We have moved!

Hi everyone, our blog has moved to stringsofme.com and all new posts will be on the new site. Please be sure to sign up for our new email subscription and add us with Google Friend Connect. In addition to the new layout, we are working to add crochet patterns and tutorials in the new feature. Let us know what you think, and thanks again!

It's Time For A Sale!

That's right you read the title correctly...It's Time For A Sale! I'm having a 4 day sale at my Strings of Me Etsy shop. Starting today Friday the 28th until 9pm PST on Monday the 31st when you use code "Memorial" in notes to seller you get 10% off ANYTHING in my Shop! Your refund will be credited back via Paypal. Please spread the word about my sale. Tell your friends and family members so they can have the opportunity to take advantage of this sale! Remember it's only for the next 4 days and don't forget about the code! Happy shopping and Happy Memorial Day everyone!

Organic and Reusable






I have new items up in my shop! I'm very happy to introduce you to these new products as they are either Organic, reusable or both! My first item is a set of 6 face scrubbies. They are made of 100% Organic Cotton yarn and are completely reusable. These little face pads are good for your skin and body and for the Earth. They will replace the disposable kind that you have to buy over and over again. These were hand crocheted by me and you will love how soft they feel but have just enough texture to exfoliate your skin. Use these face scrubbies to remove make-up, put on your facial cleansers and toners, wash the baby, etc. They come cutely wrapped with a ribbon and bow so they are perfect for gift giving. Trust me you will want to pamper yourself with these little beauties. I have 3 different color sets in my shop right now but if you would like them in another color please let me know. I'm happy to do custom orders!

The second item I have recently listed is a Coffee Cup Cozy. These are great to have on hand. This item is reusable and totally ecofriendly unlike the cardboard sleeves we use once and throw away. Plus, it's a cute and stylish way to personalize your coffee cup. I have 4 different colors up in my shop right now and will be listing more soon. These are inexpensive and would make a great gift for any coffee lover, Father's Day, and for those who are graduating.

Like I said I love custom orders! If you see something in my shop but want a different color just contact me. I am also working on some purses, market totes, and other items for my shop. So be on the lookout!

Hope you are all enjoying your Spring!!!

New Products



Hey everyone. Sorry I have been so quiet lately. I have been working on some new patterns and have also listed new items in my Etsy shop. I am so excited to share my new products with all of you! I have a really awesome 100% Organic Cotton Wash Cloths and Bath Puff set that would be great for Mother's Day or any other occasion. Plus, it is good for the body and the Earth! I have another Eco-friendly item in my shop, a Coffee Cup Cozy. Not only are these practical to keep on hand like in your purse, at home, in the car, or at the office it has a great price and makes a great present as well. There are tons of color options so you can customize your coffee cup cozy to your liking! These are much better and safer than the thin cardboard sleeves you get at the coffee shop.

I also have some exciting news. This morning I was pleasantly surprised to find out that I have been Featured on Cool2Craft's website! It is Crochet Week on their blog. They have chosen 10 crocheters to be featured on their blog and I am so thankful and excited to be one of them. Please make sure you check out the other artists on the site and also become a fan of Cool2Craft on Facebook.

I have one more announcement. I have a new banner up in my Etsy shop. I would love to know what you all think of it. Please go check it out and then comment back here or on my Facebook Fan Page. Thanks!

National Crochet Month

March is National Crochet Month. I have been busy crocheting blankets for Haiti. I started this project a little over a month ago. It has challenged me to be creative. The blankets all need to be finished and ready by mid May. Since there is a time constraint I have been making simple stitch blankets. I feel the blankets work up quickly when using rows of either double crochet or half double crochet. To add a little something to them I've crocheted decorative borders around most. I'm using only the softest yarns as I want these blankets to be special for the children that are going to be receiving them.

