Adoption Service Project - How I am the One Who is Blessed

When I began this project, I had no idea how it would affect me. I really feel like I am on cloud 9! This has been an incredible experience so far and the idea that it is only going to get bigger and better thrills me to no end.

If you haven't been following this story, you can go back and see the stories and the reveal of the first family that participated.

I have already completed the project for the second family and I will be going live on my FaceBook to reveal the project that I will be sending to them.  I was going to do a blog to show what they chose, but I kind of like the surprise factor.  So we're going with that.

This family is still in their waiting period.  I feel very partial to this story since my cousin is adopting and they also are in this stage.  I know how hard it has been to wait for that perfect match; THEIR baby.  I love their story and feel so privileged to be part of it.

Stay tuned for the big reveal! Know someone who is adopting and want to refer them to me? Email me at risenshinecrochet@gmail.com.

What Happens When You're Offered a Choice of ANY Item You Want

As you may already know, I have been working on a service project for families that are adopting or fostering.  Check out my blog on this project.  And be sure to watch the stories that came in after my announcement!

I had a huge surprise with the first family and so I had to get to work.  But I had a minor mishap when ordering the yarn.  They made a mistake that set me back about a week and a half.  They were quick to rectify it...and by rectify, I mean they refunded my money completely and Express shipped it to me!!!!  So here I am in the middle of a service project and I received the yarn for 2 of the families totally FREE!!!

I got to work quickly once the yarn arrived.

 In no time at all, the hat was ready to be transformed into the Sly Fox!

This little fox and I now have a special bond.  He is ready to go.

I will be sending him off today! Visit me on FaceBook to see my Live reveal and see the new Momma's reaction!!  I feel so unbelievably blessed by this project and I cannot wait to see where it takes me.

If you, or someone you know is adopting or has adopted and would like to submit a story, please email me at risenshinecrochet@gmail.com.  I will be taking on new projects soon so please spread the word.

Big Announcement!!!

I have been working at crochet and blogging for a little while now.  I must admit, it has only been scattered and half-hearted.  But my intentions were there. What were my intentions?

I started off with basic selling of items.  I made a few items and people liked them, so they bought them.  Simple.  I was learning and trying new things and I was making a little money while enjoying my hobby.  Then I decided to begin a blog and try to reach out a little in the crochet world. Tutorials had become an option.  I thought maybe teaching others would be a way I could help and serve others, but I have yet to get a great setting for this and it just wasn't working. Then I was led to try to use my crochet to give back.  This was harder than you think.  I wanted to do fundraisers but it is really hard to make a significant amount of money to give when you are one person.  I teamed with other people, but this proved to be quite an undertaking.  So where has this left me?

I have a cousin who is adopting and it has left a soft spot on my heart.  Here is their story! I have decided...I am going to crochet for adoption!  What does that look like?  Well, knowing myself and my mastered skill of "Oh LOOK!  A chicken!", I am certain this path is going to change.  A lot!  But this is what it will look like for now.  

I would like to start making and donating items for families that are adopting or have adopted.  If you know a family adopting or has adopted that could use a gift, please send me their story!  For now, as this is just me, I will pick one story each week and send them a crochet item.  I will post either a picture of one I have made or a link to the pattern below so you can choose an item.  I am not sure how this will all play out.  All I ask is for patience. Please share this with friends and family who may know someone.  

You can email your stories to risenshinecrochet@gmail.com.  This is where I will choose from.

I am really excited about this because it has been my goal to start to use my crochet as a way to reach out and give back.  I have always felt like I was meant to serve in some way and I truly love crochet. My grandmothers were such a huge part of my desire to crochet.  I believe with all my heart that God gifted this skill to me so now I would like to use it for something great!

Take a look at what I will be offering for now.  When you send your email, let me know which item you are interested in.  I promise I will do my best!  Due to cost and time investment, I will not be doing blankets at this time.  I would like to keep the projects smaller so I can accomplish more of them.  Maybe someday down the line, I will team up with others who would be willing to participate!

Come check out my FaceBook page as well for pictures of a lot of my completed projects.  

