Past and Present Skills of my Life

Past and Present Skills of my Life...

Back to elementary terms and quotes kids. So I apologize if I get the name of stitches wrong and such. I am one of those who learn best by watching someone else crocheting/knitting/beading - you know stuff like that. However my art work by hand in wood burning is all me....

So two years ago I started teaching myself how to crochet. I really, really tried to learn from my mother in-law but the language barrier was too much for me. Her strong Cuban accent was just to hard for me to understand and her little fingers went way too fast. Two years later I think the sweet lady would be proud...

I have come a long, long ways from day one. LOL my squares where anything but squares. I couldn't get my ends to match to save my life. Oh I would cry (I am so not kidding) and throw my crochet hook on the floor or at my husband - today we laugh at those memories and his puck marks from the pings on poor Jorge. and the worst was when I was learning the granny square - I know I have mention this before here. And so with the reminder of my terrible crocheting fits now lets add knitting to the scene. But you know what? Knitting was so easy for me...

So why do I crochet more then I knit? It's easy - I enjoy it more and I can do so many cute little things faster - and faster means money... In the last two months I have made it a point to learn one new thing a week when it comes to the yarn world. I am so happy now because I am even starting to read patterns now without screaming because what the heck is a HDC? Ah-ha I know now Half Double Crochet.... LOL I know you crochet experts think I am a turd but these things do not come easy for me. Truly I work my hardest on my projects and pour my love into it.

Today I was watching a crocheting video and was repeating the steps in (which I got on the first try) out loud and my husband says "Wow honey you really know this stuff now - don't you?" And then follows with "I am so proud of you". Which brought up the talk, about how much I have improved over the last two years.

The one thing that any crocheter or knitter needs is support. No matter the level - really in any form of crafting, support is so needed. These things whether advanced or easy takes  lots of time to make and I'm sorry we are paid so little for the labor that goes into any project. And so I ask myself "why do I put myself through this?" EASY I love yarns.... I love advancing - and I love when people ask me for to make them a handmade item. That about pride and pride is allow in the crafting world.

I love thinking about the "Past" of my crocheting world and have had many laughs on how silly I was and often enough say "Oh yeah I've made those same mistakes" and loving in the "Future" when someone calls out for advice or for help or even better a sale because they just had to have one of my treasures...

My newest item I now know how to make is.... A way cool flower!!

I can crochet and surf the web at the same time!!
GIFTED...

My very first flower!! That is of this type...

I do custom make email me at
mr_mrs_crafty_rving@yahoo.com
for prices...

http://www.etsy.com/shop/hatmasters

http://www.etsy.com/shop/hatmasters

ETSY FEATURE OF THE DAY:

Black and off white ring bearer pillow by tallulahg

21 items for sale in this wonderful well crafted store...

$155.00

http://www.etsy.com/shop/tallulahg

tallulahg's Shop Announcement
Spring Sale! From now till April 15th all Ring Bearer pillows will be 15% off! :) Type in Spring15 at checkout under Discount code! Happy Shopping...


QUESTION OF THE DAY:
What was your project? Was it easy or hard?
Share your comments for our newbies...

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My Own Two Tales of Two Yarns

My Own Two Tales of Two Yarns...

Oh I am so elementary when it comes to terms and techniques of the yarn world, but I'll give it a shot.

As it is often stated "Parts of any fiber enthusiast's hobby is an appreciation of yarns." And so I have broken down and thought about what yarns I respect and yarns that I don't. And remember finance plays a big part in my experiences with yarns. Purchasing a $65 skein of yarn would send me to the welfare office in a hurry. And so budgeting plays the ultimate finale decision - shopping the clearance rack in store as well as on-line stores, plus ordering on-line only, when free shipping is offered, and by all means using coupons when I can.

But first an important message from the top of the tops of the crocheting world.
Art of Crochet by Teresa, and in her blog she says this:

Novelty yarn should not be used anywhere near a baby or toddler in any type of crochet item. Think about the result from fibers and invisible particles building up in the air passages of a newborn baby! In fact, novelty yarn should have a warning label, "Not for use in items intended for age 13 and below". I am not saying not to use it but use it responsibly on adult items. You can visit her blog for the full article and other goodies here and tell her I said hello.. thanks!
http://crochet-mania.blogspot.com/

Which if you read the article from the crocheting queen, then you will understand why I do not like working with Chenille in which I do carry in my inventory. It breaks real easy and is just terrible for me to work with.

