Blog Mention

I received a wonderful photo the other day from Stefanie. She is a photographer in Denver and takes the most beautiful photos! She purchased a pattern from me and sent me the photo she took with the hat!
Here it is:

She even mentioned me on her blog!

Go check out her site: www.myportfolionline.com

I just LOVED her photos and I know you will too! She crochets beautifully too!

Christmas Already?

Oh yes it is that time already. Time to get my holiday items out there! So far I just have some ornaments up... Hopefully by the end of the month I will have some great elf and santa hats ready to be purchased!

Check out what I have so far!

My new Monster

Some great creations start as something completely different. This little guy started as my attempt to make a snake hat. After much grrrrrs and urghs I accepted this little monster. I love him now! I cannot wait to see him on a little baby!

Some of the worst mistakes can turn into masterpieces. LOL

Key Fob Pattern

Key Fob Pattern

Measures about 4 inches when finished

H hook

Small amount of worsted yarn

1. chain 32
2. Skip 2 chains, Dc across
3. Fasten off leaving long tail

Fold over and sew together with long tail. Attach to key chain!

I love these! You can use up all those small bits of yarn leftover and they are great for Craft Fairs!

Enjoy!

Rag Rug Time

It is summer and the one thing I love about summer is color. Everything is so green and beautiful. It is so hard to be in a bad mood when the world is blossoming.

Another thing I love about summer is the time I have to crochet. I have just started to get into making rugs. My Doily Rug just sold and in honor of that I felt like I really had to replace it.

So I sat down and made some Rag yarn.

• Here is the tutorial to do so
• It is for a braided rug, but if you scroll down it tells you how to add fabric to create a long strand of yarn.

I made my rag rug yarn and here is what it looks like:I used a twin sheet to get enough yarn to crochet about 3/4 of the way through my rug.

• I would suggest to buy up a few sheets that coordinate. It is better to have too much than too little.

Crochet Rag Rug

Use S Hook.

1. make magic circle, hdc 8 into ring, join, ch 1.
2. 2 hdc in each stitch around, join, ch 1.
3. *2 hdc in next stitch, 1 hdc in next* repeat around, join, ch 1.
4. *2 hdc in next stitch, 2 hdc in next* repeat around, join, ch 1.
5. *2 hdc in next stitch, 3 hdc in next* repeat around, join, ch 1.
6. *2 hdc in next stitch, 4 hdc in next* repeat around, join, ch 1.
7. *2 hdc in next stitch, 5 hdc in next* repeat around, join, ch 1.
8. *2 hdc in next stitch, 6 hdc in next* repeat around, join, ch 1.

• By now you should be seeing a pattern. You continue to increase until you get a rug the size you want.
• If your rug starts to get wavy unravel a row and skip to the next row (example: if on row 5 my rug starts to get wavy I would unravel and instead crochet row 6)
  

It is as easy as that! Enjoy your rug!

Facebook Page Giveaway!

This is my first (hopefully of many) Facebook Page Giveaway.

I am giving away a pair of my Fingerless Gloves in your choice of color (and obviously size)!

This giveaway starts now July 15th and ends July 31st.

To Enter:

1. Visit my facebook page and join/like it
   
2. Participate in any of the Discussions (one entry per Topic)

Head over and start participating! The more you participate the more your chances increase!
Winner will be announced on my Facebook Page on August 2nd.


Good Luck Everyone!

More than one comment on any one discussion will not count towards multiple entries, but is welcomed.
I am not responsible for unrecorded entries due to computer or internet problems.
More entries does not guarantee you will win, it only ups your chances. Winner/Winners will be chosen at random.
This giveaway is open to US and International addresses.
Prize will be mailed to the Postal Address received after contacting the winner/winners. I am not responsible for prizes not received due to postal problems.

New Hand Warmers

I have a great new product for Women in my shop. These hand warmers and beautiful and perfect for the fall and winter ahead! They fit wonderfully, and will soon be offered in varying sizes including children!

