gettin knitty

Michelle aka glassidentities, mentioned that she was going to learn to knit, so i thought i'd jump in too. i had tried to knit before, but got way frustrated with it, and never got down to learning the stitch that makes the cute stuff (you know, the one that looks kinda braided)
the first stitch lesson in the 'i taught myself to knit' book was this one. i think i did ok, there's only one hole on one side and a few of what looks like snags on the other. i used a random ball of yarn that i had laying around, but it wasn't enough to finish a square.

i still have some of that aweful white yarn that i used for the special olympics scarves, so i think i'll practice with that until i get the hang of it.

My new favorite little thing

last month or so, i went to michaels and they were having an awesome sale on yarn. While i was grabbing as much as my little pocket book could hold, i also picked up a set of pom-pom makers. before, i was just doing the whole wrap around the fingers thing and having to trip a lot of the pom-pom away. but those little things- i LOVE. i think they've got me looking for more reasons to make pom-poms now.

my first one didn't turn out too pretty, but i've learned that it was because i didn't wrap it around tight enough. i used the medium sized maker for the pom-poms that are attatched to an earflap hat that i made last night and will be listing very soon.




I love the way this hat turned out!
so much so that i'm thinking of doing a more girly version (even tho this one could be worn by both sexes)

The latest- a purple beanie

It's been a while since i listed anything new in my shop. i'm hoping that this one will break my lazy streak. Click the picture to check it out or see my whole shop HERE.

On a side note-
i've added a piece to the left column of this blog that shows what i'm currently reading and what i've read in the past.
i'm finding myself reading a lot and loving it, so please feel free to check out what i'm up to as far as that goes too =-)

These are the Breaks!

The other day, i decided that i was going to draft the wool that i received and was excited. i've figured out how thin i have to draft in order to get a worsted weight. but before i did, i was getting way too many breaks in the wool.
very frustrating.

after watching this tutorial once, about a week ago in the wee hours, i figured, hey! i got it!


this video is SO helpful.

but, when you're a bit too cocky about what you're trying to do, stuff tends to umm. get jacked up. So, i was finding myself with lots of broken off pieces that were about 8 inches long.
growl.

i'm over it now tho =-)

for some reason, i was expecting to get a really - sort of- ugly yarn out of the roving which kind of looked like a camouflage with white in it. orange, brown, green, black, and white.

This is what i got. - i still have lots left to draft and spin. i got about 30 yards out of this practice round
This is what it looked like while it was wrapped around a chair. of course, it got fuzzier and a little less sheeny when i put it in the hot water, but i'm hoping that the dullness was because of the water.

Here Are a few pics of it dried. i love it!

=-)

It's not too terrible

It's not too bad, i guess. the little blue violet thing that's there is the second one i tried, and the green is the 3rd. the first is just too terrible.

i didn't find it hard at all working with the silk caps. they seemed pretty easy to get fairly even draftings from, but when it came time to spin, there were a few really thin spots and more than plenty thick ones. but it's all good.
i'm not sure if i'll use the yarn i've made because i'm pretty much used to using acrylic and cotton. silk seems so exotic and with it being only one ply i'm like, umm, i dunno...

i'm already looking forward to being able to make plied yarns (probably because of the whole acrylic/cotton thing) and i have a lot of wool to practice with. Thanks to my buddy Monet of Shady Fibers.

so far, spinning has been wonderful, and i'm so excited to be learning a new craft =-)

Another Reason Why I Love Artfire

Another Reason Why I Love Artfire

i've been bit in the spinner!

I don't remember if i bragged about the silk caps i bought on etsy a while back, but they are super lovely, and i can't wait to use them.
i got a lot of freebies with my order of this silk cap, so i'm going to use them to perfect my spinning with silk before i move on to this beauty, out of which i may make a light scarf or hat to give to some one special.

I am waiting on a sample of wool that i will use to get the technique down, but i'm already hearing the drop spindle call my name.
i may have spun the ugliest length of yarn you ever will see. and so as not to make myself look too bad, i'm only showing it to you on the spindle.

