tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-39272818437433471752024-03-26T23:45:38.935-04:00Tracy's Designs 1 At Tracy's Designs 1 blog you'll find fun and creative crochet patterns for your next DIY project, along with ideas for running a handmade business if you're interested in selling what you make!Tracy's Designs 1http://www.blogger.com/profile/08743965807837166272noreply@blogger.comBlogger18125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3927281843743347175.post-72742055959627106492024-01-20T23:43:00.004-05:002024-01-21T22:22:51.456-05:00Waffle Scarf Crochet Pattern<h2 style="text-align: center;"> Waffle Scarf Crochet Pattern</h2><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ-ZTXnc2XI91f9b_Q7yHgbEEci3qwCnM7HMhMteEBsgpDizf0DliIT2Rx09xfeWfgqmEKZ-KOwR8n7SN33iN9DLxxjArDkp0_NTdLsG7abgppZz7ZgwjMbR_B-xRVQ8loQphpWdZP7haeLU3r88mvddRrA8QUNFt3LcYNgQx-wb-ZtZjnMidxaSr3kfc/s1920/Waffle%20Scarf%20pic%201.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1920" data-original-width="1920" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ-ZTXnc2XI91f9b_Q7yHgbEEci3qwCnM7HMhMteEBsgpDizf0DliIT2Rx09xfeWfgqmEKZ-KOwR8n7SN33iN9DLxxjArDkp0_NTdLsG7abgppZz7ZgwjMbR_B-xRVQ8loQphpWdZP7haeLU3r88mvddRrA8QUNFt3LcYNgQx-wb-ZtZjnMidxaSr3kfc/s320/Waffle%20Scarf%20pic%201.png" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">As the weather turns super cold it's a great time to crochet up this thick and warm waffle style scarf! And the great news is, it doesn't take a long time to crochet! It only took me a few days!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This week here in Northern Indiana the weather has decide it's time to act like winter. Up to this point the weather here has been pretty mild, but this week we had days down to 2 below zero! It's time for a scarf that's really thick and warm: welcome the Waffle Scarf!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> By crocheting a combination of front post double crochet stitches and back post double crochet stitches, this scarf is thick and "squishy", and when you use the soft "I love this Yarn" from Hobby Lobby to make it, it's so soft, warm, and comfortable!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Enjoy crocheting my latest crochet pattern design!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><p class="MsoNormal"><u><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">Materials
Needed:<o:p></o:p></span></u></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Hook:</span></b><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"> K ~ 6.5 mm<b><br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]--><br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Yarn: </span></b><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">I love this Yarn by Hobby Lobby<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">I used colors: Very Berry & White for the scarf in the
picture.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Amounts: </span></b><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">2 skeins (14oz) of Very Berry<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>1 partial
skein (5 oz) of White<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Gauge:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></b><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">13 sts X 9 rows = 4 inch square<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><u><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">To make sample gauge:</span></u><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"> Ch 15.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Row 1: <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Dc in the 3<sup>rd</sup>
ch from hook. Dc across.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Row 2: *1 fpdc in first st., 1 bpdc each in next 2 sts*
repeat 4 x’s.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>1 fpdc in last st.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Row 3: *1 bpdc in 1<sup>st</sup> st. 1 fpdc each in next 2
sts* repeat 4 x’s.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>1 bpdc in last st.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Rows 4 – 10: repeat rows 2 & 3 alternating.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(example: row 4 will repeat row 2, row 5 will
repeat row 3, etc.)<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">To check your gauge measure starting at row 2, as this is the
main stitch patterns you will be using throughout this scarf pattern.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Skill Level: </span></b><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Easy<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><b>Size:</b> 10 inch wide X 72 inch height<b><o:p></o:p></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Multiplies for adjusting size: ch 33 + 2<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="Standard"><b><u>Abbreviations</u><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="Standard">Ch – Chain<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="Standard">dc – double crochet<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="Standard" style="line-height: 150%;">fpdc – Front post double crochet<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="Standard" style="line-height: 150%;">bpdc – Back post double crochet<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="Standard" style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 150%;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">Waffle Scarf<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">Ch 35.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><u><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">Row 1:</span></u><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>1 dc in the 3<sup>rd</sup> ch
from hook and in each ch st across.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(33
dc, plus the ch 2 from the beginning of the row.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This will be considered a dc.)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ch 2, turn.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><u><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">Row 2:</span></u><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;"> 1 fpdc in the 1<sup>st</sup> st. (This stitch is directly under the ch
2. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Be care not to miss this st,
otherwise the whole row of stitches will be off.) 1 bpdc in each of the next 2
sts. *1 fpdc in next st, 1 bpdc in each of the next 2 sts*. Repeat between *’s
9 more times.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>1 fpdc in the last dc st
(this is the ch 2 stitch from the beginning of row 1).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(Total 12 fpdc, 22 bpdc.) Ch 2, turn.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">Row 3: 1 bpdc in 1<sup>st</sup> st. (This is the stitch directly
under the ch 2.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Be careful not to miss
this st or the whole row of stitches will be off.) <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>1 Fpdc in each of the next 2 sts. *1 bpdc in
next st, 1 Fpdc in eachof <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>the next 2 sts*.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Repeat between *’s 9 more times.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>1 Bpdc in last st of this row. Note: In this
last st there will actually be 2 posts: the back post & the ch 2, crochet
the 1 bpdc around both the post and ch 2. (Total 12 bpdc, 22 fpdc)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ch 2, turn.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">Row 4: 1 fpdc in the 1<sup>st</sup> st. (This stitch is
directly under the ch 2.)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>1 bpdc in each
of the next 2 sts. *1 fpdc in next st, 1 bpdc in each of the next 2 sts*.
Repeat between *’s 9 more times.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>1 fpdc
in the last st of this row.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Note: In this
last st there will actually be 2 posts: the fpdc and the ch 2, crochet the 1 fpdc
around both the post and the ch 2.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>(Total 12 fbpdc, 22 bpdc.) Ch 2, turn.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">Row 5 – 60: Repeat rows 3 & 4.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Alternating row 3, row 4, row 3, row 4…
continuing.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">Change to secondary color.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">Row 61 – 96: Repeat rows 3 & 4.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Alternating row 3, row 4, row 3, row 4…. Continuing.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">Change back to Main color.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">Row 97 – 156: Repeat row 3 & 4.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Alternating row 3, row 4, row 3, row 4… continuing.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">Finish off. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">Enjoy your scarf and stay warm!<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">If you're interested in the ad free PDF version of this crochet pattern it can be purchased in my Ravelry shop: <a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/waffle-scarf-12" target="_blank">Waffle Scarf</a>!</p>
<p class="Standard">Copyright 2024 by Tracy's Designs 1.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You have permission to sell as many finished
items made using this pattern as you would like on any selling venue you would
like (online and offline), but the pattern itself is Not to be copied and sold
or shared anywhere including online and offline.<o:p></o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNcGwIVBCMSWusL1s4vgxCRo3xunV2hOh_GsF8ID7BoNLCmR-CJTCTmEzO061b5Vokpxe5Fp-kBHKWc7s3d0OsANGP9wUNk-n1l1Y64MDCCNIMGAOWf49CCpKBtvp5QTDTdM7VCicETc83yd7T-0mCeE8w0BFBcwVZa03T81r1-VOkmnGryxeuF2M8Jwg/s1920/Waffle%20Scarf%20Pic%202.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1920" data-original-width="1920" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNcGwIVBCMSWusL1s4vgxCRo3xunV2hOh_GsF8ID7BoNLCmR-CJTCTmEzO061b5Vokpxe5Fp-kBHKWc7s3d0OsANGP9wUNk-n1l1Y64MDCCNIMGAOWf49CCpKBtvp5QTDTdM7VCicETc83yd7T-0mCeE8w0BFBcwVZa03T81r1-VOkmnGryxeuF2M8Jwg/s320/Waffle%20Scarf%20Pic%202.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p class="Standard" style="text-align: center;"><br /></p>Tracy's Designs 1http://www.blogger.com/profile/08743965807837166272noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3927281843743347175.post-16306557034191702442024-01-08T20:05:00.000-05:002024-01-08T20:05:04.484-05:00Southgate Crossing Farmer's Market<p> Today I'd like to take a minute to share with you one of the local places that I have my 18 inch doll clothes setup at! The place is called Southgate Crossing Farmer's Market, and it's an incredible Amish built building!</p><p>Southgate crossing was built in the early to mid 2000's to be a Farmer's Market and the first phase of a larger amusement venue. While the other phased didn't end up taking place due to an economic downturn in the area in 2008, this beautiful building stands proudly within the quaint countryside.</p><p>Here in Northern Indiana we have some large Amish communities. And it's these lovely Amish people that had a hand in building this beautiful building. From what I have heard there was not one nail used in making this building. Instead it was made using pegs!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsEIAD5SdaO2BkTMOaxeh6n6eHTg-MM-NuyKiQuQauTyUhAuQ_053gLMVxSpfC-HPfYE95NaRYsPyg98hdid5T_47JhIKpbW5umg2kv_fJVeL2LfdGftYDeOS0hMzl8-Zxy4LuVsdAjRjuJQq5_WF7JytIA51Ey2T0WptfhkNaAt40w37s9shcucy-WGM/s3264/20240108_150753.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsEIAD5SdaO2BkTMOaxeh6n6eHTg-MM-NuyKiQuQauTyUhAuQ_053gLMVxSpfC-HPfYE95NaRYsPyg98hdid5T_47JhIKpbW5umg2kv_fJVeL2LfdGftYDeOS0hMzl8-Zxy4LuVsdAjRjuJQq5_WF7JytIA51Ey2T0WptfhkNaAt40w37s9shcucy-WGM/s320/20240108_150753.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Here is a photo I snapped from the front of the building on my way inside today. Although this picture doesn't do it justice it gives you a little idea of it's size and beauty! (It was really cold out today and I was in a hurry to get inside. So this picture will have to do for today) </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Also, to put the size of Southgate Crossing into perspective I have been told that it is approximately the same height and same width as Noah's Ark was, but is about 10 feet shorter than Noah's Ark. (There are times, when it's warmer out, that I've stood and looked at the building thinking about how that is approx. the size of the ark that Noah and his family would have been on with all the animals!) </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Let's go inside this incredible building!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">As you walk through the main doors, you come into the center of the building. One of the first things you'll notice when you look up is the beautiful wood beams and the 3 floors with wood "fences" around the second and third floor. You may also see people standing on those floors taking in the breathtaking beauty of it all!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The first floor of the building has a variety of goods including; multiple eating places from local businesses, boutique clothing, a brewery, and a large selection of Vintage items! The vintage area takes up close to half of the first floor, so if you love vintage items you'll want to check back regularly to see what items the vintage vendor have brought in to sell.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Once you've browsed the first floor it's time to head upstairs. There are two large beautiful staircases you can walk up, or if you prefer there is an elevator that can be used.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">On the second floor, half of the floor contains handcrafted treasures from talented sewers, painters, artists, etc. It's on this floor that you will find my booth, TracysDesigns1 18 inch doll clothes!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Today my mom and I were there to change out some of my products and redecorate. We had it decorated for Christmas and New Year, but now it was time to change things over to Valentine's doll outfits! (Can you believe it's time to starting thinking about Valentine's day, already?)<br /><br />After a few hours of work today, we have new decorations hung (lots of hearts), and new Valentine outfits available! Lots of doll clothes with red, pinks, and whites, and everything from dresses to leggings to ice skating outfits. Whatever you doll needs to enjoy this winter season!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhejfPmb5kc225sIVx0967xdAeRajzo4LGNHTq2LYGGo2Jd6jZVzuVpThkDx_aMT0InIjjFXhaL_NU8gVhFaEu4Zi-gVTxqbxQ295Kei0cn6Hm2q7PpxrOK79FUiFn4osqw2Ag80dA6j5pR-4HT74IOJ85G1tOvewYBIGU0NEHbDrW7W2nWtiCYL7qK72s/s3264/20240108_170524.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhejfPmb5kc225sIVx0967xdAeRajzo4LGNHTq2LYGGo2Jd6jZVzuVpThkDx_aMT0InIjjFXhaL_NU8gVhFaEu4Zi-gVTxqbxQ295Kei0cn6Hm2q7PpxrOK79FUiFn4osqw2Ag80dA6j5pR-4HT74IOJ85G1tOvewYBIGU0NEHbDrW7W2nWtiCYL7qK72s/s320/20240108_170524.