Fundraising Event - We need your help!

I love using my business to help other people.  This time, it is to help someone very near to my heart.

I am the youngest sibling of four and the only girl. I grew up always looking up to my brothers who took care of me and watched out for me. Always. Little did I know, one day, I would be standing in their shoes, only I would be desperately trying to help save their life.


My second oldest brother is a professional musician. He has a master's degree in music and has toured the country opening for acts such as Billy Joel. He is also a high school band director who has spent an immeasurable amount of hours devoting his life to his students.
Tom has always been a person who dove head-first into his work and whatever he put his mind to, he accomplished. He has found himself in a difficult place in life as he has finally realized he is an alcoholic. That brings us to now. 
 
He tried a few years ago to go to rehab on his own but was only able to afford a five day program. A 30-day inpatient facility is so far beyond his means and state facilities were too difficult to get into. The short-term facility only worked to detox him and not to retrain him to live with alcoholism. He had a severe neck injury and could not seem to bring himself to get treatment due to his high level of anxiety. The only way he could bring himself any relief was to drink the pain away. This escalated over these few years as did his pain. The last two months almost cost my brother his life. He drank himself into oblivion and found himself in the hospital begging them to Baker Act him. Due to the fact that he was not suicidal, they would not complete the Baker Act despite him begging them to. Fortunately, he had low sodium and they were able to keep him a few days which gave us the chance to find a short term detox facility to take him with insurance. He was able to fully utilize them since he had already detoxed by that point, but he was desperate to go to long-term care for true rehabilitation. 
 
The research that was put into finding a place that could take him and his insurance was immense. But we found a place. It was on day 11 that we learned his insurance would no longer be covering him because he was not found to be suicidal. Now we were left with the decision to have him released to an outpatient care on only 3 hours a day and Alcoholics Anonymous, or find a way to keep him in on self-pay. 
 
I presented every option to him so he had the option to choose and I assured him I would get the funds if he wanted to stay. He immediately chose the option to stay. He said he knew his best chance for success was to complete his program. I got to see him last weekend and I could not believe the transformation he had made in the time he had been there. I have scraped through every option I have including my other brother and I taking it from our own pockets.


This man is desperate to get healthy and recover. He has begged for help. I cannot let him fail. If it means I pay for it, then I will somehow find a way. But I am seeking help for finances any way I can. 
Please consider his story. Consider his life and his desire to get healthy. Please consider that this is a man I look up to and admire and even more so because he was able to admit he needed help.

The EVENT has all the information so please click going to be sure to get all the updates.  I will be posting videos and tutorials and pictures!  Consider joining me to help my brother's road to recovery!

Adoption Project 2 - The Very Hungry Caterpillar

This round of adoption stories touched me in a way I never though possible.  To be honest, I really wasn't thinking about how the stories would affect me when I started.  I just knew I had a desire to serve families of adoption.  I already know a lot of stories of adoption and even several close to home.  But to get down and deep with people I don't even know and actually feel so intensely for what they were experiencing was way bigger than I anticipated.

This brings me to the second family's story.  They are still awaiting their match; their baby!  When they were choosing, they wanted something gender neutral because they don't know what they're having yet.  So they chose The Very Hungry Caterpillar.  I had been wanting to make this for so long, but with other orders and projects, I had not had a chance. I was thrilled to get to make this one!!  

Check out the rest of the stories.  If you are someone you know are adopting, please email your story to me at risenshinecrochet@gmail.com.

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.

See What a Surprise I got in My Email

One of the families has emailed me back with the most amazing news!

Their baby was born June 6, 2 months early, and the birth mom has already signed the papers.  They have a brand new baby boy!!!

She has chosen a baby fox and diaper cover set!  I have chosen to combine patterns.  I liked the Sly as a Fox hat better but I am using the Croby Patterns diaper cover.  I am really excited to make this set. 

I will post pictures as I make it.  Congratulations!!!!

Adoption Stories to Warm your Heart

After my initial announcement of my adoption project. Several people emailed me and I received responses from adoption agencies that shared my story.  I wanted to read a few of these stories as I am completely unable to choose. If you want to read about the adoption project, you can read the BIG ANNOUNCEMENT blog that tells you all about it! Without further ado, I present you the first round of adoption stories!!

Here are some of the items I am offering and each family can choose which one they want!

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.)

Visit me on FACEBOOK!  Please share this with everyone and anyone that may be involved with adoptions and/or foster care!!

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.)

Things I wish I knew When I Began to Crochet

I knew when I found out I was having a boy, I wanted to make him a blanket.  I already had 2 girls and I never really learned to crochet for them, but this time, I was going to learn.  So I took to learning from YouTube!  I dreamed of single crochets and double crochets for months.

One day, we were having lunch at a local restaurant and walked by a table full of ladies.  I happened to glance in a open bag.  I wasn't snooping, it was wide open!  Okay, I know that's weird, but something caught my eye.  It was a gigantic crochet blanket.  When I looked around the table, I saw all the ladies were working on crochet projects.  Turned out, they were a crochet club.  I did go back a few times and sit with them, working on my lopsided and all kinds of crooked baby blanket.  They gave me bits of advice, but really, I think they felt sorry for my son's gift.

It was a rough start.  Not gonna lie.  But I did eventually get that blanket finished about 2 weeks before he was born.  It will serve as my reminder that when you practice, you can get better.  I have progressed immensely since those days.

I wish I learned:
1.  How to count my stitches.  My start may not have been so rough had I taken the time to count.
2.  Just because the stitch is big and it works up quick, doesn't mean it is the right stitch.
3.  Yarn matters.  Cheaper is not always better.
4.  The hook matters! See #3.
5.  Read the pattern before you make the project.  Do I really need to explain this?  Let's just say, it is really important to know how much yarn you will need.
6.  If you're not sure, YouTube!
7.  Not all patterns are created equal.
8.  There is a coupon for everything.  Be patient, and when the coupons come out, stock up baby!
9.  ALWAYS....ALWAYS...ALWAYS bring yarn, hook, and don't forget the scissors.
10.  Be patient.  If there is a question about the level of patience, refer to 1-9!!!

Practice is the key.  It isn't easy.  It can be frustrating.  When all else fails, step AWAY for the CROCHET!  You can always come back later.

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!

How Does One Find a Crochet Niche?

I live in Florida.  I know this causes not-so-nice thoughts to develop in the minds of the ones covered in snow, but Florida life says it is 90 degrees and it is only March!!!  YUCK!  What is summer gonna slither into???

That leads me to the point of this post.  What can I crochet now?  Scarves and hats are out, so here is my crochet confession!  I have a small obsession with barefoot baby sandals!  I just think they are the cutest little thing on baby feet.  I have made a few for customers as well.  I found these on Repeat Crafter Me.  As far as crocheting them myself, these have been my favorite to make.

I am also looking at all these crazy fun headband patterns and I get to wishing I was a pattern maker.  I really should learn how.  I am new to this adventure of crochet and I am a little scared, if I'm being honest, to have a go at writing a pattern!

I would love to see all the "off the beaten path" crocheting people have done.  I have been getting lost in my own pins on Pinterest and I have certainly wasted my fair share of time on other people's crochet blogs.

What is your niche?