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.

Small Successes

I am so over the moon excited at the places that my little crochet world is going.  I have been doing a lot of marketing to try to get my name out there and with little to no knowledge of social media marketing, this can pose a challenge.  Let go backwards for a minute.

Crochet is a passion.  It turned out to be one that made a little money for me.  As time has gone on, my goals have changed from wanting to sell my work, to wanting to teach my craft.  This requires social media and a knowledge of its viral capabilities.  I have watched countless webcasts, some that just wasted my time.  I have read countless blog, also some that were not quite useful. But I have learned and implemented lots of trial and error.  Its a process.

Now, I have reached hundreds and hundreds.  I need to reach thousands and thousands.  So I will keep on plugging and learning and trying and "error-ing".

In the meantime, I was featured on marketing page that reaches many more than I reach!  Vendors of the World featured me this weekend!  Little successes mean a lot.  The more people I reach, the more I can do.  It has been my goal for a while to get tutorial videos out on my YouTube Channel.  Please go and subscribe so you can be a part of my channel and see the tutorials as they come out.  I am going all out now.  Determined to start this new leg of my crochet journey.

It is all a process.  A lot of learning.  A ton of research.  But quite satisfying.

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!

How to Crochet a Basic Chain Video Tutorial

I am so excited to be posting my first video tutorial.  Now, let me just say, I know this set up is not the best.  I just wanted to try it out, but I learned a few things and my next one will look much better! Let me know if it helped or anything that would make it better!

Enjoy!  Please share and leave comments!!

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!!