On top of the blankets I'm also working on a scarf for my doctor. I had wanted to make it for him at Christmas time but wasn't exactly sure what colors he likes. So on my last appointment I brought in a bright lemongrass green color. I remembered he had mentioned he liked lime green and when I saw this color at the yarn store I felt it was the perfect choice. He was very pleased with this color. The scarf is worked up in large stripes of black and the lemongrass green. He had asked for 2" stripes but I felt the larger stripes looked esthetically better. I am really happy with the way it is coming along. The colors are very modern and clean looking. I am so fond of this look that I am thinking of making some throw pillows later.

I also started on a new slouchy hat pattern. This time I made sure to have a notebook next to me as I worked up this hat. I always seem to just let my mind wander and create a pattern and then I am left with trying to figure it out. This notebook was very helpful. I would crochet a round on the hat and then write my notes down into the notebook. I need to make sure I have the notebook by me every time. Once finished writing down the pattern I can then transfer it to the computer.

As you can see I've kept myself very busy during National Crochet Month. I've taken on three different projects including a new pattern! On top of this, my husband has asked me to teach him how to crochet. I've been wanting to do this for awhile now but he always kind of laughed at me. He says I am too busy now to make him hats and he would like to learn how to make his own. So I am pretty excited about this! Hopefully he is a good student. lol

National Crochet Month is a great way to teach others your gift and passion of the yarn art! Have you picked up your hook lately? The month isn't over yet so let National Crochet Month inspire you to create a new pattern, crochet for charity, finish a project that's been sitting around for awhile, learn a new stitch, or teach someone how to crochet!

I also have an announcement. Strings of Me has an official Facebook fan page now. I created this page 2 nights ago and I am in shock with how many fans I already have. So if you haven't already please go fan us here. Thanks and Happy Hooking!!!

Ravelympics 2010



Lastnight as the Opening Ceremonies began for the 2010 Winter Olympics approximately over 9,100 yarnies participated in a mass cast on in the Ravelympics. What is the Ravelympics you must be asking? The Ravelympics is open to crocheters and knitters alike on Ravelry who want to challenge themselves in completing a project or projects during the 17 days the Winter Olympics are being held. Each project is entered into an event. There are 33 events total. Here is a list of some of them - Bag Jump, Cable Cross-Country, Charity Curling, Hat Half-Pipe, Scarf Super-G, Single Skein Speed Skate, Sock Hockey, and WIPs-Dancing.

For my first event I have entered into the WIPs-Dancing. This means Work-in-Progress and only WIPs are aloud to be entered into this event. All other events can be entered into multiple events but for the WIPs-Dancing it can only be in its own event. This blanket as well as my other projects will be for the orphanage in Haiti. After the blanket is finished I cross the finish line and the Officials from the International Ravelympic Committee review my post with photos of the finished project. Once this is done then they call me up to the Podium and I receive my Olympic Medal!

You may think that this is funny and are shaking your head but I think it is loads of fun! Last night it was so exciting to know that thousands of other hookers (that's a crochet term not a street girl) like me were starting our projects at the same time. No matter where we were in the world we all started at 6pm PST.

I forgot to mention our team name...it's the Flaming Hooks. The pictures are not very good but you can see our team flag in blue with the flame and the other picture is like our group cheer! lol The only rule to the Ravelympics is to challenge yourself. So my challenge is to get as many blankets for Haiti entered into the Charity Curling event and to cross that finish line! I know I have until May because that's when my in-laws are going to Haiti, but this is something fun and exciting and like I said a challenge. So cheer me on and after the 17 days we'll see how many blankets I'll be able to complete!

Toddler Blanket




I wanted to give you an update on the Blankets for Haiti that I'm making. I finished my first blanket a couple of days ago. It's a toddler sized blanket. In the photo it's folded in half and so really it is double in size. I chose a Bernat Softee Baby yarn in a Soft Lilac color and I gave it a cute border in the same brand yarn but in a contrasting Antique White color. This blanket is super soft.

I felt so blessed to make this blanket. Every time I thought about how soft the yarn was I was just so excited for the child who is going to get it. To think of the things we take for granted like a blanket. We have so many choices too. I know I probably have at least 5 throws in my house and I have a couple blankets that I'm crocheting in progress. Then to think of how many times I've changed my comforter in my bedroom, because it's just that easy to go down to Target and pick out a new one. Most of these children that are going to receive these blankets it will be the first blanket they have ever had in their lives.

