Been on a Celtic weave crochet kick lately...

I love the yearly 7 Days of Scarfie series that Left in Knots does,
and I love working with Lion Brand Scarfie yarn. 

These are quick, easy, comforting patterns for me to work on.

I had an order for a custom made hat last week for a college friend.

 I also think I should re-evaluate Crafted With Care. Even though I would like to put all my time into making crochet things, I don't have the ability to do craft shows and get my things seen in-person by people who may actually buy them because I am teaching music during the times craft fairs take place. I've decided, for now, to just make things I want and post photos of them on my social media. That way, if people see something they like they can order it, but I won't have something sitting around that I won't use.

Everyday Boho Bag

Sylvia asked me to make up some cream colored bohemian style bags for summer, because she thought her friends would like them. Sunday I came across a pattern that the designer (Alex and Co Handmade) was looking to have tested. I volunteered to test it, and think it came out so cute! The original pattern calls for grommets and a chain strap, but I didn't have one on hand and don't like how chain straps cut into my shoulders when I'm wearing that kind of bag. So, I came up with my own crochet strap instead. 

Sylvia's friend Isabella came over for lunch today, and agreed to model the bag for me. So cute!!!

The Everyday Boho Bag

Boot cuffs by hook light

Friday evening, Sylvia had a rehearsal.  I knew I wouldn't be able to get any errands done, so I took some crocheting and stayed in the car while she rehearsed.  I still think it's funny that there are such things as light-up crochet hooks, but it does come in handy sometimes!

I made 3 sets of boot cuffs this weekend.  They are a quick project, and easy and fun to work up!

Shrug Sweaters

I recently made these Simple Crochet Shrug sweaters for both my teen daughters.  They love how cozy they are, and people are asking about them everywhere they wear them.  

I may have to make one for myself too!  

A process of learning and trying

On October 24, I took the plunge and bought the www.craftedwithcare.boutique domain.  Since then, I've been trying to think about all the different things I'd like to do to get this business going.  I'd like to keep it simple, but I also want to do things well.

I've read a lot about how to price items, and am comparing formulas to help me make all this worth my time but also make items affordable.  

I've bought items I needed (yarn, needles, a styrofoam head to display hats, website hosting, etcetera).

I've made a list of things I really want to buy as soon as possible (dress form/mannequin, custom printed labels to sew into items, shipping envelopes, etcetera).

I've decided to forego some expenses that will just have to wait until I see if this will work, like website e-commerce/shopping cart capabilities for the website @ a minimum of $25/month. 

I've been thinking about how I want Crafted With Care 

to look and feel. 

I've been taking photos of items I've made.  

  

I've made business cards. 

I've wished I knew more about design and creating logos and brand images, but have asked a talented friend to help me.

I've been working on building the website, and am glad I have at least some experience with that, though the editor I'm using is new to me.  

I've created email, Instagram, Facebook, PayPal, Blogger, and a dozen other accounts.

I've read many articles about how others have done this.

I've asked my dad, an expert businessman and entrepreneur, for advice and opinions.

I've bought yarns and patterns.

I've had my first sale--a friend from church bought an owl hat for her Elf on the Shelf to give to her daughter.

I've tried to keep making time to crochet!

I've prayed to ask the Lord to help me with all of this!

There is much more to do, 

but I am enjoying the process and the learning and the trying...

"She shops around for the best yarns and cottons, and enjoys knitting and sewing...

...She senses the worth of her work, is in no hurry to call it quits for the day.

She’s skilled in the crafts of home and hearth, diligent in homemaking...

...She makes her own clothing, and dresses in colorful linens and silks...

...She designs gowns and sells them, brings the sweaters she knits to the dress shops.

Her clothes are well-made and elegant, and she always faces tomorrow with a smile..."

- Proverbs 31:13, 18-19, 24-25

Works in progress

Just a couple works in progress...

This will be a cocoon/long shrug sweater for my oldest daughter.  I really love the color of this Homespun yarn. It's called Garnet, and described as a deep wine red, but it looks purple at times.  

I also need to finish up my son's R2D2 hat.  He is really excited about it, but I'm not sure I like how it's turning out.  As long as the boy is happy with it!

I'm also working on a ladies ivory slouchy hat this week.

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Learning a new stitch

Trying out a new-to-me Tunisian crochet stitch this week, I made this soft, silky infinity scarf in gorgeous black/grey/white gradient. 

This is one I'd like to keep for myself!

Goldenrod

I love this goldenrod color!  I bought this basic worsted weight yarn just to make something in this color, because it's so pretty!  I decided to make a ribbed infinity scarf, and played around with the herringbone stitch, which I've never done before.  I'm happy with how it turned out, and may make another.

 (The scissors in the picture are there because I took these pictures to share about my favorite crochet tool in an online crochet group.  The scissors are actually paper crafting scissors, but I like them because they have a cap and are like carrying a pen.  The only downside is that I lose them all the time!)

Have you ever thought about...

I made this child's owl hat this week when asked by a friend who wanted one for her daughter for Christmas. I think it's so adorable; I'm going to make more.

My friend Dawn came over this morning, and when I showed her the hat, she asked if I'd ever thought about selling my crochet. She encouraged me more in the thought by saying that if she doesn't know how to do or make something, she is willing to pay someone who does for their quality work. 

Thought provoking...