Links to the patterns for items to choose:

1.  Very Hungry Catepillar hat and cocoon

2.  Pacifier Clip and Baby Sandals 

3.  Baby Dress  

4.  Brimmed Hat 

5.  Diaper Cover and Beanie Set (Sports themed) 

6.  Hat and Bootie Set ( Can be made for a boy without bow.)

The Troubles of a Crocheter

I tried out this pattern to make.  I really haven't been very big on making clothes.  But things have been slow lately so I am trying out some of the patterns I have been collecting.  This turned out to be way better than I anticipated.

Somethings I have issues with when crocheting keeping accurate count.  The major downfall of all crocheters...you MUST. KEEP. COUNT!  But, alas, I have 3 children whom I homeschool, I work at home, and I have a house to run.  Life gets distracting to say the least.  This means projects get set aside for a day or so and I lose track of what I was doing or it means I work on projects late a night when I am exhausted.  This leave lots of room for mistakes which I often make.  In this case, things worked out well.  The project worked up quickly and I happened to have little distraction.

I used Red Heart Soft Rose and Red Heart Soft SeaFoam.  The yarn is smooth and doesn't have that scratchy feel that acrylic yarn usually, especially for baby's skin.

Come like me on Facebook, Pinterest, and Instagram!!  You can see more updates and keep up with happening.

Starting a New Trend

I have a bit of a personal blog to post so bear with me. I have a cousin who has been trying for years to get pregnant with no success. Here is their story. After exhausting all options, they have decided that adopting is their destiny. In an effort to help, I offered my profits from orders that were placed during a set time period. It turned out pretty well! I was amazed at the people that were offering to buy my items to help them on their way. It certainly kept me busy during the holiday season and really tested my abilities in making unfamiliar stitches and patterns. I learned a lot and gained a lot of confidence in the process. But best of all, my gain was their gain as well. I have always wanted to use this business as a way to give back somehow. This was a small effort that has propelled down some unique and unexplored paths. This will be an ever-growing and changing plan.

This blog is going to be more focused on tutorials and crochet education. I am twirling many ideas and plans around, but going forward, I know, at the very least, it will be a place of learning for all! Have any things you would like to see? I'll make tutorial videos and post them. I will start with simple stitches and then work through more difficult stitches and combinations!

On a fun note, I bought my first set of new hooks since I started.  I was working on a brand new project (see picture below) and I was wanting to dive in head first!  Every crochet page and blog I follow was recommending these Clover Hooks!  These hooks...wow.  Like butta! Just had to share in case anyone was looking for hooks!

Minion Crazy Coupon Code

Our family is crazy for the minions.  If you love minions, you know the movie is OUT!!!  This is exciting!  We have out plans already!

As a crocheter, I get to create these magical little laugh makers.  So, in honor of yesterday's movie release, I am offering a coupon code in my shop!  $10 off a $40 purchase!!!  Use the code MINIONCRAZY.  Take a look around and see my minion friends in there!! The code works on anything in the store so shop away and wear your minions to the movies.  Visit Rise N Shine Crochet to see what's hot!

Something really cool happened today...

I am so excited!  I did an interview for a media blog and I was featured today!!  It is so exciting!!!  I know, the exclamation points are overwhelming...

Check out my interview on her blog and be sure to head over to my Facebook to enter my giveaway.

On a side note, I am finally starting my tutorials on You Tube.  I will be starting with some beginner stitches, so if you are new to crochet, subscribe to my channel and be sure to catch the first video as we start with beginning crochet!!

Not gonna lie...this is pretty fun!

Find out what I am GIVING AWAY!!!

I have been off the blogger grid for a few months but I am back!

Things have been crazy busy lately.  It is exciting to see my crochet world growing.  I have a few followers now and people who enjoy seeing my work.  I have decided to do a giveaway on my FACEBOOK page.  You can earn an entry by liking my page and you can earn another entry when you share it!!

What do you win????  Well, how about a $25 gift card to my Rise N Shine Crochet ETSY shop.  Come see what's there.  While you're visiting my Facebook page, if you see something on there that is not in my shop and you decide you want that item, for my blog readers ONLY, I will make a custom order and honor the giftcard!!!

Be a part of helping me grow my business!  I am going to be starting video tutorials on YouTube soon and will be posting these as well so if you want to learn to crochet, keep checking back!!