I want to thank the people that have donated money so far. The children will be so blessed by you, and our family really appreciates it. Last night my mother in-law notified us that they got their official dates for Haiti. They will be leaving May 2nd. Its two months later than they had anticipated but that is because of many things like the armed security they have to hire, chartered planes, and other odds and ends. So far there are 18 people in the group going with her and my father in-law. A church has offered to pay for a shipping container which costs $800 as long as they can get enough donations to fill it. They are collecting shoes and clothing for children and adults, medicals supplies like children's cough syrup, tylenol, diapers, formula, bottles, etc. They will be taking all of these things to the orphanage. Now the orphanage I previously listed in my other posting is not the one they'll be going to. There were some security difficulties so they will be going to an orphanage in Jacmel, Haiti. It is outside of Port-au-Prince.

I am still in need of donations. I am happy to have 2 extra months to make blankets. Also, I said it before in my previous posting if you would like to get involved an make a blanket or two or more please email me at stringsofme@yahoo.com The blankets would need to be recieved by the 1st of April to ensure they make it onto this trip. I will post photos of my in-laws trip when they get back of the blankets with the kids so that you all can see the great thing you did in giving them warmth and comfort!


Blankets for Haiti



Today's topic is very near and dear to my heart. We all know of the devastating earthquake that hit Haiti about 3 weeks ago. Some of you might have remembered me tweeting that day that I have 2 little sisters adopted from Haiti. I asked you to pray for them as this rocked their world along with the other millions of people of Haiti that day. Even though they do not live there anymore their hearts will always be with Haiti. It is where they came from therefore it is a piece of them. You can imagine how helpless my in-laws must have felt staring into the eyes of those precious girls. They too are passionate about Haiti. Haiti gave them two beautiful gifts...their daughters.

Well passion and the love for others is where the topic of today's post comes into play. I knew the second the quake hit my husband's mom would want to fly over to help the people of Haiti. Well she couldn't get over there that second but she is going and she's started a small movement! lol She has been in contact with an orphanage on the coast of Haiti called Jesus Loves Me and in May she, my father in-law, and a group of people will be going. You can find more information on their Facebook page Gonaives Haiti Missions Trip.

When I knew they were going to Haiti I asked my mother in-law if the orphanage could use blankets. I would love to make these children warm and cozy blankies. They have just gone through something terrifying and besides that I want to bring some form of comfort to these children. When she asked the orphanage director the answer was yes. She said the only thing they have right now are burlap. Can you imagine? Burlap is so coarse and harsh to the skin. So I'm going to take these hands and together with hook and yarn make these children as many blankets as I can until my mom leaves for Haiti.

At the bottom of this posting is a Donate button. It will take you directly to my Paypal. I am asking for anything you can spare. Even if its a couple dollars of your yarn money or your Starbucks money for the week. This money is going to go towards buying really soft and warm yarn for these children. Just think when you donate you'll actually know what your money is doing and what it is going towards. ;) This is something I'd like to do year round. So when my mother in-law gets back from Haiti I'll know how to organize this better and if there are any crocheters or knitters out there that would like to participate I would love chat about it later!

I hope you guys will be as excited as I am in getting involved! If any of you crocheters or knitters would like to make a blanket please convo me right away at stringsofme@yahoo.com so we can discuss details. To make it on this trip blankets need to be received by April 15th.

The photos above are of us at Disneyland a couple years ago with my husband's family! Our little sister's are Emma and Chloe. We love you girls and are so thankful for you!





Strings of Me Etsy Shop



It's official everyone I launched my Strings of Me Etsy Shop lastnight! So far it has 6 items and I will be adding items weekly! I am so happy to have finally listed my first few items. It really was very exciting for me.

I want to especially thank my husband for the amazing job he did on my product photos. I feel he has brought an extra quality to my work. You can see the detail of my hand crocheted items in his photos and I appreciate the time he spent shooting them.

