This super simple project is the perfect purse to keep in your large bag. If you need a few dollars to run in the store, throw on this little crossbody beauty and you’ll have what you need without a backache from carrying a large purse for those quick errands. They also work great for simple gifts and can be stashed away for the holidays. My daughter especially enjoys keeping a few of these little purses handy for her dolls and play money. Whenever we go to town, she has to bring her own pocket purse and be just like mommy!

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Anyone who reads this post obviously has an interested in crochet and perhaps it has crossed from an interest into an obsession! There are only 24 hours in the day and only so many hours to crochet! There is always more laundry to be done, a meal waiting to be prepared, an errand to be accomplished, a friend to call or perhaps a child to console. So, how can we factor in some precious time just to unwind and create something? Here are a few suggestions.

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There is nothing more frustrating than setting aside time to work on a new project and not be able to find your pattern, yarn or hook. You can spend precious minutes that could have been invested in your project while searching for the needed tools to begin. After accumulating an assortment of crochet necessities I finally decided it was high time to get them in one organized space where I could turn to and find what I needed in a matter of seconds.

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I fell in love with sheep, spinning and crochet at a very young age. Every year my parents and I made it a goal to attend a fiber festival that gloried in all things handmade and homespun. With these cherished experiences in my young memory I came to treasure craft skills just like heirlooms worthy of great value.

It became my goal to raise my own sheep, spin the yarn and crochet this handspun fiber into a finished project. Years later I have my own small flock of shetland sheep, the wool is waiting to be cleaned and processed and I now know how to spin. I can’t wait to get my crochet projects going this winter with yarn that found its start in my own backyard.

Do you enjoy crocheting with natural fiber? Do you have your own flock? Please share!

I love to work with color combinations. I think it makes crochet all the more interesting, homespun and personal. At times I find myself stumped at what might compliment a beautiful shade of yarn that I’m just dying to add to my collection. I don’t want to mar its stunning hue with a color that might distract from my finished project. It’s hard to judge what a finished project might look like while holding an armful of skeins. So, I have found a solution to this color quandary in the pages of a book from 1900. Here are some suggestions that are just as useful today as they were over 100 years ago! read more »

If you’re like me, you’re passionate about shopping for all things crochet! Although I’ve never seen a bumper sticker, “I brake for yarn stores!” I think I could easily apply that one to my car. I love shopping at fiber arts shops and just absorbing the whole creative atmosphere. I especially love the privately owned storefront shops. Their owners are always quite passionate about the topics I am and are especially helpful with any questions I might have. It’s like finding a long lost friend! Walking in a creative oasis provides a sensory overload of patterns and skeins of glorious yarn!

I have a favorite store in Petaluma, CA called The Knittery that I always look forward to visiting during my winter vacation. Housed in a turn of the century building and tastefully decorated it is an inspiration and a breath of fresh air!

Do you have a favorite yarn shopping destination?

Last week we discussed how to start your own crochet guild. Now that you’ve got the basics underway let’s delve a little deeper into fun events and classes you can host!

Guild Sales:
Many guilds host yearly sales where each member has their own table to sell their handmade products. This might be during a local community event or it might be your own special day. Remember to offer literature about your group during your sale to gain new members! Also, have a mailing list where your customers can sign up for an email or print newsletter to stay up-to-date. read more »

Years ago crafting as a group was a way of life. Women gathered from rural areas to share gossip, laughter and tears while creating something useful together. They made gifts for family, quilts to raffle, and in wartimes needed items for servicemen. It encouraged creativity and gave these ladies an excuse to slow down and do something with their hands other than cleaning or preparing the next meal. These quilting bees or sewing circles were the highlight of the week as old friends gathered and new friends were made. It’s a great thing to reinstate if you don’t have a fiber arts guild in your area. Here are a few pointers on how to get one started! read more »

During the holidays I love to give handmade gifts. I think it adds a sentiment that our society as a whole has devalued in the past. Something from the store new and shiny definitely has appeal. Whatever that item might be, it will grow old in time and it will need to be replaced. However, the afghan from Grandma is priceless and is still in use years later! Something handmade is like a hug from a loved one. You can put your heart and soul into this gift. Hand crocheted presents can boast something that no other store bought gift can and that is love… straight from the heart! read more »