I love this eggplant color too. It looks awesome with my tweed coat (I love rich colors in the winter). I have been working on other colors as well and they will soon be up in my shop so keep your eye out!

Also I may even put up the pattern once I get it perfected!

What do you think? What colors would you like to see these in?

Consignment in Brooksville, IN

I have been super super busy this last week and I am so excited to tell everyone why. I was contacted late last week by Kimberly Meadows. She is a photographer who is opening a boutique/studio in Brookville, IN. Which is only about 2 hours away from my house meaning I could go and see my items in a store! (hopping up and down) Anyway, She contacted me and asked if I wanted to Consign at her store. Honestly I did not know what to do. I was so excited, but knew that I had to do this the correct way and research the heck out of consignment. Well, I did my homework and decided that this opportunity was right for me. I whipped out my crochet hook and worked away getting 10 hats done for the shop!

Some info about the shop. It is called Studio 714 and is at 714 E Main St, Brookville, IN 47012. Please if you are in the area stop by! The Grand opening is July 16th at 10am. At 5pm there will be a live fashion show and live music! If you are in the area you should totally stop by and take a look at her shop. Along with my items she also has jewelry, sculpture, cd's, art, and other great items made by local artisans!

Great News for Pattern Lovers

I really do have some great news for those of you who love my patterns! If you have been following you know that during the month of May I had all my patterns on sale. They were all just 2 dollars per pattern! That is cheaper than a gallon of gas! During this month I had over 40 pattern sales. That is more than one a day! This sale was such a success that I have decided to re price my patterns.

This new price is still lower than my usual 5 dollars a pattern, and with the addition of my Spring Child-Adult Size hat and my Baby Bee Hat that is some great news!

The new price is....... 3 dollars!

In progress is the pattern for a new Watermelon Hat!

Over 150 Sales

Let's Celebrate!

I have been selling like crazy... well it feels like crazy. I have over 150 sales (jumps for joy), and have been keeping over 60 listings in my shop.

I took a second to think about the things that I have been improving that I think have helped me achieve my goals:

1. I have kept over 50 listings in my shop and kept adding to them!
2. I had a pattern sale that was extremely successful (thank you all of you who participated)
3. I have been advertising on Project Wonderful consistently.
4. I have been continually renewing 4 random items a day.

I continue to try to improve as much as I can. I just bought my domain name: www.thecraftytortoise.com and I now have a photographer that is using models to take some fantastic photos of my items!

Technique Tip of the Day

Tip of the Day

This technique is for crocheters making a bowl or hat. It does not matter what hook or yarn you are using.

• When making a circle, increasing each round will create a flat circle that will just keep getting larger each round you increase.
• Stop increasing and just crochet around, 1 stitch in each stitch, to make a bowl or hat.
• There is no need to decrease.
  
• This technique will create a very smooth, gradual bowl like curve and is perfect for hats.

Use this technique to make your own hat or bowl without a pattern, or to create your own patterns!

New Pattern!

SPRING FLOWER HAT PDF PATTERN

You spoke and I listened. You wanted a great adult/child hat pattern and here it is!

For those of you who have drooled and gasped over my Spring Flower Hat there is good news! You can now crochet it yourself!

I just added my Spring Flower Hat to my wonderful patterns and for 3 dollars it is a great buy! You get the pattern for 3 different sizes (Child, Teen and Adult) and the pattern for the flower!

It is available on my etsy site, or via ravelry.com download.

Visit my ravelry.com site, or www.thecraftytortoise.com to get this new pattern!

Happy Spring!

LLC as easy as 1-2-3

Good morning everyone!

