Slouchy Hat

My sister being a trend setter as she is has been begging me to make her a "slouchy hat". After researching them, and searching to find a pattern that I can base her hat off of (she has very specific tastes). I finally realized that these "slouchy hats" are no more than old tams being worn in a different fashion.

Here is the one i made for my sister:
She doesn't like the cream color so I am making her one in grey that she can model for me.
(I told you she was picky)

This one will be in my etsy shop soon. I just need to take some better pics of it first.

Has anyone else tried to make a slouchy hat... all you do is keep increasing (more than you would if you were making a hat for a giant head) , then you sc around a few rows, and then decrease to make the brim.

A good pattern is on ravelry (if you are not on ravelry and you knit or crochet I encourage you to become a part of it). Just search Puff slouchy hat.
My hat does not follow this pattern exactly, but I have made that hat and it is awesome as well!

Craft Fair Aftermath

So after a very stressful, but fun 2 weeks I finally went to the craft fair!

We set up, got ready and waited for the people to show up!

And waited...

And waited...

So... It wasn't the most successful Craft Fair, but It did force me to crochet my butt off and now I have lots of new stuff to post on my etsy site.

There were lots of other vendors there... lots of jewelry... no one really got many sales. I think there may have been about 25 people that walked through, but It wasn't advertised well. I also think that the nice weather may have something to do with people not going shopping.

Overall I am really glad I went. I got a lot of positive comments from all that were there, and a few other vendors gave me some great advice (I am looking into farmers markets next).

I don't think I forgot anything.. Oh.. I would have brought a lint roller if I would have thought of it!
This is my table... I forgot to take a pic at the fair, but here is my sample table. Everything isn't there and its a terrible picture, but you can see what it looked like. I had about 2 times the amount of items at the actual Craft Fair.

Overall, I loved the experience, and cannot wait to do it again.

Also... I am starting a newsletter, email or snail mail. Please sign up at the bottom of my blog. I will be sending out free patterns that will not be available any where else, discounts for my etsy shop, and I will even be doing some giveaways!

Coupon!!!

So after crocheting my first slouchy hat (I will definitely put pics of it up after I get my sister to model it). I found another blogger that was talking about her craft fair (go figure).. anyways. She had a coupon available on her blog for people to print out and take to the show to encourage people to shop outside the internet (great idea right!). She inspired me, more like made me say "why didn't I think of that?", to make my own coupon. Now.. this coupon is only vaild at the MOPshop event (craft fair) in Holland Park in Fishers, Indiana. And only valid at my little table, but a discount is a discount!

Just print this coupon out and bring it with you on Nov 21st. 11-3pm.
(you can print it in black and white if you need to)



I know you are probably thinking: "But I don't live in Indiana." Sorry about that, but if you do it is GREAT news!
The Craft Fair is already booked, and will be held on Saturday Nov. 21st 11-3pm in Holland Park, in Fishers, Indiana... wow what a mouthful.
I am sure there will be signs, and the internet has great directions if you need help getting there. It is inside the first building you see when you enter Hollands Park.

I am currently working on a way for out of town folks to get discounts via email newsletter and mail newsletter.. but for now it is a work in progress. Once I have everything ready (probably shortly after this craft fair) I will post more about how you can get involved.

Thanks everyone and hope to see you there... If you are in Indiana of course!

And The WINNER is...

First of all, I want to thank everyone who participated and took time out of their day to visit the great shops that were featured during this giveaway.

I have sorted out the prizes into 4 giveaway baskets! They have some great stuff in them as well as business cards from all the sellers who were on my blog.

And the winners are....

Drum Roll Please


1. Mommy Tyme
2. Faerie Moon Creations
3. Nyssa
4. sibabe64

Silly me I picked 2 of the same people! So I picked another winner!
sibabe64 you are now one of the winners of my giveaway!

To claim your prize you have one week to email me at thecraftytortoise@comcast.net.

Once I get your mailing address I will mail your prize to you!
Congrats!

