Post 019 Cowl Completion and a quick order

 This week was a crafty one. Started the week out finishing up the cowl I've been working on. I may have mentioned, I used slightly different stitches. I used the hdc it called for but rather than stitching in the "third loop," I did hdc in alternating front and back posts for a subtle bobble effect.  I rather kind of like it and it is quite unisex. I may go back and add some overstitching or beading, I haven't decided yet. :)

Opinions?

This weekend brought the opportunity for a beautiful camping and hiking trip. The views were beautiful, though admittedly I am very aware of how neglected I have been again with this body. I'm confident in a turn around to healthier living, hopefully the tomorrow version of me agrees!! 🙌😂 It was lovely to unwind. Self care is important yeah?

Lastly, I was able to finish a quick in person order. A few hours and I pumped out two reusable "sweeper" covers. I intend to work on publishing the pattern in the next few weeks as it was quick to work up.

The pictures aren't the greatest as typical of last minute weekend projects, but it is very much complete and beautiful. I was fortunate to get stitches in while camping over my morning coffee and breakfast (yummy bacon, sausage, eggs, and a tex-mex potato hash prepared by family). 

Counting my blessings for this beautiful life and for those I share it with. What are you thankful for this time of year and always?

Post 018 Ultrasounds, a cowl, and babysitting

 Happy Sunday again! If you're like me though, it's a happy, but sleepy Sunday. We have been fortunate to be able to babysit a friend's daughter this weekend. We had a blast playing with legos, singing songs, picking flowers, and playing make believe. We had a great time! Of course she was up as soon as dawn hit, but we made due with crochet stitches, animal cutouts, and I certainly could not have made it without my coffee. As you can see, I'm nearing the end of the cowl I mentioned and linked in the last post. 

Naturally, her creative mind imagined my double ended afghan crochet hooks were wands. We just loved having her visit. Im on round 34 of 59 so with fingers crossed it will be finished by next post.

The fiances' youngest son is nearly grown and I have never had children of my own. We are hopeful, as we have began a series of fertility measures. The first being two attempts at some imaging--two ultrasounds. I could not hold my bladder for the first one, and the docs didn't like the blurry imaging on the second so I am prepared for the internal ultrasound this week. Terrified of the process, but at least I don't have to hold my bladder. We are hoping to determine if the cysts on my ovaries are preventing my becoming pregnant as we have tried for a year. It also may be my PCOS mucking things up and getting schedules off kilter as I suspect, so send a prayer if you are happening upon this post.

Other than this, not much has occurred this week. I did score a lovely gray cashmere sweater for upcycling so I am excited about this. Cashmere seems to be trending in upcycled and reclaimed yarns. I guess we will see.

Thats all for this week, so stay tuned for final pics of the Lansdowne cowl. Take it easy ❤

Post 017 Beginnings of a cowl and reclaimed grays

 Oh how difficult it can be to stay motivated when the weather cools and the day job picks up! In my neck of the woods, we are seeing a push for services (for individuals with disabilities) to gradually return in the community day service locations. This has meant a lot of phone calls, distributing safety protocols, and risk assessments. There are so many hard working people putting things together to make the return a successful and safe one, but it takes much time. After my work shifts, it has been increasingly difficult to catch up on my crochet work.

I have been busily crafting away at a swap package on lettuce craft but I cannot share those projects for a few months. I've been hopeful to begin some mini pumpkins for decor and some warm beanies. I'm also excited to add some cashmere yarn to the reclaimed listings on my etsy shop as I feel the need for more quantity in listings and cashmere is really selling well in the reclaimed yarn markets. It's a dream to work with, I just need to find the time.

Today I began work on a cowl, called the Lansdowne cowl which can be found here: Lansdowne cowl

 I will be using reclaimed gray wool-acrylic blend from my private stash, and will share as it progresses.

Rather than working this in third loop every second stitch, I am working the body in hdc, and every few rows adding front and back loop hdc for a bit of bobble texture, in addition to the two toned yarn texture and color effects.

Other than this project, I'm geared to return to the office this week and find time to crochet in the evenings. Balance is everything and I am longing to find it again. 

Post 016 Pricing and Branding

 Hello everyone and hello September! I can almost smell the cool weather and changing leaves in the air, and the evenings have begun to be slightly cooler. 

This week has brought a few changes to my etsy store. The first being itemizing each reclaimed yarn posting--instead of a listing for total yardage, each listing has been broken down to smaller yardage so people can purchase the quantity they need without purchasing extra yarn or spending more than they need. In order to do this, I have had to weigh each yarn cake, use an approximate weight to yardage estimate based on the yarn bulkiness type. Then once I calculate the yardage, I did some research and came up with an average price per yard, for consistency. I feel this keeps it fair, and keeps my prices at an average price point when compared to similar listings. I'm not looking to under price or under sell my efforts, and I was very happy that these prices were very close to the original listing prices for total yardage. I'm an honest vendor and seek honest pay for honest work.

I have also added a banner to my shop and updated policies and shipping costs per listing.

I'm quite pleased 😍

On facebook, I had my first giveaway and winner of a pair of crochet towels.

 It was fun, and a creative way to get new views. My current focus is growing my clientele and viewability and of course getting new listings posted :)

Let's hope for a productive week and some cool weather. What are you all working on? Feel free to share if you are stopping by!