BellaCrochet

New Designs and a Facebook Contest

2012-04-27T10:17:00.001-05:00

I have added two new patterns to my site, bellacrochet.com:

This is the Autumn Lace Doilies. They are available here:

http://www.bellacrochet.com/index.php?main_page=document_product_info&cPath=3&products_id=52&zenid=crr83505o113tipi0gvh6pv3g5

And this is my new Town and Country Wrap. It is available here:

http://www.bellacrochet.com/index.php?main_page=document_product_info&cPath=4&products_id=51&zenid=bj5qa2djr3fghkcm0o71tu24c3

I am having a contest over on my Facebook page today (Friday.) I will be giving away a copy of any pdf pattern on my site, including the new ones. I hope you will stop by and enter:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/BellaCrochet/195106893710
Sorry about the long links; I can't get the shortened versions to work today.

Billions of Bullions: A Look At a Vintage Doily

2012-04-24T10:32:00.001-05:00

I thought I would share one of my favorite vintage doilies with you today. I did not make it and I do not have the pattern for it, nor do I know if there even is a pattern. A friend gave this doily to me many years ago. He said it was made by his grandmother, probably in the 50's, and he thought I would appreciate it (which I do!) It needs to be washed and blocked, but even in this state, I think it is beautiful.

It looks like it is made from size 30 thread, incorporating not only bullion stitches, but hairpin lace as well. It is about 11" across.

If anyone recognizes this pattern, I would love to hear from you. I have never seen it in any of my old books.

Anyway, while I do not enjoy making bullion stitches, I certainly think they are lovely, and I cannot help but admire the talented lady who made this doily.

Okay, so maybe there are not quite a billion bullion stitches in this doily, but there are a lot!

I count 25 bullion stitches at the center.

Some of the little motifs around the outer edge have 18 bullion stitches, but most have 19. There are 15 of these little motifs. Each one is about an inch across.

I love hairpin lace, too. But I have never tried it with thread, much less thread as fine as this.

I can only imagine how many hours of work went into this beauty!

In a Slump; and Did Yeats Crochet?

2012-04-20T07:48:00.002-05:00

'I said, ‘A line will take us hours maybe;
Yet if it does not seem a moment’s thought,
Our stitching and unstitching has been naught.'
from 'Adam's Curse'
by William Butler Yeats

Although Yeats was talking about writing poetry in his poem "Adam's Curse" I can certainly relate to his feelings when I am designing. If a design doesn't flow easily for me, then I don't feel like it is worth publishing.
And for the past year or so, it has been hard for me to get my 'creative flow' started. I have started several projects, even finished a few, and then just put them aside.
I haven't released a new design in months, and my blog posts have been few and far between. I just haven't felt like I had anything worth sharing.

I did manage to get this set of doilies, called "Autumn Lace Doilies" finished, and they will be available for purchase soon, and I also have a new design called "Town and Country Wrap."
Being in a slump is discouraging to me. I have spent the last 25 years turning out one design after another, and my lack of new designs lately makes me feel unproductive and uncreative.
But I have been through this before, and I know that eventually I will get back into the swing of things (hopefully very soon!) I have had 'dry spells' in the past, and there have even been times when I really felt like I wouldn't care if I never picked up a crochet hook again.
But I know that sooner or later there will be a design or idea that sparks my interest, and I will be back on track. Until then, I will just keep 'stitching and unstitching for naught.'

New Trends In Crochet Fashion

2012-04-01T07:34:00.002-05:00

I try to keep my designs current and up to date, but sometimes it is hard to know just what will be the next big trend (like cowls and shrugs.) I have a few ideas I have been playing around with, and I would like to ask your opinion on them.

First, is a new scarf idea. Skinny scarves have been very popular lately, so I thought why not go all out and make the skinniest scarf in the world? I call this my Uber-Super Duper Skinny Scarf:

Of course, it is not really very warm, but that is easily remedied. Just make it really long, and wrap it multiple times around your neck:

This example is about 15' long.

And of course, Fingerless Gloves have been extremely popular for a while now. I thought about doing some toe-less socks, but found that people are already making them and calling them yoga socks. So, I came up with this idea:

Glove-less Finger Covers. I think I will make a little matching bag to carry them all in when you are not wearing them. What do you think?

And then, being a threadie, I am always looking for ways to use thread in my designs, even the wearables. Since I also love vintage, I thought, why not use a beautiful old doily as a bridal veil? Can't you just see a bride wearing something like this?

Just imagine this attached to a lacy hat trimmed with delicate flowers!

What do you think the groom would think if he saw his bride coming down the aisle wearing this?

But it might be a bit much for everyday wear, so I tried placing it like this:

Doesn't it give her an air of mystery?

And for fun, you can place it even lower, and you have a cute but elegant crocheted beard, like the ones that were so popular last winter.

Well, there you have them. I would love to hear what you think about these ideas; which one do you think I should release first?
Oh, and I forgot to mention, the most important thing you should know about these designs is:

April Fool!!!!!!!

Spring Time Designs

2012-03-24T06:25:00.000-05:00

Easter is just a few weeks away, and Mother's Day is right around the corner. I have been working on a set of doilies called "Autumn Lace Doilies" which should be available in a few weeks, but I am read to think about some of my favorite Spring Time designs.

Enchanting Easter Basket Doily and Wall Art.

The background can also be used as a candlemat doily.

The Spring Time Bouquet.

The Easter Bonnet Sachet, which is the gift pattern that comes with the Spring Time Bouquet.

Blue Birds of Happiness Doily.

And of course, the Flower Garden Fairy always makes me think of spring.

She is one of my all time favorite designs.

The 'Time for Tea' set

The gift doily that comes with the Time for Tea set.

All of these designs are available on my web site: http://bellacrochet.com/
And in my Etsy shop: http://www.etsy.com/shop/bellacrochet
I hope you are enjoying some lovely spring time crocheting!

The Tea Party Doily; a Short Story

2012-02-26T09:51:00.008-06:00

People sometimes ask where I get the ideas for my designs. Most of them come as a result of planning and deliberately trying to come up with an idea, but every now and then a design just seems to happen naturally. Maybe because they are spontaneous, I think that these are often my very best designs. Here is a short story I wrote about how I came to design my "Tea Party Doily," with the help of my daughter Bethany (Bree.) I hope you will enjoy it!