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">One of the nice things about this farmer's market is that there is one central location on the first floor to pay for everything you want. Instead of needing to have a lot of cash on hand like when you shop at local craft shows, here you can grab a basket, do your shopping and then pay for everything at once. And of course they also accept credit cards, so you don't have to carry a lot of cash if you don't want to!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">But you might be thinking, I like the craft shows because I get to meet the crafters who make the items. The good news is, a few times a year Southgate crossing puts on craft shows, so if you come during those times you'll get to meet some of the crafters themselves! The next craft show scheduled is February 10, 2024.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Is that all that's going on at this farmer's market? I'm glad you asked! The answer is No! In addition to all the good food and wonderful products, they also have activities going on throughout the week!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">On Tuesday nights they have line dancing lessons and then on Wednesday nights they have line dancing. So, if you're new to line dancing you can take classes to learn on Tues. and then put when you've learned into practice on Wednesday nights!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Maybe dancing isn't your interest. How about a Concert every Thursday night? Yes, that's right, most Thursday nights (starting on February 8th) there is a concert by Quentin Flagg who performs Rock and Roll music from the 50's, and 60's along with some Country music and Gospel music! Come and check out this fun concert that's only $6.00 per person! It's from 6pm to 7:45pm. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Would you like more information on Southgate Crossing? Here's the link to<a href="https://southgatecrossing.info/" target="_blank"> Southgate Crossing's website!</a></div>Tracy's Designs 1http://www.blogger.com/profile/08743965807837166272noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3927281843743347175.post-72855738315427337662024-01-01T15:37:00.004-05:002024-01-05T19:28:32.694-05:00A New Year and New Goals<p> Happy New Year!</p><p>Can you believe it's 2024? </p><p>I'm guessing in some ways it feels like 2023 just flew by and it's hard to believe it's over and a new year is already beginning, while at the same time, in some ways it felt like this year dragged on because things didn't go like you'd planned or expected. I know that's how 2023 has felt for me and I think for a lot of other people.</p><p>Here are some things I like about the beginning of each new year: </p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>A New beginning. </li><li>Kind of a reset. </li><li>A time to look ahead.</li><li>A new year that has so many possibilities in it. </li><li>A time to dream again.</li><li>A time to plan again.</li><li>A time to hope again.</li></ul><div>Yes, I know. You've made plans other years, and they haven't always come to pass. Things didn't happen like you expected. (I'm talking about plans you made, not new year's resolutions.)</div><div><br /></div><div>You had big dreams, and I mean BIG dreams. You were sure things were going to happen a certain way and then other things happened that were completely out of your control. And that dream, the one you were so sure about, the one that you were so excited about, that one that you were hanging onto, it came crashing down, and behind it was reality. A reality that you didn't want. A reality that you didn't see coming. A reality that you didn't expect. And now it's hard to dream again. It's scary to dream again. You don't want to be disappointed again. </div><div><br /></div><div>I get it. That's been my life for the last few years. But with God's strength I'm going to put one foot in front of the other to move forward. One little step at a time, while trusting and believing that God has good plans that I can't even imagine yet.</div><div><br /></div><div>Jeremiah 29: 11-13 (NIV) "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart."</div><div><br /></div><div>God tells us that He has plans for us. So as the new year begins I'm going to encourage you to seek the Lord and ask Him to show you what His good plans for you are. I'm also seeking God to discover the plans He has for me.</div><div><br /></div><div>For now, or at least until God shows me the next plan He has for me, I'm taking small steps in the direction He has already directed me in. With that in mind on Sunday I created a monthly goal planner/overview sheet using Excel software.</div><div><br /></div><div>Years ago I started using Happy Planners as my planner for the year. I really like them because you're not stuck to just whatever pages were created by the manufacturer, but instead you can add pages of wherever you want and/or need to make the planner uniquely you both in style and purpose.</div><div><br /></div><div>So as I started working on my planner (adding pretty stickers, writing in ongoing activities; work, Bible studies, etc.) I realized that there were some additional pages I wanted this year that I haven't used/created in the past. Specifically a 1 page Monthly planner. Not the monthly calendar overview (although that's important, too). I wanted a simple style that was only one page long, that would be easy to glance at thought the month to stay focused on what needed to get done to reach my goals. I also wanted it to be fun and colorful. I love colors, so I wanted my happy planner to be colorful, too! So it took me a few hours, but I designed a 1 page Monthly Goal Overview planner! It will go in my happy planner at the beginning of the month of January!</div><div><br /></div><div>I had 6 categories of "goal" (not all are really goal, but rather "to do's"), so I made this planner page to have 6 categories! Each category looks like a colored "mini notebook"! Basically it's a small colored box with lines in which to write your goals. On the left side of each "notebook" is the "margin" line, which created little boxes beside each of the goals, so that as you finish off a goal you can check it off! The first 4 "mini notebooks" each have 15 lines available. The last 2 "mini notebooks" have 10 lines available on each one. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://tracysdesigns.etsy.com/listing/1633792610/monthly-goals-planner-2024-excel-sheet" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="782" data-original-width="602" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI3ecsRkbKhI2neO-ehTSLYqLCe34ZK7MFro9iaPY_ZEeWfTr5fc2mIP30fjxQ3x52fL0JGEB8UGzQQy78zhPFfya7d7jtAIwUwXldnke99a84kts-skGRsy69MtUxA5bbjiiOap_00LKcin8rGvAnz7zdUEbYKUqFE40rBLgiYRFu2CHA1hv_5MKLoMo/w154-h200/Screenshot%20%23%201%202023-12-31%20Monthly%20Goal%20Planner%20pic%20for%20listings.png" width="154" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Because it's an excel sheet, each line of the notebook is editable, so I was able to type in what I wanted under each goal, and then print it off to put in my planner.</div><div><br /></div><div>Since I use the Classic size Happy Planner, I needed to resize the print to 84% so that it will fit nicely in my planner. It's really simple to do this. When you have everything filled in on the sheet, click "file", then scroll down to "Print". When the print page comes up, look for the option to size the print. Adjust it to 84% and then hit the print button! Once it's printed off, you will need to cut off some of the right side and bottom of the paper. To make sure I cut off the edges to the correct size, I use another planner sheet. I lay it on top of the printed paper and using a pen (or pencil) make a few small dots along the edge so I'll know where to cut it at! </div><div><br /></div><div>After that I used my Happy Planner hole puncher to punch the holes in the left side and put it in my planner at the beginning of the month. I attached a tab to the page, so it will be easy to find and flip back to anytime I want to review the page. I then added some pretty and colorful stickers around the edges to make it more festive! And drum roll, please... a pretty planner page where my monthly goals are organized in one place!</div><div><br /></div><div>As I was finishing up typing out my goals, I realized that other people might like this cute and colorful planner sheet, too. So after a little more work, I listed it in my etsy store! Here's the <a href="https://tracysdesigns.etsy.com/listing/1633792610/monthly-goals-planner-2024-excel-sheet" target="_blank"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Monthly Goal planner</span></a>! I'm really excited about this planner sheet, and my hope is that you, too, will enjoy it.</div><div><br /></div><div>The 6 categories I used in my planner are: Personal Goals, Relationship with God, Sewing/Crocheting Goals, Financial Goals, Blogging Goals, and Cleaning Goals. But you can use whatever goals work for your plans for the month. The digital download excel planner you receive will not have my categories listed. Just type in your desired categories on the first line of each "notebook" and you'll be ready to go! And of course, you can even change the categories from month to month if your needs change!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://tracysdesigns.etsy.com/listing/1633792610/monthly-goals-planner-2024-excel-sheet" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="561" data-original-width="867" height="129" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIMd5fHHvvQK9TZDfmsS6qDY8eqyrxUZ4t5rPUZd_YEGthWUL9LFXjcS4UPNpz3tj0ZfQ1txB_fon3nmfdcKE6vWsNULx8on2hw1cPbiWXnbjJbP1CfIa7iAJEDtVPIWsy3OD_2ixfSL7OE7aGI77mwOSpXu2KVKngE8qNtvOk6vLbZLaLGiIXuCV13ek/w200-h129/Screenshot%20example%20of%20Monthly%20Goal%20excel%20program.png" width="200" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div>I hope you have fun getting your Happy Planner (or whatever planner you like to use) setup and ready for this new year. Dream Big! We serve a big God who has good plans for each of us!</div><div><br /></div><div>Happy New Year, 2024!</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div> <p></p>Tracy's Designs 1http://www.blogger.com/profile/08743965807837166272noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3927281843743347175.post-18318095387200271612023-12-13T08:00:00.308-05:002023-12-13T08:00:00.129-05:00Team Crocheting vs. Knitting? Take the poll!<p>Crocheting vs. Knitting</p><p> <span> </span>Last week I was talking with a friend and the topic turned to Smartphones verses laptop. I discovered that she prefers smartphones while I prefer laptops, which lead to a interesting conversation about why we liked the one we prefer. As I think back on our conversation, it's now making me think about other "this or that" options that people like. One that especially comes to mind is crocheting verses knitting.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhywbHAL09dnCknAYRsK0fDNFRMMie1tpqfwVAgINCDhWsmZJb72bOvtn0jegcRVB1r44wU1r-nNH65lPOkxd3yxS9YYVEQw9VIImXTn4gz7iBHutK02s7mwlJfYkeaLYuacbW1N3RmTkkHnnrjB9tyt5IhN071nEtUh3WZOTwFS66VyvVGXOjbTINDisY/s940/Crocheting%20vs.%20Knitting.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="788" data-original-width="940" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhywbHAL09dnCknAYRsK0fDNFRMMie1tpqfwVAgINCDhWsmZJb72bOvtn0jegcRVB1r44wU1r-nNH65lPOkxd3yxS9YYVEQw9VIImXTn4gz7iBHutK02s7mwlJfYkeaLYuacbW1N3RmTkkHnnrjB9tyt5IhN071nEtUh3WZOTwFS66VyvVGXOjbTINDisY/s320/Crocheting%20vs.%20Knitting.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><span> </span>If you know how to both crochet and knit, do you prefer one over the other? Which one did you learn first?</p><p><span> Ever since I was a kid, </span>I 've taken my crocheting projects with me when I go places where I might have to wait for a little while, or that I might have some "downtime". For example: the dentist's office, craft shows, etc. Quite a few times over the years, this has lead to conversations with people as they come up to me and ask what I'm making. Sometimes they then share that they, too, crochet or knit and discuss what they are working on.</p><p><span> </span>From these conversations, I've come to find that most people I talk with have a preference with one or the other. Interestingly it seems that a lot of times that preference comes from which one they learned first. Of course this is not always the case and I have meet some people who say they enjoy both and regularly create items from both venues of yarn art.</p><p><span> However, I have found that a lot of the people I talked with that said they learned to crochet first, generally don't like knitting as much. This is the group I'm in. I learned to crochet first, and a few years latter I taught myself to knit using a book. For me, it was difficult to get used to having all the stitches on the needle as you worked the project in contrast to crocheting where you're mostly working on one stitch as a time, finish that stitch and then move on to work on the next stitch. </span> I did learn to knit, but I only made a few items before I give it up and went back to crocheting.</p><p><span><span> Yet, when people told me they learned to knit first, they generally told me they like to do both. Some have shared with me that they still prefer knitting over crocheting, but that they do create items using both methods.</span><br /></span></p><p><span><span><span> So, from my very unofficial conversations/polls from over the years, I have to admit that it sounds like if you have a desire to learn both crocheting and knitting, it might be best to learn knitting first. (Ouch, that hurts to say, lol.) But, that way you will enjoy them both. My theory is that when you first learn to knit with lots of stitches on the needle it is then easy to also learn to crochet with one stitch at a time on the needle, but when you learn crocheting first, with one stitch on the hook at a time, it is then more difficult to learn (or get used to) having a lot of stitches on the needle at the same time. </span><br /></span></span></p><p><span><span><span><span> That said, I think that crocheting is fun and relaxing and there's no time better than the present to learn to crochet! There's a few main stitches you need to learn first in crochet: chain, single crochet, and double crochet, and with just these 3 stitches you can create so many beautiful items. Plus, once you've learned these 3 stitches, it's easy to learn so many of the other stitches as a lot of them use variances of these stitches! </span><br /></span></span></span></p><p><span><span><span><span>Here are some differences:</span></span></span></span></p><p><span><span><span><span>Crocheting vs. knitting</span></span></span></span></p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>one crochet hook vs 2 knitting needles</li><li>Many stitches available vs 2 main stitches (knitting and purling)</li><li>One stitch on the hook at a time vs. many stitches on the needles at a time</li><li>unlimited sizing vs. basically limited to the size of the needle unless you want to make in many pieces and then stitch together.</li></ul><div>Here are some similarities:</div><div><br /></div><div>Crocheting vs. Knitting</div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>both hooks and needles are pretty inexpensive to purchase to get starting creating</li><li>There's lots of variety in yarns and most if not all work well for both crocheting and knitting</li><li>Both are easy enough to learn basic stitches that children can learn!