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

Friday, November 25, 2011

Cyber Monday Sale


We've braved the stores for Black Friday, and hopefully have a couple days to recover. Now it's time to start thinking about Cyber Monday, a great day to do your online Christmas shopping.

I will be participating in Cyber Monday by having a sale on my ArtFire store. Everything will be 10% off! It's one day only, the sale will run from Midnight to Midnight (MST) on Monday, November 28th, 2011.

Come in, pre-shop and get ready for the frenzy! I'll be loading in lots of new product this weekend in preparation for the big sale, including Marshmallow Shooters, Fabric Mouse Pads, Santa Hats, Crocheted Ponchos and all the other product that I recently had at the Craft Fair.

Saturday, October 8, 2011

The Making of a Crochet Animal Purse

Curious about what goes into making one of my crocheted animal purses? Be curious no longer. 

 It starts off with some basic materials, yard, crochet hook, needle, scissors, stuffing and finishing touches. Weilding my trusty crochet hook, and mini folding scissors I get started.
First I make all the parts, the bag, the handles, some legs, a head and in the case of froggy here, some cute frog eyes. A little stuffing and it's time to put it all together.
A little needle work to bring all the pieces together. Handles go onto the bag, head is attached, eyes stitched in place, and all the legs added.
Some final touches, such as the button eyes and embroidered facial features, and 4 or 5 hours later this cute little guy is born.












I hope you enjoyed this little peek into my crochet world. Come visit any time.

Happy Crafting,
De'Anna

Wednesday, September 21, 2011

Getting Social

In an effort to expand my social influence across the web, I have joined a site called Empire Avenue. It's a fun way to get social, and spread your sites, blogs, pages, etc. You have a "stock" price, and people invest their EAVES (Empire Avenue money) in your stock. Your web influence (blog posts, Facebook activity, whatever you've linked) affects your price. It's fun to watch your stock value go up.

You also invest in other peoples stocks, and can earn EAVES dividends. There are a lot of Community groups on Empire Avenue which give you a place to talk to other users of similar interests.

The main reason I was interested, is to give myself an idea of how I'm doing with spreading my social influence. Since my stock price is affected by my web presence, the more I do the higher my price. Now, that doesn't mean that I should post a Tweet every 30 seconds, because only so many actions per item count per day. This keeps people from artificially inflating their prices. For me, I'm hoping it helps me learn how often to post, what kind of things are generating interest, what my customers and followers are finding interesting and useful. And of course, what is helping me generate sales.

If you're looking for a way to help you on the road to starting or building on your social media web presence, Empire Avenue is a fun way to get rolling. Not to mention the great information that other people are providing who are or have been in the same place as you are.

So far, the site has encouraged me to be more active on LinkedIn, to start using a Flikr account, to just jump into Blogging and not be so concerned about what I'm doing and what people think, and I'm considering a YouTube account. I think it might be fun for people to see an embroidery project being done, or a crochet item going through the motions. The sky is the limit.


De'Anna

Monday, September 19, 2011

Crocheted Animal Purses

Captive Embroidery is expanding to Captive Embroidery and Crafts. This is to include all the other fun crafty projects I enjoy doing, as well as the things my husband and son contribute.

The first crafty addition to my line is Crocheted Animal Purses. I have 3 different friends ready and a list of others that will be coming soon. Ready now are a pig, bunny and lion. Coming soon are a kitty, puppy, cow, ram, frog (if I can get his legs right), wolf, bear, and possibly a horse and snake.

Is there an animal you'd like to see added to the collection?

You can find them all in the Accessories section of my ArtFire Store.

 

Saturday, September 10, 2011

Ride for Heroes & Patriots' Festival

Today my husband is participating in the Ride for Heroes & Patriots' Festival. We made this custom jersey for him to wear on the 28 mile bike ride around town. From family, friends and the local fire station, he received the names of 9 fallen heroes. These brave men and women lost their lives in the line of duty, protecting our homes, our lives and our freedom.

We are proud to honor all our heroes, those that still serve, those that have retired, and those that have left this life for the next.

Thank you. With deepest gratitude for all you do,



De'Anna