I admit that I am of a certain age that while I don’t remember a time without computers, I remember a time without the Internet: When Google wasn’t the ubiquitous resource that it is today (a frightening thought, I know). But with this, I also remember a time before YouTube – that delightful assistant/distraction that you swear you will only go on for five minutes and then realize it is 2 a.m. and you have to be up in three hours and you haven’t gotten any sleep. But, I digress.

When I first started learning crochet, I was younger than my daughter is now. I was about 6 or 7 years old and I was learning from my mother, who I assume learned from her grandmother. My mother had the patience of a saint, and was able to teach me to chain pretty well and to do a double crochet; beyond that, neither of us really knew what to do. We lived in a smallish suburb and most of our neighbors were younger people who really didn’t know how to do fiber art. So, when we had questions about patterns (which were on the inside of the yarn label), we kind of had to figure it out on our own. Combining that with the fact that I was young and had zero attention span….squirrel!…I really didn’t get too far.

Fast forward to a year ago when I got re-hooked on crochet. Not only did I have an awesome friend who was able to explain some basics to me, I discovered there was a world of opportunity and resources in front of me. There was Etsy where I could find the most unique and inventive patterns; there was Ravelry (if I can’t do enough damage on Etsy, there is another outlet for my OCD). But what was really helped to expand my world was the Internet. Yes, there are books out there that I can reference to explain a certain techniques, but sometimes that doesn’t give me the same level of detail that my attention span….squirrel!…can understand – even if the sketches are in detail. However, if I can watch someone demonstrating the stitch and be able to replay that demonstration as many times as I need, I can practice and learn how to replicate the effect.

Before I got comfortable with reading crochet patterns, the only way I could make a project was if I was following a YouTube video. I can’t tell you how many hours I spent with videos from The Crochet Crowd learning how to make hats and scarves. Then I found out about Craftsy (now Bluprint) and its video classes; watching those helped me learn to read crochet patterns (my bank account hasn’t thanked me for learning that particular skill, but it has opened up what I am able to make).

Even as I have gotten more comfortable with different stitches – and for the most part, amigurumi (my preferred crochet) uses basic stitches: Single crochet, half double crochet, double crochet. However, there are certain patterns that use different stitches to give a certain flair to a project; or, a scarf or a blanket decide to use a different method. Where in the past, I would either have panicked or avoided the project, now I have a way to find help and to learn something new. This has actually happened to me twice in the past week.

The first time it happened I was looking into a blanket project that called for a C2C method. Say what now? Turns out that was corner to corner crochet. Yep, I still wasn’t following. To YouTube!

The first video I watched, I was okay for the first row or two, but then the presenter started going a whole lot faster than my little brain was able to process and all that was happening was I was getting frustrated and ripping out my stitches. I started poking around some different videos and just like Goldilocks and the Three Bears, I found the video that was just right for me and was able to help me understand what I was doing wrong with my stitches. I’m still working on the project, but I have more confidence and even though my stitches aren’t entirely correctly, I have learned so much and know the next time I try, it will be even better.

My work in progress C2C blanket square

And just today I went back to my friend the Interwebs and YouTube to learn how to do a front popping popcorn stitch. I usually have a high reading comprehension, but when it comes to artistic type things I totally am a visual learner and I need to watch someone perform the stitch and then I need to practice it with them. What didn’t make a whole lot of sense to me in print, when I watched the stitch being done in front of me, suddenly clicked and I was like….I can do that.

And that really is the beauty of having online resources. What in the past I would have looked at and have said – I can’t possibly do that, becomes within reach and I can sit there and go – yeah, I really can do that. I might not be perfect at it immediately (which is still hard for me to deal with – I want to excel right from the beginning), but I know with these tools and some practice, I can learn skill(s) and enhance my abilities, what I am able to make, and what types of projects I enjoy.

It does make a world of difference to be able to have such a wealth of resources available. I am so grateful to the artists, designers, and instructors who take their time to create these video tutorials and sharing their experiences and tips with us. I really wouldn’t be where I am today without this guidance.