</li></ul><div>Do you already know how to crochet or knit, or both? In the comments below let me know which you learned first and which you now prefer to make most of your projects from. And by answering in the comments, this unofficial poll can continue. Will online commentors feel the same way as those I've talked to in person about crocheting and knitting?</div></div><p></p><p><span><span><span>What project are you working on today? It is a crochet or knit project?</span></span></span></p><p><br /></p>Tracy's Designs 1http://www.blogger.com/profile/08743965807837166272noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3927281843743347175.post-75947268137105151402023-12-04T12:24:00.004-05:002024-01-09T17:02:02.039-05:00Christmas Party!<p>To the Mothers, Grandmothers, and Doll Collectors who read my blog, I hope you enjoy this fun "from a Doll's Perspective" story. I've been sewing a lot of 18" doll Christmas dresses lately and thought I'd take a little break and write a fun post to go along with the dresses. I know Christmas time can get busy, so I hope this gives you a moment to take a deep breath, and just enjoy a story! </p><p>"Mom, it's finally here!" Emily yelled as she ran in the house from getting the mail! "It's from Paula. It must be the invitation!"</p><p>Emily had been watching the mailbox everyday since her best friend Paula had told her that her parents were allowing her to have a Christmas Party at their house. But this wasn't just any Christmas Party, it was going to be a "formal" party. All the guests were to dress up in fancy formal dresses! They would eat dinner at the dinning room table using the "good" dishes and silverware and even have cloth napkins. It was going to be very fancy! And Paula was sending each of her friends an invitation through the mail to invite them the party!</p><p>Finally. The invitation had arrived! In reality her best friend Paula had just told her about the party 3 days ago. But Emily was so excited that she'd started watching the mailbox that same day. She wanted to see the invitation and get the details about the party as soon as possible! </p><p>Even though Emily was in a hurry to open the invitation, so also didn't want to tear the invitation and envelope, so she made herself slow down to carefully open the envelope. She got it open and gently pulled out the invitation. The outside of the card was beautiful! There was a picture of a girl standing outside next to a pine tree with fluffy white snow gently swirling around her! The "snow" was made from glitter, so the card sparkled. Emily stood for a moment just looking at the invitation card.</p><p>Inside she read:<br />Emily Thomson is cordially invited to Paula Anderson's formal Christmas Party on Saturday December 16, 2023 at 4pm. Meal will be served at 4:30pm. Come dressed in Christmas formal attire.</p><p>It then went on to give Paula's address.</p><p>Emily's mom was smiling as she watched her daughter open and read the invitation. Now, Emily looked up at her mom and said: "Can I get a new Christmas dress, Mom?"</p><p>"We can go shopping on Friday." Emily's mom replied. "It will be your dress for church for the Christmas Eve service, too."</p><p>At that, Emily ran to her room to call Paula and let her know that she'd gotten the invitation! They talked nonstop for almost an hour, until their mom's told them they needed to get off the phone; it was time for supper.</p><p>Now she had to wait until Friday, to shop for her dress. But Friday finally came and Emily's mom picked her up from school and they went shopping for a Christmas dress. The first store they went to didn't have anything that Emily liked, so they went to another clothing store. There were a few dresses that Emily liked and tried on there, but they still weren't quite what she had in mind. They were about to leave that store, but some fabric sticking out from a rack caught her attention and she walked over to see what it was. As soon as she saw it, she gasped! The dress was beautiful!</p><p>The fabric that had caught her eye was a sheer fabric with sparkly silver dots, red and white candy canes and peppermints and sparkly silver ribbon trimmed at the hem.</p><p>As she pulled the dress out, she discovered that underneath the sheer fabric was a solid red fabric that was also used for the bodice of the dress. The sleeves were made from the same sparkly sheer fabric! Emily couldn't take her eyes off this dress. Emily's mom encouraged her to go tried it on.</p><p>A few minutes later Emily stepped out of the dressing room so her mom could see the dress on her. Emily's eyes sparked with excitement! She loved this dress! Emily swirled around so her mom could see the whole dress! </p><p>Emily's mom paid for the dress and Emily clutched the bag tightly as they walked out to the car. Now she really couldn't wait for the party. </p><p>Emily decided not to tell anyone what the dress looked like, so that it would be a surprise for the party. It was very hard to wait, though. She had to bite her tongue a few times as she almost told Paula this or that about the dress. </p><p>Finally Dec. 16th came! Emily got dressed up in her new Christmas dress and her mom drove her over to Paula's house.</p><p>Everyone was dressed up and it was so much fun to see what everyone's dresses looked like. They all ooh'ed and ahh'ed over each other's dresses. <br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3JUzlN0XYdHiQHz9ixmbUgf9Y-rBiy8nMt7Tl8UUOuKBdYQfwiNqMlwCNzgTQB9esJES4CgYT7-kWmDf6gnB2yq6EL_DRmqqcqmGOcsocj103ukJV6er1I4eokFXF8_LPCk6PYgFTkbcmDy71vmsvsBjaXeF8DF8oLeNt9al8L71BrjaF2IHgjMWFbgs/s1920/Christmas%20Party%20Dress%20Candy%20canes%201.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1920" data-original-width="1920" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3JUzlN0XYdHiQHz9ixmbUgf9Y-rBiy8nMt7Tl8UUOuKBdYQfwiNqMlwCNzgTQB9esJES4CgYT7-kWmDf6gnB2yq6EL_DRmqqcqmGOcsocj103ukJV6er1I4eokFXF8_LPCk6PYgFTkbcmDy71vmsvsBjaXeF8DF8oLeNt9al8L71BrjaF2IHgjMWFbgs/s320/Christmas%20Party%20Dress%20Candy%20canes%201.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p>Paula's mom had decorated the dinning room table with a cloth table cloth, cloth napkins folded to look like Christmas trees, pretty dishes with gold color on the edges, real glass drinking dresses with pink lemonade in each glass, and a small mini Christmas tree in the center of the table. </p><p>The food was good. Paula's mom had cooked a ham and made mashed potatoes and green beans. There was also a salad and for desert there was cherry pie!</p><p>After the dinner the girls talked for awhile about school, their plans for Christmas break and their dresses. Then they watched a Christmas movie!<br /><br />It was a wonderful Christmas Party, and Emily and all the girls had so much fun!</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Tracy's Designs 1http://www.blogger.com/profile/08743965807837166272noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3927281843743347175.post-72894960789312005462023-11-23T11:32:00.003-05:002023-12-18T18:03:44.984-05:00Happy Thanksgiving 2023<p> Happy Thanksgiving to all my terrific readers. </p><p>As I write this post, I'm sitting on my couch watching the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. (A gingerbread man and woman along with a person in a pie costume just walked by! Such cute and creative costumes!) It has been a tradition to watch this Parade for as long as I can remember. Getting up on Thanksgiving and watching the parade with my family, and of course, my brother and I looked forward to seeing Santa at the end of the Parade! My mom watching some of it with us, and watching some it of from the kitchen as she prepared some food to take with us to grandma and grandpa's house for our big Thanksgiving day meal with all the relatives. There are so many wonderful memories of Thanksgivings from over the years! Then growing up and getting married and for awhile spending time with both my side and my husband's side of the family on Thanksgiving Day brought new memories and more to be thankful for.</p><p>I hope this day finds you with a thankful heart, whether it's been a great year or a year of difficulties and pain. For me, this year has seen a lot of pain, with the loss of a deeply loved husband, after a multi-years battle with cancer. Yet, I am thankful for my family and friends' support through it all. And most of all, I'm so thankful for my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, for helping me and guiding me as I struggle to understand the "why's". And in learning to accept that some "why's" likely won't be answered on this side of Heaven. As I hang on to God, and His wonderful Word, I know that Romans 8:28 is true: "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.", and because of this I can put my trust in God and his unfailing love and be thankful today for His many blessings.</p><p>Please join me in prayer today:<br /><br />Father,</p><p>I thank you for this day and for each day that you give us, as it is truly a gift from you! I ask that you would help each reader to see things to be thankful for today and to rejoice in those blessing from you. For those that are hurting today as they miss the loss of someone they love, I ask that you give them your peace and comfort and help them to enjoy the good memories and be thankful for those memories. Help them, Lord, that those memories will bring joy and not pain, today and everyday. Lord, I ask that you would help us to see even the little things you have blessed us with and have a thankful heart for them, today and everyday. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.</p><p><br /></p><p>Psalms 118: 24 "This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.". Each day we get to make a choice whether we are going to be thankful or not. Today, I chose to be thankful, and I hope that you will, too. Whatever is going on in your life, there are blessings from God. Dwell on those things and praise God for them. Philippians 4:8-9 "Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable - if anything is excellent or praiseworthy - think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me - put into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.".</p><p>Are you rushing from one Thanksgiving dinner to another today? Or maybe you're hosting Thanksgiving at your house this year and with that comes cooking the Turkey and all the last minute house cleaning. I know in the moment it may seem busy and sometimes stressful, but take a moment to take a deep breath and look around you. Enjoy being surrounded by your loved ones! Remember, when your loved ones look back at their Thanksgiving memories they won't remember if that fireplace was dusted today or not, but they will remember the time they spent with you and everyone else. Enjoy the day!</p><p>Tell me in the comments what you are thankful for today! I would love to hear and rejoice with you in the blessings God has given you today and throughout the year. </p><p>Did you watch the Macy's Thanksgiving Parade today, too? If so, what was your favorite part? Please share that in the comments, too!</p><p>Have a great and happy Thanksgiving!</p><p>Signed with a thankful heart, </p><p>Tracy</p><p><br /></p>Tracy's Designs 1http://www.blogger.com/profile/08743965807837166272noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3927281843743347175.post-90025762641887795122023-11-18T19:43:00.002-05:002023-11-18T19:44:49.437-05:00The Craft show is finished. Now what?<p> You've enjoyed the craft show, sold items (Yay!!), packed up what's left and you're home. Now, what's next?</p><p>Well, lots of things actually.</p><p><b>1) Totaling your receipts</b></p><p>Now it's time to total your receipts and the money and make sure the numbers match. Be sure to make a note of how much sales tax you collected so that you will be able to remit that to your state (providing you live in a state that collects sales tax). *Note: If you haven't, see a CPA for help on getting everything setup legally. They can help you get everything set up correctly! You want to be sure that you have everything setup correctly from the start. (It's actually best to do this before the first craft show.)</p><p>Be sure to write down the totals and the total of sales tax collected and keep the info with your receipts so the info will be there when you need it and so you won't have to take the time to total everything again.</p><p><b>2) Assess your inventory</b></p><p>Now go back through your receipts and takes notes about the items you sold. Some things to consider are:</p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span>What sold the best?</span></li><li>What items didn't sell?</li><li>Did you run out of anything?</li><ul><li>If yes, how many did you start with? How early in the show did you run out? This will help you decide approx. how much you might need for your next show.</li></ul></ul><div>Note: Be sure to write this info down in a notebook, as it will help you have a better idea of how much product you may need for upcoming craft shows. It's also good to write down the name of the show, so you can compare it to how you do at this show next year! (It can help you plan goals in the future!)</div><div><span> </span><br /></div><div><b>3) Other things to consider:</b></div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Did you get any ideas for new products based upon your conversations with customers?</li><li>What products were your customers most excited about? </li><ul><li>How did you have those items displayed? </li><li>Is there a way to display them so that they will get even more attention?</li></ul><li>What did people ask you for that you didn't have made? </li><ul><li>Are those things you would consider making?</li></ul><li>Did any of your customers talk about a problem they may have in relation to using your type of items? </li><ul><li>Is there a way you could redesign what you're making that would better solve the customer's problem? </li><li>For example someone came up years ago: A crocheted hat with a hole for a pony-tail. A regular hat was great for some but didn't work well for those that wore their hair in a pony tail, thus someone created a hat with a hole near the top to pull your pony tail through! They solved the customer's problem! What problem can you solve for your customers?</li><li>At your next shows you will be able to tell customers about the problem and how your product solves the problem they had!</li></ul></ul><div>Make notes of all these things in your notebook, so they you can start to implement your solutions! It's always good to write them down, even if you haven't completely figured out how to solve the problem yet, so that you don't have a lot of ideas floating around in your head that you may forget before having time to explore them more in depth.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>3) Rest</b></div><div><br /></div><div><span> Yes, this is important too. Take some time to sit down and relax. You've had a busy day, or 2 busy days if you setup for the show the night before, and there's a lot to keep you busy in the future, so get a cup of your favorite coffee or tea (or for me, it's hot apple cider with caramel) and curl up on the couch with your favorite book or a movie and take some time off.