Coming Soon... Actually, Tomorrow!

On Sunday we will be taking our first ever Virtual Field Trip.  Our Girl Scouts troop visited Clara's Loom and the Coastal Textile Center today and we had a blast!  Due to the number of photos I took - some which cannot be posted (I will not use photos with any of the girls other than my own daughter in them) - the field trip will start tomorrow!!! 

"Start"?  Yes, it will be a multi-day field trip.  There are 3 different parts of our visit that will be shown.  The first day will be the yarn shop that is Clara's Loom.  The second day will be the Coastal Textile Center.  The third day will feature our Garden Loom Weaving experience.  Stay tuned for lots of photos, information, and fun over the next 3 days!! 

If you want to learn more about Clara's Loom, you can click here to visit the website (it's currently under construction so be sure to bookmark it and check back often for udpates)! 

Ready to Ship

We have a couple of new items ready to ship - you can currently contact us to purchase either one.  They will be added to our Storenvy shop over the weekend.  We'll also be adding more ready to ship items shortly! 

FlutterShy My Little Pony Hat

$25 w/shipping

size:  4-5 yr old

(Unicorn Hat pattern by Briabby Designs)

Minion Birthday Set

$35.00 w/shipping

hat size:  1 yr old

diaper cover: size 4 (based on disposable diapers)

(design by Hooking Housewives, currently unavailable for purchase)

Our Ready-to-Ship album is going to have several new additions soon so check back regularly!! 

Pattern Review: Baby Flip Flops

 On Sunday night I came across an adorable pattern for Baby Flip Flops - even better is that it was a free pattern by Whistle and Ivy.  I shared the pattern on my personal FB page rather than the business page and I was suddenly bombarded with orders. 

I have learned one thing from posting on my personal page - I will be sure to test the pattern before I post it with the possibility of orders coming in, at least from this particular designer.  As cute as the Flip Flops are, and as easy as the pattern really has been to follow, there are quite a few things I've disliked.  There was no gauge provided, and as someone who tends to crochet on the tighter side, gauge is essential to making sure the Flip Flops fit properly.  I actually posted on the Whistle and Ivy blog to find out what the gauge should be, but instead all I received from the designer was an approximate length for each size of the Flip Flops.  As it turned out, I ended up having to work each size 2-3 times to determine which size hook to use - and the recommended F hook was definitely not the right hook for me.  I had to use H and I hooks, depending what kind of yarn I was using. 

The next issue I noticed with the pattern came with the chains that are worked along the back and front sides of the Flip Flops.  Those along the back seemed alright, but the ones in the front were not long enough to properly tie down as directed, meaning I had to play with that part of the pattern to find a chain that would work.

The final issue came with the band that goes across the top.  Working the specified number of rows was definitely not enough to fit all the way across and still allow room for those adorably chubby baby feet that would be slipping into the Flip Flop. 

I think I have finally found a fit that works - and I was sure to save my notes on my saved copy of the pattern itself.  The finished product is very cute and I cannot wait to get it onto a baby foot (hopefully today).  One of my neighbors ordered a couple pairs for her youngest so we shall see how they fit when I take them to her!!! 

If you'd like to try your hand at this pattern, you can find it here!  This is definitely a pattern that works for boys or girls!!!

Pattern Review: Rigby Scarf

I love to make crocheted accessories for my furry baby, Candy!  Unfortunately, she's a large dog and finding patterns that can be worked quickly or in a size big enough to fit her can be tough.  Sincerely Pam has made my day - she released a pattern today for the Rigby Scarf... and it's FREE!! 

I couldn't wait to get started on making one of these adorable bandanas for my big girl.  I pulled out the Bernat Dippity Dots yarn I had left over from making the Cupcake Lovey and whipped one up in no time.  The pattern is simple to follow, and even for a large dog, worked up quickly!  I will definitely be making some more of these for Candy, and maybe even a few for my kids.  That's right, Pam included instructions on how to make larger versions for the rest of us. 

Special Promotional Offer

Do you subscribe to Too Yarn Cute e-magazine?  If not, there's still time to get in on this special offer.  Head over to www.TooYarnCute.com and sign up.  All members will receive a special code to receive 40% off any pattern in our Ravelry shop during the month of June (**sets not included)!!!

Wanna learn more about TYC?  Check them on out Facebook - and be sure to let them know the Housewives sent you...