This laptop sleeve shown is just one of the six items I have in my shop. I loved working on this item. I actually wanted to keep it for myself. lol This would make a great Valentine's gift or keep it for yourself!

In the coming week my goal is to set up a Facebook Fan Page. My website is also complete as well and I think I will do some kind of give-away once the website it launched.

So for now Happy Shopping and feel free to request any custom orders. If you see something you like but you want it in a different color just ask and I can do that for you! Some items that I will be adding in the coming weeks to my shop will be scarves, slouchy hats, purses, laptop sleeve for guys, coffee cozy, and more!

Vanilla Joy's Giveaway and more!

First of all I wanted to let you know about a very awesome blogger Vanilla Joy! She is giving away an awesome basket filled with scrapbooking goodies! While on her site she blooged about some craft room furniture and craft organization.

Sorry I've been MIA the last couple of days. I've been a little under the weather. I hope to have some new announcements this weekend. Look for them!!!

Neckwarmer Cowl




I'm excited to post my newest creation. At first I had a very much hate relationship with this yarn. I cannot tell you how many times I had to frog (which mean rip apart and start over) my work. I would put the yarn away and come back to it. See there are tiny little knots/bumps in this yarn and they would get stuck. I knew this yarn would look so beautiful when it was finished but it wouldn't cooperate. lol I mean I was really getting frustrated with it. So when I finally finished this little beauty it was a sigh of relief and jump of excitement!

The great thing about this Neckwarmer Cowl is it diversity. It can be warn many ways. I showed you this in the photos I provided. It's a very fun little piece to have, too. The yarn is made of acrylic in shades of mostly brown with some pink in it. The oh-so-cute buttons are pink and made out of plastic. I think they really pop against the mostly brown colored cowl. I sewed the buttons on with the yarn for extra durability. This is a must have fashion piece.

I made this item specifically for my Etsy shop. I decided since the devastation that happened in Haiti I would hold off on launching my shop. I didn't feel right about it, but then I had a second thought. I'm going to try and work hard and get as much done so that I can list as many things possible in my Shop. Why the sudden change? Because I'm going to donate a percentage of all my sales received to help Haiti! I hope you have already made a donation and if not you are at least praying for the people of Haiti. I have two little sisters adopted from Haiti and they have had their little world's rocked from this. Their heart is with Haiti and they are grieving for the people of there.

I am already working on a new project and it is almost complete. I am really excited about this new WIP as well! It is fun, cute, and function! That's all the hints you get right now. You'll just have to wait and see what it is.

I'd like to hear from you. I'd like to know what you'd like me to list in my Etsy Shop. Feel free to leave me comments with what you want!

I'm ready for my close-up...

Well I took the weekend off from blogging. My husband and I talked a lot about plans/goals for Strings of Me's Etsy shop. On Saturday morning I woke and came out to the living room where my adorable husband had transformed part of it into a photography studio. He had a white backdrop set up on the wall and sofa table, camera on the tripod, lights pointed everywhere. It was fantastic! He did test shots of some beanies I made for my Etsy shop and they looked amazing. Much better than what I was doing with my photos. Now my pictures will have that professional look to them.

I also bought a mannequin head at Sally's Beauty Supply store. I feel good about all the steps we are taking. They are all steps moving in the right direction. It is so nice to have my husband helping me out. He is also building my website right now and I cannot wait to announce when that will be finished.

I was going to launch my Etsy shop last Friday but we were working some things out and felt better about holding off for another week. To start I'll probably only have a handful of items listed but that's ok. The point is that the shop will be launched and I can keep adding items as I work on them.

So the goal for the week is to be productive and positive! Hope you can attribute some of that into your schedule this week as well!

All Things Cherry




Well the last of the purses have been finished but I had forgotten to post the pics. This was the last purse I made and its also my favorite.

There's a funny story behind this purse as well. My sister fell in love with it, too. I made this purse and the other 2 for her three friends as Christmas presents. My sister when she saw the purse wanted it for herself. She didn't want to bring it to her friend the next day. lol So I told her I'd make her a similar one in black with a pink cherry!