I have been reading a lot of information about owning and running your own business. One tip that is always recommended is getting your LLC. I hear it over and over again and was worried that it would be a really hard and scary thing to do. Well I finally really looked into it and decided to give it a try.
I found a online form through Indiana government sites. I filled it out and surprisingly it was not that confusing to fill out. Just my name, address, and some other info that I knew the answers too! It cost me right around 90 dollars. (I was looking into online companies that were going to charge me 200!)
I submitted the form and figured it would take a few days or weeks knowing government. To my surprise I was almost immediately emailed my confirmation!
I am now officially "The Crafty Tortoise LLC"

Oh... for those of you who don't know LLC means Limited Liability Company and is a must have for any company who sells items.
I urge anyone who can to get your LLC and become legal with me. It was so simple and easy. I wish I would have done it a long time ago!

If you live in Indiana here is a link for you! Click here to Register your Business!

My First Treasury!

I just made my first treasury using etsy.com. I absolutely love treasuries, but thought that I would never get to make one. That is until they introduced Treasury East! Now you can easily make your own treasury!

Here is the link to mine!
http://www.etsy.com/treasury/4c051365c42b6d91317a5654/going-green

Make your own and post your link in a comment! Lets all make treasuries today!

Crochet Along: Finished!

Remember this project I started in April, well this should show you how tortoise like I really am sometimes.

So we were crocheting this great throw seen here below. I used a dark blue red heart yarn from my stash. Talk about stash busting! I used up 4 skeins with this bad boy, not to mention I had to open a 5th!



Alright..... So apparently I am not good at Crochet Alongs. This blanket took me a long time to do. Ok... well not exactly. It took me less time than I thought, I just beat around the bush and then crocheted it up in a week.

I have a horrible photo of it in the beginning stages:



And I have a lovely photo of what it looked like when I gave it to my Grandmother!


Overall I really liked this pattern. It was very easy to memorize and didn't take too long to finish. I think a better yarn would make it look WAY better, but I liked the way it turned out. It is definitely a small throw. I think it would even qualify as a baby blanket. It measured only 36 inches square when I finished it. I used an L hook and crocheted it VERY loosely. A larger hook would not be a bad idea for this project!

This was a great project to get those Post stitches from rusty to perfected!

Now I need to go work on the sweater I have been taking FOREVER to make! Have fun crocheting.

Giveaway Winner of a Hair Accessory

And the winner is....

Angel~A
Contact me at thecraftytortoise@gmail.com to collect your prize

Flower Hair Accessory Giveaway

I figured it is about time to have another giveaway! It has been a while since I have done one and I have some new items out.

I am giving away One Custom Flower Hair Accessory of Your Choice!

Here are some examples of some already in my shop!

Spring Flower Hair Barrette

Cream Ivory Flower Headband

Forest Flower Hair Barrette

These Flowers are just fantastic! I love them and they look great in your hair too! And if you win you could own one for free!

Alright now down to business!
This Giveaway starts May 13, 2010 and ends May 27, 2010. I will announce a winner within 1 week of the end date. I will contact the winner and have them decide on their custom flower hair accessory.

To Enter:
All methods give you 1 entry

1. Visit my shop and chose your favorite item. Comment to this post telling me what item you like. (only do this once)
   
2. Follow my Facebook Fan Page Comment back here telling me you became a fan (only do this once)
3. Start following my Twitter. If you already follow be sure to leave a comment telling me. (only do this once)
   
4. Tweet this:
   

@craftytortoise join the giveaway and win! http://thecraftytortoise.blogspot.com #contest #giveaway #blog #free

You can Tweet as many times as you want as long as it is the above phrase.


Good Luck Everyone!

More than one comment on any one post will not count towards multiple entries, but is welcomed. (only 1 entry per blog post)
I am not responsible for unrecorded entries due to computer or internet problems.
More entries does not guarantee you will win, it only ups your chances. Winner/Winners will be chosen at random.
Winner must live in the United States of America to qualify for this contest.
Prize will be mailed to the Postal Address received after contacting the winner/winners. I am not responsible for prizes not received due to postal problems.
If you wish you can add your email address in your comment to make it easier for me to contact you in the chance you win.
Following the Blog is also advised. This will keep you in the loop and show you my latest posts.

