Blog Giveaway Winner and New Items!

Hello Friends!

I hope you all had a great Monday, and hopefully a bit more productive than mine. I did get a few things done though! I'm about to list 4 new pouches in the shop, and I promise, there will be purses listed soon! I'm just waiting on my boyface to finish building my light box!

Here's a few snapshots of the new pouches. New and super cute fabric must be made into fun things!

First, an adorable Book Pouch, with front pocket and detachable pin with handmade button!

 

Owls and Hedgehogs, Keys and Hearts! Lots of cute things on this pouch!

 

And my favorite, the neatest Tree fabric pouch, with a key-ring to make carrying it around super easy!

 

These were all a blast to make, and I'm really loving the new front pocket design. What do you guys think?

And now, for the Love Birds Pouch winner! I put everyone's name in a little bowl, let the boyface pick, and the winner is HoneyRose80! Congratulations!! I will be contacting you for your address to send you your Love Birds Zipper Pouch!

Thanks to everyone who entered, and please continue to check back here on my blog, because I love doing giveaways and plan to do more soon!

Have a wonderful night everyone!

Peace & Love,
Rachel Rae

Fawning over fabric, Late-night thoughts, and Blog cruising...

Good evening my friends! (Bon Matin is probably more appropriate. I'm up late!)

Oh, I had a lovely Sunday! How was yours? Mine started with a breakfast casserole for the Mister and his JR (eggs, cheese, ham, onion, garlic, biscuits, milk gravy = mmmm.. I'd be glad to share my recipe!)  and it was a fantastic way to start the day. Then I tidied the kitchen, did some dishes while watching bits of Open Season 3 (too funny!). I spent my afternoon working in my studio a bit, filling orders, and taking pictures of new items, as well as staring at (read:petting) my fabric stash. ;) I want to fill bookcases with fat quarters!

After dinner, visiting a friend, and a few errands, I spent some cozy time with the Mister and then went blog hunting! Most of the blogs I used to read are no longer updated or are gone altogether. :( So, I've been cruising blogs and link hopping to find some new fun reads. I scored tonight too! I'll be updating my side-bar soon. 


Since I'm doing a give-away, which ends tomorrow evening, I thought I'd share another blog that is doing a give-away! And what could be a more fitting prize than fabric? Gorgeous fabric too. If you're interested in entering, you can do so at Vignette in Stitches. Be sure to check out other posts as well! And if you haven't yet entered the Sew Serious blog giveaway, you can do so the post below!!


Tomorrow will be a busy and productive day for me. I made three sales today (yay!) and have set some creation goals for the studio. The evening's post will share some new designs, some thoughts, and I will announce the winner of the drawing for the Love Birds pouch. yay!! So excited!


I hope you all had a wonderful weekend!


❤★
Rachel Rae

New Zipper Pouches and a Blog Giveaway!

Happy Saturday Friends!

I have been super busy, and have just listed three new zipper pouches in the shop. Two of them are of a new design, a double zipper pouch, so lots of stashing possibilities! Woot! I'm also working on two new hobo bags that are turning out wonderfully. The challenge there is going to be listing them in the shop and not keeping them for myself!

I'm still working on getting my photo-studio set up, so bear with me on the pictures. They're not quite as nice as I'd like them to be!

Here's a few shots of the pouches just listed. Lots of springy stuff! I'm ready for warmer weather and a spring picnic, and these pouches definitely help get me in the mood!

Super cute hedgehogs!

Springy Gnomes!


Burgundy Birdie


And now, the adorable Love Birds double zipper pouch that is up for grabs!

How do you enter the blog giveaway? It's easy! Just leave a comment on this post and around 9pm Mountain Time on Monday March 7th, I will randomly choose a winner! I will contact you for your mailing address and send the love-birds pouch off to it's new home. :) Easy as pie! If you have any questions about the pouch, or the contest, feel free to send me an email at rachel@sewserious.com


It's so great to be sewing again, and it feels wonderful to have my etsy shop up and running once more. Thank you for the kind words and encouragement. It's really been helpful to me. :)

Happy Crafting friends!
Peace & Love,
Rachel Rae

Studio finished and a few items up in the shop!

