Living in Ivory

New item!

2011-05-18T08:30:00.000-07:00

I have added a new item to my Etsy Shops. Child size fingerless gloves! What do you think?

Click here for the pattern.

Click here for the actual item.

2011-05-13T10:09:00.000-07:00

I have decided to make a tutorial showing how to make this flower (shown on bottom left).
You may recognize it from my very popular Flower Scarf. I'm trying to kill a few birds with one stone. Some of you voted for flower, some of you voted for scarf. Once you learn to make this flower, you should be able to make this scarf. The pattern is HERE.

I will post {Part 1} of the tutorial next Monday. Please comment below if you are planning on following this tutorial. I would like to know how big my audience is going to be. If no one comments, there will be no reason for me to post a tutorial. {Obviously}.

**If you haven't ever crocheted before, you will first need to go through my beginner tutorials {1-4} to learn the basic stitches. I realize #4 isn't posted yet. It will be posted on Monday as well.**

Upcoming Tutorials

2011-05-09T09:40:00.000-07:00

Here's the deal-io. Once a week, HOPEFULLY, I am going to post crochet tutorials with step-by-step instructions and photos/videos. If you have been wanting to learn to crochet, here's your chance. This is going to be a continuation of the first four basic crochet tutorials that can easily be found on the left sidebar. (The fourth tutorial will be posted early next week.)

The best way to learn is to do. Therefore, I will teach the basic stitches, crochet tips, and pattern reading WHILE we make an actual item.

I am currently conducting a poll both here (on the right sidebar) and on my Living in Ivory Facebook page to decide what item we should learn to make first. VOTE!

If you are brand spanking new to crocheting, make sure you go through the first four tutorials before starting on this project. If you have any questions, need clarifications, or even need videos to better understand something, comment or email me at livinginivory{at}gmail{dot}com.

Be aware that these tutorials and patterns will only be available on this blog for one month before they will be removed and put into my Etsy Shop: Living in Amethyst.

Keep watching for upcoming tutorials!

Crochet Tutorial #3

2011-05-09T09:29:00.001-07:00

Directly continuing from the last tutorial, I am going to move right along to turning.

After you have made a single crochet in each chain across, you will need to turn to make another row. To start, your project should look like this.

To turn, simply make 2 chains.

Note: The reason you made two chains is because we are continuing with a double crochet stitch, which is two chains tall. A single crochet is one chain tall. If you were continuing with single crochets, you would make only one chain.

Turn your work so your hook is on the far right side (if you are right handed), or on the far left side (if you are left handed.)

Now you are able to start your next row.

For this row, I will teach you how to make a double crochet stitch, which is abbreviated: dc. To make a dc, wrap the yarn once over your hook.

Insert hook in the first stitch of the previous row. There should be two pieces of yarn under which you are inserting your hook.

Grab the yarn with your hook, (which from now on will be referred to as “yarn over” or yo).

Pull the yarn through the first two loops on your hook.

Yo again, and pull through the two loops left on the hook.

The double crochet is complete.

Continue to make a double crochet in each stitch across.

Now I will teach you how to change colors.

Once you have made a dc in each stitch across, cut your yarn with a ten inch tail.

Tie your new color yarn to the old piece with a square knot. Make the knot as close to your most recent stitch as possible, and leave a ten inch tail on the new color yarn as well.

Continue to crochet. Chain 1.

Turn. Sc (single crochet) in each stitch across.

Chain 2. Turn. Dc (double crochet) in each stitch across.

You can continue this pattern as many times as you would like.

Next week I will teach you how to finish your project and weave in loose ends.

Crochet Tutorial #2

2011-05-09T09:15:00.000-07:00

Now I am going to teach you how to start your crochet project.

To attach the yarn to the hook, you will need to make a slip knot. The slip knot is created by crossing the end of the yarn down on top of the longer side of the yarn.

That loop is then turned down on itself so it looks like a pretzel.

With your crochet hook, you will then grab the 3^rd piece from the left and pull on it.

This motion should create the slip knot with your hook attached in a loop.

BASE CHAIN

Almost all crochet projects begin with a base chain. To start, find a comfortable way to hold your hook, stitches, and yarn. This is how I position my hands.

To make a chain, wrap the yarn around your crochet hook like this.

Pull through the beginning slip knot loop.

You have just completed one chain.

Repeat the process. Using your crochet hook, grab the yarn, twist your hook, and pull through the loop.

