Helpful Hint Time


When you start on a new pattern, no matter if it's knit or crochet, you are supposed to make a sample swatch. I know, nobody really likes to do this. It seems as if it's a waste of time, materials and such.
Well, guess what. YOU NEED TO DO THIS!!! If you don't, you run the risk of not having enough yarn to finish the project or having too much left over. It may not fit the way it should. I mean really, this takes so little time to do. You most likely don't crochet the same as the designer so CHECK YOUR GAUGE!!

If you put your project down and pick it up a day or two (or more) later, you really need to do another sample. Your mood can be different and that can make your stitch size different.

There is an upside to doing this. If you save your samples, when you have enough you can stitch them together and make a scarf or an afghan. I can hear it now, "I have too many afghans or my friends and family have too many and don't want anymore." I have a solution for that. Donate the finished project. There are plenty of organizations that would gladly accept a donation that  you have made. So not only are you making sure you keep the gauge of your project consistent, you are helping someone else who needs it.

Inspiration

Do you ever need just a bit of motivation? Just a little bit to give you a push to do better. I'm not saying that we aren't doing good, just that we can all do better than we already are.
Here is a picture that I took a couple of years ago. I added a little motivational saying.
Hope you like it and I hope it inspires you to start a ripple.

Remember, every time you buy handmade, you are helping someone live their dreams and create beauty.

Hi Everyone!

There is an artist by the name of Rhonda you really need to know about.
She is a designer that works with silver, shells, sea glass, pearls and vintage items. How many of us have seen broken jewelry at an estate sale, consignment shop or thrift store and thought, "That is so pretty, I wish it wasn't broken" and then put it back down and walked away? Not Rhonda, she sees a piece and thinks and dreams about what she can do with it to give it life again, to make it useful and valuable once more.

From the very young to the very recycled, I refuse to describe someone as old, no matter your age, you can find something in her shop that will be perfect for you. 

WHAT!?!?! You say you don't wear jewelry??? Well, guess what! she has something for you too.

 You say, "I make my own jewelry." She even has somethings for you.

Seriously, you need to go and check out her shop. Yes, you!! GO NOW!!

Click here to go to Trinity Silver Jewelry

Remember, every time you buy handmade, you are helping someone live their dreams and create beauty.

ARTYAH

There is a new venue for selling handmade items, supplies and vintage. I can go on and on about how wonderful this site is compared to others (my views are so much better on ArtYah) but, another blogger has written a terrific feature about this site. 

Beth is an awesome writer that you really need to read and follow. 

Check out her blog here bethiescards

If you want some really original and adorable cards, check out her shop on ArtYah 

BethiesCards

New Little Piggies

These little piggy dish scrubbies were actually designed around February 2016.
The pattern is going to be printed in a book to be published by Leisure Arts.
I like these so much that I have made a few pairs to put up for sale in my shop on 

ArtYah.com

Just look for my shop there, it has the same name as my Etsy shop which is 

DreamsofMay


ArtYah.com is a new selling venue for Handmade, vintage, and supplies.

Please be patient if the site is down. It is undergoing some growing pains and had to get a bigger server. 
The owner Craig is great and so helpful!!!

ArtYah is also on Facebook and Google+

Stop by and say Hi.