New Crochet Pattern - Round Rug!

Yesterday I launched a new crochet pattern and I'm excited to announce that it's now available for purchase! I created this pattern because I thought it would be nice to have a coordinating option for my rectangle rug pattern - which is my most popular seller. It took awhile for me to figure out the stitch pattern, but I wanted to make sure that the rug can made to any size, and I include detailed instructions in the pattern on how to make it larger or smaller. It was fun to design, and now I have a round option for my home.

This is an easy crochet pattern that requires super bulky yarn and a size N (10mm) hook. It features a cobblestone stitch center, which is super cushy on your feet. This rug would be great for kitchens and bathrooms, or really any room in your home. The pdf file also includes complete instructions, color photos, Helps & Hints, and a yarn substitution guide. This pattern looks difficult, but it works up very quickly -- you could make your rug in a weekend!


Available here:
RedBerryCrochet.etsy.com

My Ravelry Shop

My Craftsy Shop

Red Berry 4 You - a New Etsy Shop and Cyber Monday Sale Going on Now

I am excited to announce the opening of my new Etsy shop, RedBerry4You




You will find eReader covers, book covers for large and small paperbacks, and coffee cozies.

To celebrate and kick off the holiday shopping season, enjoy 15% off all items now through Monday.


Happy Shopping!

Red Berry Crochet is having a sale!

– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –
RedBerryCrochet - SALE EXTENDED through Sunday, May 2nd - Receive 10% off all items (pdf patterns not included, see special below). Put RHHN in the notes to seller and I will send a revised invoice. Or I will refund the discount amount if you've already paid.

BOGO Free! - Purchase any crochet pdf pattern from my shop and receive another (of equal or lesser value) absolutely free! Purchase the higher priced pattern and let me know of your free pattern choice in the notes to seller at checkout.
– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –

Please note that the sale discounts are through my Etsy shop only. Stop in for crochet pdf patterns, crocheted goodies, yarn, stitch markers and more!

RedBerryCrochet.com - My New Website, Etsy Linked!

Several weeks ago I stumbled across an Etsy article in the Storque about developers who have created applications specifically for Etsy users. Here I found Soopsee, and I'm so glad I did! I am able to have a home website, RedBerryCrochet.com, that not only features my shop listings, but also can connect browsers with all the other places that I am on the net in my Stockists section.

It is easy to maintain, and has several themes to choose from. With a click of the button I can update my shop listings, and also click on individual items that will automatically post on my Twitter page. I can also set it to automatically feed new items to Twitter. Plus, I can also view my stats, including number of shop hearts, blog posts, Twitter updates, and sales. And Soopsee now allows Google Analytics. I also upgraded to a Sooper Account which offers even more options.

This was a quick and easy option instead of setting up a website completely on my own, which I don't know if I would ever get aroung to. Soopsee is new and still in closed beta, which means that you need a code to sign up without having to wait for the site to open up. If you are interested in signing up for Soopsee right away, before you do convo me at my RedBerryCrochet shop. I have the code available for the first 5 people that respond.

Try Soopsee, it's free, and best of all you won't be disappointed!

Yart Sale! Etsy Wide Sales Extravaganza!

Shop Etsy now through June 14 for some fabulous sales! What the heck is yart, you may be wondering? Yart is the combination of yard + art = yart! Pretty clever, and you can easily find great bargains from many sellers by searching keyword "yart" on Etsy.

My shop, Red Berry Crochet is participating. I have a special section of marked down items:
YART Sale Items, and I will be adding more items to it throughout the sale. So check back often! I am also offering BOGO Free on my crochet pdf patterns. They are all my own original designs, and if you love to crochet, it's a great deal - how could you resist?

So repeat after me, yart, yart, yart - now you've got it! Happy shopping!

Boggy Bloggy Me

An alternate definition of the word boggy is "To be hindered and slowed." Yep, that's me. Hindered. And Slow. *sigh*
I have so much on my plate right now that I thought I would take a brief moment to update my boggy blog and put a few things into perspective. So, here's a few things I've managed to accomplish.
1. I managed to update my Etsy banner, and I've also uploaded the new one here.
2. I've added a new pattern to my shop. (That's my Daphne in the pic - awww, isn't she cute!)