Craft Fair Here I Come

So... After some careful thought, and a very encouraging husband. I have decided to do the craft fair.

It is going to be tons of hard work... so sadly this will be my last post for the next 2 weeks!

Afterward, I will tell you all how it went, post some pics, and tell you all the things I learned. For now I am going to be crocheting my little butt off.

Feel free to still give me some advice on what not to forget to bring, or do for the craft fair. As it is my first one I am trying not to completely fail at it.

Advice Please!

Ok, So I am in need of some advice from both crafters and buyers. I just got invited to a craft fair in my area. I am both really excited, and really nervous.

I have never done anything close to a craft fair and am really worried that I will not have enough time to prepare. The craft fair is on Nov. 21st. I have some items worked up already, you can see from my shop, but I don't know how much I will need. It is a MOPS craft fair so if I go I will be focusing mostly on baby items and items for mom.

Here are my questions:

Fellow crafters:

• If you have gone to a craft fair before, what items did you bring, and how much merchandise did you bring?
• How much variety did you have? Did you bring lots of 1 design, or did you bring lots of different designs?

Buyers:

• What do you usually buy from craft fairs?
• Would you go to a seller's online site if you could not find what you wanted at their booth?

The craft fair is making me so nervous. I think it would be great for my business, but I may pass on this one, just cause it is coming up real fast.
I found this post on what to bring to a craft fair. It is helpful, but I still have questions.

Let me know what you think!

Where the wild things are

Go Wild!
I decided to really let my wild side out and create this Mohawk hat! Complete with ear flaps to keep you warm in the winter this hat is perfect for the wild ones out there. It is made in an adult size. (I keep trying to expand my selection)

I absolutely love how this hat came out! It was super easy to make, although it did take some time and patience.

It is available in my etsy shop HERE!

I am hoping to get my husband to model it for me so you can see it on someone.. take my word for now... its awesome!

Monkey Ear Flap Hat

I finished this monkey hat pattern a while ago, but with the crazy blog giveaway going on I really couldn't post it until now. This pattern was featured on favecrafts.com as well as a blog post I did for them HERE.
If you can't crochet don't worry. I also have this exact hat up in my etsy shop ready to be purchased and I take custom sizes as well.

It measures 16 inches around when measured, and does not stretch much. It is right on the edge of my chart between 3-6 months and 6-12 months. So it would be a great hat for a baby right in between. Always measure your baby's head to make sure the hat will fit!

Personal and Charity use only please.


Materials
H crochet hook
Large amount Tan Yarn Worsted weight
Small amount White yarn Worsted weight
Stitch marker
Tapestry needle

Size
3-6months/6-12 months

Things to know
Single Crochet
Increasing/Decreasing
Braiding

Designed by Melissa Wenn melunder8.etsy.com

Hat
Start with Tan Yarn

1. Make magic circle, sc 6 in circle (do not join)
2. Sc 2 in each stitch around (use stitch marker to mark your first stitch, and ever first stitch in each round)
3. *2 sc in next stitch, 1 sc in next* repeat what is in * around
4. *2 sc in next stitch, 1 sc in next 2 stitches* around
5. *2 sc in next stitch, 1 sc in next 3 stitches* around
6. *2 sc in next stitch, 1 sc in next 4 stitches* around
7. *2 sc in next stitch, 1 sc in next 5 stitches* around
8. *2 sc in next stitch, 1 sc in next 6 stitches* around
9. *2 sc in next stitch, 1 sc in next 7 stitches* around
10. *2 sc in next stitch, 1 sc in next 8 stitches* around
11-28. Sc around

Ear Flap (make 2) With Tan Yarn

when making earflps. start the 1st one right where your hat left off. Fasten off. Then start the second one on the opposite side of the hat.
1. sc 11, ch 1 turn
2. sc2tog, 1 sc in next 7 stitches, sc2tog, ch 1 turn
3. sc across, ch 1 turn
4. sc2tog, 1 sc in next 5 stitches, sc2tog, ch 1 turn
5. sc across, ch 1 turn
6. sc2tog, 1 sc in next 3 stitches, sc2tog, ch 1 turn
7. sc across, ch 1 turn
8. sc2tog, 1 sc in next 1 stitches, sc2tog, ch 1 turn
9. sc across, ch 1 turn
10. sc2tog, fasten off

Border

1. with white sc around entire hat, fasten off.