Good morning friends!

I'm happy to announce that my studio is finished, aside from a few more decorations to hang up and such, and I have posted a few items up in the shop. A small start, but a start that I can be happy with. Within minutes of listing my first items, I sold a clutch, so I couldn't have asked for a more positive beginning!

I have several things planned for the next upcoming weekend and week. I will be posting photos of my studio for those of you who are interested to see where I work. I'm just working on some finishing touches, and I have all of my owls to give proper places to in the new studio! hehe. :)

I'll also be working on, sewing up, and listing some new designs. As soon as that happens, I will also be having another blog giveaway! The prize is a secret still, but it is SEW CUTE, you're definitely going to want to get in on this one. As always, check here for updates.

Again, there are a few items in the shop right now. Several business card and birth control cozies, as well as this Darling Floral Clutch.I'm also taking ideas from my crafty friends for new items. Post in the comments and let me know what you're dying to see in my shop. A friend of mine in Florida wants to see some hobo bags for example. Do you think I should make e-reader cozies, or how about aprons? Perhaps you think I should design some tissue cozies... you get the idea. I'd love to hear your ideas.

Thanks again for stopping by and don't forget to check back for the blog giveaway updates!

Peace & Love,
Rachel Rae

Almost there!

I am so close!

The move is going well and I'd say it is about 75% finished. But now comes the hard part, bringing in all my smaller goods and giving them all perfect homes in my new studio! My kitchen, bathroom, bedroom, and living room are all near perfection and I am super excited about my kitchen. It's so open and bright! Wee!

I'm up now with thoughts racing about how I'm going to set up my studio and I can't begin to tell you how anxious I am to get my sewing machines running. I received a fabric order full of just lovely and adorable fabrics that I can't wait to turn into bags and purses and other bits and bobs!

I've also been exploring new tools and features that I hope can help nurture Sew Serious, help it grow, and make it easier to make new connections. So, as a beginning step, I'm starting a mailing list! If you'd like to join, simply comment on this post with your email address, or contact me at rachel@sewserious.com with "mailing list" in the subject line. I will send out very occasional Sew Serious updates, as well as specials and sales! I will NOT share your information as I value your privacy. Plus, I hate spam, and I'm sure you do too. So, none of that here. Mailing List! Yes!

Well, if I'm going to accomplish anything tomorrow, I'm going to need to get some rest!

And as always, any comments or ideas are much appreciated.

Peace & Love,
Rachel Rae

Sewing Studio in Progress!!

Sew...

The boyface and I are moving into our new apartment within a week! I'm so excited. Not only do I have a gloriously large and open kitchen which is so sunny and bright (and full of decorating possibilities!) but I also get the 2nd bedroom to myself for my Sewing Studio! I've already got a majority of the set-up planned, and finally found some new things to really complete the look I'm going for. Check these out! (and don't mind the horrible cell phone shots.. I was too excited to grab the real camera!)

This is an antique bar. The top opens completely and the little front part folds down so there is plenty of sewing space. I'm pondering putting one of my machines here. And just check out the bottle spots where I can keep mason jars of notions and supplies. Plus, there are built in shelves just to the left where I can store other bits and bobs and my fabric, of course!

And then there's this beauty. I don't know too much about her yet, but she's seems tough and she still works!

Aside from setting up shop, I've also been on the hunt for some new inspiring fabrics and found some while thrift shopping, and some great ones online. I've also been working on some promo stuff. I've been thinking of setting up a Facebook page for Sew Serious Designs and offering the first so many (read: can't yet decide) fans the option of receiving a little free promo-pack in the mail. This is just in the thought stages... any feedback would be much appreciated.