April 21, 1995

“Mama, can I have a birthday party?” asked Bree.

Kate looked up from the doily she was crocheting. “Remember '9 triples',” she told herself. “Well, you can have one on your birthday, Baby,” she said. “But that is not for a long time.” She was used to being interrupted in the middle of a design, and had taught herself to make mental notes so she wouldn't lose her place. Sometimes it worked, but most of the time she had to go back and recount the stitches anyway.

“When will it be my birthday?” asked Bree.

“Not until November, a long time from now.”

Bree frowned and sighed, and turned back to her coloring book. She carefully added several extra purple candles to the pink cake she was working on. “I need a new purple,” she said, holding up the short stump of a crayon for Kate to see.

“That's because you use it so much,” said Kate. “What you really need is a box full of nothing but purple and pink crayons.”

Bree cut her eyes up slyly at her mother. “You could get me one for my birthday,” she said.

“I don't think they make such a thing, but if they did, I would get you two!” said Kate. She recounted the triple crochet stitches she had just made; nine, okay, now she needed to add 3 more for the base of the pineapple; 12 triple crochets. She added the stitches, then leaned forward to make a note in the tattered pad she kept on the coffee table in front of her. Bree watched her writing. “What does that say?” she asked.

“It says 'Briana is my Sweetie Pie,' ” said Kate. Bree giggled and got up from the rug she had been laying on. She climbed up onto the shabby old couch and snuggled in close to her mother, to the great annoyance of a large calico cat who was sleeping on the other end of the couch. “What are you making today?” she asked.

“A doily.”

“Another one?” exclaimed Bree. “Didn't you already make a whole bunch of them?”

Kate sighed. Yes, indeed, she had made 'a whole bunch' of them, dozens and dozens in fact. But thread crochet was her specialty, her first love in designing. She looked at the doily she was working on. It was pretty, but it was nothing special; there was nothing about it to make it stand out from the other doilies she had made in the past. “Nothing to make it stand out from all the doilies that every other designer in the world is creating, either,” she thought ruefully. “Maybe I should add some beads or something.”

“Can I go outside and play?” asked Bree. “As long as you stay in the yard; don't go out the gate,” warned Kate. Bree climbed down off the couch and ran out the front door, her unruly mop of dark blond curls bouncing.

Kate turned back to her work. “I need to come up with an idea, something unusual and different,” she thought. “I sure need something to perk up my sales.” It was tough being a single mom, and supporting her family on nothing but the money her crochet designs brought in made it an even greater challenge.

The door opened and Bree ran back in. “Can I have some string?” she asked. “You are not going to tie anything up, are you?” Kate asked cautiously, glancing over to make sure that Callie was still sleeping at the end of the couch.

“No, it rained last night, so I am going fishing.” Ever since she was big enough to walk, Bree had loved to tie a piece of crochet thread to the end of a stick, and pretend to “fish” in the large puddle that collected at the end of the porch every time it rained. She held out a twig she had brought in from the yard. Kate clipped a short length of thread from an extra ball of thread, and tied it to the end of the stick. “Be careful,” she said. “Don't poke yourself.”

Bree skipped back outside and Kate turned back to her doily. “Okay, now,” she thought. “I need to come up with an unusual doily, an unusual design; hmmm, now what can I do?”

Her thoughts were interrupted by the ringing of a telephone. Kate jumped up and rushed to answer it. There was only one phone in the old farmhouse, and it was mounted on the wall of the kitchen at the back of the house. In her hurry to get to the phone before it stopped ringing, she almost tripped over Bree's tricycle, which had been left in the kitchen doorway. She leaped awkwardly over the toy, clutched wildly at the counter to regain her balance (nearly upsetting an African violet in the process), and picked up the receiver on the fourth ring. “Hello?” she said breathlessly.

“Miz Green? This is Kenny down at Tommy's Garage. I just got through checking out your car.”

Kate's ten year old car had refused to start the morning before. Mr. Thompson from down the road had tried to help her jump-start it, as he had done several times in the past, but this time the car refused to cooperate. Kate had called a wrecker and had it towed to a local garage, and had been dreading hearing the diagnosis. She had a feeling it was not going to be good. “What did you find out, Kenny?” she asked. “Well, you were right, you do need a new battery,” said Kenny, “but it looks like the starter is out, too.” Kate sighed. “How much is all that going to cost?” she asked. “Well, with parts, labor and tax, it comes to $378.95,” he said, “and we can have it ready for you tomorrow afternoon.” Kate closed her eyes and rubbed her forehead; she could feel a headache coming on. But she had no choice but to have the car repaired. “Okay,” she said. “Go ahead and fix it. Thank you, Kenny.”

She hung up the phone, poured herself a cup of coffee and went back into the living room. She leaned against the frame of the window which overlooked the front yard and pulled back the lace panel that covered the glass. She could see Bree squatting at the edge of the puddle, carefully holding her 'fishing pole' so that the string dangled in the exact center of the water. “Three hundred seventy eight dollars and ninety five cents,” she thought. There went the money she had been saving up for a computer. “How on earth am I going to work this out?”

She mentally went over her finances; what could she cut out or put off in her already tight budget? “If I could only perk up my sales,” she thought. “If I could just come up with something to make my designs stand out from the crowd.”

She saw Bree jump up and run toward the house. “Did you catch anything? Kate asked her as she ran through the door. “No, but I got a few nibbles,” Bree replied. “And guess what, Mama? Today is Hooty Bear's birthday!” “Oh, it is, is it?” said Kate, guessing what was coming next. “Yes, so we need to make him birthday cake and have a party for him!” exclaimed Bree. “Okay, we can have a party for him, but how about we make him some birthday cookies instead of a cake?” said Kate. Bree considered; “can we put pink frosting on them?” she asked. “Well, yes, if I have everything we need to make it,” said Kate. “I will check.” “Good!” said Bree. “I am going to go get Hooty Bear dressed for his party. He has to look real pretty!”

Kate wondered at the possibility of this. 'Hooty Bear' was Bree's most beloved toy. He had led a pretty rough life, and was as tattered and well-loved as the Velveteen Rabbit. Bree's father had bought the teddy bear for her on a business trip to Houston when she was two, and originally, his name had been 'Houston T. Bear.' But Bree's mispronunciation of the name, 'Hooty Bear,' had stuck with him, and he had become her constant companion. Laying her fishing pole on the couch, Bree skipped down the hall to begin preparations for the party.

