…llector. And since holiday-time is rolling around, I couldn’t resist crocheting a Christmas Pickle… and it’s a free pattern, so you should make one, too! BFF Cowl In previous posts, I’ve been telling you about the BFF cowl that I’m knitting and swapping with Sarah. Sarah finished her half a couple weeks ago, but I wouldn’t open the package until I finished my half. Guess what was inside? In addition to her beaut…

…itch (for example, the loop or bobble stitch) Overall, the design must be accessible to a crocheter who has accomplished one simple amigurumi, and is open to learning a new skill. Any new technique that I use must be accompanied by a video/descriptive blog post to assist my customers. Why do I do this? I began placing these constraints so that my customer would receive the best possible pattern. With these constraints in place, my customers are gu…

…s, then a lovely cabled sweater might be very relaxing for you! I’m accomplished at knitting cables and lace and sweaters… but with these skills, I still find myself checking the pattern often, so they aren’t relaxing to me, yet. Projects that are relaxing to me are typically ones with an easy-to-memorize pattern or repeat, simple colorwork or short rows are allowed. For me, relaxing knitting doesn’t mean boring knitting. S…

It’s a topic that comes up often: what’s the best way to crochet with two yarns at once? You may be asking… why would you want to do such a thing? Because… you can crochet any FreshStitches pattern with a double-thickness of yarn and get a large, cuddlier animal! This is a giant bear crocheted from my Teddy Bear pattern, which will be released this Thursday! I know that you want to make a giant cutie… so I’ve u…

…dd a little something unique to your dragon… maybe sew on some felt accessories? To crochet the dragon that’s in the pattern, you’ll need 2 colors of worsted weight yarn: a main color (100-150 yards) and an accent color (20-50 yards). You’ll also need a size H hook, a pair of 12mm black eyes (mine are from Suncatcher Eyes), a tapestry needle and stuffing. For bigger dragons, you’ll need slightly more yarn… and l…

…th a 2.75mm hook and yellow yarn. You might want to crochet more or fewer according to your item’s final size. Step 2. Crochet all FreshStitches gnome parts, except for the hat. Attach tiny stars and moon onto the legs and body (mine took 7 stars and a moon). Assembly all crocheted parts together. Step 3. Crochet the hat, according to the following instructions. Wizard hat Crochet hook: 4.00mm Yarn: Mouzakis Butterfly Super 10, 100% cotton, in pur…

Meet Mike the Leprechaun! Are you ready for St. Patrick’s Day? Crochet this adorable leprechaun! Mike is 12” tall when completed using a worsted weight yarn, top hat included!. Materials Required Ella Rae Classic Wool (Green (145 yds), Orange (50 yds), Tan (30 yds), Black (20 yds) and Yellow (5 yds)) was used to crochet the sample. This pattern can be used with any weight yarn, but plan on using more yardage for bulkier yarns. Skills Requi…

Meet Archer the Dog You may remember our mystery crochet-a-long… well, here’s the adorable result: Archer! He’s a dog! Archer has been re-formatted into non-mystery format and is ready for dog-lovers of all kinds! He’s 10” tall when completed using a worsted weight yarn. Archer sports a unique construction & body shape… he’s the perfect new adventure for crocheters who feel comfortable single crocheting,…

…’s a… slug-a-long! That’s right! This month, we’re crocheting Hannah the Slug. She’s a great pattern for those of you who have conquered your first amigurumi, and are looking for a fun project where you’ll learn something new, but isn’t too difficult. Isn’t she cute? And of course… Hannah looks great in any color. And, since she only uses 35 yards of yarn, this is a great project for using up a…

…t Craft Fairs Selling your Items The Art of Pricing for Profit from Etsy Success Online Labs (video) Tips on Selling Handmade Crafts from Love of Knitting Holiday Tips for your Shop from Quiltish How NOT to Price your Handmade Goods by Stitch Craft Create Managing Custom Orders from Etsy A Designer’s Perspective on the Sale of Items from Patterns Canadian Shipping Demystifyed from Etsy Photographing your Items Photography Tips for Crafters f…