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Scrapbooking Vs. Crochet

Posted by on May 2, 2011

    This past weekend I had the opportunity to join a group from my church in an all day scrapbooking event. It was so nice to get away for the day and really focus on finishing some pages. Those are my little guys in their Halloween costumes last year–Go Diego Go and Baby Jaguar (but actually a lion costume from a friend).

    Despite my enjoyment, I came to a realization–there are a LOT of supplies involved in scrapbooking!  I hauled a rolling cart and two huge bags along with me, and that didn’t include other supplies I left at home.  It is a little overwhelming to me, and sometimes I feel like I don’t even know where to begin with all the possible options.

    That is what I love about crochet–all you need is a hook and some yarn.  It is so simple yet the possibilities of what you can create are endless. I haven’t met too many crafts that I didn’t like, but if I had to choose, crochet would be the winner!

    What is your favorite craft?

     

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Frog Prince Hat

Posted by on April 10, 2011

$5.95 USD

Buy Pattern

Get lots of kisses in this adorable Frog Prince Hat. It is great for an everyday hat, but also makes a great photo prop or costume. Leave the crown off for a plain frog hat, or add flowers or bows to make it a frog princess. I designed this hat to be seamless so it looks great from all angles. It features a roll up brim which forms the frog’s lip. This pattern is made with super bulky yarn and contains six sizes.

Pattern Sizes

  • 0-3 Months
  • 3-6 Months
  • 6-12 Months
  • Toddler (1-2 yrs)
  • Child (3-8 yrs)
  • Teen/Adult (9 & up)
Difficulty Rating

Pattern is rated easy.

Recommended Supplies
  • #6 Super Bulky Yarn (I used Lion Brand Wool Ease Thick and Quick), 1-2 skeins in main color (save your receipt and return one if you don’t use it)
  • Small amount or #4 Worsted Yarn in white for the eyes and any color for the crown
  • US K Hook
  • US H Hook
  • US G Hook
  • Stitch Marker
  • Two Shiny Black Shank Buttons for Eyes (1/2”-9/16”)
  • Needle and thread to sew eye buttons
  • Yarn needle for sewing in yarn ends

Licensing

You are welcome to sell products produced from this pattern, but I do ask that you credit me as the pattern designer as follows:

Pattern by Micah Makes
www.micahmakes.com

Hat Pictures

Look Inside

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Inc Magazine – It’s Here!

Posted by on April 5, 2011

How cool would it be to have your picture in a major magazine?  I don’t think my picture has even been in a local newspaper. Can you find me? The April issue of Inc Magazine just hit newsstands and I couldn’t be more excited!

This definitely makes the trip worth it. Let’s all celebrate with $1 off the Triceratops Hat Pattern or 25% off a finished triceratops hat for the rest of April.

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Button Sewing Tip

Posted by on March 28, 2011

I just released my Big Button Interchangeable Flower Pattern and I thought it would be a good time to share a little trick I picked up in junior high home economics class. When sewing on a button, you want to make sure that there is room between the button and whatever you are sewing it to. By creating a shank out of your sewing thread, it allows space for the button to function properly.

1. Since my flowers pattern uses a 1.5″ button, I chose to secure the button with embroidery floss rather than normal thread.

2. Use a double strand of thread. Securely attach the thread to the item on which you are sewing a button.

3. Bring your needle and thread through one hole in the button. Center the button over the stitch. Insert your needle into the other hole in the button and into the item on which you are sewing. Pull through. Slip a toothpick between the thread and button to create a space for the shank.

4. Make 3 or 4 stitches through each hole.

5. Bring your needle and thread to the right side under the button. Remove the toothpick.

6. Wind the thread several times around the button stitches to form a shank.

7. Secure the thread in your item under the button by making a knot or several small stitches.

8. Trim your thread and you’re done — a button with room to bloom!

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Big Button Interchangeable Flowers

Posted by on March 28, 2011

$5.95 USD

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This crochet pattern is for a set of four big, beautiful flowers that all attach to a 1.5″ button. The included flowers are a dahlia, a sunflower, a hydrangea, and a peony. Your options for accessorizing are limitless with this pattern. Make one of each flower or make each flower in lots of different colors. Attach your button to a hat, jacket, bag, anything, and you can instantly change your look by changing the flower on your button.

Difficulty Rating

Pattern is rated easy to intermediate.

Recommended Supplies
  • #4 Worsted Weight Yarn (I used Lily Sugar n’ Cream cotton yarn, 1/2 skein for each flower, but any worsted weight yarn will work)
  • US G Hook
  • Yarn needle for sewing in yarn ends
  • 1.5″ Button

Licensing

You are welcome to sell products produced from this pattern, but I do ask that you credit me as the pattern designer as follows:

Pattern by Micah Makes
www.micahmakes.com

Flower Pictures

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Newsboy Scalloped Breezy Beanie Pattern

Posted by on March 20, 2011

$5.95 USD

Buy Pattern

This pattern is for a newsboy style hat with an openwork scalloped design. Shield your eyes from the sun with this versatile hat which is great for all ages. The openwork design is breathable for a warm day but can also fight the chill on a breezy day. Try it with or without a brim, in different color combinations, or experiment with your choice of flowers, buttons or bows. Create your own unique look with this easily customizable pattern.

Pattern Sizes

  • 0-6 Months
  • 6-12 Months
  • Toddler
  • Child
  • Teen/Adult
Difficulty Rating

Pattern is rated easy to intermediate.