Well friends, I'm off to relax and and maybe do some dishes..

Peace & Love,

Rachel Rae

Sew Serious Designs Re-opening!

Store Re-opening in March 2012!

Why hello friends! It's been what seems like forever since I've updated my blog, but great things are coming next month.

I am currently working on new designs and products that I'll be putting up in the shop within the next few weeks. I am designing a new and gorgeous studio that will be filled with inspiration, bright open sunny windows, excellent art pieces from fellow artists and I know that it is going to inspire wonderful new designs.

Sewing is what I've always loved to do, and after a few years of some chaos, a surgery and some random health problems, I am ready and eager to do what makes me happy!Keep an eye out here on the blog for more fun specials and giveaways. I also have plans for a Re-opening special offer, which I will give more details about later.

In the meantime, thanks for stopping by Sew Serious, and I truly appreciate your support!

Peace & Love,
Rachel Rae

Well, Hello again!

Hello again!

I can't believe it has been so long since I've updated my blog! I can tell you that this past year has been a busy and wonderful one. I have not had a whole lot of time for my crafting fun, but I have gone back to school and been a busy girl keeping up with school work and such. I have been thinking about sewing for a few months now and a plethora of ideas are floating through my mind, keeping me inspired (and a bit dizzy!).

I'm slowly going through my supply stash, and will be offering some fantastic deals on some fabric and notions in my etsy shop, so be sure to stop by if you're looking for some fun fabrics. I'll also be setting up a small studio and offering some new accessories and purses soon too!

I know it's been awhile, but I'm planning on a new blog contest in the next month or two to celebrate the coming of autumn, my favorite season! So inspiring and full of change, autumn is the time of year that fills me with ideas. So, keep checking back here for updates.

I hope you are all well and enjoying the remaining days of summer!

xo,
Rachel

Major Shop Update!

Hello all of my lovely friends!

I apologize for the lack of recent blog updates (I hope everyone had a fabulous Easter of some sort...) but I've been busy with a huge Shop update!

Sew Serious at Etsy has a whole new look and a bunch of new items! I'd love some feedback on the new design and shop profile page, so if you have a moment, stop on by and then let me know what you think. My design was wonderfully done by a fellow Etsian, MabelMcBee, who offers custom designs in her shop.

Also, I have a brand new batch of Business cards on their way to me and they are the cutest! If you'd like to have a few for you and your friends, just let me know in my comments. I'll contact you and send some your way. :) I'm excited to show them off and share.

I'll end here (I have to get back to sewing!) with a new item in the shop, The Brown Birdie Messenger bag.
Have a beautiful day!

xo,
Rachel

Happy St. Patties!

And a happy start to a new week. I have several new items listed in the shop, including a new purse. And because it's still St. Patrick's day here, I'll give you a pic of something green. There's a matching pouch in the shop too. I just love this design and color combo. And the mossy hue of the wool felt is just perfect.

Thank you all so much for your wonderful and supportive comments about my house guest situation. I'm feeling much better at the moment and am glad to have things back to normal here at chez Sew Serious. This week is going to be a busy one, and I'm hoping it goes quickly. Congratulations to Miss Knits, as her post number 4 was drawn so she'll be receiving the new happy cloud pouch!

I hope everyone had a great weekend and Saint Patrick's Day. I'm off to watch a movie and be a not-so-faithful Irish girl and celebrate with my favorite bottle of beer, an artisian Belgian brown ale called McChouffe. Oh my amazingness is all I can say about this beer. A bit expensive, $8 for a 12oz bottle, but worth every penny as a treat. If you can find it, try it at least once, not bitter, but smooth, delicious, nutty and not too complex. Plus, there's a little gnome on the label. Fantastic. :)



Cheers!
Rachel

Time for a contest!

Indeed! I need a little fun right now!

My house guest situation went from okay to horrible. Let me explain...

