry Potter, Batman, Alice in Wonderland--and the list goes on.

Here are a few sites I've found that have great amigurumi patterns. Fun, cute and quick (for the most part)!

Great Amigurumi
Free Amigurumi Patterns
Ana Paula's Amigurumi
Ami List
This Web Design School page gives you links to 50 free amigurumi patterns.

And of course you can always go to Ravelry and search for amigurumi patterns.

:)

Make and Donate Blankets for Project Linus

I'm determined to finish and donate a baby blanket for Project Linus this year. 

Marble Baby Throw from Lion Brand Yarn

Project Linus "provides love, a sense of security, warmth and comfort to children who are seriously ill, traumatized, or otherwise in need through the gifts of new, handmade blankets and afghans, lovingly created by volunteer 'blanketeers.'"

Since 1995, they have distributed over three million blankets to children in need. These blankets go to children in hospitals, foster homes, shelters, and even to private homes. 

I'm sad to have discovered that there isn't a San Francisco chapter of this organization. However, there's an East Bay chapter to which I will happily donate my work.

Anyway, I've already found the pattern I want to use:  Marble Baby Throw from Lion Brand Yarn. I think I'll go for more neutral colors though. (I'll post photos when I finish)

I might have to consider making a couple fleece blankets as well. :)

Recognizing a pattern

Finding stitches I like and working them into a circle for beanies can be a bit of a pain--at least for me. Especially if I'm working with a cluster stitch or some other stitch that is built out over several stitches. The crux is figuring out the increases. (If anyone has any tips or tricks I'll take them!)

Worse than that, however, is a month later trying to remember the pattern I successfully completed, but never wrote down. For example, the pattern I developed for my Cumulus beanie was formed mostly with a simple cluster stitch crocheted together over three single stitches, but I couldn't remember how I got the hat started!

I worked on trying to remember the sequence for a couple hours--and frogged a lot of tests--before I remembered I started the first three rows with half double stitches; which are easy to increase. Unfortunately, the a-ha moment hit at almost midnight, and I have a day job.

So, I wrote myself a couple notes and tonight I will endeavor to re-create the Cumulus in a different color.  Wish me luck!