You will notice that a twisting motion is necessary to pull the yarn through the loop. This may feel awkward, but you’ll get the hang of it.

If this is your first time crocheting, my guess is that your loops will be much looser than mine. That’s ok for now.

FIRST ROW

When your base row is done, (patterns will specify how many chains you will need), you are ready to start your first row. In this example, I will show you how to make a row of single crochet stitches.

If you are right handed, hold your chain so that your hook is on the far right side. You will crochet moving left across the stitches.

If you are left handed, hold your chain so that your hook is on the far left side. You will crochet moving right across the stitches.

To make a single crochet (or sc, which is how you will see it on patterns), insert hook through the 2^nd loop from the hook. You do not count the loop that is currently on the hook.

Grab yarn and pull through.

Once you have pulled through, you will have two loops on your hook.

Grab the yarn again and pull it through both loops on the hook.

Your first Single Crochet is complete.

Continue this process in each chain across.

That’s it! Practice these stitches. They are the most basic crochet stitches there are. Once you’ve mastered the feel of these stitches, you’ll be amazed at all you can create.

Crochet Tutorial #1

2011-05-09T08:09:00.000-07:00

First things first. Supplies. You may think that all you need is a hook and some yarn. Well, what size of hook? Do you want the stitches to be tight and close together? Or do you want a loose stitch with a little give? What kind of yarn? Soft? Bulky? Shimmery? Light-weight? Let’s see if I can help.

#1 – Crochet Hooks

There are a lot of brands of crochet hooks. You will find them in all shapes and sizes. You will also find them in all price ranges.

I use Boye hooks. The only specific reason is price. I buy them at Walmart for about $1.50 each. You can buy them in sets also, which is a little better deal if you have the money to spend. Go here for a set.

Crochet hooks also come in very small sizes for crochet thread. Crochet thread will be talked about later in the yarn section. The hooks sizes are numbers, whereas yarn hooks are classified in letters. You can buy a set of both together here.

Now, how do you know which size hook to use? If you are using a pattern, it will tell you. If you are making something without a pattern, your yarn label will give you a good guideline. I will go into more detail about the yarn label further down in this post.

If you are just going to buy one hook to get started, I would suggest buying a size H hook (for yarn projects). I use it more than any other. It seems to be right in the middle in terms of tightness and size.

If you are wanting just one hook for crochet thread projects, my favorite is a size 8.

Now, I don’t mean to confuse you about hook sizes. Each hook size, whether a yarn or thread hook, will have a number. It will tell you the size in millimeters. Patterns will usually say something like, “Crochet hook needed is G/4.25mm”. The number on the small hooks will be something like “8/1.50mm”.

You may also want to purchase a crochet hook organizer. This is mine.

You can find them here.

Or, you can make your own. The pattern is here.

#2 – Yarn

There are so many different kinds of yarn out there. I use acrylic and cotton most of the time. Specifically, I use Vanna’s Choice, Caron Simply Soft, and Red Heart. I buy them at Michaels Craft Store or Hobby Lobby. Here is a link to the direct listings:

Vanna’s Choice.

Caron.

Red Heart.

Caron Simply Soft yarn is unique. It is very soft and almost shiny. I really like to use it because it doesn’t have the fuzzy look that some yarns have. Here is a photo of a cardigan I’ve made with it.

Here is a photo of a fanny pack made with Red Heart yarn.

And here is an ear warmer made with Vanna’s Choice.

When choosing a yarn, read the yarn label. Every skein you buy will have a label like this.

Here is what you need to know. The box on the left tells the weight of the yarn. A pattern will usually specify a number when talking about weight.

0- Lace

1- Super Fine

2- Fine

3- Light

4- Medium

5- Bulky

6- Super Bulky

If you go to this website, (click here), you can see photos of each size relative to each other.

The number 4 in this label shows how many separate strands of thread were twisted together to make the yarn.

In the 2^nd box, you learn about the gauge. A gauge tells you how many stitches and rows should make a certain size sample swatch. In this example, the gauge is actually a knitting gauge. (Shown with the knitting needles.) Check your pattern for your crochet gauge.

The middle box shows which size of crochet hook is recommended for this particular yarn.

The boxes on the right show care instructions.

Crochet Thread

Crochet thread also comes in different sizes. The most commonly used is a size 10. The package will clearly show the size. Thread is used to make doilies and baby blanket edgings. I buy it at Hobby Lobby. Usually I can get it for $2.50 in the store. Click here for listing.

