Over The Apple Tree: Crafts

Showing posts with label Crafts. Show all posts

Friday, March 23, 2018

Trophy for the Box Tops For Education top class.

Wednesday, September 13, 2017

I CAN Knit!

I get asked constantly if in addition to crochet, can I also knit?

My mom taught me to knit and crochet when I was a kid, around 8 or 9 years old. I guess I just felt more comfortable with crochet because I kept that up over the years but never pick knitting back up again. Soooo, technically I might be able to knit something, but really, I never learned how to cast on, I don't know what all the stitches are called or how to do them and forget about reading a pattern.

Most people don't actually know the difference between knit and crochet. Short answer, knitting uses the two pointy needles and crochet uses a hook. When I tell people I crochet they always assume I'm talking about knitting. Even though I'm a pretty accomplished crocheter, It always makes me feel inadequate that I can't knit. Want to see my crochet projects? You can take a look at my crochet blog posts or stop by my Etsy shop!

The other day I saw a pair of knit fingerless gloves that I had to have and that's what did it, I was going to make them! Not so fast. I need three double pointed needles...what?? Ok, maybe I need to start on something a little easier and preferably on YouTube because for real, I don't know what I'm doing.

After looking at a billion tutorials, I decided on this video from B.hooked Crochet. I was a little worried with some of the negative comments but I had no problems following along at all! I got the same Clover needles(found at Michael's) recommended in supply list and I used Bernat Softee Chunky, Grey Ragg yarn.

I was so excited with my new hat, I even made another one! I got a little daring with this one, I made some size adjustments because I used a lighter weight yarn AND I use three different colors.

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Monday, September 4, 2017

Etsy Packaging

Etsy packaging is an important part of your branding. Plus, isn't it nice to get a pretty package in the mail?

I've been selling crochet items in my Etsy Shop for a few years now. I've always wrapped my things with kraft paper and tied string around them. I finished it off with a cute custom thank you sticker. I got to thinking I might want to try something different. I was looking into buying kraft paper bags instead. I ended up not getting any because the smallest batch I could find was a set of 50. That's way too many for me to try and I might want different sizes or end up not even liking it. What if I make my own bags? Yes, I realize that kraft bags are super cheap and some people may not consider it worth the time to make bags yourself. I had the time and the supplies already, so it was no big deal to sit down and make a handful of them.

It's brilliant really. This uses way less paper than I was when I was wrapping my items and I have custom bags for super cheap. I took my roll of Dollar Store brown paper and cut off a strip 8 inches wide. I fold the strip in half lengthwise and sewed with a zig zag stitch up the sides. With pinking shears I cut across the top opening of the bag for a decorative edge. The bag ends up looking way too long, but I did that on purpose so that I would have plenty extra paper to fold over. You can make any size you need this way.

Branding is easy with these simple bags, just add a custom stamp, tag or sticker. I designed my stickers myself and then sent them to Vistaprint for printing. You could print them at home yourself, but I'm usually able to get a great deal with a coupon code and I know they'll always come out great! Don't forget to drop in a business card and a thank you note!