I decided to add the cherry on the outside because I thought it added a little extra cuteness to it! I love the fabric that my sister chose. She did a good job. She chose all the materials and then I went from there. I was inspired by this purse the most. The pictures do not do this purse justice. And I was happy to hear that my sister's friend loved her purse as well.

This weekend I will be posting pictures of what I made my family for Christmas. Hope everyone is having a Happy Friday!

Crochet Along





Two days ago I joined a crochet along with Gourmet Crochet designer Carolyn Christmas. I was so excited to join this group crochet along for many reasons. The first reason was because this was my first crochet along ever. I've always wanted to join one but never did. The second reason is because I have admired Carolyn's beautiful work for some time now and was excited to be involved in something she created. The third reason is that it is a mystery crochet along which means we don't get to see or know what the pattern looks like before hand. Carolyn posts a pattern each day of a square until the project is complete. We do know it is going to be an afghan.

Today is day three. I have not made my square yet for the day but I cannot wait. The pictures are of Day 1 and 2. These are colors 2 out of 3 that I will be using in my afghan. Today I will be using my third color. When I went to Jo-Ann's I knew I would be picking out yarn for this project and fell in love with these colors.

It's not too late to join the crochet along fun. Just click here t0 go to Carolyn's blog where you can find the patterns for all 3 days so far. You don't have to do anything to join. Just go to her blog everyday for the new pattern. Its as simple as that!

Welcome Twenty-Ten!

I hope everyone had a Happy New Year. I took a little break from blogging and enjoyed the last week of my husband's vacation with him. Sadly this vacation came to an end this morning when he went back to work, but at the same time I'm excited to get 2010 started.

Over the course of about a month I've felt so blessed with the encouragement I've been given to pursue my passion with crocheting. Don't get me wrong this encouragement has always been there by the people I love but the last month it has been overwhelming...in a good way! Not only by my family and friends I am getting positive feedback from the craft community and strangers in stores and such.

I've been inspired by this encouragement and my love for crochet and it has driven me to make 2010 as successful of a year as possible. When I say successful I don't just mean money although this is nice, too. I mean successful in setting goals for myself and attaining these goals. There are no 'New Years Resolutions' here just real life goals I want for myself.

So these are my goals for 2010 (and they aren't in any special order either):

1. To sell and become known in the Etsy world
2. Push myself to make harder patterns
3. Make a piece of clothing (I've never done this yet and CANNOT wait!)
4. Crochet something out of Vickie Howell's Pop Goes Crochet book (goes along with #3)
5. Learn how to knit - I want to teach myself so I can have both talents under my belt
6. Knit something out of Vickie Howell's Aware Knits book (goes along with #5)
7. I would love to learn how to spin my own yarn
8. Donate Chemo caps to Children's Hospital or similar type group
9. Continue to design my own patterns and make a pattern book to hold them in
10. Make sweaters for Star, Lucy, and Kona (my 3 boxers)
11. Use my sewing machine more

So those are my goals for the crafty side of me. On a personal note I would like to pick one person every week to pray for. I think this would be something different. I am going to go out to Target and buy a pretty journal especially for this. I think it would be nice to focus on one person for an entire week. On their hurts, needs, requests, etc. I have met many IC friends on Facebook and so many ask for prayer and I want to be able to give them that not just a quick one when I read their post or comment. And its not like I will only be praying for this one person but I think it would be nice to let someone know that I took an entire week thinking of them. I hope this helps me become a better person as well and to remember there are others too that hurt just as much as me.

Even though nothing is technically in my Etsy shop I have been working on orders here at the house. So any day now there will be items up for you to look at and even buy. I will post and let you know for sure where there are actual items and my Etsy shop is live!

I hope 2010 is an inspiring year for you. I know I am glad 2009 is gone. Now whether or not I can 'feel' 2010 is gonna be better I can't say but I know I can aspire to do good and push towards what I really want. I hope you do the same. Don't let anyone tell you that you can't. If you're in a funk...GET OUT and do what you LOVE!!!