Making Things for My Family and Myself

I have been making so many things to sell, that I haven't worked much on anything for myself or for my family. This week I got back to some of those things.

My youngest daughter left for a trip to Senegal this week - yes, the one who had her appendix out! At her request, I made her this water bottle carrier. It is made from Whole Foods bags crocheted while holding a strand of cotton yarn alongside. The plarn is waterproof and provides cushioning, and the cotton is absorbent in case the water bottle sweats or spills.

Today I took out some of the needlepoint projects I had sitting on a shelf. There were a few that look like they are completed, I'm not sure why they were still in bags with their threads. I made this one a while ago. I used a handpainted canvas, and added some personalization to the bottom edge. Ghe music staff ix a signature, the notes on it are ABD.

Another one I completed is pictured below. I remember that when I finished it I wasn't sure what I wanted to do with it. I was thinking of maybe incorporating it into a tote bag.
Here is one that I started and didn't complete:

This is the one I chose to work on today. I love how soothing needlepoint can be. I started this one over 5 years ago!:

Field Testing Crafts

One effective marketing technique is to wear or use what you make. So I finally crocheted myself a purse out of plarn. See these previous posts to learn more about plarn:

Plarn
Working With Plarn
Plarn Fun!

First I sewed a bandanna into a lining and then I made the bag to fit the lining, which was then sewed to the top of the bag. Here is a picture of the finished bag:

The face of the bag is about 10 x 10 inches and it is 2 inches deep. The strap is a circular tube which I designed - it is strong and comfortable to wear. I stretch it as I work with it so it doesn't stretch any more as you use it.

Daily use of a bag that I made proved to be more than a good marketing technique. I found several which I can now correct in other bags. Firstly, ends that I had tucked in started to peek out:

I'm going to try some craft glue on it and see if that holds them in.

Lining the bag was something new for me. Most of the bags I have made so far are unlined so they can let damp contents breathe. However, for a purse I wanted a lining so that small things won't fall out.

One mistake I made was to crochet the bag a little bit bigger than the lining, thus the lining didn't quite fit. More significantly, putting a non-stretchy material inside a stretchy bag caused problems:

Yesterday I bought some light tan jersey fabric from JoAnn's to use as a lining. In addition, I purchased some broadcloth which looks good on both sides. I have cut the fabric to make into pockets, one will fit my iPod and/or cell phone and the other is a bit wider to hold keys and pens. I'll get out the sewing machine soon and I'll post the "after" pictures.

Plarn Fun!

After discussing plarn creations with people on Etsy, I decided to play a bit with colors and shapes. I used patterns for crocheted motifs. The two in the following picture are just the centers of motifs. I'm thinking of using these to make magnets, pins or key chains. Giving these out will give people a chance to see and feel what plarn is like.

The motif in the next picture is already being incorporated into a bag. The bottom of the bag is crocheted with orange plarn, and so far I'm using mostly white plarn to surround it.

These next squares are the same granny square type pattern. The multicolored one was made from a the bag surrounding a case of Bounty Paper Towels! I haven't decided how to use these yet.

Here are two more. I may attach these to same plainer bags that I have made to dress them up a bit

Crayon Scarf

This is my latest crochet design:

Since I made this one, I have made ones in green, yellow, and purple. I am making them about 4 feet long, to fit children from about 4 years old to 12 years old. I have perfected the design and hope to write up the pattern to sell on etsy. I'm also planning to make some to sell through my etsy store.

I'm sending the first batch of scarves to OAK in Boston. OAK is a wonderful store which opened recently. It's on the corner of Newbury St., and Gloucester St. It is stocked with all hand made things, thus the name is an acronym for One of A Kind. OAK also has a blog which shows pictures of the store and displays of the unique items carried by the store.

Cats and Plarn bags and basket

It's been a while, I've had a crazy and busy few weeks. Amazingly it will be September tomorrow!

We are owned by four cats. You can see Inanna in my avatar. Here are pictures of another 2:

The one on the left is Cassie, short for Cassiopeia, and the cutie on the right is Luna. And, yes, they are sisters.

I recently finished a custom order. Using Plastic Yarn (Plarn) I crocheted three bags to use for picking produce. Each one is a different size, and a different color scheme.