Dream Bubble Bath

I have to share a new product that I just tried!
Ok, I LOVE bubble baths, but we have hard water so a bubble bath is pretty much out of the question. (bubbles last like 1 minute)

I was looking around etsy and found a product review HERE.

I watched it. It is about a shop called Red Leaf . They sell lots of items and one is Bubble Bath Dough. I was not totally convinced by watching the video and was definitely not about to spend 12 dollars on something I didn't even know was going to work. I had tried so many bubble baths before only to be disappointed.

I looked a little harder on their site and found a sample 5.50 including shipping I could do. Call it a birthday present for myself.

Well I just got out of the bath and OH MY GOODNESS!!! Not only did I have lots and lots of bubbles (having hard water and all) but they stayed for the ENTIRE BATH!!! I had to drain the tub with bubbles still in it!!

I am so sold on this product and if the rest are this good I may have just found my complete body supplier!!

Craft Fair

Alright, So I said I would tell you how the Craft Fair went. Well there is not much to say. It was canceled a few days before. It is a long story, but this makes 2 pretty much failed Craft Fairs for me. I think it will be a while before I do another one!

Pattern Sale

Since it is starting to get warmer I thought that now is the perfect time for a sale. Starting Today all my patterns are 2 dollars. This Sale will continue through May and if it is popular I may even keep them 2 dollars!

Visit my etsy shop and go check out my patterns (or everything else) and enjoy the warm weather!

Stitch Markers?

Stitch Markers...
I think one of the most annoying crochet tool yet! I have tried everything under the sun and have still not found one that I love.

My "favorite" are safety pins, probably because I hibernate projects a lot and they keep my spot. I have tried before to get some custom ones made. (I cannot tell you how many times I have stuck myself with those darn pins) It never works out though.

I have used the circular plastic ones, paper clips, you name it I have probably tried it.

What do you use?

Crochet Along

So I have been slow moving on this blanket. It is coming along though. I have decided to use Red Heart Dark Blue yarn (I had it laying around, may as well use it).
What did everybody else choose? Have you started?

Craft Fair May 1st, 2010

I have been so busy, and most of that is due to the Craft Fair coming up. I love craft fairs, but man are they work.

I am not even close to being ready (of course) but ready or not May 1st I will be there selling my items!

I am actually pretty excited about this fair too, for many reasons.

1. It is my second fair, so I should be a little more prepared
2. I have some great new items I will be showing off, including jewelry.
3. I have some new presentation items that will help me.
4. It is much longer than my last one, which means I should sell more!
5. I have some items to giveaway throughout the day!
   

Here is the info, in case you live in, or near Indiana.
Saturday May 1, 2010 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Girls Club, Shelbyville, IN 46176

What a wonderful event just in time for Mother's Day! Mrs. Claus's Workshop is proud to be hosting a bi-annual event! Mother's Retreat will be on May 1st, 2010 at the Girls Club! Hosting an amaxing 30+ vendors with wonderful items just in time for Mother's Day!

Don't miss out on a wonderful day out, door prizes, raffels, amazing products, Mother's Day Super Secret Shop, and much, much more!

FRONT PAGE

I finally made it to the FRONT PAGE on etsy.com! I really never thought it would happen. Here I was laying down for bed when I got a notification text about a sale. So I went and checked my etsy store, and for some reason I decided to check my google analylics. Boy was I surprised when I had over 400 views today! (I usually have around 50-100)
I knew something had to have happened, so I went to check on Craftcult.com to see if I was in a treasury or on the front page... and I was!

It was at like midnight, but it was picked by Etsy and I couldn't be happier!

Here is the link

My Giraffe Hat is what made it to the front page!

Hopefully this is the first of many!

Crochet Along Pattern Winner

Alright... You voted and you have won.

Number 4 wins.... Crochet One-Skein Lap Throw

Here is your shopping list:

• Crochet Hook 8mm/US L-11
• Yarn 835 yards (It calls for Red Heart Jumbo Super Savor)

You do not have to get Red Heart. Just make sure to get enough yarn 835 yards, and you will want to stick with the same weight. This is a worsted I believe #4 medium weight.

