Crochet Inspiration #19: Crochet Coasters

It's that time of year already! I've been prepping for all the Growers' Markets. And I was trying to remember what I sold last year. The honest truth is, a ton of coasters. How random. I know! But it was something I couldn't keep up with.

So I decided to look around. For some inspiration. And a little fun. I don't know about you, but I get tired, of the same patterns. And I want to make things that sell, and that are fun for me to create. So here goes...some of the items I found...

 

Last Spring, I ran across this picture. I think I spent 3 or 4 days, trying to hunt down the pattern. I never did. But I figured out a pattern. And I made a ton of these coaster sets. These were HUGE at the Growers' Markets.

 



I'd also come across this picture last Summer. And I liked the simplicity of this design. I never found this pattern either. But I figured something out. It wasn't too difficult. But these were a great sale item too!

I just found this picture. And did a little searching, for a pattern. With no luck. But I'm not sweating it. I think I can figure something out. I really think, these would be fun to make.

And these hearts. For real, they are incredibly cute! I found the pattern here. I think these will be super cute! I just bought a bunch of cotton, in such fun colors. I really can't wait, to get started.

I've had these coasters, on my "To-Do List," since Sarah posted the pattern. I know! It's been over 3 years. And I have all the supplies at home. These would be perfect for the Growers' Markets. And the various Summer Festivals, I keep getting calls about. So fun!

These coasters have a more simple design. And I really like that. Again, I couldn't find a pattern. But these look really easy. I'm sure, I can figure something out!

 

My Mom really likes these coasters. Which means, our buyers will like them too. And I'm happy, that there is a pattern. So I'm going to try, and make a couple of sets.

I'm not sure what to say. A lot of our regular buyers, have sent me this picture. I'm not the biggest fan. But they are. So I'll be making a couple of these too.

These are a bit more my style. But honestly, I never use coasters. I don't own any. I've never thought about them. But I like the simplicity, of these coasters. I think they'd be a good design. No pattern to be found. But simple enough, to try.

These owls, caught my Mom's eye. They are adorable. Again, no pattern. Believe me. I searched. And searched. Then searched some more. I think I went down the Pinterest Black Hole...for 2 days. With no luck!

This monkeys, are equally as cute. And fun! Again, no pattern. Pinterest was killing me...for a few days. But I got the idea. And I'm sure, I can come up with something.

And then I thought, I'm going to be at a Growers' Market. Or two. Maybe even three. So I thought sunflowers would be nice. I know, this girl, would love a set! I should try them out.

Like I said before, coasters aren't my thing. Not personally. For this organizing, OCD, cleaning addict...I just can't imagine rings on the table. But coasters? Not my thing. But I'm not stupid. I see the need for and want for them. So I'll be making a few sets. ❤

Crochet Inspiration 2: Snowflake Ornament...Turned Into A Snowflake Garland

I was looking for something fun to crochet. Something to add to my Dad's hospital room. You know, these rooms are a little boring and bland. And since it looks like it will be a few weeks until we get home, I need to add a little something-something to this place.

I was thinking of a garland. But Valentine's Day decorations are just a little too much right now. I'm thinking something for winter. A little bit of fun and whimsy. Then I thought about this little snowflake...

 

So I'm thinking, these little snowflakes, made into a garland. With a few wintery blue colors. 7 white, 6 little blue, and 6 medium blue...connected with white. I think it would make for a fun garland. You know, with all this weird winter weather that we are having. I think we need some snowflakes. Real snowflakes. Not the pretend things, that are all over the weather maps...and never make it to the sky.

 

Recently, I was telling a friend of mine, that patterns are just a little "roadmap" for you. It's there. It gives you an idea, or a direction. But it's not the "end all." You can change that pattern around. You can add to it. You can use a pattern like this, to add an applique to a hat, scarf, or even a blanket. Lots of times, I find a cute appliques, to make different garlands.

 

So the next time you see a cute applique, ornament, or other little trinket...think of all the things you can make with that pattern. This pattern, I've added to a scarf and hat recently. And it really came out nice. My little cousin likes that she has a "Frozen" hat and scarf. Funny how she made that connection. But it's a nice little treat. ❤

Crochet Inspiration 27: Baby Panda

Is anyone else still trying to get their Christmas presents bought? How about finished up...you know, if you are a crafter. Well, I am. Mostly because life has been crazy around here. And since we are going to be in the hospital for the next week or so, my gifts this year are going to be homemade.