This first one was made for the mom.

The red and pink one (on the right) is for a 5 year old boy, and the one with blue and purple (on the

left) is for a 2 year old girl.

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There were a few special features for these bags. I used plastic canvas to support the bottom and one side of the bags

And the straps are totally adjustable, the button fits anywhere on the other handle. They can be worn around the neck so the bag is centered, or across the chest so the bags hang and the hip. There is also a button in the front, as well as one in the back so it stays open when needed.

And, finally, I made a multifunctional basket, which can be used as a fruit basket on the table.

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The quality of these pictures is not the best, I was in a hurry to take them before I went out to deliver the bags and basket.

Elephants, Kippot and Colors

Today's Tip: A newborn baby's head is about the size of your fist. So, if you're making a hat for a newborn try it on your fist! The baby will outgrow the hat quickly, but it is a hat they can wear right after they are born. It would make a great baby shower present. Also, there are many dolls with a head the same size as a newborn.

This is Bella. My 16yo daughter made her for me! She usually sits on my bookshelf, right across from where I frequently sit knitting and crocheting, and watching TV. That way I can see her when I look up from what I'm doing.

These are two kippot I recently made. I put them on bowls to spray starch them. It helps them hold their shape, but they are not too stiff and crunchy. I plan to put one for sale on my Etsy Site, and bring one to a local store on consignment. I have some others that need to be sprayed.

On Sunday, I did some field market research. I found myself spending time at a mall in New Hampshire, while my daughter was at a rehearsal. As I was sitting there crocheting I started people watching. It occurred to me to make a note of what colors people were wearing. I also took a walk and checked out what colors were being sold for fall wear.

I saw a lot of black and white on all ages. Young girls seem to always like pink and purple. I also saw a lot of muted colors - greens, orange, blues, etc. And some boys had red on. I have since learned that there are some websites that have previews of the colors for upcoming seasons. One Useful site is fashiontrendsetter. Pantone is another useful site to see what colors are currently in style

I did realize that rather than matching these colors, scarves and hats should be designed to complement and contrast to these colors. A bright scarf might be just the thing to spice up a black and white outfit. But I'm glad I took a look to see what's in style.

Projects In The Works

Today's Tip: At the risk of sounding like a parent, today's tip is to wash your hands. This should be the first step, before you start working on any project involving fibers and/or textiles. Even if your hands look clean, there are oils on your skin that can transfer to your creations.

I'm still in the middle of several projects, but I'm working on finishing a few.

This is a scarf that I've been working on for a while. It takes more focus than some of my projects so I leave at home to work on. It's a little hard to see, but it's a knit 3, purl 3 pattern in which the stitches move 1 place each row. I have to check it on each row; on one side the stripe is moving to the right, but when I turn it to work the next row the stripe is going towards the left. It makes an interesting texture that looks good with this solid color yarn. Once I get the row started, it's an easy pattern to follow.























These cute little piggies are being connected to make a child's scarf. I have the crocheting done, and just need to finish the embroidered features. I'm also thinking of making one into a kippah - then it'll be a kosher pig!















I call these "Tiny Treasure Pouches". I've been making them to send to another Etsy crafter who asked for cards and promos to put in gift bags at a show. I'm going to put a wrapped candy in each one. I'm thinking of putting some in my store - they would makee good stocking stuffers, small gifts, or promos. They can hold a lucky penny or a special stone or charm. A tooth would fit in it for those expecting the tooth fairy to come. And, I'm getting to use up the little leftover balls of yarn I have collected!

A thunder storm just swept through here. Inanna is afraid of thunder, and was hiding in a box. I know she's happy that it's over.

Kippot Made With Very Special Crochet Cot

Today's Tip: Some crochet patterns have you place a marker and then move it several times. This is especially true for motifs that start in the center, such as granny squares and doilies. I have found that it is easy to use a bobby pin, paper clip, or safety pin. They are inexpensive, I can usually find one ;), they are easy to move, and I'm not upset if I lose one! If you want something nicer for yourself or for a gift, there are artists at Etsy who make them. I found them with a search for "crochet, marker, not knit". You can also find lots of lovely stitch markers for knitting. Markers for knitting generally slip on the needle and get passed between needles as you work. Crochet markers need to be hooked onto the piece you are making and moved with each row or round.