Linked Double Crochet

I'll be the first one to say that I love the closeness you get when working rows of Single Crochet stitches into your patterns.  Unfortunately, I dislike the amount of time it takes to work up rows of Single Crochet just as much.  Thanks to a fellow designer, who is also one of our testers and has become a friend, I found the Linked Double Crochet.  Because this technique is being used in several upcoming Hooking Housewives patterns, I thought it would be appropriate to go ahead and do a photo tutorial so our followers would know how to work it as well.

1.  To work the Linked Double Crochet (LDC), start by working your starting chain, adding 3 additional chains to what you want the stitch count for the row to be.  (For the purposes of this tutorial we will be working with Rows of 10.  That means you will chain 13.)
2-3.  Insert your hook into the second chain from the hook; yarn over and pull up a loop.
4.  Next, skip one chain and insert your hook into the next chain (the 4th chain from where you started)

 

 

5-6.  Yarn over and pull up a loop; we will now complete the stitch just as we would complete a regular Double Crochet (DC) - yarn over and pull through 2 of the loops on your hook.
7.  To finish, yarn over and pull through the 2 remaining loops on your hook.
8.  To work the remaining LDCs in the row, your first hook insert will be done in the Horizontal Bar (HB) that is facing you. 
 

9-10.  Yarn over and pull up a loop; insert your hook into the next chain on the starting chain; yarn over and pull up a loop.
11-12.  Repeat Steps 6 and 7 to complete your next LDC.  Continue in this manner until you have completed the row.

To work the next row of LDC, chain 2 and turn your work;  insert your hook into the second chain from the hook.  Yarn over and pull up a loop; insert your hook into the first st and repeat.  Continue working Steps 6 and 7 to complete the first LDC of the row.

Working through 3 Loops

Sometimes you want to use basic stitches but get a look that is tighter.  Working through 3 loops is a great option to try when working your stitches.  Each stitch actually has 3 loops, as previously discussed in the 3rd Loop/Horizontal Bar.  When working through all 3 loops, you go under the Horizontal Bar to work your stitch.  Using the photos, you'll notice that you work the stitch as normal, but rather than going through the Front and Back Loop, you go under the Horizontal Bar as well as the Front and Back Loops.

 

3rd Loop Method/Horizontal Bar

We all know about the Front and Back Loops of our crochet stitches.  Some people, however, don't realize there is actually a 3rd Loop as well.  This 3rd Loop is known as the Horizontal Bar.  Working in the Horizontal Bar (HB) is a great way to give a crocheted piece the appearance of having been knitted. 


To locate the Third Loop, start by locating your Front and Back Loops.










Once you have located the Front and Back Loops, look for the loop on the backside of your work.  There should be a loop running parallel to your Back Loop - that is your Horizontal Bar. 

Sneak Peek

For the last couple of days, I have been steadily and eagerly working to finish a fun new pattern!  The pattern went out to testers and will be available for purchase on Monday.  In the meantime, I wanted to give you, our amazing fans, a sneak peek.

Introducing, the Ninja Turtle Easter Basket... 

With the release of the new Ninja Turtles movie right around the corner, this is perfect for those turtle fans in your life.  The bandana is 3-D to give an authentic look.  Once Easter is over, the basket makes a fun way to store the small toys that seem to accumulate in kids' rooms.

If you don't crochet, you can purchase completed baskets in our Storenvy Shop - this one with the red bandana is the only one ready to go, but we will be accepting custom orders for bandanas in other colors (at no additional charge). 

Perfect Simplicity is finally here!!

A little over a month ago we introduced our Facebook fans to the Perfect Simplicity Set.  This set includes a Hat, Boot Cuffs, and Legwarmers.  You can purchase only the Hat pattern, only the Boot Cuffs and Legwarmers pattern, or both together as a set (and at a discounted price). 

The pattern was first released on March 1st in Entwine the Crochet Magazine.  It was our first published pattern and we were very excited.  And today, with the newest issue of Entwine now available, we are able to release the pattern in our own stores!!!!

Our Perfect Simplicity patterns will be available at an introductory price of $1.99 for each individual pattern or $2.99 for the Set through Sunday.  You can pick them up in either our Ravelry or Craftsy shop!!  There's no coupon code needed.  And as always, if you make something using our patterns, we'd love to see your photos!!