3. I'm working on another new pattern that I've almost finished, and I hope to offer with a crochet kit in my shop soon.
4. I finished a scarf project for The Special Olympics.
5. I'm *mostly* caught up with all the EtsyHookers team stuff I have to do.
6. I reminded myself today that I am very grateful - for my wonderful husband and family, for my adorable and affectionate pets, to have a job that I love, and to have the gift of being able to making something out of simple tools of hook and yarn.
Okay, so no more feeling boggy, and I've just updated my bloggy :) Thanks for stopping in!

Crocheting with Twine - Mini Baskets, New Items and Patterns

I like to experiment crocheting with new materials and my latest is 100% natural jute twine. Twine is fun to work with and, of course, much different than working with yarn. It’s very rough on the hands and I noticed that my hands got tired much faster too. But I think it was well worth the effort.

I made a small round basket several years ago and managed to find my pattern that I had created then. It’s amazing to look back at something you created and know that you can make it much better! So, that’s what I did. Instead of using the old pattern I created a completely new one. Plus I also made two other basket shapes, a square and an oval. I like to challenge myself with different shapes and sizes. I think the three baskets work well as a trio.


The round basket, I discovered, also makes a great can cozy and it will also hold a drinking glass. I can imagine using these for an informal party, perhaps a barbecue? Change out the ribbon and they would also be fun for a tiki bar!


Of course, they will also add a nice decorative touch to any room and will hold your small trinkets and treasures.
I have listed a set of these available for purchase in my shop:
Mini Twine Basket Trio

and for those of you who like to crochet, I also have the pattern for sale. You get all three patterns for one great price! Purchase here for an instant download.


It’s fun to experiment with new materials and there are so many to choose from! Aside from all the new novelty yarns that are available, I’d like to try using recycled materials. Fabric, plastic bags, yarn from recycled sweaters, the possibilities are endless! I think that’s what I love most about crochet, there is always something new to try and even old techniques tend to get recycled.

Etsyversary! RedBerryCrochet

Today is my Etsyversary! Two years ago I signed up on Etsy to become a seller. With my crochet hook in one hand and high hopes in the other I set about adding some items to my shop. If you list it they will come - right? So wrong! I was busy with another selling site at the time and didn’t devote much to my new shop. And it showed. From July through December of 2006 I had 3 sales.

Fortunately, I decided to get serious about Etsy around March of 2007 (I’m a slow learner) and sales picked up. My highest month so far has been December of 2007 with 24 sales. While I certainly don’t break any Etsy records, I am happy with my sales record and I can only hope that my monthly sales averages increase.

There are always tons of thread posts on Etsy for newbie shop owners and they offer sound selling advice, so I won’t repeat those words of wisdom here (except to list/relist regularly). But what I can tell you is to think positive, relax, create what you love, and to love what you make. There’s someone out there in cyberland who will love it too!

‘Nough said, time to celebrate with some cake :)

Miniature Six Layered Chocolate Cake from PetitPlat

Crochet Hooks - Celebrating Etsy Style!

I came home this weekend to find that I had sold my 200th item. So, to celebrate I decided to do some online shopping at my favorite place (Etsy.com of course!). Here’s what I purchased, this lovely polymer clay handled crochet hook from thefancifulfeline.


I purchased a size G hook several years ago from this seller, and I am still awed by its beauty every time I pick it up. The photos do not show all the intricate details and variations in layers and colors. If you’ve ever seen how long it takes to make 1 design in polymer clay, you can only appreciate the literally hundreds? of hours that goes into one handle. Needless to say, I can’t wait until my new size J hook arrives.

Typically I use wood crochet hooks for my everyday crocheting. I find them much more comfortable to work with and the wood warms to my hands, whereas aluminum hooks are always cold and my hands would literally hurt from using them.
My husband bought me a complete set of Brittany birch hooks and I adore them. I also have a set of rosewood hooks that I use often. My hooks have 2 different styles of ends on them, and depending on what I’m making I’ll choose one or the other.
For my hair scarves I always use the Brittany because I can get really consistent chains with them. For my pet blankets I use a rosewood hook. I crochet with 2 yarn strands and the rosewood hooks hold the yarns much better with no slippage.


