Tuesday, January 31, 2012

Crochet Tips I've Learned

I've been crocheting for many years, and have learned a few things along the way. Unfortunately most of these things I learned the hard way. But hopefully someone can benefit from my mistakes, and make different ones instead.

  1. When you stop a project part way through, either stick the hook you are using in the project or write down exactly which one it is. This way, when you go back you don't accidentally use a hook that is smaller or larger and end up with a lopsided project
  2. Gauge is important! Especially when making clothing, as being off a small amount on the gauge can end up as quite a bit off as it adds up and your project will be the wrong size. 
  3. It's OK to admit you don't know a stitch in a pattern. There are sites, groups, and videos all over the internet where you can ask for help, of view a video of someone doing the stitch. It's better to take the time to understand a new stitch, than do it wrong and have to start all over. 
  4. When you are using a yarn with a dye lot, heed the warning of buying enough for your project. There is nothing worse than finding you don't have enough, finishing with a skein from another lot that you think looks the same, and finding that it is totally obvious after you finish a long project. 
  5. Double check your yarn when you purchase, and be sure it is the same. Sometimes people grab something and change their mind and put it in the wrong place. You don't want to get done with a blanket only to notice there is a section that is a slightly different color/feel than the rest. 
Stay tuned, I'll add more as I think of them. 

Sunday, January 22, 2012

What's Next?

The holidays are over, things are winding down. So what's next for me?

Well, first things first. Time to re-organize. I always seem to need to re-organize after the holiday season is over. So I'll be putting some time into that.

Taxes and end of the year statements need to be figured out and done.

Now for the fun part. Thanks to the need to come up with a Christmas gift for my uncle, I've come up with a new product line I'll be offering. Now, I don't want to give it away just yet. We'll be making up a nice selection of them to post all at once. But I will say that there will be a "New Product Sale" when I do get them listed, and I'll be posting a coupon code to my blog readers, Twitter followers and Facebook Page likers so you can get a discount for a limited time after the product launch.

I have also decided to expand my business and start offering International Shipping. it's going to take me a little time to figure out all the prices and get my shop updated, but to all my international friends, it's coming soon! If there is something you are interested in and don't want to wait, send me an email and I'll figure out the price for you.

Happy New Year,
De'Anna