Recommended Supplies
  • #4 Worsted Weight Yarn (I used Lily Sugar ‘N Cream 2.5 oz, 2 skeins)
  • US G Hook
  • Stitch Marker
  • Yarn needle for sewing in yarn ends

Licensing

You are welcome to sell products produced from this pattern, but I do ask that you credit me as the pattern designer as follows:

Pattern by Micah Makes
www.micahmakes.com

Hat Pictures

Look Inside

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Ladybug Hat Pattern (With Earflaps)

Posted by on March 12, 2011

$5.95 USD

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This very versatile hat is perfect for ladybug lovers of any age. It makes a great photo prop, but can also be worn as an everyday hat. I designed the earflaps to tie up around the head to look like ladybug wings, and the ties form tiny antennae. The earflaps can also be worn down around the ears for extra warmth when needed.

Pattern Sizes

  • 0-6 Months
  • 6-12 Months
  • Toddler
  • Child
  • Teen/Adult
Difficulty Rating

Pattern is rated easy to intermediate.

Recommended Supplies
  • #4 Worsted Weight Yarn (I used Vanna’s Choice, one skein black, one skein red)
  • US G Hook
  • Stitch Marker
  • Yarn needle for sewing in yarn ends

Licensing

You are welcome to sell products produced from this pattern, but I do ask that you credit me as the pattern designer as follows:

Pattern by Micah Makes
www.micahmakes.com

Hat Pictures

Look Inside

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Save Your Scraps

Posted by on March 2, 2011

Here’s a quick tip that will keep your workspace clean and save you some cash in the future.

Don’t throw away your loose ends or toss those knotted skeins in the trash. Save them in a jar. Don’t worry about yarn weight, length, or color, just throw everything in.

Any container will do, but I prefer a jar with a lid to prevent spills. Picking up a mess of yarn is never fun. I started with a mayonnaise jar, but with all the crocheting I’ve been doing lately, I’m going to have to graduate to a bigger container.

Yarn Scrap Uses

  • Stuff your triceratops horns or amigurumi instead of using fiberfill
  • Use a different color yarn as a stitch maker
  • Cut and paste craft projects with children
  • Tie bags closed for a decorative touch of color
  • Gather a bunch of crazy colors for a monster hat

There are probably dozens of different ways to use up those scraps. If you’re not saving them already, grab a jar and start collecting!

Filed Under: Blog, Tips & Tricks | Tagged:

Teddy Bear Beanie Pattern

Posted by on February 17, 2011

$5.95 USD

Buy Pattern

This teddy bear hat is great for keeping little ones the perfect temperature. I designed it so it will be warm but breathable in any type of worsted weight yarn. The pattern includes instructions to customize this hat for a boy or a girl. The pattern includes four sizes.

Pattern Sizes

  • Newborn
  • 3-6 Months
  • 6-12 Months
  • 12-24 Months
Difficulty Rating

Pattern is rated easy.

Recommended Supplies
  • Caron Simply Soft 7 oz. – 1 skein (or similar worsted weight yarn)
  • US G Hook
  • Stitch Marker
  • Yarn needle for sewing in yarn ends
  • Optional: Ribbon for bow on girl’s hat

Licensing

You are welcome to sell products produced from this pattern, but I do ask that you credit me as the pattern designer as follows:

Pattern by Micah Makes
www.micahmakes.com

Hat Pictures

Look Inside

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My Inc. Magazine Photo Shoot

Posted by on February 14, 2011

Just like everything else in my life, the news of Inc. Magazine’s photo shoot for Etsy sellers in New York City got to me at the last minute. I was excited by the thought of a professional photographer snapping photos in a swanky big city penthouse and the opportunity to be in an actual magazine but with only three days to prepare, I wasn’t sure I could make it happen.

The Grand Plan

After getting over my initial fears, I decided it was worth a shot. I started emailing friends, making phone calls and researching my options online. Amtrak was too expensive and driving into the city was too stressful, so I settled on a hybrid. With the promise of a great experience and dinner in the city, I roped in a friend to drive us to Journal Square in New Jersey where we would take the PATH commuter train to 33rd street.

Away We Go

On Friday morning, I put on my newly purchased floral top and matching coral flats with pretty flowers on the toes. It was still cold outside, but I didn’t want to look out of place in an April issue. My copilot arrived armed with snacks and GPS and we embarked on the first leg of the adventure.

Traffic was light and the drive gave me plenty of time to finish some adult-sized hats for the photo shoot since I wasn’t sure which they would like best. We parked and made our way onto the train. A short ride later we emerged from below into the rush of the big city. The address was only a few blocks away but even after a short walk I could tell my new shoes were going to be trouble.

Gary’s Loft

The elevator doors opened to white plank flooring washed in bright light from the skylights above. The loft was gorgeous. An assistant signed me in and we grabbed seats among the other Etsy sellers. The wait was longer than I expected but it gave me a chance to connect with the people there and share experiences selling on Etsy.

Say “Cheese”

When I finally got called back, it was clear the photographer was running out of light and time. He was moving quickly and things felt a little rushed. I grabbed my pink triceratops hat and he started taking pictures. Both the photographer and his assistant seemed very impressed with the hat and I’m hopeful the fun design and bright colors will increase my chances of being featured in the article.

Despite a 6-hour drive, blisters on both feet and a long wait to see the photographer, I’m very excited for the opportunity for my shop to be featured in such a huge magazine. It was a great experience whether I’m in the article or not. I’ll post a follow-up story in April when the magazine hits the newsstands letting everyone know how it turned out. Wish me luck!

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