Can't Catch a "Brake"

All of this beautiful yarn (and Xena Warrior Princess dvd) was a Valentine's gift from my hubby, but it has been waiting in the wings for me to be able to actually work with it.

I have been busy playing the catch up game since the flu layed me down for over a week and then the hubs and my little girl got sick.  I have been trying to finish up orders now that our house is finally germ free, and working up all the new pattern designs I came up with while sick(I got quite creative while too ill to move).

I missed a lot of work, and was finally getting back on track, when we went out shopping (the whole family) and the brake system failed in our car.  Yikes!  Scary stuff.  Thank goodness my husband was driving as I have a slight tendency to panic.  He somehow managed to get our car to a gas station where we sat with a car full of groceries and my daughter(who was very patient) and waited for his mother to rescue us.

Apparently you can't get a car towed for under $200 these days, but my hubby managed to talk the down to $145!  Of course we were two towns away from our local garage, so that didn't help.  Now we found out that we basically need to replace the whole brake system in front(haven't checked the back yet), and they can't do it till Monday.  Ugh!  Oh, and it is going to cost a small fortune to do it.  Yay! (note the sarcasm)

Fortunately my job outside the home has been very understanding of all my recent issues, and is having someone drive me to and from today, so I don't have to miss work.  They are trading my shift tomorrow, which is great because we are supposed to get hit with a big storm, and I would rather not be out in that anyway.  

I am very thankful that my family and I made it through it ok, and I know "someone" was definitely watching out for us.  I am also incredibly thankful to have a job where they are so compassionate and understanding.  With today's economy, I am lucky to have a job at all, so when I missed this much work I figured I would be let go.  Their first concern was for my family and me.  That meant a lot.

That all being said, I am ready for things to turn around and run smoothly for a while.  That would be a nice change.  I have some big plans for my patterns this year, and I can't wait to share all of these new designs with you all!  I currently have one out to testers, and I have two more waiting in the wings.  I am hoping to get them out this week at some point.  There are several ideas in my design book awaiting my hook and yarn.  I am working as quickly as I can to finish up my current projects and get these new patterns published!

I did manage to get this pattern, for the Ribbed Cuff Fingerless Gloves, released yesterday.  It's a quick pattern to work up and great for beginners!  It is listed on Craftsy for $1.50(it's regular price), but I am currently having a HUGE 50% OFF SALE in my Ravelry shop to help pay for the astronomical auto repair fees.  So if you purchase it there, you will be getting the pattern for just .75 cents!  All 7 patterns in my shop are included in the sale, no coupon necessary, and prices will adjust at checkout.

Here is just a bit of what I have been working on lately:

Here is a sneak peek of a new pattern design I am working on.  I am thinking it will include a link to a tutorial here on the blog.  Stay tuned!

My daughter currently loves everything princess, especially crowns!  So I had to take a break to make this for her:)

When purchasing a pattern, what do you look for most?  Is cost a big concern?  Or is it a matter of yarn selection or stitch technique?  I would love to know if there is something you would like to see created.  

Leilani's Lace Pattern Release!

It's finally here, the release date of Leilani's Lace!  Just in time for Valentine's Day!

I created this skirt originally to be my daughter's holiday outfit.  After posting pictures on my facebook page I received tons of comments about it.  Many wondered where they could find the pattern and if it was available in other sizes.  It was time to get to work.  I had written the pattern for her skirt, but I wanted to come up with an adult version.  Then I decided that it wasn't enough.  I needed an in between size, or two.  And so, I have been working hard at creating different sizes, making my final edits, and despite a rough going month, it's finally ready.

Each size covers a wide range with its drawstring waist and adjustable length.  It makes an adorable "Mommy and Me" outfit.  I love matching my little girl!  She loves that our skirts are the same too!
With its lace like design, this skirt is best paired with leggings or a slip.

It can be adorned with any type of embellishment, from crocheted flowers or hearts, to elegant pins and brooches.

Perfect for Easter and those Spring dances!

Not only does this make a lovely skirt, but it can also be worn as a poncho, which my daughter loves!

For now all 4 sizes will be listed together as one pattern, and for the introductory price of just $4 (for Valentine's Day only!)

After that, it will be $6, and I will also be listing each size individually for $2, in the near future.