Kate went into the kitchen and started pulling out the ingredients for sugar cookies. She took the last stick of butter out of the refrigerator, and wrote “butter” on the shopping list she kept on the counter. Then, as she remembered the repair bill, she glanced over the list, wondering what she could cut out. “Maybe I should try to find another job,” she thought. She had mulled over this option many times in the past, and always came to the same conclusion. The expenses of taking a job outside the home (new clothes, newer and more reliable transportation, safe and dependable daycare for Bree) far outweighed any additional income she could possibly make. And in all honesty, she knew in her heart that her crochet designs were the key to her future. There had to be a solution, if only she could come up with it!

As she mixed the cookie dough, her mind wandered over the possibility of designing crocheted clothing. Clothing designs were not really her thing, but she could probably come up with a few patterns for jackets or tops. But the thought of writing the patterns in different sizes worried her. She dropped spoonful’s of dough onto a cookie sheet, wondering how much it would cost to hire a professional technical editor to do the sizing on a pattern.

As she placed the cookies in the oven, she decided she was just not a clothing designer. “I am a doily and potholder girl,” she thought. “I know there are enough threadies out there who want my kind of designs. I just have to give them something fresh and new. Something with a vintage feel, but different. What can I do?” She made a couple of cream cheese and apple butter sandwiches on wheat bread (Bree's favorite) and cut them into quarters.

She poured apple juice into a small pitcher, and took the cookies out of the oven. Bree came into the kitchen. She had dressed herself in her Easter dress and wore three strands of old faux pearls Kate had given her. Hooty Bear wore a pink ruffled dress that had been Bree's when she was a baby, and a strand of blue glass beads. “Ohh, you both look so pretty!” exclaimed Kate. “Do you want to help me put the frosting on the cookies?” Bree grinned and nodded vigorously, her curls bobbing. “Okay, let's put an apron on you so you don't get your dress dirty,” said Kate. Bree rummaged through the drawer that held Kate's vintage apron collection, and chose a dainty yellow apron covered with tiny pink roses for herself. Then she dug through the drawer again, and selected a Christmas-print apron for Hooty Bear. Kate tied the aprons around their necks and lifted Bree up and placed her on a stool in front of the counter. Together they covered the cookies with thick, pink frosting.

“Okay, are we ready for the party now?” asked Kate. “Not yet!” said Bree. “I will go get everyone together, then you come in with the cake- I mean the cookies- and we will all sing 'Happy Birthday' to Hooty Bear!” “Okay,” said Kate, “let me know when you are ready.” She untied the aprons from Bree and Hooty Bear, and Bree hurried off to her room.

Kate straightened up the kitchen a bit, still straining her mind to come up with an idea. “This is giving me a headache!” she thought. “I need to just let it go; an idea will come when it is supposed to.” She knew from past experience that trying too hard to force an idea usually didn't work. Her best ideas had come at odd moments, often when she least expected it. She made sure to keep a note pad with her at all times, so she would be prepared whenever inspiration struck. “And it better strike pretty soon,” she thought.

“Mama! We're ready,” shouted Bree. Kate placed the cookies, sandwiches and juice pitcher on an old wicker tray. She took a small white candle and a box of matches down from a cabinet, snuggled the candle in the pink frosting on one of the cookies, and lit it. Then she picked up the tray and carefully carried it down the hall to Bree's room.

As she entered the room she saw that Bree had pulled her old braided rug into the center of the room, and had placed all her dolls and stuffed animals in a ring around it. Hooty Bear sat at one end of the rug, with his pink skirt careful spread out around him. In the middle of the rug, Bree had placed an old pink doily that Kate had given her. On the doily, she had carefully arranged her tiny porcelain tea set, placing the tea pot in the exact center, and one cup and saucer on each of the six scallops that ringed the outer edge.

Looking at Briana's arrangement Kate gasped; she had a vision of a doily, topped with a tiny tea pot and cups and saucers all done in crochet. That was it! It was perfect! It was the idea she had been searching for!

“Sing, Mama, sing, so Hooty Bear can blow out his candle!” exclaimed Bree.

As she joined Bree in singing “Happy Birthday, dear Hooty Bear,” Kate's mind raced over the details of the doily she would create. What colors should she use, pink, blue? No, green, light green and cream, with pink roses- yes, little tiny roses appliqued to the sides of the tea pot and the cups, in dark pink! Oh! French Rose! French Rose by Aunt Lydia, that would be perfect! Did she have any? Yes, there was probably half a ball left over from a sachet she had made last summer.

As she munched on the tiny sandwiches and sugar cookies, she began to plan the stitches she would use for the doily. Pineapples? No, that would probably be too fussy. She needed to keep the stitch pattern fairly simple, so that the tea set would show to its best advantage. It was going to be so sweet; Kate could hardly wait to get started on it!

“Are you okay, Mama?” asked Bree. “Oh, yes, Sweetie, I am fine,” said Kate, “I am just thinking about something.”

Bree looked at Kate over the rim of her tea cup and raised her eyebrows. “A doily?” she asked. “Another doily?”

“Yes,” said Kate, “another doily. But this is going to be a very special doily; I think it just might be the best doily I have ever made. And do you know what, Miss Briana? You are the one who gave me the idea for it! Thank you so much, Sweetie!”

Bree smiled smugly and sipped her apple juice. “You are welcome,” she said. “Now can I have a birthday party?”

The Tea Party Doily is my best selling doily pattern of all time, and still my personal favorite!

Copyright Elizabeth Ann White for BellaCrochet 2012.

Happy Valentine's Day!

2012-02-14T07:11:00.001-06:00

Designing Crochet: Customer Service

2012-02-11T08:58:00.010-06:00

Last year I did a series of posts on designing crochet. I covered several subjects, from writing patterns to using testers. But one very important thing that I haven't covered yet is customer service. If you are going to publish your designs, you have to keep your customers happy. My customers make it possible for me to do what I love; design and publish my own crochet patterns. I am so grateful to them, and I want them to know how much I appreciate them. So, I give them the best service that I possibly can.