Most are done. But then, I had a ton of orders to fill. And Christmas came fast. So yes, I sold a few of the gifts I had made my family. I have a few left to remake. Mostly hats. Some toys. And a scarf. But I thought, we needed something fun in the hospital. In pops...a baby panda!

Isn't this panda outfit cute? Well, I thought so. I'm going to make the hat for my little cousin. She just turned 7 months old. I'm thinking of adding a little pink bow, to the right ear area. And then, I just might make one for an upcoming Craft Fair. :)

And just for a second, can we talk about this awesome blog? All About Ami. I literally stumbled on it. Because I was looking for a baby panda hat. And I was a little tired of all the character hats, that I've made this holiday season. I just wanted something adorable. But All About Ami...definitely one of my new favorite blogs! ❤

Crochet Inspiration 25: Out & About

At the beginning of the month, My Mom and I sold at our church's Christmas Craft Fair. We did so good. And sold a ton of stuff! I mean a ton! Many items that we'd had for a while. But we kept a little list of the top sellers. You know, we only have about 6 weeks to stock up. You know, before our next sale. :)

Well, I was trying to stock up on some of these items. One being a certain scarf. The real story being, my sister wanted a dark purple scarf that we had. She put it down, to look at a few other things. In case you don't know, my sister works on TV shows and movies. So she works long, crazy hours. And hadn't had time to go shopping. I think she did a good 50% of her shopping in one afternoon. Our fellow crafters, were very happy!

But when my sister put that purple scarf down, and a friend of ours...well she bought it. So I thought, I could make my sister the whole set for Christmas. Something that matched. In her favorite color. So she doesn't freeze on set, at 3AM.

Then I hit a snag. I couldn't find the pattern. Anywhere! And my sister is headed to Croatia. For 2 months! And I got a call. From a lady at church. Wanting to order 5 sets! What to do???

Fast forward almost 10 days, and I still couldn't find the pattern. I searched our containers of patterns. I searched online. And then I started asking friends. I kept coming up empty handed.

Finally I realized, when Coats & Clark merged their free patterns with Red Heart, not everything made the move. This pattern happened to be one of those...

So as any other crafter would do, I kept on searching. Then I remembered the pattern is called "Out & About." A few Google searches later...I found Purple Kitty Yarns. And the pattern! Don't you just LOVE it?!?!?! Now I better get to crocheting. ❤

Crochet Inspiration 20: Olaf

Are you getting ready for Christmas? I decided, for a bunch of reasons, to make it a "Homemade Christmas" this year. Which I think my family, and friends, both enjoy. They get some "one of a kind" gifts. I get something to do, while my Dad is at chemo. And well, I just enjoy it so!

I'm sure, the little girls in my family, are no different than the ones in your family. Totally in love with everything Frozen! To be honest, I haven't even watch the movie. Does anyone want to lend it to me? No, for real. Just for a couple of hours. My 4 year old cousin, is refusing! I MUST go to her house to watch it. It's one of her most prized possessions. :)

Well, I've been doing some digging around. I've managed to crochet a few amigurumi sets of Elsa and Anna. But I've been looking for something a little more fun. And well, One Dog Woof, totally came through for me. Just this week, ChiWei posted this FREE pattern!

Isn't Olaf too cute?!?!?! I adore him! Like I said, I haven't seen the movie. All my knowledge of Frozen comes from the itty bitties in my life. :) But this little guy...I might be crocheting a dozen or so of these. For gifts. Maybe a few for our upcoming Craft Fair. I might even get one made for myself. We ONLY have 44 more days until Christmas!!! ❤

Crochet Inspiration 6: Alligator Pencil Case

It's the first week of August. Which means, school is just around the corner. And quite honestly, I'm not ready for that. And I don't even go to school anymore! I'm just dealing with my Dad's business. But we shall see what the new school year will bring us.

On the other hand, I know a group of kiddos, that is just dying for school to start! Especially, a sweet five year old. That is ready for kindergarten. And all the yellow school supplies you can find! ;)

Let's not forget, all things algenator (or in our words...alligator.) So this week's inspiration, is coming straight from little Miss M and her favorite animal...

 

A certain little Miss M, definitely deserves a new alligator pencil case. You know, just in time for the 1st day of Kindergarten. Which means, this Tia better get moving. Besides slow poke me, we have the USPS to deal with. And well, we surely can't be late! ❤