Here is an example of a headband I made with crochet thread.

#3 – Yarn Needle

The last essential supply needed for your first crochet project is a yarn needle. It is also called a tapestry needle. It is used to weave in the loose ends left from the beginning and ending stitches. You can find them here.

And that’s it! Once you’re equipped with a crochet hook, yarn (or thread), and a yarn needle, you are ready to begin! If you have any questions about supplies, make sure to leave them in the comments and I’ll check in to answer them.

Guest Post

2011-04-29T08:33:00.000-07:00

Sara from Craft Snob asked me to do a crochet tutorial series on her blog. So far she has posted one out of four. She will post one tutorial a week on Mondays. Check it out and be sure to leave comments and questions!

Click here for the first tutorial.

Lessons

2011-04-07T07:52:00.000-07:00

I've had a few people talk to me about crochet lessons these past couple of weeks. Ok, twist my arm. I'll do it! Sounds fun. Let me know if anyone else is interested. I can help you make anything you want. Lessons can be in person or we can do them via Skype. Let me know before Monday if possible so I can make a schedule.

Email me at livinginivory{at}gmail{dot}com.

Vintage Crochet Purses

2011-03-29T11:47:00.000-07:00

I'm so excited about these. Each has a cotton inner lining. Interested? Let me know! (Price varies with each purse.)

Child Size Slippers!

2011-03-07T12:17:00.000-08:00

Aren't these cute? These are being modeled by my 2.5 year old daughter. I can make them in any size, any color.

Upcoming Project

2011-03-02T08:52:00.000-08:00

Sorry I've been absent for a couple weeks. I have just been busy keeping up with orders! This is my newest addition.

I should be caught up with orders by the end of this week, so I've been planning out what new items to introduce in the next couple weeks. This is what I've decided.

I'm going to make purses similar to the Miche Bag idea. For those of you who don't know about Miche Bags, the basic idea is to have a generic bag, and then have a few different exteriors that fit over the bag which are interchangeable. So here is my plan.
I will make interior bags in the following neutral colors:
Black
Gray
Dark Brown
Light Brown
Ivory
White
I will also offer a fabric lining as well, but the fabric will still be attached to a crochet base. The reason for this, is that the purse covers I'm going to make will show the lining color through the design. The idea will be similar to this purse that I have already made.

Right now, I have plans for 5 different purse covers, which I will be making in the next week or two.
I also will be doing this same idea with a diaper bag. It will be more kid-friendly, including a wipeable interior fabric lining.

Measurements: Purse - 10"x14"
Diaper Bag - 13"x17"

This is my plan for prices:
Purse:
Lining - $15
Covers - $15 each
Package Deals - Option #1 - 1 Lining, 2 Covers - $35
Option #2 - 1 Lining, 5 Covers - $75

Diaper Bag:
Lining - $25
Covers - $25 each
Package Deal - Option #1 - 1 Lining, 2 Covers - $65
Option #2 - 1 Lining, 5 Covers - $120

I can't guarantee these prices once I see how long these actually take to make, so if you are interested, let me know, and you can have these prices. I know this is tough where you can't see exactly what these purses are going to look like, so I want you to know that you won't pay for anything until you see photos of the items. Try and let me know if you are interested in the next couple of days, so that I can make sure to get the colors you want. I'll give you descriptions and photos of the different cover options to choose from as well.

And while I'm at it, here are two snag 'em items. $20 each.

Changes

2011-02-22T10:33:00.000-08:00

I'm making some changes to my Etsy Shop. I'm going to start narrowing down the items that I'm selling. I want to specialize in just a few things, and make lots of those few things.

After today, I'm going to get rid of the following items in my shop:

Felt Headband
Crochet Booties
Elegant Headband
Beaded Socks
Hairbow Organizer
Crayon Roll-up
Tutu Outfit
Crochet Skirt
Hair Accessories
Artwork

If you have been wanting any of these items, today is your last day to order them.

Living in Ivory will now be just adult crochet items. I have started two other shops:
Living in Crimson is just bags and purses.
Living in Amethyst is just crochet patterns.

Any questions? Let me know.

Snag 'Em Purses

2011-02-20T09:42:00.000-08:00

If you want to snag any of these items, you can purchase them from my Buy Now button on the left. Please leave me a note with color preferences!