This means first of all, making sure that they receive what they paid for. I send out follow up emails and convos on every pattern that I send out from my Etsy shop, to let the customer know that the patterns have been sent, and thanking them for their purchase. That way, if the email with their patterns attached goes to their spam or junk mail folders, they will know to look for it. Some shops handle this differently, and ask the customer to notify them if they don't receive their pattern within 24 hours, but I think that once the customer has paid for a pattern, it is up to me to make sure they receive it.
Secondly, you must make sure that the customer can actually make the item from the pattern you have written. This means answering any questions they may have. I have all of my patterns tested for accuracy and clarity, but sometimes someone will have a question. When they do, I get back to them as soon as possible. Most questions can be answered with an email and a close up photo of the item in question, if I have one available. From time to time I get questions from beginners, or someone trying something for the first time. My friend Shirley Brown, who did Customer Service for Annie's Attic, used to say that she often felt like she was teaching folks to crochet over the phone. There have been times when I felt like I was teaching someone to crochet through email, but I always keep at it until the customer understands what to do.
Customer service also means building a relationship with your customers. I maintain this blog, a Facebook page and a Ravelry account (although I am not on Ravelry everyday) in order to stay in touch with my customers. Sometimes I feel a bit stretched thin. I get emails from two different email accounts, questions and messages from BellaCrochet.com, convos from Etsy, messages and comments on Facebook, messages on Ravelry and comments here on the blog that I read everyday. From time to time Annie's Attic forwards me messages that have been sent to them.
I try to answer every message I get in a timely manner, but sometimes I fall behind. But if a customer takes the time to write me, I feel it is important for me to write them back.
The secret to good customer service is really no secret at all; just make your customers happy, and let them know that they are important to you and that you care about them. If they are happy with the patterns and the service they have received from you, they will come back to purchase more of your patterns in the future. If not, they will buy someone else's patterns. It is as simple as that.

Contest Winner!

2012-02-10T08:23:00.000-06:00

Whooo is the winner of my contest?

Why, the winner is Ms. Diva!

I plan to have more contests in the future, so please check back often.

Thanks to everyone who entered!

1000 Sales on Etsy Contest

2012-02-02T10:37:00.003-06:00

Last month, I reached a milestone; I made my 1000th sale from my Etsy shop. And it only took me three years to do it!

To celebrate, I am having a contest. I will be giving away a box full of goodies to one winner.

There are eight different printed patterns. I don't have very many of my patterns in printed form, since I sell most of my patterns as pdf's. These are some from my wholesale orders.

And since you can never have too many hooks, I am also giving away a set of yarn hooks, a set of steel thread hooks, and a gauge measuring thingy.

The yarn hooks also come with a nifty little pair of folding scissors.

And this package contains the one hook I cannot live without; a size 7 steel Boye hook. I plan to be buried with one. Seriously.

And honestly, I am not really sure how you use this contraption, but it looks impressive. I am sure more knowledgeable crocheters know what to do with it.

And of course, there is thread! I will give the winner 10 balls of thread in some of my favorite colors. Some are new, and some are from my stash.

Uh oh!

Do you know how hard it is to take a picture of a tower of thread on a windy day?

Here they are, all boxed up and ready to go.

In addition, I will give the winner their choice of any 5 pdf patterns from my Etsy BellaCrochet shop:

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

I will select the winner at random and mail out the box next Friday, February 10th.
To enter, just leave me a comment, and be sure I have a way of contacting you, so I can get your mailing address if you win.

Thanks to everyone for helping me make 1000 sales, and good luck!

This contest is now closed; thanks to everyone who entered!

The Hardest Thing I Ever Designed

2012-01-29T12:46:00.005-06:00

I got an email from a sweet lady the other day, telling me that she had enjoyed making several of my designs, even though some of them had been challenging for her. She then asked, "what would you say is the most difficult thing you have ever designed?"

I thought about the Butterflies and Roses Pineapple Doilies, and the little Bag Holder Lady I did several years ago.

Both feature pineapples, which seem to make designing and pattern writing more difficult for me.

I thought about the Celtic Rose Decorative Potholders, with their hundreds of increases and decreases:

And as far as time consuming projects, it would have to be my Cherokee Rose Tablecloth:

But even though these designs were challenging, I knew what the answer had to be.

The Swan Queen Centerpiece.

I worked on this design for about 3 months, trying to get her just right. I had seen an old crocheted swan in an antique shop years ago, and wanted to make my own version. I wished a thousand times that I had bought the old one, even though it was falling apart, just so I would have some kind of reference. I have since seen old mail order patterns for swans. But I wanted to create my own, and add Irish Roses and leaves to one side, like an old Lefton swan vase I have.

This was back before I was using testers, so I agonized over writing the pattern. Pineapples are notoriously hard for me to write, but I love them so much!

Several people have told me that they have won blue ribbons with this design; it is certainly eye-catching. On the other hand, I saw a comment on Pintrest the other day, wondering why on earth anyone would want to make such a thing.

But for those of us who love thread crochet and enjoy a challenge, I think it is the perfect project. I display mine in a cabinet in my office where I can look at while I work. I will probably never make another one, but I am so glad that I took the time to make this one.

It may have been hard to make, but I think it was worth it.

What was the hardest crochet project you ever made?

Vintage Crochet for Baby

2012-01-15T09:37:00.000-06:00

Two of my greatest loves in life are babies and crochet, so I guess it is only natural that I love vintage crocheted baby items. Here are a few things I bought at antique shops years ago; I did not make them, and I do not have patterns for them, but I wanted to share them with you.

This type of matching bib and booties set was very popular in days gone by. I love the colors!

The booties fasten with little pearl buttons.

The delicate rosebuds and leaves are embroidered.

This beautiful little dress is one of my all time favorites. I have seen this pattern in old books, and I believe it was also offered as a kit from a thread company. I love the shaded green thread!

It just fits my new-born sized baby doll.

It closes with a row of little pearl buttons. So sweet!

I wonder about the babies that wore these items; they would be older than me, now! But this just goes to show that if taken care of, thread crochet will last for generations.

Who Is Making All Those Crocheted Items?

2012-01-13T08:06:00.006-06:00

Have you noticed how many big name companies are carrying crocheted items?