I haven't had much time online lately- i've been reading a lot more than usual, but when i am, i'm searching for info on how to use a drop spindle- how to draft and how to finish the yarn.

if you've got a good blog that shows how, or a site that may help, please leave me a comment so i can check it out.

pretty soon i'll be a pro and will be able to wish you happy spinning as well as crocheting =-)

The latest

A Cuff!

And for tomorrow-
i'll be listing these 2, to be sold separately.

Lanee’s Crochet’s Give Away is finally ON!

According to the poll I had going here on my blog, the majority of voters said that they would like to see a beanie given.

And what a wonderful Idea that is!

All other options were pretty much chick things, but this wine colored beanie can be worn by either male or female.

It’s sized medium to large and is just right for adding a splash of color to your look, or just being warm and comfy in the winter time.

Here are the rules:

To enter, simply go to My Artfire Studio and browse for a bit or until you come to something that strikes your fancy.

Come back to this blog and let me know which item caught your eye in a comment to enter.

You may only enter once- so one comment will do. (If you like more than one thing, feel free to post it anyway, though).

This Give Away is not limited to the U.S.- I will ship this prize internationally =-)

Give away will run from January 23, 2009, starting at 8pm; thru, January 29, 2009 12am Pacific time.

The winner will be chosen randomly and notified by email shortly after.

If I don’t receive contact info from the winner by Feb. 2, 2009, a new winner will be chosen.

If all goes smoothly with this one, I’m sure I’ll be doing more give aways, so please check back from time to time to see what’s goin on here at my blog and what’s new at Lanee’s Crochet.

A slide show of hearts.

Guess what i Got!

well, i haven't gotten it yet, but i did order it and so, i've got something to look forward to receiving.

a couple months ago, i did swear off buying anything ever again on etsy.
but it's full of such wonderful stuff that i just couldn't resist.

for a little while now, i've been wanting to learn to spin. i need to feel productive in some sort of way and i'm sure that this will help me out.
I've been very hesitant to buy one of these doo-dads from etsy because i've always found that shipping them was too high.

totaling about $10.75, i think it is, this thing is just perfect!

i had some funds in my paypal and so i got it!

it's been a while since i purchased something just for me, so i think i deserve it. and if i don't well, whatcha gonna do about it? lol

an old buddy from CFL, who now has her own shop full of greatness helped me find this wonderful spindle.

You can find her here on Etsy or simply click on the picture- it's one of my favorites in her shop.
Although she's named the colorway of this yarn "all that and a bag of chips", it reminds me of the sky. it's like a whole day full of sky in one roving.

My son and i were at the park yesterday evening and i swear the sky was that shade of blue- my favorite if there ever could be for the sky..
the street lights were on, birds were heading home, and stars began to twinkle. i love it!

anyway- check out her shop, she sells a bit of this and that and she's pretty cool too.

On my Agenda

I spent a few hours last night finishing up the last of my Valentines day stuff. After i get these coaster sets listed, i'll move on to st patty's day and then i don't know what i'm going to do.

perhaps march will be the perfect month for me to take time and make something for myself. i could get working on my own afghan or finally put together that stuff to donate to hospitals...
anyway, here's a preview of what's to come (perhaps i'll get them listed before v-day, eh?)

What to give?

First it was this: Or maybe a couple of these:




Or perhaps a pair of sock slippers- or a beanie.

I absolutely can't figure out what i want to give in my give away, so - if you would so kindly help me out by taking my poll.
Maybe we can get this thing off the ground here soon =-)

Valentines Day Coasters

Along with the many tiny heart pins that I've put in my shop, i've decided to do a few coaster sets as well for Valentines Day.

I love the thought that this 'holiday' is so near, but it's like getting over the hump. soon enough, it'll be spring!

While the weather is awesome and i'll love shedding my winter gear, i'm not quite sure what i'll be coming out with this year for the season, but i'm sure it'll be cute and great and practical.

So..
here is a picture of a coaster in the set, click on it to go to see more =-)

I've finally gotten those heart pins listed.

They're cute!

I've got more of the green and orange scheme to put together. i actually got a pink one out of the ball! just one though=-\

They’re great for giving and could be used as prizes for students, in Valentines Day goodie mugs, paired with greeting cards, or just as a little something extra to include in your packages. - so be sure to pick up a few.