Ears (Make 2) With Tan Yarn

1. Make magic circle, sc 6 in circle (do not join)
2. Sc 2 in each stitch around (use stitch marker to mark your first stitch, and ever first stitch in each round)
3. *2 sc in next stitch, 1 sc in next* repeat what is in * around
4-5. Sc across
Fasten off

Join ears and finish off any loose ends. Attach 3 pieces of yarn to the ends of the earflaps and braid them. Enjoy your hat!

Oh.. And HAPPY HALLOWEEN

Time's Up!

Time's Up everyone. Pencils down.



Thank you everyone for participating in my giveaway. I am tallying up the entries and the winner/winners will be announced on November 7th! I know it is a long time to wait, but I may give you a sneak peek of the prize baskets as I get them all ready. In the meantime feel free to browse all of the etsy shops and stock up for Holiday gifts!


Tomorrow I will have another Free pattern up for you to try.

Thanks again for making this giveaway a huge success!

YellowBeatleBugg Giveaway

Yellow Beatle Bugg makes handmade greeting cards and custom invitations. Her greeting cards are not your typical handmade style though. These cards have a fresh modern look to them. They are beautifully put together and come with matching envelopes.

Yellow Beatle Bugg sent 6 Christmas Cards that (if you win) will arrive in plenty of time for you to choose the lucky people to receive these carefully made masterpieces. They are blank on the inside so that you can write your own holiday message.


You should also check out her other cards such as this adorable Animal Hello Card.Perfect for the times you just want to say Hello and make someone smile!

Make sure to visit her shop and leave a comment telling me what your favorite card is and why. While you are there feel free to shop around. If you make a purchase, be sure to add your username in the message to seller box to receive your 1o additional giveaway entries!

This is the last featured seller. If you want to send me something to giveaway on my blog please just email me at thecraftytortoise@comcast.net. The winner will be annouced in November so Happy Halloween and stay tuned!

Trinkets By Lisa T Giveaway

Lisa had this to say about her business:

"Trinkets by Lisa T offers an affordable place to buy handmade jewelry for women and children, boutique-style giant wall letters for children's rooms, and adorable hair bows for girls. Each of my items are created with great care and attention to detail, and because i have two very young children of my own, I consider safety and functionality when creating items for children. I wear my own jewelry creations proudly and all wires are carefully hand-wrapped to assure strength and quality. Most of my creations are customizable, so feel free to contact me for more information.

After many years of wondering what I'm supposed to be when I grow up, I realized I'm supposed to be happy. And making things with my hands is what makes me happy! And, as the saying goes.. "If you're happy, I'm happy!""

She has sent a Gift Certificate for 1 Hand painted monogram necklace with free shipping!
There are some great items in her shop including my favorite, this Crystal Burst Necklace!


Talk about gorgeous!

Please visit her shop and take a look at her other jewelry and items. Leave a comment here telling me what your favorite item is. If you love something be sure to buy it and leave your username in the message to seller box to ear your extra 10 blog giveaway entries.

Next featured seller: YellowBeatleBug

Tiffzippy.etsy.com Giveaway

Tiffany Burks grew up in Iowa and moved out to southern California 5 years ago and hasn’t looked back.
She says:
"My favorite hobby is scrapbooking and I have been doing since college, 7 years now. I love to take a lot of photos so it lets me create a canvas to display those pictures (memories). Scrapbooking is a big stress reliever other than exercising. I can just be creative and have fun."