Crocheted top from Anthropologie

Socks from Anthropologie

Crocheted toys from PetSmart

Dress from FreePeople

This is not a new trend; I know that as far back as the 90's, Walmart and other department stores were carrying crocheted doilies, tablecloths and even bedspreads and some clothing. I loved looking at all these things, and I still do, but I have the same question now that I did back then:
Who is making all of these items?
Once at a convention this subject came up, and a woman I didn't know said, "They are made in third world countries, by poor women, and prisoners who are too weak to do other labor." Someone else said, "Oh, no, all of that stuff is made by machines," and the conversation turned to whether or not there is a machine that can make crochet. (There isn't; there is one that does a type of open-weave knitting that is called 'crochet' but no machine can do the loop-into-loop movement that it takes for true crocheting.)
Anyway, I wanted to ask the woman more about her 'third world countries' comment, but I could never locate her again. I don't know if she had first hand information on the subject or not, but I would love to find out.
I feel torn on this subject. On one hand, if the people (probably women) who are making all of these things are being paid fairly for their time and talent, I want to support them. I have made my living from crochet for the last 30 years, and I want to help others who are trying to do the same. On the other hand, if the crocheters are working 2 weeks on a dress and being paid only 2 dollars for it, I cannot in good conscience support it.
Most of us who have tried to sell our crocheted items know it is difficult to make a profit. People are just not willing to pay for all the time it takes to make a doily, afghan or toy. Now, just imagine all the people an item has to go through to get it into a big, nation-wide retailer, with each person along the way wanting to make a profit from it. Even though some of the dresses and other items are rather pricey, I wonder just how much the person who actually crocheted it makes?
There are some 'fair trade' companies who do pay the crocheters a fair wage for their work, but these are few and far between. I am afraid that most of the folks who are doing the crocheting are being exploited, and that breaks my heart.
If you have any information on where any of the crocheted items that the big retailers are selling are made, I would love to hear from you.

Happy New Year and a Look Back at 2011

2012-01-02T14:02:00.004-06:00

The Snow Queen Doily; the first design I published in 2011.

This Pineapple Snowflake Doily is the gift pattern that comes with the Snow Queen.

Every year, I write a list of the designs I want to do in the coming year. I very rarely get all of the items on my list finished, and never have I made them all as I originally planned. I get sidetracked, or have an idea on how to make something better, or maybe something just doesn't seem like a good idea any more. I try to stay flexible, and if I get a good idea I will usually drop every thing and go with it. Sometimes I feel like I am not accomplishing much, and it helps me to look back and see what I did manage to get done.
So here are the designs I published in 2011:

I did several sets that started with an Eyelet Foundation. This scarf is from the Ruffles and Lace Accessories set.

Fingerless gloves are still popular; this pair is from the Ruffles and Lace set.

This pink scarf is also in the Ruffles and Lace set.

Even the rose starts with an Eyelet Foundation.

Headbands were a popular accessory in 2011, and seem to still be going strong.

This head band is from the Trendy Head Bands and Trims pattern set.

The Boho Head Band and Snowflake trim from Trendy Head Bands and Trims.

I like the combination of red and black on this head band.

But my daughters and granddaughters fought over who would get this one!

The "Sophie" head band is the gift pattern that comes with both the Ruffles and Lace set and the Trendy Head Bands and Trims set.

One of my favorite designs this year was the Angel Wings Shawl.

It is actually shaped like a pair of Angel's wings!

The Angel's Touch Throw is the gift pattern that comes with the Angel Wings Shawl.

Capelettes are fast and fun to make; I did this Eyelet Foundation Capelette Set last fall; I thought they would make great gifts!

I think I like this Capelette best; it looks like a mini-poncho!

I also released the Indian Summer Ruana last fall. I love the shape; it is so comfortable and easy to wear!

I did a set of Sock Monkey Hats last spring. My pattern comes in four sizes.

And it also includes the pattern for this cute little back pack.

This little blanket is the gift pattern that comes with the monkey hats.

Of course, I had to do some thread designs, and last summer I released "Happily Ever After" one of the Lovely Lady Doilies.

The Annaleace doily is the gift pattern that comes with Happily Ever After. It is named after my sweet little granddaughter, Lillian Annaleace.

I also released Blue Birds of Happiness last summer; I just love using birds in my designs. Look for a Cardinal doily next Christmas!

Rhapsody Rose doily is the gift pattern that comes with the Blue Birds of Happiness. I love the colors in this doily.

'Stella Luna' is one of my Lovely Ladies Doilies, and the third of the 'Bewitching Beauties." I had so much fun working on this doily!

But the 'Trick or Treat' Doily, which is the gift pattern, seems to be more popular than poor little Stella!

I also did a few free patterns in 2011. The Kitty Cap, modeled here by my granddaughter, Autumn, was quite popular.

But the "Pineapple Lace" pattern drew literally thousands of hits, and continues to be one of the most popular posts on the blog.

I am still working on my list of new designs for 2012; there were a few I didn't get finished last year, and still others that I have been thinking about for a long time. I want my designs to stay fresh and exciting, and I have a few ideas I want to experiment with. I would love for 2012 to be my best design year ever; but only time will tell if I can manage it.

Merry Christmas To You!

2011-12-21T15:03:00.005-06:00

"But in this season it is well to reassert that the hope of mankind rests in faith. As a man thinketh, so he is. Nothing much happens unless you believe in it and believing there is hope for the world is a way to move toward it."
                                     Gladys Taber
                                          (from 'Stillmeadow Road')

"And suddenly there was with the angels a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men."

Wishing you all the blessings of this holy season.

Love,

Ann

Images courtesy http://vintageholidaycrafts.com/

Look What I Got For Christmas!

2011-12-15T17:29:00.006-06:00

I must have been really good this year, because look what I got:

This is my newest grandson, Paul, Jr., who will be called Buddy (as well as Little Paul, Peanut, and several other nick names; my daughter Bethany insists she is going to call him P.J.)

He was born Dec. 3rd, and weighed 7 lbs. 13 oz and was 21" long. He has already gained a pound!

I was able to go and spend some time getting acquainted with him last week. He seems to like the Monkey Hat I made for him.

Okay, so maybe it was really his Mama and Daddy who got Buddy for Christmas. I just feel blessed to have him in our family.

Welcome, Little Buddy. Grandmama loves you!