So, the next time you come across an unfamiliar term remember the wealth of resources we have in this awesome electronic age and you will totally be able to save your stitches and create a killer project.

Hugs and cuddles,

Elisha

I’m b-a-a-a-a-aa-c-k! I actually didn’t think I would take as long of a break after Steel City Con as what I did, but it turns out I got hit with some massive depression and anxiety after the convention was over and really had to sit down and decide whether I wanted to proceed with Lil’ Luvvies as a business, or if I was going to shut everything down and just create pieces for friends and family. After some serious soul searching and many long talks with friends and family, I decided that I have too much passion for what I do for me not to pursue it, so here I am and I am very happy to be back with y’all.

In honor of my return and my redoubled commitment to the business, I have added a few new items to the “Shop Luvvies” section of the Web site.

I also have been working hard on some new products to be able to share with you, and am trying to figure out what to do with the holidays coming around the corner before I know it.

Since last we’ve been together I have been working on a lot of new pieces and have been trying to perfect some of the pieces that I have done before. I tried to do a Pac-Man ghost, a cute little dragon, a birthday bear, some new designs with my jellyfish, as well as practice some bold experiments with color. Not everything has turned out the way that I wanted it to, but I am trying to keep that in perspective and learn to be happy with what I have and to learn from my mistakes. I do have several orders that I am working on, and once those are done, I’m looking forward to showcasing some new patterns that I have found.

Christmas

Yes, I dearly love Christmas, it is my favorite season/holiday of the year. Usually, however, I don’t start to think about Christmas until after Thanksgiving. This year, with it being Lil’ Luvvies first holiday season, I’m starting to plan a little earlier. If you want to have your own Lil’ Luvvie for Christmas, I am going to begin taking orders October 1st. Because I am still a little slower than most people, the last day I will take orders for Christmas is November 30th. That should give me enough time to work on designs and ensure that everything should be on its way and delivered in advance of Christmas. If there is a specific Christmas themed item that you want (e.g., ornaments, Santa, gingerbread people, elf, etc.,) please use the custom form to contact me. On average, for US orders, an ornament size Luvvie will be $7; a snuggler Luvvie will be $27; a medium sized Luvvie (e.g., unicorns) will be $17, and the larger Luvvies will be $22. US orders include shipping and handling; any overseas shipments, please contact me for estimated shipping cost.

What’s coming up?

I have a few orders that I picked up from Steel City Con that I need to finish, but once I complete these I have a couple of ideas for some new Luvvies I am working on, including a Deadpool snuggler, some Winnie-the-Pooh themed snugglers, scarves, and Luvvies, and maybe a new friend or two.

I will be away to a convention (as a guest, not a vendor) at the end of September, and then I have RICC coming up the beginning of November. Lots of busy times ahead. I’m glad y’all are along with me for the ride.

Hugs and cuddles,

Elisha

I’m back after a crazy weekend at my first show as a vendor. There were ups and downs and a definite learning curve. It took me a few days to decompress after the show and get my thoughts together, and there are still things that I need to reconsider.

Steel City Con (August 10-12, 2018) was the first show that I have attended as a vendor. I thought it was a logical choice because it is practically in my backyard (about 25 minutes away from home), and is a show that I regularly attend as a guest. The layout and format was something that I expected, so I thought that would greatly help to ease my anxiety about selling my Luvvies for the first time.

Leading up to the first day of the show, I was having severe panic attacks. I wavered between concern that I wouldn’t have enough items to sell to no one buying anything. I also had severe concerns over my price point. As it would turn out, to an extent, all three were logical concerns.

As we were setting up, one of the other vendors came over and she said to me that my prices were far too low. That with the time and effort each piece looks to have taken, I should charge almost twice what I was. But, I didn’t want to do that. Yes, I want to be able to make some money from my Luvvies, but in the end I still am learning the craft and don’t feel I can charge the higher prices that some people do, who have been doing it for much longer than me.