</span><br /></div><div><span> </span><br /></div><div><span><b>4) Start planning for your next show</b></span></div><div><span><br /></span></div><div><span>Now that you've got an idea of your inventory (step 2), and you've had some time to rest so you don't burn out, you can start to decide how much you may need to have ready for your next craft show.</span></div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Do you already have another show booked?</li><li>How much time do you have for making product before this next show?</li><ul><li>Not just the actual amount of days (say it's in 2 weeks), but how much time will you have to focus on making product? Taking into consideration your other time responsibilities to figure out how much time you can realistically put into creating your products.</li></ul><li>Based on your most popular items, which of them makes the most profit? Creating more of those items first can be a good idea, that way, if unexpected things come up that take time away from creating, you'll still have the most important items made and ready!</li></ul><div><b>5) Create your products!</b></div></div><div><br /></div><div><span> Yay! It's time for the fun part again! Create your beautiful products and look forward to your next craft show! And now that you've done the steps above you have a good idea of what you need to make so you can be confident in what you're making!</span><br /></div><p></p><p><br /></p>Tracy's Designs 1http://www.blogger.com/profile/08743965807837166272noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3927281843743347175.post-7337200255573215532023-11-12T18:30:00.005-05:002023-12-16T12:16:30.742-05:00How to get into your first handmade Craft show!<p><span> </span>I struggle to open my eyes and wonder, "How can it really be time to wake up" already? My phone says it's 6:40am on Saturday morning, but how can that be? Didn't I just go to sleep? (It's important to note here, that I'm not a morning person, lol.) Okay, to be fair, I was up until midnight Friday night finishing up sewing two more Christmas party doll dresses! Oh, but the Christmas dresses are so pretty I just had to get them finished so I could bring them to the craft show! </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA7FWxDWehg6UKj_4MeqUJEn7Jz2PP1uG9e9AtRBLtDYGsvJsWX_dqFYI7AvRXcFOczWajUrApqWKo2kSVKQYEQ2SVHehPmktXSbNP0Brp9p_dgCsFtpgGZFy_1QF98q-XNHD-UAUOTclIvn7IxwmGGqcV6lCxY5bvHaEMmpo4v_XoGc4cG_npdbjEgL4/s1500/How%20to%20first%20Handmade%20Craft%20show%20blog%20post%20pic.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA7FWxDWehg6UKj_4MeqUJEn7Jz2PP1uG9e9AtRBLtDYGsvJsWX_dqFYI7AvRXcFOczWajUrApqWKo2kSVKQYEQ2SVHehPmktXSbNP0Brp9p_dgCsFtpgGZFy_1QF98q-XNHD-UAUOTclIvn7IxwmGGqcV6lCxY5bvHaEMmpo4v_XoGc4cG_npdbjEgL4/s320/How%20to%20first%20Handmade%20Craft%20show%20blog%20post%20pic.png" width="213" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p><span> </span>It's in those early waking moments on a Saturday morning when I wonder why am I doing this? But then I get up, get ready, pick up my mom, who helps me at my shows, and go to my booth at the venue. At 8am customers, with smiles on their faces, eagerly start coming in to find those unique handmade creations! Some are new customer that I get to meet for the first time, and others are repeat customers that come back to my booth year after year to see what new creations I have made that they can give their daughters/granddaughters/nieces this year for Christmas, and suddenly the alarm going off at 6:40am is worth it.</p><p><span> </span>Saturday's show was fun and I'm glad to be a part of it! Outside, the weather is getting cooler, the leaves are turning colors, inside some of the vendors have their tables decorated for fall, and are selling fall decor items, while other vendors have their spaces decorated for Christmas!</p><p><span> </span>This year I was told by those organizing the show that they had 109 vendors, so there was lots of beautiful, creative, products to be found!</p><p><br /></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;">If you're a crafter, have you every wondered how to be a part of a local craft show?</span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #111111; font-size: 16px;"><span style="font-family: courier;">Do you love creating items and wish you could sell them at craft shows to make some extra money, but feel overwhelmed with where to start?</span></span></p><p>Keep readying for some tips I've learned from over 14 years of doing craft shows!</p><p><b>1) Decide on what type of products you want to make. </b> </p><p><span><span> A) </span>If you're having a hard time deciding, start thinking about what type of crafts you already like to do and are good at? Do you like working with yarn, fabrics, beads, paper, food, etc.? </span></p><p><span> Type of Craft: Examples</span><br /></p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Sewing</li><li>Crocheting</li><li>Knitting</li><li>Jewelry Making</li><li>Paper art</li><li>Baking (be sure to check with local/state/national laws when selling food)</li><li>and so many more options. </li></ul> <span> B) </span>Once you've decide the type of craft, then decide what type of items you want to make within that craft: <div>Just a few examples of items to make:<p></p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Clothing </li><li>Kid's toys</li><li>Dog items</li><li>Home Decor</li><li>Jewelry (Necklaces, earrings, rings, etc.)</li><li>Craft items for other crafters to use on their projects (stickers, crocheted lace, etc.)</li><li>Decal items: Mugs, t-shirts (will you offer personalization?)</li><li>Accessories (scarves, purses, hair bows, etc.)</li></ul><div><span> </span>There are so many items to choose from, but it's a good idea to make decisions about what you want to make before you start looking into finding shows, as you will be asked what products you sell. Some shows will only allow a certain number of the same types of items to be presented, so you need to already have this info decided. </div><div><br /></div><div><span> </span>*However, don't worry, it doesn't mean you will always have to make and sell that type of item if you find there doesn't seem to be a market for it. </div><div><br /></div><div><span> </span>When I started I was embroidering on items (baby bibs, blankets, towels, basically anything I could embroider on!). At first it was fun, but I found they didn't sell very well for me, and wasn't really something I enjoyed making long term. So I started making other items to see what I would enjoy and what other people were looking for. Eventually, I found that I really enjoyed making 18" doll clothes!</div><div><br /></div><div><span> </span>So, start with something you think you'll enjoy and give it a try! Don't let fear of the unknown keep you from starting your dreams!</div><div><br /></div><div><b>2) Find a show.</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><span> A) </span>Here are some easy ways to find out about shows in your area:<span> </span></div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span><span>Have you attended shows in your area as a customer? Talk to other vendors, there. They can point you to the person in charge who will likely have info on their show for next year (lots of shows are done annually at churches and schools). </span></span></li><li><span><span>Search on facebook for local or state craft show groups.</span></span></li><li><span><span>Local Newspapers may list upcoming craft shows in their local events column.</span></span></li><li>Friends: Ask your friends about craft shows they have attended in the past</li></ul><div><span> B) Once you've found out about some shows, the next step is to contact the administrator of the event for information, and ask for an application.</span><br /></div></div><div><span><br /></span></div><div><span><b>3) Fill out the application</b></span></div><div><span><b><br /></b></span></div><div><span><span> A) The applications are usually pretty easy to fill out. They will ask for info like your name and address, the name of your business, and a description of the items your are selling. Some will ask for photos of your work if this is your first time doing the show. </span></span></div><div><span><span><span> </span>The application will also include the rules of the show, so be sure to read everything. Okay, don't get scared, the rules are usually reasonable. </span></span></div><div><span><span><span> </span>For example, most shows don't allow open flames. So, for example, if you're a candle maker, you need to know that you can't light your candles for people to experience how they burn. You will need to figure out another way to let customers know the benefits of your candles.</span></span></div><div><span><span><br /></span></span></div><div><span><span><span> B) Cost. The cost depends on the show and your location. Usually larger shows that have been running annually for years and are well attended are going to cost a lot more for a space than smaller and newer shows. </span><br /></span></span></div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><u>Small shows</u> can be a good place to start if you haven't done a show before, so you can get hands-on experience of setting up at a show, an idea of how much product you'll need to make, and get used to talking with browsers and customers (especially if you're an introvert). </li><ul><li>The positive side is that they don't usually cost very much (maybe $20 to $40) a show.</li><li> The negative side is that they do not usually have a large attendance of customers coming through, so sales may not be very good. (When I started, there were a few of these shows that I did not make enough money to even cover the cost of the booth space).</li></ul><li><u>Large shows</u>: </li><ul><li>The positive of large shows that is usually bring in a lot more customers, which means more potential in sales. </li><li>However, they do usually cost quite a bit more per space. </li><li>You do need to have a lot more products made so that you don't completely sell out at a show. These shows don't want their vendors to sell out before the end of the show, as there will be people coming through all day long. While not all specify in their rules that you have to have enough product to not sell out, I have read some applications that do specify this. (Of course, you don't want to sell out before the end, anyways, as that means you've lost out on sales.) </li><li>So take into account for large shows, if you can get enough product made by the time of the show.</li></ul></ul><div><span> C) Timeframe: Depending on the size of the show, most applications will be available at the end of the current show (and returning vendors get first option to come back), or a few months before the show's event date. Start looking for the shows as soon as possible as they will fill up.</span><br /></div></div><div><span><b><br /></b></span></div><div><span><b>4) Make your Product!!!!!</b></span></div><div><span><b><br /></b></span></div><div><span> Okay, finally the really fun part: make your items! Have fun! Be creative! </span></div><div><span><br /></span></div><div><span>But there are some questions that may be coming to your mind:</span><br /></div><div><span><br /></span></div><div><span><span> A) How many items do I make?</span><br /></span></div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>The reality is when you're first starting out, a lot of that is a guessing game. I would say depending on your items, you probably want to have a few of each item, though. Keep in mind, some customers will look at everything at a show before going back to make their purchases. So, you want to have some in stock for when they come back looking for it!</li></ul><div><span> B) How much should I charge for my creations?</span><br /></div></div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>There are so many formulas online for what to charge for a handmade product. And I won't go into all of that here, as it would take at least one blog post all itself. But I will say, that you need to figure out the cost of the items your making, take into account the cost of your booth space and other expenses (gas to travel to the show, food to eat while you're at the show, etc.), and how long it takes you to make the items. Having these numbers will give you a better idea on what prices you need to charge for your beautiful creations. Remember, you don't want to put all that work into your items just to lose money.</li></ul><div><b>5) Setup for the show</b></div></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div> <span> </span>Setup times for craft shows are usually the day before, or early the morning of the show. It's a good idea (if you have the room) to mark out the space of your booth at home some weeks before the show and practice how you'd like to setup your booth space. This will give you an idea of how much time it will take you to setup and also let you know if need anything else for your displays. </div><div><span> Get there early, especially for your first show, to give yourself plenty of time so as not to be stressed out and to be sure you're finished setting up before the show starts. </span></div><div><span>You want everything ready for your customers!</span><br /></div><div><span><b><br /></b></span></div><div><span><b>6) Enjoy the show!</b></span></div><div><br /></div><div><span><span>Congratulations! You are ready for your first craft show! </span></span></div><div><span><span><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span><span>Be sure to have on hand:<br /><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>pens</li><li>receipt book</li><li>tape</li><li>extra paper in case you need to make another sign</li><li>bags to put the items in when purchased </li></ul></span></span>Have fun and enjoy your first craft show/s (even if your alarm has to wake you up early, too!)!</div><p></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p></div>Tracy's Designs 1http://www.blogger.com/profile/08743965807837166272noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3927281843743347175.post-4908556747068479512023-11-03T08:00:00.139-04:002023-12-05T14:26:47.028-05:00Fun Fact Friday ~ Crocheting is Unique!<p> Did you know that machines can't replicate crochet?</p><p>Crocheting is the art of using a "stick" (to explain it simply) with a hook on the end and looping yarn over the hook, inserting the hook into previous stitches and pulling it through to create more stitches. Depending on which stitch you insert the hook into and when and how many times you loop the yarn over the hook creates many unique and beautiful crochet stitches. Then when you repeat those stitches though out the project you're making you create a beautiful, textured design that can be used and enjoyed for many years to come!</p><p>Even though companies have tried to make a machine that will make crocheted items, due to the unique and variety of ways that yarn can be looped over the crochet hook and inserted into a variety of other stitches, to the best of my knowledge, no one has been able to create a machine that actually crochets. I have heard of a 1 or 2 machines that were created that were able to do one or maybe two basic crochet stitches, but even those looked more like things made from a knitting loom rather than a crochet hook.</p><p>The versatility of the way stitches are created keeps them from being machine made and continues to make crocheted items desirable and sought after for their uniqueness.</p><p><b>This is great news for crocheters!