Here is a sneak peak at what’s to come for the Fall/Winter release: the Fanning Flower combo.

Currently, the bag is out with testers, and will be then followed up by the hat.

Some quick facts:

• Tunisian Knit
• Tunisian Purl
• Reverse Single Crochet
• Shaping
• Intermediate level, or for very adventurous beginners

When I was designing the Fanning Flower combo–more specifically, when I was designing the bag–I made a point of creating a chart first. I knew that because of the pattern repeat, the tunisian, and the decreases, it might be easier for people to see rather than just read. It also helped me make notes then move pieces around when perfecting the design. I’m a very visual person, so having the initial chart and notes are loads of help now that I’m to the point where I’m writing the pattern. This will be the first pattern that will be accompanied by charts (yes, plural–there will be three!), and I’m really excited to release that as part and parcel. Am I sometimes an easily satisfied dork? You bet!!

As these two patterns are more for Fall/Winter, my ultimate deadline is to have them tested and available just before the rush. If I’m feeling too antsy, I’ll release them a bit early. Read the rest

Well, it’s the 14th. Bastille to many if you’re French, but for me it’s merely my birthday. Happy Birthday, me!

Updates on WIP’s:
I’ve finished the prototype for the Fanning Flower bag (though the gf has said the fanned sections look like tulips, so perhaps I’ll change the name?) and all ends are woven in. All that’s left to do is line it, but I soon realized that the fabric I had previously picked out does not actually go with the finished bag. I was horrified as I am super in love with the fabric.

Friday night I began the matching hat for the bag. As it’s in tunisian, I’ll have to work it in one wide piece and then seam it up. This also means I need to work bottom-up instead of top-down. This is the first time I’ve done such a process, so I’ve had to work a lot with row and stitch gauge, and it will all be in the final pattern. My testers will help with this, though, so any issue I have initially with writing it out, they should swoop in behind me and save my ass like a giant crocheting superhero!

Pattern Tester, Kathryn - Pinwheel (Front/Side)
Originally uploaded by Oh, Cadi.

Kathryn has given me permission to post her end-result photographs of her Pinwheel Beanie pattern test. I’ll set this, and the second one she sent me, up on the pattern page I’ll create as a mini gallery for viewers, and potential customers, to look through.

Miki, my second tester, is still working on hers. I have all of her comments regarding the pattern itself, so I’m going to pool everything together and fix anything that needs to be fixed. Then it’s up for sale, folks!

Let me just say that I am thoroughly pleased with how much I’ve enjoyed working with my two pattern testers. They’ve been great help and I really appreciate all the work they’ve done.

Pinwheel Beanie (Side View)
Originally uploaded by Oh, Cadi.

I’ve had one of my testers complete the pattern, send me her notes, and some preliminary photos. She’ll be sending other photos for me to post on the pattern page where I’ll offer the pattern for sale.

This is very exciting! I know my 2nd tester said she should be done this weekend and will also have photos and notes for me.

Let me just take a moment to admit how relieved I am that my first officially tested pattern, that has some degree of difficulty (if only for the stitch work that makes up the top of the hat and brim), is going well. I was worried that it wouldn’t work up right for someone, or that my pattern writing would be subpar. If everything checks out, with only minimal things to correct, this entire process will have been such a huge success for me.

For anyone interested in buying this pattern when it’s officially set to release… Read the rest

I wanted to post a detail shot of this hat so you could see the stitches and, specifically, the buckle embellishment. I’m working on writing up the pattern for this hat so that I can start selling it. There are a few people, however, who wanted just the hat, so I’ll be making two to sell, and offering custom orders on Etsy.

In a few moments I’ll be leaving to hunt down some belts that I can recycle buckles from. I like the weathered look of the vintage or thrifted belts, so that’s where I’m headed.

Enjoy the photo. The pattern should be posted for sale within the week(ish).