Friday, April 26, 2013

Validation and Pride

Last weekend I was contacted by a new customer that found me on Etsy to see if  I could make her FOUR knitted pillow covers. Of course I said "Yes, Yes, Yes!!!" I was jumping up and down like a little kid on Christmas morning because I was so excited that someone liked me work and wanted to actually pay me money to make them something. My husband just smiled, shook his head, laughed a little and said, "I'm proud of you." Me new customer wanted size 20 x 20 pillows. The pattern I had was for 12" x 12" pillows. Darn!


Completed 12" x 12" Pillows
I accepted the challenge to adjust my pattern to create 20" x 20" pillow covers. I am sooooo NOT a math person, so the idea of trying to figure out how to increase my pattern to make the pillows 20" x 20" and keep the integrity of the cable patterns, was a little daunting to say the least. I knew I could do it. I can usually figure "stuff" out. It's not the most direct way, but I can get it done. I set about my "trial and error" pattern building. After working on my pattern revision for three evening and ripping out countless attempts, I FINALLY got my pattern right and I am so PROUD of myself! I know my customer is going to be happy with the look of these pillows and I now have another sized pattern for my pillows.

It's really amazing that no matter how old we get, accomplishing a daunting or really challenging task can be one of the most rewarding feelings out there. It just goes to show that we're never to old to learn and try new challenges. I'll be sure to post the 20" x 20" pillows when I'm done.

Tuesday, April 9, 2013

A new project

For the past several months I've been working on creating hats, scarves and cowls. Now that the weather is getting warmer I'm starting to focus more on baby items. Knitting is my first love and I, being the "orderly" person I am, I love the neat perfection of knitting. One of the first things I made after I learned to knit was a baby blanket. I've made lots and lots of blankets, but they are time consuming. I recently found a pattern for a chunky baby blanket that should be about 36" x 36" in size. I'm about half way done and hope to be done soon. I love how soft it is and it's really knitting up quickly.

Sunday, April 7, 2013

My first attempt at blogging

This is my first attempt at blogging so please bear with me as I learn how to do this. I started this blog so I can connect with others who are crafting like me. I'm trying my hand at starting a knitting and crocheting business. I have the knitting and crocheting down, but now I'm working on getting the word out about it and connecting with others for support and inspiration.

Thanks in advance for visiting my blog.