This pattern, along with my others, will be available in my Craftsy and Ravelry shops.  It will also be listed on my website, and Etsy shop.  

Goals for the Month: February

While making my New Year's resolutions this year, I noticed that a lot of them were crochet/ business related.  Now even though we are already into our second month of 2013(can't believe how fast time flies!), I am going to start making myself a smaller set of monthly goals.  It seems more possible if I break them down.

So, during the first week of each new month I will post a list of goals I wish to accomplish that month.  They may be projects, patterns, ideas, business oriented, or even simple things like exercising or eating healthier.

Then at the end of each month, I will post on what I actually accomplished on that list.  I think by doing this I will be more likely to succeed in achieving some of my goals.

That being said, here is the list for February:

-list my Leilani's Lace pattern

-list my Ribbed Cuff Fingerless Gloves

-get two more of my patterns out to testers for a March release

-release one free pattern

-post here two or three times a week

-showcase some other people's work here on the blog

-list at least 5 more items to Etsy

-keep up with my website

-organize my stash

-ship some items to family (way behind on that)

Given that this month is shorter and I am starting it off with the flu, I think that list will suffice.
If anyone is interested in having their work showcased here on my blog and on my facebook page, please contact me.
If any of you with blogs are interested in linking up or doing guest posting, I would love to hear from you too!

Do you make monthly goals for yourself?  Do you accomplish them?

Dreaming of Ireland...

About this time, three years ago, we were on vacation in Ireland.  It was gorgeous, and so exciting for us, as my husband and I are not big travelers.  As I lay here, sick on the couch, I am daydreaming of our lovely trip, and looking forward to going there again, next time with our daughter.  I was pregnant (with morning sickness to boot)last time we were there, so I can't wait to go back and take my daughter to the Dublin Zoo, among other places.

Being that I am finding myself rather unproductive this week, I figured I would share some of our vacation photos with you all!

Durty Nelly's- the oldest established pub in Ireland.

Stopped in for a pint at Durty Nelly's.  Well, my husband had a pint; I had a Sprite(pregnant as I was).

Outlook at the Cliffs of Moher

It was a very windy day, and we took a bus ride from Hell to get there, but it was so gorgeous!  Photos can't do that view justice.

Bunratty Castle 

Once we arrived in Dublin, we took a trip to the Botanic Gardens.  Absolutely beautiful.

Here I am as we were leaving the Gardens.

It was a fantastic trip, and there are loads more pictures.  We went to Glasnevin Cemetary, the Dublin Zoo, and took in a show at a Castle.  Had some interesting cuisine, got lost within the public transportation system, and wound up way outside the city at Ikea (really, they have those places EVERYWHERE!lol).   Perhaps those pics for another time.  

If you ever get a chance to travel, I highly suggest a trip to Ireland.  I know we are looking forward to getting back there someday.

Do you have a favorite/dream vacation destination?  Where would you go?

The Dreaded Flu Bug

Well it's finally here, the flu has hit home!  UGH!!!  It seems everyone in the house has a new symptom of something each day, and then it hit me like a ton of bricks yesterday.  The aches, the chills, the swollen throat, stuffy nose, cough; oh yeah, I got it all!  It was so bad that I caved and ate 4 servings of chicken noodle soup, and I'm a VEGETARIAN!  It was all I could eat.  I swear the stuff has magic sprinkled in!  

So, I clearly have gotten little done this week.  I have 2 skirts that are both nearly finished, and matching hats to go with them.  Two of my patterns are out to testers, and I am hoping to hear back from them this coming week.  My skirt pattern should be ready for release by Valentine's day!

I spent most of my immobile day yesterday trying to set up my Ravelry shop, polishing up my website (I've had it since last year, but let it fall to the wayside when I opened up Etsy), and planning out the ideas for some upcoming patterns.  I have several fun things planned for this year, and just as soon as I start feeling better, I have a couple of new designs to tackle for Spring!

I will leave you with a couple of pretty photos of new items that I have listed.  Have a great week everyone!

Back of newest slouchy hat

Side view of hat.  Will be part of a set with my Leilani's Lace skirt.

 This camo set was made for one of the girls I work with, and she was so excited!

And here's my little cutie pie in her new "Brainwaves Beanie" I made her (pattern by Playin' Hooky Designs)