(cause when you pick up a few, you'll receive 20% off your pins purchase =-)

Rather than scrambling to make more hats or scarves for valentines day, i think i'll switch gears and crank out a few coaster sets, so be on the look out for those too!

To pat Myself on the back

I told myself last night that i would get 3 things listed on artfire, but didn't get around to doing it.
i cranked myself up to high and finally got them on there as well as took some pics of other stuffs to put on there.
I didn't get the scarf seen below listed yet, or any of the heart pins but they're definately coming tomorrow. i love the way they turned out, and i think you will too.

I feel like that little white rabbit

is it me, or are the seasons sneaking up this year. it seems like that it wasn't too long ago that i was scrambling to get christmasy things made and listed. now i'm thinking 'oh wow! it's almost valentines day!' and i haven't got too much listed that would fit that holiday.
it's the last 'big' one that people may buy cozy crocheted goodness for, so i'm feeling like 'im late, i'm late- for a very important date!'

i've cranked out lots of little hearts to sew to things and will be coming out with some pins soon.
(i may even get some done tonight to have listed by tomorrow evening.)
i'm still debating on whether or not i want it to be just the heart on the pin, or if i want to put a circle behind it, making it look like a patch type thing.

i've got a scarf and hat on the way as well. my goal was to have them listed by tonight, but i think i'll wait on that. i don't know how many ppl are up looking right now.

Here is a sneak peak of what they are. i think they're super cute, and i hope they'll go fast.

Hopefully i'll have this scarf and a few hats listed in my Artfire Studio here pretty soon.

I'm thinkin mittens

I was so inclined to take a stroll this evening even though it's quite nippy out.

i love strolling and sorting thoughts- as a matter of fact, the other day, someone asked me what my favorite thing in the world to do was and i couldn't come up with an answer. he was sure that i would say yarn or crocheting or something like that. while i do love it, i don't think it's my favorite thing in the WORLD.

strolling just might be.
hearing and smelling home, being able to wander with my eyes closed with out getting lost (not that i would do that, but i'm sure that after 20+ years of living in the same place, i could do it.)
and this all reminds me of this song by Adele. she definately isn't talking about las vegas, but i do feel like she's singing my song.


Back to my point-
some one asked me if i would make them mittens and my answer was no way. not even for 100 bucks!
there's something about mittens and slippers that just don't appeal to me. i hardly want to touch them, but i always wind up making at least one pair of slippers per year.
---
while i was bopping along to the tunes in my head, my brother rang my phone, as he often does while he's on break.
we chatted and i tell ya, my hand nearly grew a complimentary set of cicles.

so, i'm considering making a pair or two of mittens, perhaps valentines day themed.
i picked up some awesome red heart yarn, as well as some lion brand satin and some vanna's choice that is super soft from Michael's.
i just have to find a mitten pattern that will allow me to use this worsted weight stuff and get crankin!

recycled packaging

I had a wonderful New Years Eve night, and i hope you did too!

It's been so long since i've blogged, hasn't it?

some time last year, i purchased something on etsy from a person is costa rica. along with my order, she sent some candy, which was nice.
we chatted every night for a while, and while doing so i think i asked her if she had ever had a werthers hard candy. she said no, and so, i wanted to send her some.

The package i got from her came in a handmade envelope which was made of magazine pages. i thought it was way cool and so cute, foreign words all over the place!
i felt like a small piece of costa rica had been delivered to me with that package.

Here is the package that i made up for her, filled with candies:
unfortunately, it never was sent out. the fire happened before i could get to the post office, and with it having been exposed, sending it would not be a good idea.

i think it's been out side this whole time, and i was surprised that it hadn't been thrown out with all the other stuff.










i am going somewhere with this! lol

I'm thinking of doing this type of recycled packaging for my smaller items that don't NEED to be in a bubble mailer.
right now, i pay about 80 cents for a small mailer in which a hair clip or pin would just jiggle around.
i'm thinking that if i'm selling something for less than 8 bucks, and shipping is almost 2...
well, it might go better if shipping was only 1 dollar.
Artfire is planting trees. Lanee's Crochet could use hand folded envelopes!