Here are some gorgeous handmade wood hooks that I found on Etsy:

Lilac Lavender Wood Hook by rparishwoodworks

Exotic Wooden Brazilian Cherry Crochet Hook by fancykitty

And I just had to share this delightful hook I found from another online vendor Craft Designs for You

Now it’s time to put my lovely crochet hooks to some use, and thanks for stopping in!

The Egg Came Before the Chicken!

As least in my case, lol!
I’ve been working on a set of amigurumi chickens that I haven’t finished yet and in the meantime I came up with the idea for a fried egg potholder. It’s a cute potholder that has a bit of country charm to it.




I designed this potholder from my own drawing and paper pattern that I made. I was very happy with the results and will create more patterns using this technique in the future. It is my goal to design many more patterns and offer them for sale in my shop along with the creations made from them.

I have the fried egg potholder pattern listed for sale in my shop as well as the potholder. I love creating items that are functional as well as fun. This potholder is a whimsical compliment to any kitchen and the double layers keep your hand safe from burns.




So why did the chicken cross the road? To visit my Etsy shop, of course! But you can visit me virtually at RedBerryCrochet.etsy.com
I plan on having the chickens completed by next week, so check back often to see what new and whimsical designs I’ve created!

Etsy Pet Week - Exciting News!

Some exciting news this week! I’ve been featured in an Etsy Storque article!
Etsy Pets in Vogue: Getting The Right Shot
That’s my cat B.C. proudly displaying his toys in the main photo and in the photo at right. Last week cbarjcrafts contacted me regarding my photos and asked me if I'd like to participate. Of course I was happy to! She asked me several questions and here are my answers.

What type of set up do you use to photograph your 'pet model(s)'?
I use natural light to photograph my pets, which also works best for my crochet items. Flash photos are too harsh and I don’t like the reflections in the eyes. For indoor shots I also use a tripod and I set my camera timer. Using the timer gives me a few seconds to attract their attention by snapping my fingers or waving a toy above the camera.

Do you have any tips for others who would like to use their pets as product models?
Make it fast :) Take as many photos as you can in a short amount of time. B.C. was resting comfortably on the couch and I just put a white sheet underneath him and started shooting. Take photos when they are relaxed, and don’t fuss too much and get them excited. Keep your voice low and calm. Save the treats until the session is over. And don’t forget lots of praise!

What are the name(s) and breed(s) of your model(s)?
B.C. (aka Barn Cat, aka Bubba Chubs) and Daphne my Yorkie.

I really enjoy taking photos of my pets and I love to include them in my shop listings. B.C. has gotten lots of compliments and many buyers have sent photos to him of their pets playing with their new toys. Hmmm, maybe B.C. should have his own blog . . .





Please also visit cbarjcrafts (Christy's Critters) shop to find adorable polymer clay creations. And thank you Christy for including me in your terrific article! Happy Pet Week!

Hi and welcome!

About 7 years ago I bought myself a “Teach Yourself to Crochet” kit and I haven’t stopped crocheting since! It seemed to come naturally to me and I really enjoy creating new things. I’m amazed at the things you can make from simple tools of a hook and yarn. I opened my Etsy shop in July of 2006 and it’s been a wonderful experience. I’ve recently started selling my own patterns in my shop and I’ve been fortunate to have a purse pattern published in Country Woman magazine in Sept 2006. I have a felted scarf pattern I sold to Crochet World which will be published this fall.

I also hope to teach a crochet class this fall. I’ve taught several beginner classes and I really enjoy it. To think that I can possibly give the gift of crochet to someone that will last them a lifetime is truly amazing!
I went through the correspondence course offered by CYCA (Craft Yarn Council of America) and I am a Certified Crochet Instructor. It really helped me to create a lesson plan and pick appropriate projects for my classes. Plus I have a really nice portfolio from the lessons I had to make during the course. I would highly recommend this course if you would like to teach.

Thanks for stopping by and I hope you’ll check back to see all my new projects!