Wondering what you can do with this pattern?  Here are some of the designs we (and our testers, of course) came up with:

Sale & Giveaway

Spring is in full swing here in the South!!  To celebrate, our Carrot Top Hat & Cocoon pattern is on sale for only $1.99 through Saturday.

To help spread the word, we're asking our fans to share this Facebook post throughout the week.  Every public share that you do will get you an entry into a drawing that will be held on Sunday.  At least 1 winner will receive a free copy of the pattern.

Do you want to earn extra entries into the drawing? 
- Anyone who purchases a copy of the pattern this week will receive 2 additional entries into the drawing - if they are the randomly selected winner, we will refund you the cost of the pattern!! 
- Comment on this blog post and you will receive 1 additional entry.
- Share our tweet about this Sale & Giveaway on your Twitter page for 1 additional entry. 

Pick up the pattern in our Ravelry or Craftsy stores today!!

And the winners are...

Thank you to everyone who entered our 2500 Facebook Fans Giveaway Extravaganza!!!  And an even bigger thanks to the vendors who donated their time to help us promote the Giveaway, as well as donating prizes from their shops.  Without further ado, here are the winners and the prizes they have won:

 

 

 



ALLIECAT'S HATS AND CRAFTS
          Jacinta Wells - 3 patterns of choice from the Ravelry shop
ATTICS TREASURES (CROCHET FOR SURE)
          April Dudgeon Conner - $50 gift certificate toward purchase of $175 or more
BIT OF WHIMSY CROCHET
          JoAnn Trowbridge - $30 store credit from store
BRIAR ROSE PHOTOGRAPHY & BOUTIQUE
          Heather Jock - 1 free pattern from the Ravelry shop
CROCHET GERT
          Carina Plungis - a free copy of the Brooklyn Cap pattern
          Tina Dee England - a free copy of the Brooklyn Cap pattern
ENTWINE THE CROCHET MAGAZINE
          Leah Morgan - a free copy of the March 2014 issue and Entwine t-shirt
FOUR LITTLE MONKEYS
          Tiffany M Charles - Strawberry Shortcake Hair Bow and Shabby Flower Headband
HATCH-ED WITH LOVE
          Vinita McCall - 3 patterns of choice from the Ravelry shop
HOOKING HOUSEWIVES
          Sally Korneychuk - a free copy of every pattern released in 2014 via Ravelry shop
          Leslie Mansfield - 1 set of yarn ball stitch markers
          Shamci - a free copy of the Cupcake Lovey pattern via Ravelry shop
HOOKUP CROCHET
          Francie Christensen - any item from Etsy store
HOOTIES AND TOOTIES
          Stephanie Cummings - 2 patterns of choice
          Crystal Lamott - 2 patterns of choice from Etsy store
          Nicole Eckert - 2 patterns of choice from Etsy store
KELLI'S KREATIONS
          Claire Bell Krueger - 1 free item of choice from Etsy store
KRAFTY KREATIONS
          Carol Rupprecht - 1 pattern of choice from Ravelry shop
          Heather Staats - 1 pattern of choice from Ravelry shop
          Monique Holden-Reinke - 1 pattern of choice from Ravelry shop
NOT SO KNOTTY
          Amanda Thomas - free copy of Wyld Girl pattern from Etsy store
OOMBAWKA DESIGN
          Amber Keppler - free copy of Not Another Owl Hat in children's and adult's sizes
QT PATOOTIE DESIGNS
          Laura PoolGirl - free copy of 6 patterns shown here
          Stephanie Bean Nogle - free copy of 6 patterns shown here
SICK 'LIL MONKEYS
          Nicole Bridge - 1 free Pearl Bubble Hook
SISSYANNE'S STAMPS & STITCHES
          Kim Fary - free crochet-theme keychain
SNAPPY TOTS
          Tia Moreland - 2 free patterns of choice from Ravelry shop
SWEET POTATO 3 PATTERNS
          Ninette Blake Burke - free copy of Diagonal Collection pattern pack
SWEET POTATO CROCHET CREATIONS
          Susan O'Brien - Darla Slouch Hat in your choice of color
THE BOW HOUSE
          Brenda Earhart Burkett - Daddy's Girl Bow
THE ENGLISH ROSE
          Leah Field - 6 custom pens
THE HOOKERAHOLIC CROCHET
          Oressa Heilig - 5 patterns of choice from the Ravelry shop
THE KNOTTY GEEK
          Jessica Figueroa - free small adult or child's size Lion Hat
TUTU CHIC BOUTIQUE
          Linda Ziino - $20 store credit toward any ready-to-ship item
TWINKIE CHAN
          Isla Salisbury - a free pdf copy of each 11 available patterns
WEEPING WILLOW DESIGNS
          Katie Lynch - free copy of the Loopty Lucy Easter Basket pattern
YARN MEDLEYS FROM THE HEART
          Traci Hiatt Markland - 1 free pattern from Ravelry shop or this scarf

