Gift Sets: Get $5 Off Any Purchase Pair!

Flower Garden Hat

Do you like to match your bag to your outfit?  Do you like cohesiveness in your decorations? Do you love to buy gift sets? This special discount is for you!!

Themed Crochet

Flower Garden Tote Bag

   My idea behind themed crochet was that you could match a hat to a bag or a blanket to a basket.  For a limited time only!  I am making that easy on you and your wallet. Use coupon code BETTERWITH2 with a Purchase Pair shop section listing to get $5 off.  (Visit often between now and Jan. 31st to see what's new).

Behind the Line Gathering Materials: Crochet Hooks

 

Size H Tapered Crochet Hook

    The art of crochet does require a few tools. One thing that I like about crochet is that these tools are quiet and very portable. Some people take a book with them to the laundry mat, doctor's office, airport etc. I sometimes take a book too. I have also stashed a crochet project in my bag for activities that require waiting. That's difficult to do with a sewing machine or weaving loom!

One tool of the trade is the crochet hook.

    There are five basic parts to a crochet hook: the handle, thumb rest, shaft, throat, and head. 

1. The handle is the long part before the thumb rest. 
2. The thumb rest is the flattened part before the shaft. The thumb rest, or grip reminds me of a pressed penny. 
3. The shaft is between the thumb rest and throat. 
4. The throat's shape can be tapered or inline.
5.  Last, there is the head which is the hook. 

The look and feel of these parts can vary in design. Some crochet hooks even have lights in them to help you see when using dark colored yarn! Some crochet hooks are metal, some are wood, and some are a combination of the two. I currently prefer using crochet hooks with a bamboo handle and an inline throat. I have seen crochet hooks at thrift stores and garage sales. These are great places to purchase crochet hooks to try out a style to see if you like it.

   The size of the crochet hook.  

    Not only are there several styles of crochet hooks, there are also several sizes of crochet hooks. The size of the hook is often stamped on the thumb rest. This can include a number in millimeters, as well as a letter. The closer to Z the letter is, the bigger the crochet hook. The bigger the crochet hook, the looser the crochet stitches. The looser the crochet stitches, the more drape and less shape an item will have. Just as I could make the same pattern in various types of yarn and get a completely different look, I could make the same pattern using different sized hooks. There is a recommended hook size depending on the type of yarn. This will be found on the yarn label. If I am working with crochet thread, I would probably use a size D crochet hook. If I am working with rug yarn, I would most likely use a size L hook. What size hook I use also depends on what I am making and what crochet stitches are involved. For example, I usually use a size G hook to make hats with a double crochet stitch and size H for hats with a single crochet stitch.

If you are just learning to crochet, I would recommend using a medium sized hook such as a J.  Your stitches will be easier to see.

    If you are following a pattern, it will also state what size hook to use. However, if you crochet tightly, you may have to use a bigger sized hook for the item to turn out the correct size. There are two different kinds of patterns one can follow. Well, I suppose one could say three kinds including how-to videos.  I will discuss crochet patterns in the next post.

Shop LiLphanie's Line for fun holiday hats and accessories.

Behind the Line Gathering Materials: Finding Yarn

 

Part of my Yarn Inventory

    I don't know about you, but grocery shopping can be so overwhelming sometimes.  This is especially true when trying a new recipe and looking for an ingredient I never even heard of before!  The same goes when it comes to shopping for yarn.  Okay, so I have my new pattern (recipe) with the cute picture or a picture in my head of what I want to make, what's next?

Now I have to find what yarn to use.

     Well first, I have to figure out where to find it.  Just like grocery stores carry different brands and specialties of food, so to do craft stores and the like carry different brands and specialties of yarn.  One store may have the brand of yarn I am looking for, but not the color or weight.  Another store that used to carry the yarn may have decided not to sell it anymore.  Also, it is possible that it is an old pattern and the yarn has been discontinued. While I sometimes order yarn online, I do prefer to purchase it from a brick and mortar. Other things that factor into finding yarn are price, if it is machine washable, and at least partly made in the USA. Once I do find the yarn I want, I check the dye lot a number on the label, that tells me these skeins came from the same batch of yarn and therefore match in shade. There are many types of yarn and which one I choose depends upon what I am making.

What do I plan to crochet?