The Mister had run into an old friend when we returned home on a visit almost a year ago. With the economy doing so horrible back home, The Mister offered to help his friend in the future with a place to stay until he could find a job and get on his feet here in Colorado. A few online conversations took place and then *bam*, friend had a plane ticket.

So, we prepared and discussed the situation. He wouldn’t be the first person from home that we had helped, and with our other friend doing so well with a fantastic job, his own place and his family here to join him, we gave it a go. Unfortunately, personalities and people change, and there was a little unspoken uneasiness at first go. The Mister and I chatted again and decided to push on and try to make things work.

Our guest lasted one week. I can’t really begin to describe how awful it was near the end. Let me say that I sat in my own home and listened to our guest on my phone, say not so nice things about The Mister and I on several occasions, and while I was in the room. Seriously! I tolerated it the first time, but could no longer when it continued.

Not only am I quite frightened by confrontation, but I was also home alone with a man I did not know. He actually weirded me out quite a bit. (His wife informed me I should have been scared because he could have hurt me, and she wished he would have... goodness..) The Mister was away at work and had friends checking on me regularly. Finally, we decided it just couldn’t go on any longer. Our desire to help to house, feed, transport and in The Mister’s case, recommend someone who was basically talking trash about us in our own home was completely gone.

He was asked to leave. He refused and threatened to call the police stating he had the right to stay in our home as long as he wished until we had him evicted. The first friend we helped came over to make sure things went smoothly. We offered and did pay for his ticket home. I apologized over and over for the situation, tried to be kind and even packed a bag of snacks and beverages for his trip. He continued to argue and then finally gave up. He was given his ticket money and dropped off to go home.

The situation was unfortunate as a whole, but I feel horrible for The Mister as he learned many things about an old friend that he did not know before, things that had happened in the past that our guest had bragged about doing to him. We do know that he and his wife bragged about knowing how to break into our house and hoping that they see pain come upon us in the future. Nice, huh?

It’s been a rough few days, but I’m happy to have my home back, the kittens are no longer hiding under the bed (they did not like our guest...) and with all my windows and doors locked, I’m feeling okay. lol.. I’m a worrier. :) I’ve had a lot of offers from local friends to help out in anyway needed and it’s great to know we have real friends who care.

/Rant

So, I need to be cheered up a bit and think it’s a great time for a new Blog Contest! Just post a comment to help cheer me up and sometime on Monday I’ll have a friend pick a number for a random winner.

The prize is this cute new zipper pouch made from adorable Japanese imported fabric. Vintage buttons and a bit of ric-rac make this pouch even cuter, huh? Just look at the cute little happy clouds!

So please, comment away my friends! I hope your weekend was a pleasant one!

xo,
Rachel

A bit of calm

The daily craziness slowed down starting this morning. The wholesale order is shipped, I finished a few other crafted goodies I'll share later and even fixed a coat button that has needed fixing for sometime. It's such a nice change of pace for the moment. I can get some simple housework finished, make a few appointments I've been putting off and watch a few films I've been wanting to see. Also, I think the kittens need a bit of "mommy time" since I haven't been around to play with them too much.

I'd like to share a few pictures of the kitties when they were just a few months younger...


And each of them when the Mister and I first took them home at 5 weeks, so young I know!

Itty bitty Bobo and sister Lulu.

Cute, eh? ;)

The shop is going well but slowed down a bit recently. I'm working on a few new goodies and I'll be posting about them soon enough. I'd like to thank Susan for featuring my Birdie messenger Bag on her blog! :)

*New Contest*
I'm planning a new contest for sometime this week, so be sure to check back for a chance to win something cute from Sew Serious!

:)
Rachel

Goodness!

I've been so busy the past few days, I've neglected my blog!