Congratulations to all of our winners - you have until the end of the day on Tuesday to contact the vendor and claim your prize!  All unclaimed prizes will be re-drawn for new winners on Wednesday morning.  All of the links you'll need to claim your prize are included in the description.

It's no longer a surprise!!

A few weeks ago we posted a sneak peek of a new pattern on our Facebook page and asked our fans to make their guesses.  Here is what we showed back then:

As you can see, it left a lot of options to guess from (which was part of the plan).

With today being the first day of Spring, we decided it was the perfect day to release this pattern. 

DRUM ROLL PLEASE.....................

Introducing.........................................

THE CUPCAKE LOVEY!!!!

This pattern was inspired by the yarn itself - Bernat Dippity Dots.  My testers and I discovered that this yarn can only be purchased at Joann's or through the Yarnspirations website.  It's a baby weight yarn that comes in fun pastel colors with mini pompoms attached to it. 

 

To celebrate, the Cupcake Lovey pattern (normally $3.99) will be available for only $2.99 from today through Sunday, March 23rd.  You can also get any of our other patterns on sale for 40% off - no coupon code is needed.  Visit our Ravelry shop to take advantage of the sale!!!  (The sale is not effective in our Craftsy store except on the Cupcake Lovey.)

Pattern Review: Loopty Lucy Easter Basket

One of the patterns that has been donated for our Giveaway Extravaganza is the Loopty Lucy Easter Basket by Weeping Willow Designs.  This was the first pattern I'd seen by the designer, Melissa Gorski.  My daughter was never a huge fan of the LaLaLoopsy Dolls, but she has friends who were, so I'm quite familiar with the brand.  The Housewives have also made several Loopsy Hats for customers. 

I have to say that I was very happy with the pattern.  I noticed a few quirks here and there, but nothing major that kept the pattern from working up successfully.  The instructions were clear and easy to understand, plus Melissa included pictures to help you along the way.  The one negative thing for me was that there was no gauge give on the pattern.  I've learned the importance of gauging over the last couple of years since I know that I tend to crochet tighter than many other designers.  I was fortunate this time - I worked it with the hooks listed and my sizes matched up to Melissa's perfectly.  YAY!!!


For my basket, I chose to make one with turquoise hair rather than pink.  I think the blue-haired girls get less love than the pink-haired. 

I think the pigtails are my favorite part of the entire Basket - they are so cute!  :)  You can pick up your own copy of the Loopty Lucy Easter Basket pattern in the Weeping Willow Designs pattern shop on Ravelry.  It's actually on sale for only $3.99 right now.  You can also visit their Facebook page - show them love and let them know the Hooking Housewives sent you!! 

This completed basket is now for sale in our Storenvy shop for $18.00 (plus s&h).  If you prefer a different color, send us an email and we'll create the item for you to purchase it as a custom order!!

We are Open for Business!!

After a couple of months of contemplation, we now have an online store for Ready-to-Ship items!!  We have tried Etsy in the past but have been unsuccessful - I'm not a fan of paying up front to list items if I don't have to.  My sister-in-law has her own online shop and introduced me to Storenvy.  I set up an account and did some research.  Last week the decision was made to open up a shop on the site.  You can reach the shop through our Facebook page (there's a tab underneath our cover photo) or by clicking here. 

We are slowly but surely getting our current RTS supply photographed and added to the store.  There will be many more items coming as well.  If there's something you're looking for specifically, let us know.  As always, we take custom orders without charging additional fees.  We will be using the Storenvy shop for selling all finished products from this point on - it's easier to keep records that way so we know what sells and what doesn't.  It will also allow us to have sales more easily and a little more often.  If you place an order for a finished product, whether it be via Facebook, email, or otherwise, we will create the custom item on our Storenvy page for you to purchase and pay there - this also guarantees that you get a receipt for your records. 