All the yarn and products seen in the photos in this article is from MY inventory

I did find this Chenille on the clearance rack and got a real bargain for under a $1.00 a skein back in Bishop, CA at http://www.benfranklinstores.com/. I had bought all they had left and now it sits in my bin begging to be used and shipped off somewhere where it will be loved. But that project has not popped into my head yet and so it will sit and sit until ready to be used. And I do have to say I do love the feel of chenille, I just find it hard to work with.

My other choice of yarns that I do work with often but because of the whole not wanting to go on welfare fear is Red Heart and probably one of the most highly bought yarns of all times because hey - it won't bankrupt you. I do find if I crochet for more then 3 hours straight (and I have been know to work 8+ hours crocheting or knitting because that's a form of income for me and the faster things get done the faster I can sell it on my etys stores) then my skin become rash like for all the rubbing from the yarn - I find it scratchy to work but I press on. A real saver for me is buying the 1-pound skein when they go on sale and thank goodness they do. I buy all of my 1-pound skeins ONLY from http://www.joann.com/ and when free shipping is being offered then I am so in on the deal. Lets face it with the price of gas and being almost 40 minutes from the nearest store - the savings get put back in my pocket when I only have less then a 1/4 of mile to walk to the post office - no gas needed there and the money stays in my pocket.


Yarns that I just have to have because of the feel and texture and the omg choice of colors. My choice is tie between 3 top picks. Nob Hills, Vanna's Choice and Lion Brands Jiffy

And there you go. Just elementary choices - no rhyme or reason. Just my personal taste and thoughts and theories...  And so now I'll add some pictures of my storage situation right here in my rig. People are simply amazed that...

A - wow we craft in a 24 ft motorhome (and remember we lose 3 feet just because of the front cab that we really can not use except to drive)..

B - How do we store our supplies and such? I will blog more as we get ready to head to Idaho for our summer work (Jorge is building a new bed and making some much needed progress in the RV to make our last summer living in "MrCrafty" as comfy as possible)...

So enjoy and don't forget to check out the feature of the day and the question of the day at the bottom!!

I have 6 bins full of yarns...

Did I mention I have 6 bins full of yarns?

My very first set of knitting needles that where given to
me by a camper up in SaddleBag Lake Campground back in 2009
Thank you so much Sue - I still use them "All the Time"

Love my needles - my only plastic ones I own..
Bamboo is too expensive and so I have to wait...

Bottom draw is for Evielynne ONLY
Jorge dies if enters...
the secret to our marriage is organization!!

I Love my bins and now I can get all my little craft supplies organized...
Thank you Charity
You did GREAT!!

Oh you would laugh at the amount of crafts we have
in the rig. Sometimes I am shocked!!

And now...

TODAY'S ETSY FEATURE OF THE DAY:

Knitting Bag Stand by TagSaleFinds

$35.00

http://www.etsy.com/shop/TagSaleFinds

200 items for sale in this shop

TagSaleFinds' Shop Announcement

Vintage collectibles for Home and Office, Luggage, Cameras and Typewriters, Fabric, Crochet and Linens, Sewing Notions and Patterns, Vintage Books and Paper Doll Books, Antique Ads and Photos, Scrabble Tiles, Cards and Game Pieces, Lots of Supplies and Fun Inspiration Packs for Your Altered Art and Collage Projects.

I am an avid shopper of all things vintage. I shop garage sales, estate sales and thrift stores weekly to find lots of treasures to share with you.

Check back often to see what's new.

I am always happy to combine items for shipping to save you money!! Supplies and fabric items, especially, will fit together nicely to save on postage.

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Check out my husband's paintings and sculpture in his shop:

http://loringlavenart.etsy.com/

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QUESTION OF THE DAY:

What is your favorite and dis-favorite yarn brand?

Leave your comment - sure would like to learn from my readers!!