</b> Whether you're making something to give as a gift, to enjoy for yourself, or to sell as a hobby or business, your crocheted creations are truly unique and special! Whether you design your own pattern from scratch, or when you use a crochet pattern created by someone else, you add your own special touches to the project, with the type and colors of yarn you choose which make your finished creation unique!</p><p>So, curl up on your couch, put on your favorite movie or audiobook, turn on the fireplace (if it's a cold day out) and pull out that crochet project you've been working on! Or, hey, start another project if you have a new idea. I know for many of us crocheters, we're usually working on more than one project at a time. Once you start creating, so many more ideas come to mind for making more items. It's easy to get so excited about all the things you want to crochet that... well... many WIP (work-in-process) seems to be the normal! Let the creativity flow!</p><p><b>This is great news for gift recipients!</b> Crocheting takes times and it's a process that can't be sped up very much. Sure the more experienced a crocheter is and/or they type of stitch being used for a particular project, the faster the crochet project can move along, but even so there is still only so fast a person can move their fingers to create each stitch, which means the person making your gift has spent an incredible amount of time crafting your unique item. They care very much about you, to put in all that time and effort; from picking out (or designing) the right pattern, to choosing the colors, to creating every stitch! You are special and loved! Enjoy the gift!</p><p><b>This is also great news for those looking to purchase unique handmade items!</b> Whether you're shopping at a local craft show or at an online marketplace like Etsy, Michael's Marketplace, Ebay, or elsewhere you can shop with confidence knowing that the item you're purchasing is truly handmade! </p><p>As you stroll through the craft show or online marketplace, take a moment to admire the amount of stitches needed to make the item and the textures those stitches make. Each stitch has been individually created by a talented yarn artist. The type of yarn (fiber content, thickness or thinness, etc), the color or colors of yarn, the stitches and the textures are just some of things the artist has taken into consideration when creating this beautiful item.</p><p>Yes, the price the yarn artist is asking may seem higher than what similar non-handmade items are at a box store, but remember these are all made by hand; each stitch loving created by the talented artist. For example: A hand crocheted blanket is going cost more than a fabric blanket at a big name chain store. But with the crocheted item you're getting something unique!</p><p><br /></p><p>With so many crochet stitch combinations and thicknesses of yarns there is no end to the creativeness that a crocheter can come up! Everything from creating items that bring warmth to you or your home with beautiful blankets, sweaters, and scarves, to creating decor like throw pillows or useful products like dishcloths and purses to fun items like stuffed animals and so much more! The possibilities are endless!</p><p>What unique project are you working on today?</p><p>What unique crocheted item are you considering purchasing today?</p><p>Feel free to share in the comments!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1Aq0BxLh003eHu9d0Pusa_KtkuXEfIMwpjQxbCY2Z89SRSQWR4cyJO0sPgqrA0lIoNLMhMIP_VxTQ-WD8ObtwJ8q6VK1zx_pBpNjbeCQYwkTTsFK5p1h3TeSzLKtIMVHfBMGRYWVVE8b-HkdNmPqgyLR56TfEoTZ4BvTnlAHKXWU2dM_6eLBa7xBzT_s/s1640/Create%20something%20uniquely%20you,%20today!.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="924" data-original-width="1640" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1Aq0BxLh003eHu9d0Pusa_KtkuXEfIMwpjQxbCY2Z89SRSQWR4cyJO0sPgqrA0lIoNLMhMIP_VxTQ-WD8ObtwJ8q6VK1zx_pBpNjbeCQYwkTTsFK5p1h3TeSzLKtIMVHfBMGRYWVVE8b-HkdNmPqgyLR56TfEoTZ4BvTnlAHKXWU2dM_6eLBa7xBzT_s/s320/Create%20something%20uniquely%20you,%20today!.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p>Tracy's Designs 1http://www.blogger.com/profile/08743965807837166272noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3927281843743347175.post-38059153274259174602012-04-28T16:44:00.014-04:002023-12-21T19:17:34.553-05:00DIY Crochet Pattern Doll Mittens<div style="text-align: center;">
Are you a crafty type of person that likes to make and crochet things for your 18 inch dolls?
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<a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/doll-mittens-18-inch-american-girl-dolls-crochet" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1_4SlcFUvIOb_GhCoDjOql2Aw-ZmmT20Z6_LGAG9QCyByTMbaF3zNBchRvdbfbqSN0SEIn1-lq-GBgM_N1fRHMqlLrwx9PQ6gAccWQZjus8Ts-1C2bFFf-1u_onO4XtpnX8PBP5IPjg8/s400/doll+mitten+pattern+pic.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>
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With this easy doll mitten pattern designed by TracysDesigns1, you can crochet these 18" doll clothes mittens in a variety of colors! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This pattern is made to fit 18 inch dolls such as the American Girl dolls, Our Generation dolls, My Life dolls, Springfield Collection dolls, and other similar shaped 18 inch dolls.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It's important to keep your doll's hands warm in the winter months. You don't want their little hands to get frostbitten! (Plus, if the doll is wearing mittens it might encourage your daughter/granddaughter to wear theirs, too!)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Make them in a variety of colors to match their outfits, and/or their coats and jackets!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />This crochet pattern is so simple, it can be crocheted by a beginner. Even children that know some basic crochet stitches can make these mittens for their dolls, using some scrap amounts of yarn!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>Type of yarn used:</b> 100% Acrylic ~ 4 ply yarns. In the picture I used Hobby Lobby's Yarn: "I Love This Yarn", although Red Heart and Caron acrylic yarns would also work great! (Although I think the "I love this Yarn" is softer, so easier to crochet with, and of course more soft and comfortable for the doll to wear.)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>Amount of yarn needed:</b> Small amount, less than 1 oz of yarn. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">* Note: This is a great was to use up some small scrap amounts of yarn that you haven't wanted to waste and throw away, but wasn't really sure what to use them for! If you're really creative, you could even crochet the most of the rows in one color and then change to another color for the last couple of rows of the mitten, so that it looks like cuff/binding on them.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>Skill Level:</b> Easy</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Stitches used to make these mittens: Chain, Single Crochet, Invisible Decrease, and Slip Stitch.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>Crochet Hook Size:</b> K</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>Gauge:</b> 3 single crochet stitches equal 1 inch</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><u>Abbreviations</u>:</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">ch ~ chain</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">sc ~ single crochet</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">sl ~ slip stitch</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">st / sts ~ stitch / stitches</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">InvDec ~ invisible decrease</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Make 2 Mittens to make a pair.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>To Begin:</b> Chain 2.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Round 1: 6 single crochet stitches in the 2nd chain stitch from the hook. Sl st the 6th stitch with the 1st single crochet st. (This will form a circle.) Ch 1, do not turn. (Total of 6 single crochet stitches.)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Round 2: *single crochet in the first stitch, 2 single crochet stitches in the next stitch*, repeat between the *s around then slip stitch the last stitch with the first single crochet stitch from this round. Chain 1, do not turn. (Total 9 single crochet stitches.)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Round 3: 1 single crochet in each stitch around. Chain 1, do not turn. (Total of 9 single crochet stitches.)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Round 4: 1 single crochet in the next 4 stitches, in the 5th stitch: 1 sc, ch 2, 1 sc. Then 1 single crochet in the next 4 stitches. Sl st. ch 1, do not turn. (Total of 9 single crochet stitches + 2 chain stitches)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Round 5: 1 single crochet in each of the next 5 stitches, 2 single crochet in the next stitch (which is the first of the chain 2 stitches from round 4), 2 single crochet in the next stitch (which is the second of the 2 chain stitches from round 4), 1 single crochet in each of the rest of the stitches in this round. Sl st with first single crochet of this round. Ch 1, do not turn. (Total 14 stitches.)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Round 6: 1 single crochet in each stitch around. Slip stitch. Chain 1, do not turn. (Total of 14 stitches.)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Round 7: 1 single crochet in each of the first 5 stitches, * 1 InvDec in next two stitches (this makes 2 stitches into one)* repeat between the *s 2 more times (this makes a total of 3 InvDec sts, which is combining 6 stitches down to 3 stitches). 1 single crochet in each of the rest of the stitches in this round. Slip stitch with the first single crochet of this round. Chain 1, do not turn. (Total of 11 stitches.)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Round 8: 1 single crochet in each stitch around. Tie off. (Total of 11 stitches.)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Copywrite 2012 by TracysDesigns1. You have permission to sell as many finished products made using this pattern as you would like, on any selling venue you would like (online and offline), but you do not have permission to resell copies of my pattern anywhere (including online and offline). </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">If someone wants a copy of this pattern, please direct them to my website. Thank you.</div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Would you like the ad free, PDF version of this pattern? Great news, this <a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/doll-mittens-18-inch-american-girl-dolls-crochet">Doll Mitten PDF pattern</a> is available for purchase in my Ravelry store! </div>
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<br /></div>Tracy's Designs 1http://www.blogger.com/profile/08743965807837166272noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3927281843743347175.post-23464416129672698352011-07-29T17:44:00.010-04:002024-01-09T14:24:32.154-05:004-H County FairWhen I made plans with a friend earlier this week to go to the county fair on Thursday, I had no idea it would be a day of new adventures! I thought it would be like most years... eat fair food, walk through the commercial buildings, eating more fair food, walk though the games area and watch people try to win stuffed animals, look at the fair food and think wow that looks really good I wish I wasn't so full, walk though the animal barns, look at the rides, etc. (Okay, can you tell I like fair food. lol. How about you? Is the once-a-year type foods like elephant ears on your mind when you go to the fair?)<div><br /></div><div>First let me start by telling you a little about the Elkhart County 4-H Fair. The Fair is located in Elkhart County Indiana and it's gigantic. Seriously, from what I have heard, it's one of the largest 4-H County fairs in the United States! So, there's always a lot going on from performances of well known singers, to lots of food (yes, I'm talking about fair food again), lots of rides, multiple commercial buildings with a lot of variety of vendors selling their products and services, 2 large craft building displaying handmade items and homegrown foods with the ribbons they won, and oh so many animal building where 4-H-er's can show off the animals they have raised over the year. Oh, and don't forget the demolition derby on the last night of the Fair.<br />
<br />But with so many activities going on at the Elkhart Fair, I was still taken off guard when we get there and my friend says "Would you go on a helicopter?" After thinking for a minute, and the shock wore off a tiny bit, I said "Sure! Sounds like fun." Now, I don't like heights (I mean, I REALLY DON'T LIKE HEIGHTS), but I do like adventure and I really like to watch the tv show the Amazing Race, so I figured I could try it... once. After all it couldn't be any worse than flying in a small airplane in Honduras with one propeller that wasn't working correctly, or being flown into a hurricane (and yes, I've experienced both those things).<br />
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Now, in case you're wondering, I am not taking about a ride at the fair called "helicopter", I'm referring to a company located next to the fair grounds that gives helicopter rides and offers a discounted price during the week of the fair. They had a large sign that advertised this discount, which is what my friend saw and led to our getting on a helicopter! <br />
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So, we walk over there, and the closer we get the more I start thinking "What was I thinking! I don't want to do this!" But I had said I would go, and I didn't want to back out on my friend. I knew she really wanted to try it, and the helicopter company won't fly people unless there's two people flying (unless one person pays the cost of 2 people, because of gas being so expensive I'm guessing.) So, I didn't state my fears. I just kept putting one foot in front of the other and telling myself "You can do this", and "if you want to get on the Amazing Race you'll have to do scarier things than this". I would like to be a contestant on The Amazing Race, so ultimately, I think that's what convinced me to follow though with getting on the helicopter.<br />
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We pay, and they buckle us in. The buckle goes across your waist (kind of like a car seat belt) and then 2 more straps come over your shoulders and also buckle into the one at your waist. I wasn't sure if I should feel better about being buckled in so securely, or more nervous that all the buckles were necessary.<div><br /><div>Gulp! Here we go!<br />
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The pilot starts the helicopter, and a few minutes later was are lifting from the ground (and I'm realizing there is no turning back now! lol). Once we reach about 10' in the air I'm thinking, "Okay, that's high enough", lol. I don't know how high we actually were (and it's probably best I didn't know), but then we started circling the fair grounds property, and it was incredible! We could see the grandstands, a pond behind the back of the grounds, the tops of trees, the rides, it was amazing!<br />