We have a new guest staying with us until he can get on his feet. He came from Michigan where the economy is so poor, that it's difficult to find a job, let alone a good job. He's the second friend that the Mister and I have imported to Colorado, the first already doing well on his own. So, we've been getting settled in the new situation and the kitties are in need of some intense love. Lulu has refused to come out of the bedroom since our guest arrived and Bobo just walks around whining. Not fans of change my kittens.

In other news, I have my wholesale order for Kate at the Paper Sparrow about 98% complete. I was finishing up the last two pieces and broke my last sewing machine needle, so I'll be getting a replacement tonight and packing everything up tomorrow. :)

Also, I've been busy making new goodies for my shop to help things along. I recently re-stashed my fabric supply (I'm always restashing! hehe) and have been playing with my new fabrics, which include some cute cute new japanese imports. I've made a few new wallets, pouches and several clutches. Here's a few pics, but you can see the rest in my shop, of course.

There's also a few more new things to come soon. Cute as can be fabrics eh? I just love the little sheep and matryoshka dolls!

If you recall my CAKE etsy group, I just want to share that several members are having some fantastic sales. You can read about them and chat with some of us by visiting us on the etsy forums here. Also, there are several blogs by members, so stop by and take a peek.

• Tran's Blog
• Carla's Blog
• Heather's Blog
• Leslie's Blog
• Natalie's Blog

Oh, and remind me never to blog about how beautiful of a spring day we're having here until Winter is actually over. It snowed the next day and has been fairy cold every since. Anyone with warm weather.. send some my way? Thanks.

:) Rachel

Apple Mouse Messenger Bag and Happy March!

Thank you to everyone for all of the comments about my first month on Etsy. I appreciate all of the lovely feedback. :)

Happy March 1st! Today is a beautiful day outside and the smell of spring is certainly in the air. How exciting?!

To start of a new month for me, I'd like to show you a new item in my shop, The Apple Mouse Messenger Bag.




It's made from a gorgeous earthy brown/eggplant wool and lined in the cutest apple mouse linen blend fabric. You can check out more pictures in my Etsy shop.

Enjoy your weekend!
Rachel

One Month on Etsy

Yesterday was my one month anniversary for my Etsy shop. I listed my first items for sale on January 28th and it's been an exciting and interesting start! There are times where I have been disappointed, but when I step back to look at all that I've accomplished, I'm proud of myself and my hard work.

Here are a few shop stats:
* I've made 16 sales
* 121 people have hearted my shop
* I've been featured in 3 treasuries
* I've been featured in one blog
* I was invited to join the C.A.K.E Promotion Team


I don't think that's too bad of a start. :)

I have a bit of advice to offer to new sellers on Etsy.

1. Craftsmanship!!! Your items must be at their best. Do what you do well, and practice what you don't. There are hundreds upon hundreds of talented sellers on Etsy, many of them making the same product as you, so you need to be at the top of your game. Use the best supplies available, high quality fabrics, findings, beads etc, will make for high quality items. Until you have mastered your craft, keep practicing.

2. PICTURES. You really have to understand how important it is to display your product professionally. There is insane competition on Etsy, and it's imperative that you take the extra step and make your shop stand out. My pictures are far from perfect, and I believe that they will always be a work in progress. Please don't take pictures on your carpet, please don't hang your purses sloppily on a door knob. If you were to imagine your work for sale in a published catalog, what would the pictures of your items look like? If you want to be considered a professional business, start by displaying your work as such. There are several tutorials for a light box, make one!

3. PROMOTE. It's tough to find an individual shop on Etsy. With so many shops listing at all times of the day, we all know how quickly your item can get lost in each category. You have to find other avenues for getting traffic to your shop. Get business cards asap, and pass them out! Carry a piece of your work with you, a purse, or wear your jewelry every where you go. Each and every time someone comments on them, give them a card! Don't be too shy, be proud of what you do. Give cards to your friends and have them give them out. Offer them free or discounted merchandise to be a walking advertisement for your shop. Start a blog, purchase ad space from blogs you like, participate in forums, put your shop url in your email signatures, join street times, post about your shop on myspace, craigslist, leave cards at businesses (many have a spot or bulletin board for this). Promoting should be something you never stop doing.