Just a thought- what do you think?

it's snowing!!

It's snowing!!
This is the second time it' snowed this week- second snow of the year. it's so cool. after i took this picture, i put my hand on top of my hat and there was snow resting on it, just like in the movies!
last time it snowed, i got dominic to go out in it, but i think he's over it now because i couldn't drag him out of the house to take a picture for anything!
we went ad saw snow for the first time in feb. of this year, but it was all already there. it's exciting to see it drifting down and doing what i call flurrying. i'm so ready to start on my afghan [which i'm supposed to be a good ways into by now].
i may just grab a cup of tea or cocoa and plant myself on my bean bag and get to it.
but i have to make breakfast first =-\
it's 4pm... yes that means breakfast time in my mind lol.
we'll most likely have eggs and sausage with grits and toast. and then do pre cooked what evers that are in the freezer for lunch and dinner.

uggh, i just remembered that i need to put the tree up as well. it won't be heavily decorated because all of our christmas crap is scattered in the garage or in storage. i did find a small shoebox of bulbs, hopefully they aren't broken.

Because the snow makes me feel so cheery, i'm offering free shipping on everything in my artfire studio. my shop can be foung here at http://laneescrochet.artfire.com . i wasn't going to do free shipping for small items, but with no transaction fees on artfire, i think it's do-able for all items =-)

They're found!

If you look to the left of this post, you'll see 4 bars that say "DONE!" on them under my special olympics scarves section.

for THE longest time, my scarves were missing. i was afraid that i was being punished for my uncharacteristically early start and finish of these scarves. i for sure was going to have to do them over because, as always, the scarves were moved and no one knew to where and they probably wouldn't be found until after the january 15th deadline.

but alas, they've resurfaced and all is well. i'm going to get to work on tucking in the ends this after noon so that i can put them in the top of the closet- or even in their bubble mailer, all packed and ready to go out once i get money for shipping.

they're not super long, but they are warm and meet the specifications of the donation thing, so i'm happy with them. i was able to use my ever so lovely, ever so quick relatively brand new Q hook that i am just in love with.

it used to be that i could not stand plastic hooks, but now, i love them even moreso than i do the aluminum ones. [this is because the 'plastic' hooks i was using before are acrylic and wobbly-not the good stuff]

i loved my Q hook so much that when i got the chance, i went out and got a plastic N, which i am loving as well.

anyway, back to the scarves.
here is a picture of them as they are now.

Expect what I do

I want you to expect what I do as a buyer, from me, the seller.

There is something about the cold weather and the holiday season that has me buying up trinkets left and right.

In the excitement of having money to spend and embers in my pocket- I always forget to check a sellers feedback to see if I should expect professional (as far as things being handmade goes, this, for me would be a cute ribbon inside or a cute plastic baggie type thing with a couple business cards and-to my pleasure- not a smell to whiff.)

And how about that shipping thing? Will I be waiting around for weeks for something that should take days?
How many of their customers have boasted about their fast shipping, and about loving their purchase?

I must say that after buying a few things from [etsy], I'm a bit put off by the level of customer service I've gotten (which to me is what i mentioned above).

I'm finding myself trying to sniff out the mail man and pouncing on the mail once i know it's in the box.

This makes me feel kind of foolish. Perhaps it's because I've been doing unto others...
I'm trying not to be bitter and just wait patiently, as some people do actually have lives and a real number of orders to deal with.

There is just something about not having my item, while not having my monies either that makes me want to sock some one. =-)

SO
to turn this post around and avoid a total call out and bitch fest courtesy of me, I'd like to let you know what you, as my buyer can expect from Lanee's Crochet.

• Acknowledgment of your order.-I like to send convos (on etsy) letting you know that I see that you've ordered, payed promptly, and should be expecting your package to be mailed out soon.