We will start Crocheting April 1st! So go grab your supplies and take some pics. Send them to me and I will share what colors everyone grabbed!
thecraftytortoise@gmail.com

Free Vintage Patterns

I stumbled across a great resource today and just had to share it!

Before I do, make sure to join our Crochet Along and vote for your favorite pattern!

Ok... so I have lots of twitter followers and I don't follow everyone back (I know I am terrible), but I do pick and choose the ones that I think are interesting and not just tweeting nonsense. Well the other day I went ahead and followed a Vintage Knit Patterns tweeter. I am slowly starting to knit. Well boy am I glad I did!

What I really found was free knitting and crocheting Vintage patterns!
This couple gathered all the right info so that they could start reproducing and selling vintage patterns. They are also giving away lots of patterns and you can sign up to receive some great patterns! I have already signed up for both the knitting and the crocheting patterns!

Here is the link!
Vintage Crochet/Knitting Patterns

Enjoy!

Crochet Along Pattern Poll

Alright. I seem to have some interest in a Crochet Along, and I always strive to try everything at least once!

In order to get this going and give everyone time to go get supplies and such we need to start picking out our pattern. Most people I talk to that crochet or are just starting have never made a blanket before. I myself have only made 3 in my whole career. So I figure its a good place to start and beginner crocheters could still keep with us more advanced hookers (pardon the term).

I spent a good part of my day yesterday going through 49 pages of ravelry.com patterns to try and find a few to vote on. I tried to find something pretty simple, but not boring for us. Here is what I have come up with.

1. 

This is a lion brand project called the 5 1/2 hour Throw here is the link: Number One


2.
This one is another lion brand pattern called Speed Hook Shell Afghan here is the link: Number Two

3.
This is a Caron Pattern and is called Dublin Country Throw here is the link: Number Three


4.
This one is a Coats and Clark Pattern called Crochet One-Skein Lap Throw here is the link: Number Four

5.
This one is from Coats and Clark as well. It is called Crochet Heathers Throw here is the link: Number Five


To vote leave a comment with the number you are voting for. You only vote once... sorry. These are all beautiful blankets and will all be perfect Crochet Along projects!
Don't forget to vote! You have until March 11th, 2010 to vote for your favorite.

Crochet Along

Hey blog viewers!
Good morning! March is finally here! I put up a poll about possibly doing a Crochet Along. I wanted to explain what the heck a Crochet Along is before the poll expires.
The term Crochet Along can mean a variety of things. When I say Crochet Along I am talking about bringing together as many crocheters as I can and crocheting the same project at the same time. Usually it is a blanket, or garment. Something that takes a while to make. Everyone will take photos of their progress and I will post it on my blog. When we finally finish all photos I get of your finished project will be proudly displayed on my blog! They are really good if you are just starting (everyone is doing the same pattern) so if you get confused or stuck usually someone will be able to help you! Also great if you aren't good about getting those larger projects done.

Details about my idea of a Crochet Along:

• I will choose about 5 patterns and you will get to vote on which you would like to make.
• We will choose a starting date and start crocheting.
• Any photos I receive of your progress will be put up on my blog.
• I will post my progress and we will have check points to keep you on track.
• We will have a finishing date and I will post my finished item and yours if you send me photos!
  
• You will have a beautiful crocheted item in the end!

Feel free to browse the internet and see others Crochet Alongs. Also vote on whether or not this sounds like something you are interested in. Poll is in the right column!
Has anyone ever done a Crochet Along? How did it go?

Recipe Card Winner

I finally tallied up all the entries and came up with a winner! Randomizer.org chose the winner (so don't get mad at me, lol)

Drum Roll......


Beth You Won!

I have already sent an email to Beth and Lisa Orgler so she can arrange shipment.