Her cut outs sure show it too! So creative and full of energy! Here is what she is donating for you to win!
If you think those critters are cute wait until you see her other creations. This is my favorite Halloween decoration of hers. The Pumpkin Patch!
She has many, many other great items for you to browse through!

Make sure to visit her shop and leave a comment telling me what your favorite item is and why. While you are there feel free to shop around. If you make a purchase, be sure to add your username in the message to seller box to receive your 1o addition giveaway entries!

Next featured seller: Trinkets By Lisa T

TanyaW85's Craftiness Giveaway

Tanya Wheadon is the Crafter Extraordinaire behind TanyaW85's Craftiness. She is 24 years old and has her hand in a lot of different crafts. One of them being making bath salts.
She has donated 3 different samples of bath salts for you to win.
They all smell terrific. I really wish computers had smell-o vision.


Along with these great bath salts she also has some other great items. One being this great Pink Ribbon Breast Cancer Necklace!
Show support and look cute... who knew it was possible! A great gift for anyone living with cancer or just wanting to show their support!

Visit her shop to see more of her great crafts. While you are there be sure to pick your favorite item and leave a comment telling me which you love. If you end up purchasing anything be sure to leave your username in the message to seller box to claim your extra 10 giveaway entries!

Next featured Seller: Tiffzippy.etsy.com

D-Jenn Giveaway

Funwear for those who dare is her motto and I could not agree more. She has fun and unique items for those who want to stand out.
Jenny is 29 years old and a great fashion designer. She is also a mother of three. She has sent a few of her creations, mostly jewelry, for me to give to you!

She also has some great Halloween items in her store. This is my favorite. A spider web looking knit top. I Love the way it looks!
She has something for every price range too. From clothes to jewelry and accessories. You could almost put a whole outfit together.

Make sure to check out her shop. While your there pick out your favorite item and leave me a comment telling me which one you love. If you really love something be sure to buy it before someone else does and leave your username in the message to seller to receive your 10 extra giveaway entries.

Next featured Seller: TanyaW85's Craftiness

Christi's Crochet N' Knit Giveaway

Christi's Crochet N' Knit is run by Christi Wood.
She has been knitting and crocheting for about 4 years. After perfecting a few stitches and patterns, she decided to list some things on etsy.com. Her favorite things to make are scarves. She uses Lion Brand Yarn for most of her projects.

She Donated a super soft washcloth made with Lion Brand cotton yarn.
She has lots of great items in her shop. Including this Hat made in Black and Gold Team colors.
This is Hand knit beautifully, and would look great on anyone this winter!

Make sure to visit her shop and leave a comment telling me what your favorite item is and why. While you are there feel free to shop around. If you make a purchase, be sure to add your username in the message to seller box to receive your 1o addition giveaway entries!

Next Featured Seller: D Jenn

By Designs Giveaway

ByDesigns features personally created items from a wide spectrum of materials. Some are new materials and some are from post-useful items to help lighten the footprint left on this grand earth.
She has donated 4 lavender sachets perfect for socks and underwear drawers.These smell fantastic. If only you could smell over the internet.

This is what By Designs has to say about her craft:
It seems we all have favorite items we would like created or reproduced for nostalgia or "just because"...I would love to create those items for you by custom order. If you don't find it in my shop, just ask me and we can work together to design it for you.

Some of my most favorite work is along the kitchen line such as aprons, pot holders, microwave cooking bags, placemats, napkins, table runners, table cloths and eco friendly "green" shopping bags.

She has some great items in her shop. One of my favorite, mainly because I didn't know it could exist is her Microwave Baked Potato Bag!
This is a bag that you put potatoes in to microwave them. It basically makes them taste like they were baked in an oven! How cool!

Please visit her shop and leave a comment telling me what your favorite item is and why. While you are there feel free to purchase from her shop. If you do, make sure to add your username in the message to seller box to earn 10 extra entries.