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What surprised me the most how how smoothly the helicopter rode and landed. I've been on some airplanes that had a smooth landing, but they even seemed rough and bumpy compared to riding and landing in this helicopter.<br />
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It was awesome, and I would do it again!<br />
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Have you had an amazing adventure? I've love to hear about it. Comment below.</div></div></div>Tracy's Designs 1http://www.blogger.com/profile/08743965807837166272noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3927281843743347175.post-20879355156360264182011-02-05T14:02:00.003-05:002024-01-13T18:25:26.599-05:00You Know you're addicted to Fabric when.......BEEP...BEEP.....BEEP.... I forced my eyes to open just enough to look at what was making that loud annoying beeping noise this morning. The green glow from the clock read 4:45am. Saturday. Hmmm... temping to turn it off, turn over, and go back to sleep. But even more tempting...... drum roll please..... a special <u>Only Once A Year</u> <em><strong>Pajama Party Sale</strong></em> at a fabric boutique 45 minutes from my home!<div><br /><div><b>What are the sale rules you ask?</b> Simple, it's only from 6am-9am, and you must be wearing your pajamas to get the sale price. So, yes, I did the only thing logical for a fabricaholic! I got up, washed my face, told my eyes they didn't have a choice in staying open, stopped at my mom's house to pick her up, and off we went in our pajamas! It had snowed the night before and was still snowing, so the drive took longer than normal to get there, but we made it! I mean, it's fabric afterall!<div><br /></div><div><b>Is this sale only for the fabric store?</b> Actually, no, it's not just the Fabric boutique that is offering this sale but practically the entire town of Shipshewana Indiana! </div><div><br /></div><div><b>Where is Shipshewana?</b> Shipshewana is located in Northern Indiana in LaGrange County.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>What is Shipshewana Indiana like?</b> This quaint town of Shipshewana is home to a large Amish community and is a great tourist destination. The town hosts many events throughout the year, including an Ice Festival, Trading Places of America flea market, concerts with well known performers and so many small business shops from both Amish craftsmen and non-Amish crafts/makers! There is always something to explore in Shipshewana.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Is there any other interesting facts about this quaint town of Shipshewana?</b> Yes, it was featured in "Best Life's" list of towns that feel like you're in a Hallmark movie! (I updated this post in 2024 to add this point, because I enjoy Hallmark movies, especially the Christmas movies, and it's so true! Shipshewana Indiana is a true town that really does look and feel like you're part of a Hallmark movie!)</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Back to the Pajama Sale; Tell me more!</b> The Pajama Party Sale is only ONCE a year and it is so much fun! You don't want to miss it!</div><div><br /></div><div><b>It's an adventure!</b> Many ladies make a whole adventure out of it by getting their friends together for a "Girl's getaway!". There are a few hotels that people can stay at if they're coming from a distance and just want to turn their "girl's getaway" into a whole weekend event. </div><div><br /></div><div><b>Where would you recommend staying?</b> I would recommend Farmstead Inn. I've stayed there multiple times over the years for family events and always enjoyed it. The rooms are beautiful! They have a pool area with not only a pool, but also a hot tub and a kiddie pool. The kiddie pool has a cute white picket fence around it, which is nice so that you don't have to worry about bigger kids running through and bumping into the bigger kids. <br /><br /><b>What should I wear for the Pajama Party?</b> Ladies wear their warm and comfy pajamas (of course) but some also wear robes, instead of coats, to keep warm while still staying in theme with this event!</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Are the sale prices all the same?</b> No. While most, if not all, stores and restaurants participate, the amounts of the discounts do vary, but as long as you're wearing your pajamas, you get a discount at participating stores and restaurants! You can check the website for the town of Shipshewana as many retailers post what their sales will be ahead of time so you can plan of where you want to go first. If I remember correctly, as few of the stores have different house, too. Some continue the sale a little later than other stores. So you may want to plan ouy where to go when, so you don't miss any of the discounts!</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Was there any specific fabrics you were going for this year?</b> Yes, this year I was really interested in the Minky Cuddle Fabrics. They're pretty expensive, so I'm really excited about getting them on sale!<br />
<br /><b>Were you able to get the colors and prints you wanted?</b> Yes, I got there early, as I didn't want them to be sold out. I was able to get lots of new colors and prints of <strong>Minky Cuddle Fabric</strong>!!! I'm really excited! Some of the prints included cute monkeys!<br />
<br /><b>What are you planning on making with this fabric?</b> My plan is to make cute and colorful hoodies so that the 18 inch dolls can be fashionable while staying warm this winter.</div><div><br /></div><div>I can hardly wait to start cutting & sewing! The 18" American Girl dolls and their other 18" doll friends will be dressed in style with these wonderfully soft, warm, and fashionable hoodies! Coming soon (just as soon as I can get them sewn up)! </div></div></div><div><br /></div><div>And so, even though I'm not a morning person, I found myself getting on early on this cold, snowy, winter February morning.</div>Tracy's Designs 1http://www.blogger.com/profile/08743965807837166272noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3927281843743347175.post-27115051430897206282010-07-14T11:20:00.014-04:002024-01-04T19:08:34.006-05:00From a Doll's Prespective<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLleia3H1YnSNs2xwvQzmx0m5tTY7qdXGr_sS5aFYHVmeC2c5E9DPAZ-KosH7-3q2y723V46TnSI8-LErRagrCGKgcEwWQB7SrakKiIWQbtZ5I0as0kZDDlQTjpR9FDjaLqAMwHFR8mCA/s1600/doll+clothes+101.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" rw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLleia3H1YnSNs2xwvQzmx0m5tTY7qdXGr_sS5aFYHVmeC2c5E9DPAZ-KosH7-3q2y723V46TnSI8-LErRagrCGKgcEwWQB7SrakKiIWQbtZ5I0as0kZDDlQTjpR9FDjaLqAMwHFR8mCA/s320/doll+clothes+101.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Hi Everyone, it's me Kellie, the American Girl Doll!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> Hi mom's and grandma's, I'm back to tell you what I get to do today! I hope it gives you ideas for fun things to do with your daughter/granddaughter and her doll/s.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I'm going to bake something!. Today I got a fun and pretty new apron to wear and now I want to bake something so that I can use the apron! I debated between baking a cake, or making sugar cookies. Then again maybe an apple pie would be fun to make! What do you think I should make? What would you make with your daughter and her doll?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Well, I have a sweet tooth, so it's got to be something sweet and tasty. :) </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Hmmm..... okay, I think I've decided on the sugar cookies! They sound really good, and I have my very own new rolling pin to roll the dough out with! Plus, this way I can have fun decorating them with frosting, which I couldn't do with the apple pie. Yes, I could decorate a cake, but I'm hungry for cookies!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I will use heart cookie cutters! I found a set of tiny heart shaped cookie cutters that are great for me: doll sized!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> Since I'm going to make sugar cookies, that means I will also make buttercream frosting and dye it shades of pink and red (well red is really hard to dye frosting but at least a really dark pink that's almost red!). </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />First I'm going to mix the ingredients for the cookie dough and roll it out on the kitchen table. I took the table cloth off the kitchen table, and washed off the whole table. Now I'm going to use my rolling pin to roll out the cookie dough. Then it's time to use the cookie cutters! (Yay!) These tiny cookie cutters come in a few sizes of hearts, so I'm going to make some in each size! I carefully cut the dough using the heart cutters and then gently peel them off the cutter and place them on the greased cookie sheet, so they will be ready for mom to put in the oven!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We set the timer when we put them in the oven, because we don't want them to burn. And since they are so small they would burn quickly if we leave them in too long, so we are being very careful not to leave them in longer then necessary.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Next it's time to make the frosting! Yummy! These sugar cookies are going to have buttercream frosting. I measure out and stir together the ingredients. After it's stirred up well, I divide the frosting into multiple bowls and then I add different colors of food coloring to each bowl. It's fun to stir the frosting with the food coloring in it and watch the white frosting turn into swirls of color and white. Then as I continue to stir the frosting it all changes into the color I wanted it to be! It's so much fun to do this! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Now to decorate the sugar cookies! With some of them I'm going to carefully spread frosting on them with a knife and then put sprinkles on them. But on some of them I'm going to put the frosting on frosting bags with decorating tip on the end to make fun star prints and designs on the cookies. Mom helps me learn how to hold the bag correctly so that the frosting doesn't come out of the top. With my mom's help they come out looking really pretty! We used a few different frosting tips so that they would make different designs on the cookies.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The cookies all came out looking so pretty, and they were really good to eat! We shared them with the rest of the family and everyone liked them! Mom put some in a container so we could enjoy them for the next few days! (But I don't know if they will last that long!)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">As I make the cookies, I'm going to pretend that I'm back in the 1930's and cooking with Kit, because my apron is a retro 1930's style. It covers the whole front of me, so I don't get flour and eggs, or frosting on my clothes. The fabric has pretty butterflies on it, and the bottom is flared and a pretty pink!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Hi mom's and grandma's, as you teach your daughter/granddaughter to cook and bake, you can add to the fun with matching girl and doll aprons! Yes, that's right, there is also a child's apron that matches the doll apron. They can be purchased in Tracy's <a href="https://www.ebay.com/str/tracysdesigns1">eBay store</a>! Within the store, go to the "Matching girl & Doll category to see all the matching outfits/items currently available!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Create heartfelt memories with your child/grandchild that they will cherish throughout their lifetime! Sure, at the moment they won't realize they are creating lifetime memories, but in reality that's what is happening! Have so so much fun baking and cooking together!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXuCtRgVGOcofpd_qqNSmQK85KugdM3nX0Jl31VRXyhiWLk8OHGrGIc9wSSutp32PPE0uDYlqwdKi6XQfrYhUeJ3znDa_QOoAfAkrR2OnyfHwCjII32UzxKLMV_G30o_YvmoyaVn-exxo/s1600/doll+clothes+094.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" rw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXuCtRgVGOcofpd_qqNSmQK85KugdM3nX0Jl31VRXyhiWLk8OHGrGIc9wSSutp32PPE0uDYlqwdKi6XQfrYhUeJ3znDa_QOoAfAkrR2OnyfHwCjII32UzxKLMV_G30o_YvmoyaVn-exxo/s320/doll+clothes+094.jpg" /></a></div>Tracy's Designs 1http://www.blogger.com/profile/08743965807837166272noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3927281843743347175.post-19080240100597951152010-06-29T22:02:00.201-04:002024-01-03T20:36:05.453-05:00How to make sales online with handmade products<h1 style="text-align: center;">How to make sales online with handmade products.</h1><div><i>Note: I've update this post, so be sure to scroll down to the update!</i></div><div><br /></div>Sometimes I do a search on Etsy for items similar to what I'm selling. I find sellers that have only been on Etsy for a few months that have hundreds of sales, and I wonder... "How do they do it?". <div><br /></div><div>Don't get me wrong, I'm happy that they are selling things, but I want to bring my sales up to. I imagine it's how they market it. I see their items listed on the first page of google searches. But if I understand correctly google lists items according to how many people have clicked on a link in the past. So, you have to get viewed a LOT before you can get on the first page of google searches. Right? And if you're getting that many people to view your items without google, then google can't be the answer to being seen in the first place? So again, I wonder "how do they do it?". I wish I had answers, but I don't. It's just what I've been thinking about today.<div><br /></div><div>edited to add:</div><div>After writing the sales post last night, I put in some google searches and came across this helpful article. It's actually 16 pages long, and I only read through the first page and part of the second page, but even just reading that amount was very helpful. The author points out that it's more important to have a good site. </div><div><br /></div><div>If it's good, you will eventually move up in the rankings. Plus, just because you're on the first page of ranking, doesn't mean the people clicking on the site are going to buy anything. That's just a few points. Check out the article <a href="http://websitehelpers.com/seo/">here</a> .</div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Update: January 2, 2024</div><div><br /></div><div>Happy New Year. </div><div>As 2023 neared an end and the year 2024 has now began I've been looking back over posts I've written in past years. I've been thinking about this post for a few weeks; how new to online selling I was at the time I originally wrote this, how I so desperately wanted my business to succeed yet didn't know how to get there, and yes at times even frustrated at some sellers' seemingly fast success. </div><div><br /></div><div>Here are a few of the points I've learned from over the years:</div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Make good quality products and Ship quickly so customers will want to return again and again.</li><li>Write a great description.</li><li>Good Pictures with white backgrounds are necessary.</li><li>Be consistent in posting to social media sites.</li><li>Don't try to start out posting to all sites at once/ get to know one site and how it works before starting another one.