4. Customer Service. Once you have people visiting your shop and purchasing your goods, you want them to be thrilled with the experience and come back. Offer fair shipping prices, great communication, fantastic products and lovely presentation. I wrap all of my orders in tissue paper, tie with a ribbon or string, top with a cute handmade tag and always, always include a thank you note. I feel that when someone chooses an item from my shop vs. another, that they deserve the best.

This also includes having all of your policies stated in your shop or profile. Make sure you have everything covered, from domestic to international shipping, your return policy, shipping times, sales, discounts etc. A customer is more likely to purchase from your shop if they feel that you're going to be handling everything professionally.

5. Keep at it! When you get discouraged, do something that makes your happy! Read a book, take a walk, call a friend, anything to get your creative juices flowing. What works best for me is going through all of my current supply stock. When I browse through all of my fabrics, ideas just start flowing.

:)
Happy Crafting!
Rachel

7 Random Things...

So I've been tagged by the lovely Kate to spill 7 random things about myself. Enjoy!

My randomness:

1. I eat like a little kid. Really. Macaroni and cheese, fruit roll-ups, granola bars, trix yogurt cups (yum!), string cheese, cheerios, little graham cracker snacks, fruit snacks, spaghetti-os, pb &j's...... I love them all! When I crave snacks, this is usually what I want. The Mister teases me all the time that I eat like a little girl. By the way, I dip my pb&j into my spaghetti-os! mmmmmmmm. :)

2. I am a total klutz. So accident prone, it's ridiculous. If anyone is going to slip on a dryer sheet and shatter a knee cap, it's going to be me. I have so many bangs and bruises from a lifetime of tripping over my own feet. But it's not like I'm snowboarding and wiped out, or sky diving and landed wrong... it's more like I tripped over my own feet and sprung my angle, or stepped off a stair funny and fractured my knee. I do have to boast that I'm doing much better as I age. Nothing serious in a while. *knock on wood*

3. Thunderstorms make me very happy. The bigger, louder, scarier the better. As a child, I used to sit in my Mom's room during a thunderstorm, turn all the lights out and watch the lightning shoot down from the sky. I always counted the seconds until the thunder, and would always get excited as the storm drew closer. I was in Florida several years ago when all of the hurricane's hit and it was very exciting. Don't get me wrong, I'm not thrilled with the loss and suffering of others in anyway. I hate to see the effect it has on other's lives. Natural Disasters, as an act of mother nature, always amaze me.

4. I want to live in Europe. I took a trip a few years ago where I spent three weeks frolicking around France, England, Italy, Monte Carlo, and a touch of Germany, and it was fantastic. The people that I met were amazing and many of them, I will never forget. I envy the education that their children receive and how laid back society seems to be as a whole. When the Mister and I decide to have children, I'd like them to be multi-lingual and see the world, much more than I ever did. Luckily, due to The Mister's work, this is not an impossible future.

5. I'm a sensitive ninny. A few examples; The very first time that we drove through the Flaming Gorge National Park in Utah, I cried. It was so pretty and appeared so untouched, it was all so overwhelming. Also, please do not explain to me how to cook a lobster. I will cry. I'm all for people eating meat if they so choose, I do, but I do not want to hear the details. Please do not tell me a story where someone is hurt in an awful way, I will cry. Please no icky scary or torture movies, they make me cry.