    There are fuzzy yarns, thick yarns, soft yarns, thin yarns, it is mind boggling!  Walking into the yarn aisle or a yarn store for me is so exciting.  The balls of yarn are like candy calling me from the candy jar in the kitchen. Sometimes I just stand and stare in awe for awhile letting my eyes soak it in.
    Then I get into touch and feel mode.  If I am making a blanket, then I want something soft and cuddly.  If I am making a place mat, I head for the cotton yarn.  If I am making a light weight Spring hat, then I'll look at the baby yarn.  The fuzzy and bumpy yarns I tend to reserve for trim.  The lighter weight yarns have a better drape factor where the heavier yarns make a product stiff.  I could experiment with a small pattern, making it in various types of yarn and each would look different! Each yarn weight - ranging from 0 or lace to 7 or jumbo - has a recommended hook size. How the product looks also depends on what size hook I use.  I will discuss crochet hooks in my next post!

Shop LiLphanie's Line for fun holiday hats and accessories.

 

Christmas in July Arts and Crafts Show Review

   

LiLphanie's Line table: booth set up day.

 

I hope you enjoyed Our Lady of the Cove's 

Christmas in July Arts and Crafts Show as much as I did! 

     Craft shows remind me of Christmas. There is a feeling of togetherness; a sense of joyful anticipation in the air.  And what is Christmas without friends and yummy food? This craft show had both! I met some new friendly faces and caught up with some familiar ones. I had the opportunity to chat with another vendor over a delicious chicken salad lunch. The tea room was festively decorated in red, green and white. The volunteers were all wonderfully nice. Thank you so much to those who took time out of their schedules to set up this event!
     I hope this joyfulness was passed on to all the shoppers. Were you one of the lucky ones to win a door prize? I donated a gray hat with wine colored trim for a door prize - I hope the winner loves it! I hope the secret Santa's in the crowd were able to find that perfect gift! Most of all, thank you to those who stopped by my booth. You made my day!
     My first craft show of the season has come and gone. It is always good to get the first one under my belt.  As I said in my last post, craft shows are very inspiring places to be. Now I have some new tools in my belt for the next one. If you were not able to attend this year, keep your eyes open for next year's event.

Shop LiLphanie's Line for fun holiday hats and accessories.

See LiLphanie's Line Close Up at Christmas in July!

     Christmas in July Arts and Crafts Show at Our Lady of the Cove in Kimberling City MO, is this weekend, July 22nd & 23rd!  

     I am so excited!  It is like waiting for Christmas morning.  I love talking with other artists and crafters, and getting a close up look at their handmade items.  The experience is inspiration wrapped and waiting to be opened.   Soon, my brain is like a house on a December night blinking with lights. Simply chatting with customers gives me all kinds of ideas.   Yes, LiLphanie's Line will be there - look for the bright yellow table cloth!  I will be offering crocheted hats in sizes newborn through adult in various styles. Plus I have a freebie to give away this year, while supplies last.
      You can visit my Etsy Shop (link on the right) to view photos of my work.  At my shop, you can also read about LiLphanie's Line and check out reviews.  Of course, if you see something you like, you can purchase it!   Enter the coupon code CHRISTMASINJULY23 to receive 5% off through July 24th.  However if you can make it to this wonderful Christmas in July event, please do!  I hope to see you there!

Shop LiLphanie's Line for fun holiday hats and accessories.

Christmas In July Arts & Crafts Show

       For many people gift buying tends to be a grab and go activity.  Whether it is for a birthday or a wedding, this task often gets tackled at the last minute.  We may think, "Oh, I have plenty of time to pick out a gift," and before we know it the special day has arrived.  On the other hand, maybe you are an early bird.  You are out shopping and you come across an item thinking, "Oh, this would be perfect for so and so!". However, often times you forget where you put the gift or that you bought it already! Whichever person you are, I have some solutions for you!
     I have found it helpful to gather all gift giving items: wrapping paper, bags, tags, bows, scissors, tape, stickers etc. into one box.  It doesn't have to be a fancy box, a recycled cardboard box works fine.  Just be sure to label it.  In another box, I place items I have randomly purchased while out shopping.  This box gets labeled gifts.  I also have a gift ideas list.  On this list I jot down gift ideas that come up while speaking to the person, or just something that I think they would like to have.
     Summer is an excellent time to get a jump start on not only holiday gifts, but other special event gifts as well.  The school year is always so hectic with homework, activities and sports.  Why worry about having to buy a gift on top of all that is already going on?  Our Lady of the Cove's Christmas in July Arts & Crafts Show is the perfect opportunity to buy handmade gifts from local artist and crafters, as well as grab a bite to eat, catch up with friends, and maybe even win a prize! Mark your calendar to be there July 22nd and 23rd.  Please visit Our Lady of the Cove or LiLphanie's Line Facebook pages for more information!