</li></ul><div>Let's dive into these points a little bit!</div></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>1) Make good quality products.</b> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">This is probably obvious, but since it's the most important, I think it still needs to be mentioned first. If you have everything else great, but your product isn't good you'll have unhappy customers whom will then likely leave negative feedback, and turn away other potential customers. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">So, first test out your product. Make sure it will hold up under pressure when it's being used for it's purpose.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />In addition to the quality products, you also want to be sure to get this terrific product to your customer quickly. Your customer is looking forward to getting the item they purchased! Have packing supplies already on hand so that when you get an order you can get it packaged and shipped out the same day or the next day if possible. </div><div style="text-align: left;">If your items are custom or personalized, but sure to have it clearly listed on your site what your shipping timeframe is so that your customers won't be disappointed in the shipping times.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>2) Write a great description!</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Here's where keywords and SEO (Search Engine Optimization) comes in. I know, that word is everywhere in business classes, today. If you're anything like me you probably what to go screaming from the room when you hear the word SEO. Afterall, there's only so many words you can use to describe an item and if everyone uses all those words then how can this help you to get seen above the others? Right?</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Well, here's the thing. When you write a description for your product you need to let people know what that product is and how to use it. And those words are your keywords and SEO. So, don't let the big scary sounding word "SEO" scare you. Write about your item.<br /><br />For example, if you're selling crocheted baby booties that look like sneakers, use words like "baby booties", "baby pretend sneakers", "baby slippers", "crocheted baby booties to keep your newborn warm", etc. Since all those words apply to your items, use them. If you don't use them, then your ideal customers may not find you.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>3 ) Good photos with white backgrounds.</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Don't just snap a photo of the item on your cluttered table with all kinds of craft supplies or other things on it.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">For one thing, this will make it difficult for the eye to quickly scan a picture and know what's being sold. And your customers are busy. They only have so much time to search, and there's a lot of other pictures and websites fighting for their attention. So make it clear what you're selling and takes photos from many angles so they have a good sense of what it's like. Remember, they can't pick it up and turn it over to inspect it like they would at a craft show. So, you need to show it to them.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Secondly, many marketplace websites like etsy and ebay now encourage sellers to list their items with a white background. Again, it makes it so much easier for their customers to scan listings to find what they're looking for. Plus, if I remember correctly, Google now wants white photos, so if you want your items to have a better chance of showing up in Google searches you will need those white background.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">But you can still add "lifestyle" photos to a listing as the secondary pictures to help customers visualize using the product.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>4) Be consistent in posting to social media sites.</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I know it's really easy to get busy with all the things required in running a small business, that it's easy to post something once every-so-often when you think of it. But if you show up consistently your fans and followers will start coming to your site looking forward to what new post you have now. <br /><br />I'll admit, this is one I still have a lot of difficultly with. I get busy with making the items, setting up for my local shows, etc., that I'm still trying to get the hang of posting consistently. But, it is important. So, don't give up and if you do miss posting for awhile, jump back on and get started again!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">(Oh, and I also want to add, here is a great place to post your "lifestyle" photos.... photos of the item being used, worn, etc. On social media sites, lifestyle pictures tend to be better than the white background photos.)</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>5) Don't try to start out posting to all sites at once/ get to know one site and how it works before starting another one.</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">There are so many social media sites our there in today's online world. It can feel overwhelming. But here's the good news: You don't have to open accounts on every one and start posting to everyone of them. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Do some research to figure out which site seems to have a large amount of your ideal customers. Then start your online presence on that site. Build up one site and get used to doing it. After you have it going well, then you can consider adding more sites.<br /><br />Let's use our example of "baby booties that look like sneakers" again. If you find a site that is very popular for mom's of newborns, than that will likely be a good place to start!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Of course, if you try one site for a few months or a year and you're not getting any interaction or getting sales, than it might be that that is not the right site for you. (That is, if you've been posting good quality lifestyle photos and trying to engage with fans.) Go ahead and try out another site!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I hope these points help you as your grow your own small business!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><br /></div>Tracy's Designs 1http://www.blogger.com/profile/08743965807837166272noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3927281843743347175.post-32009941324991485052010-06-28T20:36:00.010-04:002023-12-26T11:45:47.905-05:00From a Doll's prespective ~ Giving a TLC doll new life!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS1LB9pDi0F0ONmDeW5jfi3uUZsRhR-A1e_S3XZTLnKtCAp1UImzHKTyL9iSWfj1-1o60KXSI06GZfMCWBpgvQVjlF7zNhKz23QRR8o3kNOMw9tLb2lGJhwtC694DSeV8ZDc7hoKVSw9g/s1600/a30.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ru="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS1LB9pDi0F0ONmDeW5jfi3uUZsRhR-A1e_S3XZTLnKtCAp1UImzHKTyL9iSWfj1-1o60KXSI06GZfMCWBpgvQVjlF7zNhKz23QRR8o3kNOMw9tLb2lGJhwtC694DSeV8ZDc7hoKVSw9g/s320/a30.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Hi, my name is Kellie!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I am an American Girl Doll!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I want to tell you my story.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I am a TCL doll. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">TLC means "Tender Loving Care". That means that I had some damage, but with tender loving care, I'm been renewed, so now I'm all better!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">My first mommy chose for me to have blond hair and emerald greens eyes. But, I really don't remember to much about my first mommy, other then she tried to give me a hair cut and she gave me little heart "tattoos" on my leg and wrote my name of the bottom of my foot using markers.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> Then, I was adopted by the mommy I have now! She is really nice! She bought me a hairbrush, and tried to clean up my tattooed leg! I like my hairbrush! But the tattoo won't come off my leg, so she was going to take me to the American Girl Hospital. I didn't want the tattoos, but, I also didn't want to go to the hospital, and I started crying. So, mommy decided I didn't have to go to the hospital, but, she said I could Not have any more tattoos. That is okay with me!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Now, I am a model!! It is very fun! I get to dress up in the clothes mommy sews and she takes pictures of the clothes to sell on ebay and etsy! Sometimes she makes summer clothes. Sometimes it's winter clothes. There are so many fun outfits!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> I like it the best when she sews costumes. They are lots of fun. I especially like when I get to wear 1950's Poodle Skirts, pioneer dresses (they look like little house on the prairie!), and princess dresses! Once she even made a Bumble Bee costume! I like being a model!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Beside being a model for 18" doll clothes, I also have to go to school and I spend time hanging out with my friends!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">At school, I learn reading, spelling, math, history, and art, to name some of my classes.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> Art is my favorite. I like to draw and make pretty pictures! I like to use colored pencils when drawing because I can make the color lighter and/or darker with the pencil! I draw pictures of my family, my friends, and pictures at the beach with blue water and tan sand and green palm trees!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Learning history is also fun. One day as school we had "pioneer days". We got to dress up in pioneer clothes. I dressed up in a long dress that had a matching bonnet! We got to move around the classroom to different displays that taught us how they used to make things. Each display had hands-on projects so that we could experience what it was like to so some of the things the pioneers did! Some parents volunteered to help at the displays, so we could ask questions and get help when needed.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> At one of the displays we learned how pioneers made candles! We each got to make a small candle to take home to our families!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> On another display we learned about farming and planting seeds. At that display we each were given a paper cup and instructed to put some dirt in it. Then we made a little hole in the dirt and planted a couple corn seeds. They explained how much to water it and to keep it by a window to get sunlight so that it would grow. Then when it gets bigger we can plant it in our backyard (with our parents permission) and the corn stalks will grow bigger and eventually will we have a few ears of corn to eat!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> Yet another display taught us to make bread! It was all a lot of fun. They gave up flour and all the other ingredients to make a mini loaf of bread. We mixed the ingredients and kneaded it and then put it in a little mini loaf pan. The parent at that display explained that the bread now needed to sit so it could "rise" but when we got home we could ask our parents to bake it in the over for us!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It was a great day! It was fun to learn more about what it was like to live in the late 1800's and very early 1900's! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">When school is over, I ride the school bus home and then sometimes I get to help mom with her sewing projects. She even lets me have fabric so I can try to make my own things. Not everything I make looks good, yet, but I keep trying. I know I will get better at sewing straight lines! And eventually I will be able to make fun costumes, too!<br /><br />Another thing I like to do is play with my friends. I have friends that live in the neighborhood, so we can walk to each other's house to play. But we have to let our moms know before we go over, so that they can watch us until we get to each other's houses, and so that they will know which house we are at. We like to play outside on playground sets or draw on the driveways with colored chalk! When it's raining outside we like to play UNO inside and watch tv shows and movies, like Little House on the Prairie and Anne of Green Gables! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">So, now you know a little bit about me! I hope you enjoyed learning a little about, me, the model behind the doll clothes!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSRKYDi4fAZaEqUeMSJeHg1_cZFQRZwqeTkpSHjs2bmPmscO_1YmsXTL0w-emdKh4iBFzqfhEinnc3OxVa2uDvDrvK6GxoHaFZeZto4mOx51M15mdVG2CgBP5IAkmSbzhq74UIx2w1A2w/s1600/a118.jpg" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" ru="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSRKYDi4fAZaEqUeMSJeHg1_cZFQRZwqeTkpSHjs2bmPmscO_1YmsXTL0w-emdKh4iBFzqfhEinnc3OxVa2uDvDrvK6GxoHaFZeZto4mOx51M15mdVG2CgBP5IAkmSbzhq74UIx2w1A2w/s200/a118.jpg" width="150" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWufnc5mw7qvLm1hULM76Q5Z_Bg3UmWD5yOo5bSTCVLgnrI6H0F9PKlvUlWGtEYt2EZY7d7q-6qK3QLf5BS_kKPnU6I_AentR4u3l38YXTbR1czo7xMOWudeDtwQ40Q_giwuVIpOSXYrA/s1600/a338.jpg" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" ru="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWufnc5mw7qvLm1hULM76Q5Z_Bg3UmWD5yOo5bSTCVLgnrI6H0F9PKlvUlWGtEYt2EZY7d7q-6qK3QLf5BS_kKPnU6I_AentR4u3l38YXTbR1czo7xMOWudeDtwQ40Q_giwuVIpOSXYrA/s200/a338.jpg" width="150" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTRyDeFTriUTBudXxw867J4u20v3CfJ3VAjTXGR0EmwOfdGM9fU-TIwJGV2xgg_MBxjrSTLnoowI8oNa4Hl2mxM6nhsCtFSUMqwgYGNGl_5Fj8mUr5s2v0aegK1r3wuDTAVMsRAek4PB0/s1600/a195.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" ru="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTRyDeFTriUTBudXxw867J4u20v3CfJ3VAjTXGR0EmwOfdGM9fU-TIwJGV2xgg_MBxjrSTLnoowI8oNa4Hl2mxM6nhsCtFSUMqwgYGNGl_5Fj8mUr5s2v0aegK1r3wuDTAVMsRAek4PB0/s200/a195.jpg" width="150" /></a></div><br />
<div align="center"><span style="font-size: large;">And that's my story!!</span></div>Tracy's Designs 1http://www.blogger.com/profile/08743965807837166272noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3927281843743347175.post-42153369310753477002010-06-24T13:57:00.001-04:002023-12-18T13:03:59.650-05:00ThankfulLast night as I sat in the dark for the 2nd time in 5 days, due to the electric being out from all the storms going through, I reflected on God's greatness and the many things I have to be thankful for.<br />
I am thankful for my Family, and for our safety through the tornado warnings and severe thunderstorms of this week.<br />
I am thankful for God's saving Grace!<br />
I am thankful for the convenience of electricity, that I take for granted so often.<br />
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I am so thankful for so many things, that I couldn't possibly name them all, but it was nice to stop and reflect.<br />
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Psalms 145: 1-3<br />
1 "I will extol thee, my God, O king; and I will bless thy name for ever and ever.<br />
2 Every day will I bless thee; and I will praise they name for ever and ever.<br />