• Fast and reasonably priced shipping.- When I get an order, it's like a rush! 'Some one's bought something from me! I can't wait until they get it-they'll love it! YAY - YAY!!!' And so, I may just package your order and sprint to the post office that same business day. If I'm unable to, it's definately going out the next day. (Post office doesn't close until 7 here, so it's do-able)

• Your item wrapped in tissue paper and tied with a yarn bow.- Not only is it fun to pull a bow loose, but I try to use a texture and fiber different from what you've ordered. Just so you'll have a small hint of what else I have to offer. The tissue paper is not frilly, but it keeps your item from touching the inside of the envelope. (Not that it's nasty or anything, lol)

• Care instructions.- For the things that may need to be laundered, I've included a content and care card. All of this info should be in the listing, but who wants to go dig that up whenever you need to wash something.

• I appreciate your order!- To show my appreciation, and in case you're buying for some one else, I include a thank you note with a personalized message on it and a pin or single coaster-depending on the season. Hand made gifts are great to give, but I'm all about keeping a little something for yourself too. You're not just an order to me, and I hope I've shown you such =-)

Along with these 5 things, and probably most important is quality. I do take time and care to make sure that the things I produce are the best. This sometimes means undo-ing a great portion of my work to make sure it all fits in with the quality I strive for. And if that makes for happy customers, I don't mind at all! (ok, maybe i do a little- being anal can get frustrating, but that's my issue and your benifit.)

and exhale...
---
So, please have a look around my shops which can be found here on etsy and here on artfire and hopefully, I'll be filling your order soon.

Speaking of quality customer service

One of my recent purchases on etsy has been an awesome one.
Shipping was fast, and the product is great!

Stumbling upon JacksblueJane in chat one night, i fell in love with her shop!
it totally helps that she's a nice person, but the colors of silk caps (for spinning and what not) that she offers just sucked me in.

Not even knowing how to spin or what to do with one, i hurried and swooped up this one
and let me tell ya, the colors are just as yummy as seen in the picture.
If i did not know where this silk came from(which i believe is a worm's butt) - packaged similarly to cotton candy, it's a wonder why i haven't! I'd definitely bite it while no one was looking.

my son couldn't resist the urge to pet it so i had to stash it in the top of the closet. but i can still reach it =->

She just so happened to be doing a give away on her blog that night too, so i got an extra one for free!
I'll definitely be going back for more. and Jane, you best look out once i get this spinning thing under my belt!

Some old Book Markers

I've decided not to make much else to sell online before the new year.
I've got a LOT of things over on etsy that need to be transferred to Artfire, and so i begin the slow process of doing so.
I had almost forgotten that i made a few book markers last year until i browsed my inactive listings to see what's buried in there.
I've reduced the price on this blue book marker with silver cross down from $5 to $4 because in the couple of years that it's been tucked away, the silver toned cross has tarnished. I like the way it looks, actually. kinda like it's an old traditional book marker that's gotten a lot of use.
Hopefully, one day it will be.

Another book marker - Also priced at $4 is this red book thong with white cross and beads.
I like this one because it's simple and fun.
A pre-teen, or teenaged girl who is dying to show individuality while still keeping her faith would love this one because it's bold-red with cute beads and a cross.

Baby Denim Recieving Blanket

I've had this one stashed away for about a year now.
It was intended for a boy, but looks more girly to me, i just set it aside before.

It's really soft and light, it would be perfect for layering or draping over a baby carrier to keep the sun/ wind off of baby's face.

You can find it here @ Lanees Crochet on Artfire, along with a few other lovely things.

i felt it

recently enough, some one asked me if i've ever felted anything.
i had not.
and they paid me many compliments on my work and suggested that i try it.
so, i will!
but, pure wool is so damned expensive, that i've avoided it, and put the thought of every having enough to do anything with out of my head.
until i went to walmart and found some marked down to $2.50, so i got 2 balls.
yeah, only two balls, what was i thinking!!

i can't wait to make something with it. i'm not so adventurous as to make a hat or anything other than a scarf with it, so perhaps a purse or pouch at first.
i've done a test swatch and it shrunk some, but not much, and i love the way it looks.
it looks so yummy i just wanna bite it!!