My outlook on life is this (and has been dubbed the "Pretty Curtain's Practice" by the Mister and I), I understand and know about the suffering of others in this world. I do what I can to help them and do my best not to support or promote the continued abuse of others in horrible situations, but if I'm not careful, those sad thoughts and torturing images will take over my life and turn me into a sobbing ball of sadness. At that point, I'd be useless to everyone. So, once I'm informed, please don't ruffle my pretty curtains. ;)

6. The Mister and I have lived together basically since day one. We met under interesting circumstances, and had so much in common it was a little weird. He wasn't my usual "type (whatever that means), but we got along really well and he intrigued me. So, dating just kind of happened and at the same time, he moved in. We've lived in 3 different states, been on miracle and life changing trips, experienced three hurricanes, lived in our car, drank amazing and rare wine, met people we never really imagined, snuck into movies, been sick and deathly sick, lost all hope, had more hope than ever, failed and succeeded beyond our dreams, camped on a mountain, made and lost lifetime friends, and so much more. It's only 5 years later, and things are still well between the Mister and Mrs. :)

7. I love Fred Astaire.

So, there they are, my seven random things. I'm tagging The Solitary Thread, Joyful Abode, and The Cricket's Song.

In sewing news, I've been working hard on my order for Kate at the Paper Sparrow. I should have everything packed up and ready to go next week. Woot! Also, I have a really cute new "Anchors Away!" purse in the Etsy Shop.


Have a happy Wednesday!
Rachel

Ellia Hat... finally.

Okay everyone, I finally have the hat pattern finished! It’s my first written out pattern, so I’m sure it’s slightly confusing, so if you have any questions, just let me know and I’ll address them right away. If you just pick up a hook and yarn and work through it, it’s much easier to understand and fairly quick hat to whip up.

I'm not actually great at reading crochet patterns, and I learned to knit before I learned to hook, so forgive me.

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The Ellia Cap

Materials:
Bulky yarn
Size I9/5.50mm hook

ch- chain
yo - yarn over
2tog - 2 together
hdc - half double crochet
dc - double crochet
tr- triple crochet

*Bobble Stitch*
Skip one stitch, YO and insert hook into stitch, draw yarn through. YO, pull through 2 stitches, YO, pull through remaining two stitches.
YO, insert hook into same stitch, draw yarn through. YO and draw through 2 stitches, YO, pull through one stitch (2 stitches remaining on hook).
YO, insert hook into same stitch, draw yarn through, YO, pull through 2 stitches, YO, pull through one stitch (3 stitches remaining on hook) YO and draw through all 3 stitches.
CH1

*Beginning*
Ch 48
Row 1: Single Crochet into 2nd ch from hook, continue to end (47 stitches) Connect to first stitch with slip stitch. Ch 1 and turn. Row 2: SC around. Ch 1 and turn.
Row 3: Repeat Row 2
Row 4: SC around; Ch 3 and turn
Row 5: Yo, insert hook into first stitch, draw yarn though, YO pull through 2 stitches, YO pull through remaining 2 stitches. YO, insert hook into same stitch, draw yarn through. YO and draw through 2 stitches, YO, pull through one stitch (2 stitches remaining on hook). YO, insert hook into same stitch, draw yarn through, YO, pull through 2 stitches, YO, pull through one stitch (3 stitches remaining on hook) YO and draw through all 3 stitches. Finish round using bobble stitch pattern. After completing last bobble stitch, connect to first with a slip stitch into 3rd ch of very first ch3. CH 3 and turn.
Row 6 & 7: Repeat row 5, stitching into the ch 1 between bobbles.
Row 8: Bobble Stitch twice, and then bobble stitch two together (YO, insert hook into stitch and draw yarn through, move over to next ch between bobbles and insert hook and draw yarn through (4 stitches on hook). YO and draw through 3 stitches, YO and draw through remaining 2 stitches and complete remaining steps. Continue in this pattern (Bobble twice, then Bobble 2tog) until end of row. Slip stich to first bobble, Ch3 and turn.
Row 9: Bobble Stitch once, then bobble 2tog, continue around until end of row. Slip stitch to first bobble, Ch3 and turn.
Row 10: YO, insert hook into first stitch next to hook and drawn yarn through, insert hook into next “ch1” and drawn yarn through, YO and pull through 3 stitches, YO and pull through remaining two stitches. Complete last bobble stitch step, and Bobble 2tog the entire row. Ch3 and turn.
Row 11: Repeat row 10 until very end. Pull slip stitch through, cutting yarn and leaving a long tail. Using a yarn needle, insert yarn into remaining stitches and pull tight to close.
Weave in all ends.