Read More…

So as of today’s writing (8/7/18), there only are three days before the debut of Lil’ Luvvies at my first convention as a vendor. Conventions always have been my safe place, my haven: I am a mega nerd and having a place to interact with other mega nerds and get to meet some awesome celebrities always is a good time. However, this time, I’m feeling the anxiety. I’m on the other side of the aisle at this one and it is a completely different ballgame – even though it’s played on the same field.

For weeks now, I’ve been trying to stock up and make as many items as possible. I want to have an assortment of goodies to sell. The problem is, I am slower than dirt when I make something, so I haven’t been able to amass quite the stash that I had hoped for.

I’ve not been able to sleep at night warring between two emotions: One that I will have invested all this time, money, and effort and no one will buy anything; or the other side of the coin that it will be popular and I’ll sell out of everything the first day and then I won’t have anything to sell the rest of the weekend.

It’s hard as a new vendor, and as someone who is just approaching my first “official” anniversary as a crocheter. I work slowly, but I try to be careful with my stitches. The funny thing is you can see even in the products I have for the convention there has been a change in my style. Things that I made 2-3 months ago have a more rugged appearance than the pieces that I have created now. That makes me happy, because it is a sign of progress; however, it also makes me nervous because could people see this as a sign of inconsistency?

I think I have mentioned before: I struggle daily with anxiety, low self-esteem, and depression. Crochet helps me to deal with a lot of these issues, even now as I am stressing over the vending aspect of the convention, I still am enjoying crocheting. I love to see the personalities of my Luvvies when they are finished. I have so much fun naming them (even though I know those names will change), and taking pictures with them. I created a Shutterfly album for Lil’ Luvvies when I started the Web site, I have almost 600 pictures in that album to date. I think that is a testament to how much I enjoy what I do.

But it is a different thing to enjoy what you do, and then to have people be able to judge what you do. And trying to determine a price point for these items is even worse. I always joke with my husband that I have champagne tastes on a soda budget, this happens to extend to my yarn choices. I’ve said in previous blogs that I have an absolute fascination with yarn (and have the stash to prove it). But in my quest for my favorite yarn(s), I gravitate toward the “higher” end, better quality yarns. Now, those yarns definitely make for a better Luvvie and a softer plushie for the customer, but they aren’t as inexpensive as some brands. For some of the yarns that I use, I can spend $3.29 for a skein and use two full skeins in a project: This means I already have to charge close to $7.00 just to cover the cost of my materials. I don’t want to undercut competitors and I don’t want to sell myself short, but I also don’t want to seem outlandish in what I am charging, so that is something – even three days out from the convention that I am struggling with.

The positive is this con – as my first con – is on my “home turf” so to speak. This is a convention that I have attended dozens of times as a guest, and I know that I will have the love and support of friends and family who will stop to visit and give some support. I know I have that support behind me, and I am grateful for it. I hope that people like my products and that, at the end of the con, it will be something that it successful but also lots and lots of fun.

I will be posting a post-convention wrap up next week with lots of pictures from the show to share with you all. Fingers crossed!

Hugs and cuddles,

Elisha

When I was little, I always wanted to have the biggest box of crayons available so I could make the prettiest (to my abilities) pictures. I often harbored fantasies of going to work for Disney as a colorist. I remember when the box of 64 colors came out, and then the box of 96 – there were so many brilliant colors to play with. I would find all the different colors that would come out in special packs – like the neons and glitter – to add to my collection. By the time I went to college (you are never too old to color), I had tins full of crayons that my niece and nephew got to reap the benefit of while I was away at school.

I guess with my history with color, it shouldn’t be any surprise that I am absolutely addicted to yarn. Addicted to the point that I’ve considered creating a support group – where we basically can compare the size of our stashes and find ways to buy new yarn. It actually has gotten so bad that I have to find ways to hide the fact that I get new yarn. My daughter has become quiet adept at helping me hide my stash.

But while I love to collect yarn just for the sake of it being yarn and pretty, I also am always searching for what can be my favorite brand of yarn. When it came to crayons, I cannot (to this day) color with anything other than Crayola: Nothing else feels right in my hand, and I don’t like how the crayon wears with others. I have been loyal to that brand for 30 years of my life, at least. That is what I am, I find something, and I love it, and I want to be with that brand for the rest of my life. I haven’t quite found the brand that I want to be monogamous with, yet.