New Ideas

2011-02-15T08:02:00.001-08:00

I've gotta know your opinions! Here are my favs. Green/gray hat on the top, orange belt, top right taupe shawl, and the gold frame earring holder. What do you think?

Finished Headbands

2011-02-14T10:07:00.000-08:00

These are my newest headbands. Isn't my model beautiful? ; ) I'll be making a lot more of these, especially the crochet one. Let me know if you want one while I'm at it. I'll be selling the crochet one or $12 and the other one for $8.

So Excited!

2011-02-13T17:54:00.000-08:00

I am so excited for these upcoming projects. Of course, it would be more fun to make them for someone in particular rather than just make them for my store. But trust me, these are FUN projects.

#1 A pleated fabric scarf.

#2 Flapper Girl style earwarmer.

The rest of these are for purses. Picture my crochet purse that I've already completed, with these patterns instead.

#3 Flower Purse

#4 Knotted Purse....This is the one I'm most excited about. I know it's hard to picture a purse with this stitch, but trust me. If you order it, you'll love it. I picture it with a light blue-green underneath a cream color. I wish I could find a better picture of this stitch. Just realize that when I make it, it will be a much cleaner look. This one kind of looks ratty to me.

#5 I think these diamond shapes would be fun to play with in a purse. Don't forget, you pick the colors.

#6 This is a really pretty lacy, ruffly sort of pattern that I want to incorporate into an overlay on a purse.

All of my purses are going for $40 right now, except the green loopy one.

The flapper hat and the scarf will be going for $20 each. These prices are only good for the first person to snag these items. After that, they go in my Etsy shop for a higher price.

Bags! Bags! Bags!

2011-02-10T09:30:00.001-08:00

As you can tell, I'm kind of having a purse fettish. I'm going to put all of these out there for $40 each. (Clutch for $30.) You will have your choice of fabric.

I will only be taking one order of each style for now, so snag quickly! And don't forget to enter my giveaway! (It's a few posts down.)

More Snag 'Ems

2011-02-09T09:33:00.001-08:00

I love this shrug. I wish I had a good picture of the front. Either way, you can tell that it's beautiful.

I'm pretty excited about this necklace too. I was thinking of maybe doing two of these and then attaching them in the back?

Snag 'Em Item

2011-02-08T15:01:00.001-08:00

15"x6" clutch. I can make it smaller if this won't fit in your purse.
Let me know!

Finished Projects

2011-02-08T10:56:00.000-08:00

I finished a few items this weekend that I wanted to show you all.

These were all "Snag ' Em" items. The headband and purse are in my Etsy shop. The earwarmer won't be. I bought the pattern, and the copyright says that I can sell it, as long as I don't sell it on Etsy.

Also, I wanted to tell you which items have not been snagged yet. Let me just tell you, the price I give you snag 'em items for is quite a bit cheaper than I sell them in my store for. But, only the first person to snag each item gets that price. Here is a list of what is still available:

Cadet Cap
Elegant Necklace
Playtime Dress

Also, don't forget about my GIVEAWAY going on below.

Coupon Giveaway

2011-02-06T05:20:00.000-08:00

I'm going offer another giveaway. Before I get into the specifics, let me tell you why I'm doing this. I want to get more followers on this blog. This is where I'm going to post all shop information, coupons, giveaways, and new items. I have a bunch of ideas for new items, but I want to wait to introduce them until I have more followers.

So here are the details about the giveaway. The winner will receive a personal coupon code to my Etsy Shop for 50%. Now, this isn't just for one item. This coupon code will be valid for an entire order. If you want to buy 5 things, awesome. 50% of each one. If you want to buy 1, awesome. This will include all shop items, in addition to any items I have posted on this blog, or my Living in Ivory Facebook page.

Here is how you enter. For each of the items listed below, you can have an entry. 1 comment per entry.

Mandatory Entry:
Tell me which item(s) you would be interested in if you win this giveaway. Include your email address in this entry. You won't need to include it in any of your other entries.

Extra Entries:
1. Add this blog to your blogroll. (3 entries)
Write 3 different comments for this one. Ex. "I added this blog to my blogroll #1." "I added this blog to my blogroll #2." ...
2. Become a public follower of this blog. (2 entries)
3. "Like" Living in Ivory on Facebook. (2 entries) If you already do, awesome. You get the entries.
4. Post about this giveaway on your blog. (2 entries)
When you post, say something about having people comment if they enter. I will check the comments to give you your extra entries. (see #7)
5. Post about this giveaway on Facebook. (2 entries)
Same as with your blog.
You can post on your Facebook 3 times this week. 2 entries per time.
6. Heart (favorite) my Etsy shop. (1 entry)
7. For each follower I get from one of your invitations (blog, facebook), you will get 3 extra entries. This is how you can be sure to win! Come on, help me out.