If you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to let us know!! 

A Crochet-Related Public Service Announcement

One of the first things that popped up in my personal news feed on Facebook this morning was this photo from Yarning For More:

Because not all of our customers are crocheters who look to us for patterns - many actually purchase only completed products - we thought this would be the perfect opportunity to share this information.  The majority of our products are available in cotton rather than the acrylic yarn we normally use on our hats and some other items.  If you are purchasing items from us at any time with the intention of using them during warm weather, please let us know.  We're happy to accommodate by using cotton for these items if possible without an increase in cost to you.

Have you heard!?!

If you missed the announcement this morning (it was still pretty early), the Hooking Housewives are now officially on Twitter.  While neither of us has really taken part in the site for personal use, the decision has been made to utilize it for our business.  We'd love to hear from our fans and follow you on Twitter - comment below or on the FB post with your handle and we'll look you up.  You can find us @HkngHousewives or just click here!!

What does this mean for you, our fans?  Following us could work to your benefit - in addition to being able to gain an extra entry in future giveaways, we may occasionally offer a coupon code or special deal that is available especially for our Twitter followers.  Or maybe even a sneak peek at upcoming patterns... who knows what we'll do!?!  ;)

Do you want to learn to crochet?

Over the last couple of years, I have had many people comment on how much they would like to learn how to crochet but don't know where to start.  I actually learned via an online Crochet-Along (CAL). 

I am pleased to announce that after much contemplation, we will be doing a blog series to help you Learn to Crochet.  I will begin shooting the videos/photos next week and will have more information coming soon.  The plan is to start it after our current 2500 Facebook Fan Giveaway Extravaganza is complete.

To make learning as easy as possible, there will be posts on the basics to begin with, even the most simple things that many people may not think they need to worry about.  The series will be geared toward beginners, but even those who are more advanced crocheters are welcome to join us! 

2500 Facebook Fan Giveaway Extravaganza!!!

Our 2500 Facebook Fan Giveaway Extravaganza is under way!!!  Our fans have helped us to expand and stay busy - to thank you, we have put together a multi-vendor giveaway for you to enjoy. 

The Giveaway is now officially open and will run through Friday, March 24th, or until we hit 2500 fans, whichever comes first.  That's where we need your help - there are additional ways to earn entries into the Giveaway simply by sharing the album on FB publically on either your personal or business page.  You can get one additional entry per day - that's up to 14 extra chances to win. 

The Giveaway has more than 30 prizes from 20+ vendors with additional ones still coming in.  If you have your own small business - it does not have to be crochet or craft related - and want to donate to the Giveaway, please message us on Facebook or email us for information.  We'd love to have you join us!!!

To enter the Giveaway, view the album on Facebook, like the photos of those items you would like to win (make sure you like the vendor page as well), then use Rafflecopter below to enter.  One of the other ways to help you earn an additional entry is to comment on this blog post.  Tell us what one prize you would like to win the most!!  We can't wait to see what you're after...

To all of our fans, thank you again for all of your support - 2014 is off to a great start and it's all because of you!  Have fun - and GOOD LUCK!!!!
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Learning Entrelac

For those who follow us on Facebook, you probably know that I recently learned how to work Tunisian crochet.  It's so much simpler than I expected it to be, which made me want to learn how to use it a little more.  Much to my surprise, the folks over at The Crochet Crowd popped up in my newsfeed that they would be sharing a video tutorial on how to do Entrelac crochet.  This is a technique I've always been intrigued by.  It looks difficult, but surprisingly, once you have learned Tunisian, it's quite simple.  If you haven't learned Tunisian, Mikey makes it easy enough to understand that you can still figure out how to do it. 

I decided that my first Entrelac project would be a baby blanket.  I bought an icy pink-colored yarn that I've been playing with but hadn't liked anything I've tried with it.  I knew a blanket would be perfect for a new baby girl that will be coming into the world soon!!  (Yes, this blanket is going to be a gift for one of the dozens of ladies in my world who are pregnant.)

I spent a few hours working it yesterday, and now that I've gotten the hang of it, things are moving much more quickly.  Rather than waiting until the blanket is complete, I thought I'd give you a sneak peek...