3 Great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised; and his greatness is unsearchable."<div><br /><div><br /></div><div>Edited to add:</div><div><br />I was reading back over some of my posts from years ago (it's now 2023) and this one made me stop and reflect, again, on God's goodness.</div><div>So many things have happened in my life since I wrote this post. Some wonderful things (like getting married to the man I love) to some very difficult and painful things (like finding out my husband had cancer). </div><div>In some of my most painful, sorrowful moments I've asked the "Why did this happen?" question and had the thought "This doesn't make sense, I don't understand." And like the Psalmist I've wondered "Where is God in all this?", and "Has God forgotten me?". I haven't gotten answers for all "why's", but I can say that God has never forgotten me (even though at times I felt like it). </div><div><br />First, let's look at Psalms 42. The entire chapter is such an encouragement to me! It reminds me that I'm not the first that has asked these questions, and God is not angry at me/us for asking and trying/wanting to understand. At the same time God is God and He knows and sees things that we don't know, so some things we won't understand and have to trust Him.</div><div><br /></div><div>Psalm 42: 1-11 (NIV)</div><div>1 As the deer pants for streams of water,</div><div>so my soul pants for you, O God.</div><div>2 My soul thirsts for God, for the living God.</div><div>When can I go and meet with God?</div><div>3 My tears have been my food day and night,</div><div>while men say to me all day long,</div><div>"Where is your God?"</div><div>4 These things I remember as I pour out my soul:</div><div>how I used to go with the multitude,</div><div>leading the procession to the house of God,</div><div>with shouts of joy and thanksgiving</div><div>among the festive throng.</div><div>5 Why are you downcast, O my soul?</div><div>Why so disturbed within me?</div><div>Put your hope in God,</div><div>for I will yet praise Him,</div><div>my Savior and 6 my God.</div><div>My soul is downcast within me;</div><div>therefore I will remember you </div><div>from the land of the Jordan,</div><div>the heights of Hermon - from Mount Mizar.</div><div>7 Deep calls to deep</div><div>in the roar of your waterfalls;</div><div>all your waves and breakers</div><div>have swept over me.</div><div>8 By day the Lord directs His love,</div><div>at night His song is with me -</div><div>a prayer to the God of my life.</div><div>9 I say to God my Rock,</div><div>"Why have you forgotten me?</div><div>Why must I go about mourning, oppressed by the enemy?"</div><div>10 My bones suffer mortal agony</div><div>as my foes taunt me,</div><div>saying to me all day long,</div><div>"Where is your God?"</div><div>11 Why are you downcast, O my soul?</div><div>Why so disturbed within me?</div><div>Put your hope in God, </div><div>for I will yet praise Him,</div><div>my Savior and my God.</div><div><br /></div><div>And in Deuteronomy 31: 6</div><div>"Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you."</div><div><br /></div><div>If you or a family member has just gotten bad health news, if you're grieving a loss, or for whatever reason today you find it difficult to be thankful and you're wondering if God is there. I can tell you that even when it doesn't feel like, He is there. You can trust God's word and put your trust in Jesus. He does love you and He sees you today. Right where you're at. Right what you're going through. (There are tears running down my face as I type this. He is faithful.)</div><div><br /></div><div>I challenge you, today, to look for something good and see that it is a gift from God.</div><div><br /></div><div>Look at Matthew 25: 35-40 (NIV)</div><div>35 For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, </div><div>36 I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.'</div><div>37 Then the righteous will answer Him, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? </div><div>38 When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you?</div><div>39 When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?"</div><div>40 The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.'</div><div><br /></div><div>Has someone sent you an encouraging message through facebook or e-mail? Has someone come to just sit with you in your pain. Did someone smile at you at the grocery store? Did someone help you meet a need you had? These are all good gifts from God. Even in the deepest of pains, God is there. It can be hard to feel Him when we're deep in some kind of sorrow, but I encourage you, again, to look for even those little glimmers of blessings, for they are signs that God is there and hasn't left you and hasn't forsaken you. God loves you deeply.</div><div><br /></div><div>Are you hurting today? Are you finding it hard to be thankful. Feel free to leave a comment, I'd love to pray for you.</div></div>Tracy's Designs 1http://www.blogger.com/profile/08743965807837166272noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3927281843743347175.post-77213056860434389332010-06-23T10:54:00.011-04:002023-12-04T18:15:59.090-05:00Doll can be enjoyed by all ages<div>I recently came across a forum where a woman was asking if people thought she was too old to still enjoy collecting dolls.</div><div><br /></div><div>I've been thinking about that question, and here are some of thoughts and some of my own life experiences when it comes to being interested in dolls at different ages and stages of life.<br />
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As a little girl my mom and grandma decorated my room with pretty dolls. Dolls in full length princess style dresses that sat on my dressers and nightstand. A doll lamp. (Actually, I think I picked out the doll lamp.) Dolls everywhere. The kind of dolls that aren't porcelain, yet are not movable at the joints, either. And I didn't really care much for dolls. Sure I thought they were pretty, but at the same time I thought they were boring, and didn't do anything. I would rather be drawing, sewing, or crocheting. <br />
Then came the Cabbage Patch Kids! My mom bought me one and sent in the adoption papers. They came back with a birth certificate stating that I was the doll's mommy! I was hooked! That doll went everywhere with me. My mom made me and my doll matching nightgowns, and I was thrilled! Sadly, I no longer know where that doll is at.<br />
As a teenage I redesigned my room, and out went the dolls. I thought I was too old for them, and the doll phase of life was over. I was "grown up!". I was wrong!<br />
Many years later, as an adult, I had quite a bit of leftover fabrics that I was trying to figure out what to do with them. The pieces were too big and nice to just throw out. So, a friend suggested I use it to make some doll clothes. She told me about the American Girl dolls and let me borrow the one she'd played with when she was a child. I'd never heard of the dolls before, but was amazed at how cute they are, and at the great quality in which they are made. I started sewing doll clothes! And then sewing more, and more, and more doll clothes! <br /> I look around my home, now, and have to laugh! I have the American Girl doll I use as a "model" for my doll clothes, along with some Springfield Collections dolls and some other 18 inch dolls. ....To think, I started out not being very crazy about dolls! LOL!!<div><span> Now that I sell my handmade doll clothes at craft shows, I've met many wonderful ladies of all ages who still love their dolls. Many are purchasing my doll clothes for their daughter or granddaughters, but I also meet sweet, lovely ladies that share that they still enjoy their own dolls. </span> Many use them to decorate a room in their home and change their clothes once a month or seasonally! They get a lot of enjoyment in finding outfits for them and keeping them stylish!</div><div><span> </span>For some ladies, the dolls are ones they were given as a child. For others it was their daughter's dolls and they hang onto them hoping for a granddaughter to come along at some point so they can pass them down to them to be played with again. I think this is such a great idea to keep those precious memories of playing with their doll alive, while also making some new memories!</div><div><span> For, yet, other ladies, it's dolls they've purchased to enjoy just because they enjoy them!</span></div><div><span><span> I've even heard that baby dolls are sometimes given to ladies in nursing home, or ladies struggling with dementia. They "take care" of these baby dolls and it gives them a feeling of purpose as they care for someone!</span><br /></span></div><div>
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So to answer that lady's question, from the forum I read it in, no you are never too old to enjoy dolls! Afterall, in some ways, we all all little girls at heart!</div><div><br /></div><div><span> </span>Don't worry what someone else may say or possibly think about you still enjoying your dolls! Pull them out of storage (the poor dolls are tired of being cooped up in a dark box) and enjoy them. Or drive to the store and pick out a new adorable doll to make new memories with! <br />Or hey! Here's an idea: start your own blog about your dolls! Make up stories for them, take photos of them and call it your hobby! It's good to have a creative outlet, so take what you enjoy (dolls) and turn it into a creative hobby that you can have fun with and enjoy!</div></div><div><br /></div><div><span> What about you? Do you have a story that you'd like to share about enjoying dolls at different ages and stages of your life? Or maybe a fond memory you have of playing with your dolls either as a child or as a child at heart. Please share your story in the comments below so I and other readers can enjoy your memories with you.</span><br /></div>Tracy's Designs 1http://www.blogger.com/profile/08743965807837166272noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3927281843743347175.post-5796762812814411542009-09-10T16:42:00.000-04:002023-12-01T11:13:04.876-05:00My First Blog<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqiL2TvRr-QFq2OjVKEYRU2TTzsH0Ow-vt6yufQPehv-NZpB9k0quQDCHV75-CV7PXm26pDdW_CrMK3K0_GddPAg-EnZMfL5YDvtF4ie2P22m8Rt39mqkenjg4hApxOACDX6EXtkWD5Sk/s1600-h/a217.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5379947273156558914" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqiL2TvRr-QFq2OjVKEYRU2TTzsH0Ow-vt6yufQPehv-NZpB9k0quQDCHV75-CV7PXm26pDdW_CrMK3K0_GddPAg-EnZMfL5YDvtF4ie2P22m8Rt39mqkenjg4hApxOACDX6EXtkWD5Sk/s320/a217.jpg" style="cursor: hand; float: left; height: 240px; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 320px;" /></a><br /><div>Hello everyone!<br />Welcome to TracysDesigns1 blog! My name is Tracy and I am the sewer and crocheter for TracysDesigns1.</div><div><br /></div><div>My grandmother on my dad's side was always crocheting and as I child I thought it was so cool to watch her creating beautiful items and wanted to do that too, so I started begging her to teach me. When I was 5 years old, so finally agreed to teach me, and I picked up on it right away and have never put the crochet hook down!</div><div><br /></div><div>My grandmother on my mom's side was always sewing! She made from crafts, like sewn clowns all the way to making historical costumes (like pioneer dresses)! It looked like so much fun that I wanted to sew, also. At around 7 or 8 years old, my grandmother started teaching me to sew.</div><div><br /></div><div>The more I learned in regards to sewing and crocheting the more I wanted to learn and grow my skills! In high school I took sewing classes and that's where I first learned how to use embroidery machines! Oh, the fun! Since then I've also purchased a Cricut machine, and the fun continues! I love that the possibilities are endless when it comes to creating fun, beautiful, and useful items.</div><div><br /></div><div>I have been selling my creations on Ebay for many years and have now opened an Etsy store, so of course the next logical step in my creative life is to start blogging. So here I am! Welcome, again, to my blog. </div><div><br /></div><div>My goals for my blog is pretty simple: To share my love for creating! So, if it has to do with sewing and/or crocheting you may find it here! I also sell my creations, so there will likely be posts about selling handmade items, too. Oh, there may even be some posts "from a doll's perspective", from time to time, as it's fun to make up stories about the 18 inch dolls and their lives! I invite you to join me on this journey of creativity.</div><div><br /></div><div>I shared with you how my journey of creativity started, now let me dive in a little deeper. </div><div><br /></div><div><span style="color: red;">When did I start selling my creations?</span><span style="color: #990000;"> </span>As a kid. I don't remember my exact age of when I started selling them but I know it was before I was 12 years old, because that was how old I was when my grandmother and I started sewing cute little clown decorations. Some people saw them and wanted us to make them some, then other saw those and wanted some, and before long we were very busy one summer making these little clowns!</div><div><br /></div><div><span style="color: red;">Why did I start selling my creations?</span> </div><div>Sometimes I wonder if my family encouraged me to sell the items I made because I was filling the house up with handmade items and there just wouldn't have been room to continue to keep them all, yet at the same time my family didn't want to discourage my creativity, so selling became the natural way to go. </div><div><br /></div><div><span style="color: red;">Where did I sell my hand crafted creations?</span> </div><div> Well, as a kid, it was mostly through my family's help. After college, I started doing a few local craft shows and that has grown to doing many craft shows (especially since I'm now running my business full-time). Then when Ebay started, I was really excited as it meant I could sell to anywhere, not just my local area. Now Etsy how come about which is geared towards handmade products! </div><div><br /></div><div><span style="color: red;">Have you always made and sold the same type of items?</span> </div><div>No, that's changed a lot over the years. As I shared above, the first items I mainly started with selling those clown decorations, but it's been a long time since I've created those. Over the years, I've made (and sold) some embroidered items, like socks, bibs, shirts, and personalized hand towels. I've also had fun with sewing period clothing, especially Renaissance dresses! </div><div>Currently I sew cute and fashionable doll clothes that fits 18 inch dolls such as the American girl dolls and Springfield collection dolls. (Edited 2023: to add my 18" doll clothes also fits the Our Generation dolls and My Life dolls!)</div><div>And in addition to the doll clothes, I also currently crochet cute and adorable Baby Shoes/Booties and Baby Beanie/hats. They're made from very soft 100% Acrylic yarns. Right now my sizes for the shoes range from Newborn to 3-6 Months, and the Beanies range from Newborn to 12 Months.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Please feel free to take a stroll through both of my stores (the links to my sites should be on the side of the blog) and see all the lovely creative items I've made.</div><br /><div>Tracy</div>Tracy's Designs 1http://www.blogger.com/profile/08743965807837166272noreply@blogger.com0