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Crafty Klara

Today's blog is about fun and laughter... I want everyone who reads this to leave me a comment expressing  their feeling about Miss Klara the ultimate singing DIVA... I personally get a front row seat any time I wish  to be entertained... This is not my pet and would like to thank Klara Mommy for putting this video together for me - I've been begging to show her off.

Isn't she just beautiful. And because she sang for you all today's feature will be in honor of Klara the singing DIVA...

ETSY FEATURE OF THE DAY:

Pink Rose with Antique Brass Camera Charm and Vintage Copper Harmonica Charm by Katheyl

$23.00

http://www.etsy.com/shop/Katheyl

Katheyl's Shop Announcement

141 items for sale...

KATHEYL is about unique handmade whimsical and vintage jewelry, with designs that are inspired by nature and the orient. All pieces are lovingly handcrafted under a pet & smoke-free environment in Munich, Germany.

Be a fan on our Facebook page for updates and exclusive promotions - http://www.facebook.com/KatheylJewelry

QUESTION OF THE DAY:

What cool thing can your pet do?

 (peeing on a tree does not count- Geeze)

Leave your comment in the comment feed

 - trust me I love reading them...

Crocheting While Driving Can it Be Done?

LOL my insurance is cheap but not that cheap - and so the driving was left up to the car owner... Awwww let the fingers work. And so they did!

Today was a sad day and I posted all the details on our other blog and you can read the article http://mrmrscraftyrving.blogspot.com/2011/03/dedicated-to-mike-bottom.html

And so we headed to HorseTail Falls and while in the car - I crochet a hat that I will place up for sale tomorrow on my store http://www.etsy.com/shop/hatmasters and its for a boy - so do check it out tomorrow.. It's a new type of style and I'm pretty happy with it.  This is the second time I've ever crochet in a moving vehicle and I didn't mind. It made the time go faster and kept me from being a back seat driver in which I am sure with no doubt the driver appreciated. Sorry I drive people nuts!

Not a lot to report today and so I will post pictures and get the etsy feature of the day,,,, FUN - FUN- FUN ummmmm who did I pick today? OK check pictures out and then see for yourself. Don't forget to read the question of the day and leave comments. I love all the feedback's we've been getting and just reading all of your answers. Trust me - your experiences help newbie crafters and open many other crafters eyes too - heck we all have the right to have bragging rights...

ETSY FEATURE OF THE DAY:

Knitting Bag Large Herd of Sheep with 8 Needle Slots and 3 Larger Pockets and Small DPN Case with 10 Needle Slots along with Whatnots Pocket by knittingsmybag

$36.00

http://www.etsy.com/shop/KnittingsMyBag

This store has 110 items and holly molly way way way cool - I am in love!!

KnittingsMyBag's Shop Announcement

Thanks for stopping by KnittingsMyBag. We have great needlework project bags in small, medium and large with lots and lots of pockets! There are stitch markers and pocket mirrors that coordinate with the bags and custom orders are welcomed. Scoot on over to my other etsy shop at http://lrichmond3.etsy.com for accessories (make-up bags, foldover clutches, ISB holders, passport holders and more!!

QUESTION OF THE DAY:

Have you ever crafted in public? If so what was the project?

Share your story in the comment form.

Thrift Store Crafting

Today I only manage a half a hat all while on our way to The Dalles, OR... I keep my yarn and crochet hook in a freezer bag to keep it clean and more organized for on the go. Works out pretty good too!!

We did hit a couple of thrift stores in which is normally a great place to get cheap patterns and in this case they where on a quarter each. I was looking for doll clothes and failed at finding any. We didn't have a whole lot of time to spend in the stores due to my friends husband being at the dentist office (poor guy).

We did get to go the yarn store called "The Whole Ball of Yarn" I found out that they have a blog on the web and you can check them out http://downtownthedalles.com/blog/the-whole-ball-of-yarn/ BEAUTIFUL but very expensive yarns.... I think it was the first yarn shop that I walked in with no yarn and walked out with no yarn - I don't like that feeling. Empty and so alone.... lol aw maybe next time. My etsy store would have to be pulling in big numbers first. What's wonderful about the store is their classes they offer. They had a spinning wheel that was a little under $400 and came with 4 hours classes.