Newsletter Temporarily On Hold

Alright everyone. I know I just started my Newsletter, but sadly I am going to have to put it on hold for a little while. I will send one this March, but that will be it for a while. I have been working my butt off and something has to go. I want to keep my blog up so for now the newsletter will be put on the side burner. It will be brought back, but as a Seasonal 4 time a year newsletter. I just cannot keep up with it as a monthly thing.

As an apology I will be offering a discount to those already signed up to my newsletter. You will receive 25% off any item in my shop! Applies to patterns as well!

Enter your email that you have the newsletter sent to as well as mention this blog post and I will take the 25 percent off.

This is only available this March!
Take advantage of this deal.
Thanks again for following my blog!

My First Cardigan

First of All:
Thank you everyone for following my blog. I am so close to having 100 followers which was my goal when I first started! My shop is taking off, and I owe it all to you guys!

Second:
I am starting my first Crocheted Cardigan and I am super stoked! Its my first garment EVER! I was so scared to start it and made sure to pick something that I would love and that wasn't too complicated for my first one.
I was thinking of making a child or baby sweater (thought it may be easier). I decided against it mainly because I would not be able to tell if it fit right. I don't have any babies in direct contact with me. Lots around.. but most are a day's drive and finding time to go visit would be a big problem.

I looked an looked and finally fell upon a sweater called Aruna. It is a Berroco Free Pattern... I didn't even know Berroco patterns existed!

It is beautiful and my style! I already started and it is coming along pretty well. I had to adjust the pattern a bit (I was losing stitches somehow in the pattern so my garment was shrinking).

Feel free to start this one up with me and we can compare results!

Here is my progress so far. I have been doing about 5 or so rows each day so I don't get bored with it.
Has anyone made a garment before? I would love to hear some tips... especially about piecing it together.. I am dreading that part.

The Lunch Box Project Giveaway

I have been working with a Wonderful artist and etsy seller to bring another giveaway to my followers!

Lisa Orgler is a wonderful artist who has started The Lunch Box Project.
"The Lunch Box Project began on January 1, 2009 as a resolution to paint an image of food daily. I achieved my goal of 365 delectable illustrations and am now carrying on that tradition in new ways." says Lisa Orgler

Her Illustrations are delectable all right! Just take a look at these Tomato Cards! They come with envelopes and little stickers perfect for stationary lovers or a great home warming gift.

She makes more than just cards though. Take a look at these great recipe cards! The great news is they can be yours!

You could win a set of recipe cards from Lisa Orgler's Shop!
Best of all you get to choose which ones!

When Lisa first approached me and I took a look at her shop her recipe cards stood out to me the most. Mainly because when I got married my Aunt gave me personalized recipe cards (vintage of course). I absolutely fell in love with the idea of beautiful recipe cards that you can hold on to and pass down generation after generation!

Alright now down to business!
This Giveaway starts February 18, 2010 and ends February 25, 2010. I will announce a winner with in 1 week of the end date. I will contact the winner and send them over to Lisa to get the details squared away!

To Enter:
All methods give you 1 entry

1. Visit her shop and chose your favorite item. Comment to this post telling me what item you like. (only do this once)
   
2. Sign up for her newsletter! You can find out how on her blog: http://lunchboxproject.blogspot.com (only do this once)
3. Start following her Facebook Fan Page. (only do this once)
   
4. Tweet this:
   

@craftytortoise join the giveaway and win illustrated recipe cards! http://thecraftytortoise.blogspot.com #contest #giveaway #blog #free

You can Tweet as many times as you want as long as it is the above phrase.


Good Luck Everyone!

More than one comment on any one post will not count towards multiple entries, but is welcomed. (only 1 entry per blog post)
I am not responsible for unrecorded entries due to computer or internet problems.
More entries does not guarantee you will win, it only ups your chances. Winner/Winners will be chosen at random.
Prize will be mailed to the Postal Address received after contacting the winner/winners. I am not responsible for prizes not received due to postal problems.
If you wish you can add your email address in your comment to make it easier for me to contact you in the chance you win.
Following the Blog is also advised. This will keep you in the loop and show you my latest posts.