The other yarn is caron simply soft eco.
i was worried about it pilling, because the yarn started to look odd after i was frogging a gauge swatch. the single strand of yarn was pilling!
so, i made a little block and threw it in the washer with the wool, with hot water, and dried it as you do.
it didn't pill, perhaps because it was only 1 wash, but it is a little fuzzier than the regular caron would be even after a couple of washes. i'm going ot over look it and still make my jacket using the caron eco and just call the fuzziness cozy.

another great stocking stuffer idea

to change modes a bit here..
i was browsing artfire, looking at how their categories were set up and where my things fell into the categories there, and i came across this necklace.
I love the simplicity of this necklace, which can be found in Beadz-N-Things shop on artfire.

It's under $20.00, which makes it even greater!

Stocking Stuffers on Etsy

ok, so, here's what iw as going to post in my last Stocking stuffers on etsy post.
A

Sterling silver Guitar pick

which can be found in SkinzNhydez's Shop on Etsy.

I wish i had some hot guitar playing guy to gift one of these picks too.
i can just see it now- him pulling it out of his stocking and his smile growing wider. of course i'd want him to test it out for me so he'd play and i'd swoon in front of the ole fire place on christmas night.

Aaah, i'm such a dreamer, lol

anyway, back to reality-
SkinzNhydez's shop is full of great looking leather stuff that is unique, funky, stylish, and a whole lot more.

Check it out!

One of the reasons why i love artfire

I almost never see the front page of artfire, because i have the login page bookmarked, so i go straight there.

i just so happened to click on the wrong thing and look what i saw!


I don't think i've ever been on the front page on etsy, well, perhaps for 1.3 seconds when i list something new.
i was VERY excited when i saw this and it just made my little day =-)

Stocking Stuffers on Etsy (and a gift for Hanukkah)

Man, i hadn't realized that it's been a long time since i've blogged!
so, to make up for it, i'll be posting 3 things that would make good stocking stuffers... well, one that would make a good Hanukkah gift, and two stocking stuffers-

If you read and speak hebrew, you probably knew what this patch said right off the bat.
i had to read the description ;P

Taken directly from the listing:
"Chai (pronounced [xai], occasionally [ħai]) is a symbol and word that figures prominently in Jewish culture and consists of the letters of the Hebrew alphabet Het (ח) and Yod (י).

In the Hebrew language, the word chai (חַי) spelled by these two letters means "living," is related to the term for "life,"

I remember that when i was in high school, there was always a group of people who loved customizing their clothes. whether it was with permamnenet marker or patches... looking back on it now, i think it's way cool, and wish that i had thought to be creative that young.

So, for a stocking stuffer:

You can find both of these patches and lots more, as well as other embroidered stuff that is not just cute but, is cool as well here at Auntifranni's Shop.












ok, so that was only 2!
i got tired=-p
will do the next one later.

I'm on Artfire now!

Thanks to twitter, i've found a new place to sell my handmade goods.
Artfire seems to be THE place!

The people are freindly so far and the staff seem to be just as excited as everyone else that there is a site that can finally compare to etsy. and they don't mind the comparison ( i think it's because in the end, they'll turn out to be the greatest!)

I'm still getting the hang of the site, and was working on changing my shipping over to fit my sale for the weekend. but i got a bit frustrated with it.

so here i am.
i've had the shop for about a week and i've only been twittering about it.

(and i can tell from my stats [THEY HAVE SHOP STATS THAT YOU CAN SEE!!])
that twitter has been driving traffic there.

so, go ahead and click on this handy little button to check out my shop-


eventually, i'll be only selling here-exciting!

Stocking Stuffers on Etsy

I don't know why i didn't think of cuff links a long time ago! it wasn't until some one in chat mentioned that they had gotten a pair for some one they know that i thought, 'well duh!'

I think that regardless of age, if you ever loved legos, you always will. a good gift idea for the young and young at heart, bitsandbadges offers a lot of fun links, ranging from the traditional square legos to some rather nice round ones.

And what better way to present them than in a nice handmade box. goodstuff513 offers a few more boxes in different finishes along with other hand crafted wooden stuffs.

Whether the fun, lego cuff links or the sleek, traditional ones are more your recipient's style, a hand crafted gift box lasts a life time, and will be useful no matter how tastes change.