Shop LiLphanie's Line for fun holiday hats and accessories.

Graduation Gifts: Shop Update 11

THIS WEEK AT THE ETSY SHOP

Etsy has updated their design, come see what's new!

Football Basket

Current News
Get the current news, thoughts and comments.  You can find me on Facebook, Pinterest, Google+, and Twitter!  Links are on the right of the page.

Congrats to all the Grads!

Need a gift for your grad?  Check out my football baskets.  You can have them made in the college colors of your choice.  Give it as a stand alone gift or use it as a gift basket!

Sections
You can now shop all available holiday items by shop section.  

Custom Orders
I've added the custom order option to certain items.  What does this mean for you?  With one click you can request to have an item you like made in the recipient's favorite colors, or to match your home decor!

It Doesn't hurt to Ask

Unsure about an item?  Send me a message on Facebook, Google+, Twitter, Etsy, or leave a comment on here.  Don't forget to check out my reviews on Etsy or comments on Facebook.

Share and Tell

Please help me get the word out!  Write a review of service on Etsy.  "Like" my Etsy store.  "Share"  or "Google +" this blog post.  Hand out a business card if you have one. 

Shop LiLphanie's Line for fun holiday hats and accessories.

THANK YOU FOR CHOOSING LILPHANIE'S LINE!       

Valentine's Day: Shop Update 10

Snowflake Scarf/ Garland

 THIS WEEK AT THE ETSY SHOP

Current News

Get the current news, thoughts and comments.  You can find me on Facebook, Pinterest, Google+, and Twitter!  Links are on the left of the page.

Valentine's Day

Valentin'e's Day is just around the corner.  Be sure to check out the Valentine's Day! section of my shop for that special gift! Orders for Valentine's Day should be placed by February 2nd.

New Section

I have recently added a new section titled "Last Chance Items!."  Items in this section will be going out of the shop in a week or less.  I made this section in an effort to keep things new and moving.  Particularly for regular customers.  It also gives me the opportunity to make and offer new items, as opposed to constantly making a certain item over and over again.  So, be sure to check out the Last Chance Items!  when you visit my shop.  Thank you! 

Another Way to Shop
Did you know Etsy has what is called the Treasury.  You can find the link to treasuries on your Etsy home page.  (scroll down and on the right)  Treasuries are a collection of 16 common themed items.  I currently have two Treasuries.  One is Fabric Kitty Love Organization and the other is Valentine's Day for the Planner, which is Valentine's Day themed office supplies.  There is also a link to search for local shops.

Payment Options

Great news for those of you who do not have PayPal!  I am trying out new payment options:  money order and check.  I will see how smooth these transactions go and see if I want to keep them. 

It Doesn't hurt to Ask

Unsure about an item?  Send me a message on Facebook, Google+, Twitter, Etsy, or leave a comment on here.  Don't forget to check out my reviews on Etsy or comments on Facebook.

Share and Tell

Please help me get the word out!  Write a review of service on Etsy.  "Like" my Etsy store.  "Share"  or "Google +" this blog post.  Hand out a business card if you have one. 

THANK YOU FOR CHOOSING LILPHANIE'S LINE!       

Happy New Year: Shop Update 9

 THIS WEEK AT THE ETSY SHOP

Current News

Get the current news, thoughts and comments.  You can find me on Facebook, Pinterest, Google+, and Twitter!  Links are on the left of the page.

Happy New Year!

I hope everyone had a fantastic New Year celebration!!  Now on to those New Year's Resolutions.  Did you set a resolution to get organized?  Visit the new Get Organized!  section of my shop for baskets, cases and bags to help you achieve that goal! 

Valentine's Day

Maybe it is a little early yet to think about Valentin's Day.  When you are ready, check out the new Valentine's Day! section of my shop for that special gift! Orders for Valentine's Day should be placed by February 2nd.

Items

I have recently added a few new baskets in small and regular sized.  

Payment Options

Great news for those of you who do not have PayPal!  I am trying out new payment options:  money order and check.  I will see how smooth these transactions go and see if I want to keep them. 

It Doesn't hurt to Ask

Unsure about an item?  Send me a message on Facebook, Google+, Twitter, Etsy, or leave a comment on here.  Don't forget to check out my reviews on Etsy or comments on Facebook.

Share and Tell

Please help me get the word out!  Write a review of service on Etsy.  "Like" my Etsy store.  "Share"  or "Google +" this blog post.  Hand out a business card if you have one. 

THANK YOU FOR CHOOSING LILPHANIE'S LINE!                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  

Snowflake Scarf