The Kitty Cap: A Free Crochet Pattern For You

2011-12-01T07:22:00.008-06:00

Autumn, age 6, wearing her Kitty Cap

I love making gifts for my grandchildren, but when you have as many as I do, you need items that can be made in a hurry. So I designed this little cap for my granddaughters; it is very quick and easy to make. It makes a great gift or item to sell (yes, you can sell items made from any of my patterns!)
The corners stand up like little cat ears, so we decided to call it the "Kitty Cap." It fits a little girl between the ages of 3-10, but I used a smaller hook (5 mm) and made one that fit my 18 month old granddaugter, Lilly. I haven't tried it, but you could probably use a larger hook and make one that would fit an adult.

KITTY CAP

by Elizabeth Ann White

for BellaCrochet

Skill Level: Easy

Size: 3-10 years (19”-21” head)

Gauge: 3 dc = 1” and 2 dc rows =1 ^1/4”

Materials:

3 ozs. Worsted Weight Yarn

Size I (5.50mm) Crochet Hook

Rnd 1: Ch 29, dc in 4^th ch from hook, dc in each of next 24 chs, 3 dc in next ch (ch at end); working in remaining lps on opposite side of chain, dc in each of next 25 chs; join with sl st in top of ch-3. (First 3 chs count as first dc; 54 dc made)

Rnds 2-9: Ch 3 for first dc, dc in each st around, join with sl st in top of ch-3. (54 dc)

Rnd 10: Ch 1, (sc, ch 2, 2 dc) in first st, skip next 2 sts,
*(sc, ch 2, 2 dc) in next st, skip next 2 sts; repeat from * around, join with sl st in first sc. Fasten off.

The first round completed.

The finished cap.

Kyleigh, who just turned three. She has the edging of her hat folded up to form a brim.

Lilly, 18 months, and her Uncle Josh. Sorry Josh, I will make you a pink Kitty Cap for your birthday!

Abby, age 4. I wonder who got into the chocolate cookies?

Ana, age 10. She is growing up much too fast to suit her Grandmama!

Jasee, age 5, in her pretty pink Kitty Cap

Special thanks go to E. J. Miller and Jewel Fernley for testing this pattern.

Copyright BellaCrochet 2011. All rights reserved. This pattern may not be copied (except for personal use in making the item), sold or shared in any form.

Happy Thanksgiving!

2011-11-24T07:03:00.001-06:00

I love Thanksgiving! And I have so much to be thankful for; my family, my health, and more blessings than I can count. But one thing I am especially grateful for is YOU. You make it possible for me to do what I love; design full time. I thank you all with all my heart, and I want you to know how much I appreciate you.
I hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving!
Love,
Ann

Image courtesy VintageHolidayCrafts.com

Christmas Crochet

2011-11-15T08:24:00.004-06:00

I can't believe that Christmas is right around the corner! Are you crocheting anything special this year? I didn't get any new designs ready in time for Christmas this year. I am actually working on Spring/Summer items right now, and plan to have some new holiday patterns ready for release next August. But here are a few of my designs from years past, just in case you are looking for ideas:

The Candle Light and Holly Doily and Mini Doilies Set. One of the first designs I self published, and still one of my favorites! Available as a single pattern on Ravelry:
candlelight

Tidings of Joy Doily. Available through both BellaCrochet.com and my Etsy shop. The Candle Light Doilies pattern is a gift with purchase of this doily:
tidingsofjoy

'God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen' doily. Available on bellacrochet.com and on Etsy:
godrestye

'Christmas in Gingerbread Land" Decorative Potholders/Wall Art. Available on BellaCrochet.com and in my Etsy shop:
gingerbread

"The Littlest Angels." This pattern is a gift with the purchase of either 'God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen' or "Christmas in Gingerbread Land." Right now it is not available as a single pattern.

Then of course, there are my Little Gingerbread Boy and Girl, available free, right here on the blog:
gbbg

And my Tiny Christmas Angel, also available for free right here on the blog:
tinyangel

Happy Christmas Crocheting, everyone!

Happy Halloween!

2011-10-30T21:29:00.000-05:00

As you might know, I love seeing pictures of what folks have made from my patterns! Here are a couple of Pineapple Pumpkin Lace pictures that were shared with me:

Deborah placed her pumpkin on a lovely doily.

Sweet little Molly Anna models with Mary's Pineapple Pumpkin Lace.

And here are a few pictures of some of my family. I love seeing them all dressed up!

Princess Lilly

Bumble Bee Kyleigh

Wolf Man Darren

Autumn with her face painted at her school's Harvest Carnival.

Cowboy William

Jasee and Autumn as pumpkin-headed princesses.

Sammy and his evil twin; we are not sure which is which!

Have a happy and safe Halloween!

Friday FaceBook Contest

2011-10-14T12:30:00.000-05:00

I try to have a contest on my FaceBook page every Friday. You can enter here:

facebook

I usually give one person their choice of any of my pfd patterns available on bellacrochet.com.

It is easy to enter, you just have to leave a comment on the post.

I hope you will drop by and enter!

Pineapple Pumpkin Lace: A Free Crochet Pattern For You

2011-10-11T10:06:00.002-05:00

Lace covered pumpkins seem to be very popular this year. I have seen them on several blogs, so being the lover of all things crocheted that I am, I decided to design some crocheted lace to decorate my own pumpkins. I used a pineapple design, which is one of my favorites.

The nice thing about this design is that it doesn't scream "Halloween" (although it would certainly be a great decoration for Halloween), so it is good for those who don't decorate for Halloween, but still want to add a touch of Harvest or Autumn to their decor. It would be really pretty made in rust or burgundy thread for one of the white pumpkins, and would make a beautiful Thanksgiving decoration. It can also be used as a candle-mat doily, or stiffened and used as a wreath.

The pattern is the same for both the small and large sizes; you just use a larger hook and thread to make the larger size. The pattern calls for size 3 thread, but if you cannot find it, you can use 2 strands of size 10 thread held together as one, and you will get the same results.

The pattern starts with an Eyelet Foundation. If you are not familiar with this foundation, you can learn more about it here:
http://bellacrochet.blogspot.com/2010/04/how-to-make-crocheted-eyelet-foundation.html
I hope you will enjoy the pattern. Happy Fall, Y'all!