And then we hit a quilters shop http://www.grandmasatticquilting.com/ and we just fell in love with everything they had. A beautiful green unique apron was their grand entrance - just beautiful and very retro... Jorge of course loved all their fat quarters - which he uses for his barbie doll clothes making. My favorite was the lady bug everything they had lol...

I love thrift stores and truly its a great place to start building your inventory, recycle crafts (which is so in right now and will continue to be so) which equals a huge saving if done correctly and to be super creative. I am personally looking for used men's ties for a up-coming project but need about 20 of them and a $1 a pop is a little to much money and so I will wait till I cross one or two at a time at a yard sale and go from there. Using cool shirts/skirts and such for doll clothes will be utilized but first we have to get more storage bins to store them - in a 24 ft rig we have to be very selective as to what to store. aw the life of a RVer... Loving it!!

ETSY FEATURE OF THE DAY:

Fresno Thrift Store Mecca: Issue 2 by therecyclingethic

$5.00 (not a bad price)

http://www.etsy.com/shop/therecyclingethic

11 items for sale 

 therecyclingethic's Shop Announcement

Happy March. It is raining like crazy where I am. Wherever you are, I hope you're well.

Thrifting has become especially challenging lately. I am so busy with everything in my life that it just doesn't fit :( But I am eagerly looking forward to the next couple weeks when I will be traveling south to Visalia and hopefully getting a move on my next edition! Stay posted!

I make shipments on Mon, Wed, and Sat mornings, always with recycled materials, and I appreciate feedback and suggestions. My "Etc." section represents my recycling ethic-let no thing go to waste.

QUESTION OF THE DAY:

What item have you bought from a thrift store to craft with?

Share your story - it helps new crafters sharing experiences..

So Sleepy Today

Crochet today and watched movies and sort of took a nap - well light sleep for about 20 minutes. I am heading to bed early tonight. LOL Jorge is napping right now but he has to clean later and so I am keeping very quiet so he can get a little more then 20 minutes of heavy sleep. Tomorrow is a loaded day for me - I have an order that will take me about 5-6 days to complete and then off to be shipped. So the much needed sleep will be welcomed tonight!!

ETSY FEATURE OF THE DAY:

Monsters don't live under your bed, they sleep in your head SHIRT by  LiberationPrinting

$11.99
http://www.etsy.com/shop/LiberationPrinting
66 items for sale in this shop and hey prices are too good not to pass so do check them out and tell them MrsCraftyRVing said hello!!

QUESTION OF THE DAY:
What do you sleep in?
Leave a comment in the comment form...

Jorge and his package

What an exciting day today. Woke up to having coffee served to me in bed... Got my work done in the nick of time. Forgot to eat breakfast (bad girl I am). Finished up a beanie hat and by then it was 10:30 am and we headed outside to work in the yard for our winter work. About 2pm the boss came with mail for us and here is where it gets good. Jorge got beads!! Thank you so very much Kelli.

Kelli had emailed us a ways back asking if Jorge wanted her beads because she no longer needed them and oh course we are foaming at the mouth and that yes we'd be happy to take them. We just didn't know it was a ton of beads. This helps our budget big time and the beads are beyond beautiful and will be used for sure. It was a great surprise!! See the wonderful beads she sent Jorge. He'll start working with them next week.

So being super happy and blessed by super good friends lets get on to our feature...

ETSY FEATURE OF THE DAY:

Happy tree and Good Friends - LIMITED PRINT

$25.00

Bei Lexian

BeiLeXian's Shop Announcement

****W E L C O M E TO beilexian W H I M s i c a l WORLD!!!***

Please visit this lovely treasury:

http://www.etsy.com/treasury/4d7dbe708d7e8eef4207ddd0/spring-painting

and

http://www.etsy.com/treasury/4d80e03ed7d58eef68e24217/let-the-fresh-air-in

hi hi!!! Welcome to Our Whimsical Play land. Over here you'll find Our Original Art Works, as well as Art Prints, from the Lovely sunny island Singapore!!! SHINE and SMILE!!!!

Looking for a personal art piece?

no worries we do provide customize Painting =)

Just send us a conversation to start with, CHEERS!!!

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Checkout guideline for first time buyer:

http://help.etsy.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/245/

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QUESTION OF THE DAY:

What do you craft to show your love for your friends?

Leave comment below and share your story..