SO MANY YARNS, SO FEW HIDING SPACES

While I may not have found “the one” brand for my needs, I will say summer sales have been making it easy for me to stock up on yarn to help me make that determination. It seems like every day, I am getting notification from different companies of summer sales they are having.

Lion Brand had a sale in early July that they were having a major sale. One of the things they were offering was a mystery box: For $20 you selected the weight of your yarn, and they would send you a mystery box filled with at least $65-$75 worth of yarn.

Above is what I got from my two mystery boxes. There are lots of pretty yarns (the Heartland and the Angora Merino are fabulous), but there is nothing that I would want to say I could see myself using for the rest of my crochet career exclusively. Although I love the yarn. From Lion Brand, my two favorite types have been Feels Like Butta and the Pound of Love.

The Feels Like Butta has been nice for many of my amigurumi projects because it has an almost cashmere or velvet like feel. The problems with it are: (1) it comes in a limited assortment of colors, for my taste (box of 64, 96, remember) and; (2) for larger amigurumi projects it seems to distort slightly when stuffed.

The Pound of Love is a good all-purpose yarn, but it doesn’t have that soft slip and slide feeling as I crochet with it, and I don’t think it is a fluffy to cuddle with in the finished Luvvie.

Another perennial favorite has been the Caron Simply Soft from Yarnspirations. It has a nice texture that can be super soft and squishy for my amigurumi and it comes in a wide assortment of colors. The biggest downside for it is, after using the Feels Like Butta, the texture of the Simply Soft isn’t as luxurious as I once thought it to be; and, it does seem to be slightly on the higher price spectrum. The positive is, Yarnspirations and other retailers run regular sales on the yarn that can make it more competitive.

I think I’ve gotten emails almost daily from Yarnspirations about their sales, but I have been trying to remain strong and resist. But, who am I kidding. I totally need to have all the yarn.

ENTER CRAFTSY

If buying yarn is an addiction, I think Craftsy has become by dealer. Also, anything that I can link PayPal to for payments that I don’t need to have my credit cards nearby is going to be dangerous.

So last week, Craftsy sent emails out about their maker Black Friday sale. I was determined I was not going to order anything because I had just ordered two sampler packs of new yarn from Knit Picks (I ordered their Mighty Stitch, and it is definitely in the running for favorite yarn of all time).

But, when I went onto Craftsy’s site, I was stunned at their prices. They had excellent sales on all of their yarns – even their top quality yarns that usually sell for $15 per hank. So, of course I had to order some of my favorites (especially the Sprightly, which is one that I have had a deep love for and was on sale for $1.98 per skein, instead of its usual $3.95). And don’t you know, both my Knit Picks and my Craftsy orders came on the same day. Curses!

And if that wasn’t bad enough, that night I got the brilliant idea that if Sprightly was still on sale for that amazing price, I was going to see if I could buy a skein in every color (remember the crayon stories), which they were still on sale and I did totally buy one in every color. If you look at it a certain way, I was going to buy the yarn any how – this way, I just saved about $63 on my order. I was being cost conscientious. Now, how I’m going to hide that box of yarn and all its contents from my hubby, I’m not quite sure, considering my totes for yarn storage already are full to bursting.

Once I get this next shipment of yarn, I am going to try to be good for a while. I am hoping that I will find the strength of will to avoid any more sales (although LoveCrochet.com does keep putting its Paintbox yarns, another favorite, on sale to tempt me). Unless I need a specific yarn for a project, I am going to try to use what I have – but I have told myself that in the past, and then it’s like I black out and find myself with 20 more skeins of yarn.

Who knows? Maybe the idea of a yarn stash support group isn’t the worst thing in the world…….Hello, my name is Elisha and I am a yarn-a-holic (and I am not sure I want to be cured).

Hugs and cuddles,

Elisha