All of these entries will be verified. Non valid entries will be deleted.

This giveaway will be open until next Sunday, February 13, at midnight. I will choose the winner via random.org. The winner will be notified by email on Monday the 14th, and will have 48 hours to respond, or another winner will be chosen.

Headbands

2011-02-05T13:11:00.000-08:00

$5 for felt headband, $6 for fabric.

Oh my goodness!

2011-02-05T07:10:00.000-08:00

Look at this bag and just TRY to tell me you don't want it. It's crocheted with a knit fabric and has fabric lining with a zipper to close. You will be able to pick colors and fabric design. Let me know if you want any more information.

Matching Headband and Necklace

2011-02-03T13:42:00.000-08:00

These are my next two projects. Let me know if you want them! (They aren't sold together, so you can just get one if you want.) You will have your choice of color.

I will sell them for $15 each, or $25 together. Let me know asap!

Two Giveaways

2011-02-02T11:15:00.001-08:00

Head to my "giveaway" section at the top of the page for more info.

Giveaway!

2011-02-01T05:45:00.000-08:00

A giveaway just opened up this morning for my beautiful crocheted purse. This item will be made-to-order. You get to pick the colors if you win! Please take the time to go to this blog and enter! Click here.

For those of you that are new to my blog, take a minute and look at my previous posts. Thank you!

More Snag 'Ems!

2011-01-28T08:10:00.000-08:00

Thanks to those of you who quickly snagged my last two items! Yay for Snag 'Ems! Now I have four more.

These items are first come - first serve. If you are the first to snag one of these items, you will be able to have a say in the design process. More info follows.

Snag #1
Flower Ear Warmer

I've been wanting to make one of these for awhile. Isn't this pretty? Whoever snags this can choose yarn color, along with flower design. The one pictured is my favorite, but I have 3-4 other flower options as well. Snag this for $15.

Snag #2
Slouchy Hat

I love this. If no one snags it, I have no problem making it for myself.
Snagger will be able to choose color and specify size. $20.

Snag #3
Cadet Cap

I've also been dying to make these. I'm REALLY excited about it. I want to make toddler ones as well as adult ones. My Little Red would be so cute in this. If you snag this, you will be able to choose fabric and size. I'm putting this one out there for $20.

Snag #4
Cutest Play Dress in the WORLD!

The dress I plan on making will not be exactly like this. But don't you worry....It will be even CUTER! (You can't see the length...I plan on having it end at the knee.) If you snag this dress, you will be able to choose fabric prints and size. This one will be $25.

That's it everyone! Let me know if you want one of these as soon as possible.

Snag 'Em

2011-01-27T08:13:00.000-08:00

I'm starting two new items in the next couple of days. If you snag 'em before I start, tell me TODAY so I can make them with your color choices.

If you want this purse, you need to choose two colors. (inside and outside)
I will be using Caron Simply Soft yarn.
HERE are the color options.

These shoes can be made in any size. I've already made some adult ones and they are awesome. They have a jute sole so they can be worn outside. If you want the shoes, just choose one color. I like to use either Vanna's Choice (HERE) or Red Heart (HERE). If you don't like any of those, I can get you more links.

Let me know ASAP!

Email or comment for more information.

New Items

2011-01-24T18:12:00.000-08:00

Here are my newest items. First, I have made a custom order of the Flower Scarf.
This item is on sale in my Etsy store for $45. Don't forget that there is a coupon code currently available! (Go to the coupon code section up top.)

This next item is also a custom order for the Crayon Roll-Up.This item is on sale for $6.50.

This next scarf was requested by the winner of my latest giveaway. It is currently on sale for $35.

This next project is an organizer for all of those flowers and bows we all hace laying around.

This organizer is on sale for $25. Check out my Etsy store for additional photos and information.

Pilot Post

2011-01-24T09:58:00.000-08:00

Hello Everyone! I have started this blog to keep you all up-to-date with all of my new Etsy items, along with valuable coupon codes and giveaway contests. I have a giveaway in the works, so make sure to stop by frequently so you don't miss out!