Next Featured Seller: Christi's Crochet N' Knit

Blue Heart Cards Giveaway

Blue Heart Cards is the place to find Handmade Greeting Cards! The selection is fantastic and she is so great to work with anything you want she would be happy to do! Even her business cards are adorable! She sent 7 greeting cards (one was for me, how thoughtful!) for the giveaway.
They are all Valentine's Cards so you will get them in plenty of time to figure out who the special someone will be.
There are some great cards in her shop! This one is my favorite Halloween Card!Oh and did I mention they all come with their own cute little envelope too. So even the postal workers will be impressed!

Now visit her shop and leave a comment on this post telling me what your favorite card is and why! While you there feel free to purchase one of her fabulous cards. If you do, make sure to add your username in the message to seller box to make sure you get credit for the 10 extra entries.

Next Featured Seller: By Designs

Creative Minds Giveaway

Creative Minds is a great shop that has some great Jewelry for just about every occasion. Sara Wolfson is the name behind the shop and she can do anything. From Jewelry to scrapbooks, even crocheted items. She has donated a pair of beautiful earrings. I love the classic pearl paired with modern teal!

She has this to say about her work:
I greatly enjoy crafting and have been doing it on and off for the past 5 years, but now I am doing it full time and loving it.


Her shop has lots of great finds, especially this set. It has a necklace with matching bracelet. In a great color that would look great on anyone, and to top it off its on Sale! Hurry up and snatch it before someone else does!

Don't forget to visit her shop and leave a comment telling me what your favorite item is and why. While your there feel free to shop around. If you decide to purchase something, make sure to add your username in the message to seller box to earn 10 extra entries!

Next Featured Seller: Blue Heart Cards

Serendipity Vintage Giveaway

Serendipity Vintage is the shop to find vintage sewing patterns and more. You will find a great variety and such great prices. She has donated 3 different patterns for you to win. Two of them are skirts and one is this great blouse!

She has this to say about her shop:
I have been collecting vintage...of many different kinds...for over 15 years. I collect vintage (meaning 1980s or earlier) beauty books, homemaking manuals, etiquette books, sheet music, clothes, purses, jewelry, fabric, notions, housewares, and of course, sewing and craft patterns. I love to go to estate sales, yard sales, and thrift stores and discover wonderful treasures that others did not want.

Right now my shop mainly holds vintage sewing patterns, because it takes a great deal of time to check each pattern for completeness and decide whether to sell it or donate it. It also takes a lot more time than I initially thought it would to write a detailed listing. I have a number of collectibles to add...housewares such as Pyrex, sheet music, and sewing notions.

It's my hope that the items I sell in my Etsy shop bring my customers as much pleasure as I have had in owning them. For me, part of the thrill has been the serendipitous finding of vintage treasures -- hence the name "Serendipity Vintage" and the tagline "fortunate finds!"


This is just one of the many patterns available in her shop. This one is from 1962 and is in great condition.

Visit her shop and leave a comment to this post telling me what your favorite pattern is and why. While your there feel free to purchase any one of her fabulous patterns. If you do, make sure to add your username in the message to seller box to earn 10 additional entries!

Next Featured Seller: Creative Minds: Handmade Custom Crafts

The Crafty Tortoise Shop

Thank you everyone for voting on what my personal contribution to this giveaway should be. After all your votes my donation is.....

Drum Roll Please

I will be donating a 10 dollar gift certificate to my etsy.com shop.

This Gift Certificate is just one of many prizes that you have the opportunity to win. You already know a lot about me and my shop so I won't bore you with a bio.

This is the first blog post that you can earn entries towards the big Giveaway. To earn 1 entry simply visit my shop and comment telling me what you would buy if you win the 10 dollar gift certificate.

While you are there feel free to purchase from my etsy shop. If you do, make sure to add your username in the message to seller box to earn 10 additional entries.


Remember that there are other ways to earn additional entries:
5 entries for tweeting about my blog giveaway
10 entries for blogging about my giveaway
10 entries for purchasing from this shop

Please read the Prize Time post for details about giveaway rules.

Next Featured Seller: Serendipity Vintage: Fortunate Finds