The Crocheter's Christmas Gift Wish List

Are you a crocheter or do you know someone who is? Check out the top 10 must have Christmas gifts for any crocheter!

1. Clover Takumi Getaway Soft Touch Crochet Hooks Gift Set, 8  Hook Sizes

2. Crochet Hook Comfort Grip - 10 Pack

3.  The Crochet Answer Book

4.  Uncommon Crochet Book

5.  Mini Christmas Crochet Book

6.  Not Your Mama's Crochet book

7. 8 Different Booties & Slippers in 8 Sizes - Kindle Edition

8. 171 Baby Animal Hats in 5 Sizes - Kindle Edition

9. Tunisian Crochet Collection Case

10. Clover Stitch Markers

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Posted in: Opinion

Depression

It's really hard to believe that I haven't crocheted in many months now. Crocheting has always brought joy to my life and as of lately my depression has been at an all time worse. As a result, I don't find joy in crocheting like I used to. It's almost the middle of November and it's been very cold out. I fear that I will never get around to crocheting a cute hat for my daughter to wear this winter and it will result in her wearing the store bought kind. Before, when my daughter would take a nap, I would sit down and crochet. Now I find myself laying in bed when she goes for a nap, possibly even napping myself. I hate feeling this way. I feel like such a big burden on my family. I just don't have the energy to do the things I use to do. Simple every day things have become a struggle but I force myself to keep on going for the sake of my beautiful daughter. I currently see a psychologist and my family doctor for my depression. My doctor acts like I'm making all this up about how I feel and my psychologist... well he has not seemed to help one bit. It would be great to be able to find a doctor that would take me seriously and a psychologist who could actually help me overcome this struggle with depression but unfortunately, medical assistance will only allow me to see who I'm seeing in my area.

Would I say that I hate my life? No, I wouldn't, but there are definitely some things that I wish I could change. I love being a mother and I love my daughter more then anything in this world. Do I wish I could die? Not at all... death is my number one fear in this world. I remain optimistic that one day my ship will sail in, even if I have to swim out to it, and my daughter and I will live happily every after. There's always a rainbow after a storm... and in my case, hopefully an adorable crocheted hat for my daughter.

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Posted in: Opinion

Crocheting For Profit

Economic times for most of the world lately are quite troubling. Many people are reaching out to their creative side to create works of art to sell at local craft fairs and flea markets. Crafters have even found themselves turning to the world wide web to help get the word out about their craft and in the process they hope to sell some items to add to their families income.

I, myself, have turned to this route since I am unable to work due to a disability and cannot bring any sort of income to my little family of 3. One day I decided I would take some pictures of some of the hats I had crocheted for my daughter and post them on my personal Facebook page and asked if any of my friends would be interested in having one custom made for a small amount of money. Much to my surprise, I did receive a couple of orders for hats. Luckily, it was just in time for Christmas since my husband and I were in such a bad situation financially (he works on commission and work dries up in the winter months) and didn't think we would be able to give our daughter anything to celebrate her first Christmas.

For others who are interested in doing the same thing, I've compiled a few tips to help you along in your journey.

I would suggest creating a Facebook page with this name of your crafty 'lil' business. Then tell all of your friends and ask them to like it and ask them to spread the word to your friends. Networking is key. Find other Facebook 'vendors' and ask them if they would be willing to advertise your Facebook page on yours. In my experience, I found it quite difficult to get people to like my Facebook page for my crocheted items. This may not be the case for everyone because remember it's who you know and how willing they are to help you get the word out.

Provided that you have a bunch of items you've already crocheted up, take some pictures of them with a nice background (lay a sheet down on a couch and snap away). Once that is complete upload them to Facebook albums which you should create by category such as hats, afghans, baby, etc.. Describe your item in the caption, asking price, and the cost of shipping (if you choose to expand beyond just your friends).

There are also many free shopping carts out there that you can integrate on to your Facebook page. No programming required! Two of my favorites are Payvment and Storenvy. I personally prefer Storenvy, but the choice is up to you.

Lastly, the big thing to keep in mind is your cost, your time, and prices. In all honesty, what I've discovered is that people (non-crafters) don't really care how long it takes you to crochet that hat or scarf. The bottom line is the cost of the item and the cost of shipping. Your time is basically not worth much unless you're a super fast crocheter and can make multiples every day. The only real advice I can give to you is to take advantage of sales on yarn and yarn that you can pick up cheaply at a thrift shop to increase your profit margin. Never sell something for less then what it cost you. Good luck!!

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Posted in: Opinion

Crocheting: Young and Trendy

When you hear the word crochet, what do you picture? The majority of people who don't crochet imagine an elderly person sitting around their living room with a hook and yarn.Thought to be a lost art, more and more young people are being drawn into the world of crochet.

I personally began crocheting at the age of 25 in the fall of 2010. I had always wanted to learn but I had no one to teach me so I just gave up on the idea. After having my daughter in mid-April of that year I decided I wanted to learn after reading a blog that linked to the website RoxyCraft. I was amazed by what you could do with crochet! Crocheting was much more then hats, scarves, blankets, and sweaters! With the right amount of skill and creativity or the right pattern you could crochet whatever you could dream up! 

On a future trip to Wal-Mart, I picked up a book on how to crochet. It was confusing at first but I took to it very quickly. I was so proud of myself and the things I was making so I began to post pictures of the projects on my personal Facebook so all of my friends could see. Mostly I just made cute hats for my daughter, a pumpkin for Halloween, a reindeer for Christmas, and an owl after that... I soon had friends offering me money to crochet them all sorts of different hats. I was hooked! Not only was crocheting relaxing and fun but it was also financially rewarding. 

It wasn't long before my friends were wanting to learn how to crochet themselves. I pointed them to various sources I had discovered on the internet as well as the book that I had purchased at Wal-Mart. Just a few weeks ago my friend who just taught herself how to crochet this winter had posted a Hello Kitty tote bag that she crocheted for one of her friends. 

Recently, I stumbled upon the book called Twinkie Chan's Crocheted Goodies for Fashion Foodies and I just had to buy it. This young and very talented artist compiled some of her very best and trendy crochet patterns that all ages can appreciate. It just goes to show you that crocheting is catching on in the younger generations and luckily is an art that will continue to be here for centuries to come. As soon as my daughter is old enough, I will have her joining her mommy crocheting beautiful works of art!

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Posted in: Opinion