I recently received some lovely crochet thread from Snappish on Etsy. Check out her shop at http://www.Snappish.etsy.com

It is hand-dyed #10 crochet cotton, also referred to as bedspread cotton.

These are the 3 skeins that I received. The pink and purple is "Pizzaz" colorway, the blue and white is "Flax" colorway, and the blue and pink skein is the "Alyssa" colorway. I couldn't resist getting that one (even though it is spelled wrong!). Each skein has 300 yards - enough to make several small projects.

The first thing I made was a kippah (yarmulke) from Pizzaz:

Even though it still needs to be blocked/shaped, you can see how lovely it is. There is plenty of thread left. I am making some bun covers for dancers, and more kippot, including some with more openwork.

I love making kippot, especially for women. Some are completely designed by me, and others start with a pattern for a doily or another crochet motif . I have also made some large ones that are appropriate for men which will be posted my store shortly.

I welcome custom orders! Kippot can be made in many colors, sizes, and patterns. It is fun to have to match different outfits. They make great presents, especially for a Bar or Bat Mitzvah ceremony. Wouldn't it be lovely to have matching kippot for everyone in a wedding party, or in the family of someone celbrating a Bar or Bat Mitzvah? Kippot can be made to match the color scheme chosen for the event. Feel free to contact me for information or to order your own one-of-a-kind kippah.

Knitting as Therapy

Do you find knitting to be therapeutic? I know I do. This morning I had a Doctor's appointment and I purposely brought a soft, furry yarn, and needles to make a scarf. Texture can really make a difference. Also, the yarn is so nice, no special pattern is needed, and garter stitch will look good.

Just after we started talking, the Dr. suggested I finish the row and then I could put it down. And I said "No, I can't". In response to her quizzical look, I said that I needed it to keep me calm and to fidget out my nervousness. I was knitting furiously as I said it. She let me continue, thank goodness.

I got a package from KnitPicks today - I'm such a yarn hog!


You can see the yarns in this picture. KnitPicks has great yarns and great sales! It's almost impossible for me to resist. Their descriptions are wonderful, and I've liked everything I've received from them. I also love their podcasts (I'll review podcasts in other posts).

But, it gets even better - all books were 40% off.
If there's anything I like as much as getting new yarn, it's getting new books. As you can see, I mostly bought books that have stitches and motifs in them. I plan to incorporate the designs in new items to make and sell. I have lots of ideas for things to make, and I love trying out new patterns.

Today's Tip - Do you ever need a ruler or tape measure, but there aren't any to be found? Sometime when you do have a measuring device, use it to measure parts of your hand. I know that each joint of my thumb is 1 inch. My full hand span - pinky to thumb - is about 8 inches, and from pinky to pointer is about 5 inches. Even though it is not totally precise, I find this to be very useful information. For many items, exact measurement is not necessary. Knit and crochet items always have some stretch to them, so "about" is good enough for many items - such as hats, bags, and scarves. If you're making something that needs more precise measurement, you can use your hand to check if you're almost there, if it's time to get out that ruler.

30 years ago - Etsy Treasury

Yea! I did it! After a lot of failed tries, I was able to load a page from Etsy!

This is an Etsy Treasury I created this week. July 16 was out 30th anniversary, and this treasury is to commemorate it.

So, what do these images mean? Well, my dh is Gary, and his hobby is marine biology. He had fish in his dorm room when we met. I'm Alysa, and this was the only image that had my name in it, spelled correctly. Actually I was surprised to find it at all. The wedding topper is obvious. We met in Boston, Gary went to MIT and I went to BU, thus the various images of Boston. One of our early dates was to a Boston Concert. The year was 1978. On our honeymoon, we took a bunch of pictures of baby ducks, which seemed pretty funny when we looked at them later. Gary was from Long Island, my parents lived in New Jersey and that's where we got married. Our song at our wedding was "I Love You Just The Way You Are" by Billy Joel. And finally, St. John in the US Virgin Islands is our favorite vacation place (oh, and the photograph was taken by our daughter)

Today's Tip: When you need to sew pieces of crocheted or knitted work together, use round toothpicks instead of pins. They hold it together nicely and don't get lost in the fabric.