Pineapple Pumpkin Lace

By Elizabeth Ann White

for BellaCrochet

Skill Level: Intermediate

Materials:

For Small (about 10” across):
Size 10 Cotton thread
150 yards black
1 yard 1/8” ribbon
Size 7 (1.65 mm) steel crochet hook
For Large (about 17” across):
Size 3 Cotton thread
150 yards black
1 yard 1/8” ribbon
Size 00(3.50 mm) steel crochet hook

Special Stitches

For beginning shell (beg shell), (ch 3, dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in sp indicated
For shell, (2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in sp indicated
For beginning double shell, (ch 3, dc, ch 2, 2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in sp indicated
For double shell, (2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in sp indicated
For 3 dc cluster, Yo, insert hook in st or ch sp indicated, yo, pull lp through, yo, pull through 2 lps on hook, (yo, insert hook in same st or ch sp, yo, pull through, yo, pull through 2 lps on hook) 2 times, yo, pull through all 4 lps on hook

Pineapple Pumpkin Lace

Rnd 1: For Eyelet Foundation, (ch 3, dc in 3^rd ch from hook) 32 times, join with sl st in first ch of first ch-3 to form a circle of 32 spaces; working into spaces by inserting hook between the dc and the ch-3 of each sp, sl st into first sp, beg shell (see Special Stitches) in first sp, ch 2, sc in next sp, ch 2, *shell (see Special Stitches) in next sp, ch 2, sc in next sp, ch 2; repeat from * around, join with sl st in top of ch-3 of beg shell. (16 shells, 16 sc, 32 ch-2 sps made)

Rnd 2: Sl st in next dc, (sl st, beg shell) in ch-2 sp of first shell, ch 3, skip ch-2, skip sc, skip ch-2, 7 dc in ch-2 sp of next shell, ch 3, skip ch-2, skip sc, skip ch-2, *shell in ch-2 sp of next shell, ch 3, skip ch-2, skip sc, skip ch-2, 7 dc in ch-2 sp of next shell, ch 3, skip ch-2, skip sc, skip ch-2; repeat from * around, join.

Rnd 3: Sl st in next dc, (sl st, beg shell) in ch-2 sp of first shell, ch 3, skip next ch-3 sp, dc in next dc, (ch 1, dc in next dc) 6 times, ch 3, skip next ch-3 sp, *shell in ch-2 sp of next shell, ch 3, skip next ch-3 sp, dc in next dc, (ch 1, dc in next dc) 6 times, ch 3, skip next ch-3 sp; repeat from * around, join.

Rnd 4: Sl st in next dc, (sl st, beg shell) in ch-2 sp of first shell, ch 3, skip next ch-3 sp, skip next dc, (sc in next ch-1 sp, ch 3) 6 times, *shell in ch-2 sp of next shell, ch 3, skip next ch-3 sp, skip next dc, (sc in next ch-1 sp, ch 3) 6 times; repeat from * around, join.

Rnd 5: Sl st in next dc, beg double shell (see Special Stitches) in ch-2 sp of first shell, ch 3, skip next ch-3 sp, (sc in next ch-3 sp, ch 3) 5 times, skip next ch-3 sp, *double shell (see Special Stitches) in ch-2 sp of next shell, ch 3, skip next ch-3 sp, (sc in next ch-3 sp, ch 3) 5 times, skip next ch-3 sp; repeat from * around, join.

Row 6: Now working in Rows, for first Pineapple, sl st across to second ch-2 sp of first double shell, (sl st, beginning shell) in second ch-2 sp, ch 3, skip next ch-3 sp, (sc in next ch-3 sp, ch 3) 4 times, skip next ch-3 sp, shell in first ch-2 sp of next double shell; leaving remaining stitches unworked, turn.

Row 7: Ch 3, shell in ch-2 sp of first shell, ch 3, skip next ch-3 sp, (sc in next ch-3 sp, ch 3) 3 times, skip next ch-3 sp, shell in last shell, turn.

Row 8: Ch 3, shell in ch-2 sp of first shell, ch 3, skip next ch-3 sp, (sc in next ch-3 sp, ch 3) 2 times, skip next ch-3 sp, shell in last shell, turn.

Row 9: Ch 3, shell in ch-2 sp of first shell, ch 3, skip next ch-3 sp, sc in next ch-3 sp, ch 3, skip next ch-3 sp, shell in last shell, turn.

Row 10: Ch 3, shell in ch-2 sp of first shell, skip next ch-3 sp, skip next sc, skip next ch-3 sp, shell in last shell, turn.

Row 11: Ch 3, 3 dc cluster (see Special Stitches) in ch-2 sp of first shell, ch 6, sl st in 6^th ch from hook, ch 7, sl st in same ch last sl st was worked in, ch 5, sl st in same ch last sl st was worked in, 3 dc cluster in ch-2 sp of last shell, ch 3, sl st in top of last st on last shell. Fasten off.

Row 6: For Next Pineapple, join with sl st in next unworked ch-2 sp of last double shell worked in, beg shell in same sp as joining, ch 3, skip next ch-3 sp, (sc in next ch-3 sp, ch 3) 4 times, skip next ch-3 sp, shell in first ch-2 sp of next double shell; leaving any remaining stitches unworked, turn.

Rows 7-11: Work Rows 7-11 of First Pineapple.

Repeat Next Pineapple around for a total of 8 Pineapples.

Weave ribbon through spaces of Eyelet Foundation, tie ends in a bow. Trim ends of ribbon.

Special thanks go to E. J. Miller, Jolene Ortiz and Jewel Fernley for testing this pattern.

Copyright BellaCrochet 2011. All rights reserved. This pattern may not be copied (except for personal use in making the item), sold or shared in any form.

Update: I have recieved a lot of wonderful feedback on this pattern. If you make this design, I would love to see a picture of it; I plan to do a post in the future featuring pictures of Pumpkin Lace made from this pattern.

My Love/Hate Affair With Red Thread

2011-09-29T10:02:00.001-05:00

It is the time of year again that I start thinking about Christmas designs, and that always brings me back to one of my pet peeves of crocheting; the fact that red thread almost always bleeds onto other colors.

I love using red in my designs; to me there is nothing prettier than a red Irish rose.

The red Irish roses really make the Hummingbirds and Roses Doily

And honestly, I wouldn't know how to do a Christmas design without using red.

