Yarrrn Matey

 Hello All!! Jeez, has it been a while.  I have been exploring so many parts of yarn and yarn crafts and trying to figure out what I enjoy doing and what I want to focus on.  There seem to be so many things to divide your attention today...whether it is which social media to focus on, to keep or not to keep a blog, if newsletters are a good idea, which platform to use for selling items, or which direction to point your business towards...it can be so overwhelming. After doing some exploration and being real with myself about what I like to do, I have settled finished pieces and yarn dyeing.  I'm not saying I'll never write a pattern again but it is not going to be my primary focus at this time.  I also enjoy creative writing so I'll be trying to update this blog more often (shouldn't be difficult given my current track record hehehe).  I am working on planning my upcoming year and really trying to get Yarrrn Matey off the ground but first I want to reflect on this past

Well, it's finally here! My first published crochet pattern.  I've spent the last four years writing patterns for myself and using them as cheat sheets but they probably wouldn't be understood by most people!  It's time I grew up and made the transition into something legible for other people! This clutch has a modern finish but uses very classic crochet stitches.  It's perfect for a night out to dinner, or on the town with your friends (once that's allowed again!).  I chose these beautiful shades of gray and green, to subtly highlight the diagonal stripe but it'd be pretty in any of the beautiful colors offered by Lion Brand. I hope you enjoy making this clutch as much as I did! Skill Level Intermediate Yarn 1 Skein: Approx. 123 yards       Lion Brand Rewind Tape Yarn (Color A) Olive You 1 Skein: Approx. 2 yards          Lion Brand Rewind Tape Yarn (Color B) Moto Jacket Hook Size K 6.5mm Crochet Hook Other Materials Choice of Fastener (I u

It's an understatement to say that we are in strange times, but I'm not sure how else to put it.  Two weeks ago, I was living my typical life and today I'm working from home, in a make-shift office in my craft room, with the government suggesting I stay home for the foreseeable future.  I am well aware that this pandemic is negatively affecting many people and completely upsetting their life balance, due to illness, job loss or otherwise.  I consider myself very lucky to have employment, a stocked pantry, and my health, during these times. I am choosing to view this time in my life as a gift.  Never before, and never again, will I be ordered to stay home and slow down every day life.  This freedom from the daily grind has allowed me to spend more time with my husband, to be more present in the moment (whether completing yard work, or my working from home responsibilities), and to explore new facets of my crafting hobby that I wouldn't have had the time or energy to o

Anyone who knows me, knows that I am a bargain hunter and hate paying full price for anything' so naturally, I've received a lot of questions from people about finding good deals on craft supplies.  There is a time and a place to spend full price on yarn or other supplies. The item is made by a small business The colorway or design is something you cannot imagine walking away from You have an ideal project in mind  I've certainly bit the bullet and ponied up some dough when I just can't walk away from a full price item. That being said, craft supply costs can add up quickly, especially when you like working with many different mediums.  Here are some of my favorite tips and tricks for buying craft supplies on a budget: Price Match! Michaels will price match Amazon (Amazon prices only, not independent sellers) as well as other competitors.  I'll take a few minutes in the supply aisle to search the item and see if I can find it cheaper elsewhere before