Flower:
Using magic ring method, create a ring of 5 single crochets, connect with slip stitch, ch1 and turn.
*hdc, dc, tr, dc, hdc into first stitch, slip stitch into next stitch* and repeat from * to end for a total of 5 petals.
Weave in ends and connect to hat.

Copyright 2008, Sew Serious
Pattern for personal use only!

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The yarn in the photos above are Frog Tree 100% Alpaca. The hat below was created with Blue Sky Alpaca, worsted weight.


I hope it’s not too hard to follow. It looks complicated on paper, but it’s easier to actually do. It's also very adaptable. Add more stitches and rows for a worsted weight yarn, make the back deeper for dreads or lots of hair. Can be worn snood style.

I'd love to see your versions!


So yes. There it is and I’m sorry for the delay.
Enjoy!

xo,
Rachel

Quick post!

I've been so busy today! Lots of cleaning and little house tasks that just needed to get done.

However, I have been working on some promo cards that I'd love some opinions on. My custom stamp came from Craft Pudding and I'm definitely putting them to use.


What do you think?

Also, I should be posting the new hat pattern up sometime this weekend, so keep an eye out for it soon!

xo,
Rachel

Picture love and Eat Cake

*Whew* It's been an assiduous day! I've been busy in my studio sewing like crazy. Even the kitties are exhausted from watching me run around. I listed a couple of new items in the shop, including the cutest gnome pouch and a "Tea Time" pouch made from the most to-die-for-adorable Japanese linen.

I did receive a new digital camera in the mail today. I'm still playing and getting comfortable with the settings, so I'm hoping to get all of my shop pictures up to par soon. A light box is on the to-do list for tomorrow, along with laundry, studio tidying, a run to the post office and hopefully some baking if I get the time. I've been craving strawberry muffins. :)

There's a new small group of sellers on Etsy named C.a.k.e , also known as Creative Artists, Kickass Etsians. (Word!) :)
We've formed to help spread the idea of Etsy (I handed out 10 business cards in the last 48 hours!) and to promote other independent artists. We even have our own blog, so be sure to stop by and check it out. There are some fabulous sellers in our group.

Well, my dears, a large comfy bead is calling my name, and I can no longer refuse. It's so late!

I will leave you with a few silly self portraits from my new camera. Have a giggle and enjoy.

Lulu and I taking a quick rest...

"What do I make next?"...


xoxo,
Rachel

New Fabrics and pouches...

My fabric came today!! I'm excited, can you tell? I've already been busy creating some new Zipper Pouches with my tasty new fibers. Stepping aside from the usual pouches, I'm now offering the box pouches, with handy dandy handles. I'd love to hear which image shot you like the best. I'm experimenting with different angles.


All available in my Etsy shop, of course. :)

On my way home from the post office today, I stopped into Fancy Tiger to pick up some more alpaca yarn for the crocheted hat that I'll soon be posting a pattern for. It's a delicious coral pink, but you'll have to wait a few days to see. I promise, it's quite yummy! While chatting, I was told that they run a Craft fair two times a year in the Denver area and are hoping to do one this summer. Something for me to look forward to!

I just want to say thanks for all the comments and emails about my new hair cut! I really appreciate it, as I'm still a bit nervous about how it looks. Not to mention, the Mister has yet to see it in person yet. Yikes! Wish me luck!

I'll have more mail to update you all with soon. I'm expecting a few more goodies to arrive within the next few days. I basically live for mail love.

Best,
Rachel