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.

And the Winner is...

I DID IT!!!!  I reached 500 likes on Facebook!

Am I overreacting?  Maybe!? But it feel like a milestone to me!  I was really excited when people started liking my work.  The name Rise N Shine Crochet is getting out there.  This makes me happy.  I am expanding my product line and therefore my skills.  I have a few tutorials on YouTube!  Here is the link for a basic single crochet.  Here is the video for a basic double crochet.

I ran a giveaway on my Facebook page for reaching 500 like!  I am giving away bootcuffs. I was so happy when I saw the number of people who responded!  As soon as I passed 500, I did the giveaway!  See the WINNER here.  Please like and share so I can keep spreading the word!

Last, but not least, THIS is my next crochet purchase.  As yarn guide.  When I get to crocheting for a few hours, it will be nice to have something to do some of the work for me!

Off to make dishcloths.

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!

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!!

Where Do you Find the Time?

I am a homeschooling, work-at-home, full-time mom...I still can't decide if that is mathematically possible.

I finally found this hobby of crochet that I really, really love.  It's the time factor that is such a bother. I end up trying to crochet in doctor's offices, late at night, early in the morning, while my kids read me a book they've read 600 times before (as I am doing at this very minute), and lastly, while leaving dinner burning on the stove.  Just ask my husband how many times I have almost burned down the house!

Oh, how I would love to have a crochet business.  I just can't seem to fit it in.  Teaching, working, running kids to activities, managing the house and schedules, oh and my husband works 7 days a week.  Every week.

Okay, crochet lovers.  Where does it fit?

Here is a project I found and cannot wait to try!

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?

Minion Crazy Crochet

Let me start off by saying, I am thrilled that my work is noticed and the bonus being, people have purchased it.  Not just any people...not my mom or aunt!  But people that don't even know me!  It is as big a compliment as I could get.  There was a problem though!

I had been selling items locally through a resale page on Facebook.  I also listed my items on Etsy.  Of course, I think I went almost a year before anyone even looked in my shop much less bought anything.  Then, the miracle of all miracles, someone bought an item!  Things sort of took off from there.  So what was the problem?  Everyone bought the same item!! Now, everyone loves a minion, but making the same item over and over was really beginning to stifle my creativity and love of my hobby!  I needed to get back to my love of the craft.  I started an Art Fire Studio as well.

That is why I began to blog.  I am hoping by writing about crochet, I can inspire myself and teach others as well.  I am by no means and expert, but I have a few things I could spread out to the crochet world.  I am enjoying reading other's blogs and seeing the ideas people have as well.  Please come see Rise N Shine Crochet on Facebook!  Leave a comment and spread the inspiration!

What am I working on now?  Well, my daughter has been begging me to make her something.  I have been so busy making Minion scarves that I couldn't seem to find the time to make my kids anything.  I am working on some wrist warmers for her right now.  Downside?  She wanted minions.  Guess I'm stuck with blue and yellow yarn a little longer.  At least it isn't a scarf, right?  I also have this fascination with barefoot baby sandals.  I have some really cute patterns for other versions and have made a few.  These will be my next attempt.

Off to the hooks!  Inspiration for today has begun!

I Want to Crochet! Where Do I Begin?

Dear Fellow Crochet Lover,

I am beginning a journey and I want to join forces.

Long, LONG ago...my dear, sweet grandmother, armed with beautiful yarn and shiny hooks, made every attempt to lure me to the world of crochet.  No dice.  But around the age of 36, I became pregnant with our 3rd child and 1st boy.  My grandmothers were screaming from heaven that I needed to try again.  With the skills I vaguely recalled from their efforts and of course the assistance of good ole' fashioned You Tube, I taught myself to crochet!  (Don't know how to do something?  Watch You Tube!)

I made a blanket for my baby boy.  It was an AWFUL blanket, but I made it and was very proud.  It also sparked me in a way I didn't know was possible.  I delved in a little further and became...HOOKED!

My journey is to do what I love.  I want to teach, to create, and to enjoy the world of crochet.  I have seen thousands upon thousands of people sharing their crochet lives, so here it begins.  Let's see where it goes!  Feel free to comment with your favorite blogs or videos and how you began your crochet life!

Happy Crocheting!!!

Sincerely,

Christina
Rise N Shine Crochet Founder