"God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen"

The cottage from "Christmas in Gingerbread Land"

But, through the years, I have learned through sad experience, that if I use red thread next to a lighter color in a design, the red will run onto it if the item ever gets wet.
I have been told by some that DMC thread is colorfast, but I have also heard stories that it will run, too. I have been told to soak the thread in salt water or vinegar; but I cannot figure out how to wind 350 yards of size 10 thread off of it's cardboard center and wash it, without ending up with a tangled mess. And honestly, who really wants to go to all that trouble just to be able to use a product that should be colorfast anyway?
So now, I just include a warning on my patterns that red thread tends to bleed, so be careful not to get it wet. Since most of my items do not get a lot of use (I use them for decoration, so they don't get dirty) this works for me.

Vintage potholders from the 40's

A few rust stains, but no bleeding of the colors!

But here is the odd thing; I have in my collection several old doilies and potholders made in the 30's, 40's and 50's. Some of them have red roses on white backgrounds; some are red with white trim, some are white with red edging. All of them have obviously been washed, but none of them have the bleeding that happens on my new designs.
So, my question is this; if it was possible to make colorfast red thread in the past, why can't it be made now?
I hope some smart thread company will come out with a red thread that is truly colorfast; when they do, I know they will make many crocheters happy.

Stella Luna and Trick or Treat Patterns Are Now Available

2011-09-08T07:09:00.001-05:00

The 'Stella Luna Doily' pattern is now available on BellaCrochet.com:

stellaluna

I love her stockings and boots!

The pattern for the 'Trick or Treat Doily' is a gift with the purchase of Stella Luna.

I have had a few people ask if they could buy just the Trick or Treat pattern. If you would like to purchase it separately, I have listed it on Ravelry as a single pattern. You do not have to be a member of Ravelry to purchase patterns from them, although it is free and a wonderful site.

trickortreat

I have started a new doily that will be an Angel of Thanksgiving. I hope to have her available next month.

Autumn Leaves Dish Cloth and Hot Pad: A Free Pattern for you

2011-09-07T09:04:00.000-05:00

Autumn Leaves Dish Cloth

Skill Level: Easy

Size: About 5” across by 8” long

Materials:

3 ozs. Worsted Weight Cotton Yarn

Size I (5.50mm) Crochet Hook

Row 1: Ch 18, sc in 4^th ch from hook, sc in each of next 13 chs, 3 sc in next ch (ch at end); working in remaining lps on opposite side of chain, sc in each of next 12 chs; leaving remaining chs unworked, turn. (29 sc made)

NOTE: Work all remaining rows in back lps only.

Row 2: Ch 3, sc in each of first 12 sc, 2 sc in each of next 3 sc, sc in each of next 12 sc; leaving remaining sts unworked, turn. (30 sc made)

Row 3: Ch 3, sc in each of first 14 sc, 2 sc in each of next 3 sc, sc in each of next 11 sc; leaving remaining sts unworked, turn. (31 sc made)

Row 4: Ch 3, sc in each of first 13 sc, 2 sc in each of next 3 sc, sc in each of next 13 sc; leaving remaining sts unworked, turn. (32 sc made)

Row 5: Ch 3, sc in each of first 15 sc, 2 sc in each of next 3 sc, sc in each of next 12 sc; leaving remaining sts unworked, turn. (33 sc made)

Row 6: Ch 3, sc in each of first 14 sc, 2 sc in each of next 2 sc, sc in each of next 14 sc; leaving remaining sts unworked, turn. (32 sc made)

Row 7: Ch 3, sc in each of first 16 sc, 2 sc in next sc, sc in each of next 12 sc; leaving remaining sts unworked, turn. (30 sc made)

Row 8: Ch 3, sc in each of first 13 sc, 2 sc in next sc, sc in each of next 14 sc; leaving remaining sts unworked, turn. (29 sc made)

Row 9: Ch 3, sc in each of first 26 sc; leaving remaining sts unworked, turn. (26 sc made)

Row 10: Ch 3, sc in each of first 23 sc; leaving remaining sts unworked, turn. (23 sc made)

Row 11: Ch 3, sc in each of first 11 sc, for stem, ch 5, sc in 3^rd ch from hook, sc in each of next 2 chs, sc in next sc on Row 10, sc in each of next 8 sc; leaving remaining sts unworked, turn.

Row 12: Ch 3, sl st in back lps of first 9 sc; leaving remaining sts unworked, fasten off.

Autumn Leaves Hot Pad

Skill Level: Easy

Size: About 7” across by 10” long

Materials:

Worsted Weight Cotton Yarn:

3 oz. Each of two different colors

Size K (6.50mm) Crochet Hook

NOTE: Work with two strands of yarn held together as one throughout.

NOTE: Work all remaining rows in back lps only.

Row 2: Ch 3, sc in each of first 12 sc, 2 sc in each of next 3 sc, sc in each of next 12 sc; leaving remaining sts unworked, turn. (30 sc made)

Row 3: Ch 3, sc in each of first 14 sc, 2 sc in each of next 3 sc, sc in each of next 11 sc; leaving remaining sts unworked, turn. (31 sc made)

Row 4: Ch 3, sc in each of first 13 sc, 2 sc in each of next 3 sc, sc in each of next 13 sc; leaving remaining sts unworked, turn. (32 sc made)

Row 5: Ch 3, sc in each of first 15 sc, 2 sc in each of next 3 sc, sc in each of next 12 sc; leaving remaining sts unworked, turn. (33 sc made)

Row 6: Ch 3, sc in each of first 14 sc, 2 sc in each of next 2 sc, sc in each of next 14 sc; leaving remaining sts unworked, turn. (32 sc made)

Row 7: Ch 3, sc in each of first 16 sc, 2 sc in next sc, sc in each of next 12 sc; leaving remaining sts unworked, turn. (30 sc made)

Row 8: Ch 3, sc in each of first 13 sc, 2 sc in next sc, sc in each of next 14 sc; leaving remaining sts unworked, turn. (29 sc made)

Row 9: Ch 3, sc in each of first 26 sc; leaving remaining sts unworked, turn. (26 sc made)

Row 10: Ch 3, sc in each of first 23 sc; leaving remaining sts unworked, turn. (23 sc made)

Row 12: Ch 3, sl st in back lps of first 9 sc; leaving remaining sts unworked, fasten off.

Special thanks go to E. J. Miller and Jewel Fernley for testing these patterns.

These